NYE at EPCOT: Questions and tips?

[DocBosch]

We are Florida residents planning a one day trip to Epcot for New Years Eve. Last time we attempted this, years ago, both MK and Epcot were filled to capacity by the time we got there. We ended up at MGM, but left after a few hours because it was too cold and wet and it was too crowded (and we didn't want to be at MGM in the first place).

This time we're approaching this knowing that it's going to be crowded and prepared for the weather. We're heading to Epcot because we plan to do more strolling and hanging out rather then going on rides. We pretty much just wanted a place to be during New Years.

I have a few questions:

-I was hoping to buy tickets in advanced to guarantee us entry into Epcot, but I can't seem to be able to buy park specific tickets on-line. Is there anyway to buy Epcot specific tickets in advance?

-If not, around what time do the parks (specifically Epcot) begin to fill to capacity? What would be a safe but reasonable time for us to arrive to ensure entry into the park? (Keep in mind we are traveling from South Florida, not staying in a nearby hotel).

-Once inside, are there any tips anyone can give us? Is there a certain pattern we should follow to collect fast passes for the Future World attractions (haven't been to Epcot in a while). Is there anything special done on NYE during the day? I heard something about country specific New Years celebrations. Is this true and how does it work?

Obviously, this information is time sensitive, so if anybody can answer any of my questions soon I would appreciate it.

Thank you all.

-Kevin

 

[Deb & Bill]

Duplicate post

 

[Deb & Bill]

1st Problem: If you are not staying at a WDW resort and the park is in it's first stage of closure, nothing will get you into Epcot, unless you have an AP. The first guests who are not permitted entry into a park is the guests who are not WDW resort guests or AP holders.

2nd Problem: If you do get in, I bet Fast Passes will be gone soon, especially if the park is reaching capacity. If you want to get into Epcot, I think you need to be there early in the AM. But I'm not sure.

We'll be arriving at CBR about 3:30 on Saturday. I don't think we will be able to get into Epcot (definitely not MK), so we will probably head to Disney Studios. We did that for NYE two years ago and had a blast.

 

[DocBosch]

Thank you for the response. We we're planning on being there early in the morning, I'm just not sure how early we need to be. When does the first stage of closer begin? Is it usually soon after the park opens, or a couple of hours after? Should we plan to arrive an hour before the park opens, or is the parking line so immense that an hour might not make a enough?

I'm looking for a timeframe of arrival, taking parking and eventual closer due to capasity into account, in order to time our departure and trip (3hr drive, give or take).

Should I even bother purchasing tickets on-line to be held at will call? Will that save us time, rather then standing in the regular ticket line?

I'm not to worried about the fast pass then. If we really want to ride something then, we'll just stand in line. We're not planning on hitting alot of rides, just the few that have sprung up since the last time some in our party we were there, and we have all day.

And does anybody have any info on the seperate New years Eve celebrations at each country? If this is true, it would be cool to try to be in each country right when it would be New Years in their time zone.

Thank you again.

-Kevin

 

[Regina]

Here's some info about park hours, fireworks, etc: New Year's Eve

We've always stayed onsite so it's hard to say when a park will close to day visitors. The best advice I can give is to get there by 10:00am.

We last did NYE at Epcot in 2002. The standby line at Test Track was up to three hours long. You definitely want to get a Fast Pass as soon as you arrive, if there are any left. Soarin' is bound to be just as bad, possibly worse.

I don't know the times of the different celebrations in the countries. They also usually have DJ's in a couple of places in the evening.

Have fun!! Wish I was going.

 

[DocBosch]

Thank you for the advise. We'll try to arrive before the park even opens.

Thanks again.

-Kevin