NYE at Epcot

[Mini Sorcerer's Mom]

Tell me about New Year's Eve at Epcot. It will be our first time there, can't wait!! Do you need to be by the water for a good view, like Illuminations? Assuming the crowds will not be as bad as at Magic Kingdom (plus...champagne!)

 

[bobbiwoz]

It's crazy crowded, but fun! We've always been able to get a spot on the bridge nearest the International Gateway entrance.

We've been 3 times and only the first time did we stay in the park from our dinner at 6 on. The next time, we stayed at the party at the Boardwalk, until around 11:15. They were going to have the music piped in, but around that time, we walked over to the International Gateway and once again found a spot on the bridge. Last year, we succeeded in being part of a Disboard Illuminations cruise for NYE. That was great, no crowds, champagne, and excellent view of Illuminations. The captain went past the bridge, all of them did, so the view was better than the ordinary Illuminations cruise. The cost was $100 per, included the tip.

This year, we're going to go to DHS for a change.

Have fun! Don't forget that the MK does the NYE fireworks also on the 30th. That's where we have been for the previous 3 years, and we have an ADR again this year for the 30th as well.

Bobbi

 

[tgropp]

As Bobbi explained, it can be crazy busy, but quite managable. We never even think about doing any attractions. Last time we entered the park at the international gatewat at 8:45 and walked around the lagoon just taking in the atmosphere and stopping for the odd drink. By the time we got to the bridge by the Gateway it was 11:30. We had a lot of laughs as there are some real characters celebrating.

 

[drusba]

As far as crowds go it is not as bad as MK, it's worse. The crowds can get so thick in the evening that you can really have trouble moving. As with other times, being near the rail gives you better view of Illuminations. However, I do not personally consider the fireworks the big deal at Epcot on NYE. The nations all have their own activities going on, many outside, and it is an interesting time.

 

[dianeschlicht]

The only NYE we found Epcot to be too crowded was the NYE for the Millennium. Since then, we have found the NYE crowds very manageable. I too enjoy the happenings at the countries when it is midnight in that country. FYI, stay out of Germany at 6:00....MAHEM ensues! Last time we had one guest in a wheelchair, so we got to use the handicapped viewing area. We needed to sign up for the one we wanted a couple hours before hand, but it was great to know we had a spot to watch Illuminations from.

 

[rock_doctor]

Assuming the crowds will not be as bad as at Magic Kingdom

It will be so, so much worst!!!! The last time we went it was shoulder to shoulder. They had the park set up to walk in one direction only. You had to walk in the direction of Canada to Mexico (counter clockwise). Parents had their kids on their shoulders so they would not get trampled. It took us over an hour to cover two countries. NEVER again for us. We go each year over NYE and we just stay at our resort and watch the fireworks from the MK.

good luck and i hope you have a nice time. This is one of the, if not the busiest time for WDW. The upside, you will be early enough to catch the Christmas decorations around the world.