NYE at Magic Kingdom

[Magickndm]

We just got back last night and let me tell you, I have spent New Years at MGM, Epcot, and this year was my favorite park, Magic Kingdom, and it was total chaos. We got in the park when it opened at 8 a.m. and truthfully things were great til the evening rolled around. We ate at The Crystal Palace for lunch and rode most everything we wanted, though COP was supposedly opened, but when we got there it was closed for some "unknown reason". At about 6 p.m. we saw people with their party hats and noise makers that are given out each year, so we decided to get ours too. BIG mistake. We got in a crowd that was pure pandimonium, people were pushing, shoving, everything. Never did this happen at MGM or Epcot. There were CM's in the streets giving them out at MGM and at Epcot you had to wait in an orderly line. The key word being orderly. Our next brush with madness was after the SpectroMagic Parade. Again...huge crowds going every which way with no CM's in sight to direct people. I have been going to Disney for many many years and could not believe that things were not better managed. Yes, I realize that it was supposed to be crowded but this was not even safe. If a child was to fall, there's no way a parent would have been able to get to them. My feeling is, if Disney can't manage such a big crowd, then why let that many people in. As we finally made our way out of that mess, a CM walked by me with a stack of the party hats, so I asked if I could have some, she said no, I'd have to go to the designated areas to get one. I said, I tried that, but I couldn't even get close to the area, so she said, Oh, all right, I'll give you one. I gave it to my daughter. After that, we ate some sandwiches from Pinnichio (sp) village and got out just in time to catch the SpecroMagic Madness again! This time, however, we were in a better spot and did not move until the crowds cleared. We then made our way up Main Street to get a spot on the train platform to watch the midnight fireworks. They were, of course, spectacular. They did the regular fireworks over the castle, then did a count down that ended with 360* of fireworks. Which brings us to the final, and by far the worst experience I have had at my beloved Magic Kingdom. To say the crowds were terrible is an understatement. We were only moving because the people around us were pushing us. It was total grid lock, and again....no CM's anywhere directing people. It wasn't like it was a huge crowd moving in one direction, that would have eventually gotten us out. It was people coming at us in every direction, pushing and shoving, basically not caring who or what they were stepping on or banging with their back packs. It took us over an hour to get out through the turnstiles....and this was from the train platform! My husband then grabbed me and we went to the Resorts Monorail where there was virtually no line and took that to the TTC. I still don't understand why there was no form of crowd control. If I can ever talk my hubby into going back there for New Years, we will not go to the Magic Kingdom. We're supposed to go back in 2 weeks, and the crowds will no doubt be better, but I hate to admit that my opinion of The World was soured somewhat. Something that I never thought would be possible. Who knows, maybe it will be like child birth and I'll forget about it totally!

 

[nativetxn]

Well, that doesn't sound like it was much fun. After reading your description of NYE at MK, I think I will make it a point to avoid that park at New Years.

Thanks for the heads up and thanks for posting this.

Katholyn

 

[DisOrBust]

We watched the ball "drop" on NYE and they showed WDW. I told my DH lets go next year for NYE , I think I am changing my mind. We were there for Easter last year and I said never again!

 

[pumba]

do the crowd control......thanks for telling us about it

 

[Emy'sMom]

We watched all the NYE celebrations on TV from the comfort of our family room surrounded by family & friends. When my 4 yo saw the pictures of Cinderella's Castle and the fireworks she said "I wish we were in Disney World!". My hubby & I looked at each other and said "NO WAY!!". We LOVE Disney World but wouldn't dream of trying to visit over a holiday. We are crowd-averse!

Hope you have a better time on your upcoming trip!

Debbie

 

[Cinderellafifi]

We got to Disney on the 29th and went to MGM that evening to see the Osborne Lights. I could not believe the crowds - I have not seen that crowded since the park opened. We have visited the parks at New Years for 4 years and this was horrible. It was so crowded that it was almost impossible to move between the buildings due to the crowds.

The next morning we went to Animal Kingdom. We got in okay and stayed for a few hours. By the time we left at around noon, the place was packed. I was happy to be leaving.
That evening we went to EPCOT and it was very busy, too. At 8:00 p.m. the line for SpaceShip Earth was still wraped around the ball!

New Year's Eve day we decided to get up early and try the Magic Kingdom for a few hours. Getting in was a nightmare!! People were pushing and shoving when they finally opened the monorail. Pretty sad. The park itself was okay in Fantasyland but Tomorrowland was unbearable. We walked on to the Pirates and then tried to leave around noon - there were so many people pouring in to the park that we could not get through the walkway underneath the railroad station!!

We had been considering doing the midnight thing at one of the parks but I am so glad we decided to go to CityWalk instead (PI had sold out days before). I would not be able to tolerate the crowds and the rudeness.

But, I still love Disney and can't wait to go back!! Happy New Year!!