NYE Epcot Restaurants

[FSU Girl]

I'm trying to figure out where to eat for NYE in Epcot, but I know some of the restaurants do a special dinner that's a lot more money. I don't want to pick any of those. Is there a list somewhere that mentions which restaurants I should avoid? My Fiance mentioned wanting to eat that Le Cellier, but I feel like that is one of them?

 

[MakiraMarlena]

No idea about Le Cellier, but it tends to be those that actually have some sort of fireworks view, and Le Cellier does not have any view at all because it doesn't have windows. Don't see how they could get guests to pay extra for a NYE event there.

I don't have a comprehensive list but I know that special dinners are held at Monsieur Paul and Hacienda de San Angel.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

If you book over the phone, they'll usually give you a heads up that it's a prix fixe. I know in past years, Monsieur Paul, Garden Grove and La Hacienda de San Angel have been "special" dining experiences. Not sure about Le Cellier.

Do keep in mind that Illuminations is shown earlier in the night (I wanna say 6:30pm) with the same (I think) fireworks finale as NYE. Depending on when you're heading to Epcot (spoiler: if you're on-site you don't have to worry about going early and staying all day long) and what kind of view you want for the fireworks, I'd recommend booking for 8 or 9ish. You'll either finish by 9 or 10 and won't have to go stand around for 3 or 4 hours (like you would if you ate at 5 or 6 pm)

 

[MakiraMarlena]

There's no Garden Grove in Epcot, although there's a place by that name at the Swan .. does that refer to the Garden Grill? I don't think it has a fireworks view either but it's a character meal so they might do something special.

 

[NYCgrrl]

This is the list from last year's NYE and Le Cellier isn't on it. Doesn't mean it wont change this year though:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/holidays/new-years-eve-dining.htm

If I wanted a non prix fixe menu at Epcot and the ability to see the lake and fireworks I'd consider Tokyo Dining.

 

[FSU Girl]

This is the list from last year's NYE and Le Cellier isn't on it. Doesn't mean it wont change this year though:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/holidays/new-years-eve-dining.htm

If I wanted a non prix fixe menu at Epcot and the ability to see the lake and fireworks I'd consider Tokyo Dining.

I didn't know Tokyo Dining had a firework view, is it good? Thanks for the link

If you book over the phone, they'll usually give you a heads up that it's a prix fixe. I know in past years, Monsieur Paul, Garden Grove and La Hacienda de San Angel have been "special" dining experiences. Not sure about Le Cellier.

Do keep in mind that Illuminations is shown earlier in the night (I wanna say 6:30pm) with the same (I think) fireworks finale as NYE. Depending on when you're heading to Epcot (spoiler: if you're on-site you don't have to worry about going early and staying all day long) and what kind of view you want for the fireworks, I'd recommend booking for 8 or 9ish. You'll either finish by 9 or 10 and won't have to go stand around for 3 or 4 hours (like you would if you ate at 5 or 6 pm)

I usually book online instead of the phone. That's a good idea about the later dinner. I guess I'd need to book a lunch since we'd probably be really hungry eating that late. We are staying at the Contemporary so planning to take the monorail over there. I've never been for NYE before and my Fiance doesn't handle crowds well so we were planning to go for the earlier fireworks and see how he handled them and if not well go back to our hotel and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from our balcony. I would like to see both though so trying to figure out a good game plan to keep him happy.

I don't have a comprehensive list but I know that special dinners are held at Monsieur Paul and Hacienda de San Angel.

I remember reading about those. We were also thinking of maybe the downstairs French restaurant. I'm thinking a nice dinner would be a good way to escape the crowds for a bit

 

[NYCgrrl]

I didn't know Tokyo Dining had a firework view, is it good? Thanks for the link


I usually book online instead of the phone. That's a good idea about the later dinner. I guess I'd need to book a lunch since we'd probably be really hungry eating that late. We are staying at the Contemporary so planning to take the monorail over there. I've never been for NYE before and my Fiance doesn't handle crowds well so we were planning to go for the earlier fireworks and see how he handled them and if not well go back to our hotel and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from our balcony. I would like to see both though so trying to figure out a good game plan to keep him happy.


I remember reading about those. We were also thinking of maybe the downstairs French restaurant. I'm thinking a nice dinner would be a good way to escape the crowds for a bit

About....25% of the tables at TD have clear window views (those that are seated directly next to the windows and the ones on the other side of the aisle). As well outside the windows is a public access terrace that is about 3'-5' lower than the restaurant's floor. This means you can see above the heads of outsiders to view most of the fireworks. Take a look at some vids from TD to get a better idea of the vista.
Here's one as a for instance:

You may note that you can see some of the fireworks at least 3-4 rows of seats back from the windows.

 

[Keels]

I've done Chefs de France and Teppan Edo for NYE - both times with a late ADR (like 10:30) and they've been perfect. This past year, from Teppan Edo, I just walked out with a cocktail and watched from the upstairs patio.

 

[NYCgrrl]

I've done Chefs de France and Teppan Edo for NYE - both times with a late ADR (like 10:30) and they've been perfect. This past year, from Teppan Edo, I just walked out with a cocktail and watched from the upstairs patio.

Do you remember what time your reservation was for and whether you stood on the terrace facing the lake or the interior courtyard?

 

[Keels]

Do you remember what time your reservation was for and whether you stood on the terrace facing the lake or the interior courtyard?

I want to say 10:20? And definitely was on the terrace facing the lake.

++++++++++++++

I've done NYE quite a few times, but this past year's was the "worst" I've experienced in recent memory for crowding. This was the first year they actually taped off areas for people to start staking out spots around the World Showcase Lagoon and they were already 6-people deep by the time the first Illuminations rolled around. That takes up almost HALF the walkway around the World Showcase, and made it really difficult to navigate and get to the bars.

I hope Operations at Epcot goes back to the much smaller designated areas for people to sit and wait for fireworks, because it made for a really miserable evening of trying to get anywhere.

 

[FSU Girl]

I want to say 10:20? And definitely was on the terrace facing the lake.

++++++++++++++

I've done NYE quite a few times, but this past year's was the "worst" I've experienced in recent memory for crowding. This was the first year they actually taped off areas for people to start staking out spots around the World Showcase Lagoon and they were already 6-people deep by the time the first Illuminations rolled around. That takes up almost HALF the walkway around the World Showcase, and made it really difficult to navigate and get to the bars.

I hope Operations at Epcot goes back to the much smaller designated areas for people to sit and wait for fireworks, because it made for a really miserable evening of trying to get anywhere.

That's what I'm worried about. I'm really nervous for my Fiance handling the massive crowds. Is the view you watched from the terrace good? It's probably open to the public so I'm guessing it's crowded?

 

[Keels]

That's what I'm worried about. I'm really nervous for my Fiance handling the massive crowds. Is the view you watched from the terrace good? It's probably open to the public so I'm guessing it's crowded?

It was fine - there was plenty of space down in the courtyard if you stood back from all the people that just had to be by the rail. The midnight fireworks are all aerial, so the better view is really a bit back off the rail. Japan has one of the most unobstructed views (other than the arch ... there aren't many trees that block the area). I would usually watch from that area anyway, this past year I just happened to be up on the balcony leaving dinner, so I just watched from there.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

I didn't know Tokyo Dining had a firework view, is it good? Thanks for the link


I usually book online instead of the phone. That's a good idea about the later dinner. I guess I'd need to book a lunch since we'd probably be really hungry eating that late. We are staying at the Contemporary so planning to take the monorail over there. I've never been for NYE before and my Fiance doesn't handle crowds well so we were planning to go for the earlier fireworks and see how he handled them and if not well go back to our hotel and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from our balcony. I would like to see both though so trying to figure out a good game plan to keep him happy.


I remember reading about those. We were also thinking of maybe the downstairs French restaurant. I'm thinking a nice dinner would be a good way to escape the crowds for a bit

I'd never tell anyone to skip Epcot for NYE, because honestly, it should be on every Disney fan's to-do list. Around 6pm it transforms from a crazy-crowded park into one gigantic party. There's a DJ and fire at China, an all-out dance party in Italy, salsa dancing at the America Pavilion, and a silent disco at France. It's UNREAL. You won't recognize the park. At midnight, the sky literally lights up and the ground rumbles.

Now, two things are at play. 1) MK does its NYE show on 12/30 and 12/31. MK then does late-night EMH on 12/30. Worth checking out for your "NYE"

I'll let you in on a pro tip. My dad does NOT like crowds. It stresses him out. He's got some heart conditions, so he doesn't like walking around and evading the crowds. It's not so bad during Christmas week, but NYE is a whole different animal. It stresses him out beyond belief.

After spending a few NYE's at Epcot, we decided to stop going. We stay at Beach Club, and rather than fight the crowds, we now watch the fireworks from the boat launch at Yacht Club. Do you hear the music and get the full experience? No. But here's what I'd do:

- Go to Epcot for the 6pm(ish) show and dinner. Then, head to the Boardwalk and BC area. There's a DJ on the Boardwalk and it's far-less crowded. Watch NYE fireworks from the YC boat launch. You'll see the Epcot fireworks, as well as the DHS fireworks... a few minutes later you'll see the Star Wars fireworks, too.

Grab a few beers or a bottle of champagne from France before leaving the park, or grab it at the Beach Club Marketplace if you wanna imbibe.

We usually do a late dinner at Yachtsman and have a stress-free night at the YC dock. Do we miss the party atmosphere? A little. When my sister and I find a significant other we'll probably restart the ritual, but for now we have a quieter NYE and really enjoy it on 12/30 at MK.

 

[FSU Girl]

I'd never tell anyone to skip Epcot for NYE, because honestly, it should be on every Disney fan's to-do list. Around 6pm it transforms from a crazy-crowded park into one gigantic party. There's a DJ and fire at China, an all-out dance party in Italy, salsa dancing at the America Pavilion, and a silent disco at France. It's UNREAL. You won't recognize the park. At midnight, the sky literally lights up and the ground rumbles.

Now, two things are at play. 1) MK does its NYE show on 12/30 and 12/31. MK then does late-night EMH on 12/30. Worth checking out for your "NYE"

I'll let you in on a pro tip. My dad does NOT like crowds. It stresses him out. He's got some heart conditions, so he doesn't like walking around and evading the crowds. It's not so bad during Christmas week, but NYE is a whole different animal. It stresses him out beyond belief.

After spending a few NYE's at Epcot, we decided to stop going. We stay at Beach Club, and rather than fight the crowds, we now watch the fireworks from the boat launch at Yacht Club. Do you hear the music and get the full experience? No. But here's what I'd do:

- Go to Epcot for the 6pm(ish) show and dinner. Then, head to the Boardwalk and BC area. There's a DJ on the Boardwalk and it's far-less crowded. Watch NYE fireworks from the YC boat launch. You'll see the Epcot fireworks, as well as the DHS fireworks... a few minutes later you'll see the Star Wars fireworks, too.

Grab a few beers or a bottle of champagne from France before leaving the park, or grab it at the Beach Club Marketplace if you wanna imbibe.

We usually do a late dinner at Yachtsman and have a stress-free night at the YC dock. Do we miss the party atmosphere? A little. When my sister and I find a significant other we'll probably restart the ritual, but for now we have a quieter NYE and really enjoy it on 12/30 at MK.

Thanks for the advice. My Fiance does really get stressed with crowds and I think if he wasn't in love with me probably wouldn't go to Disney very often, but I'm a little Disney obsessed. Crowds don't bother me at all so it's hard for me to understand at times, but I try to accommodate him best I can. I've considered the dessert party at Magic Kingdom and the firework boat at Epcot so we can avoid some of the crowds. I also paid a lot for the more expensive annual passes so I definitely want to go into the parks. I think watching from the Boardwalk could be an option, but I feel like if the crowds are too much he'd rather go back to our hotel. We have a theme park view at the Contemporary so we could watch the fireworks away from the masses. I'd like to see both shows though. Is the 6pm Epcot show the same as the midnight one? The dance parties sound so fun!

 

[Monykalyn]

Grab a few beers or a bottle of champagne from France before leaving the park,

Keep in mind security won't let you leave the park with open containers of alcohol.

I've considered the dessert party at Magic Kingdom

Mu husband and I did this Dec 30 of this past year-best money spent. We did terrace seating (not many projections on castle-at least for last years NYE there wasnt), and it was wonderful to have a seat away from crowds.

We did actual NYE in Epcot-yeah the 6:30 show is good but I believe the midnight one is different - and as Pluto said-the ground rumbles!
We also ate at Teppan Edo NYE-I think around 8ish. Took our time eating, then wandered around WS and future world - lots of dance parties, including silent ones! World showcase gets extremely crowded, but with just the 2 of us, was manageable. Felt sorry for the younger kids though.

One tip-take turns holding bags, drinks. etc and use the IG entrance/exit to go the restrooms just before the IG entrance. Was pretty empty all night long - heard stories of long long lines and messy restrooms elsewhere in park, but this "hidden gem" was no wait all night.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

Keep in mind security won't let you leave the park with open containers of alcohol.

Yes, good point. By buying alcohol in Epcot, I meant the bottled wines/champagnes in France or Germany.

We have a theme park view at the Contemporary so we could watch the fireworks away from the masses. I'd like to see both shows though.

Honestly, if I had a theme park view I'd probably be watching from my balcony with a nice cold beer, enjoying the fact that the only person's shoulder I'm rubbing into is my fiancee's... but then again, I've been there, done that.

 

[FSU Girl]

Mu husband and I did this Dec 30 of this past year-best money spent. We did terrace seating (not many projections on castle-at least for last years NYE there wasnt), and it was wonderful to have a seat away from crowds.

That's good to know about the projections, or lack thereof.

One tip-take turns holding bags, drinks. etc and use the IG entrance/exit to go the restrooms just before the IG entrance. Was pretty empty all night long - heard stories of long long lines and messy restrooms elsewhere in park, but this "hidden gem" was no wait all night.

That's great to know about, I've read about bathroom lines that are 40 minutes long which is scary.

Honestly, if I had a theme park view I'd probably be watching from my balcony with a nice cold beer, enjoying the fact that the only person's shoulder I'm rubbing into is my fiancee's... but then again, I've been there, done that.

I think we'll definitely watch one night of fireworks from our balcony. I just wanted to make sure we had it in case he can't deal with the crowds we don't miss out on fireworks completely. We've never been when it's super crowded so I'm just trying to have backup plans

 

[Keels]

Is the 6pm Epcot show the same as the midnight one? The dance parties sound so fun!

6 p.m. is traditional Illuminations with the "Peace on Earth" ending. The second Illuminations celebrates all the countries that have already hit midnight and then counts down to midnight with a HUGE show at midnight that lights the sky so bright, you'd think it is midday.

 

[FSU Girl]

6 p.m. is traditional Illuminations with the "Peace on Earth" ending. The second Illuminations celebrates all the countries that have already hit midnight and then counts down to midnight with a HUGE show at midnight that lights the sky so bright, you'd think it is midday.

That second show sounds awesome. I think I'd use the first one to test the crowds and how the Fiance will do. If i schedule dinner for after the show how far after would you recommend? Is it easy to walk around the World Showcase to get to where we need to go? I'm not sure where we will end up watching so want to make sure it would give us enough time to make our reservation

 

[Keels]

That second show sounds awesome. I think I'd use the first one to test the crowds and how the Fiance will do. If i schedule dinner for after the show how far after would you recommend? Is it easy to walk around the World Showcase to get to where we need to go? I'm not sure where we will end up watching so want to make sure it would give us enough time to make our reservation

I usually do dinner around 10 p.m. ... it's given me enough time to eat, grab a glass of bubbles from somewhere and get to where I want to watch the show.

In years prior, yes it had been pretty easy to get around - but this past year was A LOT worse. But that was because the greatly expanded the area where you could sit down and stake out a spot around showcase lagoon to take up pretty much half the walkway. It was really frustrating.