NYE - Question

[iminla]

We have Premium AP and we have never been to Disneyland on NYE - if we want to go this year - how early should we enter the park? I read on the other thread that they may reach capacity.

Also, once we are there we cannot leave, right? If we leave, we may be risking the re-entry, correct?

 

[OnTheRoadAgain]

On New Year's Eve 2010 they closed the DL turnstiles around 1 or 2 p.m. and sent people to DCA (which also had it's doors closed at some point). Plan on staying and remaining in the park after 12:00 p.m. if you want to be there at midnight.

 

[Disney Dreams]

We have Premium AP and we have never been to Disneyland on NYE - if we want to go this year - how early should we enter the park? I read on the other thread that they may reach capacity.

Also, once we are there we cannot leave, right? If we leave, we may be risking the re-entry, correct?

NYE is THE busiest day of the year at Disneyland. Yes, there is a high likelihood that the Park will reach capacity at some point. There are three levels of "capacity," with the last being no one is allowed in the Park.

The first level is that they stop selling tickets for that day. Having a Premium AP, you do not need to worry about this level.

What time will the Park reach level 3 (if it does)? No one can answer that question. The easy answer is get in the Park as soon as you can and don't leave if you want to be absolutely certain to be inside at midnight.

When they are nearing capacity levels, there will be signs reminding people to get handstamps and stating that even a handstamp may not guarantee entry (level 3).

HTH,
Dreams

 

[Avery's mom]

One added tweak to this year's NYE is that DCA is attracting many more people than it did for NYE last year - so you may not see as much overcrowding as previous years. I would hesitate to base your plans on this hope, however, you may be pleasantly surprised by the distribution of people this year.

 

[Malcon10t]

One added tweak to this year's NYE is that DCA is attracting many more people than it did for NYE last year - so you may not see as much overcrowding as previous years. I would hesitate to base your plans on this hope, however, you may be pleasantly surprised by the distribution of people this year.

Or they may hit capacity at both parks... I know of MANY more people going this year than past years.

To clarify, should they hit capacity at 1pm, they will reopen a couple of times, but you need to be in the line to get in. As people leave, they will allow more in. We usually check in with the VP of Gate Guest Relations before my daughter leaves, and he will give us a status update as to what level they are currently on. (She has to leave to attend to the service dogs. The rest of us stay in the park.) You can usually ask the gate attendant. Levels 1-3 you are fine. Level 4, I wouldn't risk leaving. Level 5 is closed. Also, there will be signs the whole week reminding APs you need a handstamp. Last year, they were stamping us as we entered on several days.

 

[ArchOwl]

This year is really unknown as the popularity of DCA may lead to a better balance between the parks, or it might mean more crowding overall. Last year DCA was pleasant and never closed their gates as far as I know. Disneyland was very, very crowded and shut down a few times in the afternoon and evening.

As others have said, there are levels of closure and you can always ask before leaving. I left DCA a few times last year, to have dinner and go shopping in DTD. I didn't have a problem coming back into DCA, but I would have had a problem returning to DL.

It will be interesting to see how this year shakes out. I am hoping it brings a better balance to things.

 

[iminla]

Thank you everyone!!!! Appreciate the help always!