NYE question

[Mousefan mom]

Hello,

My husband and I were planning a trip sans kids the week after Christmas-Jan 1st. I am fully aware to expect insane crowd levels (port a potties, etc.!) but I am trying to get an idea of planning for NYE. I have a dinner reservation at MK on the 30th. Currently I have us at Artist Point for dinner on the 31st, I am now questioning if this is a bad idea because we won't be in a park. I assume on NYE there are park closures and if we had a dining reservation, we'd have a better shot at entry? Also, what time are the special NYE firework shows for Epcot or MK? Do they offer two showings a night, etc.? I know illuminations is always at 9pm...but is that the same on NYE?

We flew in last year on the 1st and stayed a few nights, but have never actually been there on NYE. I did book us a candlelight Pro. earlier in the week so we'd get guaranteed seating for it. Thanks! Any advice or tips would greatly be appreciated!!!

 

[Robo]

1. I assume on NYE there are park closures and
2. if we had a dining reservation, we'd have a better shot at entry? Also,
3. what time are the special NYE firework shows for Epcot or MK?
4. Do they offer two showings a night, etc.?
5. I know illuminations is always at 9pm...but is that the same on NYE?

1. Maybe.
2. Yes.
3. At MK, first show at sometime between 6-7PM-ish and another at about 11:45-ish.
4. Yes. But, not the SAME shows at Epcot.
5. Nope. 6pm or 6:30, and the big one at about 11:50pm.

 

[Mousefan mom]

Thank you so much!

 

[Alesia]

Fwiw, Epcot hasn't reached stage 4 closure since December 31, 1999. I wouldn't be at all concerned about getting in if you're staying on-site

 

[Robo]

Fwiw, Epcot hasn't reached stage 4 closure since December 31, 1999. I wouldn't be at all concerned about getting in if you're staying on-site

Agreed.

But, since the OP asked about "PARK closures" and also specifically about MK's fireworks,
my answer covered the possibility.
And, having a dining ADR now carries the advantage of being able to
get into a "stage 1, 2, 3" park closing situation, similar to having an on-site stay.

 

[Mousefan mom]

Oh that is very good to know! I think I'm going to keep the Artist Point ADR, and this gives us the option of being out of a park--or going into a less insane park if the crowds are getting to us. It was pretty busy when we were there last year--marathon weekend coming in and holiday crowds still there...so we have *some* idea of what its like...but always good to have plan B, etc.

 

[Alesia]

Agreed.

But, since the OP asked about "PARK closures" and also specifically about MK's fireworks,
my answer covered the possibility.
And, having a dining ADR now carries the advantage of being able to
get into a "stage 1, 2, 3" park closing situation, similar to having an on-site stay.

Yes, I know. I just wanted to provide some additional information since the OP said that they would like to keep their Artist Point ADR, but are afraid that it would keep them from getting into Epcot. I thought it might be useful to know.

I would definitely go to Epcot on NYE

 

[mouseclick1]

We were there for our first NYE this past year. We watched the MK fireworks from the beach at the Polynesian on the 30th, the night of their practice run. That is actually the picture in my avatar. We did go into Epcot on NYE, and arrived mid - late afternoon. We had an ADR for dinner around 5:30. They passed out party hats and blowers in WS around 4ish. It got pretty crazy as the night went on, so DH and I went on Universe of Energy (the longest ride in all of Disney I think!) for a break from the crowds! We found a decent spot for the fireworks around 11:15ish, and then just sat back and enjoyed the atmosphere until the show started. The finale was spectacular, and well worth hanging in there until midnight! After the fireworks, we took our time to let the crowds ease up as we made our way toward the monorail. I was expecting a huge line but by the time we got there, there were only a few people ahead of us.

This might be a one and done trip for us as far as going over NYE, but I'm really glad we went. It was a crazy but fun experience to do at least once!

 

[Mousefan mom]

Did you stay at the Poly for this trip? We were debating which Disney resort to stay at this time. We did the Boardwalk last year (it does not appeal to our kids so it was a good chance for us to check it out) and it was nice to be able to walk into Epcot. As an adult trip, I found we spent a lot more time in Epcot.

 

[mouseclick1]

Did you stay at the Poly for this trip? We were debating which Disney resort to stay at this time. We did the Boardwalk last year (it does not appeal to our kids so it was a good chance for us to check it out) and it was nice to be able to walk into Epcot. As an adult trip, I found we spent a lot more time in Epcot.

Yes, we were staying at the Poly. We had the night of NYE reserved at the Boardwalk but I would have had to do a split stay since the other nights weren't available. I decided the convenience of not having to move outweighed the convenience of having walking distance to Epcot so we went with the Poly for the whole trip. As I mentioned earlier, taking the monorail back was very easy with hardly any wait.

 

[FelisLachesis]

I'm one of those idiots who goes into MK on NYE, even when the front gate CMs are putting out signs signaling a Level 1 phase closure

I don't know why, but I'm drawn to the insanity. I know I'm not doing much beyond my fastpasses and ADRs, because even Stitch can get to an hour wait during that day! But sitting back, eating a Mickey Bar, sitting on a bench, while waiting for my Dessert Party, honestly, I haven't ever found a better way to ring out the year.

Yes, I'm a little bit crazy!

 

[Mousefan mom]

I'm one of those idiots who goes into MK on NYE, even when the front gate CMs are putting out signs signaling a Level 1 phase closure

I don't know why, but I'm drawn to the insanity. I know I'm not doing much beyond my fastpasses and ADRs, because even Stitch can get to an hour wait during that day! But sitting back, eating a Mickey Bar, sitting on a bench, while waiting for my Dessert Party, honestly, I haven't ever found a better way to ring out the year.

Yes, I'm a little bit crazy!

Do they do desert parties on NYE?

 

[FelisLachesis]

Do they do desert parties on NYE?

Every year is a different year, and Disney could change their minds, but in 2014, they did. It may have been considered holiday dessert party.