So ..talk me into it..or out of it!

[farmfresh]

We're arriving in LA on New years Eve (in the morning), having missed our own New year by crossing the date line. We're en route to Portland.

We've been to Disney several times, and I thought, well it would be nice to see the Christmas decorations - maybe we should just head to the GC for few days, and join the New Year mayhem. My plan would be not to go into Dl on NY's eve until around Fantasmic time(allowing time to squish through everyone and check in ), which we would book seats for. Then show, fireworks, home. But I'm worried about capacity numbers in that case. If we had seats for Fantasmic, would they let us in?

But now I'm thinking... maybe not! Another option would be to stay a day or two in LA, find something to do there for New Year and then head down in the weekend.

So... what does the team think? Brave it or wave it?

 

[JadeDarkstar]

well id go if i were already that close lol i have been rethinking things that ive said before and i think ited be fun.

also i remeber ive been on newyears eve for my sisters bday (new years baby) it was fun and i dont remember the crouds but i was young.

 

[bumbershoot]

You know I adore DL/DCA, but there is pretty much no chance ever that you would find me at a Disney park (unless it was in Tokyo) on NYE.

We were talking about NYE with CMs who were putting up the ropes at the IASW fireworks viewing area, and all of them shuddered in memory of how insane it is.

And even though I'm not an *expert*, from what I've heard, you most likely would not get in at Fantasmic time. Probably not even after noon.

 

[Gisele]

Well bumbershoot, I say you are serving an injustice upon your plate, for I always find your posts to be relevant, interesting, practical and full of great advice, and information. I will add as well, that in my most humble opinion, you are as close as one can become an expert upon the subject of all that is Disney, and HFCS!
No one can ever become truly an expert on anything, for we are but mere mortals, and will never live long enough to truly become anywhere close to my definition anyway of "expert'.

 

[Disney Dreams]

...My plan would be not to go into Dl on NY's eve until around Fantasmic time(allowing time to squish through everyone and check in ), which we would book seats for. Then show, fireworks, home. But I'm worried about capacity numbers in that case. If we had seats for Fantasmic, would they let us in?

A few things you need to know about me: It's very hard to find a bigger Disney fan. I love New Year's Eve. I don't mind crowds. That said...

Having done NYE at Disneyland once before, allow me to explain why your plan will not work (as wonderful of a plan as it is).

First, although I do not remember what time the park was "locked down" on NYE, I would be willing to bet that it was prior to 8pm. (So, with your plan you are in serious danger of being locked out due to capacity prior to Fantasmic. In all honesty, DH and I can't even recall if there is Fantasmic that night.

Second, once the evening started to near, everyone was parked on Main Street claiming their space for the NYE festivities and fireworks. The rest of the Park was virtually empty. You could walk right on just about any ride. You just could not walk on Main Street. However, for you to arrive in the evening hours (per your plan) and walk to Fantasmic, you must navigate your way up Main Street. This will take a long time (if you got in the main gate without capacity issues). It is do-able though.

Third, you say, "then fireworks." If you plan to watch the fireworks from Main Street. There will literally wall to wall people on Main Street by this time. Finding a spot (after Fantasmic) could be very interesting.

Lastly, "home." As simple as this sounds.... When we left the Park after the fireworks and NYE festivities, we headed for the parking lot trams. There were none. The route from Disneyland to the Mickey and Friends parking lot was lined with trams with headlights on and cast members with flashlights. It was time for what my DH and I call, The Parade of Tired Guests. There are SOOOOO many people, they literally cannot handle the demand with trams, so... you walk back to your car, about a 20 minute walk.

Your plan is perfect, if there were not SOOOOO many people. However, there are, so it just doesn't work. Sorry to be the one to explain why.

I have said it before: We will NEVER do NYE at Disneyland again... but MAYBE it is something everyone has to do once so that they can decide they will never do it again.

- Dreams

 

[Kenttz]

So are the crowds worse than on the 4th of July or would you say its about same?

 

[Disney Dreams]

So are the crowds worse than on the 4th of July or would you say its about same?

Worse on New Years Eve.

 

[bumbershoot]

Well bumbershoot, I say you are serving an injustice upon your plate, for I always find your posts to be relevant, interesting, practical and full of great advice, and information. I will add as well, that in my most humble opinion, you are as close as one can become an expert upon the subject of all that is Disney, and HFCS!
No one can ever become truly an expert on anything, for we are but mere mortals, and will never live long enough to truly become anywhere close to my definition anyway of "expert'.

You're so sweet.

But in this, since Disney Dreams has actually been to NYE there, Disney Dreams is the expert, and I merely state what I've read.

 

[Gisele]

Thank you

 

[Gisele]

Being able to walk onto the rides, during this busy time, sounds great, however, with crowds like that, I just don't think that I would care to be there during NYE. Maybe once, like Disney Dreams had stated, so that way, you know for sure that you will not want to do that again.
When I made a miscalculation error, last year, regarding timing and went to DL.during the week of Easter (shudder) if NYE, is three times as crowded, then no thank you, he he! seriously. (again, shudder, for I do not care too much for huge crowds)

 

[farmfresh]

Thank you - that is helpful. For Fantasmic we would intend being in the park well beforehand (is check in still 7?) and if we bought seats , we would remain there for the fireworks.

But we don't especially like crowds - it would simply be a way to spend NY when we're away from home, and there may be other better options. (like watching from our rooms!) We would leave any real touring for a day or so.