Tell me the truth about New Years Eve

[Disneyluvr2]

I know the answer to this question might be somewhere in that long and scary Holiday supertread, so sorry for asking again.

I usually avoid Christmas break time at the park, but I have some friends going that really want me to join them. I'm going to fly down and join them Dec 31st and Jan 1st. I've never been over the New Years holiday. Just how crazy, insainly busy is it going to be New Years Eve and New Years day? I'm expecting the worst!

 

[sonnyjane]

I Just how crazy, insanely busy is it going to be New Years Eve and New Years day? I'm expecting the worst!

Good, because it IS the worst - the worst as far as crowds are concerned. NYE is the busiest day of the year. Get there early and then do NOT take a break or park hop. The parks will reach capacity and they won't let anyone else in. If you want to spend NYE inside of Disneyland, get to Disneyland EARLY and DO NOT leave to go to DCA. It is very likely that you won't be allowed back inside.

It will be wall-to-wall people and plan on going for the ambiance, but you will probably fit in very few rides. If you want to eat at a sit-down restaurant, absolutely make a reservation.

 

[DSNY4ever]

You are right- it is packed. To the max. You can still have fun and Disney makes it a fun atmosphere with lots of little extra fun things like countdown stations and dancing. But if your plan is to have an enjoyable day going on rides and attractions, don't go. If you just want to be with a large group and enjoy the atmosphere- go!

That being said I did it once when I was "young" (22) and probably won't do it again.

 

[elaw]

We were there last NYE and it was a bit of a nightmare, especially after midnight. Thank goodness we had a room at the GCH and didnt have to deal with the crazy traffic (Both foot and car). It still took us 30 minutes to get to our room from DL main street.

 

[scrapshappen]

All that being said about New Years Eve is how I remember it even though it's been 14 years since we were there on NYE. The good news is, NY Day was much more manageable. I don't know if everyone went to the parade or were just too tired from the previous night, but we had no problems touring and riding rides on January 1. But remember, that was 14 years ago and I'm not sure what has changed since then.

 

[Disneyluvr2]

Thanks for the replys and confirming my thoughts. We're having lunch at Club 33 on Dec 31st. It will probably be the only quiet place in the park. I think I'll drag it out as long as I can!

 

[ArchOwl]

Thanks for the replys and confirming my thoughts. We're having lunch at Club 33 on Dec 31st. It will probably be the only quiet place in the park. I think I'll drag it out as long as I can!

I was at NYE last year, but stayed over at DCA pretty much the whole day. DL was very crowded and closed due to capacity a couple of times. DCA never closed as far as I know and was fairly busy, but much less crowded than DL. We watched the fireworks and fountain show on the World of Color lagoon with champagne in hand. It was fun!

 

[DSNY4ever]

Thanks for the replys and confirming my thoughts. We're having lunch at Club 33 on Dec 31st. It will probably be the only quiet place in the park. I think I'll drag it out as long as I can!

Well that changes everything. For a chance at Club 33 I would go on any day!!

 

[KiwiMouse]

Thanks for the replys and confirming my thoughts. We're having lunch at Club 33 on Dec 31st. It will probably be the only quiet place in the park. I think I'll drag it out as long as I can!

See you there, both days! At the parks, I mean ... dear friends in CA have made bookings for us all to go to BB at 530pm on NYE .. we are fully expecting the parks to be crazy busy, but any day at DL has got to be a good day, correct?

We have been on all of the established rides previously so will regard any ride as a blessing - and the new ones as a tremendous bonus if they happen.

Counting down the days

 

[lifesgr8]

We went one year, with annual passes. Disneyland was full to capacity. Could not get in. So even with annual passes we paid $25 per person to get into California Adventure. It was the best night ever! However, with the new park make over and Carsland....im sure that is a thing of the past

 

[lifesgr8]

Thanks for the replys and confirming my thoughts. We're having lunch at Club 33 on Dec 31st. It will probably be the only quiet place in the park. I think I'll drag it out as long as I can!

club 33? dont you have to be a member of sorts to get into there?

 

[Daisylover]

It is crazy busy, and getting on a ride forget it. IF you're there for the festive atmosphere it's great.

 

[Purplegal]

Well we went new Millennium's Eve, probably the most crowded EVER, and still had a fabulous time!! Although getting engaged that night probably puts the rose-colored glasses on a bit!

 

[Disneyluvr2]

Well we went new Millennium's Eve, probably the most crowded EVER, and still had a fabulous time!! Although getting engaged that night probably puts the rose-colored glasses on a bit!

Wow! What a magical night that must have been for you Purplegal!! I'll still have fun, even though it will be packed. Having the right attitude makes all the difference in the world. I'll just enjoy my time at Club33 and all the festivities, and expect to be elbowed a few times! LOL!

 

[jasonriv]

NYE dinner at Club 33 will definitely be worth the chaos of the park! Just allow yourself plenty of time to get there as movement through the park will be slow. I've only been to DL on NYE, but have spent probably 7 at Epcot and I love the parks on NYE despite the crowds. There is just a different energy to the parks that is really cool! Just manage your expectations about the crowds and the fact that OTHER people might get impatient or frustrated and you'll be okay. I also went to DL on NY Day and it didn't seem crowded at all, so hopefully you'll be able catch everything you missed the day before then.

Jason

 

[Malcon10t]

Thanks for the replys and confirming my thoughts. We're having lunch at Club 33 on Dec 31st. It will probably be the only quiet place in the park. I think I'll drag it out as long as I can!

We will see you there! Not sure what time you will be there, but it is festive as they set up for the evening party.

 

[Malcon10t]

NYE dinner at Club 33 will definitely be worth the chaos of the park!

I believe she is going for lunch. NYE dinner is a members only party that goes on all night.

 

[I❤MICKEY]

We were there last year. Didn't attempt DL. We spent the day in DCA. I didn't feel that it was bad. We came and went multiple times throughout the day and went to Downtown Disney. Never had an issue. We had planned to watch the fireworks in the area between DL and DCA but it was very warm that day and super foggy at night. Couldn't see a thing.

 

[Disneyluvr2]

We will see you there! Not sure what time you will be there, but it is festive as they set up for the evening party.

You're dining at Club 33 on NYE too Malcon10t? Our reservation is at 12:15. Please let me know when you'll be there so we can meet and say hi!

 

[StyledSugar]

See you there, both days! At the parks, I mean ... dear friends in CA have made bookings for us all to go to BB at 530pm on NYE .. we are fully expecting the parks to be crazy busy, but any day at DL has got to be a good day, correct?

We have been on all of the established rides previously so will regard any ride as a blessing - and the new ones as a tremendous bonus if they happen.

Counting down the days

We are doing BB on NYE as well but at 7:00pm. We can't wait and it will be the last night of our trip. We are totally prepared for the crowds and won't be trying to cram rides or anything in. We're just there to enjoy it.

One thing though, we aren't sure if we want to do the countdown in DL or head over to DCA to watch theirs. From everything I've read, DCA is normally quieter but I'm really wondering if that will change this year because of Carsland. It's definitely a possibility that it will be just as packed. We are going to just watch the signs and ask CM's if they know how busy DCA is -- meaning if it is at capacity before we leave DL. It would be horrible if we left DL to head over to DCA only to find out it's closed due to capacity. lol

Question though, as I have read different reports and they all seem to vary -- what time is DL open until on NYE and what time is DCA open? Generally DCA is closed sooner, has anyone done the park hop at that point on NYE? We are planning to be there until the bitter end so I'm just trying to figure out our options. Thanks!