What happens on New Year's Eve?

[TracyK]

Hi
What happens in the parks on New Year's Eve?
Thanks
Tracy

 

[momof2disprincesses]

Just subscribing. We'll be there on New Year's Eve this year too and I am wondering what the best way to spend it would be also.

 

[Danauk]

MK, Epcot and MGM all have special fireworks. We spent last NYE in MGM. They had a DJ and live band on a stage under that hat which was great. hey have out noise makers and hats too. At midnight they had a 15 minute firework display set to pop and rock music. The atmosphere was amazing. Epcot and MK reached capacity nid afternoon but MGM did not. Although it was budy the park was well set up for the evening. We watched the 10:30 Fantasmic, walked on a few rides and then found a spot for the fireworks. We also made an ADR for Hollywood Brown Derby for that evening which was lovely.
If you want to go to Epcot or MK I recommend you get there early and stay all day. For MGM we were able to go in the morning, went back to the BCvVfor a break and returned to the park at 6:30pm.

 

[vsimeone]

We spent NYE 97-98 and 04-05 at MK. The park is packed. They usually do not let anyone in after about 11am due to the park being at capacity. We are "veterans" so since the rides aren't necessarily a priority for us, we ride early until the lines get long and then we shop, watch parades and people watch. The two times we have done this, it was the last day of our trip so the kids bought all their souveniers and since we weren't riding many rides, there's no problem with carrying them. This past time, we made ADRS and ate at LTT at about 4:30pm and when we were done, they had begun passing out horns and hats at several locations. We wandered around and saw them letting people on the Rose Garden lawn so we asked about it and it was for ABC's coverage. We signed releases and went in too. It was fun and a great view of the castle and Spectromagic parade but we were never on tv It was actually nice that since they only let a certain number of people in there, it wasn't near as crowed as some of the park areas!

Anyway, all that to say, by all means go. Have a great time. Just have reasonable expectations. Make ADRs early and expect the most people you have ever seen in one place in your life!

 

[texnmickey]

I went to the MK in 96-97 and it was a nightmare. It could have been been b/c it was the 25th anniv. or b/c it was Christmas season. All I remember was wall to wall people and three hour long lines for rides. If you are going to be there that day I suggest having a plan, either a touring plan from the Unofficial guide or tour guide mike. It is the only way you'll keep you sanity and enjoy the day.

I do remember having a great spot for the fireworks in front of the castle, and the fireworks being incredible.

 

[Disney Mama 2 Two]

Subscribing, we will be there this year and I have been wondering the same thing. We will be a group of 9-11 with 5 younger kids...I've heard the same stuff about MK go and have to stay all day...maybe MGM is the way to go.

So at MGM they have Fantasmic and fireworks...how were the lines for rides?

Hope others who have been there during this time will post and let us know how they rang in the new year!!

Dawn

 

[Feralpeg]

We went to Epcot for this past NYE. The standby line for Soarin mid-afternoon was 4 hours. All fastpasses were gone early in the day. This was the first time I ever noticed people laying around everywhere on the grass. You couldn't get into a counter-service restaurant let alone a sit-down unless you had an ADR. Thank goodness, I'd made an ADR early. We saw many unhappy people standing in lines 30 deep to get a soad. It was way to crowded for my taste.

 

[MouseWorshipin]

At midnight, the year changes! I crack me up.

Just subscribing...someday I'll do Christmas and New Year's.

 

[luvmy2sams]

We spent NYE 97-98 and 04-05 at MK. The park is packed. They usually do not let anyone in after about 11am due to the park being at capacity. We are "veterans" so since the rides aren't necessarily a priority for us, we ride early until the lines get long and then we shop, watch parades and people watch. The two times we have done this, it was the last day of our trip so the kids bought all their souveniers and since we weren't riding many rides, there's no problem with carrying them. This past time, we made ADRS and ate at LTT at about 4:30pm and when we were done, they had begun passing out horns and hats at several locations. We wandered around and saw them letting people on the Rose Garden lawn so we asked about it and it was for ABC's coverage. We signed releases and went in too. It was fun and a great view of the castle and Spectromagic parade but we were never on tv It was actually nice that since they only let a certain number of people in there, it wasn't near as crowed as some of the park areas!
Anyway, all that to say, by all means go. Have a great time. Just have reasonable expectations. Make ADRs early and expect the most people you have ever seen in one place in your life!

DH & I were in the masses that night. We could hear all the Rose Garden people screaming while we were eating at The Plaza. We ended up watching the fireworks from right beside the Mickey and Minnie topiary. Amazing, amazing night. Lots of fun, and we were back at the Wilderness Lodge before 1am. Couldn't believe that given the size of the crowds!

 

[TracyK]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm prepared for the crowds and for getting there early and staying for the day. I'm not sure which park to choose. Do they all do something special?
Which park would you recommend and why?

Thanks
Tracy

 

[poohlover]

what happens if you have a ressie for dinner??? CAn you do another park in the AM & go to MK for dinner?? After they "close" the park will they allow people in that have ressies for meals?? We will be there this year!!!!! Celebrating our 25th wedding anniv!