Wilderness lodge villas on New Years Eve? Yay or Nay?

[mrs705]

We will be on property this coming New Years, post Christmas week vaca. I know, crazy time to book!! The only time my kids are free from college and my high schooler is on vaca together. We have been there at this time once before about 19 years ago and we decided to spend it at Epcot. That was a disaster and we left shortly after we arrived because it was super crowded like I've never seen before and my kids were young and didn't think we could battle the crowds with young kids all day and night. We are thinking of spending it at our hotel this time, Wilderness lodge villas. Does anyone know if the hotels do anything special for, NYE We want to spend it somewhere lively and fun. My kids are older now 20, 20, and 16yrs, still LOVE Disney. If you are experienced at NYE at Disney, what would you recommend? parties, parks, dinner, whatever, please share ? Id like to plan in advance. I want this to be a special trip since we don't get a lot of family time together now that they are grown and away at school. Thanks in advance.

 

[hardcorestitch]

I could certainly tell you to avoid EPCOT if they’re not into the craziness of a New Year’s Eve party. Magic Kingdom does seem a little bit tamer out of all the celebrations on property. I know DHS also does some New Year’s Eve stuff in a chill environment. But whatever you do… definitely don’t stay in the hotel room watching a ball drop on TV. Definitely check out the Magic Kingdom or DHS’ countdown.

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

So I’m not that experienced - last year was my first time and we stayed at GF. My original plan was to just stay there and avoid the parks altogether but we ended up spending most of the day in MK and the crowds weren’t that bad - at least until we left around 7PM. I will say being able to walk back and not depend on Disney transport was so nice - agree with PP in avoiding EPCOT for that reason alone (unless you’re staying at a Crescent Lake resort).

I had tried to plan in advance but it ended up being challenging to get any NYE details for the resorts until that actual week. GF had a DJ - started out geared more towards younger kids but it was fun anyway. My guess is that all the resorts do something to a certain extent.

We’ll also be at WL this year so hopefully they plan something good!!

 

[Disneylover99]

If you’re going to be there for New year’s with a teen and a couple of young adults, I’d either head to Epcot for fun, excitement and a great vibe or if you want something more lowkey, plan a nice meal somewhere later in the evening. The new year’s resort activities are mostly geared to younger families. Maybe a DJ, face painting, colouring activities/crafts, etc….

The key (for us anyways) is to sleep in and relax/swim and have a late lunch at our resort New Years Eve and then head to Epcot at around 5pm. Then we make a dinner ADR between 8 and 9 pm (usually Via Napoli) and by the time we finish up, it’s almost time for fireworks, so we’re not too tired.

We usually stay at Pop or French Quarter and we’ve had zero issues taking the bus back to our resort, but we don’t rush out after the fireworks. We usually loop around WS one more time and/or sit somewhere and people watch til the crowds are gone.

 

[Wood Nymph]

The boat to/from MK is great, especially when parks are crowded. I wouldn't hesitate to go to MK on NYE for some fun and fireworks.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Love NYE around WDW. My advice, don't let the Internet scare you. Yes it is crowded, but generally speaking park hours are long, the weather is good, and Disney is actually pretty good at handling the massive crowds. Do things get stretched to the max? You bet. But maneuver around whatever you're doing with an open mind, knowing you'll maybe need to zag instead of zig, call an audible, or whatever you may need to do in that moment, and it can great fun.

You may already know this stuff, but MK does their special fireworks 12/30 and 12/31 at 6:30pm and 11:50pm. The 6:30pm shows use the traditional behind the MK launch points, the 11:50pm shows are the "expanded" shows where they launch from additional points in the Seven Seas Lagoon. The angle/view from WL isn't my favorite for fireworks among the MK resorts, but it's not terrible, if you decide to catch any of the shows from there.

A word of caution that sometimes catches people off guard on these special days, for the late show boat service is suspended 45 minutes before and 30 minutes after the late show due to the additional fireworks launch points. Waiting for them to get the clear to start up the boats again after the show (when by that point you just want to be home/in bed) can be a little tough, so opt for the bus if ever in that situation. Or just find something else to do to let things clear out.

All the resorts have a slate of activities for the evening. Usually crafts, games, entertainment, a DJ, often some character appearances. They do tend to slant for the younger crowd, but can still be fun for all ages. Disney doesn't publish any of this, so you have to look around online for people that posted pics of the activities schedule they put up around the resorts that day.

Personally, with your ages I'd be more into heading to Epcot on 12/31 despite your experience many years ago. In recent years as mine have been getting older and more able to hang in that sort of vibe we've been leaning more towards being in the parks than being at the resort, but sometimes we end up making that call on the fly depending on the mood, weather, etc. It can be nice and warm and it can be freezing.

I do agree with a PP to try to make some dinner plans on 12/31 in advance. You'll be happy you have something scheduled. Dining on the fly is possible, but can be more limited.

Sorry a little long. Whatever you do, I'm sure it will be a great family time.

 

[sponica]

I was newly 21 at Epcot NYE forever ago, travelling with some 20 year olds and other 21 year olds. It was a blast, and at that age I would GLADLY do it again.

 

[Keetchino]

We are also going to be at Wilderness Lodge for NYE, our plan is MK on 12/30 for their NYE fireworks and then Epcot for actual NYE. Following also for other resort festivities tips!