New Years Eve 2016!

[AMusicLifeForMe]

My Dad and I will be traveling to Walt Disney World for New Years Eve this year. Knowing me and being the big planner that I am (I have two trips to Walt Disney World before this trip, and I have everything already planned out and written on paper), I am looking at some tips for Walt Disney World on New Years Eve. I am really debating either going to the Magic Kingdom or Epcot on New Years Eve. That is due to us being at the Poly and having easy transportation back to our hotel by the monorail (hopefully). I've watched many videos of each firework show on youtube, and I can't figure out which is the better experience based on videos. My family loves being at Epcot on the 4th of July and seeing the fireworks just erupt at the finale. An idea that I'm playing with right now is going to Epcot on the 30th (knowing they don't do their firework show on the 30th like the Magic Kingdom) and then going to the Poly (where we are staying) that night to see the New Years Eve show at the MK from the Poly. We would then go to the MK on New Years Eve.

I am just wondering what is the better experience? How long do you normally wait for a good spot to see the midnight fireworks at each park? Where would you sit? What recommendations would you have for this day? I appreciate any advice that you can share.

 

[Robo]

You might have a difficult time getting back from the Epcot show (10:30) to the Poly in time for the MK show at 11:48PM.

I would say to definitely walk from the TTC to the Poly (or just stay at TTC for the MK fireworks.)

 

[jimim]

epcot sucked!

we HAD to get a spot 3 hrs early. sucked. we were second row back from our spot and ended up being buried in like 9 deep at least. we were stuck there. no way of leaving. and only reason we sat 3 hrs early was cause you literally coudn't walk. not making this up or a stretch at all. could not walk. it was the first time i ever saw a park stressed. the plan was to go to epcot for the day and then head out, bath, dress, dinner at yatchsman as usual, and then back into park. that didn't happen. ended up stuck in park, called the manager to see if we could come in to eat as early as possible cause the park was closing down, headed out of park wicked quick. . . ate all sweaty. . . dinner was awesome. headed back in couldn't walk. did a few loops and then sat.

this was all pre kids. would we ever do it again. heck no. if we had kids would we have done it diff. ya would have left epcot. went back as planned and relaxed and then went for dinner and if we couldn't get into a park we would have just went over to a hotel around MK and hung out to watch MK fireworks.

MK we also did and liked it. again pre kids. nut house but expected. Epcot was just not fun. it wasn't tht good either. same illuminations except for the huge barge at the end which shook the ground, which was cool, but not worth the day and all the sitting to wait.

now the one year we did the party at narcoossee's. years ago. they started it the year the california grills party went up to the crazy price. so we did that one. good time. like 10 courses of food with a band and all drinks. we went on the dock for fireworks and then went back in and finished off the night. that was a good time. when i think about it all those years ago it was cheap for todays disney standards. 300 for the 2 of us. and the food was top notch. drinks were anything you could ask for. the bartender knew what i liked by that night cause we used to go to the bar each night after the parks to drink and have dessert.

ah those were the disney days with no kids and when things were so laid back. lol not that they aren't good now with kids. lol just totally different.

if it's just the 2 of you find a place with a great to eat and chill somewhere and watch the fireworks from there.

again the 3 times we did this was 6 plus years ago so things might be totally different now.

 

[MomTo3PrincessesInNJ]

We did Epcot for New Year's Eve this past New Years. LOVED IT! We started the day in Magic Kingdom around 10am and used our 3 fast passes there, had lunch in the park, and then went back to our Resort. Even though the park had reached a phase 1 closure we didn't think it was that bad, we were able to walk around easily and get to the rides that we had already reserved and we even had a short wait for lunch at Pinocchio's Village Haus (which was GROSS, for the record). After that we had dinner at 6 o'clock at Trail's End in Fort Wilderness just because we really like that restaurant. After that we took the boat over to the Contemporary and then the monorail into Epcot. We didn't even get to Epcot until maybe 8 o'clock and the world showcase wasn't that busy. There were already people set up around the Lagoon for Illuminations, which I thought was crazy. I mean I guess they wanted to see Illuminations, but we weren't going to waste all of our New Year's Eve sitting on the grass. We didn't go to the lagoon until right before the fireworks and everyone just pushed to the front anyway.

I have to say the World Showcase on New Year's Eve was fantastic! Every few countries there was a party, lots of music. My husband has been to Times Square said it was even better than that! There were so many people, but everyone was having a really good time. I wouldn't go there with my children just because I wouldn't be able to really enjoy myself-- it's definitely a more adult environment than the other parks. There was a decent amount of people who were dressed like they were going to a club, however my husband and I were in a regular park clothes . There was alcohol flowing everywhere and this is the first time at Disney I've ever seen really really drunk people stumbling around (no fights or anything) and I've been to food and wine for 4 years in a row.

To my recollection Epcot never experienced any kind of the phased closure.

We went to MK on NYE-E to see the fireworks there. I'm not someone who will sit & wait for a "good spot" to watch fireworks, so I sucked it up and purchased the Dessert Party for my family. The desserts were kind of "meh" but it was worth the money to have a seat and a pretty decent view of the fireworks with no standing around -- Note: I've been reading that Disney has changed how they seat for fireworks parties, and you may have to wait in line to be guaranteed a good seat. You'll have to do more research if you chose this option.

 

[Robo]

We did Epcot for New Year's Eve this past New Years. LOVED IT!
To my recollection Epcot never experienced any kind of the phased closure.

Epcot does not experience phased closures.

The only time that it has was on NYE in 1999 into 2000.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Do you have a MK view from your Poly room? I would be tempted to sit on the balcony and watch it from there then avoid the crowds! Get yourself your own dessert party going on!

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

Do you have a MK view from your Poly room? I would be tempted to sit on the balcony and watch it from there then avoid the crowds! Get yourself your own dessert party going on!

We do not. We didn't have enough points (DVC Members) for a lake room at the time of booking. We literally borrowed for 2 more years after this to experience Christmas Eve-New Years Day. We just have a standard, but I thought of on the 30th walking to the grass area where I believe they pipe in the music and watch it from there. Trust me, I really wanted a lake view.

You might have a difficult time getting back from the Epcot show (10:30) to the Poly in time for the MK show at 11:48PM.

I wasn't necessarily planning on seeing Illuminations on the 30th. I was thinking of leaving Epcot early, going and enjoying our Resort since this will only be the 2nd time staying at a Deluxe Resort for my family (Staying at the Grand over 4th of July this year. So excited for that!). I'm thinking of just enjoying the fireworks from the grass area where they normally pipe the music. At least that's what I can tell from movies on Youtube.

We did Epcot for New Year's Eve this past New Years. LOVED IT! We started the day in Magic Kingdom around 10am and used our 3 fast passes there, had lunch in the park, and then went back to our Resort. Even though the park had reached a phase 1 closure we didn't think it was that bad, we were able to walk around easily and get to the rides that we had already reserved and we even had a short wait for lunch at Pinocchio's Village Haus (which was GROSS, for the record). After that we had dinner at 6 o'clock at Trail's End in Fort Wilderness just because we really like that restaurant. After that we took the boat over to the Contemporary and then the monorail into Epcot. We didn't even get to Epcot until maybe 8 o'clock and the world showcase wasn't that busy. There were already people set up around the Lagoon for Illuminations, which I thought was crazy. I mean I guess they wanted to see Illuminations, but we weren't going to waste all of our New Year's Eve sitting on the grass. We didn't go to the lagoon until right before the fireworks and everyone just pushed to the front anyway.

I have to say the World Showcase on New Year's Eve was fantastic! Every few countries there was a party, lots of music. My husband has been to Times Square said it was even better than that! There were so many people, but everyone was having a really good time. I wouldn't go there with my children just because I wouldn't be able to really enjoy myself-- it's definitely a more adult environment than the other parks. There was a decent amount of people who were dressed like they were going to a club, however my husband and I were in a regular park clothes . There was alcohol flowing everywhere and this is the first time at Disney I've ever seen really really drunk people stumbling around (no fights or anything) and I've been to food and wine for 4 years in a row.

So, if I wanted to go to another park on the 31st, I should be perfectly able to do so if i want to go to Epcot? Which phase is the one where outside people can't come in, but resort guests can?

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Good idea to go to the grass area. I hear you on the points. Are are DVC members too. They really stack up at holiday times. We came at Christmas. Stayed at VWL. Delightful. Haven't stayed at the Poly yet. We own at the VGF in addition to SSR. But at VGF we don't get a lake view. Too many points usually like you say!

But we were lucky enough to be able to see the fireworks anyway from our balcony!

 

[CAS239]

We did Disney for New Years this past New Years and it was great.

I STRONGLY recommend doing MK on the 30th to see their New Years fireworks, and then doing Epcot for New Year's Eve. IMO the fireworks at Epcot were far superior and the atmosphere was a lot of fun. Tons of stands serving special drinks, dance parties with DJ's in about 3 countries..it was all great.

We watched from Morocco and got a great spot along a wall to lean on about 45 min-1 hour ahead of midnight.

Also, getting to and from MK on New Years will be a nightmare. We went to Epcot around 9am and the traffic to MK was already backed up a good mile from the gate entrance. Getting on the monorail back to your resort won't be much better. Epcot was super easy to get in. While all these people were waiting for MK to get in we leisurely went through the main entrance of Epcot like any other day, parked, and went inside without any wait.

We plan on being back there this year for New Years and we'll be doing the same thing...MK on the 30th and Epcot on New Years. If you know the tip that MK does their NYE show on the 30th, I don't see any reason not to go there then so you get to see both.

Also be sure to book fast passes in the afternoon when ride waits will be long. At Epcot it wasn't until about noon until the crowds picked up. We did Living with the Land in the morning with hardly a wait, and by 3-4 pm it was a 50 min wait

 

[CAS239]

So, if I wanted to go to another park on the 31st, I should be perfectly able to do so if i want to go to Epcot? Which phase is the one where outside people can't come in, but resort guests can?

First closure stops single ticket holders from getting in. Resort guests and AP holders get in during any closure except a full closure where no one is allowed in. Which that is very rare for any park during anytime and has only happened a couple times

 

[JimmyV]

epcot sucked!

We did Epcot for New Year's Eve this past New Years. LOVED IT!

I love this board. It is so much a microcosm of the whole world in general!

 

[VictoriaT]

We did MK December 30, 2013 and Epcot December 31. Our family of 5 had the most amazing time, and cannot wait to go back! We did go to Epcot all day, we had DD 16, DS 13, and DS 11, who were troopers. As you are staying at the Poly, the monorail is a benefit for you. As long as your father has no problem staying up late two nights, being able to see both sets of the fireworks is an experience!

 

[ckmiles]

We will be going to NYE at Disney for the first time this year. Our plan is to see the Fireworks at MK on 12/30 and then Epcot on NYE. We are doing a split stay 3 days at FQ then moving to BW for 12/30 and 12/31. I figured the extra cost of staying at BW would be worth it to be able to 'walk home' after the fireworks on NYE.

 

[csjordan]

We did Disney for New Years this past New Years and it was great.

I STRONGLY recommend doing MK on the 30th to see their New Years fireworks, and then doing Epcot for New Year's Eve. IMO the fireworks at Epcot were far superior and the atmosphere was a lot of fun. Tons of stands serving special drinks, dance parties with DJ's in about 3 countries..it was all great.

We watched from Morocco and got a great spot along a wall to lean on about 45 min-1 hour ahead of midnight.

Also, getting to and from MK on New Years will be a nightmare. We went to Epcot around 9am and the traffic to MK was already backed up a good mile from the gate entrance. Getting on the monorail back to your resort won't be much better. Epcot was super easy to get in. While all these people were waiting for MK to get in we leisurely went through the main entrance of Epcot like any other day, parked, and went inside without any wait.

We plan on being back there this year for New Years and we'll be doing the same thing...MK on the 30th and Epcot on New Years. If you know the tip that MK does their NYE show on the 30th, I don't see any reason not to go there then so you get to see both.

Also be sure to book fast passes in the afternoon when ride waits will be long. At Epcot it wasn't until about noon until the crowds picked up. We did Living with the Land in the morning with hardly a wait, and by 3-4 pm it was a 50 min wait

This is what we did on NYE too! MK on 30th and Epcot on 31st! The traffic going to MK on morning of 31st was AWFUL! Leaving Epcot after the fireworks took a while. We took a bus back to Sports. The wait to get on the bus wasn't too bad, but it took about an hour to get back to the resort after we got on the bus, due to all leaving the parks. At Epcot, AoA's back log of people to get on the bus was LONG! I noticed that the OKW bus was not bad at all! We are going back and doing the same thing this year, but will be staying at GF on NYE, so it will be the monorail for us!

 

[soniam]

Not trying to co-opt the thread, but does Epcot do any special events on NYE, other than fireworks? Are there special parties, dessert parties, reserved areas, etc.? I guess MK only has the normal dessert party. But what's NYE without champagne I am contemplating a NYE 2016 trip too. I don't know if DH will like the crowds on NYE. He will be fine with the normal holiday crowds, since we have been at Spring Break. So, I was thinking of an ADR, maybe even California Grill. Yes, I know it's completely insane, but you only live once

 

[VictoriaT]

It is a huge party, with three or four different dance areas, celebrating New Year's in each country's time zone, and p!enty of beverage vendors. It is crowded, but not insanely. We let our kids stay dancing at one area, wandered around, and did not have any trouble finding them later. Good communication helps!

 

[CAS239]

Not trying to co-opt the thread, but does Epcot do any special events on NYE, other than fireworks? Are there special parties, dessert parties, reserved areas, etc.? I guess MK only has the normal dessert party. But what's NYE without champagne I am contemplating a NYE 2016 trip too. I don't know if DH will like the crowds on NYE. He will be fine with the normal holiday crowds, since we have been at Spring Break. So, I was thinking of an ADR, maybe even California Grill. Yes, I know it's completely insane, but you only live once

Of course Epcot does a lot more than just the midnight fireworks.

They shoot off special fireworks at around 6/6:30pm, there was dance parties in multiple countries with DJ's. China had a dance party with a DJ playing like top 40 hits, Italy had a dance party with a bunch of lights and lasers set to techno/house music, and Japan had a DJ with a dance party that you could only hear in a roped off area while wearing headphones. It was called like silent dance party or something. Was interesting seeing everyone dancing like they were in a club and everyone without headphones had no clue what they were listening to.

Also a bunch of special vendors out selling speciality drinks as well as champagne and beer. Might I add one stand over in Morocco had beer for $5, which was the cheapest I've ever seen on Disney property.

Also handed out free NYE tophats and whistles

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

Thanks everyone who have posted so far! Has anyone experienced the Magic Kingdom on New Years Eve? I have gotten a lot of advice and a lot of recommendation for going to Epcot, but I want to hear some advice about the Magic Kingdom. Thanks!

 

[Kaarup]

My vote for MK on Dec 30, Epcot on Dec 31. In Epcot they do fireworks from each of the countries, too. It's a longer show. We stood near Germany, back by the Snow White M & G area and could also see the fireworks at MK in the distance. They finished before Epcot fireworks. MK fireworks... my son said " WOW!! Daylight!!!" at the finale. Both are very cool shows!

 

[Keels]

Not trying to co-opt the thread, but does Epcot do any special events on NYE, other than fireworks? Are there special parties, dessert parties, reserved areas, etc.? I guess MK only has the normal dessert party. But what's NYE without champagne I am contemplating a NYE 2016 trip too. I don't know if DH will like the crowds on NYE. He will be fine with the normal holiday crowds, since we have been at Spring Break. So, I was thinking of an ADR, maybe even California Grill. Yes, I know it's completely insane, but you only live once

There were a couple of special dining events this past NYE - one was a buffet at the place that completely slips my mind (EDIT: Odyssey Center!). Can't remember what it was.

Monsieur Paul and La Cellier do special prix-fixe menus, and then the only way to get into La Hacienda San Miguel is to book the five-course dining event that includes margaritas and a table to view the fireworks.

Atlantic Dance also does a party and they say it includes fireworks viewing, but I'm not sure how they do that.

Personally, I find NYE at EPCOT to be one of the most electric experiences at Disney AND for the holidays. If I'm in Orlando for NYE, I'm going to be at EPCOT.

FP+ has REALLY helped the enjoyment of NYE for me - I make three ADRs (lunch at Biergarten, late lunch/happy hour at Spice Road and then a late, late dinner at Chefs de France) - and then fill in with FP+s between those. We're guaranteed places to sit, things to do and we spend the rest of the time wandering between the specialty bar setups around the World Showcase.