Capacity on NYE and dining?

[3kiddos]

We have dining reservations at Chef Mickey’s at 8:30 AM on Dec. 31 (we’re a group of 9 in all).

Our plan is to stay at MK the rest of the day as we also have Bibbidi Bibbidi Boutique reservations at 2 pm.

Are we risking the park reaching capacity already by the time we’re done breakfast at CM’s?

TIA!

 

[disneyworlddad]

I wouldn't think so, the park doesn't open to general until 8AM and you should be there by 10. I'd have to think it would take more than two hours to reach capacity. However you might want to look at a few sights that talk about days like this in particular.

 

[DryerLintFan]

Right now the park is not nearly as crowded as it will be on that day, and at 10:25 am the wait times on the app are 50 min for Buzz Lightyear, 40 min for the Speedway, 120 min for 7DMT, 90 min for Pan, 40 min Jungle Cruise, 60 min Big Thunder Mt, 105 min Splash Mt, 105 Space mt. The shortest lines are Dumbo, tea cups, Under the Sea, the Carrousel, Aladdin's carpets, and somehow Pirates is only 25 minutes.

Since you'll be in the park already, I'm assuming you're asking about the crowds. TP has today at an 8, and Dec 31st is usually the most crowded day at MK all year, so I'd imagine those wait times would only grow.

 

[3kiddos]

Since you'll be in the park already, I'm assuming you're asking about the crowds. TP has today at an 8, and Dec 31st is usually the most crowded day at MK all year, so I'd imagine those wait times would only grow.

No, I know NYE will be crowded. Not asking about wait times or crowds but about whether the park will have already reached capacity (as it typically does NYE) by the time we are done breakfast (likely around 9:30-10 AM).

 

[epcotisbest]

No, I know NYE will be crowded. Not asking about wait times or crowds but about whether the park will have already reached capacity (as it typically does NYE) by the time we are done breakfast (likely around 9:30-10 AM).

Perhaps I am a simpleton, but I think why risk it at all? Chef Mickey's is fun, but it is a place you can go anytime of the year. MK on NYE is only a one day a year thing. Even it there is no problem getting in at 9:30-10a.m., it is already going to be packed and your wait just to get in is going to start a long, crowded day with increased stress levels, no matter how much you may have enjoyed Chef Mickey's.
Personally, we would rather get there before opening, and enjoy being among the first several thousand in instead of sitting at Chef Mickey's while they are all going in.
I don't have 3kiddos, so maybe character dining is much more important to you, but I would do a quick, prepackaged breakfast in the room, get to MK that particular day as early as possible, and do a character breakfast some other time. Yes, it is going to be a long day, but you can pace yourself. Besides, you are not going to get a whole lot done anyway.
Good luck and have fun whatever you decide.

 

[DryerLintFan]

No, I know NYE will be crowded. Not asking about wait times or crowds but about whether the park will have already reached capacity (as it typically does NYE) by the time we are done breakfast (likely around 9:30-10 AM).

Oh, well then you'll be fine. Even at a level 3 closure they'll let you in because you have an in park appointment. They've only had a level four closure once in the past ten years. Not that it cannot happen again. But you should be fine.

https://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/capacity-closures

 

[epcotisbest]

Oh, well then you'll be fine. Even at a level 3 closure they'll let you in because you have an in park appointment. They've only had a level four closure once in the past ten years. Not that it cannot happen again. But you should be fine.

https://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/capacity-closures

Very informative link...should help OP.

 

[DryerLintFan]

Very informative link...should help OP.

I'm with you though. You couldn't pay me to sit with characters while the only hours of the day with reasonable wait times disappear. I'd be so twitchy

 

[epcotisbest]

I'm with you though. You couldn't pay me to sit with characters while the only hours of the day with reasonable wait times disappear. I'd be so twitchy

Yep...sitting there wondering how crowd levels are growing, I just could not enjoy the meal. And I love breakfast. For me it would be difficult to make the most of Chef Mickey's when I could be making the most of MK. On another given day, Chef Mickey's would be a good experience, I think NYE, not so much.

 

[wwmmd]

We were at Disney in 2012 and I remember leaving MK via Monorail on Christmas Eve or Christmas and seeing a huge line of cars on World Dr wanting to get into MK but not allowed because it was at capacity. Talk about a lot of ruined Christmas's.

 

[3kiddos]

Thanks everyone! All the info is indeed very helpful!

 

[righttrack]

We picked Epcot last year for NYE. I heard MK was busier than Epcot in the am. I think you'll be ok as a resort guest with a booking inside the park (unless the dreaded level 4). We went later, 11am but with lunch, dinner and FP+ booked inside of Epcot. Still no one was turned away at 11am. Brace for the crowds, and do your best to get on things early and have FP+ for later.

 

[3kiddos]

Yep! All out FP+ are booked! Phew.