Last Minute New Year's Trip- How Crazy Will it Be/ Tips?

[admiral-ari-x]

Hi everyone- it's been about a million years since I've posted on these forums- college has been busy but very rewarding, and I am so glad to be back! As for the reason I am back- just yesterday, I found out I will be taking a trip to Orlando with my marching band, which is so exciting and awesome! However, as someone who's done a lot of vacationing in the past, I know the holidays are the busiest time of year at WDW (especially MK!). I'm pretty sure we are getting a day pass at MK on either the 30th or the 31st, and since I've never planned or gone during Christmas/ New Years, I just want to know how crazy the wait times will be! Also, are there any holiday season traditions you have at Disney that I should check out while I'm there? Thank you all so much in advance!

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

Just know that single day offsite guests are the first to be denied entry during phased closing especially at MK as its the smallest cpacity.
If you want to go you'll want to arrive WELL BEFORE scheduled park opening.
And be prepared for wall to wall people. Its like waiting in a line just to walk from point A to point B in the park.
Also don't expect to get much done.
I really don't have any holiday/NYE Disney traditions. Is just surviving a tradition lol.

 

[Disstevefan1]

Just know that single day offsite guests are the first to be denied entry during phased closing especially at MK as its the smallest cpacity.
If you want to go you'll want to arrive WELL BEFORE scheduled park opening.
And be prepared for wall to wall people. Its like waiting in a line just to walk from point A to point B in the park.
Also don't expect to get much done.
I really don't have any holiday/NYE Disney traditions. Is just surviving a tradition lol.

Exactly stated by Queen of the WDW Screne. On NYE, you must get there as early as possible to even get in and be willing to simply camp out someplace until the fireworks. Moving and doing stuff will be nearly impossible, just find a spot and sit and wait.

We tried one NYE at EPCOT, and there was almost physical altercations, only the possibility of being banned for life from WDW stopped me from talking actions.

Happy New Year at WDW......

 

[JIMINYCR]

Every year people post photos of what its like in MK and its always the same... wal to wall, shoulder to shoulder people. Very difficult to get anything done. Expect lines to be exceptionally long for anything. Theres really no big tips that will save you from the pandemonium. Get in early, expect to accomplish less than you did on previous trips, have patience and when entering the park ... go immediately into crowd survival mode.

 

[admiral-ari-x]

Thanks everyone for the honesty! I'm a little scared of these crazy crowd levels, but I'm mostly just excited to share some fun with my friends no matter what. Additionally, I should clarify that we will be performing in the park whatever day we go, so at the very least, I know we won't be kicked out which makes me feel a lot better. One additional question- does attendance thin out later in the evening around the Christmas season, or does it stay as crowded as ever?

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

Thanks everyone for the honesty! I'm a little scared of these crazy crowd levels, but I'm mostly just excited to share some fun with my friends no matter what. Additionally, I should clarify that we will be performing in the park whatever day we go, so at the very least, I know we won't be kicked out which makes me feel a lot better. One additional question- does attendance thin out later in the evening around the Christmas season, or does it stay as crowded as ever?

I'm a little confused. If you are performing wouldnt the date already be nailed down?
And no the park will not thin out.

 

[admiral-ari-x]

I'm a little confused. If you are performing wouldnt the date already be nailed down?
And no the park will not thin out.

Because of the unique nature of getting assigned to a bowl game (we just found out we were going on Sunday), our travel plans are still being ironed out as someone who's used to planning months in advance, it's a bit stressful! I'll know for sure this Friday our cement date!

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

I ended up going during "chaos week" last year. Don't know why. Seemed like a good idea at the time. One thing I enjoyed was - parking myself at the Tambu Lounge with a Lapu Lapu and watching everyone stumble back into the resort from their day at the park.

Looked like they'd been in a war. You could sense a lot of people were on their very last nerve. It was a great people watching experience though.

As long as you pace yourself and have the proper expectations....you should be fine. Yes. It's crowded. But if you have a plan it might alleviate some of the hassle and stress. EPCOT is a great option because the holidays are still going on, and you can walk around WS at your own pace.

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

View attachment 431817

......and that's the line for the Tiki Room.