My First New Years Eve at WDW

[LizaMarie89]

Hello All!
I'm finally getting to fulfill a bucket list item and I'm spending New Years Eve at WDW with my Big Sister. I know to expect crazy crowds and long wait times but I'm looking for any tips and tricks you may have to offer! We are planning on doing MK the night of the 30th and Epcot on actual New Years Eve. I'm also looking for ideas for a small surprise that I could surprise my Big Sister with - we are doing small Disney surprises during this trip for each other instead of Birthday Presents this year.

The one thing I ask is that there be no negativity posted in this thread about my trip. When I posted an excited status about this trip on Facebook I had some major negativity in response about how stupid we were to plan this trip. It actually broke my heart because, even though the things they were saying were things that I already knew, it felt like they were raining on a happy moment for me...

 

[Master Yoda]

The best advice I can give is get there early and pack a boat load of patience.

I would also reserve a fastpass for fireworks viewing or book a desert party to save yourself a couplel hours of camping out for a viewing spot.

 

[LizaMarie89]

Are there dessert parties for new years in the parks?

 

[Master Yoda]

Are there dessert parties for new years in the parks?

They are technically possible, but not likely as they usually get purchased by private groups. I would start checking for one at 180 days prior to your arrival and stanch it if it shows. They also most likely will not be available at exactly 180 days out so keep checking.

If no desert party is available, lock up fastpass if that is available.

If neither are available, padded shorts would be a good idea as that concrete gets really hard after the first couple of hours.

 

[nickys]

Depending on how you want to spend your day, I would suggest a later start, book FPs for early afternoon, a TS dinner for early evening and then get ready for the evening.

Now I must admit, we didn't go into a park on NYE. DH and the boys went off shopping at the malls, I resort hopped to WL and around Bay Lake, and joined them for dinner in DS. We then came back to BLT and went up to Top of the World.

However I am not one to camp out for fireworks. I realise MK would need that to see the projections, but personally I would consider just finding somewhere else (in Fantasyland maybe) and just focus on the fireworks that night.

Again in Epcot, I would just settle for seeing fireworks, not get too worked up about finding that "perfect" spot to see the globe and all. Just enjoy the parties "around the world", be prepared for jostling and just find somewhere to stop and watch. (Maybe somewhere set back a bit; depending where they let you venture I would head to the waterfall in Canada and watch from up there. As I say, no idea if that is allowed or if those areas are closed off).

Also I would not plan to be driving anywhere on property on NYE, assuming you're staying onsite. And not plan anything for the next day until noon!

 

[Megbutnotmegan]

I’ll be there too!! I cannot wait! We don’t mind a crazy crowd. I had a friend spend New Year’s there this year and she had a blast. She actually said she’d love to do it again some day! So forget all the naysayers, I’m sure it will be a great trip!

 

[Dave B]

Have fun, it will be an incredible experience, soak it in and enjoy the fireworks