Never been for New Year's. Opinions anyone??

[poohbear6103]

Is it really as bad as I think it will be for New Years's (crowd-wise)? We will be down in the World Dec.29-Jan. 06. I have never been to WDW during this time. We always go in September when crowds are quite low so I guess you can say we got used to not being in crazy long lines. Is it best to avoid the parks because of long lines until after the 1st? Also, since the 1st lands on a Thursday this year, do you think that following Friday, Saturday and Sunday are going to be just as busy? Also, as far as New Year's Eve, I know that Magic Kingdom will be packed, but is it worth it to go for the countdown? I know there are many things that are worth the trouble, but don't know if many consider this to be one of them. I just think it will be cool to say I was on Main Street when 2009 rolled around. I guess our second option is to watch it from the Poly beach. I assume they will have some sort of countdown of there own. But it's not the same as being infront of the castle.

 

[rsoxguy]

I never have, but I would in a heartbeat. I say go early to insure that you get in, and stay all night for the countdown. Best wishes!

 

[njDizFan]

I will be there also from Dec 25th through January 2nd. I have my plans to be in the kingdom on the 30th and 31st. we have ADR's at the crystal palace and magic table. i know it's going to be crazy but I am really excited. it's my daughter's 6th birthday on new years eve so it's going to be a long day for her and all of us. I heard the park closes it's gates by 10 AM and dont expect to leave and come back. so 14-15 hours we plan to spend there on the 31st. definately going to be on main st. for the fireworks. hope we get to go on a few rides, and just relax and enjoy the atmosphere.:xmas:

 

[Lance]

I haven't been on NYE in about 8 years... been twice to the MK for NYE. They closed the gates when MK filled to capacity, but I'm pretty sure they open them once people leave, and the number goes down. But i'm not sure, because we never left!

Yes it is crowded beyond belief, but I never found it to be not fun. And its worth it, because the MK stays open, at least till 2AM, and everyone left after midnight when I was there... and they do give out hats and noisemakers, which can either be a welcomed surprise, or really annoying if they get into the wrong hands...

After jan. 2nd, the crowds should die down.

But again, this was in 99 and 2002, so I'm sure its 10 times worse now on NYE.... sorry...lol...

 

[WVDisneyFan]

A couple of years ago we went to Epcot for NYE. We went early and stayed until around 10:30. The crowds were unbelieveable. We had planned on staying until midnight but just couldn't take the crowds any longer. You could not move, couldn't see anything and the lines to get anything to eat or drink were too long. The noise was incredible (along with all the people who had way too much to drink!)

We went back to Fort Wilderness, made our own hot chocolate and went to the beach to watch the fireworks from Magic Kingdom. There were several others there but the atmosphere at FW beach was great!! No crowds!

We are going back to FW again for Christmas and New Years. We will be spending NYE on the beach at FW and not in the parks.

 

[MissM]

Yes it IS as crowded as you think it will be for NYE. Actually, it's probably MORE crowded then you think. I spent a NYE in MK a few years back. It was officially insane. It took about two hours to park and get to the parks; it took at least a half an hour to get a drink or snack (often more); it took at least 15 minutes to get an empty bathroom stall. You can't get anywhere without being squished, bumped, trod upon and hit by strollers. You can't see or do much because it's just packed. And you need to get there early and stay late making for a long, long day.

But is it work doing? Well, that depends. I'm glad I've done it. I don't know that I'd do it again anytime soon. You really have to be able to just know that you're going to be crowded and waiting and if you can deal with that and not let it get you upset, it can certainly be fun.

Pics: http://www.disney.giveneyestosee.com/nye04/

Hope that helps!

 

[Susan Savia]

If you like feeling like a sardine, well then you will have a wonderful time!
Personally, I don't like it so crowded that you stand in line for security, the bathroom, for food, for rides, to see characters, etc. :hammer:And the strollers and electric wheelchairs banging into the back of your feet...
Oh Joy... If you do decide to go, go early and stay to closing... have fun...

 

[disney4life2008]

I am going to the Magic Kingdom on the 2nd and Hollywood Studios on the 3rd. I think the crowds should die down after the 1st but schools do not start back until the 5th.. so it may be crowded up through then.

 

[majorrfb]

NYE at the World

Very exciting time BUT whichever Park you go to, get there EARLY and plan to spend the entire day. Not advisable to park hop. The Kingdom has closed its gates (not to property guest) but usually open its gates as people leave. TRY to relax and go with the flow, so to speak. Enjoy super parades and out of this world fireworks. Epcot has a holiday special Illuminations and the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom are very special too.:xmas::sohappy:

 

[popsicletrees]

I have never been to WDW on NYE, but we have started several vacations there on January 1 or 2. I LOVE going to Disney at this time. The Christmas decorations are up, and after the 2nd or 3rd the crowds drastically reduce. Since you are staying until the 6th, I'm sure you will notice this and be able to really enjoy your time there, even in your first few days are crowded. I've read several times that the time between Christmas and New Year's is the most crowded, but at least the weather will be beautiful.

 

[coasterphil]

This past year the parks were still packed for several days after NYE. Don't count on crowds dropping off too much after Jan 1.

 

[drp4video]

We have gone to MGM...oops, Disney Hollywood Studios, several times on the 31st. I like it because it is crowded but doesn't seem as bad as other people describe Epcot or MK. At Studios people are spread out doing fantasmic, the Osbourn lights, or listening to bands in the center by Mickey's hat. We had a lot of fun and while it was crowded, I never felt like a sardine there. Plus the do have fireworks...I can't compare it to the other parks, as this is the only park I go to on NYE. We make our dining reservations early because otherwise they get backed up and you end up eating very late.

And I agree that noise makers and hats can fall into the wrong hands...we were at fantasmic waiting for the show to start, and who in their right mind gives noise makers to anyone under the age of 12 :lol:

No matter what park you go to it is very crowded during the holidays, especially the week between Christmas and until right after New Years. We went last year and while it is a fun time, we have done it enough. The crowds really got to us last year, so it will be a while before we consider going back during the holidays again. But I know come December, I will miss it and probably kick myself for not going. We are going to visit all my family in Arizona instead.

Have a great time!

 

[Yanks07]

Long lines but so worth it!!

 

[crazydaveh]

Like others have said, NYE is INSANE! It's crazy. If I were the one thinking of going, I wouldn't. The only reason, the crowds. I remember it taking about 45 minutes to cross the bridge from the castle into Tomorrow Land.

There was also an hour wait to get on the monorail or bus back to the TTC.

If you're going only for the fireworks, watch from the resorts, it's easier this way!

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

We're doing our first WDW Christmas this year as well. We are fully prepared for total crowd chaos but this is not going to dter us or spoil our plans. Let's face it - you don't go to WDW over New Year and not go into the parks to celebrate its arrival.