EPCOT Explorer
New Member
Aw, shame. I do love the fact that they were actually using the lighting, though.
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NYE at Epcot
- Thread starter dezinerbug51
- Start date
Aw, shame. I do love the fact that they were actually using the lighting, though.
cdunbar
Active Member
WOW, that's just crazy!
EPCOT Explorer
New Member
SMRT-1
Active Member
And MK?
Did we break records?!
no, but i think you did for number of posts today. :lol:
WDW1974
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by raven
At 10PM the guest count at Epcot was 83,000. I'll hear the final count when I get to work tonight.
83K is no record for EPCOT, but it IS very crowded.
I had friend that started at EPCOT yesterday and left because there were too many people. They were going to head to Studios, but were told by CM friends that they were also packed and advised to head to MK.
They did and surprisingly said it was ... magical. They said it was very crowded, but also manageble ... like a 'typical Saturday night' but not NYE.
I'm wondering if after all the years of hearing horror stories at MK and EPCOT having a much easier time with large crowds, people are starting to overcrowd the biggest park open.
Originally Posted by raven
At 10PM the guest count at Epcot was 83,000. I'll hear the final count when I get to work tonight.
And MK?
Did we break records?!
83K is no record for EPCOT, but it IS very crowded.
I had friend that started at EPCOT yesterday and left because there were too many people. They were going to head to Studios, but were told by CM friends that they were also packed and advised to head to MK.
They did and surprisingly said it was ... magical. They said it was very crowded, but also manageble ... like a 'typical Saturday night' but not NYE.
I'm wondering if after all the years of hearing horror stories at MK and EPCOT having a much easier time with large crowds, people are starting to overcrowd the biggest park open.
Zummi Gummi
Pioneering the Universe Within!
Out of sheer curiosity, is the record crowd for Epcot the Millennium Celebration (NYE 1999-2000)? What is the record for that park?
Hey, I just wanna weigh in. I was at EPCOT this year for New Year's Eve. I was able to see the fireworks two years ago but due to my late arrival to the lagoon, I didn't even attempt to travel to the countries.
This year though I was destined to have a great time at EPCOT. As a CM and taking rides for granted, I knew I was going just for the NYE festivities and not any rides. I did walk around though and checked out some wait times...Test Track was around two hours, Soarin three, Living with the Land 50, yeah, the rides were scary looking haha. But I knew it was going to be insanely crowded and under the firm belief that "it's what YOU make of it and decide how to handle it," I knew the crowds were there to party and have fun, so I wasn't bothered at all by the masses.
This year I arrived at EPCOT around 5:30pm, and was directed to one of the closer lots (I'm sorry, I don't remember the names of each lot). It was the first lot on the right side if you look at SSE from the parking lot. I'd say 8 or 9 rows in...they were beginning to recycle and using empty spaces from cars that had left earlier in the day. Visually, though, the parking lot looked very very crowded, and they were even cars parallel-parked in the traffic lane closer to the tram lanes. Never seen anything like that before.
I stopped in the Land pavilion to get a beer at Sunshine Seasons (the first of many) and just scope out what was going on. I left the building using the backstage exit they had open by the Soarin' lobby. I then headed over to the east side to see what was going on, and picked up my NYE hat (which I ended up losing somehow) at Wonders of Life. It was about 6:30 at this point, and I decided to start my way to World Showcase.
The cast should be commended for their ability to control the crowds, and also in a professional manner. In situations like New Year's Eve it's easy to lose focus of courtesy and respect among the thousands, but at no time did I see ANY cast member treat a guest badly, and it was good to see.
I went the long way in a quest to my final destination of China. They had two-way traffic set up on the bridge leading to France. Once I got to Morocco I wanted more beer, so I waited a good 20 minutes in line. I utilized the two drinks per ID rule here and stocked up. Slowly walked to Japan to grab a spot on a curb, take a break and drink up. Made a couple phone calls (it WAS difficult...I was unable to text a good part of the night, which is fine) and continued on. Walked by America Gardens Theater, where they were setting up for DJ Indio and the Latin party...looked interesting, but not what I wanted to spend time doing. I finaly got to Italy and stopped there for the first showing of Illuminations. I ran into a few friends of mine and we all watched together. Flawless performance of the main show and the last Peace on Earth tag of the year
Then the party began. I heard the bass coming from the courtyard in Italy and ran over. This and China were the main reasons I came. DJ Mark Sanchez took the stage, the lasers turned on, and he cranked out some awesome dance music. I then saw the fireballs from China and headed over there. DJ Dominic Morrison (the old Sunday-Wednesday DJ from Mannequins) was spinning in China and he did not disappoint. The lighting, pyro, music, crowds, and energy were all amazing, and I felt like I was at PI again, minus the spinning dance floor.
It seemed early, and I don't know where most of the night went, but finally 11:40 rolled around. I decided to make a beeline for Japan, as it's a big open space and I figured I could stand back and watch without crowding, and I was right. I had PLENTY of elbow room and an excellent view of everything. I wasn't in the line of sight for Italy, France, or Morocco's rooftop fireworks but I saw everything else just fine. Another flawless Illuminations presentation, and an absolutely incredible grand finale.
Yes it was crowded, packed, and extremely tight at times. But it truly is what you make of it. If you come in with the expectations of having a crummy time and fighting masses, then you're going to have an awful night. I went in knowing it was going to be jam-packed and I was determined to have an awesome time, and I could not have asked for anything better. The best New Year I've ever had....
This year though I was destined to have a great time at EPCOT. As a CM and taking rides for granted, I knew I was going just for the NYE festivities and not any rides. I did walk around though and checked out some wait times...Test Track was around two hours, Soarin three, Living with the Land 50, yeah, the rides were scary looking haha. But I knew it was going to be insanely crowded and under the firm belief that "it's what YOU make of it and decide how to handle it," I knew the crowds were there to party and have fun, so I wasn't bothered at all by the masses.
This year I arrived at EPCOT around 5:30pm, and was directed to one of the closer lots (I'm sorry, I don't remember the names of each lot). It was the first lot on the right side if you look at SSE from the parking lot. I'd say 8 or 9 rows in...they were beginning to recycle and using empty spaces from cars that had left earlier in the day. Visually, though, the parking lot looked very very crowded, and they were even cars parallel-parked in the traffic lane closer to the tram lanes. Never seen anything like that before.
I stopped in the Land pavilion to get a beer at Sunshine Seasons (the first of many) and just scope out what was going on. I left the building using the backstage exit they had open by the Soarin' lobby. I then headed over to the east side to see what was going on, and picked up my NYE hat (which I ended up losing somehow) at Wonders of Life. It was about 6:30 at this point, and I decided to start my way to World Showcase.
The cast should be commended for their ability to control the crowds, and also in a professional manner. In situations like New Year's Eve it's easy to lose focus of courtesy and respect among the thousands, but at no time did I see ANY cast member treat a guest badly, and it was good to see.
I went the long way in a quest to my final destination of China. They had two-way traffic set up on the bridge leading to France. Once I got to Morocco I wanted more beer, so I waited a good 20 minutes in line. I utilized the two drinks per ID rule here and stocked up. Slowly walked to Japan to grab a spot on a curb, take a break and drink up. Made a couple phone calls (it WAS difficult...I was unable to text a good part of the night, which is fine) and continued on. Walked by America Gardens Theater, where they were setting up for DJ Indio and the Latin party...looked interesting, but not what I wanted to spend time doing. I finaly got to Italy and stopped there for the first showing of Illuminations. I ran into a few friends of mine and we all watched together. Flawless performance of the main show and the last Peace on Earth tag of the year
Then the party began. I heard the bass coming from the courtyard in Italy and ran over. This and China were the main reasons I came. DJ Mark Sanchez took the stage, the lasers turned on, and he cranked out some awesome dance music. I then saw the fireballs from China and headed over there. DJ Dominic Morrison (the old Sunday-Wednesday DJ from Mannequins) was spinning in China and he did not disappoint. The lighting, pyro, music, crowds, and energy were all amazing, and I felt like I was at PI again, minus the spinning dance floor.
It seemed early, and I don't know where most of the night went, but finally 11:40 rolled around. I decided to make a beeline for Japan, as it's a big open space and I figured I could stand back and watch without crowding, and I was right. I had PLENTY of elbow room and an excellent view of everything. I wasn't in the line of sight for Italy, France, or Morocco's rooftop fireworks but I saw everything else just fine. Another flawless Illuminations presentation, and an absolutely incredible grand finale.
Yes it was crowded, packed, and extremely tight at times. But it truly is what you make of it. If you come in with the expectations of having a crummy time and fighting masses, then you're going to have an awful night. I went in knowing it was going to be jam-packed and I was determined to have an awesome time, and I could not have asked for anything better. The best New Year I've ever had....
raven
Well-Known Member
86,000 is the record for Epcot. Final count this year was 83,000.
Figment82
Well-Known Member
The record for Epcot was not the Millennium NYE, contrary to what you might think, it was later on, 2003 I think. They decided just to let in anyone and everyone who wanted to come in, and the park hit its record attendance level.
I was not there, but I shudder to think about how crowded it must have been!
devoy1701
Well-Known Member
Epcot was definitely crowded NYE, but I was expecting it to be alot more crowded based on the kinds of comments I had read on here, I thought walking around the park was pretty managable. It took us 5 minutes to get in the turnstyles, 10 minutes to get our meal at Electric Umbrella, found a table outside right away too. My GF and I hung out by the place we watched the fireworks from for about 15 minutes afre the NYE show and took pictures for all of the couples and groups that wanted shots of the whole group. But I was suprised on how quickly the World Showcase emptied after the show. By 12:30 you could EASILY walk around the World Showcase. Had a 5 min wait for champaign, 5 minute wait for some Ice Cream. Even leaving the parks we were able to get on the VERY First bus that pulled up for Coronado while we were waiting and it only took us about 20 minutes to get to the hotel.
A couple notes, the World Showplace bathrooms are indeed VERY VERY Big!!!!!
The Hollywood Studios firework show looked GREAT from the World Showcase Lagoon! Pretty Long too!!
And I don't care how many people are in your group, if you're visiting from another country, or if you have small kids in your group. I am not going to yield my front row spot for IllumiNations that I sat for 5 hours waiting for because you didn't plan ahead. I'm sorry if that comes off as rude.
I wish my knowledge of Spanish helped me communicate that that to Portugese speaking Brazilian groups. :lookaroun
All in all, Epcot on NYE was an experiece! Glad we had a room on property after reading that it took 2 hrs to get to I-4! I don't know if I would go again...maybe if we had a larger group and was not set on watching the fireworks from a prime spot! Some of those dance clubs looked pretty cool even though more people were just standing than were dancing.
Oh yeah! Kudos to the CMs who were dancing on the Fountain of Nations stage with their LED wands! :sohappy:
A couple notes, the World Showplace bathrooms are indeed VERY VERY Big!!!!!
The Hollywood Studios firework show looked GREAT from the World Showcase Lagoon! Pretty Long too!!
And I don't care how many people are in your group, if you're visiting from another country, or if you have small kids in your group. I am not going to yield my front row spot for IllumiNations that I sat for 5 hours waiting for because you didn't plan ahead. I'm sorry if that comes off as rude.
I wish my knowledge of Spanish helped me communicate that that to Portugese speaking Brazilian groups. :lookaroun
All in all, Epcot on NYE was an experiece! Glad we had a room on property after reading that it took 2 hrs to get to I-4! I don't know if I would go again...maybe if we had a larger group and was not set on watching the fireworks from a prime spot! Some of those dance clubs looked pretty cool even though more people were just standing than were dancing.
Oh yeah! Kudos to the CMs who were dancing on the Fountain of Nations stage with their LED wands! :sohappy:
devoy1701
Well-Known Member
That description of the finale to the NYE show was a bit of an understatement.
just a bit...
I have never seen that many fireworks exploding in one place at one time.
to say the least...
bugsbunny
Well-Known Member
:sohappy: <---- applause!!
I can't tell you how many time I've had that happen to me. One time while sitting for a parade with my forehead just about touching the ropes, I had someone actually try to pass their kid over my shoulders! And of course, they didn't speak English. But the ones that do speak English that do this, they are just ignorant jerks. And yes you can paint me as rude too, but its what they are. Yes, I'd love for your kid to experience the magic, but you know what...so does my kid and that is why I WAITED all this time at this spot!
PhilharMagician
Well-Known Member
I would love to be there at least once for NYE.
What were the numbers for MK? What is the record for MK?
That`s what elbows are for.
Did I really say that??
Last one I know of - NYE 1980 - was 93,000.
PhilharMagician
Well-Known Member
Those are the exact words that I said to my wife and daughter as we were leaving. Also that was my Facebook status.
I, too, was surprised at what we were able to do given my fear of the crowds. In at opening and did TT, got Fastpasses, did M:S, did S:E, had breakfast, did both boat rides, three KP adventures. Then sat at R+C all afternoon with trips out to do FPs and cramming into the R+C viewing area after dinner. We'll be ready to do it again in another 5 years!!
lilredfoxie
New Member
so wheres the photos of World Showplace?
Matpez
Well-Known Member
I'm not sure I understand? It has been open many times before this. I have been in there at least 3 times in the past year for events. If I knew there was this much desire for photos inside there, I would have taken more. It is rather empty, except whatever they put up for special events.