Tips for NYE/21st birthday in Disney?

[philippajo27]

I’m celebrating my 21st birthday on NYE in Disney! I’m excited but also nervous since I know NYE at Disney is going to be crazy in general.
Anyone have any tips on going to Disney on NYE/fun things to do on 21st birthday?
Also, my birthday is on January 1st. Will I be allowed to drink after midnight on December 31st? One of my friends said they didn’t know if I would be able to, since apparently Disney is strict. But I don’t see why I wouldn’t be allowed to drink once it’s passed midnight on NYE and it’s officially January 1st. Anyone have any experience with this?

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

Pack your patience.
I don't really have tips for "fun" things since first Disney World in general should be fun plus if you mean something extra like suggestions for restaurants its a bit late to be making dining reservations for what is literally the most crowded day of the entire year.
Once you're 21 you're 21.
Bring your ID. You won't have an issue.

 

[Lilofan]

NYE- Epcot for multiple entertainment options and great fireworks show. The DJ at China with the huge Dragon head above the outside dance floor that shoots out real flames every few minutes is awesome. The heat from the flames is so intense you get all hot and sweaty on the packed dance floor!

 

[philippajo27]

Pack your patience.
I don't really have tips for "fun" things since first Disney World in general should be fun plus if you mean something extra like suggestions for restaurants its a bit late to be making dining reservations for what is literally the most crowded day of the entire year.
Once you're 21 you're 21.
Bring your ID. You won't have an issue.

I did say fun things to do for 21st birthday since birthday activities/21+ activities are different than just going to Disney world on a random vacation. I know going to Disney world in general is fun but thanks.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

I did say fun things to do for 21st birthday since birthday activities/21+ activities are different than just going to Disney world on a random vacation. I know going to Disney world in general is fun but thanks.

So basically you're just looking for places to drink alcohol then?
That's really the only difference I can think of between activities for a 20 year old vs 21 year old.
I'm 33 and I do the same types of things at Disney that I did when I was 13. Its just now I occasionally enjoy some alcoholic beverages.
Going to the parks for NYE and just being there for your birtday seem like an extra special things in and of itself.
I've never been on my birthday.

 

[philippajo27]

So basically you're just looking for places to drink alcohol then?
That's really the only difference I can think of between activities for a 20 year old vs 21 year old.
I'm 33 and I do the same types of things at Disney that I did when I was 13. Its just now I occasionally enjoy some alcoholic beverages.
Going to the parks for NYE and just being there for your birtday seem like an extra special things in and of itself.
I've never been on my birthday.

just google “things to do in Disney on your birthday” or “things to do in Disney on 21st.” you will see lots of people celebrate milestone bdays in Disney and look for unique ways to celebrate, doesn't mean they don’t think being in Disney world is less special.

 

[Swissmiss]

I don't really have tips for "fun" things since first Disney World in general should be fun plus if you mean something extra like suggestions for restaurants its a bit late to be making dining reservations for what is literally the most crowded day of the entire year.

And yet there are still 36 table service restaurants showing availability for dinner on 31 December.

@philippajo27 - I haven’t any tips to give you but I do wish you a fantastic 21st birthday celebration. I noticed some of the restaurants in Disney Springs had rather late seatings (22:30) - maybe you could book a table and then get a drink with your dessert.

 

[DisneyAndADoleWhip]

I did my 21st in Disney-Jan 6, so not too far from when yours will be.
I stayed at a resort (for the first time) did dining at Tony’s in MK, and got the birthday button. Pretty mild, but it was a once in a lifetime thing for me.
Do something extra-whether it’s dining, a resort stay, or a tour.
Have a blast!

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

And yet there are still 36 table service restaurants showing availability for dinner on 31 December.

@philippajo27 - I haven’t any tips to give you but I do wish you a fantastic 21st birthday celebration. I noticed some of the restaurants in Disney Springs had rather late seatings (22:30) - maybe you could book a table and then get a drink with your dessert.

I guess I should have specified that not many of the more popular restuarants will have anything and what they do have is certainly not prime time for eating.
And you may suggest some DS TS locations that have something close to midnight but if it were me at WDW on NYE which was leading right into my birthday I'd be at a park counting down and screaming.

 

[themerebear6453]

I would go to EPCOT as you can drink at several booths, get a ton of great food, and experience the NYE festivities all in the same place. For lunch, there are still reservations available at several EPCOT locations, and new times open every day as other people cancel, so if you have a specific place you would like to go to, just keep checking.

 

[Lilofan]

Keep enjoying your time at Epcot on NYE. A number of people camp out for hours to claim a spot for the NYE fireworks at midnight. Not necessary if you are on your own. You will still get a good spot to watch the fireworks. I go casual with comfortable shoes and clothing. Some guests really get dressed up with black dress, heels, and shirt and tie.