[Mstiz]

Hi all!! The family is heading out to Orlando right after Christmas, and we'll be there on New Years Eve. Has anyone been there during that time, and what do you recommend for the 31st? I saw the park hours are up now (Yay!!) and it looks like all of the parks have their own celebration...how do you choose?? :)

Anyway, if anyone has any tips, please let me know. Thanks!!

:)

[smallworld]

We were there two years ago on NYE. The fireworks in the MK were the best I have ever seen anywhere. They shoot off over every building in the park for as far as you can see. We were up on the train station platform and could see for miles. You have to get a spot hours ahead of time, though. It is well worth the wait. They also give out free hats to wear on NYE. Be aware that they had to shut down admittance to the park early afternoon because it was so crowded. So be sure that whereever you are going to spend the evening, you are there early in the day and stay. Smallworld

[Cinderellafifi]

While I haven't done NYE at one of the parks since I was little, I went to MK during the day last year. WARNING: you must be prepared before you go and have a strategy! We were in line for the monorail in the 8:00 a.m. hour and it was mobbed! People in line were pushing and shoving when the ropes dropped.

When we left MK around mid-day, it was almost impossible to get out because of the mobs getting in! By then, they had already closed the park due to capacity.

What people do at all the parks is to find their fireworks viewing spot first thing in the morning and stay all day! So, as long as you are ready for the madness and know to keep your patience, you will have a wonderful time.

As for choice of parks, I'm sure many on this board will have suggestions for you. We always try to do Pleasure Island and love it!

[YensidFan]

My wife & I visited WDW the week after Xmas Day in 1998 and spent New Year's Eve there. It was great (plus we got engaged that night at midnight in front of the castle). There are always many things going on New Year's Eve in all the parks. For example that particular year we saw the first of two shows by The Teen Idols at MGM. Then we ran back to MK so we could be there at midnight. By then the park was mobbed and we could only get as far as the end of Main Street. The area around the castle was packed!
Keep in mind the parks get super crowded! I mean serioulsy crowded! If you are staying on property obviously you won't have to worry about being shutout of any of the parks.
When MK was closing after New Year's Eve it took forever to get out of the park as the line for the monorail to the transportation center (not the one to the resorts) was unreal. (We stayed at the GF.) We bought an ice cream and hung out on Main Street instead of trying to fight the crowds. Once we managed to get out, the line for the resort's monorail was empty (but at first you couldn't tell because of the massive crowds).
All in all though Xmas time at WDW is really great. Everything is decorated and we didn't mind the fact that it was crowded. (Plus the weather is usually very comfortable.) Once you are there you will learn about what all the parks and resorts have to offer for Dec 31.

[A Princess Mom]

I have some questions. Small World you mentioned the fireworks on NYE were great. I'm assuming you mean the midnight fireworks, but would the 8:30 fireworks be just as great - shooting off all the buildings like you mentioned?

Cinderellafifi were you talking about the hugh crowds on NY Eve day or New Year's day itself?

We have a 9 yr old and 3 yr old (super traveler, this will be her 3rd trip to WDW) and know we can't stay up till midnight (or at least I can't!!). We would like the wonderful NYE thing but aren't sure which would be the best park to be in. Crowds don't like "stroller people" too much so I'm just trying to figure out the best park, best show to see. I have MK on NYE on my iteniary but I can change.

Thanks

[mickey]

I can't be of much help, but I was at Disneyland a couple of years ago for New Years Eve. We went first thing in the morning, and left about three in the afternoon. We then went back about 9 PM. It wasn't too bad during the day, typical summer crowds, but when we returned, every rides was atleast an hour wait, all the good rides were over two hours. Unfortunately, we got stuck on Pirates of the Caribbean for an hour and a half, so we missed the fireworks and everything else.

[Mstiz]

I've warned the family about the crowds. We're staying off site, so we'll definitely have to get there early.

Someone mentioned Pleasure Island earlier (the 6 year old might have to stay with the grandparents that night :) ) Is there a special deal they put on there?? I know the happiness of "adult beverages" might be appealing to some of us going. :)

Thanks so much everyone!! The suggestions are really helping me get excited about the trip!!

:)