Christmas is soon to be over, but there’s still one more special celebration just around the corner: New Year’s Eve! If you’re hitting the parks this year to say goodbye to the decade, here are a few things you should keep in mind to help you make the most of your experience.
1. Arrive early & stay late
Makes sense, right? Parks usually get a lot busier around noon, so try to get to the park right when it opens because it’s a given that crowds will be a lot less hectic then. Check opening and closing times for the parks you want to visit and plan your day around those. Try and purchase the park hopper option so you’ll have a chance to move around the parks easily and you’ll be able to enjoy them all!
2. Don’t forget to eat…
If you’re sticking around for the fireworks and celebrations, you’re going to need a lot of energy. The parks have a lot of different dining options – just make sure you’re ready. Some of the restaurants offer guests the possibility to book in advance; this is extremely helpful if you’re set on having lunch at noon. If you don’t mind what time you eat, stop by the dining spots either when they first open or later in the afternoon. The crowds will have died down and it will be easier to simply pop in and enjoy a meal.
3. Take a nap!
We know this might sound weird, but it’s a must-do if you’re going to be there with kids. Nobody wants to deal with a cranky, sleepy toddler while the fireworks are going off! If you’re staying close enough to the parks, we recommend you head home for a power nap and a break around noon and then come back in the afternoon to enjoy the rest of the activities. You’ll feel refreshed and you’ll be thankful that you and your kids had a chance to sleep for a bit.
4. Use the FastPass+ option
During busier times, riding that attraction you’re dying to try out might be a bit difficult. Luckily, most of them have the option to book a FastPass+ in advance! This means you can choose what time you want to ride it, and you’ll be able to skip the line! Make sure you use your pass smartly, though. Book it in for peak ride times, otherwise, you’ll be wasting it.
5. Plan your midnight spot ahead of time
There are so many events happening at the parks for New Year’s Eve that it might seem a little overwhelming. This is why we recommend you choose one and stick to it before even heading to the park that morning. From fancy rooftop celebrations to epic fireworks shows, it all depends on your style and your budget. Also, if you’re looking to catch a glimpse of the fireworks shows at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, we advise you get to your spot early – the crowds can get wild!
