HOGMANAY

[Lesley Brunton]

Looking for any suggestions on how to bring in the bells in Orlando.
we would like something lively, have heard that the parks are open late but that you must be in very early. Are they special ticketed event.. or just pay at the gate ? The kids are 15 and 16, does this mean we will be restricted as to where we can go .. are they allowed in the likes of the Motown Cafe ?

Thanks any help would be great
Lesley

[esprit]

Just pay at the gate at the parks, normal price. The only ticket only events are the ones at Pleasure Island and City Walk and these are expensive affairs with named bands on New Years Eve and over 21. The main parks put a bit of a show on with bands ( not usually ones wou have heard of), street entertainment and free party hats and blowers as well as a big firework display. We walked ino Universal at 3 pm last New Year with no problem. It was full but not that full, Unfortunately the weather was foul ( terrible storm in the evening) and we did not manage to get to midnight. Most everyone went home early dripping. So be aware that you are in the power of the elements. If you want a smaller event, there was something on at Pointe Orlando and the Mercado last year. The dinner shows would be another option and no chance of getting wet!

[Lesley S]

We spent last New Year at Epcot, we arrived at about 10.00, park was already very busy. We heard someone say that Magic Kingdom had already closed their gates. The park was good, they handed out hats and blowers for the bells (about 6 p.m.), the only down side was that the queues for the rides were very busy (fast pass for the test track ride) was all done by the time we got there and 2 of our group when their first to get them. Queue time was 3/4 hrs, so never bothered. They did 2 fireworks displays one at 7.30 and then again at 12.00 for New Year. We didn't stay for the last one because it poured down, but I believe they were very good.

Would do Epcot again for New Year....

[steph_goodrum]

Magic Kingdom was full by about 11 am when we went to Epcot. The reason is that the parade was televised on one of the major channels, not sure if that is the norm, so that's where everyone figured the action would be. Like Julie we wimped out at about 9.30 and just caught Publix as they were closing for some snacks to take home, as we'd seen the fireworks at 7.30 there seemed little point staying out in such torrential weather, especially with 2 asthmatics in the family we knew we'd probably pay for it later.
Of course as soon as we got home and switched the tv on and saw Magic Kindgom we wished we'd stayed out.
One thing we did which made going home easier was , as we'd decided we'd be finishing the evening at Epcot but started at MGM in the morning. Instead of parking at MGM we drove to Epcot and used the transportation to go to Epcot so when we left Epcot we didn't have to join the huge queues for the transportation, just go to the car park, as everybody decided to leave at the same time. We usually find this works better if you're watching fireworks anywhere as the parks are generally emptying about the same time.

[fiona]

We spent the Millenium New Year at Universal and 2 years later we went to MGM. Both were great fun with special discos etc on with huge stages. Plus all the rides still open. Great atmosphere, funny hats, hooters, champagne etc. (drink costs extra!). You need to get in to the Disney parks early.

Motown restaurant welcome children and you will have no problems there. We ate at Hard Rock the year we did Universal. In fact we had planned to do Universal last New Year but there was such a torrential rainstorm we called if off and had a meal locally and an early bed. Soberist NY I have had for years and years and years......!

[Lesley Brunton]

Thanks very much for all the info :)