Hello Laura!
Welcome to planDisney! Oh, Laura, you are coming up quickly to a magical and merry time at Walt Disney World Resort!
Since you have date-based tickets you do not need to worry about
Theme Park Reservations. The
Theme Park Reservation Availability Calendar does show that the last few days in December are booked up for those who don't have date-based tickets and
Annual Passholders. However, there is still room for you! The only thing is since you know it will be a busy time, and I promise you it will be busy, you need to time your arrival at either of these Parks. While you do not need a theme park reservation, the Park can reach physical capacity the day of for everyone.
Magic Kingdom Park will most likely reach that point while
EPCOT has a greater capacity for crowds. To be safe, I strongly suggest you enter the Parks earlier in the day and stay. If you leave there is no guarantee you will be allowed to return. On New Year's Eve, both Parks will have a special fireworks show that will culminate at midnight. EPOCT will have Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration and Magic Kingdom Park will have Fantasy In The Sky Fireworks. These are special shows only shown on this night so make sure you don't miss it.
Make sure you download the
My Disney Experience Mobile App to help you navigate the Parks and the crowds when you arrive. I love the Map feature that lists all of the Wait Times for attractions. You can strategize where you want to go and what you want to do. The App will also notify you if a Park reaches capacity. On crowded days using
Mobile Food & Beverage Ordering is very helpful but think about ordering your meals earlier in the day as time slots will book up quickly. I visited during this week a few years ago and I would order my lunch while waiting in the queue for my first attraction of the day. I knew my kids would get hungry by 11 am and I wanted to make sure I got the time slot I wanted. Nothing ruins a fun day more than a rumbly tummy.
I hope that this helps and you have a lovely and festive time!
Happy Planning!
-Nimmy