Hello Hang, and welcome to planDisney! How exciting that you'll be arriving at Disney World in just two more sleeps. I hope you are packed and ready to have the time of your life. Let's go!!
As a West Coast Disney lover, you are likely familiar with the ins-and-outs of visiting Disneyland, where you need to specify your first park of the day. I want to reassure you that because you've purchased dated Disney World Theme Park tickets, you do NOT need to make a park reservation of any kind. Your park hopper tickets will be valid at any of the four amazing Disney World Parks, on any of the valid dates.
So, yes! You can still visit EPCOT as your first park on December 31. Although it's worth noting that this will be a very busy day at all of the Disney World Parks. So I recommend that wherever you wish to spend the evening... you arrive there fairly early in the day, and plan to stay. Even with a valid park ticket, entrance to the Disney Parks is subject to capacity and is not guaranteed. On New Years Eve, it's not uncommon for Magic Kingdom to reach full capacity, with EPCOT being a close second. Once a park reaches capacity, additional guests will not be admitted at that time. I don't want you to experience a Donald Duck "Aw, phooey!" moment, thinking you can park hop over to Magic Kingdom that evening and be shut out!
I also recommend checking the
Parks Operating Calendar to view specific hours of operation in order to help plan out your days. Park hopping is such a terrific option to have to maximize the fun! Aside from your New Years Eve strategy, it really does open up more pixie-dusted options. My family often hops to a park that is open later in the evening, or when we want to end the day with a fireworks extravaganza like
Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom, or
Luminous at EPCOT.
If you've got the time, don't miss an early day visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom. We recently arrived for "rope drop" (a little before the official park opening time) and beat the crowds by heading directly to the Asia area to ride
Expedition Everest. This was an excellent strategy that allowed us to ride multiple times, with minimal wait... and kick off our day with a burst of adrenaline! One of my favorite foodie locations is found in this park, and I highly recommend you try dining at
Satu'li Canteen in Pandora for a freshly made bowl. This is a great option for lunch before hopping to your next Disney Park adventure.
One last tip before I go! The
My Disney Experience app can really help you keep your ducks in a row, allowing you to monitor attraction wait times, find dining locations, or even place a
mobile food order to save time in line.
Hang, I hope this helps you prepare to celebrate the end of the year in spectacular Walt Disney World style! I would argue there is no place more wonderful to kick off that new year, and make some magical memories to savor for years to come. Please feel free to visit us any time at planDisney, with any of your Disney vacation questions.
The magic is calling!
Tami