• On Nov 15, 2019
    Amber from ON Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Trying to figure out New Year's Eve at Epcot. There are not too many restaurants left with reservations...so, which is the best area to eat with minimal travel time to and from, and is there a worry we won't get back in to Epcot for the nighttime?

    It's great to see you here today at the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Amber!

    The holiday season is my favorite time of year to visit Walt Disney World Resort. The Theme Parks and Resort Hotels are beautifully decorated and the sounds of festive music fill the air no matter where you are. With so many special things going on, it is a very popular time of year for guests to visit so let's chat about some of your dining options if you can't find a seat at the restaurants you're looking at.

    In years past, Epcot has had some pretty spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks and is probably the most popular place to be, second only to Magic Kingdom Park. With the debut of the brand new nighttime spectacular, Epcot Forever, I'm sure lots of guests are waiting to see what's in store for the last night of 2019. If you can't find a reservation inside Epcot, you should check and see if there is anything available at any of the restaurants at Disney's Yacht Club Resort, Disney's Beach Club Resort, or Disney's BoardWalk Inn, all of which are within walking distance of the International Gateway entrance of Epcot. Yachtsman Steakhouse, Ale & Compass Restaurant, and Flying Fish are all great options for a special meal to celebrate the year. You can also hop on the Disney Skyliner for a quick ride to Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort for an island-inspired meal at Sebastian's Bistro!

    You mentioned some concern about getting back into Epcot for the evening once you've left for dinner and that's one of the reasons why I would encourage getting a reservation as early as possible. It is very rare for the Theme Parks to close to incoming guests due to capacity, but New Year's Eve is one of the days of the year when it has been known to happen in the past. If you can't find a dining reservation that you're interested in, Epcot is a fantastic place to create your own progressive meal by trying dishes from each of the Pavilions in World Showcase! One of my favorite ways to spend a day is by starting with a margarita from La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico Pavilion and finishing off with some poutine from Refreshment Port near the Canada Pavilion! Best of all, no reservations are needed.

    Have a magical day, Amber!

    Jessica
thumbnail image for Jessica

Meet the Panelist: Jessica, Texas

I'm a data scientist and lifelong Disney enthusiast who’s been visiting Walt Disney World Resort since I was a baby. My Disney travel style combines stunning lounges and world-class dining with the joy of hidden entertainment gems and my all-time favorite attractions. Whether it’s a foodie-focused couples' getaway or a fabulous girls' trip, I believe the magic starts with planning, and I'm passionate about crafting unforgettable adventures. Learn More About Jessica

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for Planning Tips for Epcot

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.