In what has became an annual tradition now, my New Year's Eve was spent once again at Epcot. As usual, beyond AMAZING. Park was insanely busy, as should be expected...a friend who works there told me that they set an attendance record again this New Year's.....89,000 guests. In park at midnight was 72,000 reportedly. The entire park is really transformed into one giant party. Every guest can swing by for their party hat and noise maker. In front of the fountain in Future World, the plaza becomes one gigantic dancefloor. Spaceship Earth has a varying pattern of light and laser effects on it. There are 2 other great dancefloors and DJ's set up in the China Pavilion as well as Italy. This is the first year that I never even made it out of China...too much fun! :-) Come on, how can you not dig the fire on top of the dance floor?!

There are two performances of Illuminations. The first takes place earlier than usual, around 730....that showing concludes with the final viewing of Holiday Illuminations extension. At 11:40, the second performance takes place. After it ends, the Park celebrates New Years with each of the countries around World Showcase Lagoon. Each country has its own set of fireworks and such. At last its our turn and begins one amazing display of fireworks that fill the sky. Disney is something else at midnight as Hollywood Studios has its own display in addition to Magic Kingdom's phenominal display going on as well! While the crowds are certainly out of control, I can't think of a better way of spending my New Year. I shot a few videos with my iPhone. Not the greatest quality, but for those that may want a glimpse (are you reading, Ryan??) of what New Years at Disney is like....here's a small taste

- Todd, 363 days until the next Epcot New Years :-)

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Epcot is the coolest place I've ever been to. I wish I could go there again soon....

Anyways, nice trip report. You probably can't wait another 363 days!

I shot a few videos with my iPhone. Not the greatest quality, but for those that may want a glimpse (are you reading, Ryan??) of what New Years at Disney is like....here's a small taste

Hey now... the last time I entered Epcot I don't remember leaving Epcot. I could still be there for all I know.

Nice report.

Isnt New Years Eve 2010 still a while in the future though?

Awesome report Todd and thanks for sharing. We have wanted to come down sometime during the holidays but always feared the high cost of the season plus the record crowds. Now seeing how Disney celebrates New Years Eve we may need to make that trip sooner than later. For somebody like you one thing is certain, you must be pinching yourself for living near theme park haven. I was watching some other videos at other Disney World parks and along with yours I am very impressed. Hollywood Studios also looked like a cool place to be, here is the link to that other site that shows live band stage and fireworks at Hollywood Studios. Doing Florida News