Read on if you plan to experience a fun-filled and memorable New Year’s Eve at Disneyland Resort while staying with us here at Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel. For those looking forward to ringing in the New Year at “The Happiest Place on Earth,” here are some essential tips to make your visit enjoyable.
Choose One Park and Prepare for a Busy Day
Expect the parks to be busy, possibly restricting entry until some guests leave. To help ensure a pleasant experience, committing to visiting only one park (Disneyland Park or Disney California Park) is advisable.
Due to the reservation system in place, securing your spot in advance is crucial as reservations may quickly become fully booked. Purchasing your tickets and making reservations at the earliest is key. If you find reservations are full, keep an eye on availability online.
Once you’ve selected your park, plan to stay there – no refunds are offered if you cannot re-enter due to capacity limits. Pack all essentials for the day, and consider renting a locker for bulky items, like sweatshirts or jackets. The forecast predicts cloudy weather with temperatures ranging from 48 to 61 degrees.
Genie+ Is Your Friend
Genie+ is a premium service offering access to Lightning Lane for quicker entry to popular attractions. On a busy day like New Year’s Eve, Genie+ becomes almost indispensable. It allows you to enjoy more rides and includes complimentary PhotoPass downloads, so make sure to capture those special moments in the park(s).
Book Dining in Advance
Reserve your meals beforehand through the Disney dining website. Highly coveted spots like The Blue Bayou are quickly booked due to their popularity. For quicker meals, consider using the Mobile Order service at fast-food outlets.
Be An Early Bird
Expect delays in traffic, parking, and security checks on New Year’s Eve. Arriving at least an hour before the park opens is recommended. When the park officially opens, being there for Rope Drop means you’ll be among the first to enjoy the attractions.
Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park open at 8 a.m. on Dec. 31, with early entry at 7:30 a.m. Remember, you can only start making Genie+ and Lightning Lane selections once you’ve entered a park. Early arrival gives you a better chance at securing your desired rides, as options can run out quickly on holidays.
Plan For Fireworks
After enjoying adventures and attractions in the morning, spend your afternoon and evening exploring the various entertainment offerings. A major highlight is the “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks and countdown show, with prime viewing spots near Sleeping Beauty Castle, its small world mall, or along the Rivers of America. There are two shows, at 9:00 p.m. and 11:55 p.m., allowing those with young kids to enjoy an earlier viewing. Arriving 45 minutes early is advisable for securing a good spot.