Top New Year’s Eve destinations

by Aimee Heckel · December 30, 2012

By Aimee Markwardt

When the ball drops Monday night, where will you be? In sweatpants in the basement watching it on TV alone? Or in the heart of the action?

ABC news recently listed its top 10 destinations to ring in the new year. At the top: Orlando, Fla., with its incredible fireworks display at Epcot.

New Year’s Eve at Universal Studios is known for being magical. This year’s party features music by REO Speedwagon. For $144, you get tickets to the show, plus an all-you-can-eat gourmet meal, admission to seven clubs with entertainment and a champagne toast. Want to save money? Buy with an American Express and save $5 per ticket.

Looking for inexpensive New Year’s parties in Orlando? The Greater Orlando Actors Theatre company is throwing a New Year’s party called “The World Ain’t Ending” for only $20 a ticket, including food, drink and entertainment.

Tip: If you’re headed to Universal Studios, check out the vacation packages from Universalorlando.com. Kids cruise free on Disney Cruise lines, plus 8 percent cash back if you book it through Shopathome.com.

Orlando not your thing?Also in the top 10 New Year’s destinations: Chicago (with fireworks over Lake Michigan); Las Vegas (of course); New York City; Miami; and San Francisco.

And it’s not too late to celebrate New Year’s in style. Make sure you check the long list of deals from Lastminutetravel.com (and use the promo code to save money). Save up to 65 percent off (plus $3 cash back) if you want to spend New Year’s in New York’s Times Square.

Or if you’re looking for a wild time — probably without the kiddos — save 40 percent off Vegas hotels through Lastminutetravel.com, plus $3 cash back. Vegas is sure to have plenty of ways to celebrate over the top (just check out the Fox News article about a Vegas New Year’sexperience). Can you say Kim Kardashian?

Check out Vegas.com for a list of nightclubs with NYE parties and links to buy tickets right there, ranging from thousands of dollars to just $20 general admission (at the Chateau).

Tips:
Traffic in Vegas is always a challenge. Plan on using Taxis, a bus or wear comfortable shoes (OK, pack them in your handbag; it’s going to be too cold to traipse barefoot down the strip).

Finding a last-minute hotel on the strip may be impossible — or very expensive. Look for lodging just off the strip. You’re going to be taking a Taxi anyway.

Expect drink prices to be up and lines to be long, and plan accordingly. Don’t expect to get all free drinks from playing the slots; the servers are going to be extra busy and may not get back to you at a regular speed. If money is an issue, buy your own bottle of champagne at the store in advance, and head back to the hotel to celebrate in your room. Trust us, you will not be lacking excitement.

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