I have done new years eve at POR two times. It's been a few years, but both times I did it were great. It was fun, but not too crowded. They did it on the big lawn across the river in front of the mansion buildings. They handed out towels to use as blankets like a picnic. They handed out free apple cider, hats, horns, glow bracelets. They had food and drinks for sale. They had the big blow up screen showing dick clark's new year special. There was music playing, games, etc. It wasn't bad at all. At 12:15 or so tho they turn everything off. Both times I was all wound up and excited from the new year and moved over to the lobby bar. It's a nice hotel. You should be alright. I have also done new years eve at the Boardwalk and Coronado Springs. Boardwalk is also fun. They have a DJ and you can see part of the fireworks from Epcot I believe it was. Coronado was also ok, but POR was a bit better. The party budget at Coronado seemed lower. They did hand out hats and horns and hot chocolate, but it seemed kinda low energy and not as nice. Still doable tho. Hope this helps.
