We were there for New Years eve 2005/06 (i.e., last year), but stayed away from the packed parks, thank goodness. There were assorted news reports and rumors of trouble in the Parks, on Pleasure Island, and after hours with the transport.

None of which affected us, tucked away on the 7th floor of the Doubletree sipping champagne and observing various fireworks in the distance.

Our problem was the following week. The theme parks have lobbied to have local kids out of school an extra day. They're also promoting the heck out of that week to tourists from Central and South America. They leave the holiday decorations up for the entire week, which they did not do as recently as the 2004/05 holiday season. As a result, the parks were very crowded for three days beyond New Years, and by no means the slow the remainder of the week.

We have been going the first week of January for four years, and last year was decidedly different.

This year? CYA at the Polynesian the week of the 22nd.

I'd advise avoiding the entire holiday period and the week after, unless it's your pleasure to party hard on Pleasure Island. Hire a limo if you do.