Apocalypse 2012 - Special Report

From doomsday survival bunkers, to vegetable seeds for food shortages, to doomsday teddy bears — entrepreneurs are seeing record sales based on people's fear and fascination.

Gold prices are climbing to record highs, with some believing gold will top $2,000 next year. In uncertain times, people buy gold. But for "gold bugs," the precious metal is part of the plan for riding out Apocalypse 2012.

Astrologers and other fortune tellers expect dramatic events next year, and say it won't be a good time to be invested in the stock market.

Is there such a thing? And if so, what is it? We asked some of CNBC's hosts and editors for a description. Their answers range from frozen ATMs to canned corn.

Whether or not the world ends in 2012, one thing is clear: Few of us are prepared for even the slightest apocalypt-y scenario. Luckily, the Internet is loaded with advice, covering everything from dogs to idiots and your Apocalypse Go Kit.

Many residents in earthquake-prone Los Angeles already have some supplies set aside in case of disaster, but the Japanese quake and tsunami have spurred many to replenish those supplies and add new ones.