Few spots at Walt Disney World can match the view from the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and on December 31, California Grill is turning that view into a full New Year’s Eve celebration. Reservations are now open, and anyone hoping to toast 2027 above Magic Kingdom should move fast.
Setting the Scene
Disney has built The Magic of New Year’s Eve at California Grill around a four-course menu designed only for this event, with a live band playing while guests dine. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse make the rounds for photos, and every seating ends with guests heading to a designated viewing area for special New Year’s Eve fireworks over Magic Kingdom. Guests 21 and older also get a complimentary glass of champagne.
What’s on the Plate
Disney describes the menu as a reflection of the chef’s culinary journey and California market cuisine. The meal begins with a Pacific Woodland Roll and a Chutoro Maki Roll before guests pick a second course from Langoustine Gnocchetti Sardi, Wagyu Carpaccio, Fruits de Mer, Black Winter Truffle and Four Cheese Flatbread, or Tempura-Fried Coral Mushrooms.
Mains include Aged Wagyu Striploin, Milk-Fed Suckling Pig, Hokkaido Scallop, Petite French Quail, and Brown ‘Butter’ Agnolotti. To finish, there’s a Yuzu and Champagne Pavlova, Midnight Chocolate Delice, California Winter Citrus Cheesecake, or Coconut Panna Cotta. Optional extras are available to buy.
Choosing Your Seating
The price gap between seatings is significant. Early seating, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., is $299 per person. Late seating, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., is $379 per person, or $80 more. Fireworks come with both, as Disney notes: “Fireworks viewing will take place at the end of each seating.”
At the time of writing, the late seating shows no availability, leaving only early times open.
Because Disney charges a fee for cancellations within 24 hours of a reservation, guests whose plans change have good reason to release their tables before then. Check the app daily before December 31 for a shot at the later slot.
Before You Go
On arrival, head to the second floor of the Contemporary and check in using the My Disney Experience app. A cast member will then escort you to the 15th floor in an elevator set aside for California Grill guests.
Signature Dining dress expectations are in effect, so clean, neat attire suited to an upscale setting is the standard, and swimwear is not permitted. Cancel at least 24 hours ahead to avoid a per-person fee, as no-shows are charged full price to the card on file. Disney Dining Plan credits can’t be used.
No Table? No Problem
Three parks are hosting fireworks on December 31. Magic Kingdom has the most options, running Fantasy in the Sky at 6:30 p.m. and 11:50 p.m. on both December 30 and 31, for four performances in total. Guests wanting more breathing room may prefer the December 30 shows.
EPCOT presents Luminous The Symphony of Us at 6:30 p.m. on December 31, followed by Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration at 11:54 p.m. Disney’s Hollywood Studios waits until 11:57 p.m. to launch New Year Countdown Fireworks.
What This Means for You
Book early seating now while it lasts, and watch the app daily for late seating. At $299 or $379 per person, it’s an indulgence for guests craving an elegant, park-free start to 2027.
How are you celebrating New Year’s Eve at Disney World? Share your plans with us in the comments below!
