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California Grill offers fine dining at Walt Disney World in a fantastic location – the top floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort! You can take in sights of Seven Seas Lagoon as well as Magic Kingdom theme park.
A meal at California Grill is a special experience any time of the year. But it’s perhaps even more memorable on New Year’s Eve!
Luckily, there is a special New Year’s Eve event at California Grill on December 31, 2022. It’s an elegant party themed to California Wine Country. And it lasts from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM.
We’re going to let you know what to expect when it comes to dining and entertainment on New Year’s Eve at California Grill. And then we’ll share how to reserve this experience and where you might want to stay that weekend.
California Grill Menu for New Year’s Eve
First, let’s start with the food. Because if you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve at one of the nicest restaurants on the Walt Disney World property, you’re going to expect some very good food, right?
And luckily, it looks like the party will not disappoint!
Here are some select offerings you can enjoy at the different food stations. These stations, inspired by the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration, reflect some favorite dishes from the past 50 years. And keep in mind that these are just some of what will be available on New Year’s Eve!
Chilled Appetizer Station
- Caviar Stations with Potato Blinis
- Chilled Golden and Candycane Beet Salad
- Chilled Seafood Bar
- Smoked Beef Tartare
From the Grill and Rotisserie
- Oak Fire-grilled Beef Tenderloin with Truffle Sauce
- Grilled Venison Strip Loin
- Rohan Duck Breast 2 Ways
Hot Seafood Station
- Seared Ahi Tuna
- Plancha Seared Jumbo Sea Scallops
- Lobster Ravioli
Sushi Station
- An arrangement of nigari, maki, sashimi, and original sushi creations
Wood-Burning Station
- Adobo Grilled Jumbo Prawns
- Perigord Black Winter Pizza
Sweet Treats from the Disney’s Contemporary Resort Pastry Chefs
- Florida Citrus Cream Puffs
- Banana Butterscotch Buzz
- 5 Magical Bites – 50 Years in the Making
- Valrhona Molten Lava Cake
Magic Kingdom Fireworks
At 11:50 PM in the Magic Kingdom, the Fantasy In The Sky Fireworks show will begin. And luckily, you’ll be in a great position to see it, as California Grill offers fantastic views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. It’s a truly special way to experience the very beginning of 2023.
Other Things to Do & Enjoy
A DJ has put together a festive playlist that’s perfect for dancing. And there’s also a wandering mystic who will be channeling the spirits of 2023.
Plus, you won’t want to miss taking a glimpse (and maybe a photo or two) of the stylish ice sculpture created in honor of California Grill, as well as the World’s Most Magical Celebration.
Additionally, there are activities that are room-specific at the New Year’s Eve party.
The Napa Room will become a speakeasy, with a sleight-of-hand magician impressing party-goers.
And in the Sonoma Room, you’ll find the following Disney characters:
- Mickey Mouse
- Minnie Mouse
- Baby New Year Donald
- Father Time Goofy
Cost & Registration
The price for this special California Grill Disney New Year’s Eve celebration is $749, which includes tax and gratuity. A full payment is due when you book the experience. You’ll need to cancel at least one day prior or else you will be charged full price.
You can book the New Year’s Eve party by calling (407) 824-2013.
Where to Stay
If you plan on attending this memorable New Year’s Eve event at California Grill, then staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort would be very convenient. Click here for advice on how to get a more affordable rate for a stay at the Contemporary hotel.
You should also consider a stay at Disney’s Bay Lake Tower, which is right next door. If so, check out our top 10 tips for a Bay Lake Tower stay. And we highly recommend using David’s Vacation Club to book your room at Bay Lake Tower. This will save you a lot of money compared to booking it through the Walt Disney World website.
On New Year’s Eve, Magic Kingdom will be open until 1:00 AM. This means that bus transportation from Magic Kingdom to the other Disney World resort hotels should continue to run until 2:00 AM. So you could walk to Magic Kingdom after the party and then take a bus back to your hotel, if you decide to stay at an onsite Disney hotel.
Check out our advice on how to book your hotel on an Orlando, Florida Disney trip to save you money.
And you can also consider any of these top 10 New Year’s Eve events in Orlando.