The holidays in Disney World are a MUCH bigger deal than you realize. The crowds are bigger, the prices are higher, and the atmosphere is MORE magical.
The view from California Grill
There are tons of ways to celebrate around Disney World for Christmas and New Year’s Eve thanks to limited-time snacks, special entertainment, and more. One of the most exclusive and exciting ways to celebrate isn’t even in the theme parks, and trust us, you’re going to want to write these details down if you’re looking to get fancy!
Each year, Disney World celebrates New Year’s Eve in big ways, but arguably the fanciest way is by stopping by California Grill. Each year, the restaurant hosts a special experience on New Year’s Eve, but the themes have changed over the years. In 2026, they will be hosting the Magic of New Year’s Eve!
California Grill
The prepaid event has changed over the years, but in 2025 it included:
- A 4-Course Meal: Event-exclusive dishes made from premium ingredients.
- Music: A live band will create an elegant ambiance for the upscale dining experience.
- Characters: Photo opportunities with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
- Fireworks: Watch Magic Kingdom’s special New Year’s Eve fireworks from a prime viewing area. Fireworks viewing will take place at the end of each seating.
- A Champagne Toast: Guests age 21+ receive a complimentary glass of champagne
A meal at California Grill
Prices vary by seating and date (last year they held it on December 30th and 31st), but Disney still hasn’t released specifics regarding the celebrations…until now! On Disney’s website, we noticed that the Magic of New Year’s Eve at California Grill webpage has been updated to say that more booking details will be revealed on November 11th, 2026.
California Grill
We’re eager to see the pricing, details, and just how quickly this exclusive party will sell out! Trust us, this one will sell out. If you’re trying to gauge how much you need to save in 2025, pricing was:
- December 30th, 2025: $229 per person
- December 31st, 2025 (Early Seating): $299 per person
- December 31st, 2025 (Late Seating): $349 per person
View from California Grill
That being said, in 2024 it was called Tiana’s New Year’s Adventure at California Grill, and it had a Princess and the Frog theme. The price in 2024? $799 per person per person! We’re manifesting that the price won’t skyrocket this year and it stays lower like it did in 2025. In 2025, the 4-course menu included;
1st Course
- American Wagyu Futomaki Roll
2nd Course – Market Inspirations (Choice of One)
- BBQ European Quail
- Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli
- Norwegian Brown King Crab
- Sweet Potato & Nantucket Scallop Bisque
3rd Course – Chef’s Creations (Choice of One)
- 30-Day Dry-Aged Snake River Farms Wagyu Filet
- Berkshire Pork Tenderloin
- Butter Poached Maine Lobster
- Truffled Poulet Rouge
- Glacier 51 Toothfish Mosaic
4th Course – Sweet Creations (Choice of One)
- Celebration of Citrus
- Chocolate Blossom
- Blueberry-Goat Cheese Cheesecake
- Muscovado Brown Sugar Crème Brûlée
Cocktails (Available at an Additional Cost)
- Black Truffle and Fig Old-Fashioned
- Blueberry & Thyme Gin Smash
- Heirloom Applejack 75
- Cosmopolitan Highball
California Grill check-in counter
We can’t wait to see what Disney reveals on November 11th, especially as a group that loves a special dining experience. If you’re not interested in this type of celebration, Magic Kingdom and EPCOT both offer special celebrations with DJs, rare fireworks, extended park hours, and more. Be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news, details, and more.
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Disney World
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What are your New Year’s Eve plans? Tell us in the comments!
