Credit: DisneyWalt Disney World has opened reservations for its New Year’s Eve celebration at California Grill, giving guests the chance to ring in 2027 from the top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort with a four-course dinner and a prime view of the fireworks over Magic Kingdom.
The Magic of New Year’s Eve at California Grill runs across two seatings on December 31, and demand is already high, with one of those seatings showing no availability.
What’s Included in the California Grill New Year’s Eve Experience
The evening centers on a specially curated four-course menu of dishes created exclusively for the event. A live band performs throughout dinner, and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse stop by for photos.
Each seating wraps up with access to a designated viewing area for the special New Year’s Eve fireworks above Magic Kingdom. Guests aged 21 and older also receive a complimentary glass of champagne for a toast.
The Four-Course Menu
Disney says the menu draws on the chef’s culinary journey and California market cuisine. The meal opens with a Pacific Woodland Roll and a Chutoro Maki Roll.
For the second course, guests choose from Langoustine Gnocchetti Sardi, Wagyu Carpaccio, Fruits de Mer, Black Winter Truffle and Four Cheese Flatbread, or Tempura-Fried Coral Mushrooms.
Main course options are Aged Wagyu Striploin, Milk-Fed Suckling Pig, Hokkaido Scallop, Petite French Quail, and Brown ‘Butter’ Agnolotti. Dessert choices include a Yuzu and Champagne Pavlova, Midnight Chocolate Delice, California Winter Citrus Cheesecake, and Coconut Panna Cotta. Optional extras are available to purchase.
California Grill New Year’s Eve Prices and Seating Times
Early seating is from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at $299, while late seating is from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at $379. The late seating costs $80 more per person, and both include the full four-course meal and fireworks, with Disney writing, “Fireworks viewing will take place at the end of each seating.”
Late Seating Currently Unavailable
At the time of publication, only early seating times are showing as available, with no access to the late seating.
That could change. Disney charges a fee for cancellations made within 24 hours of a reservation, so guests whose plans shift have every reason to release their tables before that deadline. Anyone set on the later experience should recheck availability each day in the run-up to December 31.
Booking Rules Guests Should Know
Guests check in via the My Disney Experience app upon arrival on the second floor of the Contemporary. A cast member then escorts diners to the 15th floor using an elevator reserved for California Grill guests.
The restaurant’s Signature Dining dress expectations remain in place, so guests should wear clean, neat attire suited to an upscale setting. Swimwear is not permitted. Reservations must be canceled at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a per-person fee, and no-shows are charged the full price to the card on file. Disney Dining Plan credits cannot be used for the event.
More Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Disney World
Guests who miss out on California Grill still have options, with three parks staging fireworks on December 31. Magic Kingdom offers the most chances to catch a show. Fantasy in the Sky runs at 6:30 p.m. and 11:50 p.m. on both December 30 and December 31, adding up to four performances over two nights. Guests hoping to sidestep the heaviest crowds may find the December 30 shows the more comfortable choice.
At EPCOT, Luminous The Symphony of Us holds its usual early slot at 6:30 p.m. on December 31. Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration follows at 11:54 p.m., carrying guests through to midnight. Disney’s Hollywood Studios saves its moment for the very end of the year, with New Year Countdown Fireworks beginning at 11:57 p.m.
What This Means for You
Guests interested in early seating should book soon while times are still available. Those holding out for the late seating will need patience and to check the app daily. At $299 or $379 per person, this is a splurge best suited to guests who want a polished, park-free way to welcome 2027.
How do you plan on celebrating New Year’s Eve at Disney World? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments below!
