Why is it that I can find more details on New Year’s Eve events at the Disney parks than I could for Christmas? Probably because Disney kicks off its Christmas events around a month early, so the day itself doesn’t really feature anything unique.
At least I can bring you scoop on Disney’s party plans for New Year’s Eve. Obviously both parks will have roaring parties all night long complete with music, fireworks, and parades. Tickets to the Magic Kingdom’s party, however, are already sold out. But the official Disney Parks blog just posted about some of the other celebrations going down at Disney World on the last night of 2010.
Foodie fans of the Orlando park take heed: many of Disney World’s restaurants are rolling out special menus to ring in the New Year. Be prepared to hand over a hefty chunk of change to join in on the fun at any of these establishments, however.
The Mexico Pavilion’s new La Hacienda restaurant features a New Year’s Eve six-course menu including margaritas, ceviche, meat and seafood platters, and a guava-filled dessert tamale. Also look forward to a dozen grapes with champagne at the big moment, adhering to a Spanish tradition quoted on the parks blog asserting that partaking in 12 grapes at midnight is a “predictor of the year ahead – each sweet grape represents a good month; each sour grape a less-than-lucky one.”
If you want to make reservations, call 407-842-1107. To spend the evening at La Hacienda, however, expect to pay $199/person, $225 alcohol included, or $49.95 for kids aged 3-9. That’s on top of admission price for Epcot.
The other two listed parties at Disney World restaurants don’t run much cheaper (or in one case, costs even more). Bistro de Paris in the France pavilion is holding a similar, albeit French-themed party. Expect salmon stuffed with crab, filets of beef or venison, and a traditional French assiette de dessert de reveillon (New Year’s Eve Dessert). The prices are $150 for the meal and $225 for dinner with wine pairings. To make reservations call 407-617-2788.
Now for Disney World’s most decadent New Year’s Eve bash: Downtown Disney’s California Grill. Offering an aerial view of the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks display, the festivities at the California Grill include an open bar, a DJ with dancing, mixing with Disney characters, a game room, and decadent food stations. These will feature lobster, rabbit, bison, risotto, cheeses and desserts, and so much more. The party comes with a $525 price tag. Make reservations at 407-WDW-DINE.
For more affordable New Year’s Eve options at Disney World, try the BoardWalk or DisneyQuest. $35 at the BoardWalk gets you in for all-night dancing and midnight champagne. $75 grants access to the VIP room with fireworks viewing, a hot drink and dessert bar, and private seating.
Over at DisneyQuest in Downtown Disney New Year’s Eve gaming is in full swing, with tickets granting guests full access to all attractions and video games, plus a DJ’d dance party and coupons for a pizza and soda. Admission is $39; tickets for this or for the BoardWalk should be purchased in advance, and can be done so by calling 407-934-7639 or 407-WDW-DINE, respectively. Have a happy Disney New Year!
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