An exclusive New Year’s Eve experience is returning to Disney World this year with a different look and a WAY cheaper price tag!

For the past few years, California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort has hosted a themed party on New Year’s Eve, featuring food, characters, and an iconic view of the holiday fireworks at Magic Kingdom. The restaurant is gearing up to offer another special experience this New Year’s Eve, but this year’s event will be a little different…and WAY cheaper!

In 2023, California Grill hosted Alice’s Whimsical World of Wonderland, a New Year’s Eve celebration that featured multiple food stations, characters from Alice in Wonderland, an event DJ, and fireworks viewing access from the restaurant’s exclusive location. Of course, all of this came at a hefty price tag — $799 per person, to be exact!

Another version of the event, called Tiana’s New Year’s Adventure at California Grill, returned in 2024 with similar offerings and a Princess and the Frog theme. But one thing that didn’t change — that $799 per person price tag!

The restaurant is getting in on the holiday celebration again this year, with The Magic of New Year’s Eve at California Grill, but there are some BIG changes this time around! Here’s what’s included in this year’s event:

• 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.

The prices vary by seating as follows:

• December 30th: $229 per person
• December 31st (Early Seating): $299 per person
• December 31st (Late Seating): $349 per person

So, let’s review the things that are different from previous events! First, the price is WAY less — down from $799 per person to $229-$349 per person. Some of that price reduction may be due to the shortened experience — while the exact event time isn’t listed, it doesn’t appear to be an all-evening event like the parties of previous years, since there are two seatings on New Year’s Eve (although both still include fireworks viewing).

Also, in previous years, there were food stations available throughout the evening, while this year’s event is a plated 4-course meal. And, rounding out the list of big changes, there is no overarching character theme listed this year. Mickey and Minnie will be there for photos, but the overall event wasn’t given a character theme like the last two years of Alice and Tiana.

Here’s a look at the menu for this year’s 4-course New Year’s Eve dinner!

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-Age 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
• Muscavado 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

To snag a spot at The Magic of New Year’s Eve at California Grill, call 407-824-2284 to book a reservation!

We’ll keep an eye out for more New Year’s celebrations happening around Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for all of your holiday plans!

The Best Restaurants in Disney World in 2025

What are your New Year’s Eve plans in Disney World? Let us know in the comments!