Guests planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World can now reserve one of the resort’s most exclusive holiday dining experiences.
Reservations officially opened November 11, 2026, for The Magic of New Year’s Eve at California Grill, the signature restaurant atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
The December 31 celebration combines a specially prepared four-course dinner, live music, appearances by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, and views of Magic Kingdom’s New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Disney has also revealed the complete menu and pricing for the 2026 event, which features two seating options ranging from $299 to $379 per person.
The later seating is $30 more expensive than last year’s equivalent experience, while the early seating retains its 2025 price.
California Grill New Year’s Eve 2026 Prices and Seating Times
The Magic of New Year’s Eve at California Grill takes place Wednesday, December 31, 2026.
Guests can choose between two dining periods:
| Seating | Reservation Times | Price Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Early Seating | 4:00–5:30 p.m. | $299 |
| Late Seating | 8:00–10:00 p.m. | $379 |
Both options include the four-course meal and access to a designated fireworks viewing area.
The late seating costs $80 more per person than the early seating.
Compared with 2025, the early seating remains unchanged at $299, while the late seating has increased from $349 to $379.
For two adults, the late seating costs $760 before any applicable taxes, gratuities, or optional purchases.
Disney has not announced a separate December 30 event for 2026, although California Grill offered a celebration on both December 30 and 31 last year.
What’s Included With the California Grill New Year’s Eve Celebration?
The event offers considerably more than a traditional dinner reservation.
Guests receive a four-course meal featuring dishes created specifically for the celebration.
A live band provides musical entertainment throughout the experience, while Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are scheduled to appear for character photographs.
Guests ages 21 and older also receive a complimentary glass of champagne for a celebratory toast.
The evening’s centerpiece is the opportunity to watch Magic Kingdom’s special New Year’s Eve fireworks from California Grill’s elevated viewing area.
Located on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, California Grill offers sweeping views of Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom.
The restaurant has long been a popular location for watching fireworks without entering the theme park.
For the New Year’s Eve event, Disney says fireworks viewing will take place at the conclusion of each seating.
As with other outdoor fireworks experiences, performances remain subject to weather conditions and operational changes.
Complete California Grill New Year’s Eve 2026 Menu
Disney has introduced a new four-course menu for the 2026 celebration, featuring premium seafood, Wagyu beef, seasonal ingredients, and several elaborate desserts.
The meal begins with two sushi selections.
First Course
Guests receive a Pacific Woodland Roll and Chutoro Maki Roll.
Second Course — Market Inspirations
Guests select one of five options:
- Langoustine Gnocchetti Sardi
- Wagyu Carpaccio
- Fruits de Mer
- Black Winter Truffle & Four Cheese Flatbread
- Tempura-Fried Coral Mushrooms
Third Course — Chef’s Creations
The main course offers five choices:
- Aged Wagyu Striploin
- Milk-Fed Suckling Pig
- Hokkaido Scallop
- Petite French Quail
- Brown “Butter” Agnolotti
Fourth Course — Sweet Creations
Dessert selections include:
- Yuzu & Champagne Pavlova
- Midnight Chocolate Delice
- California Winter Citrus Cheesecake
- Coconut Panna Cotta
The menu represents a substantial change from the 2025 celebration.
Last year’s selections included dry-aged Wagyu filet, butter-poached Maine lobster, Berkshire pork tenderloin, and several other dishes that are not part of the newly announced menu.
Disney will also offer optional enhancements for an additional charge.
Guests should review the available menu and any dietary restrictions before making reservations, particularly because the experience features a fixed four-course format.
How to Book California Grill’s New Year’s Eve Event
Reservations became available Wednesday, November 11.
Guests can access the event through Walt Disney World’s dining reservation system, subject to availability.
Because California Grill has limited seating and New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year, reservations may become difficult to obtain.
Guests should also be aware of the event’s cancellation policy.
Reservations must be canceled at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a cancellation charge.
Guests who cancel too late or fail to arrive for their reservation will be charged the full event price per person to the credit card associated with the booking.
This is a particularly important consideration for families or larger groups, given the event’s premium pricing.
California Grill is classified as a Signature Dining restaurant, and Disney’s standard dress expectations apply.
Guests should wear clean, appropriate clothing suitable for an upscale dining experience. Swimwear is not permitted.
Where to Check In for the New Year’s Eve Celebration
Guests attending The Magic of New Year’s Eve should arrive at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and proceed to the restaurant’s check-in location on the second floor.
Disney allows guests to check in through the My Disney Experience app upon arrival.
A Cast Member will then escort guests to California Grill on the 15th floor using an elevator reserved for restaurant guests.
The restaurant’s location makes the celebration particularly appealing to guests who want to enjoy Magic Kingdom’s fireworks without spending New Year’s Eve inside the crowded theme park.
The experience does not require a Magic Kingdom theme park ticket.
However, guests should allow sufficient travel time to reach the Contemporary Resort, especially because transportation and roadway conditions around Magic Kingdom can become busy on New Year’s Eve.
California Grill Continues Its New Year’s Eve Tradition
California Grill has hosted several different New Year’s Eve celebrations over the years, ranging from elaborate themed parties to more traditional fine-dining experiences.
In 2024, Disney offered Tiana’s New Year’s Adventure, an elaborate celebration inspired by The Princess and the Frog that cost $799 per person.
The restaurant returned to a more conventional four-course dining format in 2025, offering separate early and late seatings with fireworks viewing.
That approach continues in 2026.
The biggest changes this year are the new menu, the $30 increase for late seating, and the earlier opening of reservations.
Last year’s booking availability was announced much closer to New Year’s Eve, while the 2026 experience is available to reserve more than seven weeks in advance.
For guests seeking an upscale way to welcome 2027, California Grill offers an alternative to spending the evening inside Magic Kingdom.
With reservations now open and the complete menu available, guests can compare the two seating options and decide whether the experience fits their holiday plans.