UPDATED December 22, 2024

The holiday season at Disney’s Parks and Resorts is filled with delights like food, festivities, and FUN! And if you ask us, it’s never too early to start planning for all the holiday happenings!!

We’ve compiled years of Disney Parks holiday experience so that you don’t miss a single treat, holiday meal, event, or activity. The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays includes all the NEW events and holiday happenings, hundreds of photos, an events calendar, touring suggestions, an informative FAQ section, and more!

This year, the Disney World Holiday Season officially kicked off on November 12th, 2024 (with select events including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party starting a bit earlier) and many of the festivities are running through the New Year (and a bit beyond)! Below, you’ll find some of our favorite holiday events, tips, and suggestions for making this year’s Disney World holiday trip your merriest one yet!

Dining at Walt Disney World During the Holidays

There are plenty of special Disney holiday events for the food lover at Walt Disney World. For Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, guests can expect specialty menus and holiday meals at many Disney restaurants in the Parks, at the Resorts, and in Disney Springs.

Here’s what you can expect for Christmas Dining Options in Disney World:

• Here is the FULL LIST of restaurants serving Christmas Day meals;
• Many restaurants — both Table Service and Counter Service — will add holiday meals to the menu. You can also check out some terrific options for Thanksgiving here;
• Even when you’re simply out and about enjoying the holiday atmosphere, it’s rare to turn your head and NOT see a special treat for the occasion!

Treat yourself with an order of the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays!

Holiday Treats at Walt Disney World

The holidays are another welcome excuse for Walt Disney World to introduce lots of special treats just for the season. From sundaes and yule logs to cupcakes and hot spiked beverages, there’s a holiday-inspired treat for everyone!

You can find ALL of our holiday treat reviews from the 2024 Season HERE to see all there is to look forward to!

EPCOT Holiday Treats

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is a global celebration of the Season! This event historically begins the day after Thanksgiving and ends on December 30th. Therefore, this year’s Festival dates are November 29th through December 30th.

During the Festival, guests enjoy enhanced offerings around World Showcase and experience holiday traditions from various cultures as expressed through decorations, stories, music, cuisine, and additional special events.

EPCOT features internationally themed food booths called Holiday Kitchens! Look for the ramped-up food offerings at booths like American Holiday Table, Las Posadas, and The Bavaria Holiday Kitchen.

Many quick service restaurants (and even some table service locations) feature additional holiday treats, too.

Click here to see ALL of the details about the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays!

Magic Kingdom Holiday Treats

Magic Kingdom adds plenty of holiday treats to jingle our taste bells, and while several are exclusive to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, some are available all day, every day during the holiday season.

We love that holly-jolly time of year in the Magic Kingdom!

Hollywood Studios Holiday Treats

Featured holiday events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios include Sunset Seasons Greetings, a special meal with Minnie at Hollywood and Vine Restaurant, and LOTS of sweet, festive treats!

Whimsical, eye-catching, and all-together tasty, Hollywood Studios always comes up with truly creative holiday goodies.

Animal Kingdom Holiday Treats

Charming events like the Merry Menagerie set the yuletide scene in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Elements of the celebration include, of course, tasty yuletide goodies!

Disney Springs Holiday Treats

From Jock Lindsey’s HOLIDAY Bar to the Christmas Tree Stroll and more, there are plenty of holiday happenings at Disney Springs!

Watch for TONS of seasonal treats found at various locations throughout the entertainment, shopping, and dining district.

Disney Resort Hotels Holiday Treats

The Resorts at Walt Disney World like to show off their seasonal creations too, and many of them are well worth the trek outside the parks!

Many treats include design elements and flavors typically associated with the holiday season, like gingerbread, cinnamon, and more. Oh, and speaking of gingerbread…

… you can find PLENTY OF IT at the larger-than-life Gingerbread Displays at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and BEYOND! It’s difficult to resist a gingerbread snack of your own when you can smell the divine fragrance wafting from the Resort’s amazing edible creations.

And keep an eye out for seasonal beverages and holiday-themed cupcakes, tarts, and treats at each and every one of the Resorts. CHEERS!!

Holiday Events and Experiences at Walt Disney World

Disney World Gingerbread Displays and Activities

Wonderfully aromatic and gorgeous Gingerbread Displays can be found at locations including the Beach Club Resort, the Grand Floridian, the Contemporary Resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge (featuring a Gingerbread Giraffe), and BoardWalk Inn. 

The horses spinning on the Beach Club Gingerbread Carousel are themed differently every year.

The 2024 Carousel is inspired by Mickey’s Christmas Carol!

The signature Gingerbread House at the Grand Floridian Resort is SO large that cast members can stand inside to serve holiday treats!

The house is made from a classic Austrian recipe, and among all the details you can see hand-painted candy canes, white chocolate, edible snowflakes, sugar poinsettias, 25 hidden Mickeys, an 85-pound chocolate Santa, nutcrackers, toy soldiers, and snowmen!

A Gingerbread Castle is featured at Disney’s Contemporary Resort! This year, the display celebrates the Cinderella Castle Dream Lights, a beloved tradition from Disney World Christmases of yore.

The display at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn presents locations such as the BoardWalk Deli in GINGERBREAD form!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge features a display that include Ginger the Giraffe, Debra the Zebra, and Francisco the Flamingo who is making his very FIRST appearance in 2024!

The display is made with honey from approximately 32,256 bees, totaling about 42 pounds of honey.

It is created by the incredible pastry team at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Gingerbread Spaceship Earth

This year, EPCOT has debuted a brand-new 8-foot-tall gingerbread creation!

Throughout the Festival of the Holidays, be sure to visit CommuniCore Hall to see a NEW Gingerbread Spaceship Earth.

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom celebrates the holiday season in a BIG way with a larger-than-life Christmas tree, beautiful decorations, and a special extra-ticket event!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party requires a separate ticket for entry. In 2024, the Party was held on select nights from November 8th through December 20th. Stay tuned for 2025 dates!

Once inside, guests enjoy plenty of festive fun and entertainment unique to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

This includes a showing of Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A., and MUCH more!

See everything included at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party HERE!

Attraction Holiday Overlays

And daytime guests enjoy a very merry — and very hilarious — ride on the Jingle Cruise — the annual makeover of the Jungle Cruise in Adventureland!

“JUNGLE ALL THE WAY!”

Frozen Holiday Surprise at Cinderella Castle 

New in 2023, a “Frozen Holiday Surprise!” was presented nightly at Magic Kingdom throughout the holiday season… and it is BACK for 2024! This show brings together Olaf and more than a hundred of his Snowgie siblings along with Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff to decorate the castle for the festivities. The show culminates with Elsa adding shimmering and sparking touches which “transform Cinderella Castle into a shimmering crystallized palace.”

Frozen Holiday Surprise kicked off on November 5th, 2024 and will be presented nightly at 6:15PM throughout the season. (Special 8:15PM performances will take place on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party event nights, adding another layer of entertainment to that after-hours seasonal event.)

Meet Santa Claus

Get that wish list ready! You can meet Santa Claus at Storybook Circus — both during the day AND during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party — in Magic Kingdom!

Check the My Disney Experience app for greeting times.

Special Entertainment During Christmas Week

During the final week of the year, regular daytime guests visiting Magic Kingdom can enjoy Christmas entertainment that is typically exclusive to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

For instance, guests can enjoy daytime showings of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade from December 21st through December 31st, 2024!

Another party exclusive, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, will be presented for all guests to enjoy at 8PM each night from December 21st through December 29th. 

During this show, you’ll watch fireworks while listening to festive music, and there are fun lights and projections on the Castle that’ll have you feeling merry and bright.

EPCOT

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

EPCOT celebrates with the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Expect delicious treats from the Holiday Kitchen food booths, festive decorations, and music and entertainment celebrating holiday traditions around the globe! Please note that the Festival of the Holidays begins later than the holiday celebrations in the other three theme parks. In 2024, began on November 29th (the day after Thanksgiving) and will run through December 30th.

With the popular Holiday Cookie Stroll, guests stroll around to select Holiday Kitchens trying five different designated cookies featured in the Festival Passport.

Once you’ve received stamps in your Festival Passport for five included cookies, you can redeem your stroll with a FREE completer cookie!

Costumed Holiday Storytellers also share traditions from the different nations that make up World Showcase.

Another favorite and family-friendly activity at Festival of the Holidays is Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition.

EPCOT Candlelight Processional

The beloved EPCOT Candlelight Processional is one of the most anticipated events of the year. The Christmas story is told by a celebrity narrator while a 50-piece orchestra and choir (composed of Disney cast members) accompany the re-telling.

We also have information about Candlelight Processional Dining Packages here.

The packages provide guests with a lunch or dinner meal at select EPCOT restaurants and guaranteed seating to the popular Candlelight Processional. 

Click HERE for our full review of the EPCOT Candlelight Processional Dining Package!

Festive Ride Overlays

The classic Living with the Land attraction gets all dressed up for the Festival: it’s Living with the Land — Glimmering Greenhouses!

And speaking of getting “all dressed up…” Spaceship Earth presents a sparkling Holiday Lights display in the evenings.

But there’s much more in store during the Festival of the Holidays, and you can find it all here!

Click here to see all of the details on the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney Jollywood Nights

A new holiday event made its debut in 2023 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Disney Jollywood Nights… and it returned for 2024! Disney Jollywood Nights is a separately ticketed event which took place on thirteen select nights from November 9th through December 21st, 2024. Stay tuned for 2025 dates!

As part of the event, guests can view the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular, enjoy exclusive treats AND exclusive entertainment (like a NEW skating show in 2024), meet (over 20!) rare characters, and more! Throughout the park, guests also experience unique music and entertainment inspired by different genres.

Two limited-capacity entertainment experiences also take place during the event: The Hollywood Brown Derby transformed into a speakeasy-inspired jazz lounge; and The Hollywood Tower Hotel Courtyard hosted an “other-worldly soiree” with a ghostly band!

Click HERE for everything you need to know about Disney Jollywood Nights!

Sunset Seasons Greetings

This holiday experience brings guests to a twinkling Sunset Boulevard where holiday decorations set a festive mood.

Throughout the night, yuletide scenes are displayed on the billboards of Sunset Boulevard, and the Hollywood Tower Hotel becomes the Hollywood “Holiday” Tower Hotel!

Holiday-themed projections turn the Hollywood “Holiday” Tower Hotel into scenes from Frozen, a Muppets gingerbread house, a toy hotel from Toy Story, and “a Dickensian village inspired by ‘Mickey’s Christmas Carol.’”

NEW Entertainment Offerings

New in 2024, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has added THREE new acts to celebrate the holiday season.

Juggling Elves show their juggling and comedy skills. The Holiday Spirit Band performs jolly tunes. And Seasons Jukebox brings the pep of a collegiate marching band to Hollywood Studios with horns, drummers, and dancers bringing your favorite holiday songs to life!

Look for these acts throughout the day around Echo Lake. 

Vintage Decorations

Vintage-inspired decor transforms Echo Lake — including dressing Dinosaur Gertie up in her dino-sized Santa hat!

And the Hollywood Studios Christmas Tree in Echo Lake is truly a stunner.

Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood and Vine

Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine is a character meal centered on traditional seasonal fare (and some not-so-traditional items!) at lunch and dinner.

Guests can dine with Minnie and her best festive friends, like Mickey and Santa Goofy in their holiday finest throughout the Season! The Holiday version of this Character Meal kicked off on November 8th, 2024 and is running through January 4th, 2025. Advance Dining Reservations open 60 days out.

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

Get ready to join in the fun at For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration!

This show, which is presented several times throughout the day, receives a special finale just for the holiday season featuring Olaf himself!

Holiday Cheer in Toy Story Land

Guests can celebrate the holidays with seasonal tunes at Alien Swirling Saucers and special decorations unique to Toy Story Land.

These special touches are every bit as nostalgic and charming as your favorite toy…

Even Rex gets in on the holiday celebration at Slinky Dog Dash.

It looks like he made these ADORABLE reindeer antlers by hand… err, claw! Oh, and look for festive touches to the Toy Story characters outfits, too!

Meet Santa

Santa meet guests in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (typically from 10AM to park close through December 24th; check the My Disney Experience app for specific appearance times).

He can be found at It’s A Wonderful Shop (right next door to Mama Melrose’s Restaurant Italiano).

Once Santa left to take his famous midnight right on the 24th, a rarely seen character, Duffy the Bear, met guests through December 31st!

He was all dressed up in his holiday best, too!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Merry Menagerie

The beautiful and charming Merry Menagerie is a delight every year at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Winter animal puppets bring joy to guests strolling along Discovery Island, and live musicians also help set the scene.

Guests can also enjoy beautiful decorative nods to celebrations such as Diwali in the Asia section of the park.

Meet SANTA CLAUS

In 2024, you can meet Santa Claus at the 75th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party on the patio at Restaurantosaurus in DinoLand, U.S.A.!

You can find Santa Claus here from November 12th through December 24th. If you want to stop by and see Santa, you should probably check his showtimes in the My Disney Experience app. (If you search “Greet Santa Claus near Restaurantosaurus” a list of available times will pop up for that particular day.)

Tree of Life Awakenings

In the evenings, the Tree of Life Awakenings — Holiday Edition delivers beautiful winter-inspired scenes to the park’s icon.

And, of course, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is always decked out in gorgeous and unique decorations for the holidays!

Mickey and Minnie in Holiday Costumes

When you stop by Adventurer’s Outpost to meet Mickey and Minnie (HOORAY!), they’re in festive gear for the occasion!

As always, the festivities extend beyond the parks, too…

Disney Springs

Disney Springs showcases whimsical décor, entertainment, and holiday shopping and delicious dining during the season!

Christmas Tree Stroll

Disney Springs’ Christmas Tree Stroll: Stroll, indeed, among custom-decorated holiday, Disney-themed trees placed all throughout Disney Springs!

You’ll find the whimsical, colorful, and stunning Trees with help from the Christmas Tree Stroll Map!

From time to time in the evenings, magical snow falls upon the Town Center.

Meet Santa Claus

Bring that Wish List! You can find Santa in the Disney Springs Marketplace in a special spot right near Disney Pin Traders! You can check hours on the Disney World website or My Disney Experience app, but the meet and greet is typically open from 10AM to 10PM from November 8th through December 24th. 

Once you’ve arrived in Disney Springs, you’ll want to use the My Disney Experience app to enter a Virtual Queue to meet Santa. You’ll be able to apply for spots in the virtual queue at multiple times throughout the day: 9AM, 11AM, 1PM, 3PM, and 6PM. You’ll receive a notification when it’s time to get in line. Note that the maximum party size is 10 people. Also, there is no standby queue: you must apply for a virtual queue spot to meet Santa. When you arrive, you’ll see signs that say where to enter the line. Disney PhotoPass photographers are also on hand to get that perfect Santa photo for you!

More Entertainment

As you shop your way around Disney Springs this holiday season, be on the lookout for great entertainment offerings like Toy Soldier stilt walkers, snowflake skaters, and tunes spun by DJs!

The festive fun continues with Christmas-inspired treats throughout Disney Springs!

Jock Lindsey’s HOLIDAY Bar

But no one gets in the holiday spirit more than our pal, Jock Lindsey… and that’s why you HAVE to make a merry stop at Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar!

The Hangar AND THE FOOD get all decked out for the season!

Oh, what FUN! Check out our review HERE!

Breakfasts with Santa

Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante hosts Breakfast with Santa!

This year, Breakfast With Santa at Maria & Enzo’s takes place at 9:30AM, 9:45AM, and 10AM on December 14th, 15th, and 21st-24th. In addition to meeting and taking a photo with Santa (plus getting to meet some of Santa’s elves!), you can experience:

• A family-style breakfast experience
• Takeaway treats to bring home
• Holiday carolers inside the restaurant
• A Prosecco Mimosa for those 21+

Tickets — which are NOW AVAILABLE FOR BOOKING HERE — are $69 for adults and $45 for children, plus tax and gratuity when booking the Gold tier and $79 for adults and $45 for children, plus tax and gratuity when booking at the Platinum tier, which offers a better seat during the earliest seating time.

Platinum tier will also see Santa before Gold tier, but all who purchase a ticket will see Santa. Again, tickets are available HERE.

Click HERE for our REVIEW of Breakfast With SANTA!

Santa makes a few more stops in Disney Springs!

Over at T-Rex Cafe, on select dates — December 14th and 15th, 2024 —  you and your family can sit down for a meal with the dinosaurs…and Santa!

The family-style breakfast is $44.99 for adults and $19.99 for kids, and also includes letters to Santa, goodie bags, a raffle and prizes, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and much more! Interested guests can reserve this experience by calling (407) 828-8739.

MORE Holiday Happenings in Disney World

Blizzard Beach Water Park

Blizzard Beach Water Park presents a snowy fun-in-the-sun theme all year long, but the holidays delivered an “enhanced holiday atmosphere” to this water park!

The festive fun included holiday-themed snacks, a festive scavenger hunt, snowfall, and inner tubes with a festive look.

Even Santa joins in dressed for some tropical fun!

Holiday Sleigh Rides

At Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, holiday sleigh rides allow guests to book a 25-minute horse-drawn sleigh ride.

Each sleigh can fit up to 4 adults, or 2 adults and 3 small children, and rides are priced at $80. Interested guests may book 60 days in advance using the My Disney Experience app or via the Disney World website.

Resort Hotel Activities

Many of the Resorts offer cookie decorating and other special activities to small guests. After all, just because you’re on vacation, you don’t have to miss one of the season’s most beloved traditions! Check your Resort’s entertainment schedule for this year’s offerings.

Likewise, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels offer cookie decorating on select nights throughout the holidays, typically starting at 6PM.

Special Holiday Music Performances

Holiday music is always a great way to set the mood for a festive celebration. And at Disney World during the winter holidays, you’re bound to find lots of talented musicians sharing joyful cheer!

Many of the Deluxe resorts will often feature carolers or other musical entertainment throughout the season or on Christmas Eve. Typically, you’re likely to see them at the Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, and Yacht Club.

You may also find carolers strolling the “streets” of Disney Springs throughout the season, too.

Visits with Characters and Santa Claus

But it would hardly be Christmas for the little ones (or us big kids!) without a visit from Santa Claus!

You can meet Santa Claus at Storybook Circus — both during the day AND during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party — in Magic Kingdom!

Check the My Disney Experience app for greeting times.

In 2024, you can meet Santa Claus at the 75th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party on the patio at Restaurantosaurus in DinoLand, U.S.A.!

Santa meet guests in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (typically from 10AM to park close through December 24th; check the My Disney Experience app for specific appearance times).

He can be found at It’s A Wonderful Shop (right next door to Mama Melrose’s Restaurant Italiano).

Guests can look for Santa in The Odyssey Pavilion in EPCOT during the Festival of the Holidays.

Jolly Old Saint Nick greets guests daily!

And in Disney Springs, he greets guests in the Disney Springs Marketplace in a spot near Disney Pin Traders.

The Big Guy often makes appearances on Christmas Eve at several Resort hotels, ready to hear your Christmas wishes.

And you’ll also spy the big guy in front of his Tiki Hut by the Swan Pool at the Swan and Dolphin — perfect for a Florida Santa photo opp!

And after Christmas Eve? Once Santa takes off for his midnight ride, you may just catch a glimpse of Santa Goofy in the parks through New Year’s Eve!

Holiday times are so busy that Disney pulls out all the stops to entertain the large number of guests. It’s quite common throughout Christmas week to find character meet and greets at Deluxe Resorts!

Really — can you imagine anything more enchanting than Christmas Minnie and Mickey? Be sure to check with the concierge for more information on appearance times for future trips.

New Year’s Eve Events and Dining Options

Are you ready to ring in the New Year in Disney World?

Disney World Theme Park Hours for December 31st

Here is the list of Park Hours from December 31st, 2024:

• EPCOT — 9AM to 1AM
• Magic Kingdom — 9AM to Midnight
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom — 8AM – 6PM
• Hollywood Studios — 9AM to Midnight

Magic Kingdom New Year’s Eve

The Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks will be shown at both 6:30PM and 11:50PM, leading into a countdown to the New Year!

In fact, it can be seen on TWO nights: December 30th AND December 31st at two times each day, 6:30PM and 11:50PM.

See pics and VIDEO of the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Magic Kingdom HERE!

EPCOT New Year’s Eve

Then, the Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration Countdown Fireworks will be presented on December 31st, starting a few minutes prior to midnight (at 11:54, to be exact) with the grand finale kicking off right as the clock strikes 12!

DJ dance parties also take place around World Showcase.

Hollywood Studios New Year’s Eve

Hollywood Studios will the Fantasmic! nighttime spectacular at 9:30PM.

Guests may also enjoy a countdown moment to welcome the New Year!

New Year’s Dining Events and Treats

Disney World does NOT forget those who came just to ring in the New Year!

Click HERE to check out the VERY limited-time New Year treats!

Guests may want to book a special dining experience for New Year’s.

Raglan Road in Disney Springs

Raglan Road in Disney Springs hosts a New Year’s Eve celebration where you can ring in the new year twice!

That’s once for Florida’s Eastern Standard Time (Midnight), and once for Ireland (7PM)!

Paddlefish in Disney Springs

On New Year’s Eve, Paddlefish will serve up Holiday Surf & Turf: a savory combination of Maine lobster, andouille sausage, PEI mussels, cornbread, red potatoes, and sweet corn for $85.00. 

Guests may pair the meal with a bottle of sparkling wine for $40.00.

Terralina Crafted Italian in Disney Springs

On New Year’s Eve, Terralina Crafted Italian will serve a Lobster-Saffron Pappardelle, “a decadent dish featuring half a Maine lobster, mussels, and baby scallops tossed in a tomato-saffron butter broth over pappardelle pasta” for $47.00.

You can also enjoy a Champagne Margarita along with it: it’s Cimarron Tequila, Triple Sec, and Sweet and Sour Mix, topped with Prosecco and garnished with lime and orange for $16.50.

Wine Bar George in Disney Springs

Wine Bar George shares the following about the specialty menus the spot is serving this year on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve: “This year’s menu showcases some of Wine Bar George’s most beloved dishes, like the tender Grilled Ribeye and Crispy Mac & Cheese Bites, alongside festive holiday highlights. Savor the delicate Fillet of Branzino or the perfectly Pan-Seared Chicken Breast, each dish will pair perfectly with with any of our wines or a signature Wine Bar George cocktail.

Finish your holiday feast with our decadent Chocolate Peppermint Tart—a rich, festive dessert topped with whipped cream and peppermint crumble that’s sure to put you in the festive spirit.”

Tiana’s New Year’s Adventure at California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney will once again host a one-night event at the Contemporary Resort — the theme for this year (2024, ringing in 2025) is Tiana’s New Year’s Adventure! This New Year’s Eve party will take place at California Grill. 

Disney describes the event as a “fantastical evening,” complete with food, champagne, wine, and “one-of-a-kind entertainment.”

Tickets are $799 per person, including tax and gratuity, and the event begins at 7:30PM on December 31st and ends at 12:30AM on January 1st. So, what’s included at a Disney-themed New Year’s Eve party? The story goes that Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen stopped by California Grill to sample the cuisine, meet some new friends, and assist Tiana’s friend, Chef Matthew.

This is designed to be a luxury event, so participants are encouraged to dress their best. Disney promises to start 2025 with a champagne toast at midnight, and you’ll have a lovely view of Magic Kingdom’s New Year’s Eve fireworks at California Grill.

Here’s a look at the menu:

Chilled Appetizer Station

• Beef Tartare
• Chilled Raw Bar Display
• Caviar Station
• Chopped Salad

Wood Burning Appetizer Station

• Chicken “Drumstick”
• Squash Blossom “Doughnut”
• Creole Pizza
• Muffaletta Pizza
• Rock Shrimp Po Boy
• Corn Fried Oysters

Sushi Station

• Maki
• Sashimi
• Nigiri
• A collection of original sushi creations

Hot Seafood Station

• Lobster Ravioli
• Jumbo Sea Scallops
• Blackened Red Fish
• Seafood Boil

From the Grill and Rotisserie

• Suckling Pig “Porchetta”
• Smoked Duck
• Beef Tenderloin
• Pan Seared Lions Mane “Skate Wing”
• Gumbo

Desserts and Interesting Breads

• Beignets & Chicory
• Assorted House Made Truffles and Bon Bons
• Chocolate Covered Strawberries
• King Cake

Disney World Resort Hotels

Note that Disney World Resort hotels often offer special family-friendly activities to welcome the New Year, too!

Look for signs like the one above around the Resort or check with your hotel’s front desk for more information about what might be available.

Holiday Options at On-Property Hotels

Disney and non-Disney-owned hotels on Walt Disney World property have an assortment of holiday options.

Featuring an entire calendar filled with holiday activities, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel celebrates the season with two special guest hosts – Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Activities include:

• Santa’s Dancing Lights Spectacular each evening — Located on the causeway between the hotels, this show sees dancing lighted palms “come alive every 10 minutes after dusk in a musical & light display designed to delight!”
• Meet & Greet opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as their elf Kandy Kane, at Santa’s Holiday Hangout by the Swan pool, 6pm – 8pm on select nights.
• Cookie Decorating at Santa’s Holiday Hangout area at the Swan pool on select nights from 6:00PM to 8:00PM.
• The Elves Magical Workshop, “a magical workshop bustling with activity” that features a variety of craft stations where children can “decorate ornaments, assemble personalized gift bags, or even create their own stuffed toys. Each station is designed to spark their imagination and bring their ideas to life.”
• The Santa’s Magic Key program, which allows “Santa” to deliver gifts directly to guests’ rooms on Christmas Eve.
• The Deck the Halls in-room decoration package.
• Santa’s Stocking delivery on Christmas morning.
• A Chocolate Santa Display handcrafted by two-time World Pastry Chef Laurent Branlard.
• Winter Wonderland Bags for “children of all ages,” which include “winter-themed crafts, candies, toys, and more!”

See MORE of the festive FUN at the Swan and Dolphin HERE!

Holiday happenings also take place at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Or stop by the Four Seasons Resort.

Happy Holidays from the DFB!

We’ll see you right here on the DFB as we bring you all the MERRY MAGIC taking place for the Holiday Season at Disney World!