Where's good to eat New Years Eve?

[FSU Girl]

I have a one night reservation for New Years Eve at Bay Lake Towers and my annual pass will be blacked out so no going into parks. I figured could arrive early and swim at the hotel/look at hotels on the monorail loop then have an early dinner and watch the firework show from our balcony.

Since I only have the one night reservation I'm worried most restaurants will be booked up by the time my night comes around. What would be a good place to eat at? I'm thinking one of the hotels on the monorail so we won't have to drive and deal with all the traffic.

Was also thinking about making a 10 day reservation so I could book 10 days out to get a good restaurant and time. I've never done this before, is this allowed? Since I'm eating outside of the park does it make any sense to even worry? If I were to cancel this reservation after the 10 days were up would I lose my restaurant reservation? Is this even allowed to be discussed? lol.

I've never been to Disney for New Years before (or any holiday for that matter) so total newbie to this dilemma

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I would consider one of the signatures on the monorail loop or Artist Point at WL. They are all super easy to get to.

Only in terms of my personal preference, I would consider the following:

Artist Point (love the food and may not be too difficult to book for NYE)
Cali Grill (love the food and view, but probably will be the most difficult to book because of the view for NYE)
Citrico's
Narcoosee's

If none of those pan out, I would probably consider GF Cafe as the decor is a little more "upscale" for a special evening than the other 1 TS restaurants on the monorail.

If you can't get anything, perhaps room service on your balcony?!

 

[robinb]

You'll be fine getting a reservation for NYE in the regular ADR window.

California Grill will have a special meal that night which will be VERY expensive.

The "World" is your oyster from BLT. You can walk over to the bus station and take a bus to any resort. If you want to stick near the MK, Narcoossee's is my favorite in the monorail loop.

 

[FSU Girl]

That's good that it shouldn't be a problem getting a restaurant. I had thought of staying on the monorail loop just because it'll be really busy and buses will probably be packed. I remember looking into the California Grill last year and it was like 650 a person or something. Definitely not looking to spend that much, especially since our room will be able to see the fireworks.

 

[robinb]

We go to WDW every year for NYE. Traffic can get bad going into the MK area so you're probably best to stay on the monorail.

Will your AP be active (albeit, blacked out), or will you be renewing while there?

 

[FSU Girl]

We go to WDW every year for NYE. Traffic can get bad going into the MK area so you're probably best to stay on the monorail.

Will your AP be active (albeit, blacked out), or will you be renewing while there?

It'll be active just blacked out. I did the Florida resident Silver pass. I figure the parks are probably crazy and wouldn't want to go in them anyways

 

[robinb]

It'll be active just blacked out. I did the Florida resident Silver pass. I figure the parks are probably crazy and wouldn't want to go in them anyways

I asked because we had a Gold AP a couple of years ago that started as a 10-day PH over Christmas and NYE. We upgraded it to a DVC Gold AP renewal on January 2nd when the blackout period was over.

 

[FSU Girl]

I asked because we had a Gold AP a couple of years ago that started as a 10-day PH over Christmas and NYE. We upgraded it to a DVC Gold AP renewal on January 2nd when the blackout period was over.

Oh that's really smart. I'm activating my pass in 4 days (yay!) so definitely won't be going into the park new years eve unless we bought a day ticket. I just really wanted to see the special firework show at the Magic Kingdom.

 

[DWillowBay]

Champagne! ...after that, nothing else matters!

 

[jsternad]

CA Grill would be my first choice. The view is amazing. And the food is to die for.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

That's good that it shouldn't be a problem getting a restaurant. I had thought of staying on the monorail loop just because it'll be really busy and buses will probably be packed. I remember looking into the California Grill last year and it was like 650 a person or something. Definitely not looking to spend that much, especially since our room will be able to see the fireworks.

Oh my gosh, I forgot about the special event at Cali Grill on NYE - crazy expensive!!! We really like Artist Point and it's such a nice boat ride from CR to WL.

 

[robinb]

I wanted to put in another plug for Narcoossee's. If you time it right, you can also see the Happily Ever After fireworks from the balcony. The servers will usually work around the fireworks so you can step out and watch them.

 

[supersnoop]

I'd hit the Wave of American Flavors at the Contemporary and watch the fireworks from the TOTWL. I seem to recall Narcoossee's had a NYE special event, too, so that would probably be out. I wouldn't want to deal with crowds to get to the Grand Floridian Cafe or 'Ohana. I've been wanting to try Citricos, so I might brave the crowds for that one.

 

[robinb]

I'd hit the Wave of American Flavors at the Contemporary and watch the fireworks from the TOTWL. I seem to recall Narcoossee's had a NYE special event, too, so that would probably be out. I wouldn't want to deal with crowds to get to the Grand Floridian Cafe or 'Ohana. I've been wanting to try Citricos, so I might brave the crowds for that one.

Well, shoot. You're right. Narcoossee's did have a special meal, but at least it was $150-$225 instead of $650!

I'm personally not a big fan of the Wave. With California Grill and Narcoossee's out, I would rank the remaining:

Citrico
Artist Point
'Ohana
Kona - GF Cafe - Whispering Canyon
Chef Mickey
Wave
Trail's End
1900 Park Faire

 

[supersnoop]

Well, shoot. You're right. Narcoossee's did have a special meal, but at least it was $150-$225 instead of $650!

I'm personally not a big fan of the Wave. With California Grill and Narcoossee's out, I would rank the remaining:

Citrico
Artist Point
'Ohana
Kona - GF Cafe - Whispering Canyon
Chef Mickey
Wave
Trail's End
1900 Park Faire

I thought the Narcoossee's NYE event was more expensive than that. Looks like it was $150 for an early dinner and $255 for a late dinner last year. I can't tell if that actually includes fireworks viewing since the last seating was at 9:25PM.

I can't believe I left off Artist Point. That would be a great option. You could just catch the boat from the back of the Contemporary to get there.