New Year's Eve 2012 at WDW

THEME PARKS

Walt Disney World announced New Year's Eve festivities for this December 31:

• At Epcot, DJs will be stationed at select pavilions throughout the evening. "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" will salute the new year at 7 p.m. and 11:42 p.m. A buffet dining experience inspired by Disney's classic animated films Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 will take place at World ShowPlace, with reservations available from 4:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Priced at $68.67 for adults and $44.37 for children. Park admission is required.

• At Disney's Hollywood Studios, the Mulch, Sweat, and Shears New Year's Eve Spectacular will take place on a specially built stage in front of the Sorcerer Hat icon. The four concert sets will feature pyrotechnics and special effects and lead up to ringing in the New Year with Mulch, Sweat, and Shears playing live accompaniment to a full-scale fireworks spectacular.

For specific information about other holiday dining offerings at Disney resort hotels on Dec. 31, call 407-WDW-DINE.

DINING

Restaurants around the World offer special New Year's Eve menus. Visit the New Year's Eve Menu Page HERE for details as they become available.

Special New Year's Eve Dining: Many Walt Disney World restaurants will feature special menus during the holidays, and for New Year's Eve in particular. (Call 1-407-WDW-DINE for details or to make reservations, unless otherwise noted.)

AT THE RESORTS

• Registered guests at select Disney resort hotels will be treated to music and entertainment. At Narcoosee's restaurant (Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa), for instance, there will be a four-course dining experience for $161.85 for adults and $77.19 for children, plus DJ, balloon artist and special fireworks viewing.

• Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney's Boardwalk Resort offers a special-ticket New Year's Eve party from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. with a video DJ and limited viewing of Epcot's Fireworks.

Be sure to check with your resort for activities.

DOWNTOWN DISNEY

• DisneyQuest – This interactive gaming location will host a special New Year's Eve event December 31, beginning at 8 p.m., that will feature two DJ dance parties, a meal and beverage, access to all DisneyQuest attractions, meet-and-greets with Disney characters, and a New Year's Eve countdown and confetti drop at midnight. Tickets cost $50 per person and are available online or by calling 407-934-7639. Day-of tickets can be purchased at DisneyQuest for $60.
• Splitsville Luxury Lanes – This brand-new addition to Downtown Disney will host its first New Year's Event Party, for ages 21 and up, on December 31, featuring great food and beverages, a DJ, dancing, pool tables and more. Special Bowling Packages cost $175 per person (minimum 4 people) and includes 3.5 hours of bowling and shoe rental, choice of one appetizer and one entrée per person, two drink tickets, one bottle of champagne or house wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Table Packages cost $100 per person and include a 3.5-hour table reservation, choice of one appetizer/entree per person, two drink tickets, one bottle of champagne or house wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. For more information, call 407-938-PINS.
• Bongos Cuban Cafe – Head to Bongos for a New Year's celebration that features a four-course dinner, champagne, party favors, live music and a midnight celebration. The party lasts from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. To reserve your table, contact GRodriguez@BongosCubanCafe.com.

• At Cirque du Soleil, located at Downtown Disney, all guests attending the December 31 performances will receive a limited-edition Walt Disney World/Cirque trading pin. Shows are at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. For pricing contact 407/WDW/SEAT.

• Raglan Road – New Year's fun begins at 6 p.m. with house band Creel and Irish dancing. In addition to great food, the pub will also offer complimentary champagne toasts at 7 p.m. and midnight.

• House of Blues – The reggae band SOJA will take the stage at 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve. Tickets cost $37-$40, and the concert is open to guests of all ages. Visit the House of Blues website for tickets.
• Babycakes helps ring in New Year's resolutions with healthy treats from Babycakes NYC. Guests may schedule pick-up orders at least 48-hours in advance for December 30-January 1, 2013, and receive a 20% discount.
• At Planet Hollywood, now through December 31, you can buy two merchandise items and get the third free. (No other Promotions or Discounts, vouchers apply. Discount not good on jackets. Free item is the lesser priced item).

Visit our New Year's with the Family Reader Comments Page HERE for more ideas on what to do in the World during the holidays.