Tag Archives: California Grill

9 Unique Celebrations Planned for New Year’s Eve 2019 at Disney World

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From the Disney Parks Blog:

Photo: Disney

Get ready to ring in 2020 with one of these fabulous events for New Year’s Eve 2019 at Disney World Resort. From rooftop celebrations, Champagne toasts, and exquisite meals to fun dance parties and character greetings, there are many ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2019 at Disney World in true Disney fashion! To help plan your festivities, I’ve put together this list of New Year’s Eve 2019 at Disney World events happening throughout our resort hotels. And remember, these popular events fill up fast, so be sure to book your reservations now by visiting the links below. More details and pricing can be found by visiting the Walt Disney World Resort website or by calling the numbers listed below. 

Photo: Disney

First up, Walt Disney World Resort now features three amazing rooftop New Year’s Eve celebrations – at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and at Disney’s Riviera Resort (scheduled to open later this year).

Rooftop Celebrations

Bienvenidos 2020! New Year’s Eve at Toledo’s

Celebrate the New Year with an elegant party at Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood, the new rooftop restaurant at the top of Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. This special celebration features a savory menu inspired by Spanish cuisine. Entertainment includes an electric flamenco guitarist who will delight you during your meal with exciting melodies alongside a DJ in Dalhia Lounge who will lead the New Year countdown! And from the windows of the restaurant and the Dalhia Lounge balcony, you’ll take in spectacular views of Walt Disney World Resort with glimpses of incredible Disney fireworks displays in the distance.

Make your reservations online today!

Photo: Disney

Mezzanotte at Topolino’s: An Italian Masquerade at Disney’s Riviera Resort

Wear your most luxurious red finery as you step into this elegant rooftop restaurant and don custom colorful masks at this special New Year’s Eve party. This Italian masquerade ball comes alive with an exciting DJ, Champagne toasts, and traditional musicians and vocalists from the Italian Riviera, all while featuring buffet displays, á la carte tapas-style dishes, and action stations where our Disney chefs create your dish right in front of you! You’ll also enjoy spectacular sights as neighboring Disney fireworks displays light up the night.

Make you reservations online today!

Elegant Evening Under the Stars at California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Ring in the New Year at Disney’s Contemporary Resort with An Elegant Evening Under the Stars at the California Grill. Take in a bubbling Champagne toast in a setting inspired by the twinkling lights and lush greenery of California wine country. Be mesmerized by a sleight-of-hand magician, or have your portrait drawn by an artist on hand. Indulge in decadent delicacies as you mingle with a host of eccentric personalities, and marvel at the dazzling view of fireworks from one of the most sought-after lookouts in Central Florida. You might even catch a glimpse of a few familiar pals as they make a special appearance to celebrate the New Year!

Make your reservations online today!

Photo: Disney

New Year’s Eve Celebrations Throughout The Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Countdown to Midnight: A New Year’s Celebration at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

This extraordinary soiree will be filled with sensational cuisine, live music, dancing and unique photo opportunities. The Fantasia Ballroom at Disney’s Contemporary Resort becomes the setting for a sensational evening where you can wander through tempting tasting stations and indulge in an assortment of libations for party-goers of all ages before partying it up on the dance floor. Delight in a stunning display of culinary sorcery and personal interactions with the Disney Chefs as they build sensational bites right before your eyes inspired by Disney signature restaurants from across Walt Disney World Resort. With a live band providing the backdrop, you’ll be able to dance and dine all the way to the New Year. At midnight, celebrate with a toast at a special ground-level viewing area near the porte cochére while you take in the spectacular sights of the famous New Year’s Eve fireworks display at Magic Kingdom Park

Make your reservations online today!

Ink & Paint Club at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

You can book a pre-party add-on for the Countdown to Midnight: A New Year’s Eve Celebration. This special reception is inspired by the iconic Walt Disney Animation Studios Ink and Paint Department. You’ll also enjoy a private area throughout the evening and, after 11 p.m., an exclusive outdoor private viewing of the Magic Kingdom Park fireworks complete with desserts and a Champagne toast. You might even see some familiar friends hanging out for fun photo opportunities!

NOTE: This experience is only available as a combined event ticket with Countdown to Midnight: A New Year’s Eve Celebration. For further details and to make reservations, visit the Disney Ink & Paint Club page.

Pixar Party: A New Year’s Celebration

Take a trip down memory lane to your own playful beginnings with the Pixar friends. From toys and monsters to supers and adventurers, ignite your childhood memories at this exciting event filled with family fun and delicious food!

Located on the second level of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you’ll find two ballrooms have been transformed to immerse you in the imaginative world of Pixar.

Meet some of your favorite characters, dance with an interactive DJ, go to Boot Camp with Sarge and enjoy other fun-filled activities. You can also chow down on a Pixar-inspired buffet featuring dishes like Ratatouille, white cheddar baked mac and cheese, slow roasted beef tenderloin, crème brûlée tarts and much more. At the end of the night, step outside to a special ground-level viewing area near the porte cochére to enjoy the spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display at Magic Kingdom Park

This event occurs on Dec. 30 (reservations still available) and Dec. 31 (SOLD OUT). Make your reservations online today. 

Photo: Disney

Disney’s BoardWalk Countdown to 2020 at Atlantic Dance Hall

Tons of fun and a late-night party will be on tap at the Atlantic Dance Hall this New Year’s Eve! Kick off the brand-new year with rockin’ music, tasty treats, and a dash of Disney magic as you count down to midnight. This festive holiday celebration includes views of the Epcot Fireworks a live DJ, party hats and horns, a confetti drop, a mouthwatering light-bite menu with savory and sweet eats, and a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight. 

Make your reservations online today!

Photo; Disney

New Year’s Eve at Flying Fish

Celebrate the arrival of the New Year with family and friends surrounded in an atmosphere of elegance as you dine on a multi-course, prix fixe menu created by award-winning Chef Tim Majoras. Seatings are available from 5-6:30pm and 8:30-10pm on Dec. 31, with a sustainable seafood tower and intermezzo included in the second seating. 

Make your reservations online today!

A New Year’s Eve Celebration at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Be sure to check out this incredible opportunity to revel in the festivities while tantalizing your taste buds with a special New Year’s Eve dinner waterside at Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Reserve an earlier dinner time for a relaxed, casually elegant experience. Later dinner times amp up the fun with an upbeat three-piece band and a dance floor. 

Make your reservations to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2019 at Disney World by calling 407-824-1391.

Recipe for Chocolate Pudding Cake from California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

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chocolate pudding cake 1

Have you ever dined at California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort? One of their decadent sweet endings is the chocolate pudding cake. You can make chocolate pudding cake from California Grill at home with just four ingredients (plus water). California Grill serves a fancy version that’s adorned with Nutella, silky ganache, mint whipped cream, and mini house-made marshmallows and chocolate meringue kisses. Although you can add the “extras,” it’s also delicious with nothing more than a generous scoop of good vanilla ice cream! Here is the recipe for chocolate pudding cake from California Grill:

Chocolate Pudding Cake
Makes 1 (9-inch) cake

Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2/3 cup sugar, divided
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into small pieces
  • 5 large eggs

Directions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick spray with flour; set aside.
    2. Combine water and 1/3 cup sugar in a heavy saucepan over high heat, stirring until sugar melts. Bring to a boil, and cook 2 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat; slowly add chocolate, stirring until completely melted. Stir in butter, a few pieces at a time, until completely melted.
    3. Combine eggs and remaining 1/3 cup sugar in a medium bowl; beat with an electric mixer until pale yellow and very frothy.
    4. Slowly stream chocolate-butter mixture into egg mixture, stirring until smooth and satiny.
    5. Pour batter into prepared pan. Place cake pan inside of a larger roasting pan; pour hot water around cake pan until water reaches halfway up sides of cake pan. Carefully transfer pans to oven.
    6. Bake 28 to 30 minutes until just firm.
    7. Remove cake pan from roasting pan and let cool 30 minutes. Carefully invert cake onto a large plate before serving, or serve directly from pan.

Cook’s note: The chocolate pudding cake can be served with mint flavored marshmallows, chocolate meringue kisses, a spread of Nutella, or mint whipped cream.

Thanks to the Disney Parks Blog for sharing the recipe for this delicious chocolate pudding cake from California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort!

Siera is a Disney travel specialist who would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Request your free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information. 

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World This Year

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boo to you parade mnsshp

The Walt Disney World Resort is a magical vacation year-round, but there are a number of exciting opportunities that make this fall an even better time to visit! October through December is an especially great time of year at Disney World due to the special events held this time of year. In addition to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the 2013 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Disney has made several new additions and experiences available this fall and winter.

  • Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties – This annual Halloween event is held through November 1. You can enjoy Happy HalloWishes fireworks, the Boo-to-You parade, trick-or-treating, and much more!
  • 2013 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – There’s a lot to see and taste at this year’s festival, which offers more than 25 international marketplaces, including the new Scotland marketplace.
  • Eat to the Beat Concerts Take The Stage – Part of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is the Eat to the Beat concerts, which are included in regular park admission. This year’s performances include Go-Go’s, Edwin McCain, Wilson Phillips, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Boyz II Men, and more.
  • Festival of the Masters – Downtown Disney will host the 38th Festival of the Masters presented by Michaels November 8-10. This fine arts festival hosts more than 150 artists featuring their unique art works.
  • Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – Celebrate the holidays at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party which begins November 8. This special event includes entertainment, fireworks, a parade, holiday decor, and so much more.
  • “Glow With The Show” – “Glow With the Show” ears are now available at “Fantasmic!” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and at “Wishes” fireworks at Magic Kingdom. These ears are amazing sights to see!
  • The Reimagined California Grill – Check out the new menu and renovated dining room at the reimagined California Grill, which reopened last month with a new offerings as well as classic favorites.
  • Princess Fairytale Hall – This new Disney princess character greeting area in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom is now open, and is the permanent place to meet Cinderella and Rapunzel as well as select visiting princesses.
  • “Frozen” Character Greetings – Beginning in November, you will be able to meet Anna and Elsa from the upcoming film “Frozen” in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot.
  • Food Trucks at Downtown Disney – New food trucks are coming to Downtown Disney to offer up even more food options.

Which one of these events are you most looking forward to? What is your favorite time of year to visit Disney World?

Siera is a Disney travel specialist and would love to help you plan your next Disney World vacation at no cost to you. Plus, you will receive other perks including itinerary planning, dining suggestions and reservations, mouseperks (magic in your inbox), autographed pictures of Mickey for your kids, and more! Request a free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email spreadingmagic@gmail.com! 

California Grill at Contemporary Resort to Re-open on September 9

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The California Grill at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is scheduled to re-open on Monday, September 9, 2013 after completing months of renovations. You can begin making reservations for this signature dining experience on August 26, 2013.

A major re-imagination has transformed the restaurant into a sleek, contemporary dining experience inspired by mid-century modern California design. The space was designed with warm oranges and yellow hues, reminiscent of the 1950s. Although you may not recognize the dining room, the amazing views of Walt Disney World Resort won’t have changed one bit.

The California Grill menu will offer fresh, seasonal ingredients. For example, their popular flatbreads are back, but Chef Brian Piasecki will also be using the wood-burning oven for creations such as baked prawns with lemon and savory meatballs with orzo. You can also look forward to updates to longtime favorites, such as the Grilled Pork Tenderloin or the oak-fired filet of beef . The sushi bar is expanding with a new omakase menu, 12 courses of seafood without a menu, just chef’s choice. The menu could include ama ebi tempura, lobster sashimi, crunchy Japanese bone marrow with sesame beef tartare and red onion marmalade, or spicy-crusted oysters. California Grill features 250 wine choices as well as 10 varieties of sake and eight kinds of crafts beers and ciders. Plus, you can enjoy one of their signature cocktails, unique to California Grill.

The restaurant will have two new communal tables for 10, which are expected to be prime seating as they are positioned at the north end of the dining room for optimal fireworks viewing. Plus, there are now two outdoor fireworks viewing there– one on the northwest side and another new deck on the southwest side.

The restaurant opens for dinner every evening at 5 p.m. As always, advanced dining reservations can be made 180 days in advance. Plus, when you book your Disney World vacation with me, you can sit back and let me do the work of making your dining reservations for you!

Siera is a Disney travel specialist who would love to help you plan your next Disney vacation at no cost to you! You can request a free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email spreadingmagic@gmail.com for more information! 

Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of July 2013

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Are you planning a Disney vacation within the next few months? Would you like to know if your favorite attraction will be closed for refurbishment? Here is the Disney World refurbishment schedule as of July 2013.

Magic Kingdom:

  • Pirates of the Caribbean: 07/27/13 – 07/30/13
  • Enchanted Tiki Room: 07/31/13 – 08/28/13
  • Prince Charming Regal Carrousel: 08/01/13 – 08/21/13
  • Liberty Belle Riverboat: 08/05/13 – 08/09/13
  • Jungle Cruise: 08/19/13 – 09/30/13
  • Walt Disney World Railroad: 09/30/13 – 10/20/13
  • Peter Pan: 09/30/13 – 11/13/13

Epcot:

  • Fountainview Ice Cream Shop: 04/08/13 – Fall
  • Spaceship Earth: 08/21/13 – 08/28/13

Hollywood Studios:

  • Muppet Vision 3D: 08/06/13 – 09/02/13
  • Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground: 09/03/13 – 11/19/13

Disney’s All Star Sports Resort:

  • End Zone Food Court – transportation from the porte cochere will be provided to Disney’s All-Star Music Resort and Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort where Guests can dine at the Intermission Food Court or World Premier Food Court: 08/05/13 – 12/20/13
  • Arcade – closed during this time frame as it will be used as a temporary Food Court with “Grab & Go” items: 07/29/13 – 12/20/13

Disney’s Contemporary Resort:

  • California Grill: 02/02/13- TBD

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort:

  • Grandstand Pool: 08/25/13 – 09/14/13

Golf Courses:

  • Disney’s Palm Golf Course: 06/12/13 – mid-November

Siera is a Disney travel specialist with Destinations in Florida, an authorized Disney vacation planner. She would love to help you plan your next Disney World vacation. Best of all, her services are completely free to you! Contact her at spreadingmagic@gmail.com or request your free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page!