Reservations now open for NYE at Walt Disney World

Courtesy of: Disney Tourist Blog

December is fast approaching and you know what that means, Christmas decorations will soon fill the shelves of your local retail store as everyone prepares for what some consider the best time of the year. Before you know if the year will be over and you will be ringing in 2016. The question is how will you celebrate the beginning of a new year? have you planned out your new years celebrations yet? If not then lucky for you we have a top list of Disney experiences for you to take advantage of before anyone else. 

1. The Atlantic Dance hall: Bring in 2016 with a big band just like it would be in the 30's and 40's with fun and spirits, party hats, horns, a beautiful view of Epcot's famous fireworks display and a champagne toast at midnight is all included with the cost of admission. Worked hard all year? Treat yourself to an upgraded experience in your very own VIP section with your very own bartender and an ample desserts bar. 

2. California Grill: featuring food stations throughout the restaurant and a spectacular view of Magic Kingdom Park's fireworks display. A complimentary bar is included, in addition to wine served by the glass until the clock strikes midnight. Everyone attending is required to look their best, jackets for men are a requirement as well as a dress or pants ensemble for women.

3. Chef Mickey's: ring in 2016 with your family and friends with a holiday brunch complete with character dining starting from 7:00am till 1:00pm

4. La hacienda De San Angel: Bring in the new year with a 5 course Prix fixe dinner. seating is at 9:30 and includes a welcome margarita for adults, a mariachi band and epcot's fireworks display

5. Le Cellier Steakhouse: Celebrate with a four course meal starting at 4:30, 6:45 and 9:00pm. Lunch will also be served starting at 11:30am till 2:00pm 

6. Monsieur Paul's: Indulge in a special 3-course prix-fixe menu on New Year’s Eve. With lunch seatings at 11:45 a.m., noon, 2:15 p.m., and 2:45 p.m.; dinner at 5:45 and 6:15 p.m.; late night at 8:45 and 9:45 p.m.

7. Narcoossee's: Don’t miss this unforgettable opportunity to revel in the festivities of New Year’s Eve while enjoying a four-course prix-fixe meal while overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon. First seating takes place between 5:00 and 5:55p.m., second from 8:45 to 9:40p.m.

8. Victoria & Albert's: Bring in the new year with a ten course dinner with 8 savory courses and two dessert courses. Additionally enjoy a 9 course wine pairing 

9. Epcot's World Showcase: Enjoy a custom New Year’s Eve Dinner buffet at World Show Place. Photo opportunities and classic Disney tunes make this a great dinner for the whole family. Look for a variety of soups and salads, oven-baked cod, chicken breast, mojo roasted pork, carved mesquite-spiced deep-fried turkey breast, plenty of sides and a scrumptious dessert station. A kid-friendly station features favorites like mac and cheese, fried chicken fritters, mini corn dogs and more.

There are plenty of options to choose from so tell us, Where will you celebrate 2016?

Epcot's Food and Wine Festival

Me and my husband visited Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival last Monday, we were excited to go and sample all the food it has to offer this year.  We spent all day walking and exploring the festival, listening to music and eating more than I could!  We’ll start off with my favorites and on the top of the list would have to be Canada’s Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup.  A must-have at this year’s festival!  It was excellent, beautifully creamy and cheese but not overdone.  We then went onto Japan and my husband had the Spicy Tuna Roll which he said was one of the best he’s ever had, from the freshness of the tuna to the wasabi.  Lastly, France’s escargot persillade en brochile were a very nice surprise.  Having not had escargot before, I was pleasantly shocked by the taste, not at all what I expected, in the best of ways.    

Good, but not on my favorites were Chile’s ceviche and Italy’s baked cheese ravioli.  Having had plenty of fantastic ceviche, I was not impressed and wish I could have something better to say about Chile’s interpretation.  As far as the ravioli’s I am slightly biased (I am a huge fan of Olive Garden’s cheese ravioli!) but can say that I expected a bit better compared to other fantastic food I’ve had at Italy’s Pavilion.  The portions varied in size and price depending on what you were sampling, prices started at $2.50, giving you a small taste and leaving you wanting more.

As part of Epcot’s Food and Wine, there is of course their concert series and this year more chances to see your favorite artists as they added one more show to the daily schedule.  We were transported back the 80’s with Air Supply and were excited to be in the audience for one of the three mini-concerts they were playing that day.  I wish they would have played more than just three songs, they sounded just like they did a decade (or two!) ago.  We truly had a great day and enjoyed all the food we sampled, cannot wait to visit again before it ends!  Don’t miss your opportunity to sample great cuisine from all over the world at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival 2010. 

Need accommodations during your foodie adventure?  We offer vacation rental homes and condos close to Walt Disney World.  Call American Vacation Homes for your Orlando vacation rental at 1-800-901-8688 or email us. 

Submitted by Janette Rosado - American Vacation Homes