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"The holidays are in full swing, but it's never too early -- or too late! -- to make plans for a very special New Year's Eve celebration. And what could be more fun than ringing in the New Year Disney style?If you'd like to plan a fun New Year's Eve at Walt Disney World, we have some useful tips and suggestions for making 2012 NYE a night you'll never forget! And if you are still in need of a last minute reservation, we have some tips for you there as well.Disney World Restaurants for New Year's Eve DiningNew Year's Eve is one of the busiest days of the year at Walt Disney World. The parks often fill to capacity early, and Advance Dining Reservations book up months in advance.But, if you find yourself with spur-of-the-moment plans to visit, you won't go hungry. There are still tables to be had.While a reservation in one of Disney World's fancy signature restaurants might be hard to score, the moderately priced options are more readily available. Consider Sanaa Restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge as an alternative to Jiko...A Cooking Place. And Boatwright's Dining Hall at Disney's Port Orleans Resort is sure to offer a festive dining experience with their emphasis on the food and flavors of New Orleans and Louisiana. I would love to spend some time alone with that Jambalaya!If you do decide to try for a table at a signature (read: expensive) spot, here are our recommendations:Head over to Disney's Boardwalk Inn and dine at the Flying Fish Cafe. This is easily one of my favorite restaurants in all of Disney World. Impeccable service, a lovely atmosphere and incredible food -- both fish and landlubber fare -- await you here. For New Year's Eve, there will be a prix fixe menu in place that is guaranteed to please. And afterwards, what could be finer than a stroll along the Boardwalk's waterfront?For a meal with European flare, try booking a spot at the new Monsieur Paul Restaurant in Epcot's France Pavilion. Replacing the swanky Bistro de Paris (but with many of the same menu items), Monsieur Paul is offering a prix fixe New Year's Eve dinner menu. And since it just re-opened, they still have tables available! Cost is $195 per person for food only; $275 per person with wine pairings.Not in the mood to fight for a reservation? Don't forget counter service options! With full-to-capacity crowds, the parks will most likely have every available restaurant open. Popular resort quick service options, like Captain Cook's at Disney's Polynesian, will also feature food around the clock for hungry revelers.Last-Minute Dining TIPS: If you're desperate to get into your favorite dining spot and you have a large party, try splitting up your party into two or more tables. Many times you'll be able to get in with smaller groups. And if you have your heart set on dining in a specific restaurant, don't give up. Plan to call (407) WDW-DINE up to the day in question. Cancellations are always possible!New Year's Eve Hot SpotsDreaming of an over the top New Year's Eve Disney experience? Here are a couple of our favorite hot tickets for bidding adieu to 2012 in style.If you love incredible food and a fun, ringing in the New Year at California Grill may be a once in a life time experience. This very popular restaurant, which sits high atop Disney's Contemporary resort, offers a special evening each New Year's Eve, consisting of incredible food stations, live musical entertainment, casino-style gaming, and Disney characters. Guests also have access to unparalleled views of special Magic Kingdom fireworks. The prix fixe menu is $575 per person. Call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463 for availability.Want to try something completely new and different this year? Head to the newly-opened Splitsville Lanes in Downtown Disney for some upscale eats and retro fun! Get a Bowling Package, including one lane (four people minimum) for 3.5 hours, choice of one app and one entree, a bottle of champagne or house wine (one per lane), two beverage tickets per person, and non-alcoholic beverages for $175/person. Or choose the Table Package, with all of the above, except you'll get a dedicated table instead of a lane -- $100/person.Would you rather dance in the New Year? You can at Atlantic Dance Hall's party from 8pm \u2013 2am. You'll find a video DJ and limited viewing of the Epcot fireworks included at this Boardwalk Inn hotspot. Guests will also enjoy a holiday prix fixe menu with an American flair. This event is for adults only, and a valid photo ID will be required at the door. For reservations, call 407-939-5100.New Year's Eve in The ParksWhile the parks can be extremely crowded on New Year's Eve, there's something very special about seeing the old year out at the most magical place on Earth.At Magic Kingdom, take in amazing fireworks while enjoying holiday snacks from various counter service spots throughout the park. For a fantastic kid-friendly way to toast the New Year, check out Gaston's Tavern in New Fantasyland. Be sure to try the new LeFou's Brew, an apple-flavored slush accented with toasted marshmallow flavor and topped with Passion Fruit-Mango foam, for the perfect festive drink!At Epcot, guests will enjoy more dancing as DJs spin tunes at various locations around World Showcase. Illuminations: Reflections of Earth will take place twice on December 31, at 7 pm and at 11:42 pm.While many Epcot restaurants will offer special New Year's Eve dining, the park will also open up World Showplace for a unique buffet dinner. The backstage venue located between the Canada and UK pavilions will offer a buffet of American fare with a Fantasia theme. Reserve meal times between 4:30 and 10:30 pm. Cost for the meal is $68.67 for adults and $44.37 for children. Park admission is required. Reservations can be made by phone at 407-284-0202. Note: this is currently sold out, but cancellations are always possible!Partygoers at Disney's Hollywood Studios will enjoy a rockin' good time with the super-popular \u201CThe Mulch, Sweat, and Shears New Year's Eve Spectacular.\u201D The resident musicians will play four sets in front of the Sorcerer's Hat, complete with pyrotechnics! Hungry? Hollywood &amp; Vine will be offering a special holiday buffet.We hope we've given you some fun ideas for celebrating 2013 Walt Disney World style. From incredible (and brand new!) culinary experiences to rock concerts and fireworks, you are guaranteed a memorable experience if you choose to see out the old year with Mickey and Friends!BIO:AJ Wolfe is the owner and executive editor of The Disney Food Blog, a website covering all things food and drink in Walt Disney theme parks and resorts. Check out her newest e-Book -- The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World\u00AE Dining 2012 -- for in-depth advice on Disney World dining! Or to plan the perfect experience during your holiday trip this year, be sure to get her DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World\u00AE Holidays 2012 e-Book. The Disney Food Blog is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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