Two year’s ago seemed like our last “grown ups” New Year’s Eve.
We had a festive dinner with family in Palm Beach, took the kids home, tucked them in and let loose with some friends at The Breakers. We had a blast, but the next morning the girls woke up and asked, “What about the New Year’s Eve party? Is it tonight? Wasn’t there supposed to be a party?” So, at 6 and 8 they were already well aware of the festivities that surround New Year’s Eve and we have since been in search of the best family celebration.
This year we rang in the New Year with close family friends who also have children our kids’ age. What better place to go for a family New Year’s Eve than Disney World! After much debate and multiple reservations (Elizabeth and I are both in search of the best family NYE), we ended up getting dressed up for a party of 8 at Narcoossee’s at the Grand Floridian for 5:30pm reservation. Chef Noah was outstanding (dealing with my never ending scroll of multiple food allergies in style). We all had our best meal of the vacation – and Chef Noah went completely off menu to create a special dish for me – – fresh sauteed winter greens, kobe steak, and even my own dairy free tofutti ice cream and brownies for dessert!
The kids enjoyed the balloon man who made them all atypical balloon hats and then we watched the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the outdoor patio on the water – with accompanying music. A great way to ring in the new year! We headed inside for the party – a grand celebration in the lobby of the Grand Floridian. Drinks, live big band music and thousands of big, multi-colored balloons hanging over our heads for a midnight balloon drop. Problem? Well…the big band music was a tad sleepy and soft for a real rockin’ party…even with kids. We can all dance up a storm – – if the band was playing something upbeat and fun! But instead, we had hours of “A Dream is a Wish You’re Heart Makes” (my personal favorite but for 2 hours?) and sleepier Count Basie selections than the event required.
I know we kept the kids up late, but at 11 and 8 years old they were really excited. And once they saw the netted balloons, just waiting to be released overhead, they weren’t going anywhere. So after the big countdown, midnight finally came, thousands of balloons dropped overhead to Old Anzine and it was a New Year’s Eve to remember!
Happy New Year everyone & please let us all know your favorite New Years spot!
