Walt Disney World Dessert Parties: Which One is Right for You?

by Disney Magic Diva

One of the highlights of any visit to Walt Disney World Resort is seeing the incredible fireworks shows.  Whether you love Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot, or Star Wars: A Galacatic Spectacular at Hollywood Studios, chances are you’re going to want to see one – or maybe even ALL – of these fabulous shows.  Watching the skies light up is a magical way to end your day at the park.

But have you ever wanted to take this experience to the next level?  Maybe you’re celebrating a special occasion and want to add some pixie dust to your night.  A dessert party may be the perfect answer! Each park (yes – even Animal Kingdom where there aren’t any fireworks) hosts a dessert party to accompany the night-time show. In fact, Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios have more than one dessert party from which to choose!

So, how to decide which dessert party is right for you?  Well, if all you are interested in is an assortment of desserts and a designated place to view the show, they are all pretty much the same. Take your pick and enjoy! But there are some differences in the parties.  So, if you’re a little more discriminating in your decision-making process, read on.

First, you should be aware that all dessert parties are subject to change.  Shows may be cancelled due to weather (or locations changed.) Park admission is required to attend, and advance reservations are highly recommended. Be sure to check the Times Guide or My Disney Experience for show times and note the check-in time for your event.

MAGIC KINGDOM

Magic Kingdom offers several different options for dessert parties.  You can choose to have the luxury of a table and chair (something your tired feet may well appreciate!) or two options where you stand (one you enjoy desserts before the fireworks, and the other has dessert after the fireworks).  And, of course, there’s the choice to see the fireworks from Seven Seas Lagoon by sailing on a dessert cruise!

Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party We’ve done this one a few times.  You get an assigned table, which is nice, but depending on where your table is located you may have an obstructed view of the fireworks. The support pillars may be in your line of sight, or, if you’re seated toward the back of the terrace, the roof overhang will obstruct your view. You are welcome to stand along the railing toward the front of the terrace during the show, though, so you won’t miss anything. Just realize you may not be able to sit for the actual fireworks show. Both sweet and savory treats as well as non-alcoholic beverages are offered.  Price is $84 for adults, $50 for ages 3-9 including tax.

Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing  If you don’t need a seat, this is an option which offers the same delicious desserts as the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party, but just before showtime you’ll be escorted to a standing viewing area in the Plaza Garden area. Since there’s no table and chair for you, the price is lower – $69 for adults and $41 for children.

Magic Kingdom After-Fireworks Dessert Party This event could be thought of as the flip side to the Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing. Like that event, for this one you check into the Tomorrowland Terrace, and shortly before showtime are escorted to the Plaza Garden for the show. After the fireworks, you return to the Terrace to enjoy your desserts.  It’s essentially the same event (including the same price – $69/$49) except you eat after the fireworks instead of before.

Pirates and Pals Fireworks Dessert Voyage If you’re looking for something you can do without a park ticket, think about a dessert cruise!  The Pirates and Pals Fireworks Dessert Voyage is pixie-dusted with not only scrumptious goodies, but also characters!  You’ll meet at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and enjoy unlimited snacks, meet Mr. Smee and Captain Hook, then participate in a pirate parade to your boat.  After the fireworks, Peter Pan greets you as you return to the resort.  A great choice for families!

Tinker Belle Diva highly recommends this experience, and our family certainly concurs.  We enjoyed it much more than the parties at Tomorrowland Terrace. Price is $76.44 for adults and $45.66 for children, including tax and gratuity.  There may be discounts available for annual passholders or Disney Vacation Club members, so be sure to ask.

Diva Tip: Bring an empty backpack – our pirate hosts encouraged us to scoop up all the snack loot we could to take home with us!

Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise My sister and I did this cruise on a girls trip.  What a fabulous experience!  It happened to be Mother’s Day, and each Mom was given a gorgeous white rose.  You meet at the ferry dock at the Ticket and Transportation Center. After you check in you are welcome to enjoy some nice appetizers – cheese, veggies, etc. – and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. When it’s time to board the ferry, you’re escorted aboard, and help yourself to a wide assortment of sweets, cheeses and drinks.  After a narrated cruise around the lagoon, the ferry stops in the perfect position to see the fireworks.  After the show, we were given a take-home treat as we disembarked.  Truly a “ferrytale” experience! (Read my full review, here.) Price is $99/$69, and discounts for annual passholders may be available.

Diva Tip: When we boarded the ferry, we went upstairs and to the right.  We had an absolutely perfect view of the fireworks from that side!

Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party One of the reasons a Disney vacation is always exciting is each time you visit, there is bound to be something new.  In November 2018, a new dessert party was added at Magic Kingdom, just for the holidays.  Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party was a perfect way to enhance our Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party experience.  It not only provided a huge buffet of hot and tasty treats along with yummy desserts and our choice of alcoholic beverages, but it also gave us a VIP viewing spot for Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. It’s uncertain whether this will be offered again, but if you have a chance to attend, I’d highly recommend it! You can read my full review here.  $99 plus tax per person

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios We attended this dessert party once, and it truly was spectacular!  The event begins in Star Wars Launch Bay with a wide assortment of sweets and charcutiere. Nibbling while Stormtroopers mingle about was exceedingly memorable. We were also given priority access to the character meet and greets at Launch Bay.  Before showtime, we were escorted to a reserved area to see Disney Movie Magic and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.  We also received a Chewie beverage stein as a souvenir. A great night for any Star Wars fan! $79 for adults and $45 for children.

Fantasmic! Dessert and VIP Viewing Experience This one is a little different in that it is far less expensive ($39) and it doesn’t involve fireworks.  When you arrive, you are given a snack tray with sweet and salty treats as well as cheese and crackers and a beverage.  You are then guided to a reserved area to watch Fantasmic! If you have a busy day at the parks planned, this would be a great choice to ensure a prime viewing spot, and enjoying the snacks is a wonderful way to pass the time while you wait.

EPCOT

Frozen Ever After Dessert Party at Epcot World Showcase This dessert party is unique in that it also includes an attraction ride! Having trouble getting a FastPass+ for Frozen Ever After?  This party includes a ride to Elsa’s Ice Castle!  You check in at World Showcase Plaza East and enjoy your desserts, fruit, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages while seated next to the water for a perfect view of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. After the show, you’re escorted to Frozen Ever After to take your boat ride through the attraction.  Considering you receive a seat for the fireworks, alcoholic beverages, AND a ride on one of the most popular attractions at Epcot, this experience is very reasonably priced at $79 for adults and $47 for children including tax and gratuity.

ANIMAL KINGDOM

Rivers of Light Dessert Party  While Animal Kingdom doesn’t have a fireworks show, there’s still plenty to enjoy after the sun sets.  Rivers of Light is a beautiful nightly production which celebrates nature and life. The music and special effects are spectacular!  This dessert party allows you to enter the terrace early and enjoy a delightful buffet of sweets and savory snacks.  Prior to showtime, you’ll be escorted to a reserved viewing area so you’ll be able to relax and see the show from a magical perspective.  Cost is $79 for adults and $47 for children including tax and gratuities.

Have you experienced a dessert party at Walt Disney World Resort?  Which is your favorite?  Want some help planning one for your family?  Patricia at All for Dreams Travel can arrange that and anything else you need to make your vacation sparkle like the night sky.  Contact her today for a FREE quote!

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