What could make watching fireworks at Walt Disney World even sweeter? Turning the experience into a party! No matter which of the park’s three nightly fireworks expereinces is your favorite, there’s a dessert party for each of them. And though there are several differences between these parties (what is served, price etc.) there are some important similarities as well. If you are considering adding a dessert party to your Walt Disney World plans, here’s everything you need to know!
1. Rain isn’t always a washout
Image: Disney
Walt Disney World currently has three different dessert parties (and more details about each one will be explained later in this article), but there are some elements that apply to them all. One of the parties’ main selling points is the chance to watch fireworks in a specially reserved area, and rain doesn’t mean that your party will necessarily be canceled. If inclement weather happens, the parties will be moved to an indoor location, like the Odyssey restaurant at Epcot or the Studio Catering Company at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
2. Special dietary needs? No problem!
The other big draw of the dessert parties is the vast array of treats that are spread out for party-goers in a buffet setting. But if you must avoid gluten or have other dietary needs, there’s no need to worry. Simply indicate that you have specific dietary restrictions when making your reservations, and Disney will ensure that there are treats available that you will be able to partake in.
3. You can reserve a party up to 180 days in advance (and you probably should)
If you decide to indulge, it’s best to make reservations as far in advance as possible for any of the parties because space is limited and reservations for some of the most popular parties go fast, especially during the peak summer and holiday seasons. Disney allows reservations to be made up to 180 days ahead of time, and if you want to partake in one of these parties, you’ll want to make your reservation as soon as possible.
4. Don’t expect discounts
Though there are plenty of discounts available for guests with certain memberships or affiliations (annual passholder, DVC, Tables in wonderland, etc.), the various dessert parties all around Walt Disney World are all exempt from these special offers. Though Disney ocassionally offers these parties as part of a “package” deal (like the Frozen Premium Package offered a few years ago as part of Frozen Summer Fun), if you are looking for a simple discount, you’ll be disappointed.
5. Choose a party
So now, the only thing left to do is to choose the party that you’d like to attend! Here’s an overview of the three of the most popular dessert parties to help you make your choice:
Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: This party includes themed desserts (like the Darth Vader Cupcake), specialty drinks (including alcoholic beverages) and even includes a souvenir Chewbacca stein that guests can bring home. There are even a couple of non-sweet items as well, such as “scorched” pesto chips and smoked sea-salted “quarter ration” biscuits, plus fruit-sabers (grapes and raspberries stacked on skewers) for guests who want a more healthy option.
The cost for the party is $69 for ages 10 and older and $39 for ages 3-9. Guests check in at Center Stage, which is next to Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner before 7 p.m. daily.
IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party at Epcot: This option offers a variety of indulgences, such as cinnamon sugar churros with caramel and chocolate sauces from Mexico, chocolate ganache tarts from France, pistachio cannoli from Italy, traditional Moroccan baklava, apple dried fruit crumbles from the United Kingdom and crisped rice puffs inspired by cuisine from Asia, along with sparkling blue velvet cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies and no-sugar-added lemon cookies.
This party doesn’t include alcoholic beverages (though they can be added for an additional fee), so the cost is a little cheaper than the “Star Wars” dessert party at $49 for ages 10 and up and $29 for ages 3 to 9 (Epcot admission isn’t included and is also required). This party also offers a reserved area to view IllumiNations, and the bash starts an hour before that show. Guests meet at World Showcase Plaza, which is near the Mexico Pavilion, on Sundays, Wednesdays or Fridays around 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party this party at the Magic Kingdom offers a buffet of treats such as chocolate-dipped strawberries, Disney character-themed cupcakes, ice cream and chocolate mousse, as well as sparkling cider so guests can toast Cinderella’s Castle (and hot chocolate, tea, coffee and lemonade are also available). In addition, the party offers a nearly unobstructed view of Cinderella’s residence from the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant as well as the chance to sit down.
Disney revamped this party (which used to be called the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party) in 2015, and the cost is now $49 for ages 10 and older and $29 for ages 3-9. Guests for this party should meet at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant (near Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor) to check in an hour before the event.
6. Take a look at overall value
As far as which party offers the best value, it mainly depends on your preferences. Fans of “Star Wars” who also enjoy alcohol may find the $69 party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to be a good deal. And since that party actually offers a few savory treats among the sweet, party-goers could even skip dinner and get filled up on items at that event, making it an even better deal that could end up saving some money in the long run. The other two parties, at Epcot and the Magic Kingdom, each cost $49 but offer different experiences. Guests who’d like to sit and enjoy the fireworks (without alcohol) may find the Magic Kingdom’s dessert party more fun, but the number of sweet offerings at the Epcot party outnumber the ones at the Wishes bash.
The parties are a sweet, unforgettable experience, so why not try at least one on a future trip to the World? It’s the perfect way to treat yourself!
