Choosing a dessert party for your Disney World trip

Mary Yanni July 16, 2016

4 minutes read

With changes coming to the fireworks dessert parties at the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, this seems like a good time to compare the various fireworks+dessert offerings around the parks.

There are dessert parties at the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot already — and we imagine there will be one at Animal Kingdom when Disney finally gets their much-hyped evening show up and running. In addition, there are two fireworks cruises on the Seven Seas Lagoon. Prices range from $49 to $99 for adults ($29 to $69 for kids).

Which is the right choice for your family? It depends on your interests — and how interested you are in the food, which varies from one venue to the next.

We’ve compiled details on the dessert parties at Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios, plus two fireworks cruises on the Seven Seas Lagoon.

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Party

The skinny: Beginning Oct. 1 there will be two versions of this popular party, one at Tomorrowland Terrace and the other with Plaza Garden viewing. Guests of both begin the evening with a dessert buffet, after which some guests are escorted to seating on Tomorrowland Terrace and others are taken to the Plaza Garden for standing-room-only viewing. Desserts including the classics, such as chocolate-dipped strawberries, character cupcakes, chocolate mousse and ice cream.
Cost: $59 for adults and $35 for kids (age 3-9) for Plaza Garden viewing; or $79 for adults and $47 for kids for Tomorrowland Terrace seating. The price does not include tax and gratuity, unlike parties in other parks.
Considerations: Wishes is the classic Disney World fireworks display, complete with Tinker Bell flying overhead. Plus: There’s something really appealing about being able to sit down to watch fireworks at the end of a long day at the Magic Kingdom.
Best for: Fans of the classics.

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios

The skinny: Dessert has been moved inside the Star Wars Launch Bay, and guests are now escorted to a VIP viewing area 15 minutes before the show. The Galactic Spectacular is the newest fireworks extravaganza at Disney World, and getting a good viewing spot can be tricky — all the projections on the Chinese Theater are quickly obscured by the crowd if you don’t get a spot close to the theater. Desserts include the famous Darth Vader cupcake, plus savory snacks as well.
Cost: $69.00 for adults and $39 for kids; tax and gratuity are included. Includes souvenir Chewbacca stein.
Considerations: It used to be that you could watch the Star Wars fireworks from near the Hollywood Studios entrance and get a fantastic view. No longer. Now, with the addition of projections on the theater, the closer, the better. This event gives you a great viewing area without the long wait. Plus: Star Wars-themed desserts, alcoholic beverages for adults, and you may find your desserts served from a table made from Han Solo encased in carbonate.
Best for: Star Wars junkies.

IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party at Epcot

The skinny: End your day at Epcot with yet more food — international desserts served at the World Showcase Promenade, near the FastPass viewing area. The dessert menu is a short-cut to eating around the world, including baklava from Morocco, pistachio cannoli from Italy, chocolate ganache tarts from France, warm chocolate pudding from the UK, strawberry shortcake bowl from the United States, and a warm sundries tomato cheese fondue with pretzel bread sticks and crackers. Plus: sparkling wine for the grown-ups.
Cost: $49 for adults and $29 for kids—tax and gratuity included.
Considerations: This party offers the best value, and by far the best dessert menu. But don’t feel you need to do this if your main aim is a good view of IllumiNations; there are so many good viewing locations around the World Showcase that you’re not in danger of having a bad view of the main event.
Best for: Foodies.

Ferrytale Wishes: A Fireworks Dessert Cruise

The skinny: Board a ferry boat at the Transportation and Ticket Center for a cruise around the Seven Seas Lagoon punctuated by the Wishes fireworks display over Cinderella’s Castle. Desserts reflect the three Monorail resorts, as well as the Magic Kingdom.
Cost: $99 for adults and $69 for kids, including souvenir palette plate and glow glass.
Considerations: Once you’re on the boat, there is nowhere to go, and it really is tricky balancing a drink and a plate while you try to avoid the crowd at the dessert tables. Adult beverages include sparkling wine and alcoholic punch. Nonalcoholic beverage choices are a little lacking; there’s no soda to be found on the boat, only water, punch or coffee.
Best for: Folks without a park ticket, since this is the only dessert party that doesn’t require one.

Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage

The skinny: This isn’t exactly a fireworks dessert party, but it does involve both fireworks and snacks, so it’s worth adding into the mix. Guests meet at the Contemporary Resort for snacks — including cake and ice cream — and a meet-and-greet with Captain Hook at Mr. Smee before departing for a cruise on the Seven Seas Lagoon. Kids also can take part in a scavenger hunt. Some of the snacks are packaged, so you can take them on the cruise.
Cost: $69 for adults, $41 for kids
Considerations: This is another good option for families without a park ticket for the day. The boat is one of the small pontoons that typically ferry guests from the resorts to the Magic Kingdom, so there are enough bench seats for everyone. We know how important sitting can be at the end of a day.
Best for: Families with kids who want to don their pirate gear when they “ooooh and arrrgh” at the fireworks.