What’s the best fireworks dessert party at Disney World?

With the addition of a new fireworks dessert party option at the Magic Kingdom, this seems like a good time to revisit the various fireworks+dessert offerings around Walt Disney World.

There will now be three dessert party options at the Magic Kingdom, one each at Hollywood Studios and Epcot, plus a couple of fireworks cruises on the Seven Seas Lagoon. Prices range from $69 to $99 for adults ($41 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.

Each of the dessert parties has their own unique experiences and their own pluses and minuses. Here’s our list and suggestions.

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Party

Starting May 28, 2018, there will now be three versions of the popular party. And it also marks a price increase for all three parties. Yes, it is starting to get confusing. The options are centered on viewing locations and whether you eat before or after the fireworks. Let’s look at each of these separately.

Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace

• The Skinny: The evening stars with a dessert buffet,  plus a variety of seasonal fruits and cheeses. When it’s time to see the fireworks, you are escorted to your seats on the Terrace to watch the show.
• Cost: After May 28, 2018, $84 for adults and $50  for kids (age 3-9).
• Considerations: Views change dramatically depending upon where you are sitting on the terrace. But in addition to the fireworks, you do get a great view of 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.

Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing 

• The Skinny: The evening stars with a dessert buffet,  plus a variety of seasonal fruits and cheeses. The buffet is the same as the those above. The difference. You will be standing during the show. Minutes before the fireworks you are escorted to the Plaza Garden Viewing area to watch the fireworks.
• Cost: After May 28, 2018,  $69 for adults and $41  for kids (age 3-9).
• Considerations: While you may not be pressed against the person beside you, as guests will be outside the viewing area, you will not have a clear view of the castle to see all the projections clearly. The trees and other obstacles could also obstruct some of the fireworks.
• Best for: People who want a little personal space when watching fireworks.

After Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace

• The Skinny: In this version, the evening starts off with the fireworks at the Plaza Garden Viewing area and ends with the dessert buffet,  plus a variety of seasonal fruits and cheeses at Tomorrowland Terrance.
• Cost: This begins May 28, 2018,  $69 for adults and $41  for kids (age 3-9).
• Considerations: While you may not be pressed against the person beside you, as guests will be outside the viewing area, you will not have a clear view of the castle to see all the projections clearly. The trees and other obstacles could also obstruct some of the fireworks. However, you then get to end the night sitting down with your dessert.
• Best for: Adults and kids who need that sugar fix to help you get to 1 a.m.

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 to see Disney Movie Magic before the Star Wars fireworks extravaganza. The desserts include the famous Darth Vader cupcake, plus savory snacks as well. The Launch Bay is a great location for the venue. You can walk around and even have seat in the courtyard before heading to the fireworks viewing location.
• Cost: $79 for adults and $45 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. Because you are so close the projections will be phenomenal for viewing, but you may not have sight of all the fireworks above the building.
• Best for: Star Wars junkies. This is the fireworks party you are looking for.

Frozen Ever After Dessert Party at Epcot

• The skinny: End your day with special Frozen-inspired sweet treats, specialty beverages and prime seating along World Showcase Lagoon—with clear views of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, the nighttime fireworks spectacular at Epcot. When the show is over, you’re escorted to Norway for a quick ride on Frozen Ever After. The desserts have names like Kristoff’s Kransekake Almond Cookie, Wandering Oaken’s Eclairons, Hans’ Key Lime Tarts with Orange Glitter Glaze, Troll Rock Crispy Bon Bons and Elsa’s Blue Velvet Cupcakes.
• Cost: $79 for adults and $47 for kids—tax and gratuity included.
• Considerations: This party has one of the best dessert menus. 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: Frozen fans (which means everyone) and foodies.