It would be impossible to see everything Walt Disney World has to offer in just one vacation. While everyone in my family has their favorites that we hit every single time, we also try to select a few new experiences to enjoy each trip. After hearing several friends rave about dessert parties, I began to do some research and have selected one to check out on our next Disney adventure.
Did you know Walt Disney World offers over a dozen dessert parties to choose between? Here are a few notes about the options that interested my family the most. (Please check out the official Disney website or talk to your trusty travel agent to explore more options).
- Magic Kingdom: Tomorrowland Terrace or Plaza Garden Viewing – these parties offer great views and a buffet of beautiful treats but the biggest difference to note is that Plaza Garden is standing room only while Tomorrowland Terrace guarantees a seat. Magic Kingdome fireworks dessert parties can be booked with the option to enjoy desserts before OR after the fireworks.
- Epcot: Frozen Ever After starts about an hour before Illuminations and adults might appreciate that this party also includes an alcoholic beverage along with the extensive variety of treats. The party includes a party guest-only ride on Frozen Ever After following the fireworks.
- Hollywood Studios: Fantasmic Dessert & VIP viewing party – this one was interesting to me because a) Fantasmic is one of my favorite experiences on property, b) includes an alcohol beverage for guests 21+, and has one of the best prices. Rather than a buffet in a dedicated area, party guests grab a tray of sweet and savory delights, a beverage, and then enjoy Fantasmic from a special seating area.
- Hollywood Studios: Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party – similar setup as the Magic Kingdom parties, includes several unique alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, a souvenir mug, and has a special designated area with seating for fireworks viewing near Star Wars Launch Bay.
- Animal Kingdom: Rivers of Light Dessert Party – similar to the Fantasmic Party but has a special roped off area for guests to view Rivers of Light without seating (standing room only). This party includes alcohol and a beautiful but limited selection of sweet and savory treats. In poor weather, the party is moved to Flame Tree BBQ.
- Pirates & Pals Fireworks Dessert Voyage – this experience begins with dessert and a Captain Hook & Smee meet n’ greet at the Contemporary Resort near Magic Kingdom. After munching on those delicious treats and sipping beverages (non-alcoholic), the party transitions to a ferry boat where you view Magic Kingdom’s fireworks from the Seven Seas Lagoon. Afterwards, guests return to the Contemporary and are surprised with a Peter Pan meet n’ greet.
With a difficult decision to make, we finally settled on the Pirates & Pals voyage. My kids will love the pirate theme and I like that it originates from a resort rather than a park. These parties are pricey (dessert parties range from $39-$84 for adults and $14-$50 for children, depending on the experience) and I appreciated that we could do this one at the end of a rest day rather than spending that much more in addition to the chunk of change we had already spent to be in the parks. This seemed like a great way to try a new experience as well as stretch our Disney dollars.
Which parties have you experienced or would you like to try?
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Candice was raised in east Tennessee. While in college, her best friend dragged her to a Walt Disney World College Program recruiting session at the University of Tennessee and the rest is Disney history. In the Fall of 1999, Candice became a quick service food hostess for Sunset Ranch Market and Fantasmic at Disney-MGM Studios – or what is now known as Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While soaking up her time as a cast member, she met Ryan, a neighbor and a fellow college programmer who worked as a custodial host at Epcot. Four years later, Candice moved to the Midwest and married that boy from across the hall. They now live in Greenwood, Indiana with their two little boys. The Disney-loving foursome took their first family trip to The Happiest Place on Earth in 2013 and Candice is eagerly planning their return. Candice also works full-time at a community mental health center and enjoys taking photographs and blogging at Mommy in the Midwest.
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