Disney World offers multiple dessert party options as a way to enjoy the nightly fireworks while snacking on delectable desserts. Reservations for the events, which occur nightly at Magic Kingdom and periodically in EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, are available to all guests. Though it can be a totally sweet way to wrap up your busy day in the parks, is the splurge on a dessert party worth the price? Here’s everything you need to know about the dessert parties at Walt Disney World to determine whether or not the parties are worth it for your family.
Differences Between the Dessert Parties at Each Park
Currently in 2023, Magic Kingdom is the only park holding nightly dessert parties. In the past, and likely returning in the near future, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios will go back to offering similar experiences. Though they are each in different areas in their respective parks, each dessert party operates in a similar manner: you’ll gain access to a special area full of desserts and drinks in addition to preferred viewing for the park’s nighttime spectacular.
In Magic Kingdom, this is a special area on the Hub Grass. In EPCOT, it’s either directly on the water at the entrance to World Showcase, or an area on the promenade between the U.K and France. The Hollywood Studios location will be either in front of the Chinese Theater or at the back of the Fantasmic! venue itself.
What Is Included in the Dessert Party? What’s On the Menu?
By purchasing a ticket for the dessert party, you get access to a buffet of various sweets and treats created by Disney chocolatiers and pastry chefs. Items change regularly and are different depending on the party you attend. Currently at the Magic Kingdom event, you can indulge in chocolate strawberries, butterscotch pudding, mousse, and cupcakes. There are also a variety of cheese which pair with the free wine, beer, and certain cocktail options. To cater to the kids, Disney also offers multiple specialty non-alcoholic beverages like lemonades or juices. If you’re needing a pick-me-up at the end of your day, Disney’s brand Joffrey’s Coffee is also available. The food is all you can eat, so don’t be afraid to go back through the line as many times as you want!
As mentioned, offerings differ depending on the type of dessert party you attend. For example, EPCOT has had a Frozen themed dessert party in the past, which moved offerings slightly in the more exotic direction (trying to incorporate Scandinavian flavors) for some guests. In general, though, the buffet has plenty of delicious treats for everyone. If you have any special dietary needs, Disney has special items that can meet accommodations, but the dessert selection won’t be quite as wide as if you had no restrictions. Be sure to check Disney’s website for specifics on specific items if you have questions about the menu!
The real value in the dessert parties comes from the specialty viewing you get for the fireworks shows. You won’t have to worry about pushing your way around in the midst of heavy nighttime crowds. Instead, you’ll be granted easy entrance to the roped-off area where there are far less people to deal with! It effectively guarantees you a good spot for the show without you having to spend extra time waiting around in the sweaty crowds. Keep in mind, though, that you will still need to show up to the party event at the correct time in order to participate.
How Do Reservations for the Parties Work? When Can I Make a Reservation?
The fireworks dessert party reservations work the same way as any other Disney Dining reservation, which means you can book the event straight through the My Disney Experience App or website login. Reservations for the event open up 60 days prior, and may fill up quickly depending on the event and time of year you’re visiting. The parties aren’t quite as crazy as trying to book a reservation at a top restaurant, so if you want to gamble and make a decision the day of an event, you can always see if there are walk-up opportunities available by checking in with a cast member. As a pro tip, you can always book the event and cancel early without incurring a penalty fee!
What’s the Cost?
The price for dessert parties at Disney World can fluctuate based on the type of event or time of year. Currently, Magic Kingdom’s Enchantment Dessert Party is $114 for adults and $69 for kids (tax included). Other parks tend to be a little less pricey since they have less demand overall.
Additional Information
At the Magic Kingdom party, you can check in for your event reservation either at the Tomorrowland Terrace party area of the Hub Fireworks Viewing area itself, depending on whether you book a pre-fireworks party or post-fireworks party. Either way, you’re in for a great treat! In general, given the choice, I recommend attending the after-fireworks party, because it saves you from the chaos of exiting crowds once the fireworks show concludes. Other park’s dessert parties usually only have a single pre-nighttime show event.
Fireworks shows are often long and if you attend the after-fireworks party it’s even longer. If you have problems standing for long periods of time and or mobility issues, choosing a mobility scooter would be at the top of my list. You can rent them at the Disney parks for $50 per day or from outside vendors in Orlando such as Scootarama for as little as $30 per day.
Keep in mind that you will need all of the other park tickets and reservation to get into the park in the first place. A dessert party reservation does not replace a park ticket or count as a park reservation. If you’re using a park hopper ticket, you won’t have to worry about the park reservation.
If there is rain or other inclement weather in the forecast, it is important to note that Disney will not refund the price of the experience. You will still get the desserts and drinks, but the nighttime show you would have gotten prime viewing for won’t be happening. In general, fireworks shows are rarely completely cancelled, but are prone to getting delayed until bad weather passes. It’s a good idea to pay attention to the weather forecast for your entire Disney World vacation, but particularly during the time of your reservation. If things are looking dicey, you can always cancel your reservation. If you do so long enough before the event, you won’t even have to pay a cancellation fee.
Which Nighttime Spectacular/Fireworks Shows Are Worth It?
The time you have available in each park should help you determine which nighttime show’s party is worth it for you (if there are multiple options being offered when you visit). Currently, the only show you can partake in a dessert party in is Disney’s 50th anniversary show “Enchantment.” Due to mixed reactions from fans, this show that was supposed to persist for many years to come is being replaced by its predecessor, “Happily Ever After” on April 3rd, 2023.
Given the popularity of the show, dessert parties in the month of April are sure to be packed full of local fireworks fans. If you’re visiting for a vacation at that time, you will need to ensure you secure a reservation ASAP! Both shows features fireworks set to classic Disney music with accompanying projections on Cinderella Castle.
A similar situation currently afflicts EPCOT. It’s new 50th anniversary nighttime spectacular “HarmoniUs” also received a lukewarm reception, and will be replaced by the interim “EPCOT Forever” show until a replacement spectacular is made. During this period, I don’t expect Disney to offer any dessert parties due to low demand.
At Hollywood Studios, Fantasmic! recently reopened after a long hiatus following the park closures for COVID. Though a dessert party has not yet followed, I expect it to be offered soon. The nighttime show is extremely popular, so securing a seat directly in the middle of the theater through a dessert party is a great idea. It should be noted that Disney currently offers Fantasmic! dining packages in lieu of dessert parties, which offer access to preferred show viewing following a lunch or dinner at participating park restaurants earlier in the day.
Final Thoughts – Are Dessert Parties Worth the Price?
Overall, the perks you get out of the dessert party make the event worth it for a lot of guests. However, I think the biggest advantage of the dessert parties is the prime no-stress fireworks viewing you receive. The food is incredible, but some cupcakes, pudding, and wine aren’t quite worth more than $100 a person.
You’re truly paying to have your night taken care of for you instead of having to stress about whether or not you’ll get a good spot, if someone tall will be blocking the view from in front of you, or other factors that could influence your night. The dessert party at Magic Kingdom in particular is the most worth it, since the crowds for its nighttime shows are always dreadful. If you are planning to partake in a dessert party, be sure you bring a big appetite so you can truly get all of your money’s worth from the experience!
