Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties: A Tutorial
Let’s talk Magic Kingdom dessert parties.
Today the focus will be on the dessert parties offered at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
I thought I’d discuss how these dessert parties work and point out differences and talk a bit on pros and cons that come with each one.
Why Party?
So why party? In general to perhaps celebrate an anniversary, a birthday or just a long-awaited vacation. Last year I enjoyed a Magic Kingdom dessert party with my granddaughter as a celebration for her birthday. Then again you may not need a special occasion to take in one of these parties.
As of this writing there are three somewhat similar yet distinct dessert party offerings in The Magic Kingdom and they offer guests a different way to enjoy the current Magic Kingdom nighttime spectacular “Happily Ever After.”
Magic Kingdom Fireworks Desert Pre-Party
First, let’s get the important stuff out of the way. The cost of this party is between $99-109 for adults depending upon time of year or day of the week. The cost for children aged 3-9 is $59.
The party is held in the Tomorrowland Terrace and usually begins around 90 minutes before the scheduled nighttime fireworks. The dessert party consists of, and I quote:
Delicious desserts such as chocolate-dipped strawberries and chocolate silk tarts
A variety of cheeses
Refreshing beverages, including an assortment of beer and wine for guests ages 21 and over with a valid form of identification.
I would say on average there are somewhere in the vicinity of about a dozen or so treats to choose from as well as cheeses. I have also noticed spring rolls up there as well.
When it comes to dessert parties at Walt Disney World, I am not all about the desserts but instead the convenience that comes with the parties. That convenience is the opportunity to view the fireworks at a special viewing spot. For this party each guest is given a special wrist band that gives you access to a special viewing location that is in front of the Plaza restaurant. This location is called the Plaza Garden which is right in front of the Plaza restaurant.
Instead of having to seek out a spot on Main Street USA well before the first fireworks shell is set off….instead of standing shoulder to shoulder in a very confined area with the rest of the guests….and instead of dealing with the crowd after the show…you are given an alternative way of enjoying the fireworks with a dessert party.
Once you have finished enjoying your dessert refreshments you are then escorted to the Plaza Garden at least 15 minutes before the fireworks (although I recommend around 20 minutes before so you can stake out a good viewing spot). I think it’s important to note that this viewing location offers the shorter guests, especially children, a better view of the castle and the projections on the castle.
Magic Kingdom Fireworks Desert Post-Party
The only difference between Post-Party and the Pre-Party is that obviously the Post-Party is held AFTER “Happily Ever After.” It is held at the same place and for the same price.
There is something to be said about this party and that is that it is a stress relief vehicle after a long day at the park or parks. We all know how The Magic Kingdom fills up at night for the fireworks. We also know that once the show is over there is a parade of guests marching down Main Street, USA with the objective of getting to the busses, monorail or the ferry as quickly as possible.
I am not one to join in that parade, so I usually hang around the park for as long as I can to allow the crowd to disperse. Usually I would wait at least an hour before even thinking about leaving the park. Of course unless the park is operating on extended operating hours there is not much to do except walk around or, and I shudder to even mention it, go into the stores.
Enter the Post-Party.
Guests who opt to do the Post-Party can head up to Tomorrowland Terrace after the fireworks and relax with some refreshments while the throng makes its way down Main Street, USA. That appeals to me. After a long day it’s a trek to go from The Magic Kingdom to your room unless of course you happened to be staying at a monorail resort. So knowing that I can sit for a while and have some refreshments and let the crowd disperse…well that’s a home run.
Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert: Seats and Sweets
The operative word here is “Seats.”
This party has a higher price than the previously mentioned parties. $119-129 for adults and $75 for children. It takes place across from the Tomorrowland Terrace, namely the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant. The offerings are the same.
The difference is that guests for this party stay for the fireworks. They grab a table, bring on the refreshments and enjoy the show. Sitting for the fireworks appeals to many guests and this is an option that offers them that opportunity. The drawback is the overhang which makes it difficult for some guests to see the entire sky around the castle. This party offers guests the chance of relaxing before, during, and after the fireworks so, like the Post-Party, guests can hang around and wait for the crowd to disperse.
My Thoughts
So which party is the best of the three? Well there are some things to consider when deciding which one is best for you and your traveling companions. If you or someone in your party wants to avoid standing at all for the fireworks and likes the idea of having a bit of a roof in case it rains then the Sweets and Eats Party is the choice for you. Keep in mind that the cost is higher than the other two.
I’ve already pointed out the difference between the Pre-Party and the Post-Party with the latter offering guests a chance to relax before heading back to their rooms.
However, remember that doing the Post-Party means a later night. If you are a young family will the children be able to handle the late hour? Some folks may not like the idea of having their children gobble up some sugary treats so late. Also do you have an early morning planned? Lots to consider. So basically, I am recommending the Pre-Party for the young families and the Post-Party for the older families.
Is the cost worth it?
That’s an individual decision and it really comes down to how important convenience is to you. For years…for decades I have watched Magic Kingdom nighttime spectaculars from Main Street USA. That required me to pick a spot many, many, many minutes before the show. Standing for 30, 40, or 50 minutes or more does not appeal to me anymore so there are times when I may opt to go for the party.
For me it’s always been the Pre-Party but if I do a Magic Kingdom dessert party down the road, unless I am staying at a monorail resort, sign me up for the Post-Party.
I hope this helps those of you who have been wondering about these dessert parties, what they offer, how much they cost, and the pros and cons of doing them.
We’ll see you next time.