If you’re the type of person who goes to the Magic Kingdom just for the fireworks, listen up!
The amazing nighttime spectacular “Happily Ever After” is coming back 3 April 2023! We’re not trying to be biased, but “Happily Ever After” is only the best nighttime spectacular to have ever come to the Magic Kingdom!
View from the Main Street Hub Fireworks Party Viewing Area
If you are just as excited as we are, you should consider purchasing a ticket to a Dessert Party so you can watch the show with some VIP treatment.
What is a Dessert Party?
Fireworks Dessert Parties offer guests mostly unobstructed views of the fireworks and nighttime spectacular shows. Main Street in the Magic Kingdom is extremely crowded during the fireworks, and it can be very difficult to find a spot. Even if you find a spot, it can still be very hard to see.
PSA: This is our public service announcement to please, please, please, stop putting your children on your shoulders. If you hold them on your hip, they can see just as well as all of the adults. By putting them on your shoulders, not only can the people behind you not see, but the people a few rows back cannot see either.
Don’t be that guy.
In addition to exclusive viewing areas, of course you get desserts! Unlimited desserts! Yum…
There are three types of Dessert Parties in the Magic Kingdom. There is one where you enjoy desserts before the fireworks, one where you enjoy desserts during the fireworks, and one where you enjoy the desserts after the fireworks.
What type of desserts are available at a Disney Dessert Party?
At the Disney Dessert Parties you will find yummy classics like chocolate covered strawberries, cupcakes, puddings, and you will also find cheese and cracker assortments. Dessert menus change constantly, but we have also seen items like tres leche cake, chocolate silk pie, oreo cheesecake mousse, donuts, and more!
Beverages are also included with the Dessert Party ticket. They offer water, milk, tea, lemonade, POG juice, and non-alcoholic champagne. Guests over 21 years of age can also get unlimited alcohol including wine and beer!
Where do the Dessert Parties take place?
Desserts are all consumed at Tomorrowland Terrace, pre and after fireworks parties take place on the upper (inner) level of the Tomorrowland Terrace, while the Treats and Seats (during) Fireworks Party takes place on the lower (outer) deck.
Tomorrowland Terrace Lower Deck
Those taking part in the pre and after parties have a private standing area in the hub grass area in front of the castle. While those doing the party during the fireworks watch from the lower deck of the Tomorrowland Terrace.
Tomorrowland Terrace Lower Deck
How seating works. When the seating area opens, you will be escorted to a table (you don’t get to pick your own). Though if you are one of the earlier parties being seated (lined up early in the queue to enter) you can ask for a specific table that fits your party ( a party of 2 cannot sit at a table for 4, and they will not rearrange). Note that they have put no thought into mixing different size parties into different seating areas. For instance Steve had a party of 2 for the pre-party and wanted to sit next to the big open windows on the upper deck, but was not allowed to as all those tables were for parties of 6.
Pre and After Fireworks Party Viewing Area outlined in red. Tomorrowland Terrace outlined in yellow.
You can and should check in ahead of time in the walkway between the lower and upper decks of the Tomorrowland Terrace. Get in line early if you want to choose your table.
How much does a Dessert Party cost?
For the pre and after parties, an adult ticket costs $99 and children ages 3-9 are $59. The Treats and a Seats pricing for adults is $114 and children ages 3-9 are $69 per person.
Tickets can be purchased online and should be done well ahead of time especially for the Treats and Seats (the most popular one).
Ranking Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties
1. Magic Kingdom After Party
We put the Magic Kingdom After Party Dessert Party in the top spot because that time after the fireworks is the most chaotic time of the day. Even though the park doesn’t close immediately following the fireworks show, there is always a mass exodus of more than 10,000 people!
Don’t get caught up in that madness! Enjoy the show from your exclusive viewing area directly at the center of the castle and follow the Cast Members to Tomorrowland Terrace afterwards for your sweet treats!
Instead of stressing about the huge crowds, share your favorite details of the show with your group while sipping wine and eating cupcakes. The perfect end to a perfect day.
2. Magic Kingdom Before Party
We still put the location of this dessert party above having a seat. Yes, the hub grass area is standing room only, but it is centralized to the castle, so you will see everything and not miss a thing!
Forget dinner – show up to your dessert party and replace dinner with mousse and cupcakes. No judgment – it’s vacation!
3. Magic Kingdom Treats and Seats
If you are a person who loves the fireworks but cannot stand for long periods of time, then the Treats and Seats is the perfect Dessert Party for you. Enjoy your well-deserved desserts before the show and never leave your seat!
The view is not as clear as the hub grass since you are off-centered, however, this is the ONLY way to view the fireworks and show sitting down.
Something Different!
If you are looking for something completely different, maybe it’s a really special occasion, you should consider the Ferrytale Fireworks Dessert Cruise. This is a ferry boat with unlimited desserts and drinks that takes guests across the lake for a unique view of the fireworks from the water.
NOTE: You will not see the projection show, but the music is piped into the boat!
Are the Dessert Parties worth it?
The big question – Are Dessert Parties worth it? The answer will be different for everyone. If this upcoming trip is a once in a lifetime vacation or it is marking something significant for your family, you should consider a Dessert Party to end your perfect day.
Which Dessert Party Would You Want To Attend?
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This MDT Post By: Steve Bell and Erin Schreiver Steve is the Military Disney Tips Founder. He is a retired U.S. Military Member who's been touring the Disney Parks since 1971! He has been writing about Disney for the US Military Community here for 18 years. Steve's mission is to help military families with their Disney vacations in every way possible. See Steve and His Family's Content Erin is a MilSpouse who loves going to Walt Disney World with her family, pin trading, and collecting Minnie ears and coffee mugs! Check out her bio here. |
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A couple of things to note:
The Ferrytale Fireworks Dessert Cruise is closed for refurbishment. It isn’t scheduled to reopen until July 5th.
Also, there is one more fireworks viewing party that includes desserts, but also small bites such as sushi. That’s at the Contemporary at California Grill. You’ll watch the fireworks from a private viewing deck at the resort.
Thanks for the intel Peg, appreciated as always!