Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties always get a lot of attention, and questions- so I’m here to share some of my thoughts on them! (I’ve done the dessert party both pre-pandemic and post.)
It’s important to know that there are three different options- a Pre- Party, an After Party, and a Treats and Seats Party. The Pre-Party and After-Party come at the same price, while the Treats and Seats Party will run a little higher per ticket/person. (You can click the hyperlinks above for more info from the Walt Disney World website.) Everything I will list in this post is based on current pricing/location/shows/personal opinion, and can easily change- so please feel free to reach out if you’d like help looking into this for an upcoming trip! Currently, if you have an annual pass- they do give a discount on the pricing you see listed below!
The parties are each hosted at the Tomorrowland Terrace in Magic Kingdom.
Let’s chat about the Pre-Party and the Treats and Seats parties first- for both you will want to check in at Tomorrowland Terrace about 60 minutes before the listed showtime. This will allow the Cast Members to seat you at a reserved table and show you the dessert buffet and drink bar.
For Treats and Seats- you will be seated at a table that you will remain at while having desserts and watching the show. The tables for this are on the lower part of Tomorrowland Terrace so that you have a view of the Castle. You do NOT get to pick the table you get.
Here’s a glimpse at the tables set aside for Treats and Seats.
For the Pre-Party, once you check in, they will take you to a reserved table for your party on the upper level of Tomorrowland Terrace. You can enjoy an endless supply of desserts and beverages at your table up until it’s time to make your way to the lawn spot set aside for the show.
Here’s a view of the tables used for the Pre-Party and the After-Party.
For the After-Party, you will still need to check in, up to 60 minutes before the show starts- this will allow Cast Members to make sure you can get to the reserved section of the lawn for the show. Once the show is over, you will make your way back to Tomorrowland Terrace to enjoy your desserts and beverages!
Desserts for all of the parties are served buffet style, and you are welcome to return back to the buffet as often as you would like during your party slot. On the buffet line you’ll find an assortment of puddings, pastries, cheese, fruit, cookies, and more.
This is what was offered on my most recent Dessert Party experience in early November. They also had an area at the end of this buffet line where they were making crepes.
Off to the side there was a cookie bar to decorate your own cookies.
Included in your ticket prices for any of the dessert parties are unlimited beverages. You’ll find coffee, teas, juices, water, sparkling cider, and a bar with a few beer and wine choices. (Make sure you get an arm band to show you’ve checked in and are old enough to grab drinks from the beer/wine bar.)
If you are at a Treats and Seats Party, you will remain at your table, and enjoy the show from your table. Remember, aside from getting desserts and drinks, you aren’t allowed to move tables or move to stand by the balcony. Pre-Party guests will make their way to the lawn. There are bathrooms in the Tomorrowland Terrace, and right outside of it. The lawn that is reserved for Fireworks Party guests is reserved for BOTH Pre-Party and After Party guests. You are asked to stand for the entirety of the show. The area can and will get filled, so you may very well be close to others. The biggest benefit to having this reserved spot is that you have a designated spot to see the show and don’t feel obligated to “hold a spot” earlier in the evening like so many others do. All around the Castle and down Main St. will get filled for the show. This was our view before the crowd filled in the area and we had to stand when the show began.
MY PERSONAL OPINIONS:
-The fireworks shows are a fun addition to the park day. If you’ve never seen the show and know your trip may be a one and done, it would definitely be a fun addition. Given the choice, I prefer the Pre or After Parties more than Treats and Seats. Since you can’t pick your table for Treats and Seats, I would be more worried my view wouldn’t be as good as I’d prefer at whatever table they seat me at.
-In the past, I have chosen the Pre-Party over the After Party, mostly because I do have little kids- I like having the option to be done after fireworks, or, if they are able to hang a little later, enjoying the park after the show for some possible lighter crowds.
-The desserts aren’t bad. The addition of beer and wine IS nice. However, I’ve never felt like I truly eat my money’s worth in the desserts. Pre-pandemic they actually had a few more “savory options” and although I’m a huge sweet-tooth person, I liked have a more “filling” option. The addition of decorating a cookie, and the crepes were enjoyable.
-You do have to be okay dedicating time to the dessert party. You want to have enough time to enjoy desserts, plus the time to see the show, so the timing ends up being more like a sit-down meal amount of time. (Not a bad thing- but if you’re all about the rides and park time, it may not be the choice for you.)
-The dedicated spot to see the show is nice. I preferred it with the Happily Ever After show vs the newer Enchantment Show. The biggest difference is Enchantment utilizes Main Street as part of the show. The buildings that line Main Street will have lights and animation on them throughout the show. You can NOT see any of that from the lawn spot or the Treats and Seats tables. (That’s not the end of the world since the main showcase is the Castle, but it’s still a nice addition and I hate missing it!)
-While I prefer the lawn over the tables, know that you will be crowded with others and asked to stand. (You will be doing this most anywhere if you’re truly watching the show around the Castle or Main Street.) BUT, I feel it’s important to note if you have small kids and are hoping for more convenience with them. I often see parents still trying to hold them up/put them on shoulders to see since you have to stand. (Again, you’ll most likely be doing something similar in other areas, but it’s important to know!)
Here’s a look at my plates- I sampled at least a bite of everything! (Each of the 3 times I’ve done a dessert party, the offerings HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT, so know they could change from what you see in my pictures.)
I hope this helps you decide if adding a Fireworks Dessert Party is right for you! These can be booked at 60 days out, and payment is due at the time you make your reservation. The start time for these parties is based on the start time for the show. If you are already a client of mine and interested in booking this, I can certainly help you!
If you are not already a client of mine and would like help booking a trip, my services are free when booking a package, and I can help you make all of your dining and activity reservations as well!
Please reach out if you’re interested or need any help!
Run Disney Like A Mama 