Walt Disney World Splurges | Dessert Parties

Welcome to this month’s Blogorail Orange Loop. Today we are sharing ways to splurge on your next Disney trip that won’t break the bank. One way is to try a Dessert Party.

A Walt Disney World vacation can be considered a splurge in and of itself. From hotel to tickets to dining, the cost can really add up. But sometimes a Disney vacation deserves a little something extra.

Maybe it’s a special event or occasion or maybe you’re looking to do something out of the ordinary. I like to think of these splurges as the cherry on top of the sundae. And thinking about sundaes makes me think of dessert.

Dessert Parties

One of our favorite, reasonable splurges is attending a dessert party. There’s always room for dessert, especially when that dessert comes with VIP viewing to a spectacular fireworks show. Disney goes out of their way to create mouth-watering dessert buffets. Dessert parties are the perfect way to add a little extra magic to your Walt Disney World vacation.While dessert parties can range in price from $29 to $99 per person, there are some things you can do to offset the cost. On nights we know we are attending a dessert party, we make sure to eat light throughout the day. We try not to make table service reservations but instead eat small quick service meals. Also, we may opt to have breakfast in the room that morning or bring lunch to the park to save a couple bucks.

Should you choose to add on a dessert party to your vacation, each park that offers fireworks also has an add-on dessert party option.

Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party

Photo: Disney

This Fireworks Dessert Party is offered nightly at Magic Kingdom Park. There are now 3 different parties to choose from during normal park days.

Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace

Held at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, the party offers a dessert buffet followed by reserved seating with amazing views of Wishes, complete with a fly-over by Tinker Bell. It has recently been upgraded to give Guests a more decadent dessert experience. In addition to the usual dessert fare such as pastries and cookies, it now offers seasonal fruit and cheese and new character themed cupcakes. The evening is topped off with a sparkling cider toast.

What sets this dessert party apart is that you and your family will have reserved seating at your own private table. With doors opening an hour prior to the start of Wishes, you’ll have plenty of time to go back to the buffet for seconds, thirds or more.

Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party is now $79 for adults, $47 for children 3-9, gratuity included. Reservations can be made 180 days in advance. This choice was perfect for families before the change and the price hike. Thankfully, there is an alternative.

Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing

Everything about this dessert party is the same with 2 important exceptions. The first is NO SEATING. You enjoy the same desserts at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant. Then, when it comes time for the fireworks, you are escorted to a VIP viewing area in the Plaza Garden.

The other difference? Price. Not having a seat for the show will save you money! The price for this is only $59 for adults and $35 for children.

Ferrytale Wishes: A Fireworks Dessert Cruise

This dessert party does not require admission to Magic Kingdom. Unlike the inside-the-park versions, this party is only held on select nights. It does include alcoholic beverages and special glow cups. The cost is $99 for adults and $69 for kids. It takes place on one of the Ferry Boats used to transport guests across the Seven Seas Lagoon. If the Ferrytale Wishes Dessert Party happens to coincide with a holiday event night at Magic Kingdom, you would see that version of the fireworks.

We recently updated this post with the most recent information on the dessert parties. You can read about our experience with the old Wishes Dessert Party here.

IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party

IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party celebrates the cultures of the world with a one-of-a-kind dessert buffet. It includes an internationally themed line up of desserts all capped off with a spectacular viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Also offered is a selection of sparkling wines.

While their menu has changed for the better since we experienced the party when it was first introduced, the one big drawback to this dessert party is that there is no seating. On the plus side, the adults can enjoy some adult beverages. You may not miss having a seat as you walk around sampling all of the delicious treats.

The IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party is $49 for adults, $29 for children 3-9, tax and gratuity included. Reservations can be made 180 days in advance. While there’s no rule against bringing children, we’d recommend the IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party for adult night out without the kids.

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party

Photo: Disney

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can enjoy a close-up view of the Star Wars fireworks show after a dessert buffet that includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Each guest also receives a souvenir Chewbacca Stein! We’re thinking about making a reservation for the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party on our next trip.

The Price for the Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party is $69 for adults, and $29 for kids. Reservations can be made 180 days in advance. This event will return with a special New Year’s Eve version on December 31, 2016, and then restart in 2017.

Special Event Dessert Parties

Dessert Parties are also offered during special events and the holiday parties. We had the opportunity to experience the Frozen Dessert party as a part of the Premium package in the summer of 2014.

Currently, Walt Disney World is offering a few Special Dessert Parties for a limited time:

Wishes Fireworks Holiday Dessert Party

Only Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom (event ticket required)
Reserved Seating for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade
Dessert Party Buffet
Reserved Viewing area for Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Season
$79 for adults, $47 for children

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Party

holiday-inspired snacks (not just desserts!)
delicious desserts
wine, beer, specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
A Visit from a VIP Character
reserved viewing of the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Spectacular
$69 for adults, $39 for children (Nov. 14 – December 17)
$79 for adults, $45 for children (December 18 – 31)

Disney has locations that can be reserved for private dessert parties. You could also add on a dessert party to a Disney’s Fairy Tale Wedding package as well.

With a variety of options available and with a little bit of planning, a Disney dessert party could be a magical touch to any Disney vacation. It’s definitely worth the splurge!

For more reasonable splurges at the Disney Parks,
check out the other great posts from the Blogorail!

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail Orange | Reasonable Disney Trip Splurges Loop:

1st Stop – Adventures in Familyhood | Dessert Parties
2nd Stop – Ashely Aspires | Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
3rd Stop – Disney Mamas | Walt Disney World Fireworks Cruises
4th Stop – Disney Nouns | Premium Merchandise
5th Stop – What’s the Point? | Candlelight Processional Dining Package

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Lindsey Leffel

Tuesday 8th of September 2015

I love the idea of the dessert parties, but we never get around to trying them out. I have done a private event for Fantasmic with my students, but that's it! One of these days we will give one of them a try!

Mary

Sunday 6th of September 2015

We have been to a couple of invitation only dessert parties and have always enjoyed them. I think what stops us for paying for them now is having to buy 4 tickets! (excuse for me and the hubby to go alone) But I definitely would not hesitate if it had a good spot to watch any must see fireworks. That alone is worth it.

Heidi Strawser

Thursday 27th of August 2015

These look like so much fun! One of these days, I"ll have to schedule one of these for us. We almost always do the dining plan, so I'd have to make sure to plan a TS LUNCH that day instead of a DINNER so we'd be somewhat hungry!

teacherlady117

Definitely! One year we made the mistake of eating too late and almost weren't hungry for dessert! I wish they let you take some of the desserts to go! lol!

Dr. Disnology

I never knew this was available. Good to know! - Disney Nouns

We're happy to pass along the information.

Rosanne

Awesome roundup! I haven't done a dessert party yet but seating during Wishes sounds like a great option! Also - the Illuminations party is in my favorite location to watch the show - you feel like you're a part of the show from that terrace.

And I really didn't realize how reasonable it was! Thanks for sharing. I think I'm going to discuss a little add on for our November trip :)

The location for the IllumiNations party was the best out of all we've been to. We're tempted to book another Wishes one for February just to see if the changes are worth the price (it was half that previously)