All about the Happily Ever After Fireworks Dessert Parties

The fireworks at Magic Kingdom have always been some of the best nighttime entertainment options available at Disney World. We absolutely love to add them onto a trip as a way to celebrate something special, or just as an extra treat.

If you’re thinking about snagging a dessert party reservation for your trip, it is important to note that you’ll have 3 different options to choose from. And, while they are all similar, there is one that we think is better than the others.

Here’s what you need to know:

What are the Fireworks Dessert Parties at Magic Kingdom and where are they located?

The Fireworks Dessert Parties at Magic Kingdom are special, ticketed events that provide guests with a unique and unforgettable experience combining mouthwatering desserts, beverages, and a prime viewing location for the enchanting fireworks display over Cinderella Castle.

The dessert parties are extremely popular because they pair desserts and drinks (including alcohol) with guaranteed reserved viewing for the fireworks shows.

Guests that book this premium event receive desserts, treats, a small selection of savory items (cheese and crackers), and your choice of beverages.

There are 3 different options that guests can choose when booking:

• Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties: Happily Ever After Pre-Party
• Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties: Happily Ever After Post Party (our favorite of the 3)
• Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties: Happily Ever After Seats & Sweets (the only one where you sit in chairs)

The dessert party portion for all 3 options takes place at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant (label number 5 on the map below).

Pre and Post Party guests watch fireworks from the area labeled with a number 1 on the map below, while those that have the Seats & Sweets have tables and chairs for viewing at number 3.

What are the differences between the three party options?

The dessert portion of all the parties occurs in the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, where you eat desserts at tables and chairs.

• The Happily Ever After Pre-Party and the Treats & Seats parties both start with desserts in the Tomorrowland Terrace restaurant before the fireworks. 
• Seats and Sweets is the only one where you view the fireworks from a chair (the other 2 you stand).
• The Happily Ever After Post Party begins with the fireworks viewing and then moves to Tomorrowland Terrace to enjoy desserts after Happily Ever After is over.

When it comes time for fireworks, each option gives you a slightly different experience:

Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties: Happily Ever After Pre-Party

• Cost: $99 for adults (ages 10 and up), $59 for kids (ages 3 to 9)
• Fireworks view: After dining on desserts and as the time for fireworks nears, Plaza Garden Viewing people are escorted from the restaurant to a reserved grassy area (the area labeled with a number 6 on the map above). The view from this location is pretty close to straight on and near enough to clearly see the projections on the castle, however, the view of the projections on Main Street is partially blocked. Important note: keep in mind that Post Party guests are being seated in the viewing area while you are dining on your desserts and since spots for viewing are first-come, first-served, if the view of the fireworks is the most important thing for you, you’ll get a better spot with the Post Party option.
• Seating for fireworks?: Guests that book the Happily Ever After Pre-Party don’t have chairs to watch the fireworks from; however, you’ll be able to sit on the faux grass until show time.

Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties: Happily Ever After Post Party (WDW Prep School favorite)

• Cost: $99 for adults (ages 10 and up), $59 for kids (ages 3 to 9)
• Fireworks view: Guests that choose the Post Party will have first dibs on spots inside the reserved fireworks viewing area (the area labeled with a 6 on the map above).
• Seating for fireworks?: Guests that book the Happily Ever After Post Party don’t have chairs to watch the fireworks from; however, you’ll be able to sit on the faux grass until show time.

Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties: Happily Ever After Seats & Sweets

• Cost: $114 (ages 10 and up), $69 for kids (ages 3 to 9)
• Fireworks view:  The view from this location is slightly off centered, and although the projections are still visible, you may miss some details from this angle.
• Seating: Guests booking this option will have chairs available to sit on while watching the fireworks, although many (if not most) of the people that aren’t seated by the rail choose to either stand or to move their chair up closer to the railing that surrounds the restaurant at show time.

Keep in mind that the following applies to all 3 dessert parties: Theme park admission is required and not included in the dining package price. You must also make a theme park reservation.

Which party would you recommend?

Hands down, our favorite option is the Post Party, and here’s why:

People that book the Post Party get first dibs on fireworks views. If you book the Pre-Party you may feel rushed to eat your desserts quickly so that you can get out and find a spot, whereas those that book the Post Party will be able to snag their fireworks spot early and then dine on desserts and drinks while the crowds from the fireworks disperse.

And, while the seating is nice for Seats & Sweets, the view isn’t as straight on. But, this is definitely a great choice for families that prefer a spot to sit while they watch the fireworks.

What can I expect to be served?

Now for the important part: the drinks & desserts!

First, let’s look at the drinks.

Of course, there is water, milk, tea, & lemonade. There’s even the famous Pog Juice:

There’s also sparkling cider:

Other drinks include several hot beverage options like coffee and hot tea:

You’ll also have a small selection of beers and wines:

At our most recent visit, we could choose from:

• Veramonte Chardonnay
• Zolo Signature Red Blend
• Saraggo Moscato d’Asti
• Paul Cheneau Lady of Spain Gava Brut
• Blue Moon Belgian White Ale
• Bud Light

While the dessert choices may vary, there is usually a wide selection that includes pastries, cupcakes, as well as some fruit & cheese options.

As with most Disney restaurants, there are selections for guests with allergies or other special dietary requests. Just make sure you notify Disney before you arrive and remind a Cast Member when you check in so they can ensure you get items that are safe for you to eat.

Here’s a sampling of what you might see:

• Birthday Cupcake
• Celebration Cupcake

• Sugar Cookie
• Chocolate Chip Cookie
• Caramel Apple Crêpe

• Chilling Chamber Pop: Chocolate Crumbs, White Buttercream, and Chocolate Popping Crumbs *WDW Prep School favorite
• Cookies ‘n’ Cream Cheesecake Mousse
• Chocolate-Covered Strawberry
• Firehouse Doughnuts: Ricotta doughnuts rolled in Cinnamon Sugar served with Strawberry topping

• Devil’s Chocolate Pudding: Chocolate Filling, Crumble Brownie, Milk Chocolate Whipped Cream 
• Butterscotch Pudding with Caramel Pudding *WDW Prep School favorite
• Chocolate Silk Pie: Chocolate Tart Shell, Chocolate Filling, Whipped Cream, and Chocolate Shavings

• Assorted breads
• Assorted cheeses
• Assorted fresh fruit

There is also a station to decorate cookies! You can make any design you want. This is great for little ones, but, don’t worry, adults are allowed to try it, too.

How do you book it?

You can book all three parties online, and like the other dessert parties offered around Walt Disney World, while Disney says you can book up to 60 days in advance, they sometimes aren’t available until later.

Keep in mind that these parties are extremely popular, so you’ll definitely want to book them right when they open up for the best chances of snagging one!

• Book the Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties: Happily Ever After Pre-Party
• Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties: Happily Ever After Post Party
• Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties: Happily Ever After Seats & Sweets

How does check in work?

Although Disney will give you a time to check in, you should be there 30-45 minutes before the time they give you if you want first dibs at desserts and tables (for Pre-Party and Seats & Sweets) or fireworks viewing spots (for the Post Party).

Sometimes for Seats & Sweets, they will allow you in 60 minutes before check-in time, meaning you can enjoy 2 hours worth of the dessert party. If your table and view is important to you, the earlier you arrive for Seats & Sweets, the better.

Check in for all 3 dessert party options are at Tomorrowland Terrace.

There is typically a separate line for each, so if you aren’t sure which one you should be in, make sure you ask a nearby Cast Member.

Pre-Party and Post-Party attendees sit in the upper part of the restaurant, while Seats & Sweets attendees sit in the lower part.

How is the view from the Pre-Party and Post Party Garden Plaza viewing location?

Honestly, we really like the view from this area.

You get a fantastic view of the castle that is pretty much straight on. Keep in mind that from this vantage point you will not get a good view of the Main Street projections. But, in our opinion, the main show is on the castle and those Main Street projections are just secondary. Missing them doesn’t hurt the presentation of the show at all.

This is how the garden view area looks when you walk in.

The uses of this Plaza Garden area and the similar area just on the other side of Main Street can vary, however the side closest to Tomorrowland Terrace is nearly always for dessert parties while the one on the other side can be used for other things (like VIP guests, tours, etc.).

View of the castle from the Plaza Garden View area.

How gorgeous is that?

And since Tink flies over on this side, you get a pretty good view of her, too!

How is the view from the Seats & Sweets viewing location?

Although this option gets you a chair for the show, you are kind of positioned off to the side of the castle:

Although the view isn’t as good as the ones with the Plaza Viewing, this option is a bit more relaxing since you don’t have to move to view the show.

It’s also important to note that sometimes the lights stay on at Tomorrowland Terrace during the fireworks. While this can be slightly frustrating, it doesn’t impact the show greatly. Oh, and, Tink flies right over you, which is a great perk of sitting here!

Are the Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties worth it?

For some families, yes – especially the Post Party option.

Not having to fight the crowds for a space to watch the fireworks and then having chairs to sit at while you dine on desserts makes the hefty price tag associated with the party easier to swallow.

If you decide to skip the party you can still find great fireworks viewing locations, you’ll just have to fight the crowds.

Check the comparison chart below for more info (click the chart to make it larger).

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Have you tried one of the Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties? Tell us how you liked it in the comments below.

And, don’t forget to check out our guide to dining packages over at Epcot, too.

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