The fireworks at Magic Kingdom have always been some of the best nighttime entertainment options available at Disney World, and now that both fireworks and dessert parties have returned, people are very excited to once again have something special to add onto their vacations.
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:
In this article
What are the Fireworks Dessert Parties at Magic Kingdom and where are they located?
Just in time for the big 50th Anniversary Celebration, Walt Disney World brought back the very popular Fireworks Dessert Parties at Magic Kingdom.
These dessert parties are very similar to what was there before, with one giant difference: the newly re-branded dessert parties *all* now include alcohol.
Of course, that means the price is also a bit higher than what we saw before, too.
Guests that book this premium event receive desserts, treats, a small selection of savory items (cheese and crackers), and your choice of beverage.
There are 3 different options that guests can choose when booking:
- Magic Kingdom 50th Fireworks Dessert Parties: Disney Enchantment Pre-Party
- Magic Kingdom 50th Fireworks Dessert Parties: Disney Enchantment After-Party (our favorite of the 3)
- Magic Kingdom 50th Fireworks Dessert Parties: Treats & Seats
The dessert party portion for all 3 options takes place at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant (label number 5 on the map below).
Pre and After Party guests watch fireworks from the area labeled with a “6” on the map below, while those that have the Seats & Treats have tables and chairs for viewing at number 5.
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 Disney Enchantment Pre-Party and the Treats & Seats parties both start with desserts in the Tomorrowland Terrace restaurant before the fireworks.
- The Disney Enchantment After-Party begins with the fireworks viewing and then moves to Tomorrowland Terrace to enjoy desserts after Disney Enchantment is over.
When it comes time for fireworks, each option gives you a slightly different experience:
Magic Kingdom 50th Fireworks Dessert Parties: Disney Enchantment 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 are partially blocked. Important note: keep in mind that After-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 After-Party option.
- Seating for fireworks?: Guests that book the Disney Enchantment 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 50th Fireworks Dessert Parties: Disney Enchantment After-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 After-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 Disney Enchantment 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 50th Fireworks Dessert Parties: Disney Enchantment Treats & Seats
- 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 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 After-Party, and here’s why:
People that book the After-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 After-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 Treats & Seats, 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:
Other drinks include several hot beverage options like coffee and hot tea:
You’ll also have a selection of beer and wine options.
At our most recent visit, we could choose from:
- Veramonte Chardonnay
- Zolo Signature Red Blend
- Villa Rosa Moscato d’Asti
- Paul Cheneau Lady of Spain Cuvee Cava
- 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:
- Butterscotch Pudding with Caramel Popcorn *WDW Prep School favorite
- Devil’s Chocolate Pudding: Chocolate Filling, Crumble Brownie, Milk Chocolate Whipped Cream (can also be found at The Friar’s Nook)
- Firehouse Doughnuts: Ricotta doughnuts rolled in Cinnamon Sugar served with Strawberry topping (can also be found at Tony’s Town Square)
- Tres Leche: Coconut Cake soaked with Four Milk Mixture (can also be found at Pinocchio Village Haus)
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry
- Chilling Chamber Pop: Vanilla Crumbs, Caramel Buttercream, and Graham Cracker Crumbs (can also be found at Sleepy Hollow) *WDW Prep School favorite
- Oreo Cheesecake Mousse: Topped with Crumble (can also be found at Cinderella Royal Table)
- Chocolate Silk Pie: Chocolate Tart Shell, Chocolate Filling, Whipped Cream, and Chocolate Shavings (can also be found at Casey’s Corner)
- Cheese and crackers
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 50th Fireworks Dessert Parties: Disney Enchantment Pre-Party
Book the Magic Kingdom 50th Fireworks Dessert Parties: Disney Enchantment After-Party
Book the Magic Kingdom 50th Fireworks Dessert Parties: Disney Enchantment Treats & Seats
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) or fireworks viewing spots (for After Party).
We’ve found this to be true of all dessert parties.
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 After-Party attendees sit in the upper part of the restaurant, while Treats & Seats attendees sit in the lower part.
How is the view from the Pre-Party and After-Party Garden Plaza viewing location?
Honestly, we really like the view from this area.
The only downside is now that Disney has transitioned to Disney Enchantment, you don’t have a clear view of the projections down Main Street. This wasn’t a problem with Happily Ever After, since that show only had projections on Cinderella Castle.
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!
Are the Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties worth it?
For some families, yes – especially the After-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).
Have you tried one of the 50th Firework 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.
Nancy
Monday 15th of November 2021
What time are the fireworks in January and February? We would like to do the after fireworks party and wondering what time check in would be so I can plan dinner reservations
Brittney
Tuesday 1st of June 2021
We booked the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party in February of 2022. It was really nice to have a seat and some snacks. But I was overall disappointed for what we paid. The alcohol choices were sparse and not good options. We aren’t picky, by any means, but for what we paid I expected something mid-shelf. Also, we sat right in the front of the terrace but the projections weren’t visible from our seats. In the future I’d probably go with the garden viewing party. You’re not missing anything by foregoing the alcohol and you’re able to see the projections better from the garden area.
Susan
Sunday 25th of August 2019
If you have a motorize scooter are you still allowed to go to the fireworks party
Michelle
Monday 22nd of July 2019
We booked the garden viewing area last minute at Easter 2018 as one of our party was struggling with standing for long periods. The desserts were all lovely & plentiful. The garden view was awesome we even had a cast member in there taking photos & adding them to our memory maker. We would deffinately do this again.
Jonny
Sunday 19th of May 2019
I had a lot of questions before reading your article but you answered all of them and more. What a brilliant website! So much detail it's actually better than the BBC news website I've just been on. Well done ?