Alcohol Added to Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties
Along with a price increase (naturally), Walt Disney World has added beer & wine to all three Happily Ever After Fireworks Dessert Parties. Alcohol in Magic Kingdom is always a controversial subject, and we’ll tackle some of the criticism of these changes along with our “review” of the Tomorrowland Terrace upcharge offerings.
As of February 2020, guests who are 21 years of age or older can consume alcoholic beverages (a selection of beer and wine) in addition to the desserts offered at each event. This applies to all 3 of the Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties: the Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace, the After-Fireworks Dessert Party, and the Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing.
With the added booze comes a higher price. The Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace has increased by $15 to $99 for adults, there’s a $10 increase to $79 for the Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing, and a $20 increase to $89 for the After-Fireworks Dessert Party. (Prices have also increased by $7-10 for kids.) Those are the basic changes–now let’s cover the upside, downside, winners and losers…
The biggest winner here is anyone who loves dessert parties and alcohol, but does not have kids. The largest price increase here is roughly the cost of two alcoholic drinks, so if you drink that much or more, you’re at least breaking even. For drinkers, it’s pretty easy to come out ahead with this change. If you have kids, you’ll have to drink more to come out ahead, but it is possible. (We believe in you!)
The losers here are those who don’t drink at all and light drinkers with kids. Basically, anyone who will pay more in the higher prices than they’ll consume in alcohol. (Another loser is anyone who is against alcohol in Magic Kingdom–but that ship seems to have sailed; it’s likely that there will continue to be a gradual erosion of the alcohol limits.)
Inevitably, the first question Walt Disney World regulars will have is whether there’s a less-expensive option for those who don’t drink. No, there is not. If you’re hopeful that such an option will be introduced in the future, don’t hold your breath. It’s highly unlikely.
First, because there are already dessert parties in Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom that offer alcohol. None offer bifurcation for drinkers and non-drinkers. It’s one price for all adults, with everyone able to eat and drink whatever they want.
Second, we went through this same thing back when the Disney Dining Plan added alcohol, with similar requests and complaints. In both cases, prices also simultaneously increased for kids. It should go without saying that there is no “non-alcoholic alternative” for them–no one under 21 years of age can take advantage of the added alcohol, to begin with.
The reality is that this is a fireworks dessert party price increase with a perk added to mask that–or make it appear that the upgrade is “better” than the price increase. It creates winners and losers, which is by design. So long as the winners are more boisterous or excited about the change, it plays as good news.
However, in order for Walt Disney World to come out ahead here (the house always wins), the cost of the alcohol consumed must be at least partially offset by those who do not drink–or do not heavily imbibe. The calculus is that kids and non-drinkers will subsidize those who order several alcoholic drinks.
In fairness, this is far from unprecedented. The exact same idea applies for vegetarians on the Disney Dining Plan or light eaters at buffets. I’m not suggesting this is fair or the approach Walt Disney World should be taking (especially at Magic Kingdom). Just that it is what it is.
I’ve touched upon this briefly in other posts, but I’m not a fan of the Happily Ever After dessert parties at Magic Kingdom, or any of these events at Walt Disney World, for that matter. Part of this is undoubtedly preconceived bias.
Way back in the day (over a decade ago), Tomorrowland Terrace is where we went to watch Wishes when Magic Kingdom was crowded or we wanted a spot away from the crowds. It was a hidden gem: not a great view of the fireworks, but at least we could sit down and enjoy a more leisurely experience.
When the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party debuted as a test offering, we opted not to do it. Given that we didn’t love the view from the Noodle Station seating area, the $25 price tag seemed steep for desserts. After all, we could stuff ourselves on desserts we actually wanted for around $20 total, for both of us. Now, the idea of unlimited desserts for $25 at Walt Disney World seems so quaint!
Our thinking is that the mirror image view of what Tomorrowland Terrace offers is free and often uncrowded. (See our Best Magic Kingdom Fireworks Viewing Locations for our recommendations, plus a color-coded map of where to watch–and where to avoid.)
This is not meant to be an “old man yells at cloud” story about how back in my day, prices were much cheaper for a better experience. I’m very cognizant of the fact that the original Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party debuted during the Great Recession. It was a time when attendance was lower and deals abounded. Things have changed significantly since then, both at Walt Disney World and the world at large.
Rather, that’s the backdrop for explaining my reticence about dessert parties, in general. If it was a pass for us at the $25 price, it should be easy to understand why we’ve continued to pass as the price has increased on an annual basis. While the spread has improved over the years, Tomorrowland Terrace still offers the same view.
With that said, we have experienced numerous dessert parties over the years in all four parks. Friends have invited us to their private events and dessert parties been included in various D23 events we’ve attended. We’ve refrained from reviewing those because the spreads are always customized (usually upgraded with iconic/extinct Walt Disney World desserts added…because these are events for Disney dorks like us), so they’re not representative of the regular guest experience. Plus, we’ve never paid (directly) for those dessert parties.
Despite that, I can’t say I’ve ever felt one of the dessert parties I’ve experienced was “worth it” when comparing my experience to the general public cost. They’ve been a ton of fun, no doubt, but a lot of that is being with friends and other fans–also not exactly representative of the normal dessert party experience.
With that said, I’m well aware of the fact that my opinion here is the minority one. While this blog’s aim is to offer objective planning advice, it’s difficult for me to set aside my own bias here. It’s one scenario where you definitely shouldn’t rely on my judgment over your own. I’m sure some of you will agree with my assessment of dessert parties. I’d hazard a guess that many more will disagree. That’s totally fine–everyone has their “unpopular opinion” and I can see mine on these for what it is.
This is borne out by the constant price increases and proliferation of these parties over the years. As prices have gone up, so too has demand. There are now three dessert parties for Happily Ever After, plus parties in Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. By all practical measures, the ones in DHS and Animal Kingdom are totally unnecessary–and yet, they’re popular anyway.
Ultimately, other guests seem to love Walt Disney World’s dessert parties. There’s something about the mix of exclusivity, a private event space, all you can eat sweets, and a stress-free viewing location for nighttime spectaculars that’s a winning formula. Add alcohol to the mix, and Magic Kingdom’s fireworks parties will likely become more popular than ever.
If this combo appeals to you, disregard my opinion and book one of these Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties. (Especially if your budget is unlimited and there’s no opportunity cost.) If you’re considering the parties only because of FOMO, give it some more thought and determine what, specifically, appeals to you about the dessert parties and why they would (or wouldn’t) be worth the money to you.
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Your Thoughts
What do you think of the change to add alcohol to the Magic Kingdom fireworks dessert parties? Is it worth the increased cost to you, or would you have preferred no booze and a lower price? Are you a fan of Walt Disney World’s nighttime spectacular dessert parties? If so, which is your favorite? Do you agree or disagree with my ‘review’ of WDW’s dessert parties? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Disneys Money Grubing Practices will Continue Unabaited as long as Fan Fanatics Fund Them! We Are the Problem!
I just want to say how much I appreciate a writer who identifies biases and preferences openly and transparently, while trying to present a fair and balanced review so that people can make their own informed decisions, whether for or against. Starting to plan a Disney trip, and it’s helpful to get the useful insights and opinions, as opposed to just the “brochure” description from the official website. Unfortunately, it seems that Disney is trying to find any way it can to squeeze more money out of park attendees at more than a good value, but as long as people are willing to pay it, they will do it. I do think it is unfortunate that in their model, they’ve added alcohol pricing because at the end of the day, it increases their profit margin, not because it overall adds to the experience for participants. I guess they figure the ones who want alcohol, or are willing to subsidize others, makes up for the lost business of those who will opt out these experiences.
I, too, appreciate the self-identified bias! I actually teach a high school media class on rhetoric, loaded language, tone, etc. I’ve used this blog as an example of writer’s tone by comparing Tom’s writing style as opposed to Sarah’s. I’m currently planning a Disney trip for my family, and I prefer to show my students authentic examples that I experience in real life. Now I have a great example of bias to show AND an example of what Tom’s self-recognition of bias does for his author credibility! Keep up the good work!
Thanks, I guess?
I will say that the only time anything I write should be used in schools anywhere, ever is as an example of what not to do. Except my thoughts on Country Bear Jamboree, which should be taught in advanced philosophy courses. 😉
I know this falls into the “mileage may vary” category, but I cannot reasonably justify a dessert party that is basically the equivalent cost of the day’s admission.
^That’s good perspective right there.
While I do not mind the alcohol option that has been available at other desert parties, the reality here is it is not like most will be able to consume that much sugar and then wash it down beer after beer. Like are we getting hammered with our kids? Or if kidless, this is how you want to get hammered? lol. Bring back Pleasure Island for that kind of thing.
AS always, they will keep offering these events at the prices they do because people are paying for it.
We indulged in some during Xmas 2018. We did garden view at MK and did the Frozen desert party/fireworks party at Epcot. That one was pretty good. Amazing view, varied treats, liquor as needed and a FP to the Frozen attraction. Would we do them again, highly unlikely.
As people don’t get obnoxious drunk I don’t have a problem with the booze. My issue is with the price. We did the Tomorrow Land Terrace Dessert Party back when it was $25 (9 or ten years ago) and felt that it was a nice treat to ourselves. Good all you can eat desserts and a nice place to see the fireworks without being hemmed in by crowds. We felt that the $25 was fair for what we received as a special treat. But shortly after that the prices started going up and we never went back and have no intention of doing any of the WDW insanely expensive dessert parties ever again.
I also thought that the Plaza Viewing Party did not include alcohol, just the terrace and after party? Confused.
Same. I just heard on a podcast that pre fireworks plaza view excludes alcohol. Tried to call to confirm but it’s at least a 30 minute hold time. Please confirm! Thanks.
I spoke with a Disney rep after a frustratingly long hold and they could neither confirm nor deny the inclusion of alcohol at the Pre Fireworks Plaza party. I also spoke with my travel agent, who confirmed there was a lot of confusion on the subject. The wording is suspicious for it not being included and I am assuming it is a way to make the after-fireworks party more attractive.
Before we published this, a phone rep “confirmed” that alcohol is included for all versions of the party–the website just wasn’t updated for the pre-fireworks party.
I took that at face value, but only because I don’t have any firsthand info to contradict it. I am nonetheless skeptical. If anyone can confirm what’s true based on their firsthand experience, please share and I’ll update this post as necessary.
I called today too. The rep I spoke with said the Before party had alcohol. She also insisted I was booked for the After party. As I am 100% booked for the Before party (although will likely be switching to the after party), I took the whole thing with a Disney sized grain of salt.
As a childless millennial, I love this addition! I was skeptical about paying for a dessert party before but I think I’ll be adding one to my next trip!
What if we already had paid reservations made a month or more ago for after this policy goes into effect? Will we be charged again To make up the difference of the increased price?
Nope. If you got in prior to the price increase, you do not pay the difference.
Now that’s your “winner” group.
Tom, I’m fairly certain the dessert party with plaza garden viewing that just went up $10 does NOT include alcohol. The other 2 HEA parties do include it though.
I’ll leave my opinion/experience, just for the fun of it. I enjoy an alcoholic beverage, and don’t mind the limited offerings at Magic Kingdom (I’m not up in arms that they sell it now, and I also don’t mind that it’s limited). I don’t need the booze at the dessert party – just seems like it’s a thin veil to mask the price increase.
But I DID like the party itself. I’m a single mom and took my 4 year old son. It was worth it to have a reserved spot in the event that we needed to go to the bathroom or whatever. And it was worth it to be separated from the crowds and masses. So, for me, the value came from the way it decreased my stress (and being a single parent at Disney comes with A LOT of stress – a lot of fun too, but a lot of stress) while enabling us to enjoy the show. The party was dinner for us, which also added some value.
I guess I am in the minority, too! WE don’t drink but don’t care if others do; no problem.
But a place like WDW with tons of impressionable little ones, IMO, isn’t the place to sell booze everywhere. There are some who cannot refuse to imbibe and who have no ability to stop before becoming drunk. If it is offered, they will take advantage of it. It was ok when just the resort restaurants offered drinks, IMO. Now it is everywhere at WDW.
We have never paid for the special fireworks parties. Like you said, there are great spots to watch if you want to. To me, It is another example of paying for what used to be free. If this is the way it’s going, then sadly WDW will not be our magic place in the future. Some say that we will have to pay for fp’s in the future; something I never thought would happen. The sky is the limit on what people will pay for, I guess. We also don’t pay for extra hours, which also used to be free. I know we are in the minority here, and to each their own in this instance. You vote with your pocketbook on extra “magic”, and the majority seems to want to do this, so…………………………….
i keep seeing the “people are overserved” argument. isn’t that on disney at that point? maybe they need to hire people to be on the lookout for those who have had enough and not allow them to purchase anything more. i see this every time alcohol comes up in a post. it’s ok to blame disney at a certain point if they are dropping the ball on being the ones overserving. if adults can be responsible and alcohol is offered, even at a “family” place, let them be. the adult is on vacation too.
I don’t think this is to draw in the desert lovers. But ugh drinks and desert who does that.Can I have a cupcake and a martini please. Yuk I also think it should not include kids especially in Magic Kingdom. It should be an adult activity. Was it pleasure Island adult only drinking party?
Well, my girlfriends and I used to do drinks and dessert ALL the time. Wine and chocolate are a great combo! Now, I absolutely wouldn’t pay for this experience as I’m sure it isn’t worth the cost, but after dinner drinks and dessert have been a thing pretty much as long as restaurants and dinner parties have existed.
While I’d definitely be happier if they upgraded the parties with “non-alcoholic specialty drinks,” it looks like the Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing and the After-Fireworks Dessert Party are in the Middle of the Great zone for Best Magic Kingdom Fireworks Viewing Locations. For $79 for the former, it depends how much value you get out of not having to spend time or a FastPass on reserving that spot. (Just to be clear, you used to be able to reserve Hub spots with a FP, but now you can’t.) Those two options seem worth more to me, but I can stand through the whole show.
Do they have projections on the back of the castle, like they do on for the Tree of Life Awakenings?
Wow. One would have to drink a lot like frat party a lot to break even on those prices. And then eat a cup cake and vomit. Sounds like a train wreck waiting to happen. And in the Magic Kingdom of all places.
Why anyone would put a $0 value on a prime spot with no wait, no loss of FastPass capability, and desserts that cost a pretty penny is beyond me, especially given the projection-centric nature of the “fireworks” show.
Not sure about all this alcohol being served at WDW. I’m not a prude and we do have a drink on occasions, but on several occasions we have witnessed those Mouseketeers who have over indulged and may have been over served. From that point it only gets UGLY, just saying.
Whatever happened to the “family oriented” theme park that Mr. Disney dreamt about ? Not saying that alcohol couldn’t be served but why not keep it in the restaurants rather then a bar ?
I don’t get the appeal, but then again, I also don’t get people waiting two hours for the “best” parade and fireworks views. At WDW, time is definitely money. The fireworks look fine to me from spots that i get 15 mins before they star even if those spots are not 100% unobstructed views.
I haven’t done hardly any “reserved viewing” events at WDW or DL — the one and only being the Fantasmic dinner package when the new version debuted and the cost difference over the usual meal was about $5. The ones the MK were the only remaining ones I might have previously considered, because I am a non-drinker. So unless I win the lottery, I’ll just be over on the opposite side with y’all, stalking a just-OK spot with a little waiting, eating my $6 churro.
I don’t know why alcohol always has to be a part of FAMILY things that makes no sense to me how there is not one save place. A child goes to Disney for the magic, the wonder, the love of their favorite characters then it is over run by a drinking individual who has to act out be rude, loud etc. We were returning to our resort one evening little kids in tow and got to the elevator were a guy was stumbling all over cursing breaking stuff and slapping his lady all over while she had a baby sleeping in a stroller. It just breaks my heart some kids see so much of this you would think Disney would make them feel safe. But I get you have to cater to the drinking adults so the kids can even come ugh!! Just so sad
I agree
To each their own, but the price point here is insane. Like not even the little insanity you get with anything on a Disney vacation, but full on commit me now insanity.
For a similar price point ($99) per person you could do Brunch at the Top at California Grill (I understand they keep jacking the prices up and quality has maybe dipped) which unarguably has a better food selection and unlimited booze as well. Granted, you are stuck with mimosas (#firstWorldProblems). You can kick it up there for a four hour brunch if you so choose and then return in the evening to view the fireworks from the lounge. I don’t see a universe where that’s not a better option than a dessert party.
People can spend their hard earned money how ever they see fit but this just seems like it’s preying on FOMO to me.
“People can spend their hard earned money how ever they see fit but this just seems like it’s preying on FOMO to me.”
I think this plays a huge role in a lot of these upcharge offerings. If you look at WDW Facebook groups (side note: don’t), there is a ton of this. Social media allows people to boast about what they did and paint it in a very positive light. Others either want to ‘keep up’ or worry that they’ll be depriving their kids of a perfect trip if they don’t do the same. Sadly, value for money doesn’t even enter the equation with a lot of people.
“(side note: don’t)”
The most important thing you’ve ever written on this blog. I have whittled it down to one FB group and I still spend most of my time on it thinking, “Wow, I just um…I really think about/do this all very differently than you people.”
You could get a nice steak dinner at Yachtman’s Steakhouse for the price you pay for these dessert parties. We’ve done specialty dinners at Epcot during Food & Wine that cost less than this and the food was delicious and the meal included wine, We did the Tomorrowland Terrace party in Oct 2012 and paid a total of $100 for four adults. We had a nice time, enjoyed the desserts and had a very good view of the fireworks and Tinkerbell flying. But $99 for adults is outrageous. But as long as guests will pay this price, it will continue.
We won’t ever do this again because I’m taking medication that doesn’t allow me to drink alcohol or caffeine. It even makes getting a fountain beverage hard since the only soft drinks without caffeine are Sprite (I cannot tolerate Sprite) and Light Lemonade (hate the artificial taste). I wish they would just serve the regular Minute Maid Lemonade instead of the Light or Pomegranate (also yuck).
Agreed, more so than anything else I just find the $99 price point insane. Even if we say half of the cost is strictly for the reserved viewing, who can possibly eat that much dessert? The profit margins on this must be fantastic for Disney.
Getting really irritated with all this booze everywhere I turn. Generally the ads now are for booze with “mickey ice cream bars” as the afterthought. I dont and wont buy it.
For my husband and I the main draw for the MK fireworks dessert party is a stress-free spot to view Happily Ever After from that we don’t need to camp out for ahead of time and are able to to hang back while the crowds disperse afterwards. We’ve also done the Star Wars dessert party, but probably wouldn’t do any others again besides HEA with the Garden view. The price increases are becoming more difficult to stomach for sure, and something that makes the decision to book a dessert party more difficult to make. We can certainly see both sides of this issue!
I say this every time one of these dessert parties is offered” they want you to show up an hour before the fireworks and pay $80+ for desserts. 1 hour ahead of time will get you a better viewing spot than the dessert party and for $80-100 at Main Street Bakery or the like, I can get you more desserts than you can eat in several days. These parties make no sense to me.
As a non-drinker, adding alcohol to the party makes it even a worse deal. And I’m fundamentally against a pricing structure that encourages people to over-indulge in order to “get their money’s worth”.