These days, dessert parties at Walt Disney World are almost as ubiquitous as Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
The Studios has hosted at least one for a couple of years now, starting back with Frozen Summer Fun and continuing now for Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks.
Prior to July 10th, the dessert party was hosted outdoors in front of Great Movie Ride. There were a couple of logistical concerns with this setup. From a guest comfort standpoint, the RealFeel at 8:30pm in July is still going to be nearing 100 degrees as an unpleasant layer of humidity rolls in. Evening rain is also common, which meant the party was often moved inside the Disney Jr. Live on Stage space, which wasn’t themed at all to the event and really just felt like you were standing inside of a box enjoying your mini cupcakes and cocktails.
With the retooling of the show, Disney introduced another problem. From my extensive review of the new show in this post: https://www.easywdw.com/easy/blog/star-wars-a-galactic-spectacular-fireworks-viewing-location-tips-and-review-at-disneys-hollywood-studios/, you might remember that the vast majority of the fireworks are shot off to the right of the Great Movie Ride facade/Center Stage area. That means you want to be in between the stage set up in front of Movie Ride and the projection towers in order to see the projections on the facade and the fireworks overhead. The tables for the dessert party took up a lot of the best real estate for the show.
With no tables, the space required for reserved viewing is vastly reduced. I think this benefits attendees because there’s much less of a difference between the people that would have been at the tables closest to the ropes and those much further back. Disney also lets kids up into the front section to sit or stand, which means shoulder kids shouldn’t be an issue from within the reserved section.
There’s also a taped off walkway immediately in front of the reserved section, which means you’ll have a better angle looking up at the projections and fireworks with fewer people immediately in front of your group.
The dessert party will be scheduled to begin one hour prior to the start of the fireworks, but Disney will begin checking guests in 30 minutes prior to that time. So with 9:30pm fireworks and an 8:30pm dessert party start, you should be able to head in by 8pm.
The cost is $69 for Disney adults and $39 for those ages 3-9, so you might as well get as much value out of the event as possible by maximizing your time. While the price seems spendy, tax and gratuity are at least included in that number.
Check-in is a pretty chill process, particularly if you arrive early. With the first-come, first-served table setup that used to happen before the move over to Launch Bay, people would show up 60+ minutes before they let anybody into the reserved area just to get a “good” table, in addition to then spending 90+ minutes in the reserved area waiting for the show. The new setup eliminates any need to arrive that early.
Star Wars Launch Bay remains open to all guests during the Dessert Party, but the area with the food and beverage is inside and roped off on the lower level.
If for some reason you prefer to be outside, you can still bring your food/drink out to one of the tables.
This area is in the courtyard just outside the Launch Bay entrance/exit.
Additional tables are set up on the upper floor where the jawas trade with guests. It’s a little further away from the buffet area and the tables are lower to the ground, but the ambiance is fun. Once you get your initial fill you might move up here.
The buffet area isn’t going to give the Death Star a run for its money on size alone, but it’s sufficient with two sides on the main buffet and a couple of other stations dispersed throughout.
As the name implies, the emphasis here is on desserts as you start with two miniature versions of popular cupcakes found elsewhere in the Parks. A Chocolate Peanut Butter Darth Vader and a Vanilla R2-D2.
Rice Crispy Bon Bons.
Things are elevated a bit here with the Pistachio Morella Cherry Bites, Citrus Financier, and Mini Chocolate Cakes.
Panna Cotta with Crispy Pearls.
Sugar Cookies and a Lemon Cupcake with Buttercream Frosting.
On the table with the bread pudding and ice cream, you’ll find Red Velvet Brownies sort of themed to Darth Maul.
Hand-scooped ice cream along with some toppings like whipped cream, vanilla bean sauce, sprinkles, and fruit. They will find you a Mickey Ice Cream Bar on request, but didn’t have any displayed. I’d probably budget that saturated fat elsewhere on the buffet line.
Other than consuming the content of this website, there are few things worse for your health than Nutella, but the Freeze-Fried Nutella Truffle is not to be missed, topped with either chocolate or raspberry syrup.
This technique, which drops the temperature of the dessert so it’s more refreshing, also creates a crispy exterior before giving way to the creaminess of the hazelnut spread inside. It will appreciably shorten your life, but I think it’s worth it. Maybe you will get lucky and not live to see the results of the upcoming election.
Disney is perhaps attempting to class the event up by renaming this vat, “Warm Bread Pudding.” The previous moniker was “Galactic Size Warm Space Debris Warm Pudding.” Just put it in my mouth.
It’s actually pretty good, warm and soft underneath with some “interesting” toppings. It might be a little too “bread-y” for purists though. I can’t imagine it’s that easy to envenly bake something so large.
That about does it for the dessert-y stuff. It’s a pretty nice variety of cupcakes, ice cream, cookies, and other items like the Nutella. Realistically, one of Disney’s $6 full size cupcakes is going to be more than most people are able to eat in one sitting, but there is perhaps something to say for variety. The quality is standard for most Disney buffets or quick service outlets. No more. No less.
A small variety of “savory” items are available.
Smoked Sea-salted flatbread with Black Bean Dip and Roasted Red Pepper Hummus accompaniments. This replaces the biscuits from the previous offering.
Two bites of watermelon on individual skewers.
Cheddar Cheese.
And Green Olive Skewers.
Provolone and Tomato Skewers.
Grape skewers.
You could potentially make a hearty snack out of a few pieces of the flatbread, the cheese, and the fruit, but this isn’t a terribly good meal replacement I don’t think. Some number of people would also prefer the cheese to be skewered together separately from the tomatoes and green olives – kids in particular. And you’d have to pile eight skewers on your plate to come out with a measly 16 grapes.
On the other hand, with the all-you-care-to-consume thing, you can certainly fill up even if it’s going to be on panna cotta and cupcakes rather than something more “nutritious.”
There’s a bar that offers four specialty drinks, in addition to being able to mix you something else with these ingredients.
They have cans of soda that are unadvertised as well. Just ask.
Brands are decent, but don’t expect a Grey Goose Martini.
There was just one bartender for most of the evening, but the line remained short.
The Galactic Punch with Coconut Rum, Spiced Rum, Mango Syrup, and Passion Orange Guava Juice was probably the most refreshing of the offerings. If you’ve ever sat down at Boma or just about any other Disney buffet and thought that their signature juice would taste a little better with a splash of rum then this is your chance to give that a try. Unlimited times. “Hunny. I just have to see if it’s still as refreshing as I thought it would be…Yuuuuuuuuup….”
The Cosmic Citrus Twist is the New Amsterdam Citrus Vodka with Watermelon Lemonade. Also refreshing and less syrupy than the Galactic Punch. You can ask for just a splash of vodka or “go full easywdw please.”
The Light Speed Margarita – Tequila, Blood Orange Syrup, Sour Mix, and Lime Juice is in the vicinity of competent.
I attended the event with Dave of yourfirstvisit.net and Tom from wdwnt.com and we sent poor Dave over to pick up the last cocktail on the list. A new bartender had just arrived and after looking down at the menu and seeing the name of the drink, he asked for a “Swamp Milk.” The bartender, with eyes that said “how many drinks have you possibly had today, sir,” wondered what on earth he was talking about before the original bartender came over and showed him the menu. This was the first night and the drinks were all new.
Swamp Milk is Vodka, Melon Liqueur, and Vanilla Syrup topped with Half and Half. Not really my thing, but it was more fruity than creamy, which was nice.
One potential bummer is that they don’t have Baileys or Kahlua for a coffee drink.
Overall, those looking to pound a few cocktails over the span of 60 to 90 minutes are going to find the most “value” out of the Dessert Party. Each one of these would cost you $9 or $10 from a cart and they’re not particularly large, so moving through a few shouldn’t take a whole lot of effort for any dedicated easydubz reader.
Stormtroopers meander throughout the area a couple of times during the event. Party goers are also welcome to get in line for Kylo Ren or Chewbacca or peruse the various displays during their time as well. Your wristband will get you back into the area with the good stuff.
Disney cast members will start walking those attending the dessert party over to the reserved viewing area 15 minutes before the fireworks are scheduled. I recommend leaving Star Wars Launch Bay about three minutes before then so you can set up shop in the front of the reserved area before 95% of the other people arrive. This is the area at 9:17pm with the 9:30pm start. Two minutes later, there would be about five rows of people behind me, but also plenty of space behind that should you wish to spread out.
The reserved section is arguably the best possible spot to be in for the current show, which emphasizes the projections on the Great Movie Ride facade much more than the power of the fireworks.
And with general views further back on Hollywood Boulevard providing a much worse view, there is additional value in the reserved location.
Prior to June 17th, I recommended people watch the show from in front of 50’s Prime Time or even outside of the Studios entrance/exit. The show used so much pyro that the majority of the fireworks were viewable from all over property. But while the picture above this one might look half-decent, there are very few points in the show where the fireworks are this substantial and any view other than those in the recommended area would have little to no view of the projections.
Cast members were actively handing out bottles of water outside, which I thought was a nice touch.
All attendees also receive a Chewbacca stein to take home.
I’ve always found them to be a little creepy. The Darth Vader and Stormtrooper steins make some sense since they would have to physically take their helmets off at some point. But opening poor Chewie’s head to place a Diet Coke inside seems kind of messed up. But you could rationalize that you’re getting $11 of value out of the “gift” on your way out. They are very cheaply made.
STOP TALKING AND JUST TELL ME IF IT’S WORTH IT
Well, it depends. Of course. At $69/10+ and $39/3-9, it’s going to cost a family of two adults, a 13-year old, and a 7-year old $246. That’s a lot of money just about any way you look at it. That would cover entrees/tax/tip at most signature restaurants or multiple meals or drinks at lower-tier establishments. It would cover Park Hopper or some other upgrades. It would cover the cost of a day at a water park. Heck, you’re almost to the point where adding another $20/person would buy 1-day tickets to Universal.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t rationalize the cost per person and it may not even take much effort:
- 4 drinks * $9 each = $36
- Desserts including bread pudding and the glorious Nutella: $12
- Watermelon, fruit, and cheese at Disney snack prices: $10
- Chewbacca stein: $11
That puts you at $69 or the full cost of the event. Without even considering the fireworks view, which is among the best available. I think a lot of people will find increased value in the venue change, where the atmosphere is vastly improved. And air-conditioning. Finding a spot similar to those in the reserved section is going to require you to arrive a minimum of 45 minutes before showtime, if not 60+. As usual, your money buys you a more comfortable experience. Whether that comfort is worth the money depends on your budget and how else you could put it to use.
So the website does not categorically recommend or not recommend the Star Wars Galactic Spectacular in all situations. Those that don’t drink will find reduced value. Those that don’t care about the plastic souvenir stein will find less value. Those that don’t like dessert will find less value. Those that don’t want to see the Star Wars show will find less value. But with what I was able to consume, both food- and entertainment-wise, you could argue that I got my money’s worth. On the other hand, I would never purchase four Disney kiosk cocktails and $12 worth of quick service desserts on the same night either.
Disney has only been committing to a month’s worth of fireworks at a time. So here in mid-July, we only have fireworks scheduled through August. And those August dates were just added a couple of days ago. So don’t freak if the dessert party is not yet bookable for your dates. It likely won’t be until five or six weeks out.
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I am a big Star Wars fan and in my opinion, the new show is fantastic and a must see. I am ashamed to admit it, but we have done just about every desert party at least once, and this one is by far the best as far as food selection goes. There is a cart full of coke products and, before they moved it to Launch Bay, they had another cart full of all of the frozen deserts, Mickey Sandwiches and Bars, Frozen Banana, etc. I have never seen that in any of the other Desert Parties.
Your comment about the freeze fried Nutella truffle made me laugh.
“It will appreciably shorten your life, but I think it’s worth it. Maybe you will get lucky and not live to see the results of the upcoming election.”
Sign me up!
This cracked me up, too…love this blog, Josh!
LOL. Amen.
My weight has been creeping up over the past few years. When our 2nd son was born earlier this year, I decided I needed to do something about it to help ensure I can be around for our two boys. So far I’ve lost 45 pounds and am nearly back to a healthy weight.
I say that to highlight this: last night we attended the Star Wars dessert party. Not only did I have the Nutella treat, I had two servings of it. It was amazing. If it took a decade off my life, it was probably worth it. In fact, if I could get tickets for tonight’s show/party, I would go back and have it again.
This might be the first dessert party I’ve looked at and thought it may actually be worth it. The fact that this is a possibly limited-time show doesn’t hurt. Sounds like a great location- especially considering you can use the time there to meet characters and check out the rest of the building while still being close to the food and drink offerings . Seems like a better variety of both food and drinks as well. I still wish they could add some seating for those attending, although at least in this location you’re not forced to stand around in one small area for the entire time.
It is not. went labor day and was worst desert party
I wish they would let non drinking adults pay the kids price. $69 without the Booze just isn’t a good value any way you cut it.
Or have a separate price for ages 10 to 20? They might be “Disney adults” but I don’t think Disney’s gonna let them drink.
I do agree with you there. I think with alcohol it may actually be a decent value. Without, not so much.
I think the reason it remains at $69 for ‘adults’ is because the majority of them will not drink. I think if there were three tiers – children, non alcohol drinking adults and adults – the third tier would inch closer to $100
Great write-up! I avoid these since I can’t eat gluten, but the drinks & good viewing almost make this one seem possibly worth it. I agree the Chewie stein is creeptastic!
Awesome! I’m willing to pay WDW to shorten my life with those Nutella truffles. This non-drinking mom will be attending with 2 teenage boys on the 8th. I am more than willing to pay the $69 price tag. The snacks look great and not having to stifle the urge to take some Dad out at the knees when he plops his 8 year old on his shoulders right in front of me will be worth every penny.
Hey we’ll be there on 8/8 too!! My sister’s family and I, total 6 (3 kids – 9, 12, 15). I’m strictly limiting my dinner @ Minnie’s on Hollywood/Vine to protein only so I can get my carbs in after at this. LOL!
With the current schedule, if you do the dessert party, do you miss Fantasmic?
You can still go to Fantasmic, however this time of year, cutting it so close time wise, you will be standing way back on Hollywood Blvd and not be able to see the projections very well and some of the fireworks views will be obstructed.
Sorry, my bad. With the party, you will miss Fantasmic unless they have an early show. I thought you were referring to the fireworks show.
That helps, thanks!
Hmmm this is the first ever dessert party I’ve actually considered doing, and your review makes it seem like we could have a good time for our money. I foresee my bf and I having a competition to see who can drink all four cocktails the fastest, followed by a photo sesh with Chewie in which we drunkenly brandish our steins. I like it.
That’s awesome. And maybe you could shove a couple kids out of the way to make sure you are in the front row of the viewing area. CHEERS!!!
Thanks Josh for another fine review. It does sound tempting.
So are the only alcoholic options the mixed drinks? No wine or beer options?
I always get sad when I see “Gold” mixto tequila that could easily have been replaced with a low-priced 100% agave tequila (e.g., El Jimador).
I think you have just sold us on our first dessert party ever. This looks great!
Since Josh has started allowing advertisements on his site I always got a kick seeing the ones for Universal Studios. At the bottom of this write up there was an ad for a “Type 2 diabetes food plan”. Just proves the algorithms are working 🙂
I’ve done the old Star Wars dessert party twice, standing outside for 90 minutes and it was totally worth it. Already booked this one for August for the new show. I can totally justify the cost … cupcakes and,perfect view!
Once you check in, can you walk around and look at the exhibits while you’re waiting for the party to start?
Yes and you can even take a drink with you. Thanks to Josh’s post we arrived sooner than we would have otherwise, ate all the desserts we could handle by 8:30. Then walked around with drinks. We could easily go back and forth to refill. They even let us take our drinks in the Chewbacca line, just had to toss the cup prior to entering the actual greeting room.
Great, thanks!
That’s an AMAZING firework shot! (The Hidden Mickey)
like anything DISNEY $$$$$$$ what it is worth is all in the eyes of the consumer
Looks amazing!!! Will definitely be booking when it allows me to, however I’m not looking forward to the $354 on my CC bill for me, my husband, my parents & 3 kids ? Are there any discounts available to Disney Visa members or DVC members?
No discounts, however memories for your lifetime are included.
This is a great review – thank you! I love that you had lots of pictures. I also appreciate your tip on getting to the viewing area a bit early. We booked the dessert party for the first week in August. We are so excited! We are big fans of dessert parties and have done other ones in HS and MK. Need to try the Epcot one someday.
I did the dessert party in May back when it was still outside. Determined to get the full value out of it I believe I consumed 10 drinks – I rationalize that they were small cups and filled up with a lot of ice. However, this was when they still had a drink made with Jim Beam and I had a few too many of those. The fireworks were great but my pictures – not so much after that. Anyhow, I thought it was totally worth it and would definitely do it again.
Great review, thank you Josh!
I’m very tempted to do this. I see that tax and tip is included, but should I bring a couple of extra bucks to tip the bartender?
“Just put it in my mouth”, “Maybe you will get lucky and not live to see the results of the upcoming election”… What’s going on here J man… lol. Great pics along w/great info.
So funny! That’s exactly what I was going to comment on as well….great blog, thank you for all the information!! Waiting for January 2017 to open so I can book as a special birthday celebration for family/friends!! Crossing fingers…
Planning to book. Does anyone know if there are memory maker photographers there taking pictures?
I realize this sounds rediculous, but I know that Disney typically bends over backward to accomodate those with allergies or other food intolerances. I am taking my 74 year old Dad on his first ever Disney trip. He is a BIG Star Wars fan and we will be there on his actual birthday next March. He is a non-insulin depended Type 2 diabetic who is able to keep his sugar levels normal with diet and exercise and can consume a little sweet here and there, but not plates full of it. I would LOVE to take him to this as a special birthday treat, but wonder if they might put together a nice plate for him possibly? Even if it were a bowl of fruit or something. He would indulge in some alcoholic beverages (likely rum and diet coke to avoid the sugary stuff) but it would feel so much more worth it if there were just a little more that he could eat without worrying about it. What do you think the odds are of that?
Thanks for the terrific review!!
-Kelly
This is an excellent review. Thank you for all the great information and photos.
Terri
Thank you for this review with all the details and great pictures! We are going in September and after watching the video of the fireworks online, it seems to me a good spot for viewing is worth it! Good to know there are a few fruit fruit and savory options too.
Will the Storm Troopers pause for a photo as they meander the party?
After reading the review I decided to take the family to this a few weeks ago. It was a great experience. There was plenty of non dessert foods to work as an appetizer course for what ended up being a dinner of good desserts. Took the advice at the bar for myself and my brother in law and it worked out great. They will indeed adjust the drinks from the options that are available and for example made my brother in law a captain and coke instead of the very sweet signature cocktails. Also the viewing area was much less crowded than standing in the main area and they had a 2nd roped off area for small kids in front of the main area so they could see better and not be as blocked by tall adults.
HI, this party looks fun, is there anywhere to sit?