Whether a fireworks dessert party is worth it comes down to your budget and how you want to experience the show. Some people swear it’s a must-do, while others feel it wasn’t worth the cost. Keep reading to decide if it’s the right fit for your trip!

How to Watch the Magic Kingdom Fireworks ✨

If you’ve never seen the fireworks at Magic Kingdom—trust me, you need to. It’s one of the most magical moments of the day, and the kind of memory that sticks with you long after you leave the park.

Here are a few ways to take in the show:

• Low-crowd spot in Fantasyland – You’ll get an amazing view of the fireworks themselves, but you’ll miss out on the castle projections. If this is your first time, please watch the castle projections. They are magical.

• Main Street, U.S.A. / in front of castle – Classic! Grab a spot at least an hour early for the best view, and hope no one too tall stands in front of you. This is my usual go-to, but it will be lots of people in a tight area. Big crowds and can be stressful navigating through them.

• Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Party – A reserved viewing area plus unlimited sweets and drinks. Helpful if you want a little extra magic without the stress of staking out a spot.

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Party Basics

These are separately-ticketed dining events at Tomorrowland Terrace in Magic Kingdom.

Once you check in, you’ll each get a wristband that grants access to a buffet of bite-size desserts, cheeses, fruit, plus sparkling cider, coffee, and a selection of beer and wine for guests 21+. Kids under 3 are free and don’t need their own ticket!

There are three different party options:

Reservations open 60 days before your trip and unlike other dining reservations, you’ll need to pay in full when booking—so make sure your credit card is loaded in your Disney app after letting your Travel Grown planner know you want to book a dessert party!

Which Fireworks Dessert Party Should You Choose?

Pre-Party

Enjoy desserts first, then head to a reserved standing area in Plaza Garden to watch Happily Ever After.

Pros:
✔️ Best for families with younger kids—dessert is out of the way, and you can head straight home after the fireworks.
✔️ The Plaza Garden viewing area is less crowded than Main Street and offers a great view of the castle projections and fireworks.

Cons:
❌ Check-in is 90 minutes before the fireworks start, which might feel early if you want more evening park time.

Tips:

Don’t book a sit-down or character dinner before the party—you’ll be way too full to enjoy the desserts.
Arrive at Tomorrowland Terrace a little early to beat the check-in rush.
You can leave and come back! Eat some dessert, go ride a ride, come back for more dessert.
Use the Tomorrowland Terrace bathrooms before heading to the Plaza Garden.

Sweets & Seats

Instead of a reserved standing area, you’ll have a designated table on the Tomorrowland Terrace balcony where desserts are served to you.

Pros:
✔️ No stress seating.
✔️ Great for anyone who has trouble standing or wants to avoid large crowds.

Cons:
❌ Seating is assigned, and some tables have a more obstructed view than others.
❌ I wouldn’t recommend this one for small children who won’t want to sit still.

Post-Party

The same as the Pre-Party but reversed: watch fireworks first from Plaza Garden, then enjoy desserts at Tomorrowland Terrace afterward.

Pros:
✔️ Families with older kids who can stay up later
✔️ The Plaza Garden viewing area is less crowded than Main Street and offers a great view of the castle projections and fireworks.

Fireworks Dessert Party Pricing

Pre-Party: $99 to $109 (ages 10+), $59 per child (ages 3–9)
Sweets & Seats: $119 to $129 per adult, $75 per child
Post-Party: $99 to $109 per adult, $59 per child
Kids under 3 are free!

What’s the View Like from Plaza Garden?

The Plaza Garden viewing area is slightly to the right of Cinderella Castle. It’s standing room only with a mix of sidewalk and hub grass. It’s in the middle of the big crowds, but you won’t have people touching you like you will if you stand outside of the reserved area. It’s just a more spacious way to be in the middle of it!

🚨 Pre-Party Tip: When you arrive at the Plaza Garden, it might seem crowded at first. But don’t stress—most people are sprawled out. Once the show starts and everyone stands, the space magically opens up. We’ve always had plenty of room. Please know that a lot of people will be sitting down. Before the show starts, they will make you stand up.

🎇 Glow sticks or light-up wands make the wait more fun for little ones!