**Official** Star Wars at DHS, Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party/Galactic Nights/Launch Bay/JT

[lovethattink]

and I got a 4 day pass. I still can't believe I'm going....sorry got super excited at the mention of Celebration

Yay!! We did too! Did you go to CV and CVI?

 

[yulilin3]

Yay!! We did too! Did you go to CV and CVI?

No, I'm a Celebration Virgin

 

[SBWB48]

I saw someone post a thread about this elsewhere, but figured it may be more appropriate here given all the folks that have booked parties and provided such helpful reviews!

Are we able to book the dessert party using a Disney giftcard? The OP of a different thread stated that paying with a giftcard wasn't a payment option for him/her, so I was curious if anyone has had any issues doing so? Thanks!!

 

[BlueLion]

I saw someone post a thread about this elsewhere, but figured it may be more appropriate here given all the folks that have booked parties and provided such helpful reviews!

Are we able to book the dessert party using a Disney giftcard? The OP of a different thread stated that paying with a giftcard wasn't a payment option for him/her, so I was curious if anyone has had any issues doing so? Thanks!!

I also did not get gift cards as an option for payment on the dessert party.

 

[MommyinHonduras]

I called in to book a party two weeks ago for Sept because Disney gift card was not an option booking online. No problem paying with my gift card on the phone.

 

[Tia1977]

For anyone thinking about doing the dessert party, you won't be disappointed!!! We did it last week on 8/04. It's beyond a doubt our favorite "extra" we've ever done! We're going back twice within the next year, and I'm seriously thinking about doing the party again both times. The desserts, savory items, and drinks were all wonderful. For the price, I consider it a value. The grand finale was the amazing viewing area. The show itself is top notch, and it was meant to be seen from this vantage point. I was in awe. Not to mention the ease of a great view without having to claim your spot an hour or more beforehand. We even scored a bonus in being able to meet up with other sweet DISers. My personal recommendations:

-If possible, try and experience Launch Bay earlier in the day. This allowed us to solely focus on the dessert party. Which meant more time for food and drinks. If you do want to wander around, you won't have any distracting pressure.
-Show up a little before check in and hang out by the podium until they start passing out bands. This allowed us to get settled inside prior to the buffet area opening. (see below)
-There are some high tops at the bottom of the stairs right outside the buffet area. Aside from being close to the food/bar without the congestion of the buffet, they are right in front of some benches on the wall. We were able to claim two of the tables, and take turns going to the buffet/bar. We were then able to utilize one of the benches when we wanted to sit down.
-Arrive hungry. While we had dinner prior, we could have easily made the party offerings our "dinner" for the day.
-Try and head out to the reserved section about 30 minutes prior to the fireworks, or at least a couple minutes before the storm troopers lead everyone else out. If you start eating/drinking when the party buffet area opens, you still feel like you had plenty of party time. We were able to get spots along the front rope. Unless you're right behind the storm troopers, I see no benefit in waiting to be lead out by them. Plus, it was neat to already be there and see them march up.
-There are to go coffee cups/lids on the table with the punch. I used them for to go bar drinks to take with me outside (Btw, one cup will hold two drinks from the bar. Walk out double fisted and you have 4 drinks worth to sip on for the remainder of the night). If you're not a drinker, the cups would still work for holding desserts. There are bottled waters outside.
-The Cosmic Citrus Twist was my favorite. I'm typically not a fan of sweet mixed drinks. This one wasn't too sweet, and it was refreshing.
-It made our night being able to meet up with other DISers! I highly recommend reaching out to any you come across that will be there the same time. DH is typically weary of strangers, and he ended up more chatty than I was at times lol! And DD had a blast with some of the kids being close to her in age.

 

[Twilight Sparkle]

For anyone thinking about doing the dessert party, you won't be disappointed!!! We did it last week on 8/04. It's beyond a doubt our favorite "extra" we've ever done! We're going back twice within the next year, and I'm seriously thinking about doing the party again both times. The desserts, savory items, and drinks were all wonderful. For the price, I consider it a value. The grand finale was the amazing viewing area. The show itself is top notch, and it was meant to be seen from this vantage point. I was in awe. Not to mention the ease of a great view without having to claim your spot an hour or more beforehand. We even scored a bonus in being able to meet up with other sweet DISers. My personal recommendations:

-If possible, try and experience Launch Bay earlier in the day. This allowed us to solely focus on the dessert party. Which meant more time for food and drinks. If you do want to wander around, you won't have any distracting pressure.
-Show up a little before check in and hang out by the podium until they start passing out bands. This allowed us to get settled inside prior to the buffet area opening. (see below)
-There are some high tops at the bottom of the stairs right outside the buffet area. Aside from being close to the food/bar without the congestion of the buffet, they are right in front of some benches on the wall. We were able to claim two of the tables, and take turns going to the buffet/bar. We were then able to utilize one of the benches when we wanted to sit down.
-Arrive hungry. While we had dinner prior, we could have easily made the party offerings our "dinner" for the day.
-Try and head out to the reserved section about 30 minutes prior to the fireworks, or at least a couple minutes before the storm troopers lead everyone else out. If you start eating/drinking when the party buffet area opens, you still feel like you had plenty of party time. We were able to get spots along the front rope. Unless you're right behind the storm troopers, I see no benefit in waiting to be lead out by them. Plus, it was neat to already be there and see them march up.
-There are to go coffee cups/lids on the table with the punch. I used them for to go bar drinks to take with me outside (Btw, one cup will hold two drinks from the bar. Walk out double fisted and you have 4 drinks worth to sip on for the remainder of the night). If you're not a drinker, the cups would still work for holding desserts. There are bottled waters outside.
-The Cosmic Citrus Twist was my favorite. I'm typically not a fan of sweet mixed drinks. This one wasn't too sweet, and it was refreshing.
-It made our night being able to meet up with other DISers! I highly recommend reaching out to any you come across that will be there the same time. DH is typically weary of strangers, and he ended up more chatty than I was at times lol! And DD had a blast with some of the kids being close to her in age.

Thank you so much for all of the tips. So glad you all had a great time!

 

[Diserella]

Just received and completed a Disney Survey specifically about the dessert party and our experience, so apparently the higher ups are interested in guest feedback about it.

Heads up for anyone else who may get it, the only questions where you can type your own response are the first two (what did you like best and what did you like least) ... I think I covered all the major highs and lows, but was anticipating at least one more opportunity to share my thoughts, so didn't mention that we were happy with the way our tree nut allergy was handled or that it would be nice to have multiple stein options.

How did they handle the tree nut allergy?

 

[yulilin3]

Just a reminder that registration for the SW races at WDW opens today at noon, May the Force Be With You
http://www.rundisney.com/star-wars-wdw-half-marathon/

 

[yulilin3]

For anyone thinking about doing the dessert party, you won't be disappointed!!! We did it last week on 8/04. It's beyond a doubt our favorite "extra" we've ever done! We're going back twice within the next year, and I'm seriously thinking about doing the party again both times. The desserts, savory items, and drinks were all wonderful. For the price, I consider it a value. The grand finale was the amazing viewing area. The show itself is top notch, and it was meant to be seen from this vantage point. I was in awe. Not to mention the ease of a great view without having to claim your spot an hour or more beforehand. We even scored a bonus in being able to meet up with other sweet DISers. My personal recommendations:

-If possible, try and experience Launch Bay earlier in the day. This allowed us to solely focus on the dessert party. Which meant more time for food and drinks. If you do want to wander around, you won't have any distracting pressure.
-Show up a little before check in and hang out by the podium until they start passing out bands. This allowed us to get settled inside prior to the buffet area opening. (see below)
-There are some high tops at the bottom of the stairs right outside the buffet area. Aside from being close to the food/bar without the congestion of the buffet, they are right in front of some benches on the wall. We were able to claim two of the tables, and take turns going to the buffet/bar. We were then able to utilize one of the benches when we wanted to sit down.
-Arrive hungry. While we had dinner prior, we could have easily made the party offerings our "dinner" for the day.
-Try and head out to the reserved section about 30 minutes prior to the fireworks, or at least a couple minutes before the storm troopers lead everyone else out. If you start eating/drinking when the party buffet area opens, you still feel like you had plenty of party time. We were able to get spots along the front rope. Unless you're right behind the storm troopers, I see no benefit in waiting to be lead out by them. Plus, it was neat to already be there and see them march up.
-There are to go coffee cups/lids on the table with the punch. I used them for to go bar drinks to take with me outside (Btw, one cup will hold two drinks from the bar. Walk out double fisted and you have 4 drinks worth to sip on for the remainder of the night). If you're not a drinker, the cups would still work for holding desserts. There are bottled waters outside.
-The Cosmic Citrus Twist was my favorite. I'm typically not a fan of sweet mixed drinks. This one wasn't too sweet, and it was refreshing.
-It made our night being able to meet up with other DISers! I highly recommend reaching out to any you come across that will be there the same time. DH is typically weary of strangers, and he ended up more chatty than I was at times lol! And DD had a blast with some of the kids being close to her in age.

it was great meeting you and your family and I'm so happy you had a great time. Great idea on the cups!!!

 

[3boyscrazy]

Hi! I saw someone posted about the Early Morning Magic and they asked if kids could sign up for JTA early but I'm curious if anyone has actually done it. We go next week and it would be great to know if we can sign up at 7:45 and then go enjoy our two rides without stressing about going to get on the line before the crowds.

 

[yulilin3]

Hi! I saw someone posted about the Early Morning Magic and they asked if kids could sign up for JTA early but I'm curious if anyone has actually done it. We go next week and it would be great to know if we can sign up at 7:45 and then go enjoy our two rides without stressing about going to get on the line before the crowds.

I know @glvsav37 is going this week and he'll report back but from other threads it looks like you can sign up for JT during EMM

 

[Princesses and Pirates]

For anyone thinking about doing the dessert party, you won't be disappointed!!! We did it last week on 8/04. It's beyond a doubt our favorite "extra" we've ever done! We're going back twice within the next year, and I'm seriously thinking about doing the party again both times. The desserts, savory items, and drinks were all wonderful. For the price, I consider it a value. The grand finale was the amazing viewing area. The show itself is top notch, and it was meant to be seen from this vantage point. I was in awe. Not to mention the ease of a great view without having to claim your spot an hour or more beforehand. We even scored a bonus in being able to meet up with other sweet DISers. My personal recommendations:

-If possible, try and experience Launch Bay earlier in the day. This allowed us to solely focus on the dessert party. Which meant more time for food and drinks. If you do want to wander around, you won't have any distracting pressure.
-Show up a little before check in and hang out by the podium until they start passing out bands. This allowed us to get settled inside prior to the buffet area opening. (see below)
-There are some high tops at the bottom of the stairs right outside the buffet area. Aside from being close to the food/bar without the congestion of the buffet, they are right in front of some benches on the wall. We were able to claim two of the tables, and take turns going to the buffet/bar. We were then able to utilize one of the benches when we wanted to sit down.
-Arrive hungry. While we had dinner prior, we could have easily made the party offerings our "dinner" for the day.
-Try and head out to the reserved section about 30 minutes prior to the fireworks, or at least a couple minutes before the storm troopers lead everyone else out. If you start eating/drinking when the party buffet area opens, you still feel like you had plenty of party time. We were able to get spots along the front rope. Unless you're right behind the storm troopers, I see no benefit in waiting to be lead out by them. Plus, it was neat to already be there and see them march up.
-There are to go coffee cups/lids on the table with the punch. I used them for to go bar drinks to take with me outside (Btw, one cup will hold two drinks from the bar. Walk out double fisted and you have 4 drinks worth to sip on for the remainder of the night). If you're not a drinker, the cups would still work for holding desserts. There are bottled waters outside.
-The Cosmic Citrus Twist was my favorite. I'm typically not a fan of sweet mixed drinks. This one wasn't too sweet, and it was refreshing.
-It made our night being able to meet up with other DISers! I highly recommend reaching out to any you come across that will be there the same time. DH is typically weary of strangers, and he ended up more chatty than I was at times lol! And DD had a blast with some of the kids being close to her in age.

So glad to hear this! We are one of those in the August group that waited for the party reservations to open, missed it as it was full and then was able to book when they added openings and have been on the fence on keeping the party or not (eight of us - not cheap!).

But, we have several Star Wars fans and I really want a good view of the show......your post makes me feel better about keeping our reservations!

Thanks!

 

[Libby6]

Really appreciating the dessert party reviews. I've been on the fence about doing the dessert party- we're going in a month and it'll be just hubby and me. He's a huge Star Wars geek and I think he'd really enjoy it, but 70 bucks a person seems like a lot. Are the alcoholic drinks extra?

 

[Cluelyss]

Really appreciating the dessert party reviews. I've been on the fence about doing the dessert party- we're going in a month and it'll be just hubby and me. He's a huge Star Wars geek and I think he'd really enjoy it, but 70 bucks a person seems like a lot. Are the alcoholic drinks extra?

Nope - unlimited drinks are included in the price.

 

[Libby6]

Nope - unlimited drinks are included in the price.

Thanks! Did you think the party and view was worth it?

 

[yulilin3]

Really appreciating the dessert party reviews. I've been on the fence about doing the dessert party- we're going in a month and it'll be just hubby and me. He's a huge Star Wars geek and I think he'd really enjoy it, but 70 bucks a person seems like a lot. Are the alcoholic drinks extra?

not sure if you've read page 1, post 4 has all the links to reviews

 

[disneymath]

Really appreciating the dessert party reviews. I've been on the fence about doing the dessert party- we're going in a month and it'll be just hubby and me. He's a huge Star Wars geek and I think he'd really enjoy it, but 70 bucks a person seems like a lot. Are the alcoholic drinks extra?

My review from August 4th was more on the negative side, but my challenges were linked to having a larger group that included younger kids. For two adults, I think you will have a great time. The food and drinks are good and plentiful, it's typically easier to find / share a table if you're just a small group, and you would not need to head out to the viewing spot super early as the fireworks view is awesome if you're at least 5 feet tall (even from the middle of the viewing area).

So glad to hear this! We are one of those in the August group that waited for the party reservations to open, missed it as it was full and then was able to book when they added openings and have been on the fence on keeping the party or not (eight of us - not cheap!).

But, we have several Star Wars fans and I really want a good view of the show......your post makes me feel better about keeping our reservations!

Thanks!

@Tia1977 gave some really good tips ... especially if you will have any younger kids in your group. We went the same night as her family, but based on the way our day went, my group of 8 (including 3 kids) didn't do any of those things she mentioned and so there were some negatives that lowered our satisfaction of the whole experience. It is a lot of money for 8 people, but if you go in with a game plan (and follow it), you should have a great time.

 

[disneymath]

How did they handle the tree nut allergy?

I noted the allergy when I made my reservation online, then a week or so before we left, I emailed Special Diets (specialdiets@disneyworld.com) with our ADR Confirmation Numbers and a specific description of his allergy.

They responded very promptly (same day) with detailed information about how allergies are handled at WDW. A PDF of "tree nut friendly" foods offered at the various park and resort eateries was included, but they did stress that we should speak with a chef / manager at each location for other available options. (This was great advice because the PDF implied he would have limited options, which was not the case.) They did ask me to send more information about our dessert party reservation (data, time, party size, person with allergy and his needs), which seemed a bit repetitive, but better safe than sorry.

When we checked in to Launch Bay, the CM asked who the child with the allergy was and then kindly suggested our first priority should be to speak to the chef who was located by the frozen Nutella station. (My nephew is actually not allergic to hazelnut, and eats Nutella, so going over to that station wasn't an issue for him.)

The Chef walked my brother-in-law and nephew (aged 7) through the regular offering stations, while another CM went backstage to get a bag full of individually packaged treats that were all tree nut free, included ingredient lists, and were kid friendly. The bag included a marshmallow treat, a nut free brownie (a rare treat my nephew particularly enjoyed), some ginger cookies and some other things as well. There were a lot of things in the bag and he was also able to eat many of the regular offerings (the pistachio dessert and the hummus were definitely off limits though). He had so many options that most of the allergy-friendly treats were kept and consumed over the next few days.

 

[Elliemay2]

I noted the allergy when I made my reservation online, then a week or so before we left, I emailed Special Diets (specialdiets@disneyworld.com) with our ADR Confirmation Numbers and a specific description of his allergy.

I'm wondering if I should do this since I cannot have sugar....or very limited amounts of sugar. We are a group of 14 and I am curious what I will actually be able to eat?

Thanks!