OhioStateBuckeye
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 7, 2007
so if my dessert party starts at 8:30 I can actually get in at 815?
**Official** Star Wars at DHS, Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party/Galactic Nights/Launch Bay/JT
- Thread starter yulilin3
- Start date
yulilin3
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2007
that's been the case lately
Thank you!
weskbob
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2015
We (family of four) went on the second night of the new dessert party (7/11), so I'll give my slightly belated report.
We got to Launch Bay a little before 8:00, checked in and got our wristbands. We got in line for the Chewbacca M&G and, when we got out about 8:15, they were letting people into the dessert party area.
I was really impressed by the food offerings. The cookies and cupcakes (Darth Vader peanut butter-chocolate, R2-D2 vanilla and BB-8 lemon) were all very good. We were blown away by the flash frozen Nutella. They also had bread pudding, panna cotta, brownies, Mickey bars, etc.--more than enough to send you into a sugar coma. Personally I would have liked to see a few more savory options (the smoked pita and hummus was outstanding), but I guess it is a dessert party, so that's a minor quibble. I can't imagine how they ever tried to do this outdoors in the Florida summer, so moving it into Launch Bay was definitely a smart move.
It was an open bar with four different drink offerings. They were all OK--nothing to write home about--but good by open bar standards. The bartender was friendly and would be happy to make you other drinks with what he had on hand. Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, coffee, hot tea, iced tea, lemonade, jungle juice and water were also available.
There wasn't much extra in the way of theming--they just roped off an area of Launch Bay down the stairs from the Jawas. (Pro tip: if you take a picture with the Jawas, say "Utini!" instead of "cheese.") The bistro tables had candle holders with First Order emblems, but that was about it. They did have a couple of storm troopers patrolling the area periodically, but they didn't stop much and it wasn't really a M&G photo op.
At about 9:15, they started escorting everyone out to the reserved viewing area. They had a separate area up front for the kids, which was a great touch. The area for grown ups had a couple of trees toward the back, but nothing that really interfered with the viewing. It was just left of center, so you had a good view of the projections with the fireworks just off to the right a bit. (If you really want the best fireworks viewing, I did learn later that you don't have to wait for them to escort you out to the viewing area. You can leave a few minutes early on your own and get a front row seat if you want. Just have to show the cast members there your wrist band.)
My only real complaint actually came after we got home--the Chewbacca steins they give you at the party said not safe for dishwashers. So my wife put them in the sink to hand wash. But when she picked them up, all four were heavy and you could hear water sloshing around. Upon closer inspection, the seams around the top of the cup part are not very solid and allowed water to get inside Chewie's head. We were able to slowly drain it out, but I can't say I'd recommend using these to actually drink out of if you plan on washing them. I can't imagine the cups being what makes or breaks someone's decision on this party, but it was a bit of a letdown after what was otherwise a really solid event.
So the big question: is it worth it? I'm admittedly biased since I'm a Star Wars geek but, when you factor in the variety and quality of the offerings, I would say this is probably the best value of the various dessert parties and upcharge events that I've done. The desserts really were top notch (I can't emphasize enough to get the flash frozen Nutella) and there aren't many Disney events where you get an open bar. If you don't drink and/or don't have a sweet tooth, it might not be worth your money. But for all that you get with the party, plus not having to camp out for a fireworks spot, I would definitely recommend it.
Sorry I forgot to take any pictures in the dessert party itself, but here are a couple showing the view from the fireworks location. And thanks to @yulilin3 for keeping this thread up and running to give the information to everyone who's been interested.
We got to Launch Bay a little before 8:00, checked in and got our wristbands. We got in line for the Chewbacca M&G and, when we got out about 8:15, they were letting people into the dessert party area.
I was really impressed by the food offerings. The cookies and cupcakes (Darth Vader peanut butter-chocolate, R2-D2 vanilla and BB-8 lemon) were all very good. We were blown away by the flash frozen Nutella. They also had bread pudding, panna cotta, brownies, Mickey bars, etc.--more than enough to send you into a sugar coma. Personally I would have liked to see a few more savory options (the smoked pita and hummus was outstanding), but I guess it is a dessert party, so that's a minor quibble. I can't imagine how they ever tried to do this outdoors in the Florida summer, so moving it into Launch Bay was definitely a smart move.
It was an open bar with four different drink offerings. They were all OK--nothing to write home about--but good by open bar standards. The bartender was friendly and would be happy to make you other drinks with what he had on hand. Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, coffee, hot tea, iced tea, lemonade, jungle juice and water were also available.
There wasn't much extra in the way of theming--they just roped off an area of Launch Bay down the stairs from the Jawas. (Pro tip: if you take a picture with the Jawas, say "Utini!" instead of "cheese.") The bistro tables had candle holders with First Order emblems, but that was about it. They did have a couple of storm troopers patrolling the area periodically, but they didn't stop much and it wasn't really a M&G photo op.
At about 9:15, they started escorting everyone out to the reserved viewing area. They had a separate area up front for the kids, which was a great touch. The area for grown ups had a couple of trees toward the back, but nothing that really interfered with the viewing. It was just left of center, so you had a good view of the projections with the fireworks just off to the right a bit. (If you really want the best fireworks viewing, I did learn later that you don't have to wait for them to escort you out to the viewing area. You can leave a few minutes early on your own and get a front row seat if you want. Just have to show the cast members there your wrist band.)
My only real complaint actually came after we got home--the Chewbacca steins they give you at the party said not safe for dishwashers. So my wife put them in the sink to hand wash. But when she picked them up, all four were heavy and you could hear water sloshing around. Upon closer inspection, the seams around the top of the cup part are not very solid and allowed water to get inside Chewie's head. We were able to slowly drain it out, but I can't say I'd recommend using these to actually drink out of if you plan on washing them. I can't imagine the cups being what makes or breaks someone's decision on this party, but it was a bit of a letdown after what was otherwise a really solid event.
So the big question: is it worth it? I'm admittedly biased since I'm a Star Wars geek but, when you factor in the variety and quality of the offerings, I would say this is probably the best value of the various dessert parties and upcharge events that I've done. The desserts really were top notch (I can't emphasize enough to get the flash frozen Nutella) and there aren't many Disney events where you get an open bar. If you don't drink and/or don't have a sweet tooth, it might not be worth your money. But for all that you get with the party, plus not having to camp out for a fireworks spot, I would definitely recommend it.
Sorry I forgot to take any pictures in the dessert party itself, but here are a couple showing the view from the fireworks location. And thanks to @yulilin3 for keeping this thread up and running to give the information to everyone who's been interested.
jaz0308
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2010
Question for those who have done dessert party or those in the know. Would children be able to see from the main viewing area? I understand there's a section in front for children but honestly unless I'm right behind them I would prob spend the whole time keeping an eye on them and missing the show! Lol! Also my 6 year old may be a tiny bit apprehensive and would prob prefer to watch the show holding onto my hand.
weskbob
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2015
The show is elevated enough that my kids said they didn't have any trouble seeing. If your child is apprehensive, you can actually leave the party a few minutes early and make your way over on your own. Then you should be able to either have the child in the front of the adult section with you or let them sit in the kid's section but with you standing right behind.
weskbob
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2015
Feel free. Sorry I didn't get any pictures from inside the party itself.
soniam
Wooden leg named Smith...
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2012
I'll try to get some Friday.
yulilin3
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2007
MommyinHonduras
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2015
I am hoping for dessert party in mid Sept and went through the process to confirm price and realized there is no way to pay with Disney gift cards online, can I pay with a gift card if I call in?
JeninTexas
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2014
@weskbob - thanks so much for your awesome pics of the show! I'm glad you enjoyed the party. We did it two weeks ago, and were also disappointed to get home and see the sticker on the Chewie steins saying that they are not dishwasher safe. However, I don't have time for hand washing anything, and have successfully been putting them in the dishwasher for over a week now. They hold up just fine.
NoMoneyThanks2Disney
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2014
Yes, you should be able to call in, and use them.
MommaBerd
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2011
Just make sure to SAVE those gift cards! As I understand it, if you have to cancel, the money will be refunded to those same gift cards.
bilnsheldodisney
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2008
So, I am sitting here wondering if the cheap plastic star wars rings I bought to trade with the Jawas are too cheap. LOL. How funny is that?
ktb2002
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2012
Lol pretty sure others will appreciate getting them vs some of the other stuff I'm sure they trade! Watch some of the videos it's pretty funny. My son was hesitant at first but after watching the videos decided to do it on our upcoming trip.
yulilin3
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2007
The cancellation policy is one day. You can cancel before the day of the event and get refunded, If they cancel the day of you will not get refunded
KangaFan
Hoping to someday be as patient as Kanga
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2006
I was also worried about this. Not sure what their policy is, but I did notice that you can cancel 24 plus hours in advance for a full refund. I'm planning to watch the weather and if it doesn't look good, cancel since it's a lot of $$$ for just desserts/drinks.
jaz0308
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2010
Sounds good. Thank you
Share this page
GET A DISNEY VACATION QUOTE
Dreams Unlimited Travel is committed to providing you with the very best vacation planning experience possible. Our Vacation Planners are experts and will share their honest advice to help you have a magical vacation.
Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!
Dreams Unlimited Travel is committed to providing you with the very best vacation planning experience possible. Our Vacation Planners are experts and will share their honest advice to help you have a magical vacation.
Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!
