Review: Magic Kingdom's Happily Ever After Dessert Party

Walt Disney World Resort knows how to throw a dessert party.  Each of the four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom) have a dessert party that takes place before or after that park’s nightly firework or spectacular show. Curious as to what they were about, we signed ourselves up for the Happily Ever After Dessert Party the night after our wedding to celebrate our recent nuptials. When we sign up, there were two options: the Seated Terrace Viewing ($84 per adult and $50 per child) and the Plaza Garden Viewing ($69 per adult and $41 per child).  Since the Plaza Garden Viewing is cheaper and with a better view (in my humble opinion), my husband and I selected the Garden Viewing option. However, if you’d like to sit during the fireworks show, then the Seated Terrace viewing option may be for you! For both options you eat your desserts seated at Tomorrowland Terrace.

Happily Every After Dessert Party

The check-in for the dessert party started 90 minutes prior to the start of Happily Ever After. We showed up about an hour prior to and didn’t experience a line to check-in and were able to walk right up, get checked in, get our special wristbands, claim a table and head toward the dessert. I highly recommend this, unless you plan on eating desserts for the full 90 minutes. By showing up after it had already started meant we didn't have to wait in line for it to start and we still had plenty of time to eat our hearts content of sweet treats, sit around and relax before we headed out with the Cast Member to the designated viewing area. Tip: Don't eat right before you come, plan for an early dinner or a late lunch so you have plenty of room to enjoy the desserts that you're paying for!

After setting our things at a table we headed to the dessert buffet! First thing we saw was the drinks. There was Strawberry Lemonade,;Lemonade; Passion, Orange and Guava Juice (which we affectionately call POG after visiting Hawaii); unsweetened tea; milk and bottles of water (you can see the green bottle caps peeking out from above the black crates).

On a separate table was Sparkling Apple Cider. This was right when you walked in, off by itself. There was also coffee, hot chocolate and tea available for dessert party guests.

I went with POG (because when you can have POG, you have POG) and a cup of coffee that my husband found for me because we were TIRED after going to the Magic Kingdom all day after getting married the night before (but it was worth it!).

Then it was time for the good stuff: desserts! I was really looking forward to this as I was very upset that we didn’t get to have any of our wedding cake as we were so busy taking pictures with Mickey and Minnie!  

The first thing we found on the buffet we found macarons in pistachio, lemon, raspberry, vanilla, coffee and chocolate. I tried every one of these except for coffee (I don’t like coffee flavored items except for actual coffee).  The flavors were good on the macarons. However, these macarons didn’t have the typical outer crunch, it was all chewy. I’m blaming the fact they are sitting out in the humid Florida air and that is why they lost their crunch. The flavors were great so I got seconds of my favorite flavors.

Next up was the Pineapple Delight. This was sweetened pineapple with whipped cream and a piece of fresh pineapple pineapple as the garnish. As much as I love pineapple, this was skippable and not really memorable.

Happily Ever After Red Velvet Cupcake. This was everything I wanted and was hoping to get at the party. A Disney cupcake - soft, flavorful cake with delicious frosting. It was topped with crunchy pearls that made this bite-able dessert perfect.

Chocolate Raspberry Cake. When I saw this bite sized treat, I knew the dessert party was meant to be for us as one of the flavors of our wedding cake was chocolate cake with raspberry jam. I loved the chocolate flavor and the sweet, tart punch of the fresh raspberry and raspberry jelly on top.

Strawberry Tart. I wasn’t expecting much out of this one and shame on me. It ended up being one of my favorites! The cookie shell had a great sugar cookie flavor that held up well to the strawberry cream and the whipped topping with fresh strawberry slice was the perfect topping. This made it onto my ‘seconds’ plate.

Oreo “Mickey” Treat. First of all, this was officially the cutest dessert on the buffet - I mean how can you say no to a Mickey Mouse lookalike treat! I couldn’t! The bottom was an Oreo, already starting good, can't go wrong with an Oreo. It was topped with the ‘grey’ stuff that you find a Be Our Guest - cookies in cream frosting! And the ears were little chocolate wafers. All of these components were the perfect cookies'n'cream flavored dessert.

Cheesecake Brownie Bites. This was the best dessert. Hands down. I loved it. I also am a big fan of cheesecake. And the chocolate brownie bottom plus the whipped cream and chocolate drizzle on top - combine to make one great dessert. And this was a good cheesecake too, creamy and delicious.

Dark Chocolate-dipped Strawberries. These were so cute with their gold “Happily Ever After” stamped on them. Chocolate dipped strawberries are a simple dessert but are also oh-so perfect. The crack of the chocolate as you bite into the fresh strawberry is probably one of the best bites you could ever have.

Chocolate Marshmallow Tart. I love s'mores. But this was a let down. The shell didn’t taste like graham cracker; the marshmallow topping was just odd. The chocolate pieces topping the dessert was the best part. Skip this one.

There was also a cheese and fruit platter display (in all honesty, I skipped these because I was there for one thing and one thing only: sweet treats). There was also an ice cream station and a decorate-your-own-cookie area that were both packed with kiddos. There was one Cast Member scooping the vanilla ice cream and topping it with requested sprinkles. I skipped both of these areas because of the lines (I was exhausted from getting married the night before, I felt like a zombie and couldn’t wait in line). I am so not a fan of vanilla ice cream (chocolate fan if you couldn't tell by now) so waiting for it did not appeal to me.

My plate of seconds

After we had our fill of desserts, we headed back to the check-in area to have a Cast Member guide us to the viewing area. This was chaotic as we followed the Cast Member through the sea of people to get the viewing area and then waited as families rushed in and out of our group to find their spot. My suggestion to help on this would be to have more Cast Members escorting smaller groups to the area. Once the Cast Member guarding the entrance checked to make sure we had the required dessert party wristbands on, we were in the roped off area. There was a lot of space here! So much space we were able to sit and watch the fireworks with our legs stretched out without anyone pushing upon us. This was the highlight for me!

If you look closely you can see that everyone is sitting in this dessert party area

There is now a dessert party offered after the fireworks in addition to the two parties held before. This new party share this same space so I imagine this is more crowded now and the space isn’t there to sit and not feel like a private showing.

Ready for the fireworks

Do I think this is worth it? Yes and I highly recommend this party! This is a truly unique Magic Kingdom experience. I loved getting to go sit and have a variety of bite sized desserts (can’t do this anywhere else in the MK) and having a fantastic, uncrowded place to watch the fireworks. Even my husband, who isn’t a big dessert eater, thinks this dessert party was worth every penny we paid.  Next time we will be trying the AFTER party as there are still the sweets here (plus some extras including the ooey gooey toffee cake you’ll find at Liberty Tree) plus savory appetizer items including my favorite Magic Kingdom spring rolls!

Outstanding views of the Happily Ever After Fireworks

When you book your Disney vacation with me, Lauren Gonding - A Disney Vacation Planner, you are booking your Disney vacation with someone that truly loves and knows Disney (I got married there!). Plus you will get my Disney vacation planning services for FREE plus a FREE Disney Gift Card! There are a few ways you can book with me (or to request a quote or to have questions answered), you can:

1. Email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com;
2. Answer a few questions to request a quote;
3. Message me on Facebook; or
4. Call me at 800-883-1535 x 46

As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan a magical vacation! You'll get personalized help and advice from someone that knows you, your wants and your travel plans!  Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE!

• Help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World Resort; 
• I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations (no early mornings for you!); 
• I'll make your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations;
• I'll make your FastPass+ selections (once gain no early mornings for you!); 
• Book any tours or unique experiences; 
• Send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment; AND 
• Get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD and more! 

With all of these perks from me, you're bound to have a magical vacation!

Note: Dessert party pricing is current as of date this article was published.

Disney Restaurant Review - Tokyo Dining

One of my favorite things about World Showcase in Epcot is all of the different types of food you can find there.  In one theme park there is just about any cuisine you may be caving including Mexican, Chinese, French, Italian (both pasta and pizza), German, Japanese (hibachi and sushi) and more!

World Showcase in Epcot.

This review is for one of those amazing Epcot restaurants – Tokyo Dining.  This World Showcase restaurant is located in the Japan Pavilion above Mitsukoshi Department Store.  You will first check-in to this restaurant right outside the store at a desk - be sure you're entire party is ready to go or else you'll have to wait until everyone is there to check-in!  This one desk serves as the check-in location for both Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo.

The Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo check-in desk.

When you are paged, you then go upstairs to a second desk to check-in again and where you will wait again for your table.  Up here there are plenty of benches for those waiting.  Guests visiting Teppan Edo tend to wait longer than those visiting Toyko Dining. While you're waiting you can see through the wall and watch the sushi chefs at work.

View of the sushi chefs preparing sushi from the waiting area. 

Once we were seated at our table - unfortunately no where near the windows like I had requested (unfortunately you can't make reservations for certain tables and requests to be seated in a certain location are just that - requests).  Our waitress was very friendly and prompt.  And soon it was time to figure out what we wanted. But first - lets take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this menu.

The front cover of the menu at Tokyo Dining - definitely more detailed than your traditional menu!

Tokyo Dining serves sushi along with other Japanese dishes. Here is their menu:

On the back of the menu is a little history of the Mitsukoshi Department store.

The history of Mitsukoshi.

My dinner companions and I came for the sushi.  But first we started with an appetizer, the tempura sampler.  It comes with one shrimp, a vegetable (a piece of carrot in our case) and a piece of chicken fried in tempura batter.  These were very good but on the very small side.  It made sharing a bit difficult since you only get one piece of each.  The ponzu sauce that this appetizer comes with was very delicious.

The tempura appetizer.

While we waited for our sushi it was fun to watch the sushi chefs hard at work making the sushi for the restaurant! 

Tokyo Dining's sushi chefs.

I ordered the Volcano Roll.  This was the table’s favorite and my favorite as well.  I loved the tempura crunch and the fish was high-quality, sushi grade fish that I was beyond pleased with.

The Volcano Roll.

I also ordered a side of the beef fried rice and I wasn't impressed with it.  The rice lacked in favor and I'm used to having fried rice with some vegetables, egg and some protein in it and this one was just rice.  This did make the baby very happy so not all was lost!

The beef fried rice.

My friend ordered the Dynamite Roll.  This roll was also very good and the wasabi mayonnaise under the roll packed quite a punch – it was made with very fresh wasabi.  This was theme of the sushi rolls we received – it was all very fresh!

The Dynamite Roll.

My other dinner guest ordered the Philadelphia Roll, the Spicy Roll and the Spicy Crunch Roll.  He enjoyed all of these and also noted how fresh the fish was.  

The Philadelphia Roll, the Spicy Roll and the Spicy Crunch Roll.

Unfortunately this visit we were way too full to order dessert, however, in the past the Green Tea Mousse Cake has always been a crowd favorite!

Another reason I love going to Tokyo Dining is for the amazing fireworks view.  Most of the restaurant tables doesn’t have a view of the fireworks.  However, if you leave your table during the fireworks and go out on to the restaurant balcony or go down the stairs – you’ll have one great view (and this is very common at most Walt Disney World restaurants - just let your server know!)!  Another bonus of watching the fireworks here is that Japan is rarely crowded for IllumiNations – and I’m not sure why because the view is fantastic!

View of IllumiNations from outside Mitsukoshi Department store in the Japan Pavilion. 

What do you think? Have you ever dined at Tokyo Dining at Epcot? What were your thoughts? Let me know!

Hotel Review: Disney’s Art of Animation

Disney’s Art of Animation is the newest on-property Disney resort.  It is a Value Resort Category but don’t let that “value” category dissuade you from staying here and having a wonderful time.  This property is simply one of the most amazing “Disney” resorts on property. This resort is truly unlike any other.  This resort's theme is fun and magical - something every Disney fan will love.  Walking around the resort and being in your room feels as though you are literally stepping into the movies – immersing you with every element and detail – it pleases young and experienced Disney fans.

Chandelier in Animation Hall featuring Disney sketches.

Disney's Art of Animation Resort, being a Walt Disney World Resort, has many Disney benefits and features.  The first benefit you’ll experience (if you fly into the Orlando International Airport), is Disney’s Magical Express; complimentary service that will bring you from Orlando International Airport to the front door of the resort.  As you pull up to the main lobby of this resort, Animation Hall, you’re greeted with grand buildings featuring sketches and drawing of your favorite Disney characters.  As you walk into Animation Hall, it is as if you’re walking on a rainbow!  Along the walls are the beginning sketches of some of your favorite Disney characters.  Once again, as you go deeper into the lobby the sketches turn into full scenes from movies.  The lobby building also features a classic Disney gift shop, the Ink and Paint Shop, that full of Disney gifts and treats.  Past the gift shop is where you'll find the resort's food court, Landscape of Flavors.  Also in the lobby is the Pixel Play Arcade.

Animation Hall from a check-in desk.

There are many check-in desks in the lobby and each Cast Member working the desks are trained in the way Disney knows best – friendliness and helpfulness, iconic of the Disney standard of service.   Even if you’ve done online check-in you’ll want to stop at the check in desk, this way you’ll be able to start using your Disney Dining Plan meal and snack credits! After checking in you can either have a bell hop help you with your luggage or take it to your room yourself.  As you exit the lobby building the Big Blue Pool is in your view.  The Big Blue Pool is the largest pool on Walt Disney World Resort property.  Some of the cool features of the Big Blue Pool is a kids water play area, a play area without water and an underwater sound system that projects the voices of Finding Nemo characters.  Right next to the pool is the Drop Off pool bar where you can get refreshing adult drinks. And right next to the Drop Off bar is where you'll find one of the laundry facilities for the resort (the others are in the quite pool areas).

The Big Blue Pool

Disney’s Art of Animation is the first value resort where guests access their rooms from inside – meaning there aren’t any "motel" outdoor walkways to reach your room.  Each building also features a main lobby with convenient elevator access to reach your floor.  The resort features two different types of rooms - family suites and standard rooms.  

View of the outside of the Cars Family Suites rooms.

First are the Family Style Suites.  The Family Suites are themed after three different movies – the Lion King, Finding Nemo and Cars.  These rooms are very spacious and are great for large families or even multi-generational families whom are traveling to Walt Disney World together and want to stay in the same room.   The Family Suite rooms feature a living room area with a couch and a chair, a dining area and a small kitchenette.  

The Dining Table with four chairs.

The kitchenette has a small refrigerator, a microwave, a sink and coffee maker.  Some disposable cups and plates are also provided

The kitchenette area of the Family Suites

Off of this main living area is a full bathroom that has a single sink along with a private toilet and shower/tub area. 

Bathroom has a cute shower curtain with some of our favorite Lion King characters!

One of the two bathrooms in the family suites.

This main living area is also home to two hidden beds – the kitchen table is actually a hidden Murphy bed!

What was the dining table during the day - becomes a bed at night! With some cute hidden artwork too!

The couch is actually a sleeper sofa too- thus giving the room three beds.  Both beds were very comfortable too!  There is also plenty of storage options in this main living area – both hanging and drawer style storage are available. 

Plenty of storage in the Family Suites

The Family Suites also have private-master bedroom, this is a great feature to have for when the kids go to bed but the adults aren’t ready and would like to stay up to watch TV or talk about their Walt Disney World vacation.  The private master bedroom features a queen sized bed, two nightstands, a large dresser offering plenty of storage, TV, a clothes-hanging rack and an on-suite bathroom.  

The bed in the private bedroom features a fun-themed headboard.

The master bedroom bathroom features a large counter sink area – perfect for getting ready, a toilet and a shower.  

The Master bedroom features is own on-suite bathroom.

In case you haven't guessed already, my room for this stay was located in the Lion King Suite and the shower in the master bathroom featured a gorgeous sunset tile mural that was fun to see in the mornings! 

The master bathroom features a step in shower with gorgeous tile work.

The second type of rooms are considered Standard Rooms and are in the Little Mermaid buildings.  These rooms feature two standard/double beds, a table and chairs, and bathroom with a private toilet and shower/tub area.  The Little Mermaid Buildings are the farthest away from Animation Hall.  So if you stay in the Little Mermaid rooms, you'll be furthest away from Landscape of Flavors, Disney's complimentary resort wide transportation and the farthest from the main pool.  There is a quite pool in the Little Mermaid courtyard area.  If convenience and proximity is something that is essential to your family’s vacation – you might be interested in staying in a family suite.

View from our Lion King Family suite shows the proximity to Disney's Pop Century Resort.

As I said before, the theme of this resort is completely immersive into the world of Disney animation – there are giant statues of your favorite characters placed all throughout the resort. 

Lots of photograph opportunities!

These statues provide for great for fun photo opportunities!  In the Lion King area you'll find Simba and Rafike. In the Little Mermaid area you'll find Ariel's treasures.  And in the Cars area you'll find some of the cutest picture opportunities with Mater, Luigi and Guido, Doc, Sheriff and plenty of others!

Get your picture with Simba on Pride rock!

 Since this resort is so immersive it is fun to pick your favorite movie of the 4 (Lion King, Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo and Cars) to stay in that type of room.  The Cars section of the resort looks like you are driving on Highway 55 right into Radiator Springs with lots of Cars characters available to snap your picture with.  The Cars area also features the resort's other quiet pool - the Cozy Cone featuring cone shaped cabanas! 

Even the outdoor walls of the resort are themed to perfection.

The only dining option at Art of Animation is in the food court - Landscape of Flavors.   Landscape of Flavors is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has plenty of seating.  Even though there is only one location for food, there are many types of food offered.  My favorite meal I had there was the "create your own pasta" dish with an option to pick your own type of pasta, pasta sauce and topping.  Added bonus - the portion was so huge it could easily be a meal for two!  There are other food stations with a wide range of food offerings from soups and sandwiches to to burgers to Tandoori Boneless Chicken Thighs.  There is also a bakery area of sorts featuring some of your favorite Disney treats and some unique treats as well!  There is also a Rapid-Refill Mug station in the Landscape of Flavors.

Just like any other Disney resort there are some amazing benefits to staying at Disney’s Art of Animation.  Mentioned earlier, Disney’s Magical Express will whisk you and your family from the MCO airport to the front door of the resort.  And when it is time for you to head back to the airport, the Magical Express bus will pick you up right out front of the Art of Animation Resort and take you back to the airport.  Like with all Disney Resorts, there is complimentary Disney Transportation that will take you to all 4 theme parks, the two water parks and Disney Springs.  With all of the complimentary the added expensive of renting a car while on vacation is something that is very welcome to families staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.  Plus knowing that you're staying at a Disney Resort, you know you're only a short trip back to the room to play in the pool or a short trip back to the park to make it in time for your FastPass+ or Advance Dining Reservation.   Every night (weather permitting) a Disney movie is shown on the lawn near the Big Blue Pool.  Art of Animation Resort guests will also have access to Disney’s Extra Magic Hours (each park either opens up early or stays open late exclusively for resort guests only).

I would repeat my stay at Disney’s Art of Animation in a heart beat. The  Family Suite rooms were comfortable and provided more room than a traditional hotel room.  The theming of the room, lobby, courtyards, the pool and more was something that constantly had my family’s attention and everyone (all ages!) loved.

Do you want to stay at the Art of Animation while visiting the Walt Disney World Resort, email me - lauren@magicaltravel.com - for a FREE, no obligation vacation quote!  Or simply fill out the form below! As a Disney vacation specialist, let me put my expert knowledge to your benefit and help you plan a magical vacation!