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Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party review

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party review


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The recent upgrade to the Star Wars Fireworks to the newer “Galactic Spectacular” version has created new issues when watching the fireworks at Hollywood Studios.  Here’s my thoughts on using the Dessert Party and whether it’s “worth it.”

I’m regularly asked if something extra in Walt Disney World is “worth it.”  Many of the add-ons don’t hold their value for me.  I’ve really enjoyed the Early Morning Magic and the Pirates and Pals Cruise, but haven’t found most of the the extra cost add ons having any value for me.  This could be an exception.  Read on for an explanation.

NOTE:

The Fireworks Dessert Party portion will move to the Star Wars Launch Bay on July 10.  Party patrons will be ushered to a viewing area about 15 minutes before the Fireworks.  I’m not really sure how that will work out, so I’ll need to drop in to see how it differs.

How to View the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks

In the past, you could find a spot anywhere along Hollywood Boulevard, near Min and Bills or in the Courtyard for a decent view of the fireworks.  I always preferred the views that were aligned with the Great Movie Ride like this one.

Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (1)

With this new version, Star Wars images are projected upon the Great Movie Ride and the two large tan buildings beside it.  To get the best view of the show, you need to be able to see all of this area below AND the large fireworks are now shot off center to the right.  You’ll see them where the far right palm tree is located below.  It’s because they had to move the pyro location from the backlot area to a newly constructed site.  Fireworks also appear from the tan building on the left, the American Idol building and an building even farther to the right out of the frame here. You’re pretty much surrounded by fireworks in some form.

Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (10)

In order to have the best view, you should be even with or in front of these large buildings.  They were constructed to hold the projection equipment and controls.

Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (11)

Here’s a bit of a wide angle of the viewing area.  It’s pretty small.  I recommend being aligned with the blue projection building so you’re slightly off center to the left, but can still see the Great Movie Ride and tan buildings I discussed earlier.

Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (20)

If you go too far left, much of your view will be blocked by trees and you won’t see much of what happens in the center of the Great Movie Ride.  You can see the large scale fireworks, but miss a lot of the show.  Conversely, if you go too far right, you won’t see the large fireworks and some of the projections on the right hand tan building.
Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (3)

Each evening the Cast will tape off lines.  You can be on the left of the left hand tape or the right of the right hand tape across from the dessert party.  The tape to the right of the Dessert Party will likely be occupied 1.5 hours before the show.  The entire prime viewing area is pretty congested by 45 minutes before the show with people stepping over sitting guests to find empty spaces.Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (8)

Details on the Dessert Party

The Dessert Party cost me $69.00 (adult) and $39.00 (child)  and you’re told it will begin 1 hour before the fireworks, but they usually allow entry at least 1 hour and 15 minutes early.

The check in area is on the back side of the red table area across from Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner.  I highly recommend checking in at 8 to 8:15 pm.   And wait near the benches on the left of the photo.

Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (14)

Your’e given a wristband with a pull off tab area.  The pull off tab allows you to redeem for a complimentary Chewbacca drinking stein.  It’s valued at $13.99 in the park.  We were told we could pick them up as we were leaving, then were told to get them right before fireworks, then asked as we were leaving if we had them already.Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (25)

The front row is reserved for guests in wheelchairs and ECVs, but the Cast allowed other guests to fill the area along the rope after all handicap guests were ushered to a table.  The absolute best view is along these 2 front rows, but any table has a good view.  I was among the first in and placed my hat on my preferred table.Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (19)

The only downside to this experience is the lack of chairs.  It would have been nice to at least have a folding chair of some sort to relax a bit and enjoy the show.

Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (55)

Here’s my view.  Human eyes are actually a wider view, but that’s all my camera would do.  See those palms on the right of the photo?  That’s the place that you’ll see the big booms!
Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (64)

While we enjoyed some snacks and drinks, the First Order Stormtroopers mingled with guests.  One guy had a horn on his ECV that amused them.  They didn’t enter the Dessert Party area.Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (57)

You’ll see hot water, tea, coffee, water and soda.  Drink as much as you want for just over an hour.  It all closes when the fireworks begin.Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (51)

It’s a Dessert Party, so you’d expect Desserts, right?  Here’s a mini version of the BB-8 cupcake that is sold in some counter service locations in the park.Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (50)

There’s also mini Vaders that are chocolate with peanut butter icing.  Makes you just want to take all the mini Vaders home, huh?Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (49)

Mini Darth Maul EclairsStar Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (48) Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (47)

Blue Milk Panna Cotta was good, but pretty sweet.Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (46)

Basically just rice crispy treats with icing.  Red ones leave an odd taste in your mouth though.Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (45) Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (44)

They offer a Nutella Mouse that is fast frozen and topped with Dark Chocolate and or Raspberry Sauce.  The Raspberry sauce finishes the mouse nicely, I recommend adding a bit of each.Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (43)

Each of the following punch products are tasty but they have a tang or sourness to them.  You’ll likely find yourself needing a bit of water.  Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (41) Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (40)

You’ll have unlimited access to all these traditional park frozen treats for entire hour.  About this time you’re on sugar overload and your children are climbing on the tables.Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (39)

The large cookie dessert with ice cream was delicious.

Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (35) Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (37)

Those who imbibe on alcoholic beverages will find an unlimited flow of specialty drinks for an hour.Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (34) Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (33)

In addition to the sweets and drinks, there’s a few savory items, cheese and fruit on a separate table as well.Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (32)

Cheese and tomato.Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (31)

Your kids will likely have light saber battles with the toothpicks.Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (30) Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (29) Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (28)

Cheese and green olive.Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (27)

As for the viewing area.  It’s a highly recommended area in front of the Great Movie Ride with a full view of all the projections, lasers, fire cannons and pyro.

Here’s my full YouTube video of the Fireworks, followed by several photos.

Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (69)

Star Destroyer flies over Hollywood Studios.Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (70)

AT-AT Walkers on the rampage.  Notice the fireworks on the right as I mentioned earlier in the post?Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (71)

I love how they included the laser blasts going back and forth between the Rebels and the various bad guys.Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (72)

On Friday, June 24, 2016 the designers were finally given permission to unleash the flame blasters and I was there to see it.  I took this photo with my phone camera, but you can see the flames bursting 30 or 40 feet into the air.  Great addition!

star wars galactic spectacular fireworks

The First Order Storm Troopers look pretty cool on the buildings.  See the projections extend to the left building and the right one is out of frame on my camera.Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (73) Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (77)

I love how the Palm fireworks fall over the New Hope scenes.Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (78) Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (85) Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (86) Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (87)

Everyone loves the final scene with the light saber rising from the Great Movie Ride.Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (88)

The Dessert Party with the Chewbacca stein was actually a very nice experience and I didn’t feel crowded with people trying to squeeze into every possible inch of ground.  You can enjoy some desserts and drinks, meet some new people and watch the fireworks with no stress.   If you have it in your budget to afford this experience, it may be worth your while to book it.

Fireworks and Fantasmic

Some have asked me if they could watch Fantasmic and rush over to see this show.  As my story and photos exhibit, you’ll find it pretty tough to get a full view of this show and the large fireworks will likely be out of view.  If there’s 2 Fantasmic showings, visit the 2nd.  If there’s only one, I would choose the Fireworks or visit 2 different evenings.

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Heather

Monday 7th of May 2018

Do they still offer the ice cream (mickey bars, mickey sandwiches, etc)? Thanks!

Jackie

Tuesday 6th of June 2017

Hi Kenny- We are debating the guided tour (which includes the dessert party- in December. Obviously it is very early, but will there likely be the star wars fireworks during the Christmas season? I saw something about a Jingle Jam (or something along those lines) and am hoping it isn't a substitute.

kennythepirate

Tuesday 6th of June 2017

They did both in 2016

Katy

Sunday 19th of March 2017

Question: Do you know what happens if you book the dessert party, and then it rains that night? Will Disney give you your money back?

kennythepirate

Sunday 19th of March 2017

If the dessert party is cancelled, they will refund your money

Meggan

Wednesday 1st of March 2017

I looked for times on this beginning in May and there are no dates listed. Any word on the end date? The calendar shows through April and then nothing...

kennythepirate

Wednesday 1st of March 2017

Disney hasn't provided that far yet

SarahL

Monday 19th of December 2016

We were at the very first "bookable" SW Dessert party, and then experienced it again in September of 2016 after it was moved into the SW Launch Bay.

The Launch Bay version of the Dessert Party is very similar - most of the goodies are the same, as well as the drinks. We noticed that they do have a Gluten-free selection available, and a CM will walk folks with food allergies or sensitivities down the lines to show them what's safe for them to try.

A bit more seating is available here, however, it's first come, first serve and if you stand up to refill a drink or grab another snack, don't expect it to be there when you come back!

Chewy & Kylo Ren both had meet n greets going during the party the night we were there; the actual party area is roped off, and requires your wrist band to enter/exit the party area. You are free to come and go about the entire Launch Bay area during the party. We had tons of fun "playing" with the Jawas, and trading trinkets!

Storm Troopers regularly walked through the party, interacting (as much as they can/do) with guests.

Pro tip: find out what time they will be going to out fireworks, and then make sure you are inside near the main party area - this gives you the best shot at a good spot for the fireworks.

The new fireworks location for this party is on the RIGHT side (opposite side) of where it was previously roped off. So, you are just to the right of center of the Great Movie Ride/Grauman's building.

ECV/Wheelchair/Stroller as a wheelchair guests will be lined up along the front, just inside the rope line. Storm Troopers will "help" get everyone inside the roped off area. Overall, this is reasonably "wheels friendly"; the hard part for ECV/Wheelchair users is navigating the crowds that are around the food and drink as it can get very crowded.

I have to say that we preferred the January 2016 version of the fireworks to the September 2016 version. The changes are subtle, but we feel like that the earlier version told the story more completely, and really used the amazing musical score to it's fullest advantage. The current version just seems to be about "how many lasers and cannons can we shoot off in one show?" LOL

As at the previous outdoor party, you are given a Chewbacca mug as a souvenir.

For the hard-core SW fan, this is a great experience. I'm glad we went both times.

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