Before I even start this review, I’m going to say that I highly and fully recommend the Star Wars Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As long as you like Star Wars. And I guess if you’re indifferent but you really like dessert.
The dessert party costs $69.00 per adult and $39.00 per child (tax and gratuity are included in the cost) and comes with unlimited dessert and savory snacks, unlimited alcohol/non-alcoholic beverages, a souvenir Chewbacca Stein, and reserved viewing for the Star Wars fireworks show.
The location of the dessert party portion of the evening is inside the Star Wars Launch Bay. The tables are all standing cocktail tables. You can wander around the Launch Bay during the party, and there are costumes and props from the movies throughout the area, as well as a few costume characters. Stormtroopers walked around randomly (we thought they could be a bit more interactive), and there were Jawas that were a bit more interactive in one of the rooms. There are a few rooms to choose from in regards to tables, the “funnest” room is probably the one where the Jawas hang out, which is partially patterned to look like the Mos Eisley Cantina, but if you want a place to sit try to get there a little early and find a table near one of the benches along the wall. There are also storm troopers that walk around the area during the party, though we wished they had a little more interaction. The highlight of character interaction during the dessert party was definitely the Jawas, so make sure you seek them out.
Lets talk about the drinks. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available. Of the alcoholic drink options, all were honestly very meh. I tried all of them, and my favorite thing to do was mix the overly-acidic watermelon lemonade drink with the non-alcoholic but very much overly sweet “Jettison Juice”. The line for drinks can get LONG, there is only 1 bar and bartender, but they try and mitigate a rush for the bar upon entry by handing out drinks as soon as you walk in. On another note, we tipped the bartender and he gave us one of the strongest drinks I have ever had. You will also want to get a drink before you head outside for the fireworks (they’ll give you a warning) as there are no drinks available outside. Plus you can stick the cup in your Chewbacca stein for some added outdoor fun.
And onto the food! We had actually done a similar dessert party during Star Wars Weekends a few years ago, and my main complaint was that there was TOO MUCH dessert (I know, I know, weird complaint, but it seriously ended up making me sick from all the sugar). There is, of course, a gigantic variety of desserts to try. But there are also some savory snack options like hummus, “lightsaber” olive and cheese sabers, fruit, etc. I managed to make a meal out of it and skip anything substantial for dinner. My top recommendation for dessert is the blue milk panna cotta (seriously I dream about it, I must have had 4, at least). If you read other reviews they will most definitely also touch on the bread pudding, which was good but a little too sweet with the addition of candy to it, and the frozen nutella. The bread pudding is self serve and has toppings available like cookie or brownie crumbles, fresh berries, whipped cream, vanilla sauce, and chocolate sauce. But guys. Get the frozen nutella. Its amazing. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but its basically whipped nutella (so not that heavy) that is flash frozen with liquid nitrogen, and you can top it with raspberry or chocolate sauce. Seriously. Get it. Seriously. It also looks disgusting in the picture I took so I’m skipping that one.
When you book the dessert party you will get a reservation time of 6:30 or 6:45pm (probably, I didn’t check every date), depending on the timing of the fireworks show, which will start around 7:45 or 8:00pm. The fireworks show is 14 minutes long, and about 15 minutes before hand you will be led (by stormtroopers!) outside to a reserved viewing area where you will be given your (empty) souvenir Chewbacca stein. There is no seating in the reserved viewing area. We were close to the end of the line of people and still had a great view of the fireworks/show, even though I’m only about 5’1 on a good day. The fireworks show is one of the coolest things I have ever seen at Disney, and makes use of projection effects, lasers, music, and fireworks. Its seriously awesome.
So Drinking Ever After, what are your thoughts on “A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
If you’re a fan of Star Wars, you should consider this experience. Even if you’re not a giant fan of Star Wars, its definitely a cool experience. I guess if you HATE Star Wars I wouldn’t recommend it. Overall, the food is great, especially considering the addition of savory items and fruit, the drinks are not that great but free, and the fireworks are amazing. Overall, I’m really glad we did it, and we would certainly consider booking another reservation on an upcoming trip.
I’ll also add this slightly related tip: If you or someone in your party has the Disney Chase Visa card there is a Star Wars character meet and greet in the Launch Bay daily from 11:00am to 4:00pm. We happened upon it by chance and met Kylo Ren with absolutely no line, which was really cool. You also get free photo downloads. Keep an eye out while you’re there.
Drinking Ever After 