Walt Disney World is one of the BEST places to go when you are Gluten Free because you can eat almost anywhere including at the Happily Ever After Fireworks Dessert Party in the Magic Kingdom.
The current fireworks and light show at the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, FL is called Happily Ever After and it is absolutely amazing! The lights, music, and fireworks are just breath taking. I highly recommend you watch it if you are at the park.
I went solo to Disney earlier in the year and loved the show, however I did not love the crowd. I had to fight those around me for a spot to stand so that I could see. I even got there 45 minutes ahead of time, found my spot, and waited. As time went on, more and more people showed up and I was almost pushed out of my spot. I had to elbow one guy when he tried to push me aside. Bottom line was I loved the show but I decided there was NO WAY I was going to be in that environment with our 9 yr and two 6 yr olds. They would not be able to see it and I didn’t want to get in a fight with someone so my 48″ kids could see.
The alternative is the Happily Ever After Dessert Party in the Tomorrowland Terrace. For the fireworks show there is a separate grassy area fenced off for only people in the dessert party to watch. There are currently 3 options for the party. Option 1 – eat dessert then move to grassy area to watch fireworks, Option 2 – eat dessert and sit on terrace to watch the fireworks and Option 3 – watch fireworks in grassy area then eat desserts. We went with Option 1 because it was cheaper and it wouldn’t keep us out too late.
The Dessert Party costs extra and it isn’t cheap. To make a reservation you have to call Disney dining. I would suggest you book this as far ahead as you can because the event sells out fast. This isn’t something you can decide to do tonight and call today to get a reservation. I booked ours 65 days in advance. The cost varies but you are looking at around $45-$75 per person. Yes, I know that is a lot after paying $100 plus just to be in the park but I wanted our kids to enjoy the show. When I made the reservation I notified the Cast Member that I was Gluten Free and would need a safe option. He said they would make a note and that I would be taken care of.
We had a 7:45pm reservation. When we checked in they gave us a colored wrist band so we could get in and out of the designated viewing area. They also noted that I was Gluten Free and told me the chef would be out shortly to speak with me.
To be honest, I didn’t have high hopes for the food options for me. All the photos and blogs I saw showed cakes, cookies, brownies, etc. I jokingly told my sister-in-law I was going to eat $65 worth of chocolate strawberries.
Once we were shown our table, Hubby and the kids hit the dessert buffet while I waited for the Chef. When the Chef came out, she brought me over a plate FULL of food. She explained what everything was and let me know what on the buffet was safe if I wanted more.
I was blown away!
Gluten Free Food at the Happily Ever After Dessert Party
The plate had: cupcakes, cookies, muffin, popcorn, gummy candy, chocolate strawberries, fruit parfetts and a pineapple cream cup.
It was all amazing! I tried everything and hit the buffet for a few extra strawberries. I didn’t even finish everything so I look the leftovers home in a plastic sandwich bag to enjoy later.
Our kids had more plates of desserts than I could count. The sugar intake was through the roof, however they were happy.
Once we were done eating, we moved to the grassy viewing area. It was not crowded at all. We spread out our blanket and the kids played. For a solid 45 minutes about 10 kids had the best time with bubbles and glow sticks while we waited for the show to start.
The fireworks show was everything I remembered plus more because I had people to enjoy it with. Half-way through a guy next to us proposed to his girlfriend. It was the perfect background to pop the question and I’m sure the photos were epic!
OVERVIEW
Yes, it is pricey but I felt like a Gluten Free Princess with all those beautiful treats. Our kids had a blast and were able to see the show clearly. I would do it again in a heartbeat for the ease of viewing and the amazing food.
TIPS
- Make sure you tell them your eating restrictions when you make the reservation
- Make the reservation early
- Bring plastic bags for desserts to go
- Bring a blanket to sit on for the show
- Bring fun stuff for kids to do while you wait for the show
Not a sponsored post. No compensation was received for this review.
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