On our most recent trip to Walt Disney World, we splurged on the newest fireworks dessert party. We've enjoyed others in the past, but were drawn to this new, DVC exclusive, experience.
After the Covid shutdowns, Top of the World Lounge opened back up with a new theme... the Villain's Lair.
This dessert party is held every Friday night and corresponds with the Magic Kingdom castle and firework show. All you can eat desserts, all you can drink (and I mean real cocktails off their menu, not the cheap stuff), a reserved table, and incredible view are all included.
We arrived 90 minutes before the show technically started (as instructed by the cast member when we made our reservation). We were greeted by the most friendly staff AND a glass of champagne as we entered the door! Once at our table, we met our personal server, ordered some cool-villain themed drinks, and took our first of many trips to the dessert bar.
The cast members made an announcement about five minutes before the show began. We could have watched the fireworks from our table, but we opted to brave the chilly weather (what the heck, Florida?!) and watch from the rooftop balcony. There was an area specifically roped off for dessert party guests only!
Now it's honest review time....
Was it worth the money? Well, that depends. Like I said, we have done other dessert parties and felt they were a great value. However, this one was different. We are not big alcohol drinkers... 1-2 drinks and we are good (I mean, my kids will be waking me up in a few short hours). The dessert selection felt limited and not that kid friendly. I didn't realize desserts could be deemed "age appropriate", but now I know they can. I know the selection may vary, but ours included: 7 "lair" chocolate cake, key lime pies, macaroons, strawberry cupcake, and a layered pudding cup.
Would we do it again someday? Well, sort of. Let me elaborate. As a DVC member, you can enter Villains Lair any evening after 6pm. You can order from their full menu, and also still enjoy the firework show from the balcony! We saw some great things on the menu we would have rather eaten (charcuterie board, flatbread pizza, etc) instead of indulging in six tiny Key Lime Pies.
If your party consists of older kids and/or adults, this experience may be for you! My personal experience included two preschool age children on day five of their trip. Exhausted, hangry, and overstimulated are just a few words to describe them! If your kids are younger, maybe consider doing this on your first or second night, before that "disney tired" feeling kicks in. Although my five year old thoroughly enjoyed his fair share of mocktails...
The major pro here, a dessert party that is NOT in a theme park! No crowds and no theme park ticket required here, folks! On this particular night, it was freezing. We enjoyed the warmth of an indoor lounge while waiting on the main event, talk about feeling like a VIP.
Was it a once in a lifetime experience, absolutely! Was the service exceptional? 100%! But next time you'll catch us on a Thursday, enjoying some cheese board treats, and ordering desserts a la carte right from the menu.
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