Welcome to planDisney, Nelly! I'm so glad you're here!
Happily Ever After is the iconic nighttime spectacular at
Magic Kingdom Park. It features favorite Disney characters and songs and reminds us that dreams really do come true. I have seen it countless times and still get teary watching it!
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away is one of the latest additions to Magic Kingdom entertainment. It has all the wonder of a Disney parade but with lights! Pictures do not do it justice. You have to experience it for yourself!
My favorite way to experience the fireworks show is to purchase tickets to one of the three Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties:
- At the Pre-Party, you enjoy the food and drinks first at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, then a Cast Member will escort you to the viewing area nearby in the Plaza Garden. Guests typically stand in this area.
- The Post-Party is similar, except you watch Happily Ever After first, then head to Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant for the all-you-care-to-enjoy treats.
- Finally, there is the Seats & Sweets option. In this case, you'll enjoy your desserts and then have a seat on the patio to take in the show.
Choosing the right one for you depends on your group's preferences. When you purchase your tickets, you will be told when and where to check in. My personal favorite is the pre-party. After a long day and thousands of steps, I like to sit down and take a break while munching on the themed sweets. After the fireworks, I usually get a second wind and head straight for my favorite attraction to squeeze in one more ride!
You can enjoy Happily Ever After from the area in front of the castle (often referred to as "the hub") without a ticket to a dessert party, as long as the area is not roped off as reserved seating. This is a very popular viewing spot and is often full well over an hour before showtime.
As for watching Starlight, that is a different experience. It depends on the timing, and you have several options. Times are always subject to change, so my tip is to keep an eye on the schedule either on your My Disney Experience App or the
Hours & Events Calendar on the website. I recently answered a question for another guest about this. I think you may find it helpful, so I'll link it
here.
I hope you have a wonderful time at
The Most Magical Place on Earth, Nelly! You can always count on us here at
planDisney to answer all your vacation planning questions, so come back and see us if you need anything!
Always Dreaming -
Elizabeth