DIY Illuminations Dessert Party

[WaterLinds]

We currently have the actual FEA party booked for our Epcot night, but are still discussing if we’re going to keep the reservation—we’ve now switched to off site, so one of us will be driving and unable to indulge in all the booze, a second of our adults doesn’t drink much anyway (but also isn’t a confident night driver, so she can’t be our DD). The price tag is pretty extreme for what we get then (otoh, we are saving so much staying off site that we can splurge a bit now!).

But I’m also pondering designing our own little dessert party viewing instead. After all just one persons $80 FEA ticket would buy a lot of dessert, and there are so many delicious options at Epcot! And we could all have a few extra evening snacks around the world without feeling like we need to save our appetite and splurge at the party.

We would want to park ourselves somewhere with seating for a bit before the show started so we could enjoy our desserts, but are happy to get up and stand to watch the show for the best view. (We’ve never seen it before!) I don’t think we want an actual sit down meal anywhere, the kids will be restless, but an outdoor table or bench would be great.

So, if you were doing it, tell me what would you choose for a DIY dessert party. Which desserts are your favourites? Where would you sit to enjoy them that’s near a good view? (I understand wind direction matters a lot here, so if we do this we’ll have a few places to keep in mind based on current conditions!)

 

[MousetersInc]

Oo! Watching thread!!

 

[WaterLinds]

Oo! Watching thread!!

I thought it might be fun! Oh well. I suspect it might be that the answer is “there are so many great treats and great viewing areas, just grab what looks good and plunk yourself down by the water with the wind at your back!”

But specific suggestions are welcome! I’m just hoping my family is up for staying for the show. (Another reason I might cancel the FEA party, not sure any of us will be awake for a ride that late!)

 

[DarthMommy05]

I’ve been watching this thread because I am in the same boat as you. I’m having a real hard time justifying the cost of the FEA Dessert party for a family of 4. With that kind of money I feel we can eat a couple nice dinners and have a bunch of snacks. Having the FEA ride included is a bonus but still I can’t bring myself to spend the money.

I’ve read that there are many good viewing spots for Illuminations, some even say don’t bother with getting a FP for this because that area can be super crowded. I am going to try for somewhere over around the Mexico pavilion since I have read some posts suggesting that area being very good.

For snacks I haven’t tried anything myself but have been reading that Karamell-Kuche (Germany Pavilion) has great salted caramel and Kringle Bakeri og Kafe has good School Bread (not exactly sure what this is, lol, but people seem to like it). I plan to try these on our trip this April.

I hope this might help a little. Good Luck and have a great time!

 

[ENJDisneyFan]

I'm kinda in the “there are so many great treats and great viewing areas, just grab what looks good and plunk yourself down by the water with the wind at your back!” camp....but I wanted to throw out there that Uber is a great option if you decide you want to keep the dessert party and enjoy the adult beverages

 

[SaintsManiac]

I would probably grab a macaron ice cream sandwich and head for the bridge near UK for viewing.

 

[MousetersInc]

I thought it might be fun! Oh well. I suspect it might be that the answer is “there are so many great treats and great viewing areas, just grab what looks good and plunk yourself down by the water with the wind at your back!”

But specific suggestions are welcome! I’m just hoping my family is up for staying for the show. (Another reason I might cancel the FEA party, not sure any of us will be awake for a ride that late!)

So yeah, this boils down to a "What are your favorite desserts" thread. I'll top that (mm... toppings...) by adding that I'm going during the Flower & Garden festival; does anyone with experience of the kiosks that will be open have must-catch favorites?

 

[Elsaspiritanimal]

Last march we grabbed tables on the water by France and that was a nice view, but I thought it fell a little flat compared to the fastpass view in December. I definitely second the Karamell Kuche option, plus grab something from Les Halles. The boxed macarons would be a great option to carry with you. Another good option would be to grab all the treats and stake out a spot in the Mexico quick service so you have access to Margaritas and nachos to balance out the sweets!

 

[FriendoftheHatter]

My last trip, I got a cannoli and prosecco in Italy from the Food & Wine booth and managed to grab a spot on the bridge in Italy. That was really amazing! I'm not sure exactly what my plan is for my next trip. maybe a pastry in france or something from the Karamell shop in germany or maybe the croissant doughnut! There are really a ton of spots around the world showcase you can get a great view! As long as you can see the inferno barge (the big one in the middle) you'll have a great view of the show!

 

[Ds4angels]

Grab a box of yummies from the Bakery in France and head over to Japan and claim a spot on the balcony facing the lake. Great view of the whole park up there.

 

[Anthony1971]

Disney ?? Parties boil down to a premium viewing spot with what may otherwise be worth $30.00 as few will eat and drink more and most less if you were to buy it somewhere else.

They are all good spots some have semi blocked views... The better spots will have the most people the lesser spots with trees that will block some will have less people...IMO the best view overall view is by the entrance to world showcase but also the most crowded. The best feeling of fireworks over head is the bridge. The best view of Earth is on the side with Canada and..... You truly can not have a bad view if you want something with not a lot of people with a semi blocked view and enjoy whatever you get see if between Germany and Italy will fit the bill... I have stayed there a number of times as I just did not want to be around a lot of people... The benches in front of Canada also work well if there are no shows and they sometimes get turned around to face the lake. The view is fine for the fireworks but you will miss or have a bad view some of the lower parts of the show.... but you can't beat a seat and a decent view that is free (somewhat)