IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party: Is it Right For You? By Guest Author Sara Lundy

Recently, I have seen several people post questions on social media sites about whether or not they should go to the IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party at Epcot. My answer to this is… YES! My husband and I attended this separate ticket event this past May 2014 and we were NOT let down.

To begin with, the party offers an amazing view of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.  The location at World ShowPlace offers the guest a view of almost the entire World Showcase Lagoon. I know there are many great location spots for viewing IllumiNations throughout World Showcase, but, for me personally, it was a spectacular view. Being a “vertically challenged” woman of 4’10”, this particular view gave me an opportunity to see parts of the show that I had never been able to see before because physical barriers of one sort or another had always blocked part of my view.

Another reason that I enjoyed the IllumiNations Dessert Party was getting to sample all of the delicious desserts and sparkling wines. Personally, I am not much of a dessert person and was mostly looking forward to the unlimited sparking wines. My husband, on the other hand, is not much of a drinker and was looking forward to the unlimited desserts. Neither of us were let disappointed. I also liked having the opportunity to try many of the desserts offered by the various World Showcase countries all at one setting. Though the offerings may change (check the official Walt Disney World website for the latest offerings), here is what was available when we were there in May 2014:

• Baklava (Morocco)
• Tiramisu (Italy)-My personal favorite!
• Vanilla Pot de Créme (France)
• Shortbread Cookies (UK)
• Cronis (American Pavillion)
• Ice Cream Novelties, including the Mickey Premium Bar, a favorite of my husband. These are similar to the offerings found at kiosks around Walt Disney World
• Various fruits

Drink offerings included:

• Sparkling wine from the United States
• Prosecco from Italy
• Non-alcoholic drinks such as tea, lemonade, coffee, water

I liked both of the wines offered, but my personal favorite was the Prosecco from Italy.

A final reason to attend the IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party is for the atmosphere. Check in to the party begins about an hour before the start of IllumiNations. This is a great opportunity to enjoy not only the desserts and drinks, but mingle with other park guests as well. I HIGHLY recommend getting there an hour early. This allows for time to get in and find a table to enjoy the party’s treats. Yes, there are no chairs, so we were standing for much of the party. This is probably the biggest complaint that I have heard about the dessert party. Please be aware of the fact that guests to the party will be standing the entire time. So find a table, enjoy the treats, and talk with other park guests. My husband and I ended up sharing another table with a couple from New Jersey and had an enjoyable time discussing our trip experiences. Overall, I would say there were around 100 park guests attending the event, though I didn’t feel it was too crowded. Time went by quickly, though, while enjoying the treats and talking to other guests, and it was soon time for IllumiNations. Though my husband and I did not linger too long after the show was over, we were not rushed out by cast members, and we could have stayed longer had we chosen to do so.

For those who have not seen IllumiNations: Reflection of Earth at Epcot, it is a Walt Disney World experience that is not to be missed. It is a truly jaw-dropping show of fireworks, flames, and light spectacular over the World Showcase Lagoon.  The IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party can be booked at The Walt Disney World website or by calling 1-407-WDW-DINE. At the time of publishing, the cost of the party is $49 for adults and $29 for children.