Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Disney's Hollywood Studios featuring Star Wars Fireworks

This is the Dessert Party you’ve been looking for…..

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular debuted in Hollywood Studios on June 17, 2016.  Since its opening, it has been touted as one of the best nighttime shows in Walt Disney World history, by both Star Wars fans and non-fans alike.  The 12 minute show features fireworks, lasers, light projections and other special effects set to Star Wars-themed music, and combined with iconic characters and scenes from throughout the saga.  The best area to watch the show is in front of the Chinese Theater, ensuring you have a good view of both projection towers on either side of the building.  Note, however, that these spots are often scoped out 60-90 minutes in advance, especially now that the show is no longer running nightly (the show is currently only being offered on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights after running daily during the summer months).  If sitting on the pavement for an hour and a half doesn’t suit your fancy, consider booking the Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party, which is offered every night that the fireworks are presented.

The party is scheduled to begin an hour and 15 minutes prior to the start of the fireworks, though you are often allowed entry up to 15 minutes prior to the official start time.   The party is held inside Launch Bay, and will run you $69 /adult and $39 /child, which includes tax and gratuity, and is paid at the time of booking (though cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund).

Party offerings include both sweet and savory food items, in addition to unlimited beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic).  Additionally, each participant will receive a souvenir Chewbacca stein. 

There are cast members stationed outside Launch Bay to check you in and provide you with your party credentials (a lanyard).  The dessert party itself is located inside Launch Bay, just past the character meet and greet area.  There were several long tables set up with the food on one side of the room and high top tables (no chairs) located on the other side.  We had no issue finding a table inside on a sold out night, but there are also additional tables set up outdoors if needed.

As mentioned, the buffet includes both sweet and savory items.  In the interest of research, I wanted to try a bit of everything, but it was just too much!  Savory items included black bean dip and roasted red pepper hummus with flatbreads for dipping.  There were also cheese and olive skewers, which my husband loved, as well as tomato and mozzarella skewers.  My son ate his weight in fruit skewers (there were both grape and watermelon options), while my daughter and I preferred the sweets.  Dessert offerings included Darth Vader, R2D2 and BB8 cupcakes, a red velvet brownie (themed to Darth Maul), stormtrooper and Darth Vader shortbread cookies, blue panna cotta, rice krispie bon bons and Mickey Bars, available upon request.  But perhaps the most amazing treat was the freeze-dried Nutella truffle!  Served with your choice of either chocolate or raspberry syrup, it was my personal favorite.

In addition to water and soda, the party offers 4 specialty alcoholic drinks, all of which my husband and I found too sweet for our liking.  The Light Speed Margarita was the least offensive, with the Galactic Punch a close second (POG juice with 2 varieties of rum and a mango syrup).  There was also a Cosmic Citrus Twist (citrus vodka and watermelon lemonade) as well as Swamp Milk (vodka, melon liqueur, vanilla syrup and half & half).






Launch Bay remains open during the party, so you are free to explore all areas of the building, including the meet and greets with Kylo Ren and Chewbacca.  Approximately 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the show, party-goes will receive a Stormtrooper escort to the reserved viewing area.  The viewing area does have a designated wheelchair / ECV location at the front of the area, and younger children are often allowed to join this area if it is not filled prior to the start of the show.  

Tip for those with small children if you do not want to be separated during the show: Head out to the viewing area 5-10 minutes prior to the Stormtrooper escort for a spot along the rope.  This will ensure that your children are still able to see the show in its entirety, with you standing directly behind them.  When the Cast Members invite children to join the wheelchair viewing area, the invitation is for children ONLY, not their parents (though they will ensure that no child is allowed to leave the viewing area and will wait for the parents to retrieve them at the conclusion of the show).  Our group (which included 2 children) left the dessert party a half hour prior to the scheduled showtime and had no problem getting a spot at the front of the viewing area.

Upon checking into the viewing area, we received our souvenir Chewbacca stein, and there were cast members in the back of the area distributing water and soda.  We were also allowed to bring drinks from the party into the viewing area.  The view from this area is arguably the best possible spot to be in for this show.  A bit left of center, but with a perfect view of the Chinese theater and the 2 projection screens on either side.  The majority of the show is projected onto the front of the theater, so a viewing spot with a good view of the theater is a must for this presentation.

             

The fireworks and dessert party are currently scheduled through November 12, 2016, at which time it will take a brief hiatus to make way for Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, a new show that will be offered nightly at Hollywood Studios during the holiday season.  However, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular is scheduled to return on December 31, and it is expected that the dessert party will continue to be offered into 2017 as well.  Disney has been very slow to release updates to the entertainment schedule in recent months, so check back often for updates if you will be travelling after the first of the year. 

By Agent Alyssa
alyssa@traveltimetravel.com

Let us make your vacation even easier!  We'll help you plan from the start and can advise you and handle your arrangements, including dining, fast passes, room requests, discount application, and celebrations.  We are the same price or less than if you book on your own, and you get us for FREE!  Have an expert on your side at zero cost to you and contact one of our agents today!

Dining at The Hollywood Brown Derby at Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios

Dining at the Hollywood Brown Derby

The entrance to the Hollywood Brown Derby

If you want a taste of old Hollywood while at Disney world be sure to reserve a table at The Hollywood Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios on your trip. We have had the pleasure of dining with them twice and it has now become a staple of our Disney vacations.

The Hollywood Brown Derby is a replica of well, the Hollywood Brown Derby in Hollywood California. This restaurant is a perfect place to dine when at Hollywood Studios since this park combines the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood with the sleek and flair of current Hollywood.

Caricatures of Old Hollywood’s Famous Celebrities

The interior is filled with browns, golds, shades of white and the restaurant has wall after wall of these caricatures of the Hollywood greats of yesteryear.

Once seated we were greeted with this beautiful display of gold glittery stars and complimentary champagne, it was our 1^st trip to Disney together and our one year wedding anniversary which I had added to our reservations in hopes of a little “pixie dust” and once again Disney did not disappoint!

      The extra “Pixie Dust” for our Anniversary Celebration

Do you see the Mickey?

This trip we tried the Andouille crusted shrimp and grits as a started and the filet with red wine reduction compound butter for our main course.  They were the best dishes I have had on Disney property. The shrimp was perfectly cooked and the grits were creamy and rich. The steak just melted in your mouth and the presentations were beautiful.

Andouille Crusted Shrimp and Grits

Chargrilled Filet with Red Wine Reduction Compound Butter

 The menus at Disney are always changing and evolving at Disney and they are always adding new amazing things to try. That being said I must say if these were a constant on the menu I may never pick anything else these were so good!

Having the Happiest 1^st Anniversary at the Happiest Place on Earth!

The Hollywood Brown Derby is classified as a Signature Dining restaurant which means it is a one of a kind, high end dining experience. The cost ranges from $$($15 to $34.99 per adult) for lunch-$$$($35 to $59.99 per adult) for dinner. If you are on the Disney Dining plan or the Deluxe Dining plan this restaurant is worth 2 credits. Reservations are recommended to be made at least 180 days in advance.

Tips or Tricks?

I highly recommend you have your travel planner mention any special even you are celebrating when they reserve your table. You never know what kind of magic awaits you!

Hubby being surprised with special Birthday dessert on our last trip!

Anything else?

The Hollywood Brown Derby is famous for their Cobb Salad and if you ask they will provide you with the recipe on these super cute little brown derby hats. They make a great FREE souvenir as well as the perfect prop for your photo ops!

Cobb Salad Recipe Card

Excited to try Disney’s The Hollywood Brown Derby?! Contact one of the Travel Time Travel Planners today to start booking your dream vacation.

 By Kris 

Kris@traveltimetravel.com

Let us make your vacation even easier!  We'll help you plan from the start and can advise you and handle your arrangements, including dining, fast passes, room requests, discount application, and celebrations.  We are the same price or less than if you book on your own, and you get us for FREE!  Have an expert on your side at zero cost to you and contact one of our agents today!

Club Villain at Disney's Hollywood Studios Park

The Club Villain at Disney's Hollywood Studios is a limited run club that features villiain-themed food, beverages, performances, a DJ, and four face-character villains (complete with detailed photo areas) that you can interact and take pictures with!

The hard to meet Villains, Maleficent, Queen of Hearts, Evil Queen (from Snow White) and Cruela De Vil and Dr. Facilier are your hosts for the evening.

The food theme is "New Orleans".  



















Adult beverages are on hand as well, including a couple of evil themed mixed cocktails, wine, beer and soda.

There are also quite a few "small bites" type of desserts to close out your meal. All food and beverages are "all you care to enjoy".  

  

Seating is "banquet style" which basically means most of the tables seat four and seating is prearranged. Large groups will be placed together.

Current pricing and booking information as of May 10, 2016:

Separate admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required, and is not included in the price of this package.

Tickets to Club Villain can be purchased for $129 per person, tax and gratuity included. Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 90 days in advance, either by booking online or by calling (407) 939-3463.

By Vikki

v.tonnessen@traveltimetravel.com

Let us make your vacation even easier!  We'll help you plan from the start and can advise you and handle your arrangements, including dining, fast passes, room requests, discount application, and celebrations.  We are the same price or less than if you book on your own, and you get us for FREE!  Have an expert on your side at zero cost to you and contact one of our agents today!

The Osborne Lights At Disney’s Hollywood Studios Are Done

The rumors are now true - Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights 2015 is the last year. Disney has announced that this will be the 20th and final year for the lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as construction begins on Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land expansions

Disney Blog: As you plan ahead, we also wanted you to know that this holiday season will mark the finale for The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. The display of lights has enjoyed a successful run at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, going all the way back to when it first appeared on Residential Street.

In order to prepare for some incredible experiences coming to the park, including the recently announced Toy Story Land and a Star Wars-themed land, we will not be able to present The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights in the future. Our heartfelt thanks go out to the family of Jennings Osborne for letting us share their family tradition year after year. And thank you to all of you for being part of the spectacle with us. Here’s to making more memories in this, the 20th and final year.

This announcement was made in preparation for two new offerings coming to the Osborne Lights for this final season.

Two more options for holiday fun at Walt Disney World Resort will soon be available to book: the Merry & Bright Dessert Party (Nov. 6-Dec. 30) and the Merry & Bright Dinner Reception (Jan. 1- 3), both overlooking The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

With the dessert party, guests will enjoy holiday-themed desserts while surrounded by the amazing light display. New for 2015 is a dinner reception Jan. 1 – 3, featuring a selection of small bites including beef, shrimp and turkey, plus wine, beer and specialty beverages. You’ll be able to book these experiences beginning Sept. 16,so be sure to check with our Travel Time Agents to help plan yours! www.traveltimetravel.com 

Disney Star Wars Jedi Mickey Character Dining

The family and I just returned from attending the opening day of the highly anticipated Star Wars character dining meal! If you’re a Star Wars fan, you’ll get it…but these are no ordinary Star Wars characters, they are our beloved fab five dressed in Star Wars garb! This makes them a little less scary for the younger crowd. (There is another dining option with Darth Vader and the gang but that it another blog entirely, lol)

Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine at Hollywood and Vine, wow that is a mouthful to say, but this was a great dining experience. So let’s dive right in!

When you arrive at Hollywood and Vine, get in line to check in, this dining event was a sell out when it was announced last month, so there will be people, lots of people!  They were running a little but behind so be prepared.  

After you enter the restaurant your first stop is a photo op with Ewok Chip and Dale.

After your picture, your photographer will hand you a special Photopass card just for the occasion: your picture with Chip & Dale is included in the cost of this experience.

After your mini adventure with Chip and Dale, you will be seated and provided with your ‘light saber’ this is a pivotal point which you will choose the dark side or the light side, lol. My youngest son chose both. 

This is a buffet style dinner, which means you’re able to set the pace of your meal and make sure you’re at your table when the characters come your way.  The food was VERY good, there was chicken, salmon, meatballs, shrimp, make your own pasta bar, potatoes, oh so much food, and all of it was DELICIOUS! The even had a lower food bar just for the kids, with chicken nuggets, mac n cheese, tater tots, and my son loved this because he got to do it all by himself, you mothers out there know that stage in their life, lol.

DESSERTS! There was not a shortage of sweets either, the desserts had their own buffet setting. One side was the DARK SIDE of the desserts, the other was the LIGHT SIDE…pssst my favorite was the dark side, yummy chocolate, Darth Vader cupcakes, R2D2 Cheesecake, Wookie Cookies!, a chocolate fountain, red devils cake, brownies, chocolate covered strawberries, the choices were endless…There was also blue ice cream (Aunt Beru’s Blue Milk Ice Cream, made with Tatooine’s famous Blue Milk, of course — just like Luke Skywalker used to drink! The flavor, by the way, was a tasty light blue raspberry, while regular vanilla and chocolate soft serve were also available.) trust me you will not be disappointed.

Now what you’ve been waiting for, the Characters!  They come around to your table so don’t worry about having to get up and run to the character and wait in a line, that is my favorite part, meeting the characters in a more relaxed pace, and not under pressure. This really was a great character dining experience, one of my new favorites!

The cost of this experience is $55.99 adults and $33.99 kids 3-9, or two table service credits for those on the Disney Dining Plan. The event does not accept Tables in Wonderland, and as of the debut night Disney Visa Cardholder discounts were honored (though blackout dates may be applied in the future — it’s best to check with your server upon arrival in case the discount continues to be honored).

By Travel Time Agent Heather

heather@travel--time.com