Walt Disney World offers a variety of paid dining, dessert, and viewing parties that can enhance guests’ enjoyment of fireworks and nighttime spectaculars. But there’s one experience most guests don’t know about because it’s exclusively available to Disney Vacation Club Members.

We can all agree that fireworks are a magical way to end a Disney day. For some fans, it’s not a Disney day until the sky lights up over Cinderella Castle or Spaceship Earth. In theory, there shouldn’t be a shortage of places to watch these nighttime spectaculars; for the most part, if you simply look up, you’ll be able to see the show. But over the years, fireworks viewing areas have become increasingly popular and crowded, and Disney has introduced a number of experiences that provide premium viewing options.

Disney World Fireworks Parties

I’ve done them all. Tomorrowland Terrace and Plaza Gardens offer great viewing areas at Magic Kingdom, while boats on Seven Seas Lagoon provide a completely different vantage point. At EPCOT, terraces around World Showcase Lagoon are used for everything from dessert parties to private events, and several restaurants offer waterfront dining with a show.

Photo by Danny Shuster

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, I’ve done Fantasmic! dining packages with reserved seating, private dessert parties on dedicated viewing platforms, and reserved fireworks viewing near the Chinese Theatre. All of these experiences can be nice for a special occasion, but none of them are perfect. You still typically need to arrive early and wait around—often without a seat—and if food is included, it usually consists mainly of desserts, which are less appealing to savory snack lovers like us.

You can find our complete guide to Disney World dessert parties here.

But there was one party I had yet to check off my bucket list, and this summer I finally had the chance to experience it. Spoiler alert: I think it’s the best fireworks party at Disney World.

Wicked Wind Down at Top of the World Lounge

Top of the World Lounge is located on the 16th floor of Bay Lake Tower, a Disney Vacation Club property connected to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. You can only access the lounge if you’re a Disney Vacation Club Member or the guest of one, and reservations can be difficult to secure.

Photo by Danny Shuster

On nights when Magic Kingdom presents fireworks, a special package called Wicked Wind Down is available. It costs just $55 per person, compared to other Disney World fireworks experiences that can cost double or even triple that amount. Here’s why I think it’s the best-value fireworks party at Disney World.

A Comfortable Place to Wait for the Fireworks

First, there’s the venue. Top of the World Lounge is an elegant, modern space with comfortable seating and plenty of windows. You’re seated with your party as you would be at a restaurant, so you don’t have to fight for space. You can relax and enjoy the stunning views for 60 to 90 minutes before the fireworks begin.

You can also remain comfortably seated in the air conditioning until a gentle chime alerts you that the show is about to start. I’ve never experienced that at another Disney World fireworks party.

A Unique View of Magic Kingdom Fireworks

Then there’s the viewing deck. Before and after sunset, it offers sweeping views of Magic Kingdom and the surrounding resorts—a photographer’s or Instagrammer’s dream. The area is spacious enough for everyone to see comfortably, and there are even benches for guests who may need one.

Photo by Danny Shuster

The deck wraps around the top floor, but a special area is sectioned off for Wicked Wind Down guests. This separates them from the larger group of Disney Vacation Club Members who secured viewing-only reservations. You can find details about both options here.

From this vantage point, you’ll see Happily Ever After in an entirely new way, perched high above Magic Kingdom. It’s stunning.

Drinks Included With Wicked Wind Down

Last but certainly not least is the menu. I can be a harsh critic when it comes to food and drinks, but believe me when I say that what we tried genuinely shocked me. Wicked Wind Down admission includes one appetizer, one dessert, and one drink from a special menu.

There were Wicked Wines and Bubbling Brews to choose from, but we opted for the Crafted Concoctions, which included six alcoholic and two nonalcoholic choices. Our server, Philip, guided us toward two perfect drinks: the refreshing Tower Trap, made with gin, Chartreuse, honey, tea, cucumber, and lime, and the Man in the Forest, an aromatic blend of bourbon, sweet vermouth, Madeira, spices, and bitters. Both were handcrafted, beautifully presented, and thoroughly enjoyable.

Fiendish Fare Appetizers

For our Fiendish Fare appetizers, we considered flatbread, shrimp, sliders, and even a giant pretzel, but we ultimately settled on two more elegant dishes.

Photo by Danny Shuster

The Lair-Made Hummus was silky smooth and full of flavor, garnished with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives and served with three types of bread for dipping. The Empress’ Charcuterie Board included prosciutto and salami alongside crostini, lavash, Luxardo cherries, olives, honeycomb, and a trio of cheeses: goat cheddar, blue cheese, and the award-winning Barely Buzzed—one of my favorite cheeses of all time, rubbed with lavender and espresso.

The menu doesn’t list the specific cheeses, so your experience may vary, but I was over the moon that night. Believe me when I say we could have made a light meal out of these dishes because the portions were so generous.

The Seven-Lair Cake

At the end of the night, we enjoyed a slice of Seven-Lair Cake, a moist, chocolatey—but not overly sweet—dessert featuring layers of cake, mousse, ganache, and frosting, all served alongside a sinfully good salted caramel sauce.

We had Philip pack it up so we could enjoy it as a bedtime snack in our Disney Vacation Club cabin, and it was perfection.

The Best-Value Fireworks Party at Walt Disney World

I know this may be controversial, but I truly believe Wicked Wind Down is the best-value dessert party or fireworks experience at Disney World. For $55, you receive a drink, appetizer, and slice of cake that could easily cost close to $50 elsewhere on property. On top of that, you get a unique view of the fireworks without the usual crowds, plus air conditioning and a comfortable seat.

Photo by Danny Shuster

The secret’s out: Wicked Wind Down is the winner. The only catch is that you need to be a Disney Vacation Club Member or the guest of one. By that logic, it may not be quite as accessible as Disney’s other fireworks parties, but for anyone who is already part of Disney Vacation Club, this is a must-do experience.

Thank you to Disney for hosting us during a three-night Disney Vacation Club Membership Magic stay.