Just read a horrible review of Fireworks Dessert Party from last week-keep or cancel?

[Schmoodle]

I was there, exactly one week ago in fact, sigh.
I caught a cold while at WDW and this was the day I was feeling the worst actually, so I can't review the dessert selection very well. I had a $28 cup of tea and a plate of fruit. I did notice the buffet was very crowded at first, but then completely empty, and they kept it stocked up 'til the end.

I'm not sorry we did it. I love Wishes and hate fighting the crowds, so it was worth it for the relaxed viewing. The way I was feeling, we probably wouldn't have seen it at all if not for the Dessert party. My kids hadn't seen the Magic, Memories, etc. castle show, and they thought it was amazing.

I can't imagine why anyone would swap out name cards, since it doesn't matter where you sit, and nobody can really watch the show from their table. I don't think you'll regret it.

 

[patrickpiteo]

We went last year and got a horrible table. I booked it the morning reservations opened.
We were sat behind a big column and couldn't see the castle AT ALL. The CMs wouldn't let us move OR move our table.

I was really mad because I was so excited to look at the castle while enjoying my dessert. Instead we stared at a white column. We were told "no one sits during the fireworks any way". But the fireworks were only half the draw.

Never again.

Why didnt you get up and go to the rail when the fireworks started? That's what we did last year..
Great view as Tink flew overhead.

 

[CarrieR]

I think the thing with the dessert party is that your reception will vary based upon your expectations. For me, I do not handle crowds well - at all. I can walk through them for a limited time, but standing in a crowd for a long time - no. I also do not wait well. When you add waiting in a packed crowd, I tend to inexplicably melt down, which is no fun for anyone. We usually end up watching Wishes from Fantasyland, which is fine by me, but I feel bad for my friends. I wanted them to be able to see it from the front, so I booked the party for them in July of '11. They loved it so much that we did it for the NYE Fireworks (actually on Dec 30) in '11. We will be doing it again for NYE this year.

If you think you'll be eating $25 of gourmet desserts, you will be sorely disappointed. For me, it's a low-crowd area from which to watch Wishes, with seats and snacks, and something to do while waiting for Wishes to start. It keeps me un-cranky, and therefore my friends happy, so it's worth every penny. I don't expect some grand VIP experience, just a managed crowd and snacks, lol, so it works out well. I can see where if it is "sold" as something else, it could definitely seem overpriced and disappointing.

 

[RedStars]

Why didnt you get up and go to the rail when the fireworks started? That's what we did last year..
Great view as Tink flew overhead.

We did. But we ate our desserts stating at a column. :/

 

[AuroraRora]

We did. But we ate our desserts stating at a column. :/

I can understand why you'd be upset at that. I really enjoyed eating and looking at the castle, and partly at MSEP as it went by, so I'd have been a bit disappointed too.

 

[WeddingPrincess]

We did it a week ago Sunday - park was packed so it was very nice to have our own semi-private viewing area, and a real treat to have Tink fly right at us. Think of it as a pleasant albeit expensive way to have VIP viewing of the fireworks away from the hoards, with dessert and coffee thrown in, and you'll enjoy it. Wait for the initial crush of kids to die down before going up for your goodies and you'll have no problems. I got a "you did good" from the wife and 17yo daughter when we went (after putting up with a bunch of griping about the expense), so for me it was money well spent.

@jhorstma, this is totally off topic but since you mentioned Tink flying by I thought you might know. We all know how Tink used to come down the cable from the castle. I had someone tell me that went recently she doesn't do that anymore. They said she still flies over but she has on some kind of a jet pack. Did you happen to notice how she was "flying" when you saw her??

 

[pmaurer74]

We did not have a good experience but many people love it. Our DD slept the entire time = wasted money but that was not their fault and we had a great table. Our experience would have been better if we had gotten there early as we were the last to get in. The line was long and people were hoarding the food. The poor servers had a tough time keeping up and they did run out of a lot of desserts. It was like feeding time for the animals. So it was people's behavior that was offsetting. That being said.... get there early that could make all the difference.

 

[patrickpiteo]

@jhorstma, this is totally off topic but since you mentioned Tink flying by I thought you might know. We all know how Tink used to come down the cable from the castle. I had someone tell me that went recently she doesn't do that anymore. They said she still flies over but she has on some kind of a jet pack. Did you happen to notice how she was "flying" when you saw her??

Last aug I saw no jet pack

 

[North of Mouse]

If you want to try it, I say stick with your ressies - that is the only way you'll know if it's for you!

As for us, no way! If you have to stand anyway, we'd much rather stand where we at least can actually 'see' 'all' the fireworks. The ceiling is not high enough to see them all, even at the railing, so not worth it to us - to each their own. The crowds don't bother us - we're too busy enjoying the show.

 

[bdink921]

We went last night and had a great time. The fireworks were awesome as was the castle show and the kids had a nice unobstructed and uncrowded view of everything. We headed into Tomorrowland afterward for Buzz and the Laugh Floor before we left. For us it was totally worth it.

BTW Tink flew on her cable -- no jet pack

 

[patrickpiteo]

We went last ought and had a great time. The fireworks were awesome as was the castle show and the kids had a nice un obstructed and uncrowned view of ever tithing. We headed into Tomorrowland after ward for Buzz and the Laugh Floor before we left. For us it was totally worth it.

BTW Tink flew on her cable -- no jet pack

Right over our heads made you have a tear in my eye... Worth doing it once just for that

 

[bluejasmine]

We went last night and had a great time. The fireworks were awesome as was the castle show and the kids had a nice unobstructed and uncrowded view of everything. We headed into Tomorrowland afterward for Buzz and the Laugh Floor before we left. For us it was totally worth it.

BTW Tink flew on her cable -- no jet pack

No jet pack that's funny... She didn't have a beard tho right? Lmao!

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[Mommytink]

We went with a large party last Wednesday and I was not impressed. They ran out of desserts quickly and did not have enough cups for everyone. My nephew found a hair baked into his food! It may have gotten an off night as it seemed very disorganized. We prefer Pirate and Pals Firework Voyage.

 

[AmberHeartsDisney]

We have done the dessert party many times and have never had no issue. I go and see for your self, I think its worth it at least once.

 

[bdink921]

No jet pack that's funny... She didn't have a beard tho right? Lmao!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

LOL no beard but it def looked like a guy's physique. I found that pretty amusing

We went with a large party last Wednesday and I was not impressed. They ran out of desserts quickly and did not have enough cups for everyone. My nephew found a hair baked into his food! It may have gotten an off night as it seemed very disorganized. We prefer Pirate and Pals Firework Voyage.

So funny how different people's experience can differ. I went in with expectations of a decent view for fireworks but mediocre dessert experience. While the desserts were not the best I have ever had, they were very good and the event seemed well organized. Maybe different staff on different nights? Must have been an off night. Sorry to hear that.

 

[jhorstma]

@jhorstma, this is totally off topic but since you mentioned Tink flying by I thought you might know. We all know how Tink used to come down the cable from the castle. I had someone tell me that went recently she doesn't do that anymore. They said she still flies over but she has on some kind of a jet pack. Did you happen to notice how she was "flying" when you saw her??

She was on the cable. Jet pack would've been wicked cool, but perhaps a bit out of character...

 

[WeddingPrincess]

She was on the cable. Jet pack would've been wicked cool, but perhaps a bit out of character...

"a bit out of character..."

Thanks for confirming s(he's) still on the cable. Whew, I was getting a little concerned. I know Disney is trying to go high tech and all but that might be a bit much. It's Tink, not Ironman.

 

[delmar411]

LOL no beard but it def looked like a guy's physique. I found that pretty amusing

So funny how different people's experience can differ. I went in with expectations of a decent view for fireworks but mediocre dessert experience. While the desserts were not the best I have ever had, they were very good and the event seemed well organized. Maybe different staff on different nights? Must have been an off night. Sorry to hear that.

Tink is a girl. Actually she's one of 3 girls. No guys, sorry.

 

[scjo68]

We have done the dessert party 5 times.

We enjoy it but I know it's not to everyone's taste.

I see lots of posters raving about seeing Tink so closely. I agree it's great, but exited to remind everyone that she does not always fly. If the weather is questionable at all, then she died it fly. Out of our five parties, we have only seen her fly twice. Our chances are likely diminished since we have always been in August, when evening weather is frequently wet. Anyway,we are used to it now, but I advise parents not to emphasize looking for Tink with their kids too much.

We were just at the party last Sunday, the 18th, and there was a huge storm. Msep was cancelled, and wishes was delayed. The power flickered where we were, and I read online that guests were stranded in tomorrowland attractions and the monorail. They were being evacuated all over and it sounded like a real mess. We were very thankful to be where we were, dry, seated, enjoying desserts and coffee, and the view.

 

[WildabouttheMouse]

The last time we did it, it was so bad that they actually refunded our money afterwards. The original party was great. I have no idea why they decided to change things up but it was a terrible decision.

Many ppl love it though so it really has to do with expectations/attitude and the type of experience you are looking for.

But if you go to the restaurants board you can find a TON of positive reviews and the thread showing how many ppl are just waiting for bookings to open up. So there is no shortage of ppl wanting to throw money at Disney for this party. LOL

Eat- we've done the party 4x, 2x in the original style and 2x in the current style.

I have to say I agree, we first went to the DP about 3 years ago and we really enjoyed it. We went again this past June and it had changed. Very small congested area to get to the food, there was one family there who kept sending their small children to cut through the lines in front of people to bring back food that the parents placed in zip lock bags their table was heaped with deserts. They had their children literally grabbing the deserts. It was awful. In my opinion not worth the money. We should have considered asking for our money back.