12/30 & 12/31 2019 Magic Kingdom Dessert Party Watch Thread - NOW BOOKABLE!!

[GADisneyDad14]

Let’s use this thread to keep tabs on the latest with the 12/30 & 12/31 dessert parties at Magic Kingdom.

Here’s what we know:

MK traditionally has four fireworks shows:

12/30 - 6:30pm & 11:50pm
12/31 - 6:30pm & 11:50pm

For 2017 & 2018, “Fantasy in the Sky” was the fireworks show for all four times.

In terms of dessert parties, the “Plaza Garden Viewing” and “Tomorrowland Terrace Viewing” parties are offered at each time slot (so, 8 total party options). There is no “After Party” dessert party version offered (typically) for 12/30 & 12/31.

As far as 12/30 & 12/31/2019... those dates recently became open in many people’s 180+10 ADR window. While the dates appear “blue” online, all shows currently indicate “no tables available.” No one has reported actually being able to book a spot, even those that were +10 out (if you have actually booked it, please let us know!)

So, these slots seemingly aren’t loaded yet... hence the topic of this thread. And now we wait!

Here are links to the reservation pages:

Plaza Garden Viewing: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/d...d-terrace-fireworks-dessert-party-plaza-view/

Tomorrowland Terrace Viewing: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/tomorrowland-terrace-fireworks-dessert-party/

Thanks all!

 

[Skywise]

T minus 14ish hours before my ADR slots open up

 

[ErinsMommy]

Curious although not related to the 12/30-12/31 dates. We booked the TT dessert party on Christmas Eve, is it expected that seating/table at the front will be first come first serve? Or its assigned in advance?

 

[Skywise]

Curious although not related to the 12/30-12/31 dates. We booked the TT dessert party on Christmas Eve, is it expected that seating/table at the front will be first come first serve? Or its assigned in advance?

At one time it was assigned tables (which I think were given "best to worst" based on how early you reserved) and I think that's still the case. Last time I went for the plaza garden and they gave us a seat with no view (as we were going to the garden later )

One thing would be nice is if they'll do a dessert party AFTER the fireworks this time.

 

[ErinsMommy]

At one time it was assigned tables (which I think were given "best to worst" based on how early you reserved) and I think that's still the case. Last time I went for the plaza garden and they gave us a seat with no view (as we were going to the garden later )

One thing would be nice is if they'll do a dessert party AFTER the fireworks this time.

Thank you - I'll be happy if they dont do a dessert party after the fireworks so we're not rushed out and can continue to relax.

 

[Lisa75]

Thank you for starting this!

 

[hereforthechurros]

Following. Do these sell out pretty quickly, historically speaking?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Following. Do these sell out pretty quickly, historically speaking?

The Tomorrowland Terrace ones tend to as the guest count is low. The Plaza Garden has more capacity so those take longer. The earlier shows seem to take longer too.

But last year things did fill up relatively quickly. Not sure if anyone was really following all 8 with any precision, but it 'feels' like it was somewhat quick.

 

[Lehuaann]

The Tomorrowland Terrace ones tend to as the guest count is low. The Plaza Garden has more capacity so those take longer. The earlier shows seem to take longer too.

But last year things did fill up relatively quickly. Not sure if anyone was really following all 8 with any precision, but it 'feels' like it was somewhat quick.

Thank you for starting this thread!

How is the view for Fantasy in the Sky from TT?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Is the view for Fantasy in the Sky ok from TT?

I have not personally watched the show from there, so hesitate to answer with any sort of authority. But having watched Fantasy in the Sky from the Garden two years in a row now, that's where you'll find me. I prefer the head-on viewing angle and being able to see the entire 180 degree horizon. You lose a bit of that with the TT because of the angle.

But let's be real... it's still going to be awesome and very uncrowded!

 

[Lehuaann]

I have not personally watched the show from there, so hesitate to answer with any sort of authority. But having watched Fantasy in the Sky from the Garden two years in a row now, that's where you'll find me. I prefer the head-on viewing angle and being able to see the entire 180 degree horizon. You lose a bit of that with the TT because of the angle.

But let's be real... it's still going to be awesome and very uncrowded!

I was leaning toward Garden, because I want a better view. Thank you!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

A pic from the Garden in 2017. With no projections, you can really just watch fireworks. It’s sort of old school.

 

[LLCM]

180 window opened up today for me and couldn't book the Dessert Party.....so yes the waiting begins...

 

[sdk1231]

Thank you for starting this thread!

How is the view for Fantasy in the Sky from TT?

I did the TT party on NYE in 2017. The view was great. Tables were not assigned. We showed up, got our wrist bands and were allowed to sit at whatever table we wanted. We found a table up against the railing and enjoyed the show (and having the TT bathroom to ourselves was awesome, because bathroom lines were like 45 min). We got hats/blowers and found it "fun". I loved being up out of the sheer madness of the MK's NYE crowd, which was beyond awful. (For the sake of comparison, we'd been to the MK on 12/30/2017 and had our most fun night ever.) Returning on 12/31, it was just ridiculous, made me instantly claustrophobic (and I'm not really claustrophobic). If I hadn't had the (early show) TT party, I would have immediately turned around and left. After the (early show) party, we left as fast as we could. So: 4 tickets to MK = approx $400. 4 tickets to TT Fireworks Dessert Party approx $280. Did seeing the fireworks from TT cost me about $700? YES, it did! What a total waste of money.

In 2018, we returned and watched from inside the park on 12/30 (again, super fun night) first from Frontierland and later from Main St railroad station area. Frontierland view is no view. You see high bursts and that's about it. My kids were riding rides during that showing, so we didn't care, but I'd avoid Frontierland if you want to see the show. Main Street area is great, obviously. The dance party in front of the Hub is fun and all of Main St has a fun vibe. We did NOT return to the MK on 12/31, having learned our lesson from the prior year. We watched from the Grand Floridian. We all agreed that the GF view was a real show-stopper. Best for the overall aspect, the full view of the show and the perimeter bursts, the "mirroring" of fireworks between the park and the lake. Totally awesome.

12/30 Nutshell: If going on 12/30, I personally would just watch from the park. The park has such a cool/fun vibe that night, I wouldn't waste time at a dessert party. If you really want to do the party, choose the Plaza Garden View, which have a better view of the perimeter bursts, which are (slightly) limited at TT (somewhat blocked by the roof of the TT).

12/31 Nutshell: MK is beyond horrible on 12/31. Don't go. If you must go, I personally would book the TT party is the way to go. Even in Plaza Garden, that sea of people would be all around you. I can't explain how much I was put off by the wall-to-wall crowd in the MK on 12/31. Not fun.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

The park has such a cool/fun vibe that night,

Great description on 12/30, in my opinion. It's like a fun party vibe without the total chaos of NYE. I find it hard to explain to people.

 

[sdk1231]

Great description on 12/30, in my opinion. It's like a fun party vibe without the total chaos of NYE. I find it hard to explain to people.

You are so right! I had read some descriptions of NYE prior to my trip in 2017, but being a veteran Disney-goer, I "poo-poo'd" them, thinking "with good planning, this should be okay!"... Boy, was I wrong! We did the early party on 12/31, had fastpasses for 7 Dwarfs and other good rides immediately afterward. But... after taking 30 min to shuffle/elbow our way up Main Street (goggling at the line for Starbucks that went all the way to the flagpole area!) and passing the TT area general bathroom (where people said they'd been in line for 45 minutes!) and overlooking the hellacious crowd from our perch at the TT party, we looked at one another and said "no way are we even going to attempt to get to 7 Dwarfs - screw this!" and left as fast as we could. And it wasn't just me. Even my teens were like "this is no fun, get us outta here!" Dec 30, on the other hand, is the most fun night ever at the MK.

 

[leebez10]

Following along!! Posted the same on another thread earlier today but I called up the UK dining reservation line as our 180+10 opened today and I was told that it's not available to be booked currently and that they were unsure when it would be available! I'm not keeping hopes up that we get a reservation but doing all I can to give us the best possible chance!!

 

[ebenmax]

Thank you for the detailed descriptions of 12/30 and 12/31 in MK! We, too, are veteran Disney goers but have never been during Christmas week. I’ve heard the horror stories but we have always wanted to “try” NYE in Disney.
We are definitely planning to hit MK on 12/30 vs. 12/31 but will also have our 2 yr. old DGS with us.
Are the crowds on 12/30 still a bit overwhelming for a family with a toddler & stroller? Our thought was to do the early dessert party to help have a bit tamer environment.
For those who have gone on 12/30, does this sound like the best option for our situation? The last thing I want for our DGS’s first visit is for him to be frightened. He’s not typically scared of much, but I guess I am hopeful the party helps control the atmosphere. There will be 6 adults and the 2 yr. old. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Also, thoughts on a park for actual NYE would be helpful. (The little one will not be with us for midnight fireworks.)

Thanks tons!

 

[Skywise]

The crowds on 12/30 are still going to be heavy but not crushingly so compared to 12/31. I think I might've had to take the back entrance to the dessert party last time I was there because main street was packed but it was still fairly maneuverable. The plaza garden viewing itself was perfectly fine (and worth the price of admission for the spots).
My game plan for the holiday travel is to lock down ADRs and then base my activities around them. That way you have a place to eat and can then balance your FPs around your eating. The resorts will be fairly empty during the days but more packed at night with the parks being the opposite (except for 12/30 and 12/31).
For 12/31 a few years back i did Animal Kingdom which tends to be the least visited park on NYE but was still pretty full. MK and Epcot will be almost impossible on 12/31 and Hollywood Studios to a lesser extent but more crowded than AK (as HS also does NYE fireworks)
For my NYE I've usually done 12/30 inside MK and then 12/31 outside MK (from the Contemporary or the Poly beach) to get both aspects. Lots of people suggest doing MK on 12/30 for their countdown and then Epcot for the actual countdown on NYE.

 

[ebenmax]

Is anyone permitted on the Poly Beach/GF/Contemp. on 12/31 or just those staying at the resort? TIA