Somewhat disappointed with PFTS tonight. This is our 6th consecutive year. This year was it as enjoyable. First, it seemed that Cirque du Soleil was band/ singer heavy and performance light. I remember three performance sets with band in between. I think there was one tonight and mostly a nd. They were good. It missed the acrobatic performances. Second, they ruined the cocktail party with all the paid, reserved seating. There were far fewer high tops for leaning and socializing. Probably only about 20 total. Space taken up with stupid tables/ chairs. Reunited the flow and the socializing. Thirs, there was no food I loved and wanted more of. It was good but nothing spectacular. Finally, wines were almost exclusively from CA. Not my preference and there was little variety.
I'll chalk it up to a night that didn't meet our individual preferences input will do a full review after next Saturday's party. I am feeling like it wasn't quite up to stuff this year but willing to try next weeks before I give a full assessment.
Some valid points, but I disagree overall. For us, it was the best PFTS out of the 5 we have been to. One of the biggest reasons it was so great- we had enough after 4 years and finally did it- we went with: RESERVED SEATING
We suffered through the same gripes you had for 4 years. The pre-curtain pull squish. The curtain pull stampede. And the jockeying for position to try to find a high top. We decided that last year would be the last of general admission for us. If we couldn't get reserved this year we wouldn't go.
Getting in 20 minutes before the curtain drop and having your own reserved table was priceless. So much more relaxed. Having 20 minutes to scope out the room and calmly grab a few things before the onslaught was amazing. Being able to wander around knowing we would have a chair and table waiting for us was fantastic.
Sorry if this all comes accross as stuck up and elitist, but they are just the facts. Can someone still have a great time with general admission? ABSOLUTELY! Despite our gripes each year, the food, ambiance and entertainment was still amazing. Nothing wrong with doing general admission- just know what you are in for.
As far as the food and entertainment from Saturday, it might just be the reserved seating talking, but we absolutely loved it.
Four of us go each year and we all voted the food this year the best of the last 5 years. I'm not a big venison eater, but the venison plate was simply amazing. That was our #2 favorite.
What was the #1 favorite? Well, usually you can tell the crowd favorite by watching which station gets the longest line throughout the night. There was one plate that had the longest line by far.. and for good reason! The most popular food of Saturday night.. and our overwhelming favorite...
(drumroll!)
The Bison Burger Sliders!
I've never had bison in my life and almost cringed at the the thought, but this was the juciest tastiest burger I have ever had. Very flavorful. Very, very surprising!
Of the 15 or so main dishes we tried, we only disliked one: The meat-free meatballs. Tasted gross.
The desserts were also very, very good. Those chocolates were amazing, and they had some very nice pastries and an amazing caramel custard/tart thing.
There were plenty of drinks to choose from. Some great wines. My new surprising favorite- Grapefruit Beer! Never had it before and we loved it!
As far as entertainment, I agree that the Cirque music is getting a little stale. It's getting to the point where we can sing along with the French Cirque music from memory! That said- it's still pretty cool.
We ablsolutely love the trampline "walking up the wall" thing. They do it every year and it never gets old.
The other acrobat stuff was just ok. I'm torn between wanting PFTS to stay with the Cirque theme or try somehting new sometime.
Overall we rated the Saturday PFTS as our best experience of the 5 we attended.
Bravo Disney!
Glad to hear about this year's food. They had bison, venison, and ostrich several years ago that were surprisingly amazing! Can't wait to try this years selection. 
