2015 Illuminations Sparkling Dessert Party - Recent Reviews?

[pixarmom]

We're long-time fans of Illuminations and always appreciate a special event opportunity, so we booked the dessert party in March. We've read all the negative reviews, and we've been to the Wishes dessert party, so we understand how they are different and I think we know what to expect.

We enjoy desserts, and it's fun to try bite-sized portions, but we're not going to eat anything near the value of the parties - it's more for the experience. In fact, our 15-year-old noted after the Wishes party that he would rather see fewer really good desserts than the zillion average desserts served at the Wishes party.

For Wishes, we had an outstanding table, but only sat there for maybe 15 minutes before/during the castle projection show and then stood for the fireworks. So standing doesn't bother us. In fact, we have chEAR squad blankets from runDisney events, and I was thinking of setting up one in a corner for our youngest son in case he didn't care to stand the whole time.

So in the interest of managing expectations, I'd love to see more recent reviews! Also wondering if they still serve the Mickey bars (I know that would be a hit for our youngest) and whether the donuts are still available (our oldest thought those looked great.)

Thanks!

 

[glasslipper]

Interested in this info as well!

 

[For]

We're long-time fans of Illuminations and always appreciate a special event opportunity, so we booked the dessert party in March. We've read all the negative reviews, and we've been to the Wishes dessert party, so we understand how they are different and I think we know what to expect.

We enjoy desserts, and it's fun to try bite-sized portions, but we're not going to eat anything near the value of the parties - it's more for the experience. In fact, our 15-year-old noted after the Wishes party that he would rather see fewer really good desserts than the zillion average desserts served at the Wishes party.

For Wishes, we had an outstanding table, but only sat there for maybe 15 minutes before/during the castle projection show and then stood for the fireworks. So standing doesn't bother us. In fact, we have chEAR squad blankets from runDisney events, and I was thinking of setting up one in a corner for our youngest son in case he didn't care to stand the whole time.

So in the interest of managing expectations, I'd love to see more recent reviews! Also wondering if they still serve the Mickey bars (I know that would be a hit for our youngest) and whether the donuts are still available (our oldest thought those looked great.)

Thanks!

We attended the dessert party in September 2014. It was wonderful! We are looking to book for September 2015 but are having difficulty getting a reservation. They don't seem to be available. Anyone know when the reservation window opens?

 

[drp4video]

Not a review, just a comment:

Seems pricy if you don't drink, especially when a teenager has to pay the full price. Perhaps they should have two tiered pricing for those who don't or can't drink alcohol. I have never done the party and probably won't as for years we have always stopped in France, buying a variety of pastries, then finding a spot to sit to wait for Illuminations, and having our own dessert party while we wait.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

I wish they would include seating and make it assigned seating. With a big party it is hard to get tables together.

It is pricey and not usually worth it for us, but, we are traveling with party of 11 and during a crowded time of year and I'll be done with elbow to elbow crowds by 9 PM. I also don't like to take up park time jostling for a decent spot.

 

[AngiTN]

Realizing this is a post from a year ago I'll add my comments anyway

We did the Dessert party in Aug and again in Oct (with our F&W package)
We loved it and we are not fans of the Wishes Dessert Party.
Yes the tables are standing tables but there are a few around that afford a place to sit on the walls in the area.

The desserts were wonderful. We felt better than those served at Wishes.
Adult beverages are a huge bonus.

I would pay to do this event again but I do not ever see me paying to do the Wishes one again, unless they relocate it.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Realizing this is a post from a year ago I'll add my comments anyway

.

Too funny because I DID NOT realize this was a year old! Read the Jan 18 2015 and this year. By the end of February I be living in 2016.

 

[d-train]

I did the party on spring break last year. I was probably 30 people back in the line, got a table right by the front rail in center. Loved the placement I snagged. Some wer stuck behind trees, etc... The desserts were all enjoyable, drinks were good, and CMs freely made them stronger for me when I asked it was a costly price, but since it was just me joining the event, while the rest were running around, why not... Well worth avoiding the insanity of the Illuminations crowd and waiting, then still jockeying for a spot, and managing the after crowd...Oy! So nice to be out of all of that. It was also very interesting watching the crowd build as time got closer to the show starting! I wish it was offered more nights during the week. We would do it on our June trip this year, just not offered on our two Epcot days... Oh well, maybe next time!

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Keep checking for June. If it looks busy they may add more days when you will be there.

 

[pixarmom]

I clicked on this thread not knowing that it's my thread from last year! Just to update, we absolutely loved the Illuminations Dessert Party. The atmosphere was fun and festive, the desserts were far higher quality than we experienced at Wishes and the overall vibe was friendly. While it may not be dollar-for-dollar "worth it" because we certainly didn't consume enough desserts for that, and we realize that we often find other great places to watch Illuminations, this was a fantastic special event and we really enjoyed it. As expected, the standing tables didn't bother us at all. Our youngest took a seat on the curb when he grew tired, but he spent most of the time dancing with a new friend. As of last March, they didn't serve Mickey bars.