Booking first dessert party...MK or Epcot?

[TropicalDIS]

Girlfriend & I are going to be booking our first ever dessert party. Trying to decide between the Frozen ever after party at Epcot or the Plaza viewing party at MK.

What would be more beneficial? Looking to hear all thoughts & opinions of which way we should go.

 

[Party.Of.4-NY>>>FL]

In my opinion it depends on what is more important to you.

Plaza Viewing @MK is $20 less per person than FEA @ Epcot so it would win on cost.

Plaza Viewing @MK also wins (IMHO) if you consider the value of the reserved viewing area. While the FEA party @ Epcot offers a good location, there are many good locations around World Showcase from which to watch Illuminations. (That’s not to say there aren’t any good Viewing locations in MK. Just not as many as compared to World Showcase IMHO.)

FEA @ Epcot would win (for me) on the food and beverage choices offered simply because they offer adult beverages.

FEA @ Epcot also comes with the added bonus of a ride on the FEA attraction in Norway after the party.

So basically........I’m no help.

 

[TropicalDIS]

In my opinion it depends on what is more important to you.

Plaza Viewing @MK is $20 less per person than FEA @Wpcot so it would win on cost.

Plaza Viewing @MK also wins (IMHO) if you consider the value of the reserved viewing area. While the FEA party @EPCOT offers a good location, there are many good locations around World Showcase from which to watch Illuminations. (That’s not to say there aren’t any good Viewing locations in MK. Just not as many as compared to World Showcase IMHO.)

FEA @ Epcot would win (for me) on the food and beverage choices offered simply because they offer adult beverages.

FEA @ Epcot also comes with the added bonus of a ride on the FEA attraction in Norway after the party.

So basically........I’m no help.

Haha, no way, any opinion & thoughts are most helpful.

So the desserts at FEA are better?

 

[FastPasser.]

So basically........I’m no help.

I disagree, I think you hit many, if not all, the points involved in making a decision. Below is what you brought up, good job.

What's important,
Cost difference
Convenience
Food choices
Adult beverages
Extras

 

[Party.Of.4-NY>>>FL]

Haha, no way, any opinion & thoughts are most helpful.

So the desserts at FEA are better?

I’ve never attended the FEA Dessert Party so I cant say specifically which desserts they offer.

I have been to both the Plaza @MK and the previous dessert party that was offered at Epcot called Illuminations Sparkling Dessert Party. Both were similar in that neither of them offered anything very different from the other. The only difference I can remember was the Illuminations Sparkling Dessert Party offered some hot food in addition to desserts. I wouldn’t count on this still being the case for the FEA Dessert Party though.

Here’s a link to the Disney website, which I’m sure you have already seen, that gives a description of the offerings at FEA:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/frozen-ever-after-sparkling-dessert-party/

 

[Party.Of.4-NY>>>FL]

I disagree, I think you hit many, if not all, the points involved in making a decision. Below is what you brought up, good job.

What's important,
Cost difference
Convenience
Food choices
Adult beverages
Extras

Thank you! That’s kind of you to say.

 

[22Tink]

We don't get to WDW often and couldn't pick only one so we're hoping to splurge and do both! I've got the HEA with Plaza Garden viewing booked and am anxiously waiting for them to open the March dates for the FEA one.

You definitely have to look at what holds more value for you. FEA is more expensive but has alcoholic drinks which bumps up the value for some people, and you get to ride FEA after Illuminations. My daughter has her heart set on this one if the dates work for us.
HEA is the MK fireworks show, and that was most important to my husband. He loves the fireworks. The Plaza view is fantastic! We viewed the fireworks from there on our last trip when you could get a FP.

I'm sure you'll love whichever one you choose!

 

[TropicalDIS]

I’ve never attended the FEA Dessert Party so I cant say specifically which desserts they offer.

I have been to both the Plaza @MK and the previous dessert party that was offered at Epcot called Illuminations Sparkling Dessert Party. Both were similar in that neither of them offered anything very different from the other. The only difference I can remember was the Illuminations Sparkling Dessert Party offered some hot food in addition to desserts. I wouldn’t count on this still being the case for the FEA Dessert Party though.

Here’s a link to the Disney website, which I’m sure you have already seen, that gives a description of the offerings at FEA:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/frozen-ever-after-sparkling-dessert-party/

Thanks again, i did have a look at that.

The plaza viewing area at MK is certainly a big factor.

Do the dessert parties typically sell out?

 

[TropicalDIS]

We don't get to WDW often and couldn't pick only one so we're hoping to splurge and do both! I've got the HEA with Plaza Garden viewing booked and am anxiously waiting for them to open the March dates for the FEA one.

You definitely have to look at what holds more value for you. FEA is more expensive but has alcoholic drinks which bumps up the value for some people, and you get to ride FEA after Illuminations. My daughter has her heart set on this one if the dates work for us.
HEA is the MK fireworks show, and that was most important to my husband. He loves the fireworks. The Plaza view is fantastic! We viewed the fireworks from there on our last trip when you could get a FP.

I'm sure you'll love whichever one you choose!

Your enthusiasm has me wanting to just book both right now!!!

Another positive review for the Plaza viewing area makes it very tempting indeed.

Something about being able to ride Frozen while people are leaving the park is also enticing.

Thanks for the great post!

 

[FastPasser.]

I’ve never attended the FEA Dessert Party

Me either, but I'm there 3 or 4 times a month.

IMO, the thing that stands out about the FEA party is the overall party experience. Because tables are preassigned, guests can arrive at any time knowing that they have a table. The setting and ambiance lagoon side is very relaxing. And for some, the unlimited beer and wine can be a plus. Oh, of course the CMs are the best.

 

[Party.Of.4-NY>>>FL]

Do the dessert parties typically sell out?

Yes, yes they do.

 

[Party.Of.4-NY>>>FL]

Oh, of course the CMs are the best.

IIRC, you’re a CM. Right? I don’t know if you’ve ever shared exactly where/which park though. I can’t help but wonder if you’re tipping your hand just a little with this one. Careful! I can almost see your cards!

 

[FastPasser.]

IIRC, you’re a CM. Right? I don’t know if you’ve ever shared exactly where/which park though. I can’t help but wonder if you’re tipping your just a little with this one. Careful! I can almost see your cards!

Not tipping my hand and I have not shared my location because it's not possible. I'm a global CM and can be at any of the 4 parks, Disney resorts, WWOS, water parks, BW or Disney Springs. Kinda like a needle in the haystack.

 

[Dr.Mickey]

It's hard to top Party-of-4's post above. Very well described.

For me, I'll add that one of the perks of an event like a dessert party (aside from the obvious dessert), is trading a premium experience for an annoying or aggravating experience. For me, the choice would be a no-brainer. I love MK fireworks, but I hate finding a spot in the mass of humanity. Having a reserved spot is way to eliminate an annoying experience.

If you have your heart set on riding FEA, but you can't get a FP, then you will avoid the huge aggravation of the running of the bulls (rope drop) or waiting in line for the slowest loading ride Disney has ever created.

 

[Party.Of.4-NY>>>FL]

Not tipping my hand and I have not shared my location because it's not possible. I'm a global CM and can be at any of the 4 parks, Disney resorts, WWOS, water parks, BW or Disney Springs. Kinda like a needle in the haystack.

Never knew there was such a CM. Learn something new every day! Thanks!

 

[Dr.Mickey]

Not tipping my hand and I have not shared my location because it's not possible. I'm a global CM and can be at any of the 4 parks, Disney resorts, WWOS, water parks, BW or Disney Springs. Kinda like a needle in the haystack.

Is that you, Joe Rhode? I always suspected you got your big ideas from the Disboards

 

[FastPasser.]

Never knew there was such a CM. Learn something new every day! Thanks!

There are several hundred of them and yet they go pretty much unnoticed. Often they wear the costumes of the area they're working in so they blend in. The JBJB, SW and MVMCP parties being some examples.

Is that you, Joe Rhode? I always suspected you got your big ideas from the Disboards

The earring conflicts with the Disney Look.

 

[Party.Of.4-NY>>>FL]

There are several hundred of them and yet they go pretty much unnoticed. Often they wear the costumes of the area they're working in so they blend in. The JBJB, SW and MVMCP parties being some examples.

Well then, on behalf of my entire family I would like to say.........Thank you! And keep up the good work!

 

[TropicalDIS]

Me either, but I'm there 3 or 4 times a month.

IMO, the thing that stands out about the FEA party is the overall party experience. Because tables are preassigned, guests can arrive at any time knowing that they have a table. The setting and ambiance lagoon side is very relaxing. And for some, the unlimited beer and wine can be a plus. Oh, of course the CMs are the best.

Thank you!!! Aargh tempted to do both now!

 

[TropicalDIS]

It's hard to top Party-of-4's post above. Very well described.

For me, I'll add that one of the perks of an event like a dessert party (aside from the obvious dessert), is trading a premium experience for an annoying or aggravating experience. For me, the choice would be a no-brainer. I love MK fireworks, but I hate finding a spot in the mass of humanity. Having a reserved spot is way to eliminate an annoying experience.

If you have your heart set on riding FEA, but you can't get a FP, then you will avoid the huge aggravation of the running of the bulls (rope drop) or waiting in line for the slowest loading ride Disney has ever created.

Seems to be a common theme for the MK party. Think I'm going to book that one for sure.
Do have fastpasses for Frozen. Going to think about that one for a bit