California Grill, Fireworks dessert party at Tomorrowland Terrace, and Illuminations sparkling party

[halfmonkey]

Sorry for the not very clear title but I didn't know how else to try to convey my message so I thought putting the main subject of the question in the title was best.

We're going to WDW in a couple of months and we're going into Epcot on the second day and the Magic Kingdom on the 3rd and 4th day. I just booked the Star Wars Galactic Spectacular dessert party for Hollywood Studios which we're going into on the first day. This will be our first time to WDW and probably won't be back anytime soon if ever so just trying to make sure we do what we really want to do especially if it's not available in Disneyland.

We're a party of 6. Youngest is dd4.

I'm currently looking at maybe booking the dessert party for Illuminations. I don't have is as one of my selections for fastpass+ so curious to know if those that have done the dessert party thought the price was worth it? Is it a sit down or stand up viewing? How's the viewing area? Do you have a clear view?

Regarding the fireworks show at MK, if you've done the dessert package, I'd like to hear your feedback. I found out that the California Grill also has a great view of the fireworks show but it is off property. Has anybody dined at California Grill and viewed the fireworks from there? It seems to be a little bit of a better deal since the money I'll be paying for the dessert party package would be going towards a dinner instead. If you've been to both or either, I'd like to hear your feedback.

Also, if you have any pictures of your view from any of the locations/packages, please post them.

 

[Barbydoll8]

I have only done the MK dessert party back when it was half the price (4 years ago?). It was worth it then but I wouldn't pay for it now.
For the money I would probably do CG and stay for the fireworks there. JMHO but I don't think the party is worth the money they are charging now for it.
As far as Epcot's party, I believe others have posted that it's standing only.
I have heard from a coworker that did the SWGS that she thought it was worth it compared to the others. I have not done that one but it does get fairly good reviews.

 

[maxiesmom]

I've done the dessert party at MK and seen the fireworks from the California Grill. And I'd much rather see them from the California Grill. The desserts at the party are ok, but they taste like something you buy at a grocery store. Not excellent, not even what I would consider very good. A meal at the California Grill is very good! I'd much rather pay that much money and have a steak and some wine, plus an excellent dessert. And the view of the fireworks is great too.

 

[No.1000]

I loved the fireworks from California Grill, however, if it was my first time seeing them, I would want to be in the park. The magic and excitement is part of the thrill, plus Tinkerbell's flight. Sorry-I have never done a dessert party, so no advice there.

 

[Jacova]

We just got back and did both the SWGS dessert party and the California Grill. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures of SWGS - but it was awesome and one of the highlights of the trip. We really enjoyed the fireworks from the California Grill. The dinner was wonderful and it's nice to be able to view the fireworks without standing in a crowd. Also the night we were there it was very cold at night - but you may not have that issue. I do tend to agree with the poster above - there is nothing like witnessing Wishes from Main Street. So if you've never seen them, and maybe never will again, you might want to consider staying in the park. Or maybe doing both.

This is the best pic I got of the view (I'm more of an experience person than photo person) - but feel free to ask any questions!

 

[pooh2001]

We loved CG
You can get a kid sized portion for your 4 year old
Just ask
If you do an early dinner (6 pm) you can go back into the CR and look at the shops and walk around with your 4 year old
Then show your receipt and you can take the elevator back up to the CG to see the fireworks. The CG pipes in the music too

You should be ready for an expensive meal at CG
But worth very penny.

 

[halfmonkey]

We loved CG
You can get a kid sized portion for your 4 year old
Just ask
If you do an early dinner (6 pm) you can go back into the CR and look at the shops and walk around with your 4 year old
Then show your receipt and you can take the elevator back up to the CG to see the fireworks. The CG pipes in the music too

You should be ready for an expensive meal at CG
But worth very penny.

So after much discussion at home with the boss (wife), we decided not to do the fireworks package. Our reasoning was many fold and I'll share them here in case they help someone else that may be on the fence.

So first off, going to Disney anything is expensive. We're going to WDW for 5 days and then a 7 night Fantasy cruise so we're already bleeding. We do have annual passes to DLR/DCA and we've seen the 60th anniversary fireworks and liked them. We're big Star Wars fans and we did book that Spectacular Dessert package because we don't have a Star Wars themed fireworks show with Star Wars themed dessert package at DLR. With that being said, we just couldn't justify another almost $400 for a fireworks dessert party. CG would be even more for 6 of us and it was just too expensive for something that doesn't "feel special" enough to justify the cost. Thanks for all of the input but we're going to pass on the fireworks package.

 

[Floridatinaherb]

So after much discussion at home with the boss (wife), we decided not to do the fireworks package. Our reasoning was many fold and I'll share them here in case they help someone else that may be on the fence.

So first off, going to Disney anything is expensive. We're going to WDW for 5 days and then a 7 night Fantasy cruise so we're already bleeding. We do have annual passes to DLR/DCA and we've seen the 60th anniversary fireworks and liked them. We're big Star Wars fans and we did book that Spectacular Dessert package because we don't have a Star Wars themed fireworks show with Star Wars themed dessert package at DLR. With that being said, we just couldn't justify another almost $400 for a fireworks dessert party. CG would be even more for 6 of us and it was just too expensive for something that doesn't "feel special" enough to justify the cost. Thanks for all of the input but we're going to pass on the fireworks package.

I literally just had the same conversation with my husband, (even though he will go with whatever I plan) I just couldn't see spending that much money for desserts. We are basically doing the same as you...5 days at Disney 2 at Universal and 7-night Fantasy EC. I'm digging deep into the coffers as it is with my plans!