Can we talk dessert party?

[Disturbia]

Super helpful! Thank you. I was hoping for treats and seats for the seat aspect - not so much for mobility issues but fatigue… but if I can’t get it then the after party would be okay - I guess I can sit on the grass?

Thanks for the links. So cool you’ll be there the same time.. I have MVMCP booked another night so that rules out the dessert party then

You can sit on the grass before the fireworks but you do have to stand once the fireworks start -fire code? (strollers weren’t allowed in the buffet area; but I see in a new video that compact strollers are being allowed). When we went (Mar/Apr this year) strollers needed to be parked along the back rail; so we couldn’t lean against the back rail. We entered the plaza garden 20/25 mins before fireworks and had a great view. You can ride a few rides (people mover/buzz) before entering the dessert party buffet.

We sat and ate treats separately as a ‘break.’ We went to the buffet area 15 mins before park close; Buffet is open for an hour from the start of fireworks; so for a 9 pm showing it lasts until 10 pm.

 

[MsT82]

You can sit on the grass before the fireworks but you do have to stand once the fireworks start -fire code? (strollers weren’t allowed in the buffet area; but I see in a new video that compact strollers are being allowed). When we went (Mar/Apr this year) strollers needed to be parked along the back rail; so we couldn’t lean against the back rail. We entered the plaza garden 20/25 mins before fireworks and had a great view. You can ride a few rides (people mover/buzz) before entering the dessert party buffet.

We sat and ate treats separately as a ‘break.’ We went to the buffet area 15 mins before park close; Buffet is open for an hour from the start of fireworks; so for a 9 pm showing it lasts until 10 pm.

Perfect description, standing for the fireworks wouldn’t be too bad as long as I could sit until the main event.

Sounds like it’s a really chilled way to experience it and also like a good strategy for avoiding the crowds that leave following the fireworks

 

[raidermatt]

Perfect description, standing for the fireworks wouldn’t be too bad as long as I could sit until the main event.

Sounds like it’s a really chilled way to experience it and also like a good strategy for avoiding the crowds that leave following the fireworks

This is the main benefit of these parties for me. The desserts are good, but alone you cannot eat enough to make it anywhere near a decent value (at least I can't). But I HATE waiting for fireworks in crowds. Its uncomfortable, people can be really rude, and I feel like I am just wasting time, plus it is chaos when the show ends. Not my idea of a good time.

Then there is the thunderstorm factor. We did the pre party a couple of weeks ago and just after we arrived the skies opened up. Lightning directly overhead, buckets of rain, etc. Obviously 90% of those staking out a spot ducked for cover. With either the pre party or Treats and Seats, no problem. plenty of covered space to sit and wait it out. The views may not be perfect, but they are pretty good and there is no way I am lining up early enough to get that "perfect" view anyway.

The post party would work as well, but if there is any rain prior to the show you are still exposed. Plus I like to hit some rides/attractions after the fireworks as the crowds finally start to dwindle.

 

[MsT82]

This is the main benefit of these parties for me. The desserts are good, but alone you cannot eat enough to make it anywhere near a decent value (at least I can't). But I HATE waiting for fireworks in crowds. Its uncomfortable, people can be really rude, and I feel like I am just wasting time, plus it is chaos when the show ends. Not my idea of a good time.

Then there is the thunderstorm factor. We did the pre party a couple of weeks ago and just after we arrived the skies opened up. Lightning directly overhead, buckets of rain, etc. Obviously 90% of those staking out a spot ducked for cover. With either the pre party or Treats and Seats, no problem. plenty of covered space to sit and wait it out. The views may not be perfect, but they are pretty good and there is no way I am lining up early enough to get that "perfect" view anyway.

The post party would work as well, but if there is any rain prior to the show you are still exposed. Plus I like to hit some rides/attractions after the fireworks as the crowds finally start to dwindle.

That’s exactly how I feel. I did the dessert party a few years back before covid and it was just such a luxury to be out of the crowds - the desserts are usually average and this was before they did alcoholic drinks but the castle view was adequate, Tinkerbell flew overhead and did I mention how civilised it was?! It felt like heaven compared to being out on Main Street.

Plus for me, I do get fatigued quite easily so a seat, a drink and a okay view after a long park day really does seem value for money.

I’m not sure why but it did seem way easier to book then. Here’s hoping I get my date

 

[Disturbia]

This is the main benefit of these parties for me. The desserts are good, but alone you cannot eat enough to make it anywhere near a decent value (at least I can't). But I HATE waiting for fireworks in crowds. Its uncomfortable, people can be really rude, and I feel like I am just wasting time, plus it is chaos when the show ends. Not my idea of a good time.

Then there is the thunderstorm factor. We did the pre party a couple of weeks ago and just after we arrived the skies opened up. Lightning directly overhead, buckets of rain, etc. Obviously 90% of those staking out a spot ducked for cover. With either the pre party or Treats and Seats, no problem. plenty of covered space to sit and wait it out. The views may not be perfect, but they are pretty good and there is no way I am lining up early enough to get that "perfect" view anyway.

The post party would work as well, but if there is any rain prior to the show you are still exposed. Plus I like to hit some rides/attractions after the fireworks as the crowds finally start to dwindle.

The rain is a factor, and they do hand out ponchos apparently (per video below), but eating with younger kids is pretty distracting for our family (2 younger kids+1 teen). T&S could be very romantic if your party had teens/adults (I did like Paging Mr Morrow’s video/view).

If the view is not a factor, there is also a dessert cruise (better selections; lanyards and special glasses) as well, but the Polynesian beach would probably be similar at no cost.

 

[MsT82]

The rain is a factor, and they do hand out ponchos apparently (per video below), but eating with younger kids is pretty distracting for our family (2 younger kids+1 teen). T&S could be very romantic if your party had teens/adults (I did like Paging Mr Morrow’s video/view).

If the view is not a factor, there is also a dessert cruise (better selections; lanyards and special glasses) as well, but the Polynesian beach would probably be similar at no cost.

Glad you said T&S could be romantic, just myself and my BF so hoping it would be a little bit special.

Tried watching from the Poly in May and holy wow it was so crowded. We wanted to get to the further end of the beach towards Moorea but couldn’t get through all the people. It’s definitely not the hidden gem it was but hey at least it’s free

 

[snikki]

We did this party in 2018. We really enjoyed not having to fight the crowds and having a nice place to sit and stretch without waiting hours. My daughter is only 5' and I'm 5'2" so we always get blocked from certain views so this is also a plus. lol I am pretty sure I am going to book it for our first day. My booking window opens on Sunday. I hope there's availability. It looks like it's still a decent deal.

 

[raidermatt]

I’m not sure why but it did seem way easier to book then. Here’s hoping I get my date

I think part of the reason for the greater difficulty in booking is they have just become more popular. But most importantly the MK dessert parties are the only parties in town right now. Pre-Covid there was also some form of the dessert party at Epcot and the Studios . The Studios had two.

I thought those would resume once the shows resumed fully, but Epcot's has not returned (and it was easily either the best or 2nd best of the 4 depending on your preferences). So we'll see I guess.

 

[MsT82]

I think part of the reason for the greater difficulty in booking is they have just become more popular. But most importantly the MK dessert parties are the only parties in town right now. Pre-Covid there was also some form of the dessert party at Epcot and the Studios . The Studios had two.

I thought those would resume once the shows resumed fully, but Epcot's has not returned (and it was easily either the best or 2nd best of the 4 depending on your preferences. So we'll see I guess.

Yep, I figured as much plus there’s a lot of pent up demand, vacations still being rolled over from covid years, and more time to plan, save and then spend for most given the extra time. Plus as you say there aren’t as many parties or even as many ‘extras’ to book these days.

 

[bluedolphin32]

We did this party in 2018. We really enjoyed not having to fight the crowds and having a nice place to sit and stretch without waiting hours. My daughter is only 5' and I'm 5'2" so we always get blocked from certain views so this is also a plus.

We also did a dessert party in 2018. Our kids were small, and hubby and I are not tall, and I was afraid if we staked out our own spot we would be foiled at the last minute and someone wouldn't be able to see. The party took away all these "what ifs" for me and it was a very relaxing experience. I see it as paying for the seating (grass or chairs) with some desserts thrown in as a bonus. I liked it so much we are doing it again soon on our next trip, even though it's just DH and me.

 

[MsT82]

Had a dry run at booking a dessert party today. I couldn’t try it on the usual as it’s a not so scary night 60 days from now but I tried it on the not so spooky party and it open up way before 6am - no problem in it opening or being able to book. Not sure if it opened at midnight but it was open at 4/5am.

Hopefully the same will be true for my 60 day window for treats and seats.

 

[Disturbia]

Had a dry run at booking a dessert party today. I couldn’t try it on the usual as it’s a not so scary night 60 days from now but I tried it on the not so spooky party and it open up way before 6am - no problem in it opening or being able to book. Not sure if it opened at midnight but it was open at 4/5am.

Hopefully the same will be true for my 60 day window for treats and seats.

So the dessert party ADRs are opening up at 60 days, or 60+10?

The not so spooky ones won’t sell out as fast I believe. I see availability for the regular after party on 10/29; and 10/24, 26 and 29 for the pre party.

 

[MsT82]

So the dessert party ADRs are opening up at 60 days, or 60+10?

The not so spooky ones won’t sell out as fast I believe. I see availability for the regular after party on 10/29; and 10/24, 26 and 29 for the pre party.

This was 60 days out to the day. But obviously I didn’t have a on-site reservation so wasn’t able to see if the days went further.

I was just more relieved it went live before the 6am time as it is for ADRs as it might give me a chance to nab a treats and seats before 6am on my ADR day so I can prioritise getting a CRT breakfast ADR at the 6am opening.

Looks like from your experience the after party is much easier to get too. So I’ll keep that as a reserve if I can’t get treats and seats.

 

[bluedolphin32]

So the dessert party ADRs are opening up at 60 days, or 60+10?

This was 60 days out to the day. But obviously I didn’t have a on-site reservation so wasn’t able to see if the days went further.

I was just more relieved it went live before the 6am time as it is for ADRs as it might give me a chance to nab a treats and seats before 6am on my ADR day so I can prioritise getting a CRT breakfast ADR at the 6am opening.

From what I understand, dessert parties are Enchanting Extras, not dining reservations, so they open at midnight, which is why it was bookable before 6am. They aren't consistently released at 60 days either. There was a thread earlier this year discussing a lack of dessert parties that did not get released until 2 weeks out for August. I was watching that b/c I was waiting to book for Sept.

I hope you get the party you wanted!

 

[Disturbia]

Not all enchanting extras opened at midnight back in March. The after party opened at 5:30 am and and I was able to book 60+5. The pre party opened at 5:45 or 6 am I believe (that’s all I checked). It’s crazy how there is no consistency and then they still have issues loading ADRs:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/dessert-party-reservations.3875922/page-4

 

[blewis]

We have done the HEA desert party 4 times, all pre-parties, 3 Garden View and once Terrace(seated). Unless you have mobility issues Garden View is the way to go 100%.

1. The view is nowhere near as good from the terrace. I cant emphasize this enough. if view matters to you, the terrace will disappoint.
2. The CMs keep a completely clear path to the Garden viewing area. No crowds to deal with. You are escorted over with a flashlight holding CM and another CM opens the gate into the garden area.
3. Again, unless you have mobility issues, the seated garden area has plenty of rooms for the amount of tickets sold.
4. The deserts are the same, obviously.
5. Garden view is CHEAPER!
6. THE VIEW!!!!!!

It's unclear to me: are you all discussing WDW or DL?

 

[scrappinginontario]

It's unclear to me: are you all discussing WDW or DL?

The thread you are reading is in the WDW Florida forum. Responses are for WDW.

 

[blewis]

The thread you are reading is in the WDW Florida forum. Responses are for WDW.

I don't see that it says WDW. I only see at the top that it's a trip planning forum. hmmmm. . l.

 

[djbogue]

Does anyone know what is going on with the treat and seat. I have been checking them everyday before we go in Dec and nothing is available for Nov 1-5 but the other two has availability. Is it that popular.

 

[redheadk]

I don't see that it says WDW. I only see at the top that it's a trip planning forum. hmmmm. . l.

The main threads are for WDW. There is a section specifically for DisneyLand. Scroll down on the main screen and you'll see it.