Dessert Party or wing it?

[hllb]

We had the same experience last April when we did the dessert party - pre-HEA. Still had CMs checking wristbands, but she confirmed that only half of the area was reserved, but I don't know how regular that is. In any case, we really enjoyed it and were glad we did it, especially as it was the day after Easter so we were concerned about crowds. We went to the back and leaned against the fence, so there was a good amount of space directly in front of us, so no one blocked our view. I only had to pay for myself, however, so certainly paying for a larger family is a big consideration - just wanted to say we had a similar experience to @kj2mom

Maybe that was a smaller party so they didn't need all the space for the number of people?

 

[Angie Ramp]

We are going in December and I have 3 different dessert parties planned. I hate having to fight for a spot. One for HEA, Frozen Dessert Party and Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

Maybe that was a smaller party so they didn't need all the space for the number of people?

That was my thought, like maybe depending on the number of bookings they open up space to other guests since they don't need all of it? The people there had a great spot, because there was no one there thinking it was the dessert party! But of course there's no way to predict availability on that. But the other side is still open, yes? When we did it, it was just myself and my sister so it was our "splurge" and like I said, we just wanted to ensure we had a good view - last time to see Wishes and all! So we were really happy with it. But a larger group does make it tougher!

 

[jaysmom4285]

OP, just my opinion but I think you can skip the dessert party . You indicated that you're prepared to stake out a spot an hour or so in advance, and you're going at a time when crowds aren't especially high and HEA is offered every night. We do the dessert party when MVMCP is going on because we don't go to that, and, consequently, there are only three nights a week that the non-MVMCP people can see HEA. ( I suspect it's like that during MNSSHP as well.) Those three nights a week are super jam packed for HEA like you wouldn't believe. Even if you can stake out a spot very early, crowds will end up being so tightly packed in around you that you can't move. Not fun. But at other times, when HEA is available every night, it isn't nearly as bad. Yes, there are crowds on Main Street and the Hub to see it, but there's generally at least room to breathe. My daughter and I went to MK in early January and didn't get there until 8:50, with HEA at 9. There were a lot of people but there was space among them, so we just wandered through the crowd til we got to where we wanted to stand. And we could have moved to different spots if we had wanted to.

 

[karrit2000]

OP, just my opinion but I think you can skip the dessert party . You indicated that you're prepared to stake out a spot an hour or so in advance, and you're going at a time when crowds aren't especially high and HEA is offered every night. We do the dessert party when MVMCP is going on because we don't go to that, and, consequently, there are only three nights a week that the non-MVMCP people can see HEA. ( I suspect it's like that during MNSSHP as well.) Those three nights a week are super jam packed for HEA like you wouldn't believe. Even if you can stake out a spot very early, crowds will end up being so tightly packed in around you that you can't move. Not fun. But at other times, when HEA is available every night, it isn't nearly as bad. Yes, there are crowds on Main Street and the Hub to see it, but there's generally at least room to breathe. My daughter and I went to MK in early January and didn't get there until 8:50, with HEA at 9. There were a lot of people but there was space among them, so we just wandered through the crowd til we got to where we wanted to stand. And we could have moved to different spots if we had wanted to.

I think you are a bit confused. In January you would have been dealing with Wishes crowds as HEA didn't exist before May of this year.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

That was my thought, like maybe depending on the number of bookings they open up space to other guests since they don't need all of it? The people there had a great spot, because there was no one there thinking it was the dessert party! But of course there's no way to predict availability on that. But the other side is still open, yes? When we did it, it was just myself and my sister so it was our "splurge" and like I said, we just wanted to ensure we had a good view - last time to see Wishes and all! So we were really happy with it. But a larger group does make it tougher!

We did the dessert party for Wishes and the dessert party for HEA and they were very different experiences. We did Wishes last December (week before Christmas) and there was FAR more space in the garden for viewing. And there were a ton more vacant tables at the party as well. Maybe it wasn't selling as well as HEA? I don't know. When we did the HEA one in August (low crowd time of year), it was packed. We got to the plaza at what we thought was a reasonable time and got lucky to have a spot in front. I also noticed that some of the projections were blocked on the side. There are definitely better viewing spots outside the garden, but, again, you have to battle even bigger crowds to get one!

 

[Lothlórien]

Is this a new policy? My whole family sat in April.

HEA is new and draws more/larger crowds. It is for the safety of guests that they are asked to stand. In addition, guests are asked to stand because it frees up even more space. (For those larger crowds)

 

[stace1214]

We loved the dessert party viewing location and decided that we'll never watch HEA without booking the party. You're paying for the spot and in my opinion it's sooooo worth it. It was great to wander over 15 min before the show and have a great spot to watch. We didn't have to worry about keeping the kids happy for an hour holding our spot, truly worth it.

 

[Wish Upon A Starbucks]

We are going in December and I have 3 different dessert parties planned. I hate having to fight for a spot. One for HEA, Frozen Dessert Party and Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam.

Just curious if you booked this yet. I'm having trouble booking anything for December and wasn't sure if that means they are sold out or just not for sale yet? Thanks
Eta - referring to HEA

 

[deedubb]

No matter how good a spot we stake out, someone invariably crams into a tiny spot in front of us just before the show, sometimes with their kid on their shoulders. So tired of this. We have 2 dessert parties booked this trip.

It's also just nice to have a relaxing time eating some desserts before the show.

 

[deedubb]

Just curious if you booked this yet. I'm having trouble booking anything for December and wasn't sure if that means they are sold out or just not for sale yet? Thanks
Eta - referring to HEA

Dec parties opened up months ago. If there is no availability on the day you are looking at, they are all gone. The ones around Christmas booked up quickly.