Frozen Ever After Dessert Party or Epcot Forever Dining Package with kids?

[ninafeliz]

My DH and I with 2 yr old toddlers (boys) and 6 and 10 yr old boys. We want to do one or the other, I have the Dining Package booked because reservations opened up for it first, but now I'm not sure. I was thinking the dessert party would possibly be less formal for the twin toddlers, and let them not be just cooped up at a table. But if it's standing tables, that could be a nightmare for us with no way to keep them from running around, which high chairs and eating during the show might keep them occupied. Thoughts, recommendations?

FWIW we are very familiar with Disney dessert parties and have done quite a few, many repeatedly, but never this one. Also, the ride on Frozen would be a nice bonus since we aren't really doing much Epcot this trip, so it would get another ride in (and one we wouldn't need RS on at that!). But I don't want to decide just based on that, particularly since the toddlers might be pretty done with it by then and be cranky for the ride anyway.

 

[FastPasser.]

But if it's standing tables

They are sit down tables.

 

[HuskieJohn]

I am in the same boat but my kids will be 10/10/12...having the Dinner booked but waiting to see if FEADP is offered.

My main decision point is if RAT is open for my trip. If it is then we will RD Rat and then likely not make FEA as part of my touring plan without a long wait. If that is the case then it would be easier to just take FEA out of the morning plan and plug it in after the FEA party.

Also there is one good youtube video of the latest version of the Dinner package if you want to see the setup.

 

[ninafeliz]

They are sit down tables.

Thanks, that helps but actually makes the decision harder . Usually when I'm debating I actually have a "secret" preference and want things to point toward it being the best option, but in this case I'm actually truly undecided!

 

[gharter]

The reserved area for HEA is a very good spot for viewing.
EPCOT Forever, the viewing area also is very good, but everything is up off the water, so you can really see from just about anywhere around the lagoon.
For that reason, I would pick HEA just for the viewing as Main Street generally gets very crowded for HEA.

 

[Quellman]

My DH and I with 2 yr old toddlers (boys) and 6 and 10 yr old boys. We want to do one or the other, I have the Dining Package booked because reservations opened up for it first, but now I'm not sure. I was thinking the dessert party would possibly be less formal for the twin toddlers, and let them not be just cooped up at a table. But if it's standing tables, that could be a nightmare for us with no way to keep them from running around, which high chairs and eating during the show might keep them occupied. Thoughts, recommendations?

FWIW we are very familiar with Disney dessert parties and have done quite a few, many repeatedly, but never this one. Also, the ride on Frozen would be a nice bonus since we aren't really doing much Epcot this trip, so it would get another ride in (and one we wouldn't need RS on at that!). But I don't want to decide just based on that, particularly since the toddlers might be pretty done with it by then and be cranky for the ride anyway.

Never a guarantee that the ride wouldn't have a breakdown. Inclimate weather could also be a consideration if that sways your decisions any either.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Personally, of the two, I would pick Frozen Ever After dessert party. I think, with the ride included, it's a bigger bang for your buck. That being said, I don't think either are necessary to see this show. It's an incredibly short show and comes off as being very temporary (which it is, of course) and it's not very impressive. And it is not hard to find a good spot simply showing up around the lagoon about 30 minutes prior to showtime (we like the view from the Italy area the best).

 

[FastPasser.]

I completely agree that doing the party for viewing the show is not reason enough to book it. However, if you're looking for a good party experience, then it's hard to beat the FEA party. If the OP is visiting during the thunderstorm season, and as a previous poster alluded to, there is a good chance that it will be moved indoors which IMO diminishes the overall party experience.

 

[Heather07438]

Personally, of the two, I would pick Frozen Ever After dessert party. I think, with the ride included, it's a bigger bang for your buck. That being said, I don't think either are necessary to see this show. It's an incredibly short show and comes off as being very temporary (which it is, of course) and it's not very impressive. And it is not hard to find a good spot simply showing up around the lagoon about 30 minutes prior to showtime (we like the view from the Italy area the best).

I totally agree with all your points.
If we still wanted to do it on our Epcot night, with children I'd choose FEA party because it has the better view, the kids would enjoy it more, and the bonus ride. The only reason we'd pick the dinner is if the meal fit well in to our plans.

We tried the Illuminations Desert party twice and loved it. The price has really climbed, wow Adults were $50 when we went in '16 & '17, was $80 in '19 and now $100.
Expense isn't at issue here but in that cost range I think doing HEA, EMM, DAH or a party night would hold more value.

 

[ninafeliz]

We aren't doing it solely for a spot to view the show, but we do tend to be people who prefer paying for a dessert party over any amount of waiting for a spot. That way we don't really have to worry at all, we know we have a decent spot, and we get to have desserts and an event instead of just a show. The only time I would say that I wouldn't do it again and it was pretty much a waste was the fantasmic dessert with viewing they offer (I know it isn't a dessert party, per say, but whatever it was was disappointing and the dessert was a joke IMO). I just love the atmosphere of dessert parties, so having it moved indoors would not be ideal. However, we're going the first week of Feb, so the chance of rain shouldn't be too bad. We go often in summer, when it rains every day, and haven't yet had a dessert party cancelled or moved indoors (knock on wood), so I'm thinking it isn't likely this time. Wouldn't rain pretty much ruin both events, anyway? The Rose and Crown one and the dessert party? I'm leaning toward changing to the dessert party at this time, but haven't done it yet.

 

[ninafeliz]

I totally agree with all your points.
If we still wanted to do it on our Epcot night, with children I'd choose FEA party because it has the better view, the kids would enjoy it more, and the bonus ride. The only reason we'd pick the dinner is if the meal fit well in to our plans.

We tried the Illuminations Desert party twice and loved it. The price has really climbed, wow Adults were $50 when we went in '16 & '17, was $80 in '19 and now $100.
Expense isn't at issue here but in that cost range I think doing HEA, EMM, DAH or a party night would hold more value.

We've done HEA before and will be able to see it from our resort (and plan to do more resort time this trip), so we aren't considering that one this time. We are doing EMM and DAH that week as well, so luckily we don't have to pick!

I also forgot to mention in my replies above, I particularly want to catch this show because I have such great memories from all of the Epcot music from the 80's, My first trip to Disney was in 1984 with my parents and younger brother, when Epcot was pretty new (but I didn't realize that then). We had a cassette tape of the Epcot music, and would listen to it nonstop on our drive down from PA in a conversion van! So when I heard they were using that music I had to see this show live (I did watch the livestream). I was disappointed they didn't use the original arrangements and singers from the early epcot music, but at least they did use it, and I want to see it before it's gone. Otherwise we might have even skipped Epcot on this trip, since it isn't a long trip, it was a construction zone when we were there in December, and we really do want to maximize resort time on this last trip the 6 of us will fit in one regular resort room. So our only Epcot time is one day from midafternoon through close.

 

[maryj11]

I totally agree with all your points.
If we still wanted to do it on our Epcot night, with children I'd choose FEA party because it has the better view, the kids would enjoy it more, and the bonus ride. The only reason we'd pick the dinner is if the meal fit well in to our plans.

We tried the Illuminations Desert party twice and loved it. The price has really climbed, wow Adults were $50 when we went in '16 & '17, was $80 in '19 and now $100.
Expense isn't at issue here but in that cost range I think doing HEA, EMM, DAH or a party night would hold more value.

Wow $100.00, Disney is getting greedy!

 

[Heather07438]

We aren't doing it solely for a spot to view the show, but we do tend to be people who prefer paying for a dessert party over any amount of waiting for a spot. That way we don't really have to worry at all, we know we have a decent spot, and we get to have desserts and an event instead of just a show. The only time I would say that I wouldn't do it again and it was pretty much a waste was the fantasmic dessert with viewing they offer (I know it isn't a dessert party, per say, but whatever it was was disappointing and the dessert was a joke IMO). I just love the atmosphere of dessert parties, so having it moved indoors would not be ideal. However, we're going the first week of Feb, so the chance of rain shouldn't be too bad. We go often in summer, when it rains every day, and haven't yet had a dessert party cancelled or moved indoors (knock on wood), so I'm thinking it isn't likely this time. Wouldn't rain pretty much ruin both events, anyway? The Rose and Crown one and the dessert party? I'm leaning toward changing to the dessert party at this time, but haven't done it yet.

The parties are so much fun and reduce the stress of night shows, especially with 4 boys to look after They're so cute!
Hmmm... That is a hard decision though! The kids might enjoy FEA slightly more while adults might like Rose & Crown better. Another consideration is you'll be served at R&C, which is lovely after along day.

 

[Heather07438]

Wow $100.00, Disney is getting greedy!

Yeah, the rate they increased was a bit surprising. Demand must be higher than ever.