Happily Ever After Dessert Party Worth It?

[herrmannpt]

We are heading to Disney the first week of June with a party of 9. 5 adults and 3 children. In our group is my 7 yo son with high-functioning Autism (can get quite upset in large crowds and if people are too close to him) and my mother who will be using an ECV. We had planned to view the fireworks from outside the park but of course they changed the show and it seems like you need to be front and center to the castle to really experience the new Happily Ever After Show. We do want to see it. Is it worth it to do the Dessert Party? It is a major expense with such a large group. We have reservations for Be Our Guest for dinner at 4:05, so I don't know that we'd even be hungry. I feel like the reserved garden plaza viewing would really help our group enjoy the show, but is it worth the price tag? Any experiences to share? I so miss the days of being able to watch in the garden plaza for free with a Fast Pass!!!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Yes, worth it. Particularly given the description of some members of your group. My DS9 has some special needs and also cannot handle crowds. After some very bad experiences with Wishes (crowding and pushing when the show was about to start, the stampede to get out of MK after the show), we simply decided we would never see Wishes again. This past December, as a special treat, we booked the dessert party with Plaza Garden viewing and it was spectacular! After having dessert on the terrace, the CM's escort you to the plaza garden for the show viewing. There are no crowds, no pushing and you don't have to stand for hours to save a spot. If you go, my advice is to head to the back railing so no one is in front of you (if you head to the front of the garden, you just end up being behind the general public standing outside the garden railing). When the show is over, I also recommend simply sitting in the garden until the stampede of guests leaving the park clears. This is what we did and we had the best evening. This is the only way we will see the show from now on and we already have it booked for our upcoming trip. I would also suggest just not ordering dessert at BOG. The dessert party starts a few hours after your BOG reservation, so hopefully you will have some room for the desserts. Yes, I know it's pricey, especially with a large group, but if you want to be able to enjoy the show without being crushed or crowded, I highly recommend it.

 

[Marissa227]

We did the dessert party during MVMCP with 2 adults, 2 teenagers, a 4 year old and a 2 year old. I wouldn't say that you get your money's worth in desserts, but that's not the point. I feel it's worth it for the peace of mind. No fighting crowds, no worrying about whether or not you'll be able to see, no wasting valuable time holding a spot. You're paying for convenience, if you really want to see the fireworks and it's a special part of your trip, I think it's worth it!

 

[herrmannpt]

Thanks for the input. I booked it! Still having a little trouble swallowing the price tag, but I think it will really help our group to have a great viewing spot that isn't so crowded.

 

[minniqt7]

We were just there on Sunday> I have done them before but I still feel it was worth it even with the higher price tag. . Really enjoyed all the desserts and the viewing area was not too crowded and we could see everything very well.

 

[histafan2001]

Just curious would the plaza garden viewing location be better than tomorrowland terrace with the new projections of happily ever after? My husband and I will be in magic kingdom on our anniversary in October and would like to book. We have done the dessert party from tomorrowland terrace many times and really enjoyed, just haven't done the garden viewing option before.

 

[gsc22]

when do the dessert party reservations usually open up? I am hoping for nov. 24th 2017 Happily Ever After garden terrace

 

[serenitygr]

when do the dessert party reservations usually open up? I am hoping for nov. 24th 2017 Happily Ever After garden terrace

There is another thread on the boards for a bunch of us who are "patiently " waiting...

 

[gsc22]

Where is this other thread?

 

[serenitygr]

Where is this other thread?

It's under the Dining Reservations section- HEA dessert party watch thread. I'm sorry I don't know how to post the actual link to it but you should be able to find it with that information

 

[No Windows]

Have been wanting to go to this since like 2009. Every time it never fits on the itinerary. If no cabana scored on the cruise, this might be my surprise backup for the family

 

[floridadream]

There is a detailed review of the dessert party on the theme parks and strategies board. It sounds great!

 

[ToddlerMom311]

Reservations are now up through December

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I've never done it but will most definitely be doing it next trip. Last trip we did FP+ for Wishes and that was so worth it. I do not like to be squeezed into crowds and DD11 does not like it when she can't see something clearly. Taking her to sporting events or shows can be a nightmare if a tall adult is sitting in front of her. So I will be paying for the Plaza dessert party for one night so we can watch HEA in "peace."