Has anyone arrived at the Fireworks dessert pre-party LATE?

[rlthomas7]

I just scored a reservation for the dessert pre-party for next Saturday. We were advised to check in at 6:30, but we have a reservation at Tony's at 5:25. If we arrive late, will we still get in?

 

[Marthasor]

Yes, you do not have to check-in at, exactly, 6:30 pm. We typically like to arrive about 15 minutes late so we don't have to wait in the check-in or the buffet line. You may want to try checking in to Tony's a little early to see if you can give yourself a little bit of a buffer. They will not turn you away from the dessert party.

 

[rlthomas7]

Thank you!

 

[Robo]

My question is if you are going to the dessert party, why do Tony's (basically) an hour before?

 

[conandrob240]

Why would you do this? Why be late to limited timed, open food/bar thing you are paying for? And why you eat a meal immediately before? No.

 

[elsbit]

Could you see about switching it to the after party? I personally would not want to shell out $$$$ and not get my worth.

 

[mom2cinderella]

I’m assuming that Saturday is busy with the influx of Thanksgiving visitors. I guess my concern would be that we’d get seated late, dinner would take longer than expected, we’d have to fight through the Main St crowd to get to check in at Tomorrowland Terrace, and then head over to the viewing area. Everything could go perfectly smoothly, but I would personally want some extra cushion, time-wise.

 

[conandrob240]

But even if it goes perfectly smoothly, you are missing 1/4 of something you paid a lot for and you’re going to a dessert buffet full.

 

[MagicMoon]

I mean, aren’t you going for the reserved seating?

 

[rlthomas7]

We have a VIP tour that day that is scheduled to end at 5:00 in the Magic Kingdom. Since we will be running all day to cram everything in, I expect that we will be VERY hungry when it ends at 5:00. Hence the 5:25 dinner reservation. And I booked the dessert party on a whim, because the non-crowded fireworks viewing was a draw. I don't know anyone who can eat $100 worth of desserts, so the desserts are not the main draw. I'm sure they'll be nice, but it's more about having a leisurely evening to eat and watch the fireworks after our last frantic park day.

 

[coolbrook]

but it's more about having a leisurely evening to eat and watch the fireworks after our last frantic park day.

This is the key! We just did the dessert pre-party yesterday for the same reason. We showed up about 20 minutes late to avoid the line to get in, had plenty of time to eat a plate full of chocolate covered strawberries and other things and a couple glasses of POG juice while other folks were standing in a mob staking out spots for the fireworks. We also didn't hop up to head to the viewing area right at 7:30 either. We finished our drinks and headed over about 7:45 since we like the back fence of the area best anyway. There was quite a bit of space in the back, probably 8 feet in front of me empty. We are so glad we did this! We tried to watch the show earlier this week without the party and ended up entering from the hub spoke from tomorrowland. We got pretty close in outer hub, but off center and a tree in front of us. We are too spoiled I guess, but the party is totally worth it for us. After the show we stayed in the viewing area for about 30 minutes before heading out to the bus.
A very lovely last evening of our vacation! Here is a pic from our viewing spot with my phone at eye level.

 

[EpcotPhoenician]

This is the key! We just did the dessert pre-party yesterday for the same reason. We showed up about 20 minutes late to avoid the line to get in, had plenty of time to eat a plate full of chocolate covered strawberries and other things and a couple glasses of POG juice while other folks were standing in a mob staking out spots for the fireworks. We also didn't hop up to head to the viewing area right at 7:30 either. We finished our drinks and headed over about 7:45 since we like the back fence of the area best anyway. There was quite a bit of space in the back, probably 8 feet in front of me empty. We are so glad we did this! We tried to watch the show earlier this week without the party and ended up entering from the hub spoke from tomorrowland. We got pretty close in outer hub, but off center and a tree in front of us. We are too spoiled I guess, but the party is totally worth it for us. After the show we stayed in the viewing area for about 30 minutes before heading out to the bus.
A very lovely last evening of our vacation! Here is a pic from our viewing spot with my phone at eye level.

View attachment 622575

Do the pre party and after party guests all stand in the plaza together? There was enough room for everyone? I guess the parties are much more limited in capacity than I thought.

 

[Marthasor]

We have a VIP tour that day that is scheduled to end at 5:00 in the Magic Kingdom. Since we will be running all day to cram everything in, I expect that we will be VERY hungry when it ends at 5:00. Hence the 5:25 dinner reservation. And I booked the dessert party on a whim, because the non-crowded fireworks viewing was a draw. I don't know anyone who can eat $100 worth of desserts, so the desserts are not the main draw. I'm sure they'll be nice, but it's more about having a leisurely evening to eat and watch the fireworks after our last frantic park day.

Not sure how you've planned out your day with the VIP guide, but if you don't want to spend extra on the dessert party, you could consider moving your tour later so you can utilize the VIP viewing area in front of Casey's. Otherwise, I'm with you - we don't eat a lot of desserts and we pay for the parties for the dedicated viewing area. The desserts/drinks are just a little bonus.

Do the pre party and after party guests all stand in the plaza together? There was enough room for everyone? I guess the parties are much more limited in capacity than I thought.

Yes, they are all in the plaza together.

 

[Marthasor]

But even if it goes perfectly smoothly, you are missing 1/4 of something you paid a lot for and you’re going to a dessert buffet full.

All OP will be missing is the line at check-in and the initial line at the buffet. If you arrive 15 minutes late to this party, you are seated immediately and there will be virtually no line at the buffet.

 

[coolbrook]

Do the pre party and after party guests all stand in the plaza together? There was enough room for everyone? I guess the parties are much more limited in capacity than I thought.

I chose a pre-party on a night with no after party thinking it might be less crowded in the viewing area. There was no after party because it was a Christmas party night. Who knows, maybe they just pack the pre-party more.

 

[shawthorne44]

Don't the VIP tour guide get snacks for you while you are on a ride?

 

[2vets]

Ha, I’m likely to have the same issue. I somehow thought it was a good idea to book a dessert party (treats and seats) on my arrival day, and my flight was shifted days before departure so that I arrive (drumroll pls) at 4:30. Ick. I have towncar service and am staying at CR, but - rush hour… and of course I have a checked bag (rare for me). I mean, I can sprint, but the traffic is likely to be limiting. Was on hold today to try to beg mercy and cancel, but I had to hang up for a meeting after an hour. Tomorrow’s the last day I can try, but I have meetings all day!!! Hope I at least get there in time to snag a few glasses of wine, some strawberries, and a pressed penny tart! I’ll update you on late arrival for your awareness. Enjoy your VIP tour, they’re unbeatable!

 

[rlthomas7]

Ha, I’m likely to have the same issue. I somehow thought it was a good idea to book a dessert party (treats and seats) on my arrival day, and my flight was shifted days before departure so that I arrive (drumroll pls) at 4:30. Ick. I have towncar service and am staying at CR, but - rush hour… and of course I have a checked bag (rare for me). I mean, I can sprint, but the traffic is likely to be limiting. Was on hold today to try to beg mercy and cancel, but I had to hang up for a meeting after an hour. Tomorrow’s the last day I can try, but I have meetings all day!!! Hope I at least get there in time to snag a few glasses of wine, some strawberries, and a pressed penny tart! I’ll update you on late arrival for your awareness. Enjoy your VIP tour, they’re unbeatable!

I think I'll be updating YOU, if you can still cancel tomorrow! Mine is Saturday. Good luck to you for an early arrival and smooth traffic.

 

[2vets]

I think I'll be updating YOU, if you can still cancel tomorrow! Mine is Saturday. Good luck to you for an early arrival and smooth traffic.

This is for Wednesday, so I guess we’ll see! If I manage it, I do have one scheduled for Friday before the party, so I’ll get to experience one “for real” then, at least.

 

[bjcaed]

I just scored a reservation for the dessert pre-party for next Saturday. We were advised to check in at 6:30, but we have a reservation at Tony's at 5:25. If we arrive late, will we still get in?

We don't ever rush to the party. No need to get there early for a spot to watch. The area is reserved To me the whole reason to spend the money is so that you don't have to stake out a spot. You may not get a prime spot but any spot in the garden area is good! We have even eaten our fill of desserts and then ridden a ride and come back in time for the show.