MK "Happily Ever After" Dessert Party (Parties) Discussion

[slpeters]

Did you have to stand up with it being crowded like that or could you have sat to see the fireworks?

We did the party the Monday before Thanksgiving. We had several CL 10 days but that evening in MK was the only one that really felt like it. Not only did we sit through the fireworks but we laid down in the grass to wait for them. We tried doing HEA several days earlier without the party (on a CL 7 day). It was such a cluster**** that we just left about the time the fireworks started. I don't think we'll ever do HEA without the party unless something major changes.

 

[Disnsyncey]

Did you have to stand up with it being crowded like that or could you have sat to see the fireworks?

MK was mobbed, the party wasn't.....yes, when we checked in 10 min early, the seating area was a little less than half full, we had no lines at the desserts or ice cream, and were able to take whatever we wanted over to the garden. We sat in the back and only had to stand when the show was starting, and then we laid on the ground after it ended (waiting for the MOBS to leave and the 2nd projection show) for like 30 min...it was great

 

[kat_lh]

Ugh you guys make this choice hard! DH really is worried about having to stand and being crowded if we do Plaza. Ages ago (well, four years ago, lol) we had FP for Wishes viewing. It was miserable. Hubs is envisioning that happening again. So we've got Terrace now with a guaranteed seat but I know the roof blocks partial fireworks views there.

 

[janischa]

Popping in with my review from 4/13!

We also stayed at Pop. We RD'ed the EMH and left the park around noonish. Went back via bus to Pop, all had naps, quick pool time for oldest little, then hopped back on a bus around 5ish. We just had a light park snack and no lunch/dinner really. I would keep your plans a bit loose rather than book an ADR in case you find you aren't hungry after all. Mobile order at CS is a wonderful thing.

Ok, onto the review...

We booked Plaza viewing, showed up just before 7:45 and were let in immediately. Huge perk to getting there first is getting your pick of table for eating, and getting to hit the buffet with minimal lines. We also have 2 kids that can be slow-ish eaters so I would have felt really rushed showing up any later. Only 15-20 min later the line was significant. We tried just about everything including the cheese and juice. My personal faves were the smores tart and the brownie cheesecake. The cupcakes were super cute but kind of ho-hum flavour wise. I also loved the chocolate dipped strawberries. Around 8:30 we walked out via escort to the plaza area. Thank you disboards for the tip on the back rail - going right to the back gave our kids a perfect view once lifted up (in arms, not on shoulders. hehe).

IMO if you are crowd-averse (like my darling DH), booking this party is a no-brainer. We didn't line up and we had an absolutely fantastic view. One of the best days of our trip.

Hi, i tried going back in the thread but probably not far enough. Could someone tell me more about the spot at the back rail? Can the kids sit on it?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Hi, i tried going back in the thread but probably not far enough. Could someone tell me more about the spot at the back rail? Can the kids sit on it?

I’d check out the photos on post 1 for visual reference.

You don’t really “sit” on the back rail, more like “lean.”

 

[yulilin3]

Did the terrace view yesterday, got in line at 6pm because I was going to be live streaming and wanted the best possible table for that, party of 1.
They checked us in at 7:15pm because, believe it or not, there's a mom duck with ducklings that would not leave the dessert area
They started checking the garden view around 7. My reservation for the terrace view said 8pm, show was at 8:55pm

 

[kat_lh]

Did the terrace view yesterday, got in line at 6pm because I was going to be live streaming and wanted the best possible table for that, party of 1.
They checked us in at 7:15pm because, believe it or not, there's a mom duck with ducklings that would not leave the dessert area
They started checking the garden view around 7. My reservation for the terrace view said 8pm, show was at 8:55pm

This is so awesome! Thank you so much! So, there Terrace tables aren't assigned seating, is that right? It looks so much calmer than the Garden party food section

 

[Disnsyncey]

Ugh you guys make this choice hard! DH really is worried about having to stand and being crowded if we do Plaza. Ages ago (well, four years ago, lol) we had FP for Wishes viewing. It was miserable. Hubs is envisioning that happening again. So we've got Terrace now with a guaranteed seat but I know the roof blocks partial fireworks views there.

seriously, don't be worried.....you will have to stand to see everything as most things above ground level are in one's way if you want to see the ENTIRE show anyways.....you can absoutely lean on the back rail, but we just sat down waiting and stood up for the show, which any normal person who stands in their life (in lines, and such..and I have had foot surgery, so I know how much sitting means) can do for the duration of HEA.

 

[yulilin3]

This is so awesome! Thank you so much! So, there Terrace tables aren't assigned seating, is that right? It looks so much calmer than the Garden party food section

The cm told me it hasn't been reserved seating for months, first come first served. It was really nice, not crowded with tables at all

 

[bethbuchall]

When my daughter and I did the garden viewing last year, we loved being at the back rail except that there was a rather loud CM directly behind us trying to keep the pathway between the garden area and the buildings clear/moving. I don't blame her because she was just doing what she needed to do, but it did get a bit distracting. Does this happen most of the time or were we just unlucky? I'm trying to decide if we want the back rail again or try a different area.

 

[ITALIANNYC]

When my daughter and I did the garden viewing last year, we loved being at the back rail except that there was a rather loud CM directly behind us trying to keep the pathway between the garden area and the buildings clear/moving. I don't blame her because she was just doing what she needed to do, but it did get a bit distracting. Does this happen most of the time or were we just unlucky? I'm trying to decide if we want the back rail again or try a different area.

I’m going to go into the situation just taking whatever spot I find. If I start thinking where to sit or how fast I gotta get to the area, then it’s gonna kill the point of me spending the money so I “ don’t “ have to worry about that. I plan on heading there like 5 mins before showtime lol

I say just head in there and pick a spot that feels right. From what I understand they are all pretty good. I’m sure the CM was just loud that time and next time will be different.

 

[yulilin3]

When my daughter and I did the garden viewing last year, we loved being at the back rail except that there was a rather loud CM directly behind us trying to keep the pathway between the garden area and the buildings clear/moving. I don't blame her because she was just doing what she needed to do, but it did get a bit distracting. Does this happen most of the time or were we just unlucky? I'm trying to decide if we want the back rail again or try a different area.

Yes that is usually the case, anytime you are next to a walkway only path you will have cm trying their best to keep it clear

 

[GirlDreamer]

Did the terrace view yesterday, got in line at 6pm because I was going to be live streaming and wanted the best possible table for that, party of 1.
They checked us in at 7:15pm because, believe it or not, there's a mom duck with ducklings that would not leave the dessert area
They started checking the garden view around 7. My reservation for the terrace view said 8pm, show was at 8:55pm

How was the table arrangement when you went? Was everyone able to stay seated for the fireworks? I've read stories that it used to be many tables in the past, so people who sat further back would get up and stand in front of the front tables and causing people to get aggravated. But by the sounds of it, that's changed recently so there's only a tables along the railing and a couple further back.

 

[Lsdolphin]

The cm told me it hasn't been reserved seating for months, first come first served. It was really nice, not crowded with tables at all

Were you able to select the table you wanted even though you were solo?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

When my daughter and I did the garden viewing last year, we loved being at the back rail except that there was a rather loud CM directly behind us trying to keep the pathway between the garden area and the buildings clear/moving. I don't blame her because she was just doing what she needed to do, but it did get a bit distracting. Does this happen most of the time or were we just unlucky? I'm trying to decide if we want the back rail again or try a different area.

I haven’t personally experienced this on the back rail. But have seen something similar on the front rail and that’s also a “keep clear” area. The one time I’m thinking of wasn’t constant... but of course people wouldn’t listen during several moments of the show, so she had to speak to them / wave her baton a few times. It was minor in the scheme of things. There are planters along most of both the front and back rails, so there is a bit of a barrier.

 

[yulilin3]

How was the table arrangement when you went? Was everyone able to stay seated for the fireworks? I've read stories that it used to be many tables in the past, so people who sat further back would get up and stand in front of the front tables and causing people to get aggravated. But by the sounds of it, that's changed recently so there's only a tables along the railing and a couple further back.

Were you able to select the table you wanted even though you were solo?

I can't post a direct link (because of Disboard guidelines) but I did live stream the entire party and you can find my live stream page info on my signature if you want to watch for yourself.
There were only 2 lines of tables so even the tables behind the ones by the rail got a great view of the show, no one needed to stand up and no one missed any of the fireworks.
Because I was there so early I was able to chat with the CM in charge of checking you in. For a party of 1 or 2 you can pick any available table with 2 chairs, party of 4 can only pick from tables set with 4 chairs, party of six or more will have tables set up for them as well...for example there was a party of 8 and the CM knew about it (from the reservation) so they had a table set for them. I did notice that right by the rail only tables for 2 or 4 are set, the larger tables are behind that row
Since it is first come first serve I was able to choose from any of the tables set for 2, I did not have to share my second seat.
Here was my view:

 

[Ensusieasm]

I can't post a direct link (because of Disboard guidelines) but I did live stream the entire party and you can find my live stream page info on my signature if you want to watch for yourself.
There were only 2 lines of tables so even the tables behind the ones by the rail got a great view of the show, no one needed to stand up and no one missed any of the fireworks.
Because I was there so early I was able to chat with the CM in charge of checking you in. For a party of 1 or 2 you can pick any available table with 2 chairs, party of 4 can only pick from tables set with 4 chairs, party of six or more will have tables set up for them as well...for example there was a party of 8 and the CM knew about it (from the reservation) so they had a table set for them. I did notice that right by the rail only tables for 2 or 4 are set, the larger tables are behind that row
Since it is first come first serve I was able to choose from any of the tables set for 2, I did not have to share my second seat.
Here was my view:

I never noticed the sea monster in the pink flowers before! Nice view!

 

[yulilin3]

I never noticed the sea monster in the pink flowers before! Nice view!

One of the oldest topiaries in the park actually, fans were relieved that it wasn't cut from the hub reimagining

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

July 3 and 4--is it sold out or not available yet? Is it a regular dessert party? Inflated price for holiday? Thanks for the info, and sorry if it's already been answered. I read back through but didn't see it.

 

[ktate82]

July 3 and 4--is it sold out or not available yet? Is it a regular dessert party? Inflated price for holiday? Thanks for the info, and sorry if it's already been answered. I read back through but didn't see it.

There are actually several of us on this threat that have been waiting oh so patiently for July 3rd and 4th (and oddly Sept 17th) to open. I have called (just in case), and they have no idea when it will open.