HEA Dessert Party...worth it during low season?

[pmaria80]

Hi all! My family and I are heading down to Disney next week. Crowd predictions are pretty low, but I realize that's just for rides. We are trying to decide if it's worthwhile to book the garden area party or if there won't be that many crowds outside of the reserved area. Anybody been to HEA these past few weeks? Is it still a madhouse and tight crowds?
We have never stayed for fireworks since Wishes, so I'm just basing my info on reports from you all. TIA!

 

[monkyby87]

Personally I don’t think it’s worth it, as I’ve been able to find good spots without having to camp out for a while. But some people swear by the parties. I just can’t justify spending that much if seeing the show is your primary goal.

 

[nkereina]

If having a great spot with a good view of the castle is important to you, then typically you'd have to camp out for a while - 30-45 minutes before, or longer. The dessert party gives you that back in park time, along with an assortment of desserts and snacks, and some personal space while watching the show. So you have to decide if that's worth the cost to you.

I will say that they get good reviews. We have the after fireworks party booked for October. We've done one in the past and my biggest gripe is that we needed to rush to the railing of Tomorrowland Terrace to have any kind of view, negating the benefit of having a reserved table. Its my understanding this has been fixed, and the railing is now occupied by tables so people stick to their seats during the show. So to me, not many negatives other than the price of course.