HEA Dessert Party worth it?

[dlavender]

I really thought about it because I want our trip to be memorable but I just couldn’t justify the cost for 5 people. I guess we’ll be staking out a spot (and hoping for the best).

We are a fam of 5 and just can't ever justify the cost.

I would get to the spot in front of Casey's about 90 mins before the show. Then go get everyone some ice cream/popcorn/candy and some light up toys. That usually does the trick for us to hold them. Costs about $100 (3 light ups and treats). Still a "splurge", but its easier to swallow vs $400.....

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

We’ve done the garden view party twice and love it. HEA is amazing and has become one of our favorite things (and we are big wishes people). Having the viewing area is so perfect.

However, if you have no interest in the actual party and if you don’t see any value in the desserts, I would not do it.

Go to the garden section on the opposite side in front of Casey’s and grab a spot about 45 minutes before. Even 60 if you want the very best choices. We’ve found pretty good spots in that garden within 30 minutes of the show. Mid-September isn’t too bad on crowds but if that week is cluttered with Halloween parties you might err on the side of caution and be a little closer to an hour or so.

That seems like a big commitment of time. But really, especially if it’s that critical to see it, it’s no longer than you’ll spend eating the desserts and doing it the other way. And it’s worth every minute of that wait.

The climax of that show is a rush of emotion and so beautiful. You will absolutely not regret seeing it. (IMHO)

You’ll love it! And you can totally get a great spot without the party

The opposite garden is many times now reserved for not only handicapped, but VIP seating for Club level resort guests who have paid for the extra fast passes which includes VIP seating at one event each evening.
Of course, this could change, but don't count on that area being accessable on your trip dates.
We recently went to HEA 3 nights in March.
One was the dessert party, which imho was well worth the price, just for the view.
Another we scheduled Fast Passes for BTMRR for during the show, also awesome! And the third was with the general public with staking out a spot an hour in advance. Won't do that again. CMs came along and made us squish way too close for comfort into each other. It was pretty uncomfortable. So, for me, I would only stay for HEA with the dessert party.

 

[kniquy]

My worry is the parties on the other nights,

This is my thought for our end of November trip -(it will only be 3 of us so the cost not crazy)- i think when we are there (only a 4 night trip) - 2 of the nights will be party nights, so I am already planning on booking the dessert party for one night so that our plan will be to hit another park during the day (while MK is busy because it is a non party day) and then head over to MK for the evening fireworks.

It really is a toss up. I do like the peace of mind that we will not have to worry about the crowds for HEA -- After our April trip Dessert party i might feel a little different and because we would have already done it once, but even just watching HEA on youtube it gets to me so i am sure we are going to want that perfect view to see it again in November.