HEA Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party

[Stephen's Mom]

We'll be at MK on August 20 and just for heck I checked for reservations for the Dessert Party as I assumed it would be sold out. I really wanted the Garden Plaza viewing but as expected, there was nothing available. However, I was able to book the Terrace Viewing one. I'm now second guessing if I should have done that. It's more expensive and from some of the reviews I've been reading it sounds like the view might not be very good. Seems strange that it would cost so much more and then have crappy views. Can anyone give me some first hand accounts of the Terrace viewing or any tips that I should know? My DH will be very unimpressed if I dropped that much money and then we don't get a decent view of the show anyways.

 

[Daniela Rose]

It costs more because you have seating. For wishes it was the better one to book.

Now with hea and all the projections on the castle people want to be right in front.

Both parties start at tomorrow land terrace with tables and seating for dessert. Then the plaza garden people walk out before the show.

Keep checking back. People do cancel. There's a five day cancel for this particular party.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

We'll be at MK on August 20 and just for heck I checked for reservations for the Dessert Party as I assumed it would be sold out. I really wanted the Garden Plaza viewing but as expected, there was nothing available. However, I was able to book the Terrace Viewing one. I'm now second guessing if I should have done that. It's more expensive and from some of the reviews I've been reading it sounds like the view might not be very good. Seems strange that it would cost so much more and then have crappy views. Can anyone give me some first hand accounts of the Terrace viewing or any tips that I should know? My DH will be very unimpressed if I dropped that much money and then we don't get a decent view of the show anyways.

Sorry to hear the Plaza Garden is sold out... generally speaking it's been the opposite... the Terrace has such limited numbers it tends to sell out and availability has been pretty good for the Plaza, even close to the event. (I'm obviously generalizing here)

With the Terrace version, you are seated on a first come, first served basis. They arrange the tables approx two deep from the rail (although this varies in spots)... generally speaking you want to be 1) far left, 2) on the rail for the best view. So, getting there early has an advantage. But, personally I don't think there's a MASSIVE difference one way or the other...just subtle differences in the view.

These pics were from the Tomorrowland Terrace party during Wishes earlier this year, but they may be helpful. In this instance I was seated nearly all the way to the right (if facing the castle). Frankly wouldn't be a terrible view for the HEA projections, but not all that great either.


Big bursts are quite a bit off center from this viewing angle.


Looking back at the Tomorrowland Terrace tables/service area.


BIG BIG caveat....this pic was earlier this year but when I walked by one night in July (a few weeks ago), there was another layer of tables not immediately on the rail like you see here. Not sure if that's the norm now or just that one night.



Hope that helps!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Also, just wanted to point out a few POSITIVES.

- Being able to sit/chill/relax is VERY NICE. It's like a wonderful Oasis to watch the setting sun and the MK/castle come alive at night... all in the peaceful confines of the Tomorrowland Terrace removed from the craziness of the Hub.
- It's such a small number of folks here it feels like a special/private event.
- It is covered if the weather is bad.
- Tink flies RIGHT OVER YOU (you'll be able to tell if Tink is a male or female CM on that particular night, if you know what I mean)
- Great audio.
- No lines/waiting for desserts.

Sure, it's not the 'perfect' view, but it will work for many folks.

 

[Stephen's Mom]

Thanks! Yes, that does help! Of course there is availability for the Plaza one on the 19th and the 21st but not the 20th. I already have my fastpasses booked for the 20th and I can't get one for 7DMT on another day now so I guess I will keep the Terrace viewing reservation and keep checking for the Plaza one in case there's a cancellation.

I do have a couple of questions -

1) Are the tables assigned based on how early you made the reservation or is it determined on a first come first served basis? I just made the reservation today so if it's based on that, I will likely be getting a worse table.

2) If we check in quite early, do we have to stay there for the entire time, or can we come and go? I figured my two kids might prefer to go and try and do a ride or two instead of waiting but maybe that isn't possible (they are 18 and 13 so they could go on their own while DH and I wait).

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Thanks! Yes, that does help! Of course there is availability for the Plaza one on the 19th and the 21st but not the 20th. I already have my fastpasses booked for the 20th and I can't get one for 7DMT on another day now so I guess I will keep the Terrace viewing reservation and keep checking for the Plaza one in case there's a cancellation.

I do have a couple of questions -

1) Are the tables assigned based on how early you made the reservation or is it determined on a first come first served basis? I just made the reservation today so if it's based on that, I will likely be getting a worse table.

2) If we check in quite early, do we have to stay there for the entire time, or can we come and go? I figured my two kids might prefer to go and try and do a ride or two instead of waiting but maybe that isn't possible (they are 18 and 13 so they could go on their own while DH and I wait).

I will caveat this by saying procedures can change, so YMMV... but when we did it:

1) Tables were assigned when you checked in, looked like they were filling left to right (if facing the castle). I don't like arriving at these things early, hence why my table was almost all the way to the right! HAHA!

2) The event starts at 7:45PM and people will likely start lining up in advance of that. I don't see why you couldn't come/go. They give wristbands for the Plaza version but I'm not totally sure about the TT version, I can't quite remember. People definitely leave for the restroom, etc. It's a pretty casual setup frankly.