Illuminations dessert party vs. wishes dessert party

[surgefest]

For those who have done both i'd love to hear the differences in the two. Or if you've just done the illuminations dessert party, what you thought of it. I've read some negative reviews, But just curious as to why? It sounds like its a great spot to view illuminations and the desserts sounded decent. Thanks for your information.

 

[mom2rb]

Wishes has better food and a better price, plus chairs. Illuminations has a better view.

 

[AllThingsMickey4]

We have done the wishes dessert party many times and loved it. We did the illuminations dessert party for the first time on December 20th, amd we were not impressed. I would say the main difference between the two is having a reserved table for the Wishes party. This allows you to show up 30 minutes before the wishes party without having to dash to a table, and you actually have somewhere to sit. With the illuminations party, we got in line to check in at 8:15 and the line was already more than 50 people long. People were sprinting to grab tables with the best views and we ended up behind a bush. There were even several groups walking around saying all the tables were taken. The desserts were only slightly better than the wishes desserts because there are more options. Coffee was good, didn't have any alcohol so I can't speak to that. I think the thing that infuriated me the most was seeing the fastpass+ enter the viewing area beside us at 9:00 and have a much better view for free If you have ever used fastpass+ for illuminations the dessert party did not include the huge open area in the center (right in between the two gift shops) that fastpass+ uses. IMO this is the best view for illuminations and I was upset that it was roped off.

 

[surgefest]

Thank you so much for the review. Are there "Bad" standing spots in the reserved section? Also is it the type of set up where you can get stuck standing behind people and have a "bad" view??? Also how early do you reccomend lining up?? What types of desserts?? Anyone else have an experience to share? One last thing, did they have heating lamps in this section?? just curious.

 

[AllThingsMickey4]

We were near the front of the section in front of the gift shop which is probably the best area. The section went all the way back towards the boat ramp with tables behind the boat ramp, which I can imagine wasn't a very good view. The area has a little bit of an Incline so I wouldn't worry about standing behind anyone, and most people stayed at their tables during fireworks. If you don't get a table at the railing you will most likely not be able to move to the railing like the wishes party because a lot of the tables are pushed completely against the railing. The website says to check in at 8:15 but the line was huge when we got there at 8:15 so I would see what the line looks like at 8:00 if a good table is important to you. Desserts included apple pie and ice cream, churros, Asian Rice Krispies, a chocolate french dessert, tiramisu and a few others. No heating lamps.

 

[twinspluscade]

I thought the Illuminations dessert party was discontinued? Is the website letting you book?

 

[DebbieB]

I thought the Illuminations dessert party was discontinued? Is the website letting you book?

I read last week that they were taking reservations for January & February.

I've done both and I wish the Illuminations party had seats. It was uncomfortable to stand for over an hour.