Illuminations Dessert Party

[disney queen]

Any thoughts on this fireworks party--good, bad, indifferent??? Thanks!

 

[wmjeffer]

I've read a couple reviews - most of them say it is kind of "meh." A big complaint is that there is no seating, just standing at high tables. Hopefully someone can chime in that has attended!

 

[disneyfanlincoln]

I was disappointed. despite arriving early, view was not great, area was pretty large and crowded. FP area next door had more space. desserts were not as billed. Standing tables were ok. Sparkling wine was ok but pours are small. I don't think I would do it again. I could find a better spot, buy treats and drink and it would work out much cheaper and pleasant. BTW I enjoy the wishes dessert party and have attended multiple times. This is why I had high hopes, pleased I did it once so I know but I wouldn't recommend to family and friends.

 

[disney queen]

Thanks!! I have done the Wishes and have been trying to book it for my December try, but no luck

 

[constanze]

Keep trying for Wishes. We were able to get a reservation about 30 days out. Since the price went up, folks might be cancelling so you could have a good shot at securing your reservation. We'll be going in early August. Looking forward to it!

 

[soniam]

We preferred Illuminations (did last July) over Wishes party (did in March). Our Illuminations party wasn't very crowded. There was not a large variety of desserts (~6 and ice cream bars), but they were good and kind of upscale. They had saute stations with churros or donuts with rum/butter sauce. The tables had a ton of glasses of sparkling wine, prosseco, and sparkling cider. The prosecco wasn't very good, but the sparkling wine was pretty decent. We had a great view too. It is standing with tall tables. Our table was next to a railing, so we leaned up against it. They are currently the same price. Wishes has no alcohol though.

 

[pixarmom]

We preferred Illuminations (did last July) over Wishes party (did in March). Our Illuminations party wasn't very crowded. There was not a large variety of desserts (~6 and ice cream bars), but they were good and kind of upscale. They had saute stations with churros or donuts with rum/butter sauce. The tables had a ton of glasses of sparkling wine, prosseco, and sparkling cider. The prosecco wasn't very good, but the sparkling wine was pretty decent. We had a great view too. It is standing with tall tables. Our table was next to a railing, so we leaned up against it. They are currently the same price. Wishes has no alcohol though.

We did Wishes in January and Illuminations in March and agree completely. Even though our Illuminations desserts were served inside (due to inclement weather) we still preferred Illuminations for all the reasons mentioned here. We also found the Illuminations party crowd to be very friendly, laid back and interactive. No storming of the buffet or hoarding of certain items at Illuminations. We still giggle about the chocolate covered strawberry raids at Wishes.) But our entire family (including all three kids) prefers Epcot over MK and Illuminations over Wishes anyway, so I should disclose that bias!

 

[soniam]

We did Wishes in January and Illuminations in March and agree completely. Even though our Illuminations desserts were served inside (due to inclement weather) we still preferred Illuminations for all the reasons mentioned here. We also found the Illuminations party crowd to be very friendly, laid back and interactive. No storming of the buffet or hoarding of certain items at Illuminations. We still giggle about the chocolate covered strawberry raids at Wishes.) But our entire family (including all three kids) prefers Epcot over MK and Illuminations over Wishes anyway, so I should disclose that bias!

We also found the crowds and people at the Wishes party to be pushy, grumpy, and snotty. I think the atmosphere didn't help our opinion. Some people actually staked our their spot at the railing from the get-go and ate their desserts there instead of sitting. It just wasn't very "magical". However, we prefer the Wishes show over Illuminations, but Epcot is our favorite park too.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

We do both. Illuminations is wider open and there's booze. Plus there are Kahlua fried donuts. Tasty. Worth it for us. Love both.