Illuminations Sparkling Dessert Party...

[Sytrace]

I just booked this and in all the years we have had AP's never done a party of any kind.
(Although many years ago as a single CM, I did check out MVMCP with some fellow CM's)
I am going with my hubby and 13 and 14 year olds the night before we leave on our cruise. I thought it might be a nice kick off for us.

Any feedback on this party?

Thanks!
Tracey

 

[soniam]

We did it in summer 2014 and really enjoyed it. The desserts have probably changed, but DH and I enjoyed them. DS didn't like all of them as much, because some of them had coffee in them. He liked the ice cream bars, shortbread, lemonade, and sparkling grape juice. DH and I liked the champagne too. We liked it much better than the Wishes dessert party. People were in a good mood. It wasn't crowded, and we had a good view. That's the good. The bad was that there are no seats, and the tables are high, cocktail style. Since your kids are older, that probably won't be a problem. DS was 8 at the time. We managed to get a table next to the railing and leaned up against it. He also sat on the ground for a bit. The other bad was that I drank too much champagne and had a little bit of a hangover the next morning We would do it again though. Have a good time.

EDIT: I have gotten the impression though that my opinion of the party is different from most people. I have heard a lot of negative reviews. So, YMMV.

 

[imbelle]

I booked this as a treat for my friend who had never seen Illuminations before, thinking it would be a premium viewing spot. We got there at 8:00 as instructed and although there were plenty of available tables, only 7 or so tables had unobstructed views and they were already taken. The awning over the boat dock totally blocked the globe. We could have easily staked out a better view on our own for free. The desserts were ok but not worth the admission price.

 

[rwdavis2]

Reviews by the folks who run this site, I believe, say it's not worth the $$.

 

[d-train]

I did the party on spring break last year. Although it was a costly price, the desserts and drinks were enjoyable. I was one of the first in line, so was able to get a table up front with a good view. If you get in line early, and get in right away, it is a nice couple hours out of the crowd. Fun to watch the crowds form as time ticks closer to start time! Kind of unreal too. Since it was just myself, I didn't mind the cost. Taking the whole fam in June, not doing illuminations party, would be too costly for a whole family I think - unless you are ok making desserts your meal...as alluring as that sounds...eh...

 

[mrp4352]

I loved it and have done it several times. While my table didn't provide a great view of Illuminations - I found there was ample room for me to move around and get a better viewing place. Of the different dessert parties I've attended, this is my favorite!

 

[Sytrace]

We did it in summer 2014 and really enjoyed it. The desserts have probably changed, but DH and I enjoyed them. DS didn't like all of them as much, because some of them had coffee in them. He liked the ice cream bars, shortbread, lemonade, and sparkling grape juice. DH and I liked the champagne too. We liked it much better than the Wishes dessert party. People were in a good mood. It wasn't crowded, and we had a good view. That's the good. The bad was that there are no seats, and the tables are high, cocktail style. Since your kids are older, that probably won't be a problem. DS was 8 at the time. We managed to get a table next to the railing and leaned up against it. He also sat on the ground for a bit. The other bad was that I drank too much champagne and had a little bit of a hangover the next morning We would do it again though. Have a good time.

EDIT: I have gotten the impression though that my opinion of the party is different from most people. I have heard a lot of negative reviews. So, YMMV.

Thank you for the feedback. I think the no seating thing will be okay for us. I saw a list of desserts they have and they look fairly well represented. Fingers crossed!
No champagne for me as I am the driver but hubby might have some.

 

[Sytrace]

I don't have a problem with dessert for dinner.
And thanks for the tips about finding a good spot by the railing.
All feedback is appreciated on this

 

[MaryKatesMom]

What time should I line up and where? I did this a few years ago as and we liked it but we got there around 8:30 . My DD is a big dessert eater and while there were tables available they were in the back. So I would like to get closer up front. We were able to move to a better viewing spot and did it to avoid the peak crowds. Where should I head?

 

[Tigerlulu]

We did it and it was ok. Dessert to me means chocolate and there was no chocolate when we were there. It was fine--we were desperately in need of a place to sit and it was weird sitting on the ground around a high table at an event we paid several hundred dollars for. I would absolutely not pay for this again.

 

[maryj11]

I think Disney should provide chairs for these parties. I mean gee we pay that much we should be able to sit down. If they didnt want to deal with the chairs they could have a pile of them and have the guest grab their own chair and then put it back.

 

[AngiTN]

What time should I line up and where? I did this a few years ago as and we liked it but we got there around 8:30 . My DD is a big dessert eater and while there were tables available they were in the back. So I would like to get closer up front. We were able to move to a better viewing spot and did it to avoid the peak crowds. Where should I head?

They will line up at least an hour before Illuminations, maybe 90 min. You will go to the area that is between the two stores in the Plaza area of WS, just after you cross over the bridge from FW.

We loved the event. Paid for it once and did the package during F&W to do it again.
We don't like the Wishes event but we do like the Illuminations one

 

[gorkt]

I was all set to do it, but after reading details I will likely skip it. Not having seating pretty much kills it for me. I did the Wishes party in 2013 and really enjoyed it, but the point, for me, is to be able to relax after a long day in the parks, SIT, and enjoy a nice view of the fireworks. No sitting, no deal.

 

[princesspeaony]

Can anyone tell me what the prosecco/cava is they are serving now at this event?

 

[MrsHull]

It was the best "extra" we have ever booked. We did it on the last night of our trip last fall. The desserts were good. The drinks were spot-on and the service was exemplary. It felt like we were leaving on a high note, for sure. One thing, the bathrooms are a fair distance away. If you have tired, park feet, go before you go to the party. Otherwise, I will book this every trip we take, as long as it is offered.