IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party

[knicksak2]

I've seen a lot of people talk about the wishes dessert party but haven't seen much on this. any good? worth the price? good view? good food? just curious about it if anyone has done it before.

 

[Vylette Rose]

We very much enjoyed it. The view was spectacular and the desserts were wonderful. As for being worth the price, that really depends on you. For us it was worth it, but I know of others that didn't think the value was there.

 

[DebbieB]

I did it a couple of years ago. The thing I didn't like was there was no seating. They just had the high tables and you weren't guaranteed to get one. You get there an hour early and have to stand or sit on the concrete.

 

[knicksak2]

I did it a couple of years ago. The thing I didn't like was there was no seating. They just had the high tables and you weren't guaranteed to get one. You get there an hour early and have to stand or sit on the concrete.

you have to get there an hour early? you cant show up closer to it?

 

[DebbieB]

you have to get there an hour early? you cant show up closer to it?

You could but you probably aren't going to get a table. We got the last one and we were just under an hour. I just didn't like the setup for how much it cost. The view was nice.

Plus you want to take time to enjoy the desserts.

 

[joanchris]

For the price, I would want a seat

 

[ArwenMarie]

Yeah the lack of seats is a dealbreaker for me on this one.

 

[pinkgirlmommy]

There aren't seats for everyone that pays? That's crazy!

 

[ElsieAstronaut]

There aren't seats for everyone that pays? That's crazy!

No, there aren't seats at all. It's just high top tables.

We really enjoyed it this past November. I did it as a surprise for Db and felt it was worth it. The view we had was amazing, and it was so nice to get to watch a show without being jostled and having to stand on my tip toes, etc. The drinks were nice, and the desserts were mostly very good.

We didn't have any trouble finding a table, and actually ended up moving to a different one after a little while. There were empty ones scattered throughout, so i'm sure that entirely depends on the night you go, and whether or not people use common sense and stick to one table per party.

 

[SRUAlmn]

I think the aforementioned reason regarding seating is one of the reasons you hear more about the Wishes parties. Also that the Wishes parties have assigned seating so you don't have to show up as far in advance. I've also read there are people all around the Illuminations area and you're in like a fishbowl. The Wishes area is fairly "private" since you're in an area surrounded almost half by water.

 

[Robo]

Also that the Wishes parties have assigned seating so you don't have to show up as far in advance.

Sorry.
They stopped reserving tables at Wishes several months ago.
Tables at Wishes are first-come, first served now, and guests are arriving up to an hour early to get a better table.

(This may or may not (likely not) be changing back to reserved, but stay tuned.)

 

[SRUAlmn]

Sorry.
They stopped reserving tables at Wishes several months ago.
Tables are first-come, first served now, and guests are arriving up to an hour early to get a table.

Thank you! Sorry I wasn't up to date since we haven't done the party in a year. I hate when people post things they aren't up to date with and I just became that person! Ha! Thanks for the info.

 

[knicksak2]

interesting...i havent been to illuminations in years...how hard is it to find a good spot to view it on your own? do you still need to get there an hour early or can you manage pretty close to it like with wishes?

 

[Robo]

interesting...i havent been to illuminations in years...how hard is it to find a good spot to view it on your own? do you still need to get there an hour early or can you manage pretty close to it like with wishes?

There are so many places to view IllumiNations at Epcot's World Showcase
that are wonderful in their own way that its futile to try to list them... so I will.

Arriving 30-45 min. early should work fine, unless it's a particularly busy night.


• Bridge between UK and France

• Norway area

• Upper level (outside front terrace) of the Matsu No Ma Lounge in Japan

• Italy, near the Gondolas

• Mexico, at the new Cantina

• Mexico, bridge to the right of the Cantina (as you face the lagoon.)

• UK, the Rose & Crown outdoor dining area (ressies required.)

• UK, just to the left of the Rose & Crown (as you face the lagoon.)

• Many, many more great spots.



Be sure to avoid any tree branches that block your overhead view,

and watch out for any "islands" in the water

that block your view of the "center" of the lagoon.



Most Important Tip:

Don't stand down-wind of the fireworks.

Their SMOKE will ruin the show.

So, If the wind is blowing into your face as you look towards the Lagoon, you are in the wrong spot.



-----------------------

 

[Robo]

Thank you! Sorry I wasn't up to date since we haven't done the party in a year. I hate when people post things they aren't up to date with and I just became that person! Ha! Thanks for the info.

With the rate that WDW is changing things, it's nearly impossible to stay up-to-date on many things.

 

[knicksak2]

i will be going during the food and wine festival...because there are all the booths will that make finding a good spot harder since there will be more things in the way?

 

[MrsHull]

We want last December and it was fantastic to not have to worry about where we were going to sit/stand for the show. 2 adults/1 teen boy/1 child and we all enjoyed the variety of desserts and the drink selection. It was a fantastic way to end our vacation.

 

[BionicEar]

We went during the food & wine festival last November and we really enjoyed it. We were lucky to be first in line when we checked in; and after talking to another guest who had been, we chose a spot next to a fence so that we could be able to lean back against it during the show. It wasn't the first row next to the lake, but it was still a fantastic spot! We would do this again.