Just how bad are the crowds for HEA?

[GADisneyDad14]

YIKES. Does the Plaza Garden one even sell out regularly? I know when we went 2 weeks ago I was still seeing availability up until a couple of days before. Did the Terrace one increase in price too???

Plaza Garden doesn’t sell out all the time, but it can definitely sell out. It has a pretty high capacity.

Yes, Terrace increased to... $84 adults/$50 3-9 (includes tax, price as of 5/28+). This was a $5 / $3 increase over the prior cost.

 

[umichigan10]

Exactly that. And Disney should have anticipated this. But I'm sure they're saving substantial money not having a night parade for so long.

Yup unfortunately from what I’ve gathered Florida management doesn’t wanna pony up the money. I’ve seen HEA once in the MK and I realized how terrible the crowd flow is for this reason. You’re absolutely right that they should have foreseen this

 

[ww52]

Last time we were there was I think 7 years ago. I assume that was Wishes? But there were projections on the Castle then (we saw it from the rail at the train station and have some pretty good video).

So Wishes had projections on the Castle? And HEA has even more so? Or were we seeing a trial run of how projections might work?

Anyway - we're going with two small children (ages 4 and 2) in July and thought about staying late the last night for this. Sounds like a VERY bad idea given the crowds and the fact it's unlikely the kids will even see much if anything on the castle without being on someone's shoulders. Camping out even an hour early just to be jostled by people trying to squeeze in front of you - with small kids - is not my idea of a fun way to end our vacation.

And I'm certainly not paying $69 each for 6 adults and $41 for the 4 year old - after paying so much to get in the park.

I suspect there are YouTube videos of HAE we can watch that may actually be more enjoyable.

Quite frankly, it's getting tough to not to be critical of Disney as a corporation. I've always loved Disney - this will be our 8th family trip and won't be our last.

But it's really taken a bad turn. I've long ago accepted that a Disney trip will be VERY expensive. And that it can't be spontaneous without giving up a lot - at least in the summer when we need to go (teachers in our group). But now we have to plan more than 2 months in advance to assure FP+ 60 days out)! That's added a level of stress already. And now we realize we essentially have to give up things like HAE or pay even more.

Let's not kid ourselves - the reason they created HAE is to create a demand for premium seating. Their analytics group is fantastic - and never fail to find ways to get us to willingly overpay. The resort prices relative to outside hotels keep escalating. Ticket prices rise at a much faster rate than anything I can name except maybe college tuition. Dinner prices jump each year at an insane rate (we booked a character dinner at $50 each - and now see it went up to $60. TWENTY percent?!?)

Obviously this is driven by supply / demand so it's impossible to criticize them. It's just a cold reality that the choices we need to make get tougher and tougher. A total Disney experience is either for the rich, or for those willing to put an enormous amount of their disposable income into it.

 

[tinabina919]

Can you watch from the Main Street train station?

Our only night for HEA is a Saturday and with MNSSHP is season I’m afraid it’s going to be PACKED. I feel like this would be a great spot to get a head start out.

 

[goofyintoronto]

HEA was soooo packed during my trip early November. I have honestly never seen main street and the hub that packed before. It was so bad, i tried to get from the adventurland area to the other side where tomorrow land is, and eventually i had to give up because there was literally no where to go. No paths, nothing. It was packed. It was terrible. I have never experienced such crowds before. I figured it was bad because of HEA, everyone wants the best view of the castle.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I haven't been to HEA yet but I hated the crowds during Wishes. We did FP+ for Wishes because I refused to do the crowds. Next trip I'm doing the dessert party for HEA. It's not as hard a pill to swallow since it's just two of us this trip. But if HEA crowds are worse than Wishes it'll be worth it plus more for me.

My DD is only 5'. If she can't get a good view she will be thoroughly upset. She's that kid who wants front row seats, or close to it, if she goes to a concert or event. She hates having her view obstructed.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Can you watch from the Main Street train station?

Our only night for HEA is a Saturday and with MNSSHP is season I’m afraid it’s going to be PACKED. I feel like this would be a great spot to get a head start out.

I believe the upper platform space is sometimes used for reserved/VIP viewing. It’s probably worth a shot, but just have a backup plan in case it’s rope off when you get there.

 

[Summer2018]

Our experience in December is one I’ll never repeat. I had a great view next to the Walt and Mickey statue but the crowd was awful. It was already crowded but in those last minutes before it started more people crammed in so that moving was impossible. To me it was so ‘unmagical’ that the show is designed with the main focus on the castle projections. And I actually was bored before it was over. My thought was that I can watch the movies at home - don’t need to do that at the castle. I never missed Wishes on our trips but I’ll glad skip HEA next time around.

Same.

 

[Summer2018]

I know a lot of people think the dessert party is a waste of money, but it is the ONLY way I will watch HEA. The desserts are not worth it, but having enough room around me to physically move (heck, I could even do cartwheels) is worth the $59 or whatever it costs now. This is an awful picture quality wise, but was taken on April 30th from the Plaza Garden dessert party. It was like this all the way up and down Main Street. People would try to stop behind the Plaza Garden and CM's would direct them to keep moving, so some would squeeze in behind the ropes in front of people that had already been standing there.

View attachment 321638

I would pay for the dessert party, but when it’s over, you still have to deal with the mass exodus out of MK with people pushing and shoving to exit.

No more for me. I can no longer run or even walk briskly because of my knee injury. I told my daughter (20) and her BFF to feel free to go to MK at night without us. They both said, “If we do, we are leaving before the fireworks start. We aren’t dealing with all of that chaos. We’ll watch from the Poly beach or pool.”

So I guess none of us will be in MK for HEA.

 

[jaysmom4285]

I would pay for the dessert party, but when it’s over, you still have to deal with the mass exodus out of MK with people pushing and shoving to exit.

We've done the HEA dessert party a few times, and I can agree with you about the mass exodus. But, if you have the time, just stay in the HEA viewing area for a bit and let most of the crowd leave. Most people will leave the viewing area after the fireworks, but you're free to stay there as long as you want. DH and I always stay for a bit and relax on the turf, while watching the solid mass of people stream down Main Street. At the point where we can actually see space between people and the tidal wave has turned into more of a trickle, we then venture out and have a leisurely walk down the street and maybe take in a few shops. The HEA viewing area is actually a good way to protect yourself from the exiting mob.

 

[ww52]

Hmmm - Maybe we'll get to the point where - to paraphrase Yogi Berra - "nobody goes to the MK fireworks anymore because it's too crowded!"

Watching from the Poly Beach is a great compromise. No projections of course. Another great viewing spot is at GF - which the last time we did that, they piped in the audio. We can take the monorail over there - then again back to TTC. We'd miss a lot of the crowd.

They still let non-resort guests on the property, right? We've stayed at GF 3 times but finally got priced out of that. I know they restrict pool usage and parking is limited by time.

And I realize it's a small sample size on a specific thread, but I'm surprised so many are OK paying an extra $70 (or is it $84?) to get a good view. No disrespect - but it's close to what I once called Disney-hypnosis. We accept things like that without complaint because "it's Disney!" To which many people look at us like we need an intervention.

 

[walker0829]

People would try to stop behind the Plaza Garden and CM's would direct them to keep moving, so some would squeeze in behind the ropes in front of people that had already been standing there.
View attachment 321638

Being against the back rails in the garden plaza we heard this exact exchange right behind us during the show. Some guy was yelling at his wife/girlfriend/whoever "I don't care what you want. They said we have to move." I couldn't help but chuckle at what could have just as easily been me saying that exact same thing had I not been where I was.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

Can you watch from the Main Street train station?

Our only night for HEA is a Saturday and with MNSSHP is season I’m afraid it’s going to be PACKED. I feel like this would be a great spot to get a head start out.

I believe the upper platform space is sometimes used for reserved/VIP viewing. It’s probably worth a shot, but just have a backup plan in case it’s rope off when you get there.

I know we watched the afternoon parade from the upper platform of the train station. There was a middle section reserved, but the sides were open. It was a great place to watch. The only issue I see with this is that it is so far away from the castle, the projections will be hard to see.

I have no desire to watch them up close again, but we will be taking our adult children next Thanksgiving, and I know they will want to see them. I am NOT paying for the dessert party. I have been disappointed twice with dessert parties, and that was just paying for the two of us, so no way am I paying for the whole family. I guess we will just deal with the crowds.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Hmmm - Maybe we'll get to the point where - to paraphrase Yogi Berra - "nobody goes to the MK fireworks anymore because it's too crowded!"

Watching from the Poly Beach is a great compromise. No projections of course. Another great viewing spot is at GF - which the last time we did that, they piped in the audio. We can take the monorail over there - then again back to TTC. We'd miss a lot of the crowd.

They still let non-resort guests on the property, right? We've stayed at GF 3 times but finally got priced out of that. I know they restrict pool usage and parking is limited by time.

And I realize it's a small sample size on a specific thread, but I'm surprised so many are OK paying an extra $70 (or is it $84?) to get a good view. No disrespect - but it's close to what I once called Disney-hypnosis. We accept things like that without complaint because "it's Disney!" To which many people look at us like we need an intervention.

I pay upcharges at other events. I don't think because "it's Disney!" I do it for the convenience. When we do sporting events I like to do club box. You get a waitress and a bathroom!! Sure I pay an extra $30-50 per person but it's worth the convenience to me.

 

[Summer2018]

We've done the HEA dessert party a few times, and I can agree with you about the mass exodus. But, if you have the time, just stay in the HEA viewing area for a bit and let most of the crowd leave. Most people will leave the viewing area after the fireworks, but you're free to stay there as long as you want. DH and I always stay for a bit and relax on the turf, while watching the solid mass of people stream down Main Street. At the point where we can actually see space between people and the tidal wave has turned into more of a trickle, we then venture out and have a leisurely walk down the street and maybe take in a few shops. The HEA viewing area is actually a good way to protect yourself from the exiting mob.

Awesome. You have given me hope. I just might book the dessert party for our last night.

 

[tink2]

We were there last June and had very low crowd levels during the day. Now- it was newer then and I’m really really hoping the crowds for HEA are better for our upcoming trip. Our crowd levels last year were very low during the day- but about an hour and half before HEA- Main Street looked like Christmas Week- packed like sardines- I’m not exaggerating- I’ve been a few times during Christmas week. It was an average level 6ish crowd during the day- level 5 some days- and then BAM! We stood at Casey’s Corner to leave through the shops and my 5’2” daughter couldn’t see anything- it was literally body to body all the way from in front of the castle to the train station- I was shocked. and it was that way the 3 nights we were there.
Hoping it isn’t quite as bad this trip since it’s now a year old- but I have my doubts from reports on here. My family doesn’t like body to body crowds- so it may only be a one night attempt this year if the crowds aren’t any better.

I’ve seen Wishes many many times, and the only time the crowds compared to HEA in June was Christmas Week- any other time Wishes was crowded yes- but HEA was a whole new level.
They seriously need a nighttime parade to break up the crowds. Before- so many people would see the parade and leave and crowds were much more manageable.

 

[quandrea]

I’m just debating if I do the dessert party or a fireworks cruise. Roughly the same money. Cruise doesn’t get projections, but I’m far away from the mayhem.

 

[ShelbyK]

We watched HEA last week without even planning to.. on our way out of the park my kids decided they had to have ice cream so we waited in the very long line at the Plaza and by the time we walked out it was 8:55 so we figured we would just start walking out and maybe watch from the boat back to WL..right in front of Crystal Arts there was a huge pocket of empty space dead center in the street that my party of 9 including a stroller easily spread out and we ended up watching the whole show there.. it was amazing and I did not feel unsafe walking out..everyone seemed to be walking at a normal pace and we got right onto our boat for Wilderness Lodge no problem. The whole experience was so much less stressful and chaotic than I thought it would be but obviously we were not there in a crowded time of year and I am sure that makes a big difference

 

[B. Shoe]

We have Dessert Party tickets for the Plaza Garden in late October, during a packed week of MNSSHP parties. I anticipated it would be a heavier turnout because of the lack of HEA showings, so we are splurging on the Dessert Party tickets. If this wasn't the first time we'd seen HEA, I'd be content to be over in the Tomorrowland Terrace seating and have our own table/chairs for the event. I don't mind being in a crowd, but I'd rather be comfortable and have a little wiggle room. If I have to pay extra for it, I'll rearrange spending plans accordingly to make it happen.

 

[sjrec]

Last time we were there was I think 7 years ago. I assume that was Wishes? But there were projections on the Castle then (we saw it from the rail at the train station and have some pretty good video).

So Wishes had projections on the Castle? And HEA has even more so? Or were we seeing a trial run of how projections might work?

Anyway - we're going with two small children (ages 4 and 2) in July and thought about staying late the last night for this. Sounds like a VERY bad idea given the crowds and the fact it's unlikely the kids will even see much if anything on the castle without being on someone's shoulders. Camping out even an hour early just to be jostled by people trying to squeeze in front of you - with small kids - is not my idea of a fun way to end our vacation.

And I'm certainly not paying $69 each for 6 adults and $41 for the 4 year old - after paying so much to get in the park.

I suspect there are YouTube videos of HAE we can watch that may actually be more enjoyable.

Quite frankly, it's getting tough to not to be critical of Disney as a corporation. I've always loved Disney - this will be our 8th family trip and won't be our last.

But it's really taken a bad turn. I've long ago accepted that a Disney trip will be VERY expensive. And that it can't be spontaneous without giving up a lot - at least in the summer when we need to go (teachers in our group). But now we have to plan more than 2 months in advance to assure FP+ 60 days out)! That's added a level of stress already. And now we realize we essentially have to give up things like HAE or pay even more.

Let's not kid ourselves - the reason they created HAE is to create a demand for premium seating. Their analytics group is fantastic - and never fail to find ways to get us to willingly overpay. The resort prices relative to outside hotels keep escalating. Ticket prices rise at a much faster rate than anything I can name except maybe college tuition. Dinner prices jump each year at an insane rate (we booked a character dinner at $50 each - and now see it went up to $60. TWENTY percent?!?)

Obviously this is driven by supply / demand so it's impossible to criticize them. It's just a cold reality that the choices we need to make get tougher and tougher. A total Disney experience is either for the rich, or for those willing to put an enormous amount of their disposable income into it.

It’s ok to skip late night fireworks with a 2 and 4 year old! We didn’t bring our daughter at that age and our grandson was 7 last year and saw them for the first time-it was August and crowded, but we found a spot and just waited for the crowds to thin out before leaving.
I hate that young parents feel pressured to “do it all.” You’re on a family vacation and your children are just happy spending the time with you