MK "Happily Ever After" Dessert Party (Parties) Discussion

[mom2rtk]

View attachment 327655 Did the dessert party June 5th. Lined up around 7:20 and there were two lines already formed. We were asked our check in time and directed to wait in a line against the wall.
At that time a cast member told us to eat and get out to the garden as quick as we could because they were expecting 300 people that night.
We were let into the party at 7:30 and were sat at one of the first tables. They walk you through the buffet and point out the new menu items.
We ate dessert, drank water and watched the line for the after party steadily grow.
At 8:00 we went down to the garden to stake out our spot. We went center back rail and spread out a bit next to some people that had gotten boxes of desserts and had set up a camera and tripod. They then let the after party people in around 8:05 and they filled up around the front of the garden.
By 8:45 the garden was full. The picture above was around 8:30.
I have done this party just last August and this one was much more crowded. We had several tall men come squeeze into the spot directly in front of us so we moved down to see.
Everyone stood for the show and after a few adjustments we were able to sit on the rail and had an excellent view.
As busy as it was in the garden it was no where as insanely packed as the outside area and we still had some room to maneuver to get a good view once the show started.

Are you the one who came over and said hi? If so, I'm glad you came back out of lurkdom to post!

I asked the CM at the podium how many they were expecting and they said only about 50 for the after party. Then when I pushed for a total number in the viewing area she said it wouldn't be crowded, "only" about 200 in the viewing area.

 

[Gothemi]

I may have missed this, but is the viewing area split between the after party folks and the before party folks? I spoke with a CM the other night via phone, but she didn't seem to have too much information. She originally told me that the two parties were split into two viewing areas (both in the garden area), but then she said later in the conversation that they were not split up. She admitted that information was new to the CM's as well.

I have a before party set, but I'm thinking of switching to the after party now just to avoid the before rush.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I may have missed this, but is the viewing area split between the after party folks and the before party folks? I spoke with a CM the other night via phone, but she didn't seem to have too much information. She originally told me that the two parties were split into two viewing areas (both in the garden area), but then she said later in the conversation that they were not split up. She admitted that information was new to the CM's as well.

I have a before party set, but I'm thinking of switching to the after party now just to avoid the before rush.

To date they have been sharing the same Plaza Garden area.

 

[mom2rtk]

We did the before party on 6/5. We arrived at the check-in area between 7:30 and 7:45. Our CM showed us around then walked us over to the dining area and every single table in full shade was already occupied. And it was blazing hot that day. It was after 7:30 but it was still very hot and I needed to cool off. I asked if there was any problem with going on over with our food to eat in the viewing area and he said that was fine. I asked if there were paper plates and he said to just ask at the buffet. So we each filled a plate and headed out. A CM escorted us over and even though it was 7:45 or so, one other person was already in the viewing area. I planned to set up a tripod, so needed to find a spot with a good view of the castle devoid of light poles. I set up the tripod on the very back of the grass since I didn't want to sit on the hot pavement. We sat on the grass and enjoyed our desserts. I made a couple additional trips out to get more desserts and drinks. I decided I needed ice cold water so asked if there was any way to get a paper cup with ice. They were happy to help. When I walked back into the viewing area, the attendant said "smart lady" indicating she knew we were ahead of a big crowd.

My overall impression is that there is still marginal value in the party. Everyone will have to do their own calculus on whether it's worth the price. Since there were only 2 of us, it was OK. I probably wouldn't pay it for a larger group. But I had very specific needs. We only had one day in the MK and I had to make the most of our time and I still wanted to set up the tripod with a minimum of issues. It turned out to be a very pleasant experience for us, but really only because we went into the viewing area with our food and enjoyed some wide open space for a while.

Someone did put their kid on their shoulders just ahead of us and to the right. I would not have been a happy camper if they were in front of me.

One of our plates:

Happily Ever After Desserts by mom2rtk, on Flickr

The viewing area at 8:30 (45 minutes prior to show time):

Happily Ever After Dessert Party by mom2rtk, on Flickr

And at 8:45 (30 minutes before show time):

Happily Ever After Dessert Party by mom2rtk, on Flickr

And our view of the show:

Happily Ever After by mom2rtk, on Flickr

 

[mom2rtk]

I agree that a CM advising me to rush is no bueno. But my point is about the high price point. Enjoy what you paid for. You paid for those desserts. Now maybe waiting until the last minute isn't the best strategy but my other point is this: you can stake a spot out for an hour if you want, but those last minute people are GOING to change the view you staked out. I'm not thrilled about the extra crowds, but even a lamp post isn't a big deal. Especially when you look around at the hub...craziness. I get that its expensive. I do. I paid for six people to do this. I hate that Disney has gotten to point of financial ridiculousness in general tbh

But different people are booking it for different reasons. For many, the value was in the less crowded nature of the viewing area and the desserts were secondary. I know it was my sole reason for booking it. The jury is out on whether it's worth it any more with more people in the viewing area. The fact that they increased the price at the same time they doubled (?) the potential numbers in that area makes it even harder to swallow.

But this is my point....you can just move if the view isn't good in the garden. So why panic about the view? I'm not saying that I don't understand the frustration. I just think that the reasons for booking it remain the same. Again, I'm not happy with the addition of the after party, but I'm not letting it ruin my expensive as heck desserts

Unfortunately it might be harder than ever to "just move" with so many more people in the viewing area. We have to see over time as the numbers grow. Right now I don't think that second party is coming anywhere near to selling out. If it does, it would make a big difference in the quality of experience. And would definitely impact one's ability to "just move".

 

[SaintsManiac]

@mom2rtk That's more people in the viewing area than we had in November AND January. And those were around holidays.

The word has gotten out about this party, that's for sure!

 

[nurseholly]

I'm not dismissing anyone's concerns for sure! I'm just talking out loud about my refusal to stake out a spot for a reserved party. I totally understand that some want to, just not me. I'm paying for a reserved spot, I'm willing to take what I get. Maybe I'm being a Pollyanna, but I just think I'll enjoy not having to fight the hub and I like the menu. I DO wish Disney would stop squeezing every last nickel out of their guests however and this will be a one and done for me. If it was still wishes I wouldn't ever pay for this party. But I've not seen HEA yet

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Thanks for checking in @mom2rtk - hope you had a great trip.

 

[DISRNR1000]

I did the garden dessert party in May 2017 to see the last Wishes show for me. That experience was really good. I did not feel rushed to get down to the party and probably arrived about 15 minutes before the fireworks started and we all had a great view.

In January 2018 I booked another garden dessert party to see HEA for the first time. I really felt pressured to get down to the viewing area because at least a half hour or so before the fireworks began almost everyone had left their tables to get to the viewing area. So for fear of missing out we ended up rushing our desserts and getting down there.

While we certainly had a place to stand and we’re not shoulder to shoulder touching, it was still a struggle to see. We had to keep shifting in order to see because the people in front of us kept shifting and one put a child on his shoulder so it just made it all the more difficult. It was not nearly as enjoyable as the previous dessert party.

Regardless of the after party addition, I think it will be a while before we book another dessert party for HEA.
While still probably better than being in the hub, it’s not worth it for us to do this every trip.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

And at 8:45 (30 minutes before show time):

Happily Ever After Dessert Party by mom2rtk, on Flickr

That is looking a little crowded to me. We were there one evening last year during 4th of July week (regular HEA night, not the 3rd or 4th), and it was not close to that crowded. Even at showtime, there was plenty of grass space left for sitting or moving around.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

@mom2rtk That's more people in the viewing area than we had in November AND January. And those were around holidays.

The word has gotten out about this party, that's for sure!

Ditto this. We’ve done this party 3 or 4 times, and this is more crowded than we’ve experienced. If this isn’t even a sold out night... skipping it.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

I'm not dismissing anyone's concerns for sure! I'm just talking out loud about my refusal to stake out a spot for a reserved party. I totally understand that some want to, just not me. I'm paying for a reserved spot, I'm willing to take what I get. Maybe I'm being a Pollyanna, but I just think I'll enjoy not having to fight the hub and I like the menu. I DO wish Disney would stop squeezing every last nickel out of their guests however and this will be a one and done for me. If it was still wishes I wouldn't ever pay for this party. But I've not seen HEA yet

I'm thinking this is one and done (for a while anyway) for us too. We really don't want to fight the crowds that HEA is attracting, but we also don't have to see it again for a while. As long as there is a reserved spot and you are not packed in shoulder to shoulder, I'm pretty sure I'd still recommend this as a one-time splurge for people who want to see HEA.

 

[mom2rtk]

Thanks for checking in @mom2rtk - hope you had a great trip.

Thanks @GADisneyDad14 . We had a lovely trip. The whole family was in Sanibel for a week and us girls stuck around for a day in the MK. It was great to finally see Happily Ever After.

That is looking a little crowded to me. We were there one evening last year during 4th of July week (regular HEA night, not the 3rd or 4th), and it was not close to that crowded. Even at showtime, there was plenty of grass space left for sitting or moving around.

All I had to compare it with was a visit in 2015 where we had FPs for Wishes and watched from the other side of Main Street. My sense is that this was similar in crowd level to our FP experience, but that was "free" so this was harder to swallow. I'm sure it was better than being out in the hub, but probably not $69/person better. But honestly, it was the only way I was going to squeeze a good spot into our one day in the MK.

 

[djc9699]

We did this in Dec to see HEA for the first time and then again in March so my granddaughter could see the show without the crowd. Both times we arrived early, grabbed snacks for a few minutes and then headed down to 'stake a claim'. My daughter and granddaughter ran around on the turf, did cartwheels and just enjoyed being out of the crowds for a few minutes so I felt it was a nice wait.

I have it reserved for the 3rd of July and will probably go in a bit later than we have in the past because we won't need an unhindered view of the castle and the snacks are supposed to be different. We are going to ask for a to go box at BOG and take it in to put some fruit to take with us. I always feel that paying for the area is great because even if we go early my 14 year old gets to flip around and it is a safe place for my granddaughter to chill out of the stroller. We only really eat the fruit and drink water (I wish they would add soda) except for a cookie or two. We have the other side for the HEA with the Club Level Reserved viewing on another day. I still think even with the after party, it is still better than being in the hub. That is the only way we will watch them. We will probably skip them for the next few visits but not because of the price or after party. Just because we have seen them a few times and it will be nice to see them after a pause, I think.

 

[Ariel Wanna-be]

We did the before party on 6/5. We arrived at the check-in area between 7:30 and 7:45. Our CM showed us around then walked us over to the dining area and every single table in full shade was already occupied. And it was blazing hot that day. It was after 7:30 but it was still very hot and I needed to cool off. I asked if there was any problem with going on over with our food to eat in the viewing area and he said that was fine. I asked if there were paper plates and he said to just ask at the buffet. So we each filled a plate and headed out. A CM escorted us over and even though it was 7:45 or so, one other person was already in the viewing area. I planned to set up a tripod, so needed to find a spot with a good view of the castle devoid of light poles. I set up the tripod on the very back of the grass since I didn't want to sit on the hot pavement. We sat on the grass and enjoyed our desserts. I made a couple additional trips out to get more desserts and drinks. I decided I needed ice cold water so asked if there was any way to get a paper cup with ice. They were happy to help. When I walked back into the viewing area, the attendant said "smart lady" indicating she knew we were ahead of a big crowd.

My overall impression is that there is still marginal value in the party. Everyone will have to do their own calculus on whether it's worth the price. Since there were only 2 of us, it was OK. I probably wouldn't pay it for a larger group. But I had very specific needs. We only had one day in the MK and I had to make the most of our time and I still wanted to set up the tripod with a minimum of issues. It turned out to be a very pleasant experience for us, but really only because we went into the viewing area with our food and enjoyed some wide open space for a while.

Someone did put their kid on their shoulders just ahead of us and to the right. I would not have been a happy camper if they were in front of me.

One of our plates:

Happily Ever After Desserts by mom2rtk, on Flickr

The viewing area at 8:30 (45 minutes prior to show time):

Happily Ever After Dessert Party by mom2rtk, on Flickr

And at 8:45 (30 minutes before show time):

Happily Ever After Dessert Party by mom2rtk, on Flickr

And our view of the show:

Happily Ever After by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Great review and pictures! The picture of the fireworks is incredible.

Those crowds are still within the limits of what I'm willing to pay for, but here is my concern: we have yet to hear reports (and see pics) where both the Before and After parties have been sold out (unless I missed something).

I'm really worried that for our October visit (we are attending the party on a non-MNSSHP night, which means that it will be crowded), both parties will be sold out and the crowds in the garden area will be even heavier.

 

[tinkerhon]

Ditto this. We’ve done this party 3 or 4 times, and this is more crowded than we’ve experienced. If this isn’t even a sold out night... skipping it.

Same here ! I cancelled after Josh review, and now glad we did ! I know it's nowhere near as crowded as the hub, but that looks much more crowded than I wanted to see

 

[Dan Murphy]

Would someone using an ECV be able to see from the back of the Fireworks viewing area or would we need to get to area early to secure a spot in the front?

I had no problem viewing from their in an ECV back in August. Looks more crowded now.

 

[mom2rtk]

Thanks @Ariel Wanna-be ! I have the same concern about how much worse it will get as word gets out about the new party and nights start to completely sell out.

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

But different people are booking it for different reasons. For many, the value was in the less crowded nature of the viewing area and the desserts were secondary. I know it was my sole reason for booking it. The jury is out on whether it's worth it any more with more people in the viewing area. The fact that they increased the price at the same time they doubled (?) the potential numbers in that area makes it even harder to swallow.

That is true but the reality is it doesn't state remotely anywhere that you are paying for an area that is not crowded. You are paying for a prime view standing spot. Which basically means, its the same as waiting anywhere else in the park, with people on top of you, but with a guarantee nice view

Sucks but thats true. It was different before when barely anyone went to it, but with websites like this, things get out, and now its a prime thing to do

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

This. I guess I just don't understand why people are so willing to jam desserts in quickly to stake out a spot when you can do that on main street or in the hub. And even if you stake your spot out in the garden, people are going to show up 10 minutes before and change your view....the one you waited for and wasted the desserts for. I dunno...I guess I just think people are waaaaaaaay overthinking this

Truth. You can get there an hour early, and someone will show up 5 mins before and ruin the view. Happens all the time.