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

[mandysmom]

Yes the before party had them

Thank you!

 

[123SA]

HEA Tomorrowland Terrace show 6/21. We arrived about 7:50 and were shown to our table. We weren’t on the rail and just a FYI if you’re not on the rail, the fireworks are blocked slightly. The tables further from the podium have better castle views and the ‘perfect’ seating would be by the rail furthest away!

Desserts are the new menu and I know that’s been covered. There were also photo pass photographers taking pictures before and during the show. DH said this is definitely the way to do fireworks! Feel free to ask if you have any questions.

From previous replies, it seems that the larger parties are seated in the 2nd row, so as a party of 5, I'm expecting that's where I'll be. Did you notice this?

And, is there anywhere for those whose view is blocked to stand and view the fireworks without blocking the view of others who are seated?

Furthest from the podium...does this mean closer to tomorrowland?

Happy to hear about the photopass photographers!

Thanks

 

[wintershawl]

Desserts are the new menu

Woohoo!! So glad to hear that.

 

[jimim]

Did it tonight. Cheap seats. Garden view. We had zero issues with not having a good view. Everyone stood and everyone had enough space. We chilled on the back rail. way more than enough space on the garden. So anyone worried don’t. It’s all good.

We did get to see a family do the walk of shame. They snuck in from the exit. Staked our a seat and sat. 10 mins later here comes a cast member. The guy literally tried to tell him he thought this open area was for anyone. Like the wall to wall people were nuts to be standing near each other but no one noticed this open area that no one was usIng really. Lol

But like I said. Plenty of room I feel. Relax. Enjoy. Go. The food was good. Actually I think best dessert party food from the 4 other in the past I have done at Hollywood studios.

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

From previous replies, it seems that the larger parties are seated in the 2nd row, so as a party of 5, I'm expecting that's where I'll be. Did you notice this?

And, is there anywhere for those whose view is blocked to stand and view the fireworks without blocking the view of others who are seated?

Furthest from the podium...does this mean closer to tomorrowland?

Happy to hear about the photopass photographers!

Thanks

There are 2 rows, one on the rail and one slightly behind those tables. We were a table of 3 behind a group of 10 to 12 on the rail. Large groups aren’t necessarily behind so don’t give up hope!

You enter right up from Plaza Restaurant. Being directionally challenged on good days......you’re closer to the castle hub path leading into Tomorrowland. I hope that makes sense. My camera died right before the show started but here is our castle view.

 

[ashmac8]

We did the before dessert party last night. Lined up right before 745 and were seated pretty quickly. We took our time relaxing and enjoying the snacks. This was my 4th dessert party in the last year or so and I was one of the folks worried about being over crowded with dueling parties. We headed over to the garden around 835 or so and there were plenty of spaces. We staked out a spot and got a photpass photo. We sat until just before the show. We were to the far right if you are facing the castle near the front. No crowding issues and we had a really great time. I was so relieved.

 

[BMAEC]

We did the before dessert party last night. Lined up right before 745 and were seated pretty quickly. We took our time relaxing and enjoying the snacks. This was my 4th dessert party in the last year or so and I was one of the folks worried about being over crowded with dueling parties. We headed over to the garden around 835 or so and there were plenty of spaces. We staked out a spot and got a photpass photo. We sat until just before the show. We were to the far right if you are facing the castle near the front. No crowding issues and we had a really great time. I was so relieved.

So a photopass photographer is available for the garden view party? That’s great to hear! I was worried it was just for the seated Terrace one.

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

Someone in a FB group claimed she got a Disney Visa discount on the plaza dessert party. Is that something new?

 

[mlnbabies]

We went to the after party on 6-20. We checked in at 8:15p and got our bands. We were escorted to the viewing area. Plenty of room to pick from. It was just my daughter and I and we picked a plant stand so I could lean against the base. Lots of space left close to start. Some people sat and stood. I kind of sat on the plant stand. After the show we went to the party. Plenty of food to chose from and drinks. The food was ok. I really enjoyed the toffee. Well worth it.

 

[ashmac8]

So a photopass photographer is available for the garden view party? That’s great to hear! I was worried it was just for the seated Terrace one.

Yes. One even came to our table for a shot there which was a nice touch.

 

[Nailpartyof6]

Looking at doing the dessert party on 12/30, the early fireworks show. Should we do the before party or after?

 

[jacksmommy]

We did the pre HEA Garden View Fireworks Dessert Party on Tuesday, June 19th. I kept going back and forth whether to keep it after they added the after party and also because of my son's Tree Nut allergies. I am happy to report that I am thrilled we did not cancel - it was really at my 12 year old son's insistence we do it regardless if he could eat anything. We arrived a little before 7:45 and there was a line and many people already sitting for the before party. The after party line was not long at all. We were escorted to our table and then one of the wait staff came to talk to me about the safe options for my son. He had PLENTY of choices which was fabulous and a relief. He and my daughter loved the desserts (I am not a huge sweet fan) and then once they felt finished we headed to the garden. We staked out a spot towards the front and then they went and played with a bunch of kids in the back running around - they loved it! They had their pictures takes with a photopass photographer and then once it was getting more full they came and sat with me. The area directly in front of the garden is reserved for wheel chairs and ECV's plus their caregivers. I think this is why people in the front stand - there are people directly in front of you standing and you can not see the bottom projections. Many people sat and lied down as well in the garden - there was plenty of space! Not sure if either party was sold out or not but it was worth every penny for me personally to enjoy the show and not worry about someone obstructing our view or pushing. Getting out of the garden was a nightmare though. It was scary crowded and I was worried about kids getting trampled because between the heat and the crowds, people were on edge! I highly recommend the party

At the table
our view if seated

standing and zoomed iphone pic

happy kids running around

 

[famgel]

We did the pre HEA Garden View Fireworks Dessert Party on Tuesday, June 19th. I kept going back and forth whether to keep it after they added the after party and also because of my son's Tree Nut allergies. I am happy to report that I am thrilled we did not cancel - it was really at my 12 year old son's insistence we do it regardless if he could eat anything. We arrived a little before 7:45 and there was a line and many people already sitting for the before party. The after party line was not long at all. We were escorted to our table and then one of the wait staff came to talk to me about the safe options for my son. He had PLENTY of choices which was fabulous and a relief. He and my daughter loved the desserts (I am not a huge sweet fan) and then once they felt finished we headed to the garden. We staked out a spot towards the front and then they went and played with a bunch of kids in the back running around - they loved it! They had their pictures takes with a photopass photographer and then once it was getting more full they came and sat with me. The area directly in front of the garden is reserved for wheel chairs and ECV's plus their caregivers. I think this is why people in the front stand - there are people directly in front of you standing and you can not see the bottom projections. Many people sat and lied down as well in the garden - there was plenty of space! Not sure if either party was sold out or not but it was worth every penny for me personally to enjoy the show and not worry about someone obstructing our view or pushing. Getting out of the garden was a nightmare though. It was scary crowded and I was worried about kids getting trampled because between the heat and the crowds, people were on edge! I highly recommend the party

At the table
our view if seated

standing and zoomed iphone pic

happy kids running around

Ty!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Some noteworthy news. 12/31 is 190 days out and I was just checking the website. If you're in a +10 window, 12/30 and 12/31 are bookable.

This is practically unheard of - often those special nights are added later and we all spend days/hours watching and waiting.

Current dessert party ADR times look like:



Last year, 12/30 & 12/31 fireworks were 6:30 pm and 11:50 pm. These ADR times seems to suggest a similar schedule this year.

Same as last year, same price as a standard night party.

For the New Years crowd - time to start planning!

 

[disny_luvr]

We did the dessert party tonight (6/24). I’m so glad we booked this event and did not cancel. We arrived to the party shortly after 7:45. We were seated immediately and stayed at the food area until about 8:20. We thought the desserts were great! We also enjoyed the taco rolls. We were escorted over to the garden and had no problem finding a place along the back railing. The garden was full but never felt packed; there were pockets of empty spaces that provided plenty of area to move around. Once the show started everyone stood and moved forward; we had a whole area to ourselves. It was fabulous! My husband told me it was the best money we spent all trip. I would not hesitate to book this again. In fact, I don’t think we’ll ever not book it. The uncrowded space is great and the view is awesome!

 

[Nailpartyof6]

Some noteworthy news. 12/31 is 190 days out and I was just checking the website. If you're in a +10 window, 12/30 and 12/31 are bookable.

This is practically unheard of - often those special nights are added later and we all spend days/hours watching and waiting.

Current dessert party ADR times look like:

View attachment 332382

Last year, 12/30 & 12/31 fireworks were 6:30 pm and 11:50 pm. These ADR times seems to suggest a similar schedule this year.

Same as last year, same price as a standard night party.

For the New Years crowd - time to start planning!

Our first day there isn’t until 12/29. Hopefully it doesn’t sell out

 

[Cluelyss]

We did the before party on 6/10. This was my 4th HEA garden party and while the crowd in the garden was noticeably higher, it was still a million times better than the crowds outside the garden.

We went down about a half hour before the show (as we’ve always done) and the garden was already quite full, which had not been the case in the past. So my favorite spot was already gone (far left, back rail) and we were forced to select a nice open area in the middle of the garden. My kids had plenty of room to dance and run around up until showtime.

There was already a couple standing at the front railing when we entered the garden, so I know we’d need to stand once the show started, but we sat and relaxed until then.

Even with the higher crowds I would still book this again (in fact, I have it booked for October!) as it’s still worth the price for a stress free evening, if that’s your goal. Someone asked about the old FP area for Wishes, and this feels about like that crowd. Full, but with space around you. Not the shoulder to shoulder nonsense you’d experience on Main Street.

And the new menu and photo opps are a nice touch too!

 

[AngieInOH]

Someone asked about the old FP area for Wishes, and this feels about like that crowd. Full, but with space around you. Not the shoulder to shoulder nonsense you’d experience on Main Street.

That was me!! Thanks!! Stinks to pay for something I used to be able to use a FP on but it sounds worth it to me!

 

[mekay1012]

I'm thinking of doing the After the fireworks dessert party on July 17. I'm not very familiar with the tomorrowland terrace or the garden. Will it be hard to get back to the terrace after the fireworks (will be be going against the crowd). We have a BOG adr at 6:00 so I'm trying to decide if we are going to want to eat desserts after a big meal. Has anyone done both? I'm thinking if we do the after party, that gives us a little more time for the food to settle.

 

[flipflopmom]

Any first hand experiences with December 30th party? I'm considering the 5:00 plaza, but then have no idea what do with dinner... was thinking about an early night so we would be geared up for all day at EPCOT on the 31st. My ADR day is tomorrow so I have to think fast!

Some noteworthy news.

Same as last year, same price as a standard night party.

For the New Years crowd - time to start planning!