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

HeadlessLegoMom said:
Maybe I am wrong about it being air conditioned. The section we were in had a ceiling and walls and was near the bathrooms. I don't know how to add a picture in a thread yet.
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Yeah, that part is pretty "deep" back in the Tomorrowland Terrace area, but isn't fully enclosed - just well covered. You may be right about the A/C and it's just blowing to keep things more tolerable in there. ?
 
cakebaker said:
I would assume if they were delayed, the party would be delayed as well. I don't think I've ever experienced them being delayed though. Out of 5 nights, only 2 are non-party nights, one being a Saturday and the other our first day there after a 5am flight. We're doing it the first night and resting at the resort until just a couple of hours before the show. I expect the park to be wall to wall people with it being one of the few non-party nights, but all the more reason to have the dessert scheduled. They only sell so many tickets regardless of how crowded the park is. I've been to sold out dessert parties before and it's still nothing compared to the craziness of being in the hub during the show. I considered the terrace, but we've done that before and I really don't like the view, even up against the railing.
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Although I haven't had it confirmed by anyone yet, as there seems to be few people on this boards doing the Terrace view, I believe that they might have changed the setup when they added the after party. If you look at the description on the website, it looks like you're eating your desserts in a different area than you're watching the fireworks as it says they'll escort you to your seats for the show:

"As showtime approaches, you’ll be escorted to your seats on the patio of Tomorrowland Terrace. Then, just sit back and relax—and watch in amazement as the skies ignite and Cinderella Castle glows with enchanting illuminations."
 
ChanduTail said:
I think you would have an issue with either split because if I remember correctly, the tables for 2 & the tables for 4 are not adjacent to each other. You wouldn't be able to take two tables for 4.

However, the overall setup has changed since 2015. I don't think there are any tables with a poor line of sight now. Even if you got up, you would be unable to stand at the rail because it's lined with tables.
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Thanks for your help. I guess I’ll have to think about this. My kids are 12 15 18 so they can certainly sit at their own table but I would like us to be together. I think I’ll try to search for a view posted by someone who wasn’t seated along the rail. Seems like I keep finding posts by people who were seated at the rail and if I’m going to be placed away from the rail for sure, Id feel more comfortable looking at the view posted by someone who actually sat there.

And regarding 2015, we didn’t stand at rail. I ended watching near the entrance ramp. Not really in the party area at all. (Which is why I tried the garden plaza in 2016) I can’t remember if the tables were at the rail for that party but for sure there no standing people along the rail. I need to see if I have any photos from that party.
 
GirlDreamer said:
Although I haven't had it confirmed by anyone yet, as there seems to be few people on this boards doing the Terrace view, I believe that they might have changed the setup when they added the after party. If you look at the description on the website, it looks like you're eating your desserts in a different area than you're watching the fireworks as it says they'll escort you to your seats for the show:

"As showtime approaches, you’ll be escorted to your seats on the patio of Tomorrowland Terrace. Then, just sit back and relax—and watch in amazement as the skies ignite and Cinderella Castle glows with enchanting illuminations."
Click to expand...

I didn't know that, but seems it's still the same viewing area. When we did it, we were seated right at the railing. I didn't like that view at all. There were people who were seated away from the railing that could move to the railing, but it was still a bad view imo.
 


GirlDreamer said:
Although I haven't had it confirmed by anyone yet, as there seems to be few people on this boards doing the Terrace view, I believe that they might have changed the setup when they added the after party. If you look at the description on the website, it looks like you're eating your desserts in a different area than you're watching the fireworks as it says they'll escort you to your seats for the show:

"As showtime approaches, you’ll be escorted to your seats on the patio of Tomorrowland Terrace. Then, just sit back and relax—and watch in amazement as the skies ignite and Cinderella Castle glows with enchanting illuminations."
Click to expand...
I think that's just sloppy wording. There's no other place for people to sit & eat, and they're not going to have people sit in one place to eat dessert and then sit somewhere else to watch the fireworks.
 
I'm researching the date I'm interested in, August 12th. The fireworks start at 9:15pm according to the disney site. I checked the wording on each party.

Check this out:

Know Before You Go
Learn important information about the Magic Kingdom After-Fireworks Dessert Party.
  • Check-in begins 90 minutes prior to the fireworks.


Know Before You Go
Learn important information about the Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace.
Know Before You Go
Learn important information about the Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing.

So according to that information,
After party check-in would be at 7:45 (90 minutes), but when you try to book the party, it gives 8:15 as the time which is 60 minutes
Terrace party would be at 8:15 (60 minutes), and the booking time is 8:15pm, so that one matches the info provided
Before party, or standing party, check in should be at 8:00 (75 minutes), but the booking time states 7:45pm which is 90 minutes


What is correct here? And why does the after party check in earlier than the before party?
 


123SA said:
I'm researching the date I'm interested in, August 12th. The fireworks start at 9:15pm according to the disney site. I checked the wording on each party.

Check this out:

Know Before You Go
Learn important information about the Magic Kingdom After-Fireworks Dessert Party.
  • Check-in begins 90 minutes prior to the fireworks.


Know Before You Go
Learn important information about the Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace.
Know Before You Go
Learn important information about the Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing.

So according to that information,
After party check-in would be at 7:45 (90 minutes), but when you try to book the party, it gives 8:15 as the time which is 60 minutes
Terrace party would be at 8:15 (60 minutes), and the booking time is 8:15pm, so that one matches the info provided
Before party, or standing party, check in should be at 8:00 (75 minutes), but the booking time states 7:45pm which is 90 minutes


What is correct here? And why does the after party check in earlier than the before party?
Click to expand...

My understanding/impression is that Disney did a bad cut/paste job on that website text when they tinkered with the event descriptions and added the After Party. I ‘believe’ it is supposed to be 60 mins for the After Party, 90 minutes for the Plaza Garden Viewing Party, and 60 minutes for the Terrace View party.

Note that there have been reports in the past of being able to check-in prior to these posted times, although I’m not sure how consistent that is night to night.
 
GADisneyDad14 said:
(Currently working on updating this post)

Summary of MK Dessert Party Options

Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing (started January 2017)
Disney Website Link: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/e...d-terrace-fireworks-dessert-party-plaza-view/
$69 adults / $41 children 3-9
Check-in 1.5 hours before fireworks

Description: Desserts are served in the Tomorrowland Terrace restaurant area, after which you are escorted to the Plaza Garden East viewing area for fireworks. Further details can be found in the first few posts of this thread. Disney markets this as a “standing” viewing area.

Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace
Disney Website Link: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/e...tomorrowland-terrace-fireworks-dessert-party/
$84 adults / $50 children 3-9
Check-in 1 hour before fireworks

Description: First come, first-served tables mostly along the railing of the lower Tomorrowland Terrace. You stay here to both eat desserts and watch fireworks.

After Fireworks Dessert Party (Started 5/28/2018)
Disney Website Link: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/e...owland-terrace-after-fireworks-dessert-party/
$69 adults / $41 children 3-9
Check-in 1 hour before fireworks

Description of After Fireworks Event From Disney Provided to CMs (updated as of 5/22):

Because of the popularity of the Fireworks Dessert Party at Magic Kingdom Park, we are expanding the experience starting May 28 so more Guests will be able to enjoy it. During the After Fireworks Dessert Party, Guests will delight in prime fireworks views from the Plaza Garden, followed by a delectable dessert party at Tomorrowland Terrace once the show has concluded.

There is a limited number of guest reservations for the new After Fireworks Dessert Party to ensure that everyone viewing fireworks from the Plaza Garden area will have plenty of space and great views that we know are so important.

New Menu Debuted at All Parties 5/28/2018:
An enhanced menu will also debut May 28 at all Magic Kingdom dessert parties, which includes additional savory snacks such as spinach dip and house-made mini eggrolls, as well as the popular Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake from Liberty Tree Tavern.
​

​
Recent Links to Reviews/Experiences Posted in this or Other DIS Threads​


​
After Fireworks Dessert Party (party introduced 5/28/2018)
@CMNJ - 5/28/2018
@supercarrie - 6/7/2018




HEA Dessert Party Info (original post from May 2017)​

I did the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing this past Saturday, the second night of the new Happily Ever After fireworks show. I see a lot of posts around here asking about the two MK dessert party versions, so I figured with the new show this may be helpful/timely for folks.

View attachment 237447

Disney currently offers two 'versions' of the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party... this is what Disney calls them on their website, also links:

Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/d...d-terrace-fireworks-dessert-party-plaza-view/

Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/tomorrowland-terrace-fireworks-dessert-party/

View attachment 319614

Despite sharing the Tomorrowland Terrace name, they are really two totally separate events with no overlap whatsoever.

For the Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace, you are given a table along the railing of the lower area of Tomorrowland Terrace where you sit, eat, and stay for the fireworks.

For the Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing, you start with desserts in the upper Tomorrowland Terrace area, and then are escorted (at your leisure) to the Plaza Garden View area to watch the fireworks.

To help visualize the Plaza Garden Viewing area, here are some pics I took earlier in the day.

Disney was quick with the sign switch-over. :-)
View attachment 237448

Looking west towards Main Street. The Plaza restaurant is on the left, hub/castle to the right.
View attachment 237450

The view from the "right" side of the Plaza Viewing area. When I say "right" I mean as if you are looking at the castle, if that makes sense.
View attachment 237451

A panorama shot...
View attachment 237452

The following two photos were taken closer to show time, this one at 8:08PM. You can see a few folks already grabbing a spot. Moving to the Plaza Viewing area this early seems overkill to me, unless you're very passionate about your spot.
View attachment 237454

And this one at 8:10PM, looking back the other direction. It's like a calm oasis in a growing sea of humanity! :goodvibes:goodvibes
View attachment 237455
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the great info and pix!
 
GADisneyDad14 said:
For the Garden Viewing party, you check in at the "upper level" portion of the Tomorrowland Terrace. They give you a wristband and escort you into the area with a brief tour of the offerings.

There are abundant tables set up in this area, first come, first served. You basically camp out here and enjoy desserts until you are ready to go over to the Plaza Garden viewing area.

For context, this was at 8:15PM. (I purposely got there late)
View attachment 237457

A few more sets of tables over by the cash registers (for when the normal Tomorrowland Terrace QS is open). It was certainly busy by this point but I had no problem getting a table.
View attachment 237458

As you might expect, desserts are abundant!
View attachment 237459

View attachment 237460

View attachment 237461

View attachment 237462

View attachment 237463

View attachment 237464

View attachment 237465

View attachment 237466
Click to expand...

Thanks for this info too and the dessert pics. I'm SO hungry now! LOL!
 
cakebaker said:
I would assume if they were delayed, the party would be delayed as well. I don't think I've ever experienced them being delayed though. Out of 5 nights, only 2 are non-party nights, one being a Saturday and the other our first day there after a 5am flight. We're doing it the first night and resting at the resort until just a couple of hours before the show. I expect the park to be wall to wall people with it being one of the few non-party nights, but all the more reason to have the dessert scheduled. They only sell so many tickets regardless of how crowded the park is. I've been to sold out dessert parties before and it's still nothing compared to the craziness of being in the hub during the show. I considered the terrace, but we've done that before and I really don't like the view, even up against the railing.
Click to expand...

I believe if there are less HEA dessert party nights available that both parties could sell out on a given night which could result in a more crowded environment in the garden viewing area.
 
Could someone confirm something for me? The check in time for these parties has, in the past, been a "start" time, so you CAN check in as early as 90 or 75 or 60 minutes ahead if you want to. But unlike other ressies -- like for meals where they are trying to turn tables, you don't HAVE to check in that early. Has that still been the case, or have they started enforcing the arrival time? I don't know why they would given the nature of the event, but I was curious as to whether people have run into problems arriving late.
 
whiporee said:
Could someone confirm something for me? The check in time for these parties has, in the past, been a "start" time, so you CAN check in as early as 90 or 75 or 60 minutes ahead if you want to. But unlike other ressies -- like for meals where they are trying to turn tables, you don't HAVE to check in that early. Has that still been the case, or have they started enforcing the arrival time? I don't know why they would given the nature of the event, but I was curious as to whether people have run into problems arriving late.
Click to expand...

Historically (pre addition of the After Party) I have pretty much always purposely arrived at the MK dessert parties late - we don’t spend that much time at the desserts and are generally trying to minimize the time speant waiting around... so arriving late is generally more fitting to our style. Never had an issue checking in late.
 
disneydreamer781 said:
I believe if there are less HEA dessert party nights available that both parties could sell out on a given night which could result in a more crowded environment in the garden viewing area.
Click to expand...


Yes, pretty much what I said. I expect the park to be packed as well. As I said, I’ve been to sold out parties. They’re full, but not piled on top of each other unlike the hub.
 
cakebaker said:
As I said, I’ve been to sold out parties. They’re full, but not piled on top of each other unlike the hub.
Click to expand...
But now there are very likely more people per sold out party. I’d also assume it won’t ever be as crowded as the hub though — so it’s a matter of how much of a crowd is ok to each person — for the extra $$. Subjective as all of these offerings.
 
MickeyMinnieMom said:
But now there are very likely more people per sold out party. I’d also assume it won’t ever be as crowded as the hub though — so it’s a matter of how much of a crowd is ok to each person — for the extra $$. Subjective as all of these offerings.
Click to expand...

I agree, regardless of how limited in number the after party is, it's got to make it be more crowded if both sell out. I'm not particularly thrilled with that, but it is what it is. That said, the real issue for me is not that you can't get a decent spot in the hub, it's the fighting to keep your spot that makes me crazy. People will literally shove you right out of your spot if you don't really protect your space. My daughter had her ankle run over by a wheelchair and the woman in it had the nerve to yell at her because she was in her way. It actually did some decent damage and she had issues with it the rest of the trip. That's when we swore off ever watching the fireworks without a reservation of some kind.
 
cakebaker said:
I agree, regardless of how limited in number the after party is, it's got to make it be more crowded if both sell out. I'm not particularly thrilled with that, but it is what it is. That said, the real issue for me is not that you can't get a decent spot in the hub, it's the fighting to keep your spot that makes me crazy. People will literally shove you right out of your spot if you don't really protect your space. My daughter had her ankle run over by a wheelchair and the woman in it had the nerve to yell at her because she was in her way. It actually did some decent damage and she had issues with it the rest of the trip. That's when we swore off ever watching the fireworks without a reservation of some kind.
Click to expand...

Same thing happened to us except it was a scooter, and my kid was mowed down from behind and the woman said I told him to get out the way twice. So I agree. A crowded dessert party is better than the crowded hub.
 
cakebaker said:
I agree, regardless of how limited in number the after party is, it's got to make it be more crowded if both sell out. I'm not particularly thrilled with that, but it is what it is. That said, the real issue for me is not that you can't get a decent spot in the hub, it's the fighting to keep your spot that makes me crazy. People will literally shove you right out of your spot if you don't really protect your space. My daughter had her ankle run over by a wheelchair and the woman in it had the nerve to yell at her because she was in her way. It actually did some decent damage and she had issues with it the rest of the trip. That's when we swore off ever watching the fireworks without a reservation of some kind.
Click to expand...

123SA said:
Same thing happened to us except it was a scooter, and my kid was mowed down from behind and the woman said I told him to get out the way twice. So I agree. A crowded dessert party is better than the crowded hub.
Click to expand...

Understood. We just tried to get through the hub one time around fireworks time (some CMs had already been trying to make a path, but guests were being HORRIBLE) and a stroller & a wheelchair hit my daughter in the back of the leg. Awful.

For us, with this party now unattractive to us we’ll just skip the show for a while or watch from BLT. Then maybe try again if they fix what’s a problem for us.
 
It's amazing how rude people can be, isn't it :sad2: I once spent an entire parade having someone ram their stroller into my legs from behind continously. Unfortunately I was too polite to speak up though, but if it happens again I won't be.
 
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