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

[GADisneyDad14]

We did this last week. We actually enjoyed a lot of the desserts. I mean......youre not getting $70 worth of desserts, that's for sure. But like someone said, I think of it like $40 for the viewing, $20 for the desserts (or whatever the total was, I don't even remember). I particularly liked the little Oreo Mickey things. And the chocolate chip cookies were good, we made ice cream sandwiches out of them.

Anyways, I have a question about "viewing etiquette". When we got out to the garden area, there was a family spread out on one side, sitting down.....about halfway back. We sat down as well, in front of them. Now, we are about 4' away from the front railing. I ASSUMED when the show started, everyone would stand up. As you really can only see about the top half of the castle when sitting on the ground. Well when it started, most ppl did stand up. Except the family behind us, who proceeded to SCREAM at anyone who tried to stand along that front railing in front of me. So the entire front railing on one side of the garden, up to about halfway back (where the family was sitting) was completely empty because this family yelled to get out of the way if anyone dared stand near it. The whole front railing which had a PERFECT view, went unused because of them. I had to go stand off to the side behind some trees and poles. So.......I'm not wrong, am I? Just because you plop your lazy butt down, doesn't mean the ENTIRE space in front of you is now yours, right??

Sounds like you had some lovely party guests.

If you are going to leave space between you and the front rail, then no way should you have any expectation of 'controlling' the view. People can and will fill in/sit all around you in the garden area.

I know some have said they've been able to sit the whole time, which I'm sure is possible on a lighter crowd night. But the two times I've been staying seated wouldn't have really worked (limited lower castle viewing angle)... it was just a "given" that everyone would stand - and they did. If someone blocked your view there was still enough room to shift around a bit. Still way better than being out in the hub, that's for sure.

 

[TJDisneymama]

I know some have said they've been able to sit the whole time, which I'm sure is possible on a lighter crowd night. But the two times I've been staying seated wouldn't have really worked (limited lower castle viewing angle)... it was just a "given" that everyone would stand - and they did. If someone blocked your view there was still enough room to shift around a bit. Still way better than being out in the hub, that's for sure.

DD did stay seated on the ground for most of it, b/c she was tired. You can still see the upper half of the castle and the fireworks obviously. But even if nobody stands in front of you, you still can't see the bottom half of the castle. But, thats fine for some people. Like you said, still beats being out with the masses being crushed half to death.

 

[MonaMN]

GREAT REVIEW! Thanks for taking the time to do this. I'm doing it for the first time in September. This has really put my mind at ease knowing the money will be well spent. I'm with you, I'm doing it mostly for the reserved spot for viewing. But, who am I kidding? I'm going to partake in the goodies, too! Thanks again, great job.

Agree - I am planning to book for our March trip based on this helpful thread.

Thanks everyone!

 

[ArwenMarie]

Anyways, I have a question about "viewing etiquette". When we got out to the garden area, there was a family spread out on one side, sitting down.....about halfway back. We sat down as well, in front of them. Now, we are about 4' away from the front railing. I ASSUMED when the show started, everyone would stand up. As you really can only see about the top half of the castle when sitting on the ground. Well when it started, most ppl did stand up. Except the family behind us, who proceeded to SCREAM at anyone who tried to stand along that front railing in front of me. So the entire front railing on one side of the garden, up to about halfway back (where the family was sitting) was completely empty because this family yelled to get out of the way if anyone dared stand near it. The whole front railing which had a PERFECT view, went unused because of them. I had to go stand off to the side behind some trees and poles. So.......I'm not wrong, am I? Just because you plop your lazy butt down, doesn't mean the ENTIRE space in front of you is now yours, right??

No, you're not wrong. If people stand up, you have to stand up. Why didn't they sit up closer to the railing I wonder? I guess the railing would have blocked their line of sight then.

 

[TJDisneymama]

No, you're not wrong. If people stand up, you have to stand up. Why didn't they sit up closer to the railing I wonder? I guess the railing would have blocked their line of sight then.

yes, if they sat right up to the railing, they would have been able to see even less.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Since we're talking about seating and views and all that, we really liked standing against the rail at the back. Gave us something to lean our tired bodies on and it was nice not having people right behind us especially since they keep that walkway clear.

 

[GrandmaLT]

I have reluctantly decided to purchase the terrace party for our October trip. It's very hard to justify the cost and it's just 2 of us. That being said, it will be great to have a nice seat for the show. Since this is our first dessert party, did I read correctly that all the tables are along the rail, meaning each will be a good view? Also, I'm guessing you arrive early to get to enjoy the desserts at the table you will be seated at for the party and once seated can come and go back and forth to the desserts and not lose your table? Thanks in advance for any responses. Looking forward to a great trip!

 

[martymcflyy85]

I have reluctantly decided to purchase the terrace party for our October trip. It's very hard to justify the cost and it's just 2 of us. That being said, it will be great to have a nice seat for the show. Since this is our first dessert party, did I read correctly that all the tables are along the rail, meaning each will be a good view? Also, I'm guessing you arrive early to get to enjoy the desserts at the table you will be seated at for the party and once seated can come and go back and forth to the desserts and not lose your table? Thanks in advance for any responses. Looking forward to a great trip!

These are great questions, and I'd like to know the answers too. Hopefully someone can reply and let us know.

 

[ChadInOKC]

I have reluctantly decided to purchase the terrace party for our October trip. It's very hard to justify the cost and it's just 2 of us. That being said, it will be great to have a nice seat for the show. Since this is our first dessert party, did I read correctly that all the tables are along the rail, meaning each will be a good view? Also, I'm guessing you arrive early to get to enjoy the desserts at the table you will be seated at for the party and once seated can come and go back and forth to the desserts and not lose your table? Thanks in advance for any responses. Looking forward to a great trip!

Unless something has changed from the two times we have done this in the past, people will get up from their seats and stand along the rail and block your view from your table. You pretty much have to get up. This is why we decided to book the plaza viewing for our coming october trip since we were figuring on standing anyway.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I have reluctantly decided to purchase the terrace party for our October trip. It's very hard to justify the cost and it's just 2 of us. That being said, it will be great to have a nice seat for the show. Since this is our first dessert party, did I read correctly that all the tables are along the rail, meaning each will be a good view? Also, I'm guessing you arrive early to get to enjoy the desserts at the table you will be seated at for the party and once seated can come and go back and forth to the desserts and not lose your table? Thanks in advance for any responses. Looking forward to a great trip!

For the seated Tomorroland Terrace version, most of the tables are right along the rail. They are two deep in a few spots, so not every table is on the rail, but realty only a few.

This is not the same as this party used to be. It used to be chocked full of tables in the whole area and everyone got up to rush the rail when the show started. That's not the case anymore. Maybe a few folks, but there just aren't that many people not already on the rail.

This was our experience this Spring. Obviously things can change, so YMMV. But compared to when we did the seated party a few years ago, it's much different now.

 

[Lsdolphin]

I have reluctantly decided to purchase the terrace party for our October trip. It's very hard to justify the cost and it's just 2 of us. That being said, it will be great to have a nice seat for the show. Since this is our first dessert party, did I read correctly that all the tables are along the rail, meaning each will be a good view? Also, I'm guessing you arrive early to get to enjoy the desserts at the table you will be seated at for the party and once seated can come and go back and forth to the desserts and not lose your table? Thanks in advance for any responses. Looking forward to a great trip!

I attended the Terrace dessert party a few weeks ago and would absolutely not do it again! We were right in front of the line waiting 45 minutes to be admitted into the party. Tables are not pre-assigned but you are escorted to a table upon arrival. I requested a table on the left side as I had been told by previous guests that these tables had a better view, however the CM escorting us into party insisted we could not have one of the tables up by the railing on the left side because they were set for four people and we were only two! The tables are the same size with the exception of several tables all in second row that are larger. The tables have 2 or 4 chairs. Most of the tables along the left side have 4 chairs. So despite the fact we were among the first 10 people seated we were given a table on the railing in the middle with a nice big tree blocking our view of the castle. Unless you are seated to the far left your view is of the side of the castle which is fine for the actual fireworks but you can't see the projections at all. The first row of tables are placed right up against the railing so there is no space for people to walk up in front of you. The desserts offered are the same as for the less expensive plaza dessert party and are not that great anyway although they look beautiful.
So unless you dont care about seeing any of the projections which accompany the HEA fireworks show or really need a seat, the Plaza dessert party has a much better view. If you have a family member who can not stand in the Plaza viewing area and really needs a seat it would be a lot cheaper to just rent them a wheel chair for the evening!

And of course ther were a few couples who arrived late and were given great tables on the left side right where I had requested to be seated! And yes I did say something to a CM when I noted this and I was told "oh you can just get up and go stand behind those tables when fireworks begin". They just walked away when I replied that if had wanted to stand behind people I would have purchased the Plaza dessert party.

 

[martymcflyy85]

I attended the Terrace dessert party a few weeks ago and would absolutely not do it again! We were right in front of the line waiting 45 minutes to be admitted into the party. Tables are not pre-assigned but you are escorted to a table upon arrival. I requested a table on the left side as I had been told by previous guests that these tables had a better view, however the CM escorting us into party insisted we could not have one of the tables up by the railing on the left side because they were set for four people and we were only two! The tables are the same size with the exception of several tables all in second row that are larger. The tables have 2 or 4 chairs. Most of the tables along the left side have 4 chairs. So despite the fact we were among the first 10 people seated we were given a table on the railing in the middle with a nice big tree blocking our view of the castle. Unless you are seated to the far left your view is of the side of the castle which is fine for the actual fireworks but you can't see the projections at all. The first row of tables are placed right up against the railing so there is no space for people to walk up in front of you. The desserts offered are the same as for the less expensive plaza dessert party and are not that great anyway although they look beautiful.
So unless you dont care about seeing any of the projections which accompany the HEA fireworks show or really need a seat, the Plaza dessert party has a much better view. If you have a family member who can not stand in the Plaza viewing area and really needs a seat it would be a lot cheaper to just rent them a wheel chair for the evening!

And of course ther were a few couples who arrived late and were given great tables on the left side right where I had requested to be seated! And yes I did say something to a CM when I noted this and I was told "oh you can just get up and go stand behind those tables when fireworks begin". They just walked away when I replied that if had wanted to stand behind people I would have purchased the Plaza dessert party.

Thank you so much for this great description. Finally, a good description of the Terrace version instead of the plaza version. With my family of 5, sounds like I wouldn't get a table for two or a table for four, but I'd be stuck on the "larger" tables on the second row. This is what I needed to know. I will now cancel my terrace viewing and go with plaza viewing.

 

[Lsdolphin]

Thank you so much for this great description. Finally, a good description of the Terrace version instead of the plaza version. With my family of 5, sounds like I wouldn't get a table for two or a table for four, but I'd be stuck on the "larger" tables on the second row. This is what I needed to know. I will now cancel my terrace viewing and go with plaza viewing.

There were a few larger tables over to the left which would seat 6 but definitely in the second row. I still think Plaza party will give you much better view with the same desserts. In addition to sweet dessert buffet which included a nice fruit display and platters of cheese cubes there was also another "kids" table with sugar and chocolate chip cookies as well as individual plates with a marshmallow, small brownie, strawberry, piece of pineapple and a small cup of Hershey's chocolate syrup for dipping, and mini-cupcakes which kids can frost.
Hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Having done the terrace party twice and Plaza once, I would definitely recommend Plaza.

 

[evilstep]

What, if any, is the cancellation policy for these? I can't seem to find it anywhere!

 

[Lesley Wake]

What, if any, is the cancellation policy for these? I can't seem to find it anywhere!

It is 5 days.

 

[Arden01]

Would definitely recommend the Plaza viewing. Here is a photo from our evening. I'm really glad I did this once. We had a fantastic view. The desserts were pretty good, although not spectacular, but having this view was worth it IMHO. We went over to the plaza viewing area around 8:25 and got a spot pretty close to the front of the railing without being shoulder to shoulder with masses of people. My daughters stood right at the railing and were able to see everything, including all the projections. I'm not sure I would pay the almost $240 for a family of four again, but I am glad I did it once to have this optimal viewing experience.

 

[Beth Pagan]

Good question - I should have looked/paid attention! I checked my photos again and it looks like people had strollers in the Plaza Garden Viewing area with them, so you can probably just roll it right in. I don't think you can bring them into the upper terrace dessert area (it's someone tight on space and crowded), I suspect there is stroller parking somewhere nearby.

We just came back and went to the Plaza viewing. I really dont think it is worth the extra money for the terrace viewing. The only way it is an advantage is when it is raining. Of course, the night we were there it was raining. But we just left later to go to the plaza area. You won't have any issues with a double stroller there. Im not sure it is worth the money when it is not a busy time of the year but it is great if you have kids and don't want to sit around for hours for a good view. The desserts are great. Have fun!!!

 

[MonaMN]

What, if any, is the cancellation policy for these? I can't seem to find it anywhere!

It pops up in the fine print when you are booking your spot, but I didn't see it anywhere else, either.

 

[pangyal]

Thank you for this wonderfully helpful thread! Based on the great advice, I've booked for October for me and my kiddo (solo mom and kid trip!) who is as vertically challenged as I am. I am still debating whether to keep it or try to get up to the train station twenty minutes or so before the show and then not be burdened by the possibility of a tiredness meltdown or bad weather.

My main question is, does anyone have experience with the gluten free offerings at this party? Thanks in advance !