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

[B. Shoe]

Well after last night’s experience, I can definitely recommend the Before party during MNSSHP/MVMCP season. I’m glad I didn’t freak out and cancel due to the After parties being announced. It was a full house for the show but the garden was by no means uncomfortable and there was room enough for all. The hub crowds were absolutely obscene. We ended up sticking around for Once Upon a Time and letting the crowd thin out before exiting and catching the monorail back to the Poly.

For HEA first timers it was well worth it and I would definitely do it again. Partner is 5’2” and had no issues seeing—that back railing is really where it’s at! Like I said, we were still full from CRT dinner so only had a few nibbles but I thought the savory options were decent and I did like the couple of sweets I had, the S’mores and the cheesecake bite. They weren’t mind blowing but they were fine. Really this is for the spot and imo you can’t put a price on that for the crowds that were at MK last night.

You and I were at the same party on Monday. AND it as worth every penny. The hub was JAM PACKED, and sitting back against the rail was the best. It was a full garden, but there was room to move and comfortably walk around. And from what I could find, the party was sold out. I’m confused by anyone who feels like it’s being in a sardine can in there, even with both parties, compared to the alternative. We stuck around for OUAT, also! My daughter took advantage of the open garden to work on her dance moves.

There was one father who wanted to put his young child on his shoulders just as HEA started. The kid was maybe 6-7, and too short to see with those in front of him. His wife told him no, so we made room along the rail to let him step back a few extra feet to hold his son at his side, and it worked out perfectly. Young kid gets to see HEA, no one gets the side eye and everyone wins. Team work and kindness goes a long, long way around here.

 

[jaysmom4285]

How have the crowds been in the Garden during non-MNSSHP nights? We're doing the after party while the Xmas parties are going on and I know it's packed since HEA is only 2-3 nights a week. I know when the parties started the crowds weren't so bad but wondering now that we're a few months in and in the first party season with the after party in effect.

It sounds as if Kylenne, the poster just above you, went on a non-MNSSHP night, if I read her post correctly. She indicated that there were a lot of people in the reserved area but that it wasn't crowded and that there was some space for all.

 

[kylenne]

You and I were at the same party on Monday. AND it as worth every penny. The hub was JAM PACKED, and sitting back against the rail was the best. It was a full garden, but there was room to move and comfortably walk around. And from what I could find, the party was sold out. I’m confused by anyone who feels like it’s being in a sardine can in there, even with both parties, compared to the alternative. We stuck around for OUAT, also! My daughter took advantage of the open garden to work on her dance moves.

There was one father who wanted to put his young child on his shoulders just as HEA started. The kid was maybe 6-7, and too short to see with those in front of him. His wife told him no, so we made room along the rail to let him step back a few extra feet to hold his son at his side, and it worked out perfectly. Young kid gets to see HEA, no one gets the side eye and everyone wins. Team work and kindness goes a long, long way around here.

Wow, that’s a trip! If you saw a tall African American lady with long braids and a much shorter and paler lady hugging an Oswald plush, that was us!

 

[Lucys dad]

We had that experience last March. Many of the desserts looked picked over and weren't being replenished. I took pictures to send to guest services and actually had a conversation with the manager at Hollywood Studios Dessert party a few days later and after I showed her the photos, she was appalled. We've been to many dessert parties over the years and LOVE the Plaza Garden View, so we're going to give it another go in February. I actually felt bad for the CMs serving as people kept asking for more food and they had no more trays to bring out. I have to say it was the most crowded party I'd ever been to. (We genogo once a year). It sounds as though things had improved, I haven't read any recent poor reviews for at least 6 months until yours popped up. I'm hoping it doesn't become a trend!

There is no chance I would return. Far to many seats and tables have been jammed into the area. Pure greed on the party of Disney.

I went to the Star Wars one a few days later at Hollywood and it was superb. The complete opposite of the MK one.

 

[kylenne]

It sounds as if Kylenne, the poster just above you, went on a non-MNSSHP night, if I read her post correctly. She indicated that there were a lot of people in the reserved area but that it wasn't crowded and that there was some space for all.

Thats correct. @DavidNYC , Monday was a non-party night so crowds out in the hub were nightmarish and that’s no exaggeration. But in the garden itself it wasn’t bad at all even with both parties sold out. Especially compared to the alternative. People who came outside closer to showtime still had space and opportunity to find a spot. And there’s really not a bad view in the garden imo.

 

[DavidNYC]

Thats correct. @DavidNYC , Monday was a non-party night so crowds out in the hub were nightmarish and that’s no exaggeration. But in the garden itself it wasn’t bad at all even with both parties sold out. Especially compared to the alternative. People who came outside closer to showtime still had space and opportunity to find a spot. And there’s really not a bad view in the garden imo.

Good to know! One of the main things that got me trying a party for the first time this year is my experience there last November. An hour before fireworks the hub was already shoulder to shoulder. It was horrible (and I have two 9-year olds). I'd always wanted to do a dessert party so I figured this was the best time to do it! We booked it right before the announced the after parties and we swtiched from before to after. Was just afraid once the parties started selling out that it would be more shoulder to shoulder in there too but sounds like you at least have enough space that you should be able to find a spot with a good view (will hopefully get there early enough for the back rail!)

 

[peanut520]

So I just change my 12/19 before FDP to the after FDP since we are planning to stay for the EMH and I had a couple of questions.
1. What is the optimal time to arrive? The show starts at 9 and I was told the check in is at 8. I want to figure the latest fp (i was able to grab sdmt for 7:55pm).
2. How do we get back to Tomorrowland terrace after the show? We’ve been during Xmas and the crowds are insane for the fireworks. Do we get escorted back? How do they manage the crowds dispersing?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Is this really true?
I have heard the MVMCParty can be so crowded that its best to purchase the dessert party to comfortably watch the fireworks. I thought the MVMCP had a limited number of people so viewing the Parade and Fireworks would be easier to view than on a NonParty night.

Very subjective comment but I find MVMCP crowds annoying in the Hub. With the castle lighting, parade, shows, fireworks... it's just always kind of crowded around the hub much of the night. Not HEA crowded... but crowded none-the-less.

I personally view the dessert parties during MNSSHP and MVMCP as more splurges than a 'needed' crowd-avoidance strategy. They can be nice to do and a chance to sit/relax... but they also take away party time too. I tend to think they are not worth it on party nights... but I also just did one again on a MNSSHP night a few weeks ago so I kind of talk out of both sides of my mouth on the topic!

 

[Brocktoon]

I'm down here now, and probably don't have a ton of time to post be we attended the 'before' party garden viewing last night (10/24). I'm assuming it was sold out, but the reserved area did not feel too crowded ... plenty of room along the back left area but you did have to have make sure the pole with the Mickey pumpkin wasn't in your way. the Hub area was packed so the party was definitely worth it!

I don't know if this is standard, but we decided the check in early at ~ 7:15. To our surprise they were already seating party guests and the food was available. There was a ton of food and very small lines that early. We already had our fill of food and were ready to to head out to the garden by 8:00PM. If they continue to open the party at 7:15 or so the 'before' party seems to be the way to go.

 

[kylenne]

I'm down here now, and probably don't have a ton of time to post be we attended the 'before' party garden viewing last night (10/24). I'm assuming it was sold out, but the reserved area did not feel too crowded ... plenty of room along the back left area but you did have to have make sure the pole with the Mickey pumpkin wasn't in your way. the Hub area was packed so the party was definitely worth it!

I don't know if this is standard, but we decided the check in early at ~ 7:15. To our surprise they were already seating party guests and the food was available. There was a ton of food and very small lines that early. We already had our fill of food and were ready to to head out to the garden by 8:00PM. If they continue to open the party at 7:15 or so the 'before' party seems to be the way to go.

That’s the time we checked in for the Before party too. We got there a bit early because we were unsure and the CM told us 7:15 was when they were starting.

 

[GoofyforDisney3]

I'm a little confused on checking in for the parties. Currently, I have the BEFORE party booked on 12/22 and the fireworks that night will be Holiday Wishes at 10:00 pm. Will they do OUAT also? I'm confused since they don't seem to have that listed on the regular nights either. So, with the BEFORE party, what time is check in exactly? The reservation has the time as 8:30.

 

[Raven01]

No it doesn’t ‘block’ you from making FPs during party time. No dining reservation ‘blocks’ you from making FPs - it will give you a notice that you have an overlapping dining reservation time (as a courtesy), but it doesn’t prevent you from booking the FP.

I’ve actually got the Plaza Garden party booked for a December non party night, specifically to have a good spot for HEA. We are going to check in right at 7:30 (I’m hoping more like 7:15), eat, then head to do a 7DMT FP at 8:10. Then go to the Plaza for the Fireworks.

That wasn’t my original plan, but I’m not passing up the 7DMT FP. I’m hoping the walk is doable.

ETA: Will OUAT be playing in December? That looks cool!

 

[kat_lh]

So I just change my 12/19 before FDP to the after FDP since we are planning to stay for the EMH and I had a couple of questions.
1. What is the optimal time to arrive? The show starts at 9 and I was told the check in is at 8. I want to figure the latest fp (i was able to grab sdmt for 7:55pm).
2. How do we get back to Tomorrowland terrace after the show? We’ve been during Xmas and the crowds are insane for the fireworks. Do we get escorted back? How do they manage the crowds dispersing?

I can’t remember the time we checked in but I think both parties can check in at the same time, just obviously can’t have desserts until after.

We had no issues getting from the garden to the Terrace during a 9/10 crowd night by just waiting 10 minutes. There was plenty of food and tables still waiting for us so don’t be in any hurry to head over there.

 

[Restrasz]

We probably wouldn’t do the “after fireworks” party again ! The walk back to the terrace after the fireworks ended was just a nightmare! There MUST BE A BETTER WAY ! The desserts were plentiful but for a very short time! By the time we wanted refills, the cheeseburger rolls were gone and desserts already being consolidated and removed. This was still very early in the party! We’ve been to the before party several times and never felt that way.

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

We probably wouldn’t do the “after fireworks” party again ! The walk back to the terrace after the fireworks ended was just a nightmare! There MUST BE A BETTER WAY ! The desserts were plentiful but for a very short time! By the time we wanted refills, the cheeseburger rolls were gone and desserts already being consolidated and removed. This was still very early in the party! We’ve been to the before party several times and never felt that way.

That also happened to us at the before (only) party last March, except that we couldn't even get "firsts". The CMs were upset, there were NOT enough trays of desserts for everyone there. I took photos, it was bad.
But, my goal is to have good view of the fireworks, without being up close and personal to 20,000 other people many who did not smell delightful. We went to the fireworks a few days later without dessert party tickets and the CMs made us all move closer (after staking out a perfect spot an hour in advance) and people were really smashed against each other. Some of the people near us used neither soap or deodorant, it was really unpleasant. And of course, there was no escape!

 

[jessicadisneygirl]

We probably wouldn’t do the “after fireworks” party again ! The walk back to the terrace after the fireworks ended was just a nightmare! There MUST BE A BETTER WAY ! The desserts were plentiful but for a very short time! By the time we wanted refills, the cheeseburger rolls were gone and desserts already being consolidated and removed. This was still very early in the party! We’ve been to the before party several times and never felt that way.

YIKES! I have the after party booked for Dec 5, which is a non-party night but not predicted to be off the chain packed by touring plans. I’m on the fence about the party because we have two other days in MK and are just coming to do our 3 FP rides and see fireworks. I am willing to sit in a spot for an hour and wait, but of course the party would be way more comfortable. But if they are packing up food and kicking us out right away I’d rather just cancel and take my chances in the hub. Can you give us an idea of what time you made it over to the party through the crowds and what time they started wrapping it up? Thanks!

 

[jaysmom4285]

I would think that Connecticut Norma's situation was an anomaly. We did a before party in early April (and we've done them in December)and the food has been plentiful and in good supply until we left for the viewing area about ten minutes before HEA. Jessicadisneygirl, even if your date isn't an especially crowded one, if it's a non party night at MK in December, the hub will be jam packed beyond tolerance for HEA viewing. The plaza garden viewing area is a veritable oasis. I wouldn't worry about food being packed up early. There have certainly been no widespread reports of that being a problem. I think ConnecticutNorma just had some bad luck that night.

 

[kat_lh]

YIKES! I have the after party booked for Dec 5, which is a non-party night but not predicted to be off the chain packed by touring plans. I’m on the fence about the party because we have two other days in MK and are just coming to do our 3 FP rides and see fireworks. I am willing to sit in a spot for an hour and wait, but of course the party would be way more comfortable. But if they are packing up food and kicking us out right away I’d rather just cancel and take my chances in the hub. Can you give us an idea of what time you made it over to the party through the crowds and what time they started wrapping it up? Thanks!

We had the complete opposite experience. We hung out in the garden for a bit after to let crowds die down (the CMs at check in encouraged us to do this) and the food was fresh and plentiful all night and they encouraged us to take snacks with us when we left.

Now, we did it when there was EMH from 11pm-1am so I have no idea how that played in to it, but it was a wonderful, zero complaint event from us.

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

Hi, I agree with @jaysmom4285 about the crowds. I would probably pay just to have that area of watching, that alone was worth it!!!
I also believe it was an off night. I have heard only that one other report about not enough food. Inho, they may have tried to decrease the amount of food that night, and received a LOT of complaints, then went back to their original amount. People were pretty annoyed. And the poor CMs kept apologizing. Some of the main things they ran out of was macarons and chocolate covered strawberries. There were others, but those were the main ones. Also they are the desserts I like, so I noticed them.
It was funny, we went to the HS StarWars themed party the next night, and we had eaten maybe 2.5 hours prior at HBD. I so wished I had eaten nothing because there was a TON of food. CMs were trying to get us to take some with us.
So, two totally different experiences. The manager from HS (Lovely lovely woman) said that 2 different caterers handle each of those events. I just assumed they were handled by Main Street Bakery, and whatever bakery/sweet shop handles HS.
I'm still willing (and want to) do it again. I NEVER want to stand in the hub again, ever! Lol.
It's funny, because that whole trip we encountered problems, that we had never had any issues with before. I'm hoping it was all a bad fluke!

 

[peanut520]

We probably wouldn’t do the “after fireworks” party again ! The walk back to the terrace after the fireworks ended was just a nightmare! There MUST BE A BETTER WAY ! The desserts were plentiful but for a very short time! By the time we wanted refills, the cheeseburger rolls were gone and desserts already being consolidated and removed. This was still very early in the party! We’ve been to the before party several times and never felt that way.

This is my worry now I’ve switched from the before party.