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

[GADisneyDad14]

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

Plaza Garden Dessert Party (the "Before" Party)
@Magnoliafan - 8/17/2019
@BlueLion - 8/15/2019
@SaintsManiac - 7/4/2019
@only hope - 7/3/2019
@leiaorgana - 6/30/2019
@Cluelyss - 6/15/2019
@Kmc330 - 6/14/2019
@kwdw - 6/6/2019
@TheSpooph - 5/26/2019
@Smrtalec33 - 5/25/2019
@4Hawks - 5/10/2019
@DisneyDoesMyHair - 5/5/2019
@GreyStr0ke - 3/30/2019
@SaintsManiac - 3/3/2019
@Lease257 - 3/1/2019
@ConnecticutNonna - 2/10/2019
@GADisneyDad14 - 12/30/2018 (Early Show)
@Starbucks&PixieDust - 12/10/2018
@jaysmom4285 - 12/10/2018
@Shelbizzles - 12/8/2018
@mster425 - 11/24/2018
@Dav2205 - 11/19/2018
@melissa723 - 11/18/2018
@joules12 - 11/11/2018
@chelseabun76 - 11/10/2018
@BMAEC - 11/7/2018
@TinkSassy - 11/7/2018
@Dracarys - 11/4/2018
@B. Shoe - 10/23/2018
@kylenne - 10/23/2018
@B. Shoe - 10/22/2018
@haileymarie92 - 9/22/2018
@leebee - 9/?/2018
@HatboxHaint - 8/30/2018
@Luna81 - 8/26/2018
@bethbuchall - 8/7/2018
@tookydo - 8/3/2018
@TrixieBel - 8/2/2018
@apress - 7/25/2018
@tinkerhon - - 7/17/2018
@MinnieMSue - 7/6/2018
@Physics Guy - 7/4/2018 (includes alternative diet options)
@GaSleepingBeautyFan - 7/3/2018
@MBradley12 - 7/3/2018
@CookieandOatmeal - 6/25/2018
@tiffne - 6/24/2018
@Lsdolphin - 6/24/2018
@disny_luvr - 6/24/2018
@disny_luvr - 6/24/2018 (pics)
@ashmac8 - 6/23/2018
@Carol unsworth - 6/23/2018
@jimim - 6/23/2018
@Meglen - 6/20/2018
@mlnbabies - 6/20/2018
@jacksmommy - 6/19/2018
@erikawolf2004 - 6/19/2018
@Wdw1015 - 6/14/2018
@ErinF - 6/10/2018
@Cluelyss - 6/10/2018
@nursemelis374 - 6/5/2018
@mom2rtk - 6/5/2018
@Soph&HanMom - 6/5/2018
@msdroz - Early June
6/3/2018 - @corn princess
6/2/2018 - @athyng
6/2/2018 - @irenep
Note: The reviews below were before introduction of the "After Party" offering, which now also shares the same garden viewing area as the Plaza Garden Dessert Party. They were also before new menu offerings were added late May 2018.
4/2018 - @SpaceMtnGirl
4/29/2018 - @sjrec
4/2018 - @kniquy (seperate thread)
4/21/2018 - @vetrik
4/19/2018 - @DIS_AWC
4/13/2018 - @musika
4/10/2018 - @Greg Lembrich
3/13/2018 - @Aimeedyan
3/8/2018 - @AuroraMeansDawn
3/5/2018 - @Disneytam
3/4/2018 - @MonaMN


Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party
@QueenElinor - 5/25/2019
@3DisneyBuggs - 4/6/2019
@crazycheryl - 1/27/2019
@MamaMaleficent2016 - 1/14/2019
@123SA - 8/7/2018
@TinkerBellLiz - 6/21/2018
@kahluacream - 6/19/2018
4/23/2018 - @yulilin3
4/2018 - @MacMama0930
3/22/2018 - @KKMartinmom
@Lsdolphin
2/26/2018 - @LizzyS

​

After Fireworks Dessert Party (party introduced 5/28/2018)
@JeninTexas - 8/7/2019
@PrincessArlena'sDad - 7/3/2019
@princessebird - 5/31/2019
@mckennarose - 5/??/2019
@AngieInOH - 1/19/2019
@AllThingsMickey4 - 12/5/2018
@theostwalts - 12/1/2018
@DavidNYC - 11/11/2018
@pl71 - 11/11/2018
@Thmacs1 - 10/27/2018
@nkereina - 10/20/2018
@Amy11401 - 10/15/2018
@kat_lh - 10/10/2018 - DETAIL / PIC HEAVY
@HeadlessLegoMom - 9/26/2018
@dachsie - 9/22/2018
@DisFam4 - 9/22/2018 - VERY DETAILED / PIC HEAVY REVIEW
@GillianP1301 - 9/2/2018
@JayhawkFans - 7/29/2018
@cmarsh31 - 7/28/2018
@HopperFan - 7/25/2018
@HopperFan - View (or lack thereof) of OUAT from After Party Seating Area
@DisneyCowgirl - 7/6/2018
@StarShine3 - 7/3/2018
@dbrad - 7/1/2018
@mlnbabies - 6/20/2018
@AColeman - 6/7/2018
@supercarrie - 6/7/2018
@CMNJ - 5/28/2018
(Most of the below was from an original post about the Plaza Garden Viewing dessert party from a few years ago)
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.

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.



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/



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.


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


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.


A panorama shot...


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.


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

 

[GADisneyDad14]

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)


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.


As you might expect, desserts are abundant!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Desserts continued...






On the right there are blank/plain cupcakes. On the other side of this is "make your own cupcake" supplies... frosting, sprinkles, etc. Fun for the kiddos.


Ice cream with toppings.


It's non-alcoholic...


If you ask, they will give you a to-go cup so you can take a cup of coffee with you over to the Garden Viewing area.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

So whenever you are ready you just go back to the host/hostess stand and tell them you'd like to walk over to the Plaza Garden viewing area. A CM (holding a light thingy) will walk you over. There are a couple of other CMs monitoring the entrance to the Plaza Garden area. Very smooth, efficient.

I migrated over about 8:35ish. While all views/angles from the Plaza Garden Viewing area are going to be roughly the same, there are subtle differences in the view depending on where you are. I know some folks like the back, some like the front, some in between. There are planters and such that can be helpful to 'lean on' if that suits you. Very much personal preference.

At this time most folks were sitting on the ground waiting, although plenty were standing too. It had rained earlier that day and the fake grass was pretty wet, I'm sure that had something to do with it.

I was told later a CM would have gotten you a poncho to sit on, but not sure if that's accurate?

Anyways, this was 8:37PM, somewhere kind of towards the right of the viewing area...


This was all the way over to the left of the viewing area, closest to Main Street.


This was 8:38PM, still a decent amount of open grass there towards the middle/back. I could move around relatively freely still. It does fill in from here to show time, but I didn't feel it was too crowded on this particular night.


More open real estate. I think the 'smart money' goes to the back rail and leans.


I settled on this spot, sort of towards the left/Main Street side. I was aiming for as centered a castle view as I could get. Didn't disappoint. This was 8:56PM.


Show time... you did need to stand, not enough open space in front of you to make sitting a totally viable option and still see the castle well.


I could have moved a bit to get that light tower out of my direct view, but it looks worse in the photo than it did IRL.


Pics don't do the show justice....


I don't have many big shot photos, I wanted to take in the show and not have my face in the phone.


The end...

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Ok, maybe a few more fireworks pics








So that's pretty much the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing in a nutshell. I don't mind admitting my primary motivation for booking things like this is reserved fireworks viewing. To me that has some value to it, I'm not just paying for a dessert buffet and drinks.

My preference is to roll in 8:15-8:30ish, grab a quick bite and cup of coffee, then watch the show. So in that respect I enjoyed this setup. No jockeying for space, no camping out. Just a very pleasant evening.

As sad as I was to see Wishes go, I'm in the camp of folks totally blown away by this new show. I had watched the prior night from Poly so had a general sense of the new show. Seeing the in-park experience the next night - especially from this specific viewing location - was a phenomenal experience. Two thumbs up from me.

For years it seems the Tomorrowland Terrace version of this dessert party has been a pretty tough ticket. I think HEA is going to flip the demand here big time - the Plaza Garden Viewing version is such a stronger viewing location, in my humble opinion. Unless you really need/prefer to stay seated at a table or prefer being under a roof for weather purposes, I'd be hard-pressed not to recommend the Plaza Garden Viewing version if someone asked me for advice.

Well, I know this was long but I hope that helps those considering this offering. Sorry I don't have more fireworks shots, I was so into the show!

Happy to answer any questions, and thanks for following along!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

NOTE - These pics are of the Tomorrowland Terrace version, not the Plaza Garden Viewing. Posting these to contrast the viewing angles.

Below is a pic of the Tomorrowland Terrace version taken Saturday night around 8:12ish.

This is a shell of the party from many years ago when this whole area was packed with tables. Now it's limited to only a row right along the front. If you do choose this version, everyone at least has a "front row" and no jockeying at the rail once the show starts. And you're covered in case it rains, which does have some benefit for sure.

It's also a more limited number of guests than the Plaza Garden Viewing version, so feels a bit more relaxed, less chaotic.



Don't ask why I did two so close together, but I did this version back in April. Here are some pics.


Not a bad view really. Our table was nearly all the way to the right of the Tomorrowland Terrace. The lower portion of the castle is blocked a bit by trees and such. I'd be curious to try the new show from here, but my hunch is it's not quite as good.


This was Wishes, but it gives you a good sense of how off center the big bursts are from the Tomorrowland Terrace viewing angle.


Thanks again for reading!

 

[MermaidMommy]

Thanks so much for such detailed information and pictures! It's really helpful.

 

[horse11]

For the sit down version is it first come first serve for choice of tables or do they assign you a table?

 

[danikoski]

For the sit down version is it first come first serve for choice of tables or do they assign you a table?

Did it in February and it was first come first serve.

 

[grannyminnie]

Thanks so much for taking the time to detail it for us!!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

What a fabulous review! Thank you so much!

 

[ItsLayne]

Thank you for the report! I was really curious what the view was like from this plaza garden reserved spot, so these picks help alot. Still not sure if I'll try to grab this or not for my first MK evening, but man it sounds so much more relaxed than having to stake out a good spot and having to watch the poor CMs trying to do crowd control in the other areas.

I'm sure I'll make my decision right after the plaza view sells out.

 

[Daniela Rose]

What a great, detailed review! Thank you so much for taking the time to do that.

We're doing the plaza garden view in September. How would I manage with a double stroller?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

For the sit down version is it first come first serve for choice of tables or do they assign you a table?

I agree with @danikoski, I am pretty certain the Tomorrowland Terrace sit-down version is first come, first assigned. Years ago they had assigned tables with little name plates on them, but that's not the case any more. When I did this version back in April I arrived (purposely) late - 8:40ish if I'm not mistaken. My table was nearly all the way to the right of the terrace which I'd say is probably an inferior location (in exaggerates the off-centered viewing of this location).

It seemed like the CMs had filled tables from the left to the right (if standing looking at the castle from there). I'm not sure but the left side viewing might be a bit better, and so arriving at a more prompt time may be helpful? Not 100% sure about this though.

Hope that helps.

 

[ppjluvsdvc]

Thank you so much!! I broke down and reserved this for the first week of June mostly for the reserved viewing. Looking forward to seeing the new show and not have to jockey for a spot!!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

What a great, detailed review! Thank you so much for taking the time to do that.

We're doing the plaza garden view in September. How would I manage with a double stroller?

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.

 

[bethbuchall]

Thank you! I've decided to do it!

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks for the great review, love the pics .

 

[RemyIsMyFave]

What a great, detailed review! Thank you so much for taking the time to do that.

We're doing the plaza garden view in September. How would I manage with a double stroller?

We went two weeks ago with our double umbrella stroller. During the dessert portion we parked it to the side near the check in station. As for the Plaza Garden, I am pretty sure It was a wide entrance gate. We didn't have any trouble getting it inside on the turf. Kids sat inside the stroller during the fireworks show.

 

[EmptyNester]

Thank you for this! We just booked it last night for our July trip. We have done the Epcot Sparkling Wine and Dessert and loved it so we wanted to try one at MK. We prefer the front view of the castle for viewing, so I believe we made the right choice.