MNSSHP HalloWishes Dessert Party - Post tips, helpful hints, and chit chat

[TISHLOVESDISNEY]

Yeah, I was just thinking the timing seems off compared to other times. I'll wait for more legit proof b4 calling my plan done....

 

[pilferk]

The other thing is: Your credential allows you to leave, and come back into, the dessert party. You can definitely walk out, get a closer view of the show, and walk back to take your spot and grab some more grub. I know the area is crowded, but...it's definitely possible.

 

[TISHLOVESDISNEY]

Good to know, I've never done a dessert party, so I have no experience with the view, etc. THANKS!

 

[Disneyliscious]

Hey, just looked at the front page and it states October 20 instead of September. Could we have this changed, don't want to have incorrect information.

Yes! Thank you for catching that. Will update it right now.

So, TPs has times listed now for the castle show. 7:45, 8:55, 10:00. They were right about the parades, so looks like this may be it.
What do you all plan to do with the dessert party? See the first show? Will the first one be busy? Too bad the viewing isn't the same as VSS...

Here is what we are doing (from people who have never done a dessert party at all).

I want to experience the entire dessert package (minus the initial parade viewing area, possibly). We are going to MNSSHP on 2 nights. On one night we plan to enjoy the dessert party, parade, and a little trick or treating. On the 2nd night we plan to enjoy the fireworks (from in front of the castle), and ride rides.

 

[pilferk]

Good to know, I've never done a dessert party, so I have no experience with the view, etc. THANKS!

From the far left "spur" that juts out from the Terrace, you have a pulled back, slightly skewed view of the castle stage. It used to be partially obstructed, but I'm not sure if it is, now, with the hub changes. But you CAN see it. It is not a perfect view, though, so it will depend on how picky you are about being front and center.

AND, with the "normal" dessert parties, you have a wrist band that lets you get in and out (largely, I suspect, because the rest rooms are contained outside the party space....but it's not like a they hand out a timed hall pass!!). I suspect our "credential" (badge and lanyard, I'm thinking) will serve the same purpose. So, if there is a show or two between parade and fireworks..you can definitely head out to the hub, watch the show, and head back. You'll miss some grazing time at the buffet, but....I'm not sure that's a huge deal.

 

[Brocktoon]

Looks like 10/27 is now sold out. We've got tickets, but friends wanted to book today and couldn't get anything online. They called and were told nothing available. I just checked online and nothing is showing from 2-12 people.

 

[PAdislover]

Depending on your desired view, The Terrace CAN see the Castle Show, sorta. It's removed, and some what distant, but it's there. Given parade, etc....there's an even odds chance you can be at your table to see the 10PM show, too. I wouldn't count on it, especially til we hear reviews on how the "herding" from parade view to the terrace goes, but...

Also: If there's a castle show at 8:55 and the parade starts at 8:35...I'm not sure exactly how that's gonna work.

I am also trying to wrap my head around how the timing for all of this will work. We bought the package on 10/25. I think those times for the castle show have to be wrong. Since the parade got moved to 8:35pm and CTM is now at 9:45 and wishes is at 10pm, I don't see how the castle show can be 8:55 and 10 pm like TP has listed. Hopefully a party map gets leaked out soon. Also, if the parade starts at 8:35 in frontier land, it may be at least 8:45 before it even reaches the flag pole area and probably closer to 9 or a 9:10 before the parade finishes at the end of the route. Then we will have to huff it over to tomorrowland terrace for the party. That doesn't give a ton of time to relax and eat your desserts before CTM starts. I wonder with the change in parade times this year if they may not be starting the parade on main street rather than Frontierland? Possible perhaps?
Also, since the dessert parties sold out so fast, I am really hoping that means a limited number of packages were sold. Wishful thinking?

 

[PAdislover]

I am also trying to wrap my head around how the timing for all of this will work. We bought the package on 10/25. I think those times for the castle show have to be wrong. Since the parade got moved to 8:35pm and CTM is now at 9:45 and wishes is at 10pm, I don't see how the castle show can be 8:55 and 10 pm like TP has listed. Hopefully a party map gets leaked out soon. Also, if the parade starts at 8:35 in frontier land, it may be at least 8:45 before it even reaches the flag pole area and probably closer to 9 or a 9:10 before the parade finishes at the end of the route. Then we will have to huff it over to tomorrowland terrace for the party. That doesn't give a ton of time to relax and eat your desserts before CTM starts. I wonder with the change in parade times this year if they may not be starting the parade on main street rather than Frontierland? Possible perhaps?
Also, since the dessert parties sold out so fast, I am really hoping that means a limited number of packages were sold. Wishful thinking?

One other thing...I know there is some secret path that runs between Main Street And tomorrowland that they sometimes open up when crowds are heavy after wishes gets out. Do you think this is how they will get us premium package folks up to the tomorrowland terrace from the flag pole? Might be easier than fighting our way up Main Street.

 

[pilferk]

I am also trying to wrap my head around how the timing for all of this will work. We bought the package on 10/25. I think those times for the castle show have to be wrong. Since the parade got moved to 8:35pm and CTM is now at 9:45 and wishes is at 10pm, I don't see how the castle show can be 8:55 and 10 pm like TP has listed. Hopefully a party map gets leaked out soon. Also, if the parade starts at 8:35 in frontier land, it may be at least 8:45 before it even reaches the flag pole area and probably closer to 9 or a 9:10 before the parade finishes at the end of the route. Then we will have to huff it over to tomorrowland terrace for the party. That doesn't give a ton of time to relax and eat your desserts before CTM starts. I wonder with the change in parade times this year if they may not be starting the parade on main street rather than Frontierland? Possible perhaps?
Also, since the dessert parties sold out so fast, I am really hoping that means a limited number of packages were sold. Wishful thinking?

I looked, and those times look to me to be the same as the 2014 times. Given the adjustments to parade and fireworks times, I would expect some changes in the castle show times, too...

I'm waiting on reviews, maps, etc, because, just like you, I wonder about timing and want to see how it logistically works out.

As for number of packages, I believe Tomorrowland Terrace only holds 170 people, so I'm thinking that has to be their limit.

 

[pilferk]

One other thing...I know there is some secret path that runs between Main Street And tomorrowland that they sometimes open up when crowds are heavy after wishes gets out. Do you think this is how they will get us premium package folks up to the tomorrowland terrace from the flag pole? Might be easier than fighting our way up Main Street.

I think so, yes. I suspect they'll use the Main Street bypass to get us back to Tomorrowland Terrace. I think that's, realistically, their only option.

 

[PAdislover]

I looked, and those times look to me to be the same as the 2014 times. Given the adjustments to parade and fireworks times, I would expect some changes in the castle show times, too...

I'm waiting on reviews, maps, etc, because, just like you, I wonder about timing and want to see how it logistically works out.

As for number of packages, I believe Tomorrowland Terrace only holds 170 people, so I'm thinking that has to be their limit.

But does the fpp parade viewing area hold 170 people?? That would seem pretty crowded to me.

 

[pilferk]

I think so. You have that whole area around the flag pole, and the parade passes around the 3 long sides of it. I think 170 sounds just about right for that area, without being that crowded.

 

[PAdislover]

I think so. You have that whole area around the flag pole, and the parade passes around the 3 long sides of it. I think 170 sounds just about right for that area, without being that crowded.

Hmm...will be interesting to hear reports. 170 sounds like a ton to me. Plus since there will be a shortened time to line up and get desserts, I really hope it's less than that.

 

[patfan1972]

My wife and I did one of the desert parties before and I can't think they are much different from this one except the parade part.

Tips-

- It takes longer than you think since you need to get your pass, line up, get seated, etc. Not as easy as show up and get your grub on.
- You will not eat $63 worth of deserts
- The deserts, when we went, were no grander than those found elsewhere
- Views of the castle and fireworks are not the best (unless they took down the trees in front and pulled some of the terrace ceiling back)
- Space on the viewing deck is tight if you want a "rail view". Not elbow to elbow like on the street, but still tight
- Don't plan to hoard plates to take with you. And when it's over, it's over

Again we did this a few years back so maybe they got better at it. I prefer a straight on view of the castle and a handful of krispie treats. You do get a slight-sense of elitism as people walk past wondering why you are so special eating deserts and watching fireworks...if you are looking for that.

 

[pilferk]

My wife and I did one of the desert parties before and I can't think they are much different from this one except the parade part.

Tips-

- It takes longer than you think since you need to get your pass, line up, get seated, etc. Not as easy as show up and get your grub on.
- You will not eat $63 worth of deserts
- The deserts, when we went, were no grander than those found elsewhere
- Views of the castle and fireworks are not the best (unless they took down the trees in front and pulled some of the terrace ceiling back)
- Space on the viewing deck is tight if you want a "rail view". Not elbow to elbow like on the street, but still tight
- Don't plan to hoard plates to take with you. And when it's over, it's over

Again we did this a few years back so maybe they got better at it. I prefer a straight on view of the castle and a handful of krispie treats. You do get a slight-sense of elitism as people walk past wondering why you are so special eating deserts and watching fireworks...if you are looking for that.

Just by way of context:

You will be able to check in between 4 PM and 7 PM at will call, or (I think) at the parade viewing location...and you'll get your credential that gets you into the viewing area and dessert party, there. So that should alleviate some of the check in congestion at the actual terrace, itself.

Supposedly, in July, they "upgraded" the desserts (with the price increase). I don't know if that's true, but the offerings for this event are supposed to be Halloween themed, so hopefully the quality is decent.

There has been some hub work. I'm not sure how much the line of site improved and the fireworks WILL be OFFSET from the castle, still. It'll be interesting to see some pics and reports.

Since July, the parties have typically run about 15 min post fireworks finish...so they give you chance to grab some "stuff" after, and maybe grab a cup of coffee. But yeah..I don't think they're letting you pack a bag of goodies "to go".

 

[Emagine]

When ppl see this as an event do they see 'desserts' and book, or do they see 'seats and prime viewing' and book? I have yet to ever book anything for a parade or a show. Mostly because we have issues with a kid, the heat, medical and a large Service Dog. We did pay for the Halloween Party because we all in the family decided we really want to go and well, why not?! I admit I am nervous over the parade ordeal and getting a good seat, not being trampled on, because yes ppl do that even with a 80 pound+ SD attached to your kiddo lol. So for me I am on the fence about this. Is it something good for a family like ours? We know we would not eat that much in the way of cupcakes, though we would try hehe, but for me I think of seats and a good viewing spot. Is that right? Or can I just grab some good Halloween grub, park us all somewhere (thoughts?) about 45 mins-1hr before and have the same thing.

 

[AquaDame]

When ppl see this as an event do they see 'desserts' and book, or do they see 'seats and prime viewing' and book? I have yet to ever book anything for a parade or a show. Mostly because we have issues with a kid, the heat, medical and a large Service Dog. We did pay for the Halloween Party because we all in the family decided we really want to go and well, why not?! I admit I am nervous over the parade ordeal and getting a good seat, not being trampled on, because yes ppl do that even with a 80 pound+ SD attached to your kiddo lol. So for me I am on the fence about this. Is it something good for a family like ours? We know we would not eat that much in the way of cupcakes, though we would try hehe, but for me I think of seats and a good viewing spot. Is that right? Or can I just grab some good Halloween grub, park us all somewhere (thoughts?) about 45 mins-1hr before and have the same thing.

We don't care about the desserts either - we'd be there for the elbow room if we decide to keep it, and "just cupcakes" are gravy.

 

[Jing]

We don't care about the desserts either - we'd be there for the elbow room if we decide to keep it, and "just cupcakes" are gravy.

Ditto. I will be the one at the cheese and fruit area. We want some retreat space and a view of the parade on Main Street without having to wait an hour with a restless toddler.

 

[crostorfer]

Ditto. I will be the one at the cheese and fruit area. We want some retreat space and a view of the parade on Main Street without having to wait an hour with a restless toddler.

Fruit and cheese, some chocolate covered strawberries, a candy filled mug, and a cider toast, (hopefully with some poison apple glow cubes like last year's VSS). Doesn't sound too bad when I put it that way. I'm telling you, if you put fun glow cubes in any drink, you immediately increase said drink's value exponentially.

I'm thinking back to the Soiree last year and that apple punch they served, while odd because you had to keep stirring it, was actually really good. I wonder if they'll do something similar. It would also be very nice to have an exclusive Photopass magic shot again. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[Jing]

I admit it, last time I ate at Sci Fi I requested a shot of rum in my glow cube punch. The fact the waiter did not bat an eye tells me it is not that uncommon.

I am doubtful there will be extras beyond what was publicized - why do more when people like me will pony up for less? But a few small touches like a magic shot would be pretty cool.