To explain a little further on how the MK HEA dessert parties work - there are, essentially, two parties. One is the dessert party with Tomorrowland Terrace viewing. At this party, you are seated at a table on the lower portion of the terrace and there is a dessert buffet. You have your desserts and watch the fireworks from the table you are seated at for the party. To get a good table, yes, you need to check in fairly early. Because HEA has a lot of projections and is less of a fireworks show than Wishes was, the terrace seating does not offer the best view, but it does offer a seat. The dessert party with Plaza Garden viewing is held in the same location as the terrace party - it just utilizes the upper terraces for seating and has a separate buffet line. After they've eaten dessert, guests for this party go to a reserved area in the plaza garden to watch the show. The view is better, but there are no chairs. We've done this party twice and are most likely doing it again during
MVMCP in a few weeks. If you want to see HEA and want to avoid crowds, it's the way to go IMHO. The garden will not be as crowded as the general public areas and we like that we can hang out there for a while after the show to let the crowds dissipate before we attempt leaving MK. No matter how you slice it, HEA is crowded. The parties are the way to go to get out of the crowds.
Personally, I wouldn't book Monsieur Paul for Illuminations viewing. You will not have a clear view of the show. It isn't difficult to find a good spot along the lagoon to see Illuminations. If you'd like to do something special for Illuminations, however, consider the Frozen party or doing a private Illuminations cruise out of the YC boat dock.
During
MNSSHP, they will have Hallowishes in the evening and you can also book a dessert party for that if you wish.