Pre or Post Fireworks Dessert Party?

[CaroM8]

Hi friends!

My daughter (9) and I are heading back to Disney in September with my mom this time (she has never been!) and I wanted to make it extra special for her. Especially for the MK fireworks! We've been to MK in September for the last two years and although the whole vacation is pretty low crowds the whole time - the exception is MK fireworks on a non party day. Because there are usually 2 or 3 Halloween parties during the week, the fireworks crowds are pretty intense on the non party days. Last year we didn't even try to get close to the hub, we just rode some rides and saw the fireworks from Fantasyland. This year though with mom being there and this probably being her one and only trip - we gotta see the fireworks.

Anyway, all this to say - we will be booking a dessert party, just not sure which one yet. I am leaning towards the Post Fireworks party just so we can see the show, then leisurely snack on desserts while the park clears out.

Also, can someone circle on the map the exact viewing area for the fireworks?

Thanks!

 

[hardcorestitch]

I’d go post fireworks. It’s a great way to cap off such a magical evening!

 

[nanoburd]

The fireworks party viewing area is here in red.

The walkway in front of it is reserved for accessible/wheelchair visitors to view the fireworks.

I wouldn’t stress about getting to this viewing area early, even if you are at the back of that garden area the view is perfect because its not packed like sardines, so you’ll have good sightlines.

Only thing to consider for post-party is how sleepy the 9-year-old will be if you think they will last. And if the sugar right before bed is a good idea.

 

[Genie+]

https://wdwprepschool.com/dessert-parties/

^This is the most thorough resource I’ve come across.

 

[Genie+]

Only thing to consider for post-party is how sleepy the 9-year-old will be if you think they will last

That was my first thought! I know we are often pooped by the time fireworks are ending. That could make the dessert portion less enjoyable if all you’re thinking is how long will it take us to get back to our room. We have made it work though, especially when my kids were teens and had boundless night energy lol.

 

[CaroM8]

That was my first thought! I know we are often pooped by the time fireworks are ending. That could make the dessert portion less enjoyable if all you’re thinking is how long will it take us to get back to our room. We have made it work though, especially when my kids were teens and had boundless night energy lol.

I did think about this yes - she would probably be ok and we would plan the day accordingly.. Good thing I still have lots of time to decide...

 

[elvispursley]

Are there areas in either the pre-/post-dessert parties for wheelchairs/ECVs viewing? Trying to decide if we want to try a party this year or not. It will be just my mom and me and my first year using a wheelchair all by myself (she'll be using a scooter). Is one better than the other for going through the dessert line crowd-wise?

 

[davidrw]

I’d go with the pre fireworks party if you want a smoother night, since you can settle in, enjoy the treats and then focus on the show without feeling rushed. The post party can feel a bit anticlimactic when everyone is tired and just trying to get out after the fireworks.

 

[LuckyMamaInDE]

Are there areas in either the pre-/post-dessert parties for wheelchairs/ECVs viewing? Trying to decide if we want to try a party this year or not. It will be just my mom and me and my first year using a wheelchair all by myself (she'll be using a scooter). Is one better than the other for going through the dessert line crowd-wise?

In the diagram posted above, the lefthand side of the walkway above the circled area is for dessert party wc/ecv users. It's separated from non-dessert party wc/ecv users on the righthand side by a rope (and cast members lol) Once you check in, a cast member will escort you through the gate in the middle right side of the circled area and through another gate into the wc/ecv area.

I've done the post party twice with my dd who uses a wc at WDW. We check in really early so that she can get a spot at the railing in front of the special viewing area.

Dd has never gone through the food line in a wc because she has some really complicated food allergies that necessitate totally different foods for her (not even the usual gf or df or vegan plate). I think the post party might be a bit more chill for those using wheels to get around. Pre party seems like a lot of people would be rushing to get their food and eat before heading over to the reserved area.

 

[elvispursley]

In the diagram posted above, the lefthand side of the walkway above the circled area is for dessert party wc/ecv users. It's separated from non-dessert party wc/ecv users on the righthand side by a rope (and cast members lol) Once you check in, a cast member will escort you through the gate in the middle right side of the circled area and through another gate into the wc/ecv area.

I've done the post party twice with my dd who uses a wc at WDW. We check in really early so that she can get a spot at the railing in front of the special viewing area.

Dd has never gone through the food line in a wc because she has some really complicated food allergies that necessitate totally different foods for her (not even the usual gf or df or vegan plate). I think the post party might be a bit more chill for those using wheels to get around. Pre party seems like a lot of people would be rushing to get their food and eat before heading over to the reserved area.

Thank you for this info! It's very helpful! I've heard other reviews mention that the post-party was a bit more preferred. We usually go in late August/September but are doing a family cruise then so the annual "girls" trip will be in July. So no MNSSHP this year so will likely book a dessert party instead!

 

[Mambo Junkie]

We did the post last time, with my granddaughters. It was nice to rest and enjoy the refreshments while the park cleared.

 

[HopperFan]

Have done Sweets & Treats and Post-Dessert.

Just my POV ~

As Post-Dessert we were allowed in the garden early and stake out our location. The party was not sold out (we bought day of) but the garden had quite a few people in it. CMs were strict about logistics. When the Pre-Dessert party folks arrived there was lots of grumbling by them that they were basically directed to the sides because the middle "premium" area was full. I felt like Post-Dessert had a def advantage picking their viewing spot.

When we returned to terrace for the Post-Dessert eating time we felt like the offerings were not .... I don't know ... impressive with lots of trays not refilled or .... it felt like leftovers. We got our plateful and sat, for not too long, and when we went back to try different offerings they were already cleaning up. I def felt quite ripped off - CMs were clearing and trying to get out when we had barely been there.

To me Pre had the advantage of a nice dessert party and Post had the advantage of picking our garden spots first. We've seen the show many times so I'd likely only do Sweets and Treats in the future.

 

[Mambo Junkie]

Have done Sweets & Treats and Post-Dessert.

Just my POV ~

As Post-Dessert we were allowed in the garden early and stake out our location. The party was not sold out (we bought day of) but the garden had quite a few people in it. CMs were strict about logistics. When the Pre-Dessert party folks arrived there was lots of grumbling by them that they were basically directed to the sides because the middle "premium" area was full. I felt like Post-Dessert had a def advantage picking their viewing spot.

When we returned to terrace for the Post-Dessert eating time we felt like the offerings were not .... I don't know ... impressive with lots of trays not refilled or .... it felt like leftovers. We got our plateful and sat, for not too long, and when we went back to try different offerings they were already cleaning up. I def felt quite ripped off - CMs were clearing and trying to get out when we had barely been there.

To me Pre had the advantage of a nice dessert party and Post had the advantage of picking our garden spots first. We've seen the show many times so I'd likely only do Sweets and Treats in the future.

Building on that, as stated, it depends on your priority. For us, the show was most important. I don’t care for most of the desserts, so we found enough to make us happy, plus the chill down time to walk out relaxed with a minimal crowd. I didn’t notice that there was a lack of variety of the food offerings as I don’t have high expectations when it comes to the food anyway. Low expectations means everyone ends up happy. Loved the viewing area though. We got there early and got a great spot.

 

[Disneymomma513]

Hi friends!

My daughter (9) and I are heading back to Disney in September with my mom this time (she has never been!) and I wanted to make it extra special for her. Especially for the MK fireworks! We've been to MK in September for the last two years and although the whole vacation is pretty low crowds the whole time - the exception is MK fireworks on a non party day. Because there are usually 2 or 3 Halloween parties during the week, the fireworks crowds are pretty intense on the non party days. Last year we didn't even try to get close to the hub, we just rode some rides and saw the fireworks from Fantasyland. This year though with mom being there and this probably being her one and only trip - we gotta see the fireworks.

Anyway, all this to say - we will be booking a dessert party, just not sure which one yet. I am leaning towards the Post Fireworks party just so we can see the show, then leisurely snack on desserts while the park clears out.

Also, can someone circle on the map the exact viewing area for the fireworks?

Thanks!

We just did the pre- dessert party and I did enjoy it but I think I would have preferred the post. One for the crowd to clear out and two there was a glowing parade that came through and we could see it from a distance but would have loved to be up close!

 

[Marthasor]

I really prefer the post-party. You get to the garden earlier to stake out your spot and then the dessert portion is so much more relaxed and you are completely out of the post-fireworks crowds.

 

[elvispursley]

Can I ask why the post-dessert people get to arrive earlier than the pre-dessert people? Is it because the pre-dessert people are getting their dessert?

 

[HopperFan]

Can I ask why the post-dessert people get to arrive earlier than the pre-dessert people? Is it because the pre-dessert people are getting their dessert?

The timeline is the Pre folks are enjoying their dessert part while the Post folks are loading in to the garden.

Once the Pre folks are done eating they then move over to the garden.

I think allowing Post in early speeds the process up and there is not double the amount of people trying to get in during a small window.

Building on that, as stated, it depends on your priority. For us, the show was most important. I don’t care for most of the desserts, so we found enough to make us happy, plus the chill down time to walk out relaxed with a minimal crowd. I didn’t notice that there was a lack of variety of the food offerings as I don’t have high expectations when it comes to the food anyway. Low expectations means everyone ends up happy. Loved the viewing area though. We got there early and got a great spot.

Absolutely agree, what is your priority? If it is the garden location then do the Post.

 

[CaroM8]

Can I ask why the post-dessert people get to arrive earlier than the pre-dessert people? Is it because the pre-dessert people are getting their dessert?

Yes exactly - for the pre party, you go eat your desserts first then head over to the viewing area. The post party people will be guided to the viewing area when they check in, then go enjoy the desserts after the fireworks..

I am still leaning towards post party for us... I think we would enjoy just hanging back while everyone clears out of the park...