Pros/Cons -- which dessert party?

[bladiator]

I am planning a trip with some family members coming up early next year and I wanted to plan a dessert party with them, but not more than one because as a diabetic, I don't need to tempt myself more than once during a trip (and I don't need to spend that kind of money and not get my money's worth!). We'll also have small children so we don't expect to be able to keep everyone awake late very many times either.

That being said, the only one I've ever done is the Illuminations party which I LOVED for the food and where I was compared to the fireworks, but was very sad that I didn't have a place to sit, lol.

So which would you choose based on:

• Bang for your buck
• Fireworks viewing location
• Desserts
• Comfort
• Overall experience (maybe that's just a compilation of the first 4)

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I think it really depends on the interests of your group. I would eliminate Illuminations since you've done it already and you can find a great spot around the lagoon without the dessert party price tag.

I would determine, between Star Wars and HEA, which interests you more. I, personally, wouldn't do either without the dessert party. We did Star Wars without the dessert party and it was very difficult to see. Any kids in strollers probably won't see anything at all. If we go again, we will book the party. It was spectacular, but if you don't have big Star Wars fans in your group, I think some of the show may be lost on them.

We did the MK fireworks dessert party in December (and will do it again in August) and we loved it. You have your desserts at the Tomorrowland Terrace and, depending on which viewing area you choose, you either stay on the terrace, seated at your table to view the show or you are escorted to the plaza gardens about 15 minutes prior to showtime to view the show. If you want a seat the entire time, pick the terrace viewing. If you want a better view, choose the plaza garden viewing. There are seats for the dessert portion of the event, so you would only be standing for the show if you pick the garden option.

 

[christmasmagic]

We are also torn between HEA and if they do the Jingle Bell Jingle Bam dessert party again. But we are also wondering if two dessert parties are too much in 8 days.

 

[SBWB48]

Also torn between doing the HEA or SW dessert party... We did the SW party last year, but can't speak on the food for HEA, but it seems like the food/drink options are better for the SW party, which also includes savory options and adult beverages.

 

[bladiator]

Also torn between doing the HEA or SW dessert party... We did the SW party last year, but can't speak on the food for HEA, but it seems like the food/drink options are better for the SW party, which also includes savory options and adult beverages.

Are adult beverages not allowed at the MK party? I forgot that as a bullet point.

 

[bethbuchall]

Is there still an Illuminations dessert party? That is my daughter's favorite nighttime show, but the only one that I see listed on the Walt Disney World site doesn't have any dates beyond May.

I'm also trying to decide about HEA and Star Wars. I don't think either of us are big enough Star Wars fans to warrant that one, but I'm tempted all the same. I'm almost set on doing HEA.

 

[Daniela Rose]

We're booked for both HEA (garden View) and just booked Star Wars this morning. I'm not a Star Wars fan at all, but I am a fan of adult beverages and desserts. I can appreciate the show, just not the story line. Plus after princess stuff all week I threw dh a bone lol.

 

[FastPasser.]

but was very sad that I didn't have a place to sit

Tables with chairs are not supplied at the Star Wars party.

Is there still an Illuminations dessert party?.

A dessert party at Epcot after May is expected and it's also expected to include seating, stand by for details.

 

[bethbuchall]

A dessert party at Epcot after May is expected and it's also expected to include seating, stand by for details.

Thank you! Illuminations party would definitely be a highlight for my dd. I think I'd keep that one as a surprise.

 

[ArielSRL]

I planned for the Star Wars one and signed up for that one as soon as it was available. However, as soon as I saw HEA online, I decided we had to do that one as well. So basically I couldn't decide between the two. Sorry...I'm no help.

 

[SBWB48]

Are adult beverages not allowed at the MK party? I forgot that as a bullet point.

Despite alcohol now being available/served at MK TS restaurants, I don't think they've changed anything as far as the dessert parties in MK? Since i've never been to one (or any at MK; just the SW) since they've opened up alcohol at MK TS restaurants, not sure if that's been changed recently. My hunch is that it's status quo with no alcohol included since in the SW dessert party page, they do explicitly list alcohol as an offering (obviously a draw). Maybe someone who has been to a Wishes or HEA dessert party recently can opine?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

No, no alcohol at the MK dessert parties.

Seperately, I was at the Plaza Garden Viewing MK party on Saturday. This was my view. Loved it!

 

[bladiator]

I'm amazed that Illuminations got almost no votes (in fact, I gave it its only vote). I feel like Star Wars gets a bunch of votes due to the fact that you don't have to stake out a good spot an hour ahead ... and HEA has the same thing going for it.