Talk to me about dessert viewing parties.... worth it?

[Mischievous Daisy]

Yeah, sadly, these parties are more about NOT having an unpleasant experience than anything else. If it weren't for these parties, I would just ride rides during firework times and avoid that area like the plague. I can't deal with the crowds at that density. The desserts are just a bonus.

 

[Mischievous Daisy]

Yeah, sadly, these parties are more about NOT having an unpleasant experience than anything else. If it weren't for these parties, I would just ride rides during firework times and avoid that area like the plague. I can't deal with the crowds at that density. The desserts are just a bonus.

YES!!!

 

[Disturbia]

We find value in it for the view. We also don’t eat a lot of desserts and rarely drink alcohol (sweetened watered down cocktails only). We have 3 kids and it would be extremely difficult for them to stay in one place for hours.

We booked the after party and we arrived 30 mins prior to fireworks (9 pm). Then after fireworks were over we left and rode a few rides in Tomorrowland before entering the dessert area (around 9:45 pm). We asked if they had chocolate covered strawberries and they brought us 4 they had kept in the back. Everything was still being replenished until 10 pm. Strollers are not allowed in the buffet area.

I agree that the allergy desserts were overly sweet (sorbet and gummies when they could easily get Tofutti next door) and our son didn’t eat anything. We still paid full price and had to track down CMs and wait for the allergy plate.

We have it booked for 12/31 (first show pre party). Don’t want to deal with the crowds (reports of people pushing each other in the hub and fights breaking out).

 

[Disturbia]

All of the chocolate desserts have nuts in them (hazelnuts I believe).

Although it’s a buffet, once you finish eating and leave the area you can’t go back in. It’s open for approx 40 mins (9:20-10 pm for the after party when fireworks are at 9 pm).

This review shows what the viewing area is like 40 mins before fireworks. Everyone is required to stand once fireworks start (fire code). We were required to park our stroller along the back rail in March (no leaning on the back rail.). For 5 of us it’s $415.

Minnie’s Christmastime fireworks will run 12/23 until 12/29 and then it’s Fantasy in the sky 12/30 & 12/31. Then Enchantment returns.

https://blogmickey.com/2022/10/disn...works-during-christmas-week-at-magic-kingdom/

 

[Disturbia]

Our allergy plate had Erin McKenna (formerly Babycakes) brownies and cake slices (gluten free and sweetened with agave so they taste too sweet), some strawberries (no chocolate for dairy free), gummies, sorbet and cookies

https://mouseearmemories.com/review-dessert-party-with-food-allergies-gf-df-sf-ef-nut-free/

 

[kathy884]

If you want to try a night time show with your 12 year old, maybe yes. I'd personally, though, probably skip a nighttime show at the MK even in a special viewing area with anyone who was crowd adverse and anxious (it's a madhouse), and I'd maybe even skip going to a theme park in general?? You are talking big crowds and lots of people. I don't know your child though. You know your child best.

I have a cousin with some anxiety with big crowds but doesn't mind giving stuff a try to hang with us who lives in Tampa, and to make things more pleasant for him when we see him, I'm opting for visiting local attractions and I'm specifically planning for those on a week day when it's less crowded vs. doing a world class theme park or two with him. Next February when we visit him we'll go to the Tampa Lowery Park Zoo on a Thursday and the Florida Aquarium in Tampa on a Friday.

 

[robinb]

@nurseberta, I thought of another alternative. If your child is eligible for a DAS for her anxiety, you may be able to watch from the disability viewing section. I'm not sure if it's *just* for people with mobility issues (I watched there from a scooter) or if non-mobility DAS guests can use it too. It was full, but not completely packed to the gills like the rest of the area. You can go over to the DIS!Abilities board and search/ask there: https://www.disboards.com/forums/disabilities.20/ .

 

[kylenne]

If you want to try a night time show with your 12 year old, maybe yes. I'd personally, though, probably skip a nighttime show at the MK even in a special viewing area with anyone who was crowd adverse and anxious (it's a madhouse), and I'd maybe even skip going to a theme park in general?? You are talking big crowds and lots of people. I don't know your child though. You know your child best.

I have a cousin with some anxiety with big crowds but doesn't mind giving stuff a try to hang with us who lives in Tampa, and to make things more pleasant for him when we see him, I'm opting for visiting local attractions and I'm specifically planning for those on a week day when it's less crowded vs. doing a world class theme park or two with him. Next February when we visit him we'll go to the Tampa Lowery Park Zoo on a Thursday and the Florida Aquarium in Tampa on a Friday.

I’ll be honest, this type of response is really grating as someone with anxiety OCD and ADHD who enjoys the parks. If you wouldn't tell someone who uses a wheelchair to avoid theme parks just because they typically involve a lot of walking, please don’t assume theme parks are off limits to someone with anxiety. We can manage just fine at Disney and have a great time as long as homework is done ahead of time and we have a proper game plan in place. Everyone has different triggers, it’s just a matter of being aware of will cause them and strategizing to cope. An example: my partner (also anxiety & OCD with ADHD) badly wanted to see HEA back on our October 2018 trip despite having issues with fireworks because of the loud, sudden noises. We were staying at the Poly and caught some of them at the beach, which was fine, but she was worried about the dessert party we had planned. So we picked up some foam ear plugs from the gift shop, and I lent her my Bose noise cancelling headphones to put over them. She was 100% fine and had the time of her life. I was also extremely thankful to have booked the dessert party as this was during MNSSHP season and non-party night crowds in the hub were bonkers.

Even on my solo trips though, my game plan is always the same, staying hydrated/fed, taking frequent breaks and not commando touring is key. Every park, even MK, has relatively quiet areas you can sit and chill in away from crowds. I have a mental list of these for everywhere, but you can totally make one on your phone. I always make time to sit and do breathing with my Apple Watch or my mindfulness app. I am also a religious zealot about taking midday breaks at the resort. Heat + crowds + noise = the worst stressors. I always stay deluxe in proximity to parks to make quick getaways back to the room easier (though CSR isn’t bad either, it’s very centrally located on property), but even if you’re not staying in one of them, you can always retreat to a nearby resort, no matter how busy they are all have quiet common areas where you can relax. EP and HS have a peaceful boat ride or walk to several resorts when feeling overwhelmed. MK area has the monorail resorts and WL. If you need dark and quiet immediately, First Aid is a godsend. Know where these are in every park, they’ll let you lie down in relative dark for a while.

If rope dropping zig when others are zagging--don’t join the hordes for Mine Train, go to the left side of the park instead. At AK go to the safari vs. Flight of Passage (which is better first thing in the am anyway because the animals are way more active), which you can save for night. Schedule table service ADRs for the hottest, most crowded parts of the day, preferably at a nearby resort (Grand Floridian/Kona Cafe, the Fountain over at the Dolphin, Sanaa at AKL, etc). Linger after nighttime entertainment to let crowds thin before attempting to leave. That said there is one ride I absolutely can’t do, I learned that the hard way when I almost had a panic attack on Mission Space due to the extremely tight fit. I’ve never used DAS but I do know that’s an option people on the spectrum use a lot.

All Ears’ guide is in dire need of updates (it still refers to FP+), but the advice is still sound and a good place to start.

https://allears.net/walt-disney-world-for-guests-with-anxiety-disorders/

 

[LisaMc]

I’ll be honest, this type of response is really grating as someone with anxiety OCD and ADHD who enjoys the parks. If you wouldn't tell someone who uses a wheelchair to avoid theme parks just because they typically involve a lot of walking, please don’t assume theme parks are off limits to someone with anxiety. We can manage just fine at Disney and have a great time as long as homework is done ahead of time and we have a proper game plan in place. Everyone has different triggers, it’s just a matter of being aware of will cause them and strategizing to cope. An example: my partner (also anxiety & OCD with ADHD) badly wanted to see HEA back on our October 2018 trip despite having issues with fireworks because of the loud, sudden noises. We were staying at the Poly and caught some of them at the beach, which was fine, but she was worried about the dessert party we had planned. So we picked up some foam ear plugs from the gift shop, and I lent her my Bose noise cancelling headphones to put over them. She was 100% fine and had the time of her life. I was also extremely thankful to have booked the dessert party as this was during MNSSHP season and non-party night crowds in the hub were bonkers.

Even on my solo trips though, my game plan is always the same, staying hydrated/fed, taking frequent breaks and not commando touring is key. Every park, even MK, has relatively quiet areas you can sit and chill in away from crowds. I have a mental list of these for everywhere, but you can totally make one on your phone. I always make time to sit and do breathing with my Apple Watch or my mindfulness app. I am also a religious zealot about taking midday breaks at the resort. Heat + crowds + noise = the worst stressors. I always stay deluxe in proximity to parks to make quick getaways back to the room easier (though CSR isn’t bad either, it’s very centrally located on property), but even if you’re not staying in one of them, you can always retreat to a nearby resort, no matter how busy they are all have quiet common areas where you can relax. EP and HS have a peaceful boat ride or walk to several resorts when feeling overwhelmed. MK area has the monorail resorts and WL. If you need dark and quiet immediately, First Aid is a godsend. Know where these are in every park, they’ll let you lie down in relative dark for a while.

If rope dropping zig when others are zagging--don’t join the hordes for Mine Train, go to the left side of the park instead. At AK go to the safari vs. Flight of Passage (which is better first thing in the am anyway because the animals are way more active), which you can save for night. Schedule table service ADRs for the hottest, most crowded parts of the day, preferably at a nearby resort (Grand Floridian/Kona Cafe, the Fountain over at the Dolphin, Sanaa at AKL, etc). Linger after nighttime entertainment to let crowds thin before attempting to leave. That said there is one ride I absolutely can’t do, I learned that the hard way when I almost had a panic attack on Mission Space due to the extremely tight fit. I’ve never used DAS but I do know that’s an option people on the spectrum use a lot.

All Ears’ guide is in dire need of updates (it still refers to FP+), but the advice is still sound and a good place to start.

https://allears.net/walt-disney-world-for-guests-with-anxiety-disorders/

Would love to have your list of sit and chill places (as long as they are not top secret for you ). I have a friend with an autistic adult child and this last trip did not go well. I think he got overwhelmed and could have used a break. I know sit down restaurants are nice, but sometimes they are not enough of a sanctuary for overstimulation.
Thanks!

 

[iloveftwilderness]

I snagged a table at Casey's Corner and had a great view of the castle/fireworks. I purchased snacks and saved a few hundred bucks. The Cast members kept people from stopping in the walkway, so we had an unblocked view.

 

[nurseberta]

I’ll be honest, this type of response is really grating as someone with anxiety OCD and ADHD who enjoys the parks. If you wouldn't tell someone who uses a wheelchair to avoid theme parks just because they typically involve a lot of walking, please don’t assume theme parks are off limits to someone with anxiety. We can manage just fine at Disney and have a great time as long as homework is done ahead of time and we have a proper game plan in place. Everyone has different triggers, it’s just a matter of being aware of will cause them and strategizing to cope. An example: my partner (also anxiety & OCD with ADHD) badly wanted to see HEA back on our October 2018 trip despite having issues with fireworks because of the loud, sudden noises. We were staying at the Poly and caught some of them at the beach, which was fine, but she was worried about the dessert party we had planned. So we picked up some foam ear plugs from the gift shop, and I lent her my Bose noise cancelling headphones to put over them. She was 100% fine and had the time of her life. I was also extremely thankful to have booked the dessert party as this was during MNSSHP season and non-party night crowds in the hub were bonkers.

Even on my solo trips though, my game plan is always the same, staying hydrated/fed, taking frequent breaks and not commando touring is key. Every park, even MK, has relatively quiet areas you can sit and chill in away from crowds. I have a mental list of these for everywhere, but you can totally make one on your phone. I always make time to sit and do breathing with my Apple Watch or my mindfulness app. I am also a religious zealot about taking midday breaks at the resort. Heat + crowds + noise = the worst stressors. I always stay deluxe in proximity to parks to make quick getaways back to the room easier (though CSR isn’t bad either, it’s very centrally located on property), but even if you’re not staying in one of them, you can always retreat to a nearby resort, no matter how busy they are all have quiet common areas where you can relax. EP and HS have a peaceful boat ride or walk to several resorts when feeling overwhelmed. MK area has the monorail resorts and WL. If you need dark and quiet immediately, First Aid is a godsend. Know where these are in every park, they’ll let you lie down in relative dark for a while.

If rope dropping zig when others are zagging--don’t join the hordes for Mine Train, go to the left side of the park instead. At AK go to the safari vs. Flight of Passage (which is better first thing in the am anyway because the animals are way more active), which you can save for night. Schedule table service ADRs for the hottest, most crowded parts of the day, preferably at a nearby resort (Grand Floridian/Kona Cafe, the Fountain over at the Dolphin, Sanaa at AKL, etc). Linger after nighttime entertainment to let crowds thin before attempting to leave. That said there is one ride I absolutely can’t do, I learned that the hard way when I almost had a panic attack on Mission Space due to the extremely tight fit. I’ve never used DAS but I do know that’s an option people on the spectrum use a lot.

All Ears’ guide is in dire need of updates (it still refers to FP+), but the advice is still sound and a good place to start.

https://allears.net/walt-disney-world-for-guests-with-anxiety-disorders/

This is my exact strategy. He is fine with people being near but its the bumping that gets him more anxious because he is germ conscious. We shared a cabin on Hogwarts express once with a small child that was nose picking. he really was upset about being in that confined space but he dealt pretty well after.
we will be at pop and plan to skyliner back to the resort midday for a break and be out of the parks most days at midday just for ease of getting around. noise canceling headphones are brilliant!! I may have to get a pair

 

[nurseberta]

I snagged a table at Casey's Corner and had a great view of the castle/fireworks. I purchased snacks and saved a few hundred bucks. The Cast members kept people from stopping in the walkway, so we had an unblocked view.

Interesting, do they put the umbrellas down at night? I am assuming this is first come first serve seating

 

[scrappinginontario]

Interesting, do they put the umbrellas down at night? I am assuming this is first come first serve seating

Yes, it’s first come, first serve seating but a lot of tables and chairs in a confined area. Also, chairs can be moved and if I remember correctly, the scraping can be quite loud too if that type of noise possibly bothers him.

 

[RoseGold]

I wasn't impressed and won't be back. It's still shoulder to shoulder crowds before and after. Crowds are overwhelming. I'd put your kid's needs first. I'd grab a snack and watch from behind the castle in Fantasyland, or from a bench in Tomorrowland, and just forget about the projections.

 

[nurseberta]

I wasn't impressed and won't be back. It's still shoulder to shoulder crowds before and after. Crowds are overwhelming. I'd put your kid's needs first. I'd grab a snack and watch from behind the castle in Fantasyland, or from a bench in Tomorrowland, and just forget about the projections.

oh this sounds lovely!!

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

I’ve done it and enjoyed the space and not worrying about crowds. I will say however that the sound is not as great with the music as being closer ( maybe that’s just me )

I’d do it once to try though

 

[PinkPixel]

I snagged a table at Casey's Corner and had a great view of the castle/fireworks. I purchased snacks and saved a few hundred bucks. The Cast members kept people from stopping in the walkway, so we had an unblocked view.

Do you think this is something that you could be done in the second week of January? What time do you need to is down at the tables or mobile order? Can you sit down before your food is ready? Thanks!

 

[jsmla]

The view is better from the Plaza Garden but I think I prefer the Treats and Seats experience overall.


Plaza Garden view



Treats and Seats view

 

[SwanVT2]

Not to hijack the thread by DD has anxiety and we are going to Epcot and want to see harmonious. What are the crowds like there and should we do the dinner fireworks package?

 

[RoseGold]

Not to hijack the thread by DD has anxiety and we are going to Epcot and want to see harmonious. What are the crowds like there and should we do the dinner fireworks package?

Harmonious you can see from anywhere, more or less, and there's a ton of great spots and you can stand back from the crowd. You don't need a fireworks package for that. Just stay near-ish an exit, because once it's over, leaving is like a crush of people, so being in, say, Germany, is maybe not ideal.

You'll miss out on the head-on projections, but it's fine without them as long as you can see a screen somewhere, not hard to do.