Wishes dessert party, worth it?

[TruBlu]

We just did this back in December and loved it. The desserts alone were not really worth the money. We only found a couple that we really liked, but the whole experience was DEFINITELY worth it. We have never taken the time to stake out a spot and actually watch the fireworks. We had a table at the front, but when the fireworks started several people went to stand at the rail. We stood too. There was enough room that there was only one row of people. We had a perfect view of the castle. It was amazing! I'd love to do it again!

Another plus was the photopass pictures! They were by far the best of our trip!!!

 

[mom to minnie&mickey]

Many things in Disney, if you sit and analyze them, are not worth the large amounts of money one pays. The dessert party is one of them but for my family of four we loved it. We went last July and had reserved seating at a time when Main Street was wall to wall people. There were many kinds of desserts, cookies, donuts and huge platters of fresh fruit (watermelon, melon, berries, pineapple) as well as chocolate covered strawberries. Drinks included coffee, tea, iced tea, lemonade and milk. It was the one day when my kids were allowed to have dessert for dinner and trust me, they still talk about it. It is all you can eat and nobody will leave hungry. We were even allowed to stay after the fireworks as the tables were not cleared until about 15 minutes later. Just seeing Tinkerbell fly over your head and feeling you can reach out and touch her made the $100 price tag much more bearable.

 

[habg1]

I looked online for the dessert party and found you could reserve it online. It would be $80-90 for the 4 of us.

We're thinking we're probably going to scrap the idea. Because:

1) We've seen the parade/fireworks before

2) Maybe the money would be put to better use else where. The husband has mentioned a breakfast at the Grand Floridian cafe (steak & eggs).

 

[MidwayLady]

When is the best time (of the night) to make reservations for the dessert party?

 

[Ms.Mouse]

We went last summer for July 3 fireworks and we felt it was well worth the price. In fact, I tried to get it again for this July 3 and they are not taking reservations and said to just keep trying because they didn't send word as to whether or not they will be bringing it back.

 

[Madi's Mom]

My opinion seems different from everyone else posting but we loved it. We went last summer and loved it. Large buffet of desserts , each small so you could sample everything and go back for more of what you liked. The viewing area for the fireworks was fabulous and there was a Disney photopass photographer there to take lovely pictures of your party with the castle. It was nice to watch the fireworks and not be shoved and pushed. It is an experience we hope to do again this summer should Disney decide to extend it.

 

[delmar411]

When is the best time (of the night) to make reservations for the dessert party?

I don't know if they make time slot reservations but they shouldn't as it starts and ends at a set time so you need to be there 15mins before it starts to get checked in and get your wrist bands.

We walked up on the 5th? and got a reservation 15mins before it started and paid right there. Guest Relations said it was booked up but it wasn't even close. We had a great seat right up front.

 

[Jessma9902]

Okay, looking to do something different while at wdw. Looking into the Dessert party.

Are the desserts worth it? How much desserts can you really eat at the sitting?
Or is this pretty much a seat for the fireworks, that you pay for?

The husband says he's rather go to the Boardwalk and get their brownie cheesecake...

Any opinions? Is this a skip or a hit??

We did this December 2009 and loved it. The dessert spread was beautiful and delish! It is buffet style and you can return as many times as you like. We enjoyed being able to sample a wide variety of desserts without having huge portions to muster through!

Also, the seating for the Wishes is wonderful! There isn't a bad seat in the place, and it was nice to leisurely eat and enjoy some "down" time while waiting for Wishes without the hassel of claming a spot on the concrete.

We'd do it again for sure!

 

[quest4dl]

We did a similar experience in Disneyland a few years ago. Unfortunately, with that dessert party you had to line up to get a specific seat ticket and since every seat was not equally good, we wasted alot of time.

With these type of events, you are really paying for the reserved spot and the food is an added bonus. We will try to book the party in March as it is peak season and my father hates crowds. It seems like a good seat is guaranteed and that would be my main concern. Are there any negatives to viewing the fireworks from this location?

 

[Tiger926]

We did it July '09, after it had just started, and at $17.00 something an adult, we didn't find it worth it, can't imagine people are now paying close to $30.00. Yikes!

Although I got great photos of Wishes, and kids loved seeing Tink fly over head, I usually do get great photos of Wishes, as I have awesome digital cameras. We don't usually feel crowded for a spot either - we've watched Wishes from many locations around the park.

Here were our dislikes:

- huge line up to check in, as counter service people were still eating dinner (we were in line for like 40 mins., and were let in after our actual time)

- stifling hot

- desserts were soggy and warm, and beverages were warm as well

- way too many cream filled desserts

- Photopass CM was totally not interested in being there, so he didn't do a great job on photos at all

- crowding at the railing

- smelled smoke from smoking area down below

- CMs cleared the desserts away before Wishes was even over! They even moved the tables out.

Based on more recent posts, it seems they've improved some of these issues, but we won't ever do it again, as we find it very overpriced as well.

Tiger

 

[Eastern]

I'd rather do the Illuminations boat cruise but I have a mortgage that needs to be payed...

I did it and I wasn't wowed. I'd rather see Illuminations in the park. We joined up with another family who posted here and split the cost, so that worked out well.

 

[angiejg]

Wow. I'm shocked. We thought it was worth every penny. The experience was fabulous. I will book it every trip if it is offered.

 

[Eastern]

Wow. I'm shocked. We thought it was worth every penny. The experience was fabulous. I will book it every trip if it is offered.

Well I'm not shocked that you like it. Everyone's different.

 

[angiejg]

Well I'm not shocked that you like it. Everyone's different.

My comment was for the person who asked what everyone thought of the Dessert Party. Our experience was very positive. Not trying to start a debate here.