Wishes Dessert Party - Worth the Money?

[Dis*Mom]

I posted this on another board, but I thought it might be wise to ask on the budget board. For those of you who have attended this event, do you think it was worth the price. I'm thinking about surprising my family on our June trip and booking, but just wanted to know what others think about the cost? Also, if you change your mind, can you cancel?

Thanks for any adivce.

 

[wallawallakids]

I posted this on another board, but I thought it might be wise to ask on the budget board. For those of you who have attended this event, do you think it was worth the price. I'm thinking about surprising my family on our June trip and booking, but just wanted to know what others think about the cost? Also, if you change your mind, can you cancel?

Thanks for any adivce.

YES!!! This was the highlight of our trip last May. I plan on doing it the next time we visit as well. My kids still talk about it. They loved it. You will not regret it. It's really great.

 

[rigs32]

I did it in January 2011. It was just after the laser show on the castle started on a Saturday night so Main Street was very crowded. We had a table front and center. It was a chilly night, so the warm drinks were nice. My SO didn't know we were doing it and it was a nice surprise. He's the type that doesn't get excited about much and when he saw our table and the view, he said "this is for us?".

I think you're paying for space and service as much as for the desserts and drinks. But I'd so it again on a night when Main Street was going to be crowded.

 

[Dis*Mom]

YES!!! This was the highlight of our trip last May. I plan on doing it the next time we visit as well. My kids still talk about it. They loved it. You will not regret it. It's really great.

Thanks so much for your reply. I think I just needed some reassurance
I think I will just go for it! We are a blended family and this will be our second trip as a family to the world - we are excited.

 

[Dis*Mom]

I did it in January 2011. It was just after the laser show on the castle started on a Saturday night so Main Street was very crowded. We had a table front and center. It was a chilly night, so the warm drinks were nice. My SO didn't know we were doing it and it was a nice surprise. He's the type that doesn't get excited about much and when he saw our table and the view, he said "this is for us?".

I think you're paying for space and service as much as for the desserts and drinks. But I'd so it again on a night when Main Street was going to be crowded.

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I think you are definitely paying for the space, and I like the idea of having a reserved space for Wishes - makes it more enjoyable.

 

[pktbMouse]

I may get flamed for this but....here goes...we did it last year and wished we hadnt. It just wasnt what we imagined it would be. It was very crowded. People piled their plates high with all the good stuff like the chocolate strawberries first and they were not very quick and replenishing the desserts. The queue alone to get the deserts was very long so you don't get as much to eat as you think. Our table was about the middle and we had a good view of the castle but what we didn't realize was when the fireworks start everyone gets up and stands at the railings so if your sitting down you have no chance of seeing them. There is not enough room for everyone at the railings so unless you stand at the railings form the beginning of the night to save a space you will not get that "amazing" view they tell you about. Also what annoyed us...we did go stand up to try and see tinker bell fly from the castle but when we returned to our table everything had been cleared away, basically that was the end of the desert party. They started to clear chairs and tables away ie make it obvious you had to leave. It all felt very rushed to us and to be honest I would have rather payed wayy less for something nice out of mainstreet bakery and sat on the curb and had a great view of the fireworks. Now having said this..there are many people that absolutely love it. I guess each to their own. We personally felt it was not worth the money and would not do it again.

 

[wiigirl]

Yes!

 

[Dis*Mom]

I may get flamed for this but....here goes...we did it last year and wished we hadnt. It just wasnt what we imagined it would be. It was very crowded. People piled their plates high with all the good stuff like the chocolate strawberries first and they were not very quick and replenishing the desserts. The queue alone to get the deserts was very long so you don't get as much to eat as you think. Our table was about the middle and we had a good view of the castle but what we didn't realize was when the fireworks start everyone gets up and stands at the railings so if your sitting down you have no chance of seeing them. There is not enough room for everyone at the railings so unless you stand at the railings form the beginning of the night to save a space you will not get that "amazing" view they tell you about. Also what annoyed us...we did go stand up to try and see tinker bell fly from the castle but when we returned to our table everything had been cleared away, basically that was the end of the desert party. They started to clear chairs and tables away ie make it obvious you had to leave. It all felt very rushed to us and to be honest I would have rather payed wayy less for something nice out of mainstreet bakery and sat on the curb and had a great view of the fireworks. Now having said this..there are many people that absolutely love it. I guess each to their own. We personally felt it was not worth the money and would not do it again.

I appreciate your opinion, and I really want the honest opinion. That was one of my concerns - how much space do you really have to see the fireworks, and I really would like to sit down to watch them. Thanks for your opinion

 

[Tiger926]

I may get flamed for this but....here goes...we did it last year and wished we hadnt. It just wasnt what we imagined it would be. It was very crowded. People piled their plates high with all the good stuff like the chocolate strawberries first and they were not very quick and replenishing the desserts. The queue alone to get the deserts was very long so you don't get as much to eat as you think. Our table was about the middle and we had a good view of the castle but what we didn't realize was when the fireworks start everyone gets up and stands at the railings so if your sitting down you have no chance of seeing them. There is not enough room for everyone at the railings so unless you stand at the railings form the beginning of the night to save a space you will not get that "amazing" view they tell you about. Also what annoyed us...we did go stand up to try and see tinker bell fly from the castle but when we returned to our table everything had been cleared away, basically that was the end of the desert party. They started to clear chairs and tables away ie make it obvious you had to leave. It all felt very rushed to us and to be honest I would have rather payed wayy less for something nice out of mainstreet bakery and sat on the curb and had a great view of the fireworks. Now having said this..there are many people that absolutely love it. I guess each to their own. We personally felt it was not worth the money and would not do it again.

Absolutely agree!

Tiger

 

[Tdubswife]

We loved it! The desserts were awesome. I know this may be odd, but the coffee was the best I ever had! Maybe all the chocolate ?,!?!? We were also glad we did it because it was raining that night, so we were able to stay dry watching the fireworks show.

 

[pearlieq]

I may get flamed for this but....here goes...we did it last year and wished we hadnt. It just wasnt what we imagined it would be. It was very crowded. People piled their plates high with all the good stuff like the chocolate strawberries first and they were not very quick and replenishing the desserts. The queue alone to get the deserts was very long so you don't get as much to eat as you think. Our table was about the middle and we had a good view of the castle but what we didn't realize was when the fireworks start everyone gets up and stands at the railings so if your sitting down you have no chance of seeing them. There is not enough room for everyone at the railings so unless you stand at the railings form the beginning of the night to save a space you will not get that "amazing" view they tell you about. Also what annoyed us...we did go stand up to try and see tinker bell fly from the castle but when we returned to our table everything had been cleared away, basically that was the end of the desert party. They started to clear chairs and tables away ie make it obvious you had to leave. It all felt very rushed to us and to be honest I would have rather payed wayy less for something nice out of mainstreet bakery and sat on the curb and had a great view of the fireworks. Now having said this..there are many people that absolutely love it. I guess each to their own. We personally felt it was not worth the money and would not do it again.

Thanks for this report. I'd been worried when I read they were letting people crowd around the railing and it doesn't sound great for your report. If I have to get in early and stand around to stake a spot, why pay $25 for the privilege, you know?

I really appreciate the info.

 

[Kelnick]

I may get flamed for this but....here goes...we did it last year and wished we hadnt. It just wasnt what we imagined it would be. It was very crowded. People piled their plates high with all the good stuff like the chocolate strawberries first and they were not very quick and replenishing the desserts. The queue alone to get the deserts was very long so you don't get as much to eat as you think. Our table was about the middle and we had a good view of the castle but what we didn't realize was when the fireworks start everyone gets up and stands at the railings so if your sitting down you have no chance of seeing them. There is not enough room for everyone at the railings so unless you stand at the railings form the beginning of the night to save a space you will not get that "amazing" view they tell you about. Also what annoyed us...we did go stand up to try and see tinker bell fly from the castle but when we returned to our table everything had been cleared away, basically that was the end of the desert party. They started to clear chairs and tables away ie make it obvious you had to leave. It all felt very rushed to us and to be honest I would have rather payed wayy less for something nice out of mainstreet bakery and sat on the curb and had a great view of the fireworks. Now having said this..there are many people that absolutely love it. I guess each to their own. We personally felt it was not worth the money and would not do it again.

I agree, althought we didn't seem to have as much problem with seeing the fire works. But after snacking all day the desserts were a LOT of sugar and got old fast. You are not able to see the parade. My then 3yo played in the desserts and did not really eat and my husband was totally disinterested in dessert after his 3 oatmeal cookies from Main Street Bakery earlier in the day. So again you are paying for seating that you really won't sit in. Not 100% I would do it again unless bringing family that would need to sit to watch the fireworks and didn't want to fight to find a seat.

 

[GC&S]

We did it for the first time in Oct and we loved it. There was no shortage of desserts (I heard that some had had that problem). Everything was replenished quickly. Everything was very good.

We did stand at the railing about 15 min before the fireworks started. I dont remember there being a huge crowd behind us or anyone complaining they could not see. They also had a photopass photographer taking pics with the castle in the background.

Afterwards the servers came around asking those of us who stayed if we wanted coffee, additional desserts, as there was plenty left. We sat for about 1/2 hr to let the crowds lessen. They cleaned around us but never shooed us out. I wouldnt hesitate doing it again. It was nice not having to battle crowds or find that perfect spot for the fireworks.

 

[aclov]

How long are you there and the price? Someone mentioned earlier $25. I may consider this for my next trip.

 

[pigletto]

I may get flamed for this but....here goes...we did it last year and wished we hadnt. It just wasnt what we imagined it would be. It was very crowded. People piled their plates high with all the good stuff like the chocolate strawberries first and they were not very quick and replenishing the desserts. The queue alone to get the deserts was very long so you don't get as much to eat as you think. Our table was about the middle and we had a good view of the castle but what we didn't realize was when the fireworks start everyone gets up and stands at the railings so if your sitting down you have no chance of seeing them. There is not enough room for everyone at the railings so unless you stand at the railings form the beginning of the night to save a space you will not get that "amazing" view they tell you about. Also what annoyed us...we did go stand up to try and see tinker bell fly from the castle but when we returned to our table everything had been cleared away, basically that was the end of the desert party. They started to clear chairs and tables away ie make it obvious you had to leave. It all felt very rushed to us and to be honest I would have rather payed wayy less for something nice out of mainstreet bakery and sat on the curb and had a great view of the fireworks. Now having said this..there are many people that absolutely love it. I guess each to their own. We personally felt it was not worth the money and would not do it again.

I've never wanted to go to the dessert party. We usually go with free dining so I am STUFFED 90% of the trip and don't need more dessert (which doesn't appeal to me much anyway). I also have no problem finding a decent spot for the fireworks any time I want to see them. In fact the most enjoyable experience we ever had watching the fireworks was from the Ferry Dock at the TTC. Perfect view and perfect spot to beat the hoards coming out of the park.

It just seems overpriced and a waste of money to our family. However as you can see, many people DO consider it worth it so it really comes down to individual preference

 

[starry_solo]

I did it in May 2012 and it was worth it. One of the CMs mentioned that people crowd the railings but considering that we only had to go to the railings about 10-20 minutes before the fireworks show, it was fine.

We saw the MSEP from our seats though.

Dessert was yummy and they had plenty of chocolate covered strawberries. If you think about it, eating 5 of those would (1) stuff you and (2) not give you plenty of variety.

You look at it as if it were a buffet - you rarely ever eat your money's worth. Plus, whatever you aren't able to eat on your plate, you could probably bring back to your room to snack on. Just make sure you don't stuff yourself at dinner time and dessert will be fine.

 

[hearts8701]

How long are you there and the price? Someone mentioned earlier $25. I may consider this for my next trip.

When we were there we paid the following
The regular price for this experience is $21.99 for adults and $11.99 for children (3-9 years old). Peak period pricing will be $25.99 for adults and $13.99 for children.
The whole thing lasted about 1 hour

 

[Bethmsu]

I was on the fence with this one as well. I mean, I just imagined all the dessert I could buy with $25 and still have my "usual" spot to watch the fireworks.

Well, on my last trip I was traveling with my Father and it was my Birthday. I knew all the walking would be difficult for him and the fireworks would be less exciting than they were for me. I purchased the dessert party for us and would do it again in a minute!

When we arrived we had a great seat assigned to us. The dessert were replenished throughout the night, although during rush times items such as chocolate covered strawberries were hard to come by. We just took our time and checked back if there was something we wanted. We ended up with more than enough and were encouraged to take some with us at the end of the night!

We sat down and chatted with people. We were able to see part of the parade and the pre-show (used to be called something like "The Magic, the Memories and You" or something) while sitting. Many people stood for "Wishes" including me because the view was better at the railing. But after resting in my chair for an hour it was no big deal and certainly not as crowded as any other viewing spot I have encountered.

All in all a lovely and special experience I was glad i found an excuse to try! Many special Disney experiences are out of my price range but this one was worth the money for me! I can see why some would choose to take a pass but if you know the down sides and still have interest I encourage you to try it.

 

[ryalluvdiz]

When we were there we paid the following
The regular price for this experience is $21.99 for adults and $11.99 for children (3-9 years old). Peak period pricing will be $25.99 for adults and $13.99 for children.
The whole thing lasted about 1 hour

The peak pricing went up... For my date, June 13, I paid 29.99 per adult and 15.97 per child.

 

[rlduvall]

My DS and I do it every year we go; this year will be our 4th dessert party. Since it is usually just the two of us [DH only goes 1x every 3-5 years] it's not that expensive for us; I certainly understand the concern of cost for larger families.

I won't fight crowds for a spot to see a parade or fireworks so just being able to sit and be away from all the throngs of people makes it worth it to me. We always get an awesome table and the desserts are alot of fun.

Honestly, it's not the best view of the fireworks, but seeing Tinkerbell fly over your head and even make eye contact to wave at you . . . that makes even this middle aged woman giddy.