Wishes Dessert Party - Worth the Money?

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I went down in Jan., just me with DD9 and DS(then)6. I was hesitant on the Dessert Party, having read different reviews, being on the dining plan, and flying solo, etc. Plus, we booked kind of last-minute--I understand the earlier you book, the better the seating.

Both my kids voted it the favorite thing they did the entire vacation. That means it beat out all 7 countries of "Secret Agent P", riding Big Thunder 5 times (including twice in a row), viewing the fireworks from the beach at the Polynesian, Chef Mickey's, Soarin', and playing in the pool. So, yeah, it was worth it. Would I do it again if I didn't have the kids with me? Probably not--it's expensive, and I really don't need a dessert buffet. And my view wasn't the best (the kids went up to the railing, I didn't).

 

[Mickey527]

I did it once with my grandson and he loved it. I had my fill of junk food and he focused on the mango shooters and had 8 of them. He tried some of the other desserts but kept going back to the shooters.
I would do it again with him because he enjoyed it so much. On my own or with my friend who is diabetic I don't think so.
On our last trip my grandson and I stopped at Publics and bought about $20 worth of cakes, cookies and junk from the bakery department. (they make the best rice pudding). We brought that in and found a quiet table down by the old swan boat launch area and had our own dessert party.I would definately do that again.

 

[preschoolmom]

We did it and had a great experience! I booked the first day my date opened, so we had the first table, up against the railing. We had an awesome view of Tinkerbell, and we were able to sit for the fireworks and no one stood in front of the railing by us (we pulled our chairs right up). There was a ton of dessert - they definitely didn't run out - and we were there during a very crowded night (spring break). You can read about it in my trip report - but we felt it was a real highlight of our trip.

They didn't shoo us out after at all. We sat until we saw the crowds start to move on Main Street and then left.

 

[Ariel853]

I appreciate the information as well. We were debating this and if it was for the money also.

 

[howlongtildisney]

We did it and had a great experience! I booked the first day my date opened, so we had the first table, up against the railing. We had an awesome view of Tinkerbell, and we were able to sit for the fireworks and no one stood in front of the railing by us (we pulled our chairs right up). There was a ton of dessert - they definitely didn't run out - and we were there during a very crowded night (spring break). You can read about it in my trip report - but we felt it was a real highlight of our trip.

They didn't shoo us out after at all. We sat until we saw the crowds start to move on Main Street and then left.

I was going to say that this is what we did - we scooted our chairs over to the railing, taking our plates and cups with us. Ours was for December 30 a couple years ago, when they do the "dress rehearsal" New Years fireworks. I would do it again in a heartbeat, although probably not at a lower crowd time of year. During New Years, it was fantastic to just sit with a plate of desserts and watch all the people trying to get through the mobs.

 

[FLCyndi]

My family has done this. Everyone should try at least one time.

 

[iluvdisney]

We did back on Thanksgiving weekend and celebrating my 60th birthday with my kids, grandkids, and in-laws. Everyone had a great time and we were able to see enough of the parade and loved the show on the Castle plus the fireworks which my grandkids could sit and watch if they wanted - we had a group of 17 of us - a great table reserved for us, and lots of yummy desserts which everyone enjoyed! I would do it again!!!

 

[100AcreWood]

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.

I was there in October too! You should definitely try it once. We missed the electrical street parade but it was still worth it. We could see a lot of it from the party anyway. The desserts were great and the view was so awesome. My dh said it was worth the money even without the desserts. It was nice to stand in a non-crowded spot to watch Wishes.

 

[kellyg403]

Honestly, it probably depends on what you are looking for in the experience to decide if it is worth it to you.

For us, it is worth it. We typically go the night of MVMCP. We do what we want to do and then go to the Dessert Party. The view isn't bad, no matter where you are. Even when people are at the railing there is plenty of view.
Sometimes its nice to have a cup of coffee, sit down and view the fireworks without the crowds elbow to elbow. Anytime we have gone (working on our 4th party I believe)the desserts are filled up quickly and there was plenty for everyone. We have arrived at 9:30 in the past and had plenty.

There is no good view of the parade though.

My dh and I appreciate having a seat to sit in with the view of the fireworks. Its worth it to us because we can relax for a bit. The grandbabies like it because of the ice cream!

ETA: and I forgot to add my favorite part of the evening, TINKERBELL. We have been lucky and seen her each and every time. It is wonderful.
K

 

[eliza61]

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.

I didn't think so. It was one of those things where we did it once and wont do again.

a few things. We did the dessert party literally the 3rd night it had begun. There were so many "logistical" foul ups but I'm sure they have gotten the kinks out of them.
Pros:
1) nice seating area to view fireworks.

Cons
1) cant see the electrical parade. I do love that.
2) our tables were simply packed in. I hated having to "squeeze" through a maze of chairs every time I got up. lol. felt like my backside was constantly in some one's space.
3) desserts were ok.
4) ridiculously expensive for 4 people. 80 bucks? for small cakes and cookies?


My son said it best, we had better "memories" when we would get to main street early, get a great tasting dessert from Main street bakery and claim a spot and eat our dessert while waiting for the parade to start.

 

[HM]

Everyone raves about it online. I've been very skeptical but DD and I decided to try in January anyway. We rate it a 4/10. The extra space is nice but the desserts and refreshments were not quite good enough. We didn't like many of them. There was a line to get in and then there were ridiculous lines and not enough space in the dessert area. The set-up of the area was poorly done. They also ran out of some things very fast. We would not do it again. It was approx. $26/each for us. I'd rather have spent that on a nice meal instead and just have braved the crowds on main street....and that's what we'll do next time.