WOC: Dining package vs. Dessert Party-which would you do?

[smartlabelprint]

I am also in camp anxious for the reservations for the dessert party to drop.

 

[Steven G]

The dessert party typically doesn’t become available until they finalize dates and times. That may not be until 2 or 3 weeks before The date.

 

[JohnR5101]

So, I'm rather puzzled about the dining package for WOC. We have res for Carthay and was thinking about upgrading to the dining package if it becomes available. But what's the point if its no better than just getting the FP ticket ASAP at the beginning of the day (I know they used to run out really quickly).
If the package only gives you a "closer" standing area but you still have to show up to wait for it, that does not seem like its worth anything.
Can anyone who has done this add any more comment to it? What made it any better than everyone else who just grabbed the free passes early in the day?

We did the dessert package before and enjoyed it. We (2) were seated with another couple at the high table and it was very pleasant. So I think in general having table mates will work out fine. But this time we will be a group of 5 with a 7 and 12 year old. Kinda pricey for that size group and ages.

 

[Czardas]

So, I'm rather puzzled about the dining package for WOC. We have res for Carthay and was thinking about upgrading to the dining package if it becomes available. But what's the point if its no better than just getting the FP ticket ASAP at the beginning of the day (I know they used to run out really quickly).
If the package only gives you a "closer" standing area but you still have to show up to wait for it, that does not seem like its worth anything.
Can anyone who has done this add any more comment to it? What made it any better than everyone else who just grabbed the free passes early in the day?

When you purchase the dining package, you are given a priority area, which is (was) in the upper Centre of the area. The fast passes, used to allocate areas ranging from front Centre, to side areas, depending on the time you pulled the fast pass.

You still had to queue up to get a good spot on the railing, when buying the dining package though.

 

[disneydreamer781]

I just realized you all were discussing a DL dessert party and not WDW, so don't mind me, I'll just......

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

So, I'm rather puzzled about the dining package for WOC. We have res for Carthay and was thinking about upgrading to the dining package if it becomes available. But what's the point if its no better than just getting the FP ticket ASAP at the beginning of the day (I know they used to run out really quickly).
If the package only gives you a "closer" standing area but you still have to show up to wait for it, that does not seem like its worth anything.
Can anyone who has done this add any more comment to it? What made it any better than everyone else who just grabbed the free passes early in the day?

We did the dessert package before and enjoyed it. We (2) were seated with another couple at the high table and it was very pleasant. So I think in general having table mates will work out fine. But this time we will be a group of 5 with a 7 and 12 year old. Kinda pricey for that size group and ages.

I did the Carthay Circle dining package and it was not worth it in my opinion. Standing only and the view was just so so. I did standby/fast pass a bit later after that, which solidified my feeling that a dining package is not worth it. *Maybe* there were a few less people in the Carthay “spot” but the view and the standing just didn’t make it very special.

I am very much looking forward to a splurge on the dessert party for the guaranteed seats (never done this before). I hope the desserts are decent though and I *really* hope they bring back some kind of glow item for the kids as I’ll be bringing my son with me.

 

[smartlabelprint]

I did the Carthay Circle dining package and it was not worth it in my opinion. Standing only and the view was just so so. I did standby/fast pass a bit later after that, which solidified my feeling that a dining package is not worth it. *Maybe* there were a few less people in the Carthay “spot” but the view and the standing just didn’t make it very special.

I am very much looking forward to a splurge on the dessert party for the guaranteed seats (never done this before). I hope the desserts are decent though and I *really* hope they bring back some kind of glow item for the kids as I’ll be bringing my son with me.

The desserts really were pretty crappy. I have a sweet tooth.

 

[Steven G]

I liked the grapes and the breadsticks the most honestly.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

The desserts really were pretty crappy. I have a sweet tooth.

Well that’s a bummer! Maybe they will be better if/when it comes back.

In general I feel like most Disney desserts look better than they taste, with a handful of standout exceptions!

 

[smartlabelprint]

Well that’s a bummer! Maybe they will be better if/when it comes back.

In general I feel like most Disney desserts look better than they taste, with a handful of standout exceptions!

So true. It’s worth the seat alone, anyway!

 

[StarlitNight05]

The desserts really were pretty crappy. I have a sweet tooth.

I felt similarly. I liked the grapes and cheese the most! The desserts were just kind of odd to me.

 

[katyringo]

I went and found some pictures. The holiday plate was from the party in December 2017 and the other was July 2019. There is a raspberry cookie in there that I remember being really good. I don't remember the desserts being anything spectacular- except that there was 4 of us and it was SO much. It's the same price for kids and adults and so my 3 year old got a whole plate to herself lol!

 

[MikeRx]

The desserts and alcohol are not why we choose the dessert party. If it’s the reason you are considering you will be disappointed. If you try to justify the cost by what you eat or drink then you are in the wrong place. We do it each and every time we go because of the experience of sitting with a nearly perfect view of a great show. We have fantastic service and a relaxing end to a great day. We were dining loyalists until the DP. We are hoping for the first day back…..April 22nd…..

 

[Czardas]

Any idea or guess to when you think they would announce WOC dining, if it’s going to happen? My guess is at the 4 week mark.

 

[fly girl]

Another person chiming in to say DESSERT PARTY ALL THE WAY!! Especially if you are short, like me! lol

I can actually see and enjoy the show! The desserts and drinks are just a bonus, imho.

 

[katyringo]

The desserts and alcohol are not why we choose the dessert party. If it’s the reason you are considering you will be disappointed. If you try to justify the cost by what you eat or drink then you are in the wrong place. We do it each and every time we go because of the experience of sitting with a nearly perfect view of a great show. We have fantastic service and a relaxing end to a great day. We were dining loyalists until the DP. We are hoping for the first day back…..April 22nd…..

this exactly!! I attached some pictures of our view!

 

[smartlabelprint]

They’re getting ready to drop fantasmic reservations very soon. The blue “check availability” button is highlighted now. River Belle and blue bayou show. The dates are populated to the current 60 days in May. There are no times available. So, keep watching for WOC too.

 

[Piglet99645]

The chair, snacks, and comfort were worth it for the rare visit I want to see WOC. Another vote for Dessert Party.

 

[1990mckelldisneymom]

I'm also anxiously waiting for any info on WOC and possible reservations. Does anyone have any idea on whether WOC will be every day for the first few weeks or just on weekends or certain week days? We're trying to plan a trip and finalize our reservations for the end of April and I want to make sure we'll be at California Adventure on a day that will have WOC.

 

[smartlabelprint]

I'm also anxiously waiting for any info on WOC and possible reservations. Does anyone have any idea on whether WOC will be every day for the first few weeks or just on weekends or certain week days? We're trying to plan a trip and finalize our reservations for the end of April and I want to make sure we'll be at California Adventure on a day that will have WOC.

In the past is has been a nightly show.