Hi everyone, I just returned from a 2-week trip in California (4 days visiting DL / DCA) and I have to say that the WoC dessert party was one of the highlights!
We arrived at 7:45 (our reservation was for 8:15, WoC was at 8:45) and there were two families in front of us. I don't think anyone has to be there early - everyone has a good seat, and our table was pre-selected for us.

The CMs were clear that no one was going to be let in until 8:15, so DH and my boys went to ride Silly Symphony Swings. I spent time talking to the people around me and the CMs, who were very friendly and helpful. Right at 8:15 we were let in, and we were given a high-top in the back row with a high-top in front of us, and it was still an amazing view. I could barely notice it (as you'll see in my photos)
ALLERGY ALERT - I had listed that my son had an allergy, and I was called 48 hours in advance to discuss it. They had it listed as a gluten allergy, but he actually only has issues with molds on fresh cheeses, such as Brie. In the end, I think they gave him the gluten-free plate, but the brie was missing from his plate, so it was perfect:
The gluten-free plate:
Note that it's missing the macaron, bundt cake, and waffle bowl, but has a mango gellee instead, as well as lots of fruit and the contents of the waffle bowl in a glass ramekin. He was very happy with it (and almost finished the whole thing!)
Here is the standard menu:

The standard dessert plate:
Our boys enjoyed the glow-with-the-show cups, but they were way too big to bring back on the airplane. Both my husband and I had the Wonderful cocktail - very good, but I like sweet drinks. Our server was great about bringing some hot chocolate and coffee right before WoC started.
My older son also enjoyed playing the little cell phone game where you can try to control the lights on Mickey's Fun Wheel. Best of all, we were able to slip out and run to the restroom right before the show started, as you have a wristband, and they let you right in through all of the crowds. I have to admit to feeling quite special on this night!
We got to sit back, enjoy the food and the sights and some of the best conversation of our entire trip. And then, this was our view:
The tree-like item smack dab in the center is the feather from the little girl in front of us - she was wearing Minnie headband with a peacock feather sticking out of it. I didn't really notice it at the time, but it looks pretty bad here. Needless to say, it didn't affect me at all.
I enjoyed WoC Celebrate much more than I expected. I'm a
*massive* fan of the original WoC, and so I was already disappointed to not see my favorite version. While I feel there is too much Neil Patrick Harris (I didn't think that was possible, but in the end, I think his part is a bit obtrusive), both the Frozen and Star Wards sections of this show are amazing, and in general, the last 1/4 was really really fantastic.
Afterwards, you are in no way rushed to leave, and the CMs come back around to check on your. They don't even bring out to-go boxes until after the show. so they expect you to stay for a bit.
Two nights later, we were back in DCA, and I saw the CMs setting up the dessert party. Oh how I wanted to join them again! It was a huge splurge for us, but since we love on the East Coast and since this is probably one of the only times my kids will ever see WoC, it was
SO worth it!
Feel free to ask any questions you might have!