MK "Happily Ever After" Dessert Party (Parties) Discussion

[tiffne]

Ok, I understand wanting to stake out a "good" spot... but are there really any bad spots? I've never done the Garden area party before (we did the Terrace party back in 2015 when it was still $29/person)... so is there really a *bad* area of the Garden? Even if it's packed and everyone stands? The closer you get to the right of the castle view, maybe?

 

[mom2rtk]

Ok, I understand wanting to stake out a "good" spot... but are there really any bad spots? I've never done the Garden area party before (we did the Terrace party back in 2015 when it was still $29/person)... so is there really a *bad* area of the Garden? Even if it's packed and everyone stands? The closer you get to the right of the castle view, maybe?

It depends on what you're looking for. Many are happy anywhere in the garden. Some don't like the spots closer to Tomorrowland because the view is increasingly off-center. And the bottom line is that the more people in that section, the harder it would be to move around when someone puts their kid up on their shoulders in front of you.

 

[bethbuchall]

Ok, I understand wanting to stake out a "good" spot... but are there really any bad spots? I've never done the Garden area party before (we did the Terrace party back in 2015 when it was still $29/person)... so is there really a *bad* area of the Garden? Even if it's packed and everyone stands? The closer you get to the right of the castle view, maybe?

I think my main concerns with more people being there are that I won't have space to move if someone tall comes in late and stands directly in front of me (or worse puts a child on their shoulders) or that I'll be uncomfortable walking in and potentially "ruining" someone else's view but not knowing where else I can stand. It's the discomfort of the crowd situation that I'm trying to avoid by paying for the dessert party. Others may have the "I paid a lot of money for this mentality" that will make them more protective of their spots and more likely to be confrontational. I'm paying to lessen the possibility of conflict.

I'm not going until August, so I can keep an eye on what others experience before then. I'm trying to not worry about it. I plan to relax and take my time with the desserts and not rush my family out to the garden.

 

[Soph&HanMom]

Are you the one who came over and said hi? If so, I'm glad you came back out of lurkdom to post!

I asked the CM at the podium how many they were expecting and they said only about 50 for the after party. Then when I pushed for a total number in the viewing area she said it wouldn't be crowded, "only" about 200 in the viewing area.

Yes, my sister was admiring the way you were commanding your space when I thought I recognized you from your trip reports.

 

[Soph&HanMom]

Truth. You can get there an hour early, and someone will show up 5 mins before and ruin the view. Happens all the time.

We had staked out our spot and right before the show started 3 tall gentlemen came and squeezed into the front of us and when the show started they held up phones to record the show. Luckily we had spread out a bit and had space to move over some and watch the show without a head or phone blocking the view.
The whole point of whether or not anyone should book this party is what you want to get out of a $69.00/ person event.
We don't want to be in the press of people out in the hub. I'm never impressed with the food at these dessert parties so it is not a priority for me. I've done the party for wishes and I enjoyed that one so much more. At that time they only reserved half the garden for the party and there was still less people. I went to the HEA party last August and April for spring break. Each experience including this one in June I was happy to watch the show and not be in that crush of people outside the garden.

 

[Lsdolphin]

Is there a reserved area within the Plaza Garden viewing space for wheel chairs or ECVs like they have at the Star Wars party fireworks viewing area in HS?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Is there a reserved area within the Plaza Garden viewing space for wheel chairs or ECVs like they have at the Star Wars party fireworks viewing area in HS?

Not when we were there this past August. But we just went back to the prime area by the back fence, no problems at all.

 

[mom2rtk]

We had staked out our spot and right before the show started 3 tall gentlemen came and squeezed into the front of us and when the show started they held up phones to record the show. Luckily we had spread out a bit and had space to move over some and watch the show without a head or phone blocking the view.
The whole point of whether or not anyone should book this party is what you want to get out of a $69.00/ person event.
We don't want to be in the press of people out in the hub. I'm never impressed with the food at these dessert parties so it is not a priority for me. I've done the party for wishes and I enjoyed that one so much more. At that time they only reserved half the garden for the party and there was still less people. I went to the HEA party last August and April for spring break. Each experience including this one in June I was happy to watch the show and not be in that crush of people outside the garden.

So glad you had space to move over! That's the big difference it makes when there's a little extra space. I think being toward the back still allows that somewhat. Probably not closer to the front of the section.

 

[MomDoc_99]

We go on 6/19 and the crowds are way more than what I was expecting now that the after party is taking place and I don't want to be told to hurry. Kind of defeats the purpose.

If I get told to hurry, I will just politely say, "Thank you," and continue sitting and enjoying my desserts and the time off my feet until I am ready to head to the garden. "Low stress" is my primary goal.

 

[supercarrie]

We experienced the after fireworks party on Thursday, 6/7. Fireworks time was 9:15pm with an 11pm park close. We had not previously done a MK dessert party so had nothing to compare it to, but we did not find the garden overcrowded at all. There was substantial rain leading up to the fireworks, ending about 30 minutes before the show, but the crowds remained heavy outside of the viewing area. We checked in about 8:15, received our wristbands, and ended up sitting in Cosmic Ray's for a bit (our choice as the ground was soaking wet and it was still drizzling), prior to returning to the viewing area at 9:00. When we checked in, they were also handing out ponchos to those who didn't have them already, which was a nice touch. We had a great view in the center of the garden, about halfway back. The pre-party tables appeared full when we checked in, and the after party tables were about half full. Following the fireworks, it was an easy trip back to the Terrace to grab our desserts and relax a bit. One thing I didn't think about - you obviously cannot see Once Upon a Time from the tables, so we wrapped up our desserts a bit earlier than planned (although we were basically done), as we wanted to see the show. Overall, we really enjoyed it, and would definitely consider doing it again.

 

[123SA]

I'm thinking of switching to the terrace, but I have some questions. The last linked review #1596 posted here: https://www.disboards.com/threads/m...scussion-thread.3604693/page-80#post-59137561

states parties of 2 & 4 along the rail. I have a party of 5. Can we take a table with 2 and a table with 4 along the rail? Or, should I make 2 separate bookings splitting us into a party of 2 and a party of 3?

I did this party once before, I think it was 2015, and we were not along the rail, and we did have to get up. I don't want to do that again. So if a party of 5 means we will not be permitted to sit along the rail, I'd rather split us into 2 groups and get there early enough to have tables next to each other.

 

[cakebaker]

I was considering the after party myself. The only thing that concerns me is what if for weather reasons the fireworks are delayed? I'm also worried that since I'm visiting during MVMCP nights that since there are less nights available for this event, the viewing area would be even more crowded on the available dates. May have to rethink my plans.

I would assume if they were delayed, the party would be delayed as well. I don't think I've ever experienced them being delayed though. Out of 5 nights, only 2 are non-party nights, one being a Saturday and the other our first day there after a 5am flight. We're doing it the first night and resting at the resort until just a couple of hours before the show. I expect the park to be wall to wall people with it being one of the few non-party nights, but all the more reason to have the dessert scheduled. They only sell so many tickets regardless of how crowded the park is. I've been to sold out dessert parties before and it's still nothing compared to the craziness of being in the hub during the show. I considered the terrace, but we've done that before and I really don't like the view, even up against the railing.

 

[mster425]

I expect the park to be wall to wall people with it being one of the few non-party nights, but all the more reason to have the dessert scheduled. They only sell so many tickets regardless of how crowded the park is. I've been to sold out dessert parties before and it's still nothing compared to the craziness of being in the hub during the show. I considered the terrace, but we've done that before and I really don't like the view, even up against the railing.

Question! We are booked for a dessert party on a night where I also anticipate wall to wall people (non MVMC party night late November), and we are not planning to arrive at the park until just before the dessert party. Have you (or anyone else on the thread) ever had an issue making your way up main street to get to TT in the evening?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

We experienced the after fireworks party on Thursday, 6/7. Fireworks time was 9:15pm with an 11pm park close. We had not previously done a MK dessert party so had nothing to compare it to, but we did not find the garden overcrowded at all. There was substantial rain leading up to the fireworks, ending about 30 minutes before the show, but the crowds remained heavy outside of the viewing area. We checked in about 8:15, received our wristbands, and ended up sitting in Cosmic Ray's for a bit (our choice as the ground was soaking wet and it was still drizzling), prior to returning to the viewing area at 9:00. When we checked in, they were also handing out ponchos to those who didn't have them already, which was a nice touch. We had a great view in the center of the garden, about halfway back. The pre-party tables appeared full when we checked in, and the after party tables were about half full. Following the fireworks, it was an easy trip back to the Terrace to grab our desserts and relax a bit. One thing I didn't think about - you obviously cannot see Once Upon a Time from the tables, so we wrapped up our desserts a bit earlier than planned (although we were basically done), as we wanted to see the show. Overall, we really enjoyed it, and would definitely consider doing it again.

Thank you for reporting in with your detailed experience at the After Party, very helpful and much appreciated. I've linked your post to Post #1.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Question! We are booked for a dessert party on a night where I also anticipate wall to wall people (non MVMC party night late November), and we are not planning to arrive at the park until just before the dessert party. Have you (or anyone else on the thread) ever had an issue making your way up main street to get to TT in the evening?

In my experience, CMs do a pretty darn good job of keeping a path clear for incoming and exiting guests to get through. It will usually be the sidewalks on either side of Main Street. Crowds can morph/evolve in strange ways on any given night, but generally speaking, you'll be able to get through. "Just keep swimming."

 

[HeadlessLegoMom]

Hello everyone. Year-long lurker, first time commenter. When we did the dessert party last fall, we ate at a table inside in the air conditioning. According to these new reviews, that is no longer the case, so I am a little bit confused about where the food & tables are set up for the garden view now.

 

[cakebaker]

Question! We are booked for a dessert party on a night where I also anticipate wall to wall people (non MVMC party night late November), and we are not planning to arrive at the park until just before the dessert party. Have you (or anyone else on the thread) ever had an issue making your way up main street to get to TT in the evening?

We've never had a problem. They keep a clear pathway going and coming.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Hello everyone. Year-long lurker, first time commenter. When we did the dessert party last fall, we ate at a table inside in the air conditioning. According to these new reviews, that is no longer the case, so I am a little bit confused about where the food & tables are set up for the garden view now.

No part of the Tomorrowland Terrace is fully "inside." I have not actually stopped to notice but I guess it's possible the upper terrace area, or maybe even middle, have A/C vents blowing in that area. That may be the case, as otherwise it'd get pretty hot up in there. But I'm not sure? Anyone else know?

 

[ChanduTail]

I'm thinking of switching to the terrace, but I have some questions. The last linked review #1596 posted here: https://www.disboards.com/threads/m...scussion-thread.3604693/page-80#post-59137561

states parties of 2 & 4 along the rail. I have a party of 5. Can we take a table with 2 and a table with 4 along the rail? Or, should I make 2 separate bookings splitting us into a party of 2 and a party of 3?

I did this party once before, I think it was 2015, and we were not along the rail, and we did have to get up. I don't want to do that again. So if a party of 5 means we will not be permitted to sit along the rail, I'd rather split us into 2 groups and get there early enough to have tables next to each other.

I think you would have an issue with either split because if I remember correctly, the tables for 2 & the tables for 4 are not adjacent to each other. You wouldn't be able to take two tables for 4.

However, the overall setup has changed since 2015. I don't think there are any tables with a poor line of sight now. Even if you got up, you would be unable to stand at the rail because it's lined with tables.

 

[HeadlessLegoMom]

No part of the Tomorrowland Terrace is fully "inside." I have not actually stopped to notice but I guess it's possible the upper terrace area, or maybe even middle, have A/C vents blowing in that area. That may be the case, as otherwise it'd get pretty hot up in there. But I'm not sure? Anyone else know?

Maybe I am wrong about it being air conditioned. The section we were in had a ceiling and walls and was near the bathrooms. I don't know how to add a picture in a thread yet.