HEA Dessert Party - Party Size

[ray3127]

We are planning on booking the HEA Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing. Our party size will be 17. Can each family make individual reservations so I don't have to deal with collecting $ from everybody after paying for the whole thing?

Are we seated during the dessert party portion, and therefore need to make the reservation altogether?

Or could we make separate reservations, then call Disney and have them linked together?

 

[jaysmom4285]

I confess I'm only speculating . Yes, you are seated for the dessert portion, and the tables aren't assigned for the plaza garden party. A CM escorts guests to an open table. I suppose that, if everyone was able to make their own individual reservation for the same party, you all could show up and get checked in and ask to be seated in groups at whatever tables are available. From what I've seen of that party, and I've been to a few, I don't think that would be an issue.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

In my opinion it would be better to have one reservation so they know they’ll have a large party and be able to pre-arrange tables appropriately.

If everyone makes separate reservations, they may be able to cobble together enough tables on the spot to be together / sit near each other, but they may not. If you don’t mind not all being together, then no issues making separate reservations.

You could always make separate reservations and call to have it noted you’re all together... but I’d be suspect of that information actually making its way to the people on the ground that evening. To me that seems like a classic case of a place where the left and right hand may not get the same info, so there’s a bit of a risk there. It may all go fine, but keep an open mind in case it doesn’t.

 

[FCDub]

Make sure everyone actually DOES it in a timely manner. Can foresee it selling out and a few stragglers in your group being left out because they dragged their feet in booking.

 

[ray3127]

I confess I'm only speculating . Yes, you are seated for the dessert portion, and the tables aren't assigned for the plaza garden party. A CM escorts guests to an open table. I suppose that, if everyone was able to make their own individual reservation for the same party, you all could show up and get checked in and ask to be seated in groups at whatever tables are available. From what I've seen of that party, and I've been to a few, I don't think that would be an issue.

Thanks, that's kind of what I thought too.

Only dessert party I've been to was Star Wars, and that had us at reserved tables.

 

[ray3127]

In my opinion it would be better to have one reservation so they know they’ll have a large party and be able to pre-arrange tables appropriately.

If everyone makes separate reservations, they may be able to cobble together enough tables on the spot to be together / sit near each other, but they may not. If you don’t mind not all being together, then no issues making separate reservations.

You could always make separate reservations and call to have it noted you’re all together... but I’d be suspect of that information actually making its way to the people on the ground that evening. To me that seems like a classic case of a place where the left and right hand may not get the same info, so there’s a bit of a risk there. It may all go fine, but keep an open mind in case it doesn’t.

Thanks, we may try this after all. Minor headache on my part, but may be worth it.

 

[kniquy]

Are we seated during the dessert party portion, and therefore need to make the reservation altogether?

Or could we make separate reservations, then call Disney and have them linked together?

If you all have to attend then yes book as one group. What happens when 3 out of 4 groups book and the 4th group can't get in?

As for seating at the dessert area it is kind of first come, first serve. So if you show up later they might have spotty seating and you won't get to sit together. Not the end of the world seeing you are only in the dessert portion for a short amount of time. Where you might want to focus is getting an area together in the viewing area.

With that large of a party i would want to book as one group so that you know everyone will be accommodated. Then get in line early for check in, eat desserts and move on over to the viewing area. You can go back for more treats i think up until the fireworks start. So you could have some runners in your party to gather treats to bring back to the viewing area.

You may want to consider the after party as an option. This way it would be more relaxed to view the fireworks and then get your treats with no need to rush off.

 

[shocker]

Can each family make individual reservations so I don't have to deal with collecting $ from everybody after paying for the whole thing?

Is there sufficient time to collect money BEFORE you make & pay for the ressie? This will better guarantee commitment to attend ($ on the line=skin in the game). Give them a deadline to provide funds, send gentle reminders as your deadline approaches, tell them no $$=no ressie.

Sorry, it can sound harsh but we've done large family trips & $$ up front is needed. There is no need for you to carry the cost of 17.

 

[cakebaker]

If you get there early, there won't be an issue seating you all together. You're just escorted to a table, but they aren't reserved for groups individually. The bigger issue is all 17 of you getting reservations. Again, if you book early enough, that won't be a problem. I'd either let everyone book for themselves, or I'd collect the money first. The cost for 17 people is pretty stiff to handle on your own.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Make everyone download the Venmo app, so they can send the money to you right away.

 

[jaysmom4285]

If you get there early, there won't be an issue seating you all together. You're just escorted to a table, but they aren't reserved for groups individually.

This is what I was getting at earlier. For the dessert parties we've been to, check in is officially 7:30, and we get there between 7 and 7:15. There will be a small line at that point but nothing huge. They often start letting people in 15 minutes early. At that point, nearly the whole place is open to you, and you should have no problem seating your group more or less together. As I recall, the tables are set up for 2, 4, and 6 (maybe 8, but I'm not sure), so your party would have to sit in a few groups but could still be pretty much together. You can linger over the desserts as long as you like. If you finish early, you're free to leave the area if you want to shop or whatever. When you're ready, report back to the check in area, and a CM will escort you to the viewing area. DH and I usually don't go to the viewing area more than 15-20 minute before the show. There's always room to stand somewhere if you're not picky about location. The view is good from anywhere, so we've never seen the point of rushing through the dessert portion to get to the viewing area early. If there's a particular spot there that's super important to you, like front rail or back rail, then you would need to be early to stake that out. But we truly don't feel that's necessary. We like to take in the dessert part more leisurely, getting a few things at a time and going back for more. Then we go to the viewing area very shortly before the show and only have to stand for a short time.

 

[ray3127]

Thanks all. Just to be safe I did make the reservation for the entire party. I've sent each party the amount they owe, and I should be reimbursed within a week or so. They are all close family, so there's really no risk on my part. I just thought it might be easier for everybody to take care of themselves, but this is actually easier for everybody, and a minor inconvenience for me. If anybody flakes I can always reduce our party size. Thanks again!