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

[jca1216]

As someone with a 7 and 3 year old, I’ll give you my unsolicited opinion. With the kiddos, having the space to ‘run around’ in the garden is quite nice! Not that it’s a playground of anything, but while folks are waiting it’s pretty common for kids to be up/about. Takes the edge off of restless younger ones a bit.

I was only thinking of how it might be nice for them to have a seat to rest, but I didn't even think about the fact that they will not want to just sit there the whole time lol. Very good point! Sounds like the garden area might be best for us so they can move around a bit and I think I like the view better too.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

I was only thinking of how it might be nice for them to have a seat to rest, but I didn't even think about the fact that they will not want to just sit there the whole time lol. Very good point! Sounds like the garden area might be best for us so they can move around a bit and I think I like the view better too.

I've done the Garden View party once and I was there once when it was still a FP space with my kids. One kid was able to move around a bit, while the other was napping on my lap during the wait for the fireworks - both were easier in that space! And the view really is great!

 

[ArielSRL]

Overall, I though this party was meh. I would do it again on a 10/10 crowd day (like 12/26) and pay for the view... but the desserts are pretty mediocre (IMO). I did appreciate the bottle waters (the four of us grabbed 4, of course). But most all of the desserts were CL quality or less. Compared to other dessert parties (FEA or JBJB, for example) the desserts were weak...

But the views for HEA aregreat...

We didn't do it for the desserts. My DH isn't a huge dessert guy and honestly you can only eat so many desserts....did I just say that? LOL. We booked this solely for the purpose of not having to stake out a spot an hour head of time and to have elbow room (my DH has anxiety issues with crowds, this was his first trip in 35 years, and I was trying to "hook" him with Disney, so to speak). We went in the beginning of June, so a relatively busy time, and HEA had just come out like May 18th, so we figured it would be very popular.

The desserts were just icing on the cake, pun-intended...lol.

 

[disneygirlsng]

I did this with my parents as a surprise on 1/2 and it was sooo worth it! We had a great time. We all really enjoyed the desserts and we had a great view along the back rail to the left of the area.
My parents aren't huge into Disney as far as knowing the details of planning and such so they were a little skeptical as to the advantage of it. But once we got over to the reserved and they saw how crowded Main Street was, they were very thankful that we had a good spot and only had to wait about 10 minutes (we really could have shown up right at 9 and have been fine, too).
I probably wouldn't do it during a slow time as I'm not one who typically does extras or special events like this, but I would definitely do it again if I were to go at a busy time.

 

[ml sumner]

Still waiting for them to open up June for booking. What is taking them so long!

I'm waiting too and checking first thing every morning! Hopefully it will drop soon.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I'm waiting too and checking first thing every morning! Hopefully it will drop soon.

Since it’s coming up more and more, let’s all keep an eye out for when June+ dates are added and post here when it happens. Maybe it can help others as well.

Thanks!

 

[LeahM]

We have reservations for the plaza fireworks in early Feb. Right now it says check in time is 6:45 pm but what time do we really need to get there? Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[Jenn504]

Hi, we went to the party on Wednesday 12/6. I know, a little late reporting. It was crazy busy outside our little oasis in the garden area. I just wanted to share a couple photos. We didn’t go down till 8:35 fireworks at 9. We stood near back on right side. It was busy in their but had plenty of room as you can see



We had a wheelchair with us and she had a good view.
Plenty of space to enjoy the fireworks. I am so thankful for the disbaords and this thead. It was a stress free time.
They opened up the main street bypass after the fireworks to help clear people out.The gate is right there next to the plaza viewing. We waited in the area a little too long though. They only kept it open 10 maybe 15 minutes.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Hi, we went to the party on Wednesday 12/6. I know, a little late reporting. It was crazy busy outside our little oasis in the garden area. I just wanted to share a couple photos. We didn’t go down till 8:35 fireworks at 9. We stood near back on right side. It was busy in their but had plenty of room as you can see
View attachment 293240
View attachment 293244
View attachment 293241 View attachment 293242 View attachment 293243
We had a wheelchair with us and she had a good view.
Plenty of space to enjoy the fireworks. I am so thankful for the disbaords and this thead. It was a stress free time.
They opened up the main street bypass after the fireworks to help clear people out.The gate is right there next to the plaza viewing. We waited in the area a little too long though. They only kept it open 10 maybe 15 minutes.

Cool pics - sounds like y’all had fun! Thanks for sharing!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

We have reservations for the plaza fireworks in early Feb. Right now it says check in time is 6:45 pm but what time do we really need to get there? Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

So I’m in the minority here, but with an 8PM HEA like your night, I’d be aiming to get to the dessert party 7:15-7:20ish. I don’t find the need to get there early, or on time really - I’d rather be late. But we only spend 10-15 mins eating, bathroom break, then we head to the Plaza Garden to wait. We don’t like a bunch of “waiting around” time - so this works for us.

Many people will do the exact opposite and start lining up well before 6:45PM. Really more of a personal preference than anything.

One EXCEPTION to the above is if Once Upon a Time is BEFORE HEA on your night. For an 8PM HEA, it’s possible OUAT could be on the schedule for 7:30PM (you’d need to check your date to be sure). If it is, I’d push my timing of the dessert party up a bit to make sure I was situated in the garden before OUAT begins.

Just my take, but hope it helps!

 

[LeahM]

So I’m in the minority here, but with an 8PM HEA like your night, I’d be aiming to get to the dessert party 7:15-7:20ish. I don’t find the need to get there early, or on time really - I’d rather be late. But we only spend 10-15 mins eating, bathroom break, then we head to the Plaza Garden to wait. We don’t like a bunch of “waiting around” time - so this works for us.

Many people will do the exact opposite and start lining up well before 6:45PM. Really more of a personal preference than anything.

One EXCEPTION to the above is if Once Upon a Time is BEFORE HEA on your night. For an 8PM HEA, it’s possible OUAT could be on the schedule for 7:30PM (you’d need to check your date to be sure). If it is, I’d push my timing of the dessert party up a bit to make sure I was situated in the garden before OUAT begins.

Just my take, but hope it helps!

Thank you!!. I didn't even think about OUAT.

 

[EEva]

Since it’s coming up more and more, let’s all keep an eye out for when June+ dates are added and post here when it happens. Maybe it can help others as well.

Thanks!

OK, not only are the June dates not bookable yet, they actually TOOK AWAY the last four days of May! I'm almost certain all of May was bookable at one time.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

OK, not only are the June dates not bookable yet, they actually TOOK AWAY the last four days of May! I'm almost certain all of May was bookable at one time.

Interesting. Yes, you are right, it showed as bookable through 5/31 last week. But while the last 3-4 days showed up in blue on the calendar, they didn't show any available reservations (implying it was sold out) which would have been highly unlikely, so something was/is up with those dates. Good catch on them now "taking off" 5/28-5/31.

Very odd!

 

[ml sumner]

I too found it strange that the last 4 days of May were fully booked, but it kept showing availability for the rest of the month. I keep checking every morning in hopes that they will get June loaded, so I can get this party booked!

 

[ArielSRL]

No PPO at BOG, no HEA dessert parties??? Disney, do you know what you are doing to us planners???? LOL

 

[bmahokie]

Did anyone else notice that one of the perks given to those who are staying Club Level and purchase 3 Fastpasses for $50 is that they receive a "preferred viewing location" for the nighttime shows - including HEA? I hope that doesn't mean the Garden Plaza. I think one of the great perks of the Dessert Party with Garden Plaza viewing is that the plaza is usually not very crowded. You feel like you actually have room to breathe - unlike those poor people crammed in on Main Street! I think that new program occurs right away, so perhaps we can learn what the "preferred viewing" spot is for those folks for HEA.

And taking away the last 4 days of May is very odd. Memorial Day weekend, potential opening of Toy Story Land in DHS - what is the reason for tihs change? Conspiracy theorists want to know! I am guessing price increase!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Did anyone else notice that one of the perks given to those who are staying Club Level and purchase 3 Fastpasses for $50 is that they receive a "preferred viewing location" for the nighttime shows - including HEA? I hope that doesn't mean the Garden Plaza. I think one of the great perks of the Dessert Party with Garden Plaza viewing is that the plaza is usually not very crowded. You feel like you actually have room to breathe - unlike those poor people crammed in on Main Street! I think that new program occurs right away, so perhaps we can learn what the "preferred viewing" spot is for those folks for HEA.

And taking away the last 4 days of May is very odd. Memorial Day weekend, potential opening of Toy Story Land in DHS - what is the reason for tihs change? Conspiracy theorists want to know! I am guessing price increase!

Ha! Good guess on the price increase - you may be right!!!

I called this morning to inquire about the CL/FP thing. They stated the viewing location in MK would be the Plaza Garden West, so the opposite garden from the dessert party. It would appear (at least based on what I was told) that the Plaza Garden Dessert Party will be unaffected.

 

[MinnieMSue]

Ha! Good guess on the price increase - you may be right!!!

I called this morning to inquire about the CL/FP thing. They stated the viewing location in MK would be the Plaza Garden West, so the opposite garden from the dessert party. It would appear (at least based on what I was told) that the Plaza Garden Dessert Party will be unaffected.

That’s good. I was guessing (hoping?) it would be on the Casey’s side.

 

[jimim]

i totally thought i was doing something wrong when i saw no june dates yet. i'm glad i found this thread.

jim

 

[pooki1]

AArrghh!!! I need June 9th! My OCD is off the charts!