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

[GADisneyDad14]

So is OUaT typically after HEA? If it is before what time would it be? Does this impact the party start time?

OUAT is either 30 minutes before or 45 minutes after HEA. Most of the time lately OUAT has been after HEA, but there have been a few before ones sprinkled in too. That could change too as we get into winter with shorter hours and HEA at closing time on some nights.

It won't impact the party start time either way. I haven't been to a party yet with OUAT before HEA, but I suspect more people probably head to the garden earlier than normal to watch the show. I also bet the other half of the people don't even know what OUAT is and are surprised when it starts.

 

[jaiminee krikit]

Ha! Too funny.

In my experience, it would have been hard for you to stumble into the dessert party side by accident. Disney does a decent job controlling access, and even if someone does gate hop there’s a 9 out of 10 chance the people that paid to be there are going to bark loudly at anyone that does!

We attended the Plaza party last Saturday. MK was crazy, so I was very glad we had reserved the dessert party. About 10 minutes before HEA started, a family tried climbing over the back fence to get into the garden viewing area. It was a younger couple with a baby. The mom climbed into the garden first, and then the dad handed the baby over the two fences. I just watched them in awe, hoping security would come over soon. I didn't want to have to complain, but we all spent a lot of money for this party and they knew they weren't supposed to be there. Before the baby was completely over the fence, security was over there telling them they were not allowed to sit in the garden area. The security guard was very polite about it, and even offered his hand to help the woman over the fences. She actually smacked his hand away and was livid. I'm glad they got caught.

Cool, thanks. So they opened the party 30 minutes early on your night?

For the party we attended this past Saturday, we arrived right at 745 (that is what was on our reservation and in MDE). The Plaza seating area in the Tomorrowland Terrace was completely full! They had a few extra tables set up by the Terrace viewing party and seated us over there (we even had the fancy table cloths and centerpieces on our table). And we used the Terrace party dessert tables.

My question is: What's the best way for us shorties to have an unobstructed view of MK's nighttime show? It seems like Plaza Garden viewing might be better than Tomorrowland Terrace, as it's closer to the action. I'd love to hear the opinions of others who have done either or both. Thanks!

There isn't a bad seat in the Plaza Garden viewing area IMHO. I have done it twice this year. The first time, I stood against the front fence and the view was great. We did it again this past weekend, and we chose to stand against the back fence. I definitely preferred the back fence. I could lean, and there was no chance of someone standing directly in front of me and putting their kid on their shoulders right before the show began, which could have been a problem by the front fence.
Personally, I prefer the Plaza Garden viewing. We used to do the Terrace viewing with Wishes, and I didn't mind the slightly off-center fireworks because I had seen Wishes enough that it didn't need to be perfect, but Celebrate the Magic wasn't great from over there. But with HEA, you need to be directly in front of the castle to get the best view.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Has anyone had any success getting a reservation for this dessert party the day of or the day before due to people cancelling? My wife and I would really love to go to the dessert party but it's currently sold out for every night of our trip. Is it worth it to keep checking? Is it worth it to check the day before to see if anyone has cancelled? Is there a place we can walk up to in MK on the day of and ask if there have been any cancellations?

The event does have a 5 day cancellation period, so in theory you're more likely to find one 5-10ish days out vs 1 day out if people are paying attention to the cancellation period.

Your trip is in a month? These fall dessert parties sure seem like they are relatively full with the limited number of non-MNSSHP and MVMCP nights, plus just a very popular time of year. I'd definitely keep checking... the plaza version has a pretty high headcount so that's a lot of people that could be changing plans at any given time.

Good luck!

 

[dcassetta]

Has anyone had any success getting a reservation for this dessert party the day of or the day before due to people cancelling? My wife and I would really love to go to the dessert party but it's currently sold out for every night of our trip. Is it worth it to keep checking? Is it worth it to check the day before to see if anyone has cancelled? Is there a place we can walk up to in MK on the day of and ask if there have been any cancellations?

I don’t know about being able to reserve that the day of, but do keep looking. Cancellations happen. We were able to get in on Thanksgiving night after looking for a couple of weeks.

 

[MaC410]

The event does have a 5 day cancellation period, so in theory you're more likely to find one 5-10ish days out vs 1 day out if people are paying attention to the cancellation period.

Your trip is in a month? These fall dessert parties sure seem like they are relatively full with the limited number of non-MNSSHP and MVMCP nights, plus just a very popular time of year. I'd definitely keep checking... the plaza version has a pretty high headcount so that's a lot of people that could be changing plans at any given time.

Good luck!

Thank you for letting me know about the 5 day cancellation. Just assumed it was 1 day.

 

[Disnsyncey]

We attended the Plaza party last Saturday. MK was crazy, so I was very glad we had reserved the dessert party. About 10 minutes before HEA started, a family tried climbing over the back fence to get into the garden viewing area. It was a younger couple with a baby. The mom climbed into the garden first, and then the dad handed the baby over the two fences. I just watched them in awe, hoping security would come over soon. I didn't want to have to complain, but we all spent a lot of money for this party and they knew they weren't supposed to be there. Before the baby was completely over the fence, security was over there telling them they were not allowed to sit in the garden area. The security guard was very polite about it, and even offered his hand to help the woman over the fences. She actually smacked his hand away and was livid. I'm glad they got caught.



For the party we attended this past Saturday, we arrived right at 745 (that is what was on our reservation and in MDE). The Plaza seating area in the Tomorrowland Terrace was completely full! They had a few extra tables set up by the Terrace viewing party and seated us over there (we even had the fancy table cloths and centerpieces on our table). And we used the Terrace party dessert tables.



There isn't a bad seat in the Plaza Garden viewing area IMHO. I have done it twice this year. The first time, I stood against the front fence and the view was great. We did it again this past weekend, and we chose to stand against the back fence. I definitely preferred the back fence. I could lean, and there was no chance of someone standing directly in front of me and putting their kid on their shoulders right before the show began, which could have been a problem by the front fence.
Personally, I prefer the Plaza Garden viewing. We used to do the Terrace viewing with Wishes, and I didn't mind the slightly off-center fireworks because I had seen Wishes enough that it didn't need to be perfect, but Celebrate the Magic wasn't great from over there. But with HEA, you need to be directly in front of the castle to get the best view.

I was there on Saturday and I saw that too!!!! I really didn't know what was going on though......the area outside the garden was PACKED.....I am glad we did it.....I was sitting on the ground near the back left (if facing the castle) and we stood up for Happily Ever After, but then had a wonderful time sitting/laying down after it was over while the crowds cleared out (and watched all the people try to cut through afterwards to only realize that there wasn't any way to cut through)....and then we watched Once Upon a Time....it was neat too! I liked being able to stretch out and relax during the fireworks for sure. We got on the main seating area when we arrived, but we arrived like you around 7:45, and I was like "if this thing started at 7:45, how are all these people sitting down and already eating?"

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I guess from all of these reports they’re really letting folks in well early these days! Seems a bit crazy to me - that’s a lot of time to spend just sitting around eating desserts or waiting, but I guess it works for some folks!

 

[JJ2017]

What would it be like if we got to the dessert party around 8:15? I coukdnt imagine eating desserts for more than 45 minutes.

 

[Disnsyncey]

What would it be like if we got to the dessert party around 8:15? I coukdnt imagine eating desserts for more than 45 minutes.

I felt actually a little rushed....by the time I stood in line to get in, had the escort and explanation of all the goings on, sat down, took turns with my friend getting desserts, I only had time to go up for seconds and get a hot tea to go before going to the bathroom and lining up (and waiting a few minutes for our garden escort) to get to the garden about 15 min before.....if I would have showed up at 8:15, I would have only had time to get one plate and SCARF that thing down before heading over...I was glad we had time to eat, get some items to go, go to the bathroom, and go over and get situated in the garden before it started...

 

[ChadInOKC]

We just got back from our trip. We did the Plaza garden viewing plan on the 18th. We were a little behind and checked in for the party at around 8:30 or so. They took us to the front area to get desserts instead of the back. We found a table and scarfed down some desserts real quick, making a few trips. We went and waited for someone to escort us through the madness over to the viewing area. Once inside, it looked crazy busy. We managed to find a place to sit, but once the show started we moved over to another area as there were many obstructions of the castle such as trees/temp lighing poles, etc. One thing I did notice is that they have changed the regular terrace view party to where the tables are along the edge of the rail now. This is excellent as you could not sit at your table before and watch as people would all gather along the rail and block your view. This seems much better. If I had it to do over, I would have booked the Terrace party over the Plaza Garden. The end.

 

[LSUfan4444]

We loved the Garden Viewing. For us, the key is to not try and get up front. Get to as far to the back of the viewing area as possible and pick something with a good sightline. You'll have more room and a better view than the people who are in the front of the area.

Im sure there are plenty of pics out there but this video (6:40 mark) is from our July trip and we were some of the last people in the viewing area and had an absolutely perfect view.

 

[CJN]

Is the Plaza Garden reserved for this every night? We sat in there to watch the fireworks when we were there in October 2016 but if it was reserved we totally missed that somehow.

You were fine. They keep a really sharp eye on things so it’s extremely unlikely anybody could inadvertently be in there without taking part in the party. Also, something that surprised me a bit on the night we attended, was how quick party goers were to point out any rope jumpers to the CMs. I mean it was a good thing but I was still surprised.

 

[freecia]

We did Hallowishes and watched the parade from the area. The plaza is slightly above the sidewalk between it and the parade route, so as long as you aren't short, you can see above people's heads. Not sure if kids could see well though, and any characters walking thru the parade you have to view in gaps between people standing. If there were a lot of people in that space it could get obstructed. So, it's doable but not great.

Checking touring plans and the dec 8th party is predicted to be the 9th least crowded party. In my experience for the Halloween party, the dessert party was not worth it. It meant so much time was taken up by the party we didn't do much else. And the Hub is big enough to find uncrowded fireworks spots without waiting forever (people could walk up shortly before the fireworks and get an equal or better spot as us without the cost and time suck). The parade you can see from Frontierland without many crowds.

I agree with everything @Lesley Wake said above. Yes, you can kind of see the parade from the west side of the garden, but it’s not a great view and you have people on the sidewalk in between you and the parade. You can see the middle/upper part of floats pretty well, but you miss some of the stuff more at eye level and below. It’s an OK substitute in a pinch, but wouldn’t be my primary plan of attack. Eg, I might be OK watching parade #1 from there, but then would watch parade #2 from a better spot.

...

At my two other MNSSHPs we walked right into the hub about 5-10 mins before fireworks and had great spots. Sure it was more crowded, but it’s not so crowded that you can’t move around, like a normal HEA night.

I am not totally anti-dessert party on a party night - it can be a benefit for certain folks/party styles. But I likely wouldn’t do it again.

Thanks for everyone's advice, I cancelled the reservation. You all saved me some money!

@Lesley Wake @GADisneyDad14
Was there "elbow space" in the hub like shown in this Hallowishes Youtube Video in 360

They actually have an arm's length from others which is a lot more space than I was thinking.

Similar situation to tgarre06 as I've have MVMCP Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing reserved for 2 adults and am wondering how necessary it is. I'm planning on going to Tues Dec 12 party which Touring Plans predicts as the 4th least crowded. My partner had an intense overcrowding experience at a non-Disney fireworks & festival event earlier this year which left him very sour on the idea of fireworks without a private/remote viewing area. I am 5' tall so get blocked very easily. I think we would be fine with an elbow's worth of space and arriving 20-30 min early to get a decent spot, plus it wouldn't cut too much into the time available for other events (mostly rides, as I don't need to meet the characters).

If anything, I'd prefer to pay $10 each for our own slightly healthier treats or more decadent dessert and limit the amount of sugar. I would so attempt to (over)eat at least plate of chocolate covered fruit and macaroons to "get back" some of the cost if I'm basically paying to do the party if people are just going to be walking in at the same time and getting as good or better spots. Well, that and probably run circles inside the plaza in a sugar high and then face plant because I have the space and sugar crash.

 

[Lesley Wake]

@Lesley Wake @GADisneyDad14
Was there "elbow space" in the hub like shown in this Hallowishes Youtube Video in 360

They actually have an arm's length from others which is a lot more space than I was thinking.

Similar situation to tgarre06 as I've have MVMCP Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing reserved for 2 adults and am wondering how necessary it is. I'm planning on going to Tues Dec 12 party which Touring Plans predicts as the 4th least crowded. My partner had an intense overcrowding experience at a non-Disney fireworks & festival event earlier this year which left him very sour on the idea of fireworks without a private/remote viewing area. I am 5' tall so get blocked very easily. I think we would be fine with an elbow's worth of space and arriving 20-30 min early to get a decent spot, plus it wouldn't cut too much into the time available for other events (mostly rides, as I don't need to meet the characters).

If anything, I'd prefer to pay $10 each for our own slightly healthier treats or more decadent dessert and limit the amount of sugar. I would so attempt to (over)eat at least plate of chocolate covered fruit and macaroons to "get back" some of the cost if I'm basically paying to do the party if people are just going to be walking in at the same time and getting as good or better spots. Well, that and probably run circles inside the plaza in a sugar high and then face plant because I have the space and sugar crash.

At my party, there would definitely have been more space than even that! I went on Tuesday, Sept 12, which was the day the parks reopened after Irma, so there were extremely low crowds in general. But if I was in your case I would skip the dessert party. It frees up your night more and reduces costs considerably!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

@Lesley Wake @GADisneyDad14
Was there "elbow space" in the hub like shown in this Hallowishes Youtube Video in 360

They actually have an arm's length from others which is a lot more space than I was thinking.

Similar situation to tgarre06 as I've have MVMCP Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing reserved for 2 adults and am wondering how necessary it is. I'm planning on going to Tues Dec 12 party which Touring Plans predicts as the 4th least crowded. My partner had an intense overcrowding experience at a non-Disney fireworks & festival event earlier this year which left him very sour on the idea of fireworks without a private/remote viewing area. I am 5' tall so get blocked very easily. I think we would be fine with an elbow's worth of space and arriving 20-30 min early to get a decent spot, plus it wouldn't cut too much into the time available for other events (mostly rides, as I don't need to meet the characters).

If anything, I'd prefer to pay $10 each for our own slightly healthier treats or more decadent dessert and limit the amount of sugar. I would so attempt to (over)eat at least plate of chocolate covered fruit and macaroons to "get back" some of the cost if I'm basically paying to do the party if people are just going to be walking in at the same time and getting as good or better spots. Well, that and probably run circles inside the plaza in a sugar high and then face plant because I have the space and sugar crash.

I can’t really tell from the angle/quality of that video what the crowd is like. But generally speaking I find the party crowds in the hub to be very managaeble and you’ll have elbow room. While it fills in, it does not get wall to wall/can’t move around crowded. Don’t get me wrong, there are A LOT of people there for party fireworks and any given party or particular spot in the hub could end up ‘feeling’ more crowded than others, but in general I found the dessert party on a party night overkill/not worth it.

 

[Happy_2_B]

I've have MVMCP Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing reserved for 2 adults and am wondering how necessary it is. I'm planning on going to Tues Dec 12 party which Touring Plans predicts as the 4th least crowded

You are going to get opinions on both sides of this issue. Been to a couple of MVMCPs- and IMHO you would do well to keep the reservation given your circumstances with your partner. Don't worry too much about the rides- if you don't do character M&Gs you will have plenty of time to ride (and re-ride) most of the attractions on your list. Even if it is the '4th least crowded' it will still be wall-to-wall people given the size of the optimal viewing area. Most people at the parties gather for the fireworks- and in my experience it is just as crowded, if not more crowded, than a regular night in the hub area during the fireworks in late November the week after Thanksgiving through December before Christimas week. We have gone around a dozen times during this time period, and won't do another MVMCP- overpriced and WAY oversold in our experiences, but YMMV. My 2 cents.

 

[freecia]

Thanks for the advice and opinions from both sides! I'll keep the reservation for now and re-evaluate when the MVMCP season starts shortly so I can make a full touring plan. My partner really likes fireworks and I'm sad he's so put off something he enjoys. He has a "equal opportunity" sweet tooth for non-chocolate items, has changed his diet to much healthier foods, and will probably pass on some of the included MVMCP dessert stations if the lines are long in favor of what I'd prefer to do (not wait in line for so-so sweets when I could just hand him some candy canes. Or tbh, whatever random mints are in my bag).

Would the Illuminations pontoon be a more worthwhile upgrade?

We're not frequent Disney goers and this is the first time we'll be attending MVMCP. Sounds like this year's MVMCP with or without the dessert party is currently less crowded than the alternate nights with general HEA crowds and the Monday/Wed HEA Dessert party with Plaza Garden is currently sold out. Our trip is short so the additional MVMCP cost isn't too bad as it will be our only MK day. We'll watch HEA fireworks from outside the park and then probably again on YouTube to see the projections. I'm guessing we'll also be back in a few years with family friends and their then grade school kids instead of as two adults who can go anytime in the year.

 

[MaC410]

I'm so excited! After a week of constantly checking, I found an opening at this dessert party for the day I wanted. So excited to have the garden viewing!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I'm so excited! After a week of constantly checking, I found an opening at this dessert party for the day I wanted. So excited to have the garden viewing!

That's great!!! Enjoy.

 

[pangyal]

I have a dumb question about the tables.

DS and I did this party a few weeks and really enjoyed it. When we arrived around 7:45, we were escorted to a table with a pretty blue tablecloth and a Reserved sign on it, by the edge of the dessert party seating. Once we sat, they removed the little placard. From reading other posts, it seems this was an anomaly since usually you have to pick your own seat and claim it...and no tablecloths? It’s a small detail, but I’m trying to figure out if this was the norm (where they seat you) or if you are usually supposed to find your own seating and claim it...?