Experiences from the 10/22 "Before" Party, with the Garden viewing:
(For context: We were at the parks from 10/22-10/26. HEA was only available on 10/22 and 10/24 during our visit.)
We arrived at 7:45PM to check in and receive wristbands. We were escorted to our seats by a cast member and shown the lay of the land. All very well explained, and easy to understand. It was a busy evening, but I never felt cramped or as if we didn't have enough room to be comfortable. We remained at our table for roughly 45 minutes, when DD10 decided she'd had enough snacks. We made our way to the garden at 8:30PM, flashed our wristbands at the Cast Member and was allowed access.
Most people were sitting, of course. We found room along the back rail, near the center where the fence curves back into the garden. There was a opening near that indentation. We had room to comfortably join, but I joking asked the family right next to us, "is it alright if we hang out here with you here on the rail?" They obliged and even made a little extra space for us, and we had a great conversation about our trips as we waited for 9PM. We made some extra space for a father whose young child was having a little trouble seeing, and everyone squeezed in just fine. Since HEA was limited to three of the seven nights that entire week due to
MNSSHP, the hub was PACKED. I have nothing personally to go off of for comparison, but common sense told me it was a busy night. Maybe off-holiday season, when the seasonal parties aren't occurring, the hub might be less crowded.
So, to get things in the open, although as always, YMMV...
No, you won't have enough room to lay down, sprawling out during HEA. Someone will likely be nearby you, and like anything...you may have to adjust your spot slightly for an optimum view.
Yes, it will be less crowded than you will experience out in the hub, especially during seasonal party times.
Yes, there are a couple of "obstructions" (light poles, etc.)
No, these really don't hinder your view of anything to the point where it's a true problem.
Yes, the desserts are tasty.
No, it's not gourmet exquisite dessert dining.
Was it worth it to us?
Yes. Would we do it again?
Probably. It's a signature event of the park and I'd like to experience it as best as possible. But our trip budgets and expectations about things likely vary. Obviously if you're a family of five, six, etc., the package becomes a considerable cost. Happy Happily Ever After, everyone.