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

[ArwenMarie]

I agree about the space. Both nights we did the party have been sold out and there was space in the Plaza Garden East for more folks. That's why I think this new party will also be using the same garden

For people who have never done the party, they will probably not notice unless they research past parties. For those of us who enjoyed the spaciousness of past parties, it will be a big letdown

But this party also used to be $25 a few years ago, there used to be a FP section, on and on. So just more of the same. It will be nice to know the answers soon so we can all make our decisions!

 

[Meglen]

They need to add adults drinks so were to drunk to care

 

[maryj11]

They need to add adults drinks so were to drunk to care

 

[whiporee]

I have to disagree with this. I’m paying a premium, which could add up to hundreds of dollars, depending on the family. I don’t want to be somewhat crowded or anywhere near crowded. That’s why your justifying the money spent. This is a classic case of trying to think of a positive spin on it, when in reality, Disney gets its money and we accept it. Even though we know it’s not right and not what we pay for

Again though, we don’t know much and it’s all assumptions.

I hope for the best, and will cancel if I feel it’s a waste of money. Disney is huge. I can find a spot somewhere. I pay for this to not be in a crowd of people on top of eachother.

The problem with this argument is that WDW never promised empty. They promised a reserved space -- heck, I think it even says a reserved standing space. So the idea that sitting on the grass or laying on the grass is never insinuated or implied. If you've been there and see a lot of empty space, then it's fair to think WDW will reduce that space -- it's like going during a hurricane and then getting upset that the next time you went there were more people there.

I'm not thrilled with this whole thing, but I think it's unfair to accuse WDW of being misleading for trying to sell their spaces when they said they were going to sell their space.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

They need to add adults drinks so were to drunk to care

This is actually relevant. I don't do dessert parties without anymore.

 

[purplejam]

I’m booked for August.
If reports after the new party starts suggest it will be significantly more crowded I will cancel - no sour grapes but just not what I thought I’d be getting.

I did the party last August and loved the fact there was space in the garden - not massive amounts but enough to feel comfortable.

For me it’s not worth the money unless I feel I really am getting a better viewing experience - the desserts were always fairly secondary to me !!

 

[Lsdolphin]

Just waiting for first reports and hoping they will use both garden areas.

 

[maryj11]

The problem with this argument is that WDW never promised empty. They promised a reserved space -- heck, I think it even says a reserved standing space. So the idea that sitting on the grass or laying on the grass is never insinuated or implied. If you've been there and see a lot of empty space, then it's fair to think WDW will reduce that space -- it's like going during a hurricane and then getting upset that the next time you went there were more people there.

I'm not thrilled with this whole thing, but I think it's unfair to accuse WDW of being misleading for trying to sell their spaces when they said they were going to sell their space.

The reason we are not happy with WDW is because they are not stating clearly if everyone will be in the same area or if they are going to use both areas.
We also want to figure out if we want to do the before or after party.
It is unfair for them to not make things clear for the ones who are buying the tickets.

 

[msdroz]

I'm starting to believe they will utilize both sides of the Plaza. They can sell more tickets by using an entire new side of the plaza rather than selling a fraction of that to cram more people into the one side already used.

Did they not use both sides of the plaza before for the regular dessert party?

 

[slpeters]

We went the Monday before Thanksgiving. I don't know for a fact the party was sold out but I would think that would be a day that would sell out. Had they doubled the number of people in the viewing area it still would have seemed comfortable to me. I mean we probably wouldn't have ended up laying down to wait for the fireworks and it wouldn't have felt as decadent, but I honestly wouldn't have felt gypped in any real way.

 

[disneygirlsng]

Did they not use both sides of the plaza before for the regular dessert party?

No, the current dessert party only uses the east plaza. The west plaza is for the most part open to anybody, other than a small area that is used for club level guests that opt for the purchase of extra FPs.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

They need to add adults drinks so were to drunk to care

I call that the Mardi Gras effect... those Pat O'Brien's hurricanes were how I dealt with the crowds... and other happenings...

 

[Ariel Wanna-be]

Whenever anyone won't do this it is because they know the answer will upset folks...at least in my experience.

If they straight up said, "Everyone will be in the same Garden," some people would likely cancel.

Then shame on them. If they are advertising un-crowded space, and giving you crowded space, then that is bait-and-switch.

They need to be honest so that people like me, who want an uncrowded view (not just a reserved space) can cancel. Anything else is duplicitous.

 

[FastPasser.]

If they are advertising un-crowded space, and giving you crowded space, then that is bait-and-switch.

Below is how it's being advertised on MDE and on the Disney Parks Blog.

"Feast on delectable desserts before soaking up the sights and sounds of Magic Kingdom fireworks from a prime reserved location!"
"As showtime nears, Cast Members will escort you to a prime standing area in the Plaza Garden for priority viewing of the nighttime fireworks spectacular."
"Plaza Garden viewing is standing room only."
"Now you can experience the legendary fireworks over Cinderella Castle from a special viewing area in the Plaza Garden,"

 

[CJN]

Then shame on them. If they are advertising un-crowded space, and giving you crowded space, then that is bait-and-switch.

They need to be honest so that people like me, who want an uncrowded view (not just a reserved space) can cancel. Anything else is duplicitous.

Have they ever advertised that it’s an uncrowded area? Not that I can recall with the last two times we did it. Heck, they don’t even guarantee the fireworks if the weather is bad. Maybe they’ve change the wording recently - I can’t remember from before - but it clearly says it’s a standing room only view.

 

[LaurenT]

Maybe they’re not selling out often enough. Maybe the after party option is to help sell out the space - thinking people would rather ride rides during the hour before he fireworks, knowing that the lines get shorter with everyone saving a spot in the hub ... and then have their dessert after ...

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Maybe they’re not selling out often enough. Maybe the after party option is to help sell out the space - thinking people would rather ride rides during the hour before he fireworks, knowing that the lines get shorter with everyone saving a spot in the hub ... and then have their dessert after ...

Part of me has wondered about this as well. Earlier today I did a search for a party of four for every day in June and July. Only two days in June were sold out. The only two July dates sold out were 7/3 and 7/4.

Not that that really tells us much, but’s mildly interesting. While it can sell out of course, the Plaza Garden party has really never been a rampant sell out type of event since its inception, except for last fall in party season. (ETA: And other high crowd times)

Or alternatively the small two month sample size in my test is just indicative of summer crowds.

 

[FastPasser.]

Have they ever advertised that it’s an uncrowded area?

None of the parties advertising mention the size of the various viewing areas. A case has been made by some guests that when the SW dessert party is sold out, both the party area and viewing area are crowded. Similar statements have been made about the FEA party when it's moved indoors due to bad weather.

they don’t even guarantee the fireworks if the weather is bad. Maybe they’ve change the wording recently

Entertainment is subject to change or cancellation without notice.

 

[Lsdolphin]

Part of me has wondered about this as well. Earlier today I did a search for a party of four for every day in June and July. Only two days in June were sold out. The only two July dates sold out were 7/3 and 7/4.

Not that that really tells us much, but’s mildly interesting. While it can sell out of course, the Plaza Garden party has really never been a rampant sell out type of event since its inception, except for last fall in party season. (ETA: And other high crowd times)

Or alternatively the small two month sample size in my test is just indicative of summer crowds.

Also might have been more crowded last fall since HEA was still relatively new and people expecting larger crowds wanted to be sure of good viewing of front of castle.

 

[zebrastreyepz]

Maybe they noticed all the people sitting or laying on the ground relaxing and thought of a way to Fill. That. Space. :::said in the voice of that one dude who used to holler Move. That. Bus.::::