Hi everyone! So heading to Disney fir 1st time during the holidays.. have tickets to Christmas party at mk on dec 9. I’m fettubg nervous about crowds. My son is 5 is going to want to ride all the rides, have cookies and a few characters. We love fireworks and parades.. Do u think we need to book any of the parties? New 1 at Tony’s or the dessert party? Please help, I need advice. Im always the sole planner and love it, butbthys has got me stumped!
All that you have listed is doable, but really depends on which rides and how many, as well as which characters you want to meet. I'm not sure about your son, but my DD was 6 when she attended her 1st party, we did the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert party which included fireworks only. We didn't think she would make it through the night. She barely made it, DH had to carry her some towards the end, and the rest at the DP was much needed and allowed her to last longer. We ate at Casey's and saw tops of floats as they parade went by (not ideal). We do not have those issues now, we eat at 2:30pm or 4pm (If attending 2 parties), and she's good for the evening. We do enjoy the treat stations throughout the night. DH & her ride while I wait in line for the characters.
Looks like you want to do it all. I would set more realistic/flexible plan, a few characters (depends which one, 2-3), a few rides (2-3) and make sure to book FP+. If you do the Tony's Most Merriest Town Square Party that's the 11pm parade, so need to be there by 10-10:30 to enjoy the treats. If you do the TT Dessert Party, fireworks at 10pm, need to be there no later than 9pm for table (which are not reserved), and enjoy treats. If doing both, then 9-close would consist of 2 Dessert Parties, that a lot of money for 3 hours of the party. Be mindful you would have to check in early or allow time to check-in upon arrival for both parties. I don't see DS5 really being able to eat that much, which leaves you 4-9pm for rides and characters and only a few meet prior to 7pm.
I get why some will do both, I would think an older crowd (not with young kids) or mobility issues (beneficial for my mom), etc. it works. IMO, not good use of time (much less money) for everything you want to do and age of child. Now if money not an issue or of no concern then spend the extra $400 on both parties (more $ if more than you and DS). I've enjoyed the Dessert Parties & my family, however, we did not do the DP last year since no parade viewing (1st time no DP, cancelled), and accomplished a lot more. No regrets for all the years we did the Dessert Parties, I was only considering it this year for the offerings (something new), parade viewing just a bonus.
Edit: Hopefully other PP will reply to and share insight, give recommendations. If not, do you have KtP's Character Locator? That's a great resource (small fee) that can provide a party touring plan and subscribers can purchase a personalized plan for an additional fee. I have CL and use it in all of the parks, I've always been able to do everything on our list for MVMCP,
MNSSHP and at the parks with CL. This thread is helpful in that it provides you with all the details (Post #1) in one place, PP will post where the characters are and times they meet (MVMCP Party Map doesn't), and some will give suggestions of order to do things (no guarantee and could depend on crowd levels and if you make any changes yourself) or the order they did things at their party (only helpful if your party is afterwards), so that's why suggest KtP to maximize party plans in advance. Be flexible. Happy planning!
. With my DVC/AP discount on MVMCP tickets, Yep, $15 whole dollars, Tony's Dessert Party was going to cost my family of 3 more than the actual party 
. Disney will still get my money --- MVMCP merchandise, Holiday merchandise, new Pandora charms, new Disney Vera Bradley
. Yeah! Couldn't find away to eat that much dessert or drink that much. if so, wouldn't be acceptable for WDW. 
If attending 2 parties this year, probably would have completed booking, but I have a lot to accomplish during my 1 party, and eating and drinking for $300+ is not one of them, coveted spot or not. So I'll have to stop for 
around the park and throw a few back with my peeps, Sandy, Mickey, Scrooge McDuck, Moana, Nick & Judy. Hot Chocolate that is, it's included with the party cost. 
Hope its cool that night. 
