We went to the Villain's Soiree on Oct 5, a Sunday. It is a little bit after the fact but I'll share our experience.
I don't believe this party sold out. There were 4 of us, 2 went to the reserved seating area at around 7:30 to save everyone seats in front of the castle.
The other 2 of us were able to quickly knock out almost all of Tomorrowland and meet Merida. We were doing some trick or treat trails and got texted around 8:15 that we needed to come back, the front row had filled up and people were eyeing our empty spots. We were handed little bottles of water and were able to meet up with our group. I'm not sure how other parties people were able to walk right up to get a front row spot, by 8:20 the second row was almost completely filled in behind the first.
We had good seats for the parade and I was able to get a lot of good pictures with the floats/characters and the castle in the background.
Lots of people did try to sneak in, but our CMs always got them. Which was actually the funniest thing, the CM nearest us was a quiet, smaller girl but she was very firm and insistent with anyone who snuck in.
I was a little disappointed to see that the Creepa Crew didn't come past the castle, but I guess they just stay in Frontierland.
After the parade we moved back towards the back for the Projection show. I think I enjoy the Projection show more than regular Wishes (but not Hallowishes). Things got a little tense because 4 people in the VIP seating were standing, and there were several rows of sitters behind the rows and they were heckling the standers to sit so they could see.
Finally our diminutive CM came over and informed the hecklers that these people had paid a lot of money for this area and they could stand if they wanted.
I was ok with the whole exchange until 2 more standers came and planted themselves 5 feet in front of my BF and I, so we had to get up and move.
I didn't think it was a bad view for the fireworks, yeah, some were a little behind the castle but hey, we got to sit and see them, which is a very important thing at the end of a long trip.
Probably the best part was towards the end when all the fireworks go off all around you, that was a cool effect what with being so close.
I believe there was a villains show right after the fireworks, if not it was right after the parade and I'm just forgetting the order.
The viewing area was ok for the villains show, someone towards the front of the castle stage did have a large balloon, those things cover a lot of stage for people farther back. Maybe something to keep in mind if you have balloon, maybe try to hold it lower during a show.
So anyway the viewing area was most likely a success, though I do prefer to watch the parade from Frontierland, I think it provides a little spookier of atmosphere.
We were schedule for the late seating, so after the events we wandered away and had time to do some characters and rides. Oh, another thing, we had already attended a party previously, I think I would have been displeased with how much of the party the soiree took up otherwise.
I think we showed up at the castle around 11:15. The waiting area was already packed, people must have shown up much earlier. They let us in right around 11:25.
I didn't like this next part, we were all jammed into the area of the castle where you greet Cinderella. I did not think this area was big enough for us all.
The Queen of Hearts and the Stepsisters soon came down to do meet and greets. I agree with a previous poster who doesn't like this free for all character meeting. I don't like to shove my way in, but other people definitely don't have that problem
We had met the Queen of Hearts earlier and knew we'd meet the stepsister upstairs, so we stood out of the way.
Finally they let us upstairs. I recommend waiting until most people are up, we went in the middle of the crowd and the stairway is very small and it took us an exceptionally long time to climb the stairs (which should have only taken maybe 2 minutes).
Our table was by the window, which I was very pleased about.
Here comes my biggest complaint though: they cram way too many people into the Castle. There was a table for 2 next to us along the window, those people could not get up unless we were up, the tables and chairs were so close together. Their table for 2 was at the very middle of the castle, so it kind of narrows together. I don't think there should have even been a table there, it made it very awkward for character greeting.
It looked like Hook and Jafar were making the rounds first, I believe they each started at one end of the room, then when they got halfway they switched and came from the other side. I wondered if this had to do with them being fur characters and not being able to see as well, so they wanted to get them out of the way before all the food service started in earnest.
We got to meet both and have good interactions. At this time we had the cheese and meat plate on the table, we all liked it and the waiter was more than willing to bring more cheese, crackers or meat.
I liked the special drink we had, I thought it was good and our waiter brought us copious refills. We also had water on the table as well. Which brings me to another complaint: the table top was super crowded.
We had 4 people, so that was 4 special drinks, 4 waters, the cheese and meat plate and all our individual plates, then we each had a candy cup and the table candle and the table decoration. Not to mention all of our
MNSSHP candy bags shoved on the floor and various costume props.
I thought the candy cup was kind of cheap. All of ours had the cheapest sort of candy and I wasn't impressed by the flimsy cup.
Then the event was officially started by Lady Tremaine.
Honestly, I thought the soiree inside the castle was saved by the characters. We had excellent interactions with all. Probably the best was Anastasia throwing a fit about Elsa. One of our party members was dressed as Elsa and Anastasia started yelling that it wasn't all about Elsa and she was so selfish and taking over Disney. It was hilarious.
The time went by very quickly and I did feel like we were rushed out at the end.
Overall:
Food: I enjoyed all of it (except the candy in the cup). I really liked the desserts I got to try, I ran out of time when I was only finished with 2, I never did get to try the other 2 because I ended up getting food poisoning (not related to the Soiree, I think it was Raglan Road).
Atmosphere: not great. They squished so many people in there. Maybe it was just awkward for us because of the table for 2 that we helped to trap.
Characters: best part of the event. I feel bad though that Maleficent and Snow Queen were not available for everyone.
Would I do it again? No, not for that price. thought it was fun once. We have never had a problem getting a front row parade spot in Frontierland half an hour before the second one. Never had a problem seeing the fireworks either. The food was good, but I like most of Disney's food. And I really hope Disney won't hold characters hostage for special party events only that used to be available for everyone at the party.
Only way I can see us doing it again is if they offer some really rare characters. I did have to laugh at a PP suggesting the hyenas should be there in the future, I mean, I'd love to meet them but I think they would have wrecked all the tables with their giant swinging heads, I think there just wasn't room for them to maneuver in the castle. Same thing with Oogie Boogie, he just has too much bulk.