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

[ChanduTail]

It’s the side closet to the Plaza Restaurant and Main Street.

There will also be two lines. Those going to the Tomorrowland Terrace party wait in the left line & those going to the Plaza Garden party wait in the right line.

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

We went for the “before” dessert party on 6/25 and thought the party was overall decent. The party overall was not too crowded in both the food location and the viewing spot. The only complaint I had was the amount of people who rushed up to the front and stood right at the start which ruined a bit of my view. Oh well. It was also weird that most people sat at the right side of the garden and left much of the left side empty (which I was at). I have pictures that I’ll add when I get home. My phone is currently not letting me.

 

[tiffne]

We were at the before party on 6/24 and found the Plaza Garden experience to be great. The desserts were very “meh” to us and we are far from picky dessert people. Everything strangely lacked flavor. Chocolate covered strawberries were good though. I took several bottles of water with me and situated myself along the back fence. Most people seemed to cluster toward the right side of the garden as you faced the castle. One thing to keep in mind if you are standing along the back rail is you will be listening to CMs shoo people away from standing along the walkway behind you the entire time, at least that was my experience. All in all it was worth the money for the uncrowded view.

Here’s a few pics from our party!

To my right (looks more crowded than it was):

Main Street crowd to my left:


Maybe 10 minutes before show time, straight ahead of me:

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Wow, there were alot of DISers at the 6/24 party!

Thanks @tiffne!

 

[garada3]

It’s the side closet to the Plaza Restaurant and Main Street.

Thank you!

 

[garada3]

There will also be two lines. Those going to the Tomorrowland Terrace party wait in the left line & those going to the Plaza Garden party wait in the right line.

Thank you!

 

[msdroz]

Been meaning to post about our experience from earlier June but have been so busy since we got back!

- While I don't think it was worth the money for average desserts, I do have to say that it was a highlight of our trip, and very memorable. I'm not sure what type of view we would of had if we showed up in the general population a half hour before show time but I appreciated the unobstructed view of both the projection show and fireworks.
- Garden plaza had much better views than the terrace dessert party which we did a few years back (blocked by trees, speakers weren't very loud, people got up and claimed their spot early
- We showed up 5 min late to our reservation as I didn't want to wait in line to get in and waste time where we could be riding rides. It wasn't a problem and we walked right in and began enjoying the party. I also asked the hostess if we had to head down early to the garden viewing area and she said absolutely not, she said the seating can hold 500 people and there will plenty of room, and she was right.
- We first sat in the middle of the viewing area then noticed if we moved further in (and back against the railing) the view was much better, pretty much head on castle view and no one was over there so it was the perfect spot. Only negative is you would hear the ushers yelling at people to keep moving through as families kept thinking you could just stop in the middle of the walkway to watch. I tuned it out and just lived in the moment, enjoyed the music, etc.

Would I do it again? Probably not... however we really didn't spend too much on dining this trip so we saved that money for the big finale show our last night. It was good for a one time thing but I really don't like that Disney keeps raising the price and monetizes areas that used to be free viewing areas

 

[erikawolf2004]

I went back and forth a lot before our trip if I should cancel our HEA Garden View Dessert Party. Well We went on June 19th and they said they expected 300 people between the before and after parties, I have heard others say this # so guessing it was sold out. The Happily Ever After Dessert Party is totally worth it, I cried a few times!!! We checked in at 7:30 and there was a line to check in, they werealready letting people into the dessert party. I went out to the garden at 8:15, because I wanted a specific spot, but there was plenty of room for everyone. I picked out a spot close to Main Street with a great view between one of the little planters and a light post. I did take our stroller and some towels that I put on the ground to help hold our space and cushion my bottom while I waited. My younger two danced around and played in the open area. My husband came down with my oldest around 8:45, since he has back issues. I am glad we all didn't wait until then to come down. The fact that my girls could dance around, clapping and actually could see the fireworks and the castle in full view made it worth every cent. Our view was perfect! It was a truly magical experience and not worrying about a spot was sooo wonderful. My girls actually thanked me several times...on our last trip they cried because they couldn't see the show. If you can afford it totally do it.

 

[ItsNotMuchofaTail]

early Garden Party booked for 8/2 thanks everyone for the insight.

That’s when my DD and I will be there too! I hope it’s a shockingly poorly attended party, lol, and we have lots of spots to choose from.

 

[TrixieBel]

That’s when my DD and I will be there too! I hope it’s a shockingly poorly attended party, lol, and we have lots of spots to choose from.

And my DH and I will be there too! We’ll probably see you by the back rail at the left...

 

[Amy11401]

This thread has inspired me to consider doing a fireworks dessert party. I did not consider it before I started following this thread. We will be there in mid October when there are several nights of Halloween parties which is why I think it may be more important than some other times of the year.

 

[LMO429]

This thread has inspired me to consider doing a fireworks dessert party. I did not consider it before I started following this thread. We will be there in mid October when there are several nights of Halloween parties which is why I think it may be more important than some other times of the year.

100 percent book a dessert party esp during party season. It's insanity on main street I never saw so many people right before fireworks. If you never seen HEA then for sure the dessert party for the 1st time is the way to go.

 

[mcurrence]

How crazy would it be to head to Adventureland after HEA? We're planning to do DAH that night (9/20) HEA is at 8 with park close at 9 and my girls want to start with the Jungle Cruise... I know Tomorrowland would be easier but am I crazy to consider it?
TIA!!!!

 

[Twilight Sparkle]

How crazy would it be to head to Adventureland after HEA? We're planning to do DAH that night (9/20) HEA is at 8 with park close at 9 and my girls want to start with the Jungle Cruise... I know Tomorrowland would be easier but am I crazy to consider it?
TIA!!!!

It's possible, but it is not at all fun to do. We did this after HEA on our last trip. It was like swimming against the current. We had a fast pass to get to after the dessert party, so we left the garden viewing area and waded through the crowds. No one - us or the crowd - was happy about it, but we did finally make it through. If you have little kids, be very mindful of their location and safety when getting through that crowd.

 

[mcurrence]

It's possible, but it is not at all fun to do. We did this after HEA on our last trip. It was like swimming against the current. We had a fast pass to get to after the dessert party, so we left the garden viewing area and waded through the crowds. No one - us or the crowd - was happy about it, but we did finally make it through. If you have little kids, be very mindful of their location and safety when getting through that crowd.

Thank you! My girls are 9 and 11 so I appreciate the tip!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

How crazy would it be to head to Adventureland after HEA? We're planning to do DAH that night (9/20) HEA is at 8 with park close at 9 and my girls want to start with the Jungle Cruise... I know Tomorrowland would be easier but am I crazy to consider it?
TIA!!!!

From my frame of reference, it's brutal. I'd almost rather flee to Tomorrowland and walk all the way around than go straight through the hub.

If you do, follow Nemo... just keep swimming.

 

[glvsav37]

That’s when my DD and I will be there too! I hope it’s a shockingly poorly attended party, lol, and we have lots of spots to choose from.

Fingers crossed it'll just be us. I challenge your family to a game of tag before the show!! lol

 

[glvsav37]

How crazy would it be to head to Adventureland after HEA? We're planning to do DAH that night (9/20) HEA is at 8 with park close at 9 and my girls want to start with the Jungle Cruise... I know Tomorrowland would be easier but am I crazy to consider it?
TIA!!!!

I would think the only possible way would be for you to strap in and climb back up Tinkerbell's zip line to the castle.

 

[mcurrence]

I would think the only possible way would be for you to strap in and climb back up Tinkerbell's zip line to the castle.

That might just be my plan B!! LOL

But looking at a map, if I stay close to Casey's Corner and Crystal Palace, there seems to be a bridge in that direction so I wouldn't go toward the castle..it'll be a side current (not that that's any better!) Fingers crossed we make it

 

[lornak]

I have not read all 142 pages of this thread so I apologize if this has been answered already, but I have two questions:
1. Is the menu the same for the parties before the fireworks and the party afterwards? I have seen the new menu for the after fireworks party and it looks like it includes quite a few savory options. Is that offered for the before parties?
2. If I book the Terrace viewing, do you have to stand to eat your dessert? Is there any seating/tables for these guests?
TIA!