My daughter and I went to last nights party. I went to one around the same time last year.
The worst part was the line to get into the park. We arrived around 3:40 and the line wasn't that bad but it extended along the fence near the buses and there was no shade. We saw a young woman fall and pass out after a few minutes in the very intense sun. She and her boyfriend had very cute costumes so I hope she was okay to continue!
We did not find the park crowded at all. Rode Tron (which I was able to buy ILL for that morning despite just having a party ticket and no other park reservations), Buzz, BTMRR, Jungle Cruise and Pirates before 6:30. Had a snack, watched Cadaver Dans first show while getting candy, rode HM, tea cups, Space, Laugh floor treats and then did the Dessert party which was about 1/3 full.
More treats, watched fireworks from again a mostly empty plaza garden area (less than 1/4 of what it was last year), went to Frontierland shopping, watched 11:15 parade, followed the parade then broke off and rode HM again to end the night.
We don't do characters but enjoy the shows etc. we could have ridden seven dwarves as well but it's not our favorite so we skipped it and headed out right around midnight.
It was a great time.
Dessert party was very similar to last year. White wine was better! They also had chocolate covered amaretti which were very good.