Dinner or Illuminations Dessert Party?

[Minnie1986]

Hey guys!

Trying to decide whether to do a table service dinner or the Illuminations Dessert party for my bday. Has anyone done it before? Was it worth the price of admission? I'll be traveling with my 8yo godson and I figured it may be something special and out of the ordinary to do?

Also, how far in advance can you make reservations for that?

TIA!!

 

[networkpro]

Illuminations desert party is all standing

 

[Minnie1986]

Boo. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[WDWFanDave]

It was something I surprised my wife with a couple of trips ago. As mentioned, it is all standing - but, it's a front row standing area that isn't overcrowded, for Illuminations. This was a bit over a year ago, and at that time I thought the desserts were great and we had a really nice time. The standing did leave a bit to be desired, though. Actually contemplating it (or the Star Wars one at HS) for our next trip, just haven't made a final call on it yet. Best to you on your birthday, whichever you choose!

 

[Minnie1986]

Thanks!! I'm leaning towards the dessert party because it's taken me all of these years to get to WDW for my b-day, so why not do something out of the ordinary?

 

[bee]

I've done the party twice and loved it. That said, I definitely got my money's worth in alcohol and I'm assuming you won't be drinking much with an 8-year-old there. It was a great view and we didn't mind the standing too much.

I wrote a review each time I attended, although I haven't been in over two years so things may have changed since then:
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/illuminations-sparkling-dessert-party-review.884637/
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/updated-review-illuminations-sparkling-dessert-party.897878/

ETA: In theory you can reserve it 180 days in advance, but usually Disney releases a block of dates at a time. So for instance even though today you can reserve most restaurants through December 7, they've only released dates through July 14.

 

[mouse_luv]

Earlier dinner and then Illuminations after.

 

[correcaminos]

Thanks!! I'm leaning towards the dessert party because it's taken me all of these years to get to WDW for my b-day, so why not do something out of the ordinary?

Try an Illuminations Cruise. Just did it in March and OMG best view ever! Better than any dessert party or dinner I've been to before.

 

[KLinder7]

Do both if you can afford! I usually do a 5/530 dinner, run back to the resort for a few and then head back for dessert party.

 

[Minnie1986]

I've done the party twice and loved it. That said, I definitely got my money's worth in alcohol and I'm assuming you won't be drinking much with an 8-year-old there. It was a great view and we didn't mind the standing too much.

I wrote a review each time I attended, although I haven't been in over two years so things may have changed since then:
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/illuminations-sparkling-dessert-party-review.884637/
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/updated-review-illuminations-sparkling-dessert-party.897878/

ETA: In theory you can reserve it 180 days in advance, but usually Disney releases a block of dates at a time. So for instance even though today you can reserve most restaurants through December 7, they've only released dates through July 14.

I was wondering why there were no dates for September yet. Thanks!

 

[Minnie1986]

Try an Illuminations Cruise. Just did it in March and OMG best view ever! Better than any dessert party or dinner I've been to before.

Never even thought about that!

 

[Minnie1986]

Do both if you can afford! I usually do a 5/530 dinner, run back to the resort for a few and then head back for dessert party.

I can. My birthday is my splurge day for the year. Thanks for the idea!

 

[bee]

Do both if you can afford! I usually do a 5/530 dinner, run back to the resort for a few and then head back for dessert party.

I can. My birthday is my splurge day for the year. Thanks for the idea!

It will depend where you eat and what you have. We ate at 4:30 at Via Napoli, shared a large pizza, took leftovers back to the hotel, and were still too full to eat as many desserts as we wanted.

I was wondering why there were no dates for September yet. Thanks!

You're welcome! There are also rumors that a Frozen IllumiNations dessert party is replacing the current one. I certainly hope not. Just keep watching for reservations and let's hope they keep the current party!

 

[correcaminos]

Never even thought about that!

I did it for my 40th. Someone had suggested it to me and so glad they did!

 

[jlsHouston]

We did it the first year and haven't done it since. It is more adult oriented if I recall.

 

[Worldlover71]

They announced today that the party is changing a bit. The price has gone up considerably. In exchange, you get seating now instead of having to stand and you also get a ride on Frozen after the party. Check out the article on the main page of this site.