We did the dessert party on Monday, and I thought I would share our observations because maybe they will be helpful to those doing the party soon. First, they decided that the party would be held indoors because there was a chance of rain that evening. It never did rain, but they made the decision to move it inside well in advance of the party. We saw CMs taping the viewing area off around 7 pm and asked them where the check in area would be. They told us the party would be held in the Disney Junior theatre and that we could check in over there. We went over and were told that we could check in around 7:30, but that no one would be admitted to the party area until 8:30. Sure enough, no one was allowed in until 8:30 on the dot. This is actually good, because there is no need to check in early to get a good table. You are inside and all the tables are the same. It does not matter what table you get.
We were told that the CMs would take people to the viewing area around 9:30. We didn't wait that long, and left the party around 9:20 and were admitted into the viewing area and staked out our spot on the front rope near the center. There were probably about 15 people that left early and got their spot in the viewing area. The vast majority of guests waited to be led over, and they were right before the fireworks began.
For us, it was important to be in front because my little boy would have had trouble seeing over anyone standing in front of him. Even though the dessert party viewing area is great, there is a walkway in front of you, and a big group of people are allowed to congregate in front of that walkway. CMs were working very hard to keep the walkway clear, but there were still guests arguing with them and not wanting to move. We saw the CMs having to get a supervisor or security person to come and move some unruly guests that refused to move out of the walkway after being told several times.
My son complained about not being able to see everything over the crowd in front, but still, I feel the view is great. This is definitely what you are paying for, because IMO, the food served was not very good. There are several desserts, but none were all that great. There are a few savory choices as well, but nothing you could make a meal off of, so be advised that you will probably want to have an early dinner and not rely on the dessert party food for a meal.
The show itself was awesome! I loved it. Disney did a great job with this. I felt there were plenty of fireworks and the projections and music were great! By far one of the best Disney shows.