Thanks for the info. We (just like everyone else on this thread) are thrilled that we get to attend. It really seems worth it - fireworks, desserts and the frozen ride. We did the HEA party and felt let down with the desserts, rushing to get to the viewing area and then people hoisting their kids on their shoulders. It seems that with everyone at their own table with a good view there won't be as many frustrations.
We were impressed with the quality of the desserts last December. There was a HUGE variety (including fresh fruit) and just about everything was delicious! We've done the wishes party a couple times (once for halloween, once just because) and were disappointed in both the quality and set up of that party (it created something of a logger jam). This was much better! The addition of a couple tasty adult beverages was nice, too!
You don't move from your table to see illuminations, so that was nice, too! We saw no hoisting or kid lifting at all....and nobody stood up at the rail, either. There just wasn't any need to. The seating seems spot on perfect in terms of viewing angle and table arrangement (so even the tables in the "2nd row" have a GREAT straight on shot to the action). I have seen a very small number of folks, in this thread, who were at parties where folks suddenly felt the need to stand along the rail...but they are VERY few and far between. It might even be discouraged by the CMs...IDK since nobody even tried anywhere near us at the party.
The one thing I saw some guests surprised about is this: Depending on your party size, you may be seated with other guests, at the same table. Since we're a party of 5...we didn't have that happen to us. But if you are a smaller party, I think your chances are higher for that to happen. We had two or 3 "combined" tables around us where the table mates seemed a little shocked by that, so I figure it needs mentioning.
One more thing: We found the whole move to FEA post party, and then the much more relaxed exit out of the park, to be MAGICAL. We strolled out, rather than being carried out in a mass wave of humanity...and it really makes the end to the day much nicer! Granted, the lines for the bus back to the resort was still long, but......it was totally worth the few extra minutes we got in the park!
I hope you have a GREAT time at your party. We did last December, and I'm hoping for exactly the same for our party this November!!!
