2015 Villain’s Sinister Soiree

[Scott2tune]

Villains Soiree OFF? Just called and CM said "Oh we are not doing that anymore" But I thought I read a post that someone booked it for Nov 1st?

 

[jpeden]

Villains Soiree OFF? Just called and CM said "Oh we are not doing that anymore" But I thought I read a post that someone booked it for Nov 1st?

The Soiree is indeed no longer being held. It has been replaced by the Happy Hallowishes Dessert Premium Package (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/happy-hallowishes-dessert-package/).

 

[MermaidMommy]

1. Um....IDK what the current "refinements" have done to the "normal" Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert party.

It used to be (prior to the July upgrades), that you'd snag a table (no assigned seating), eat your fill, and then move to the rail (standing) to watch the fireworks.

I'm not sure if, since the advent of the upgrades to assigned seating, better quality desserts, table cloth and lantern version, if that's still the case. I haven't seen (but haven't really looked) for reviews on the new version. I'll have to hunt some down, now.

Whatever the process is in the new dessert party, I expect to be the process for this one.

The Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party ALWAYS had reserved seating. Tables were reserved based on when you made your reservation, with the earliest reservations getting the best tables. When you arrived at the party, CM's escorted you to your table, which had your party's name printed on a place card. (We've got 5 of the place cards at home from when we've done the party.) The "new and improved" party seems to do the seating the same way they did in the past.

 

[kimieko]

While this is true (I didn't attend last year so I can't compare it to the Soiree), I think you're really paying for the HalloWishes Dessert Party (a regular Wishes Dessert Party would run you $49/Adult on any given night) and you're paying for a reserved spot to watch the parade (basically you're paying $20/Adult for a fast-pass to the parade). I don't think it's a horrible deal considering the dessert party alone would cost you $49 on any given night, and because it's an event-within-an-event, I expected a small up-charge to the price of the basic dessert party. So, say a $10/person up-charge on the basic dessert party (since less people have access to this one in theory since it's on a party night) and $10/person for the parade viewing spot. On top of that, everyone who paid to get into the party doesn't get one of the main draws taken away (the villains), like last year. I know some will disagree, but I think this was the right move by Disney since they apparently got a lot of complaints that villains would be meet-able at the party and then they stuck them behind a pay-wall.

But you are also losing ~3 hours of the party that you paid $68-$74 to attend (if you use the suggested time line). I understand the viewing area and desserts, but this just isn't anywhere near as good of a deal as the Soiree. I chose to give up the fireworks last year to do other things, but that really isn't an option here since that is the main cost for this package. I just think with the additional $30 last year you got so much more. (viewing for parade, fireworks & castle show, special magic shot photo, the Soiree, custom printed menu, custom lanyard, cup, drink stirrer, light-up ice cube...its just stuff, but it is stuff you get)

 

[pilferk]

The Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party ALWAYS had reserved seating. Tables were reserved based on when you made your reservation, with the earliest reservations getting the best tables. When you arrived at the party, CM's escorted you to your table, which had your party's name printed on a place card. (We've got 5 of the place cards at home from when we've done the party.) The "new and improved" party seems to do the seating the same way they did in the past.

Sorry, my mistake. Reading early reviews from back in 2013-ish, it sounded like the tables were "early bird gets the worm". But, looking at later reviews, either that changed very quickly OR the original reviewers just weren't clear.

 

[Aurora0427]

But you are also losing ~3 hours of the party that you paid $68-$74 to attend (if you use the suggested time line). I understand the viewing area and desserts, but this just isn't anywhere near as good of a deal as the Soiree. I chose to give up the fireworks last year to do other things, but that really isn't an option here since that is the main cost for this package. I just think with the additional $30 last year you got so much more. (viewing for parade, fireworks & castle show, special magic shot photo, the Soiree, custom printed menu, custom lanyard, cup, drink stirrer, light-up ice cube...its just stuff, but it is stuff you get)

I hope you don't give up 3 hours. People that have done the regular dessert party and those who did villains soiree last year said they showed up 15-30 minutes prior to the parade at the VIP viewing spot and had greats spots for the parade. If that is also the case with Hallowishes Dessert party, for us it'll be well worth it. We waited for 2 hours last year for MVMCP for the parade to get a great spot. I am anxious for reviews because if you really do have to show up at 7:30 to get a decent spot in the VIP area for the parade, I will cancel. I can do that for free.

 

[Aurora0427]

The Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party ALWAYS had reserved seating. Tables were reserved based on when you made your reservation, with the earliest reservations getting the best tables. When you arrived at the party, CM's escorted you to your table, which had your party's name printed on a place card. (We've got 5 of the place cards at home from when we've done the party.) The "new and improved" party seems to do the seating the same way they did in the past.

Oh good. I made mine super early this morning so hopefully we get a great table!

 

[pilferk]

But you are also losing ~3 hours of the party that you paid $68-$74 to attend (if you use the suggested time line). I understand the viewing area and desserts, but this just isn't anywhere near as good of a deal as the Soiree. I chose to give up the fireworks last year to do other things, but that really isn't an option here since that is the main cost for this package. I just think with the additional $30 last year you got so much more. (viewing for parade, fireworks & castle show, special magic shot photo, the Soiree, custom printed menu, custom lanyard, cup, drink stirrer, light-up ice cube...its just stuff, but it is stuff you get)

I keep seeing this mentioned (the losing 3 hours of party time).

For us, it's not the case. We typically start staking out our parade/fireworks spot around 8:00...and we generally don't move until the fireworks are over. That's about 2 hours+ (since Hallowishes starts at 10:15 this year).

While checkin will start around 7:30, you'll be able to check in right up until about 8:30, when the parade starts (as per our phone CM and last years experiences).

And then you'll move to Tomorrowland around 9:15-ish, when the parade finishes, sit, eat, and watch the fireworks (and, maybe, an instance of the castle show depending on how long it takes to get there).

While you can say you're probably not getting a huge gain, and while some smaller parties are a bit more "nimble" so it takes them less time, and they have more options, for viewing spots...I just don't see how party goers are sacrificing a LOT more party time than, say, the person who wants to watch the first parade and Hallowishes, anyway.

The value calculation likely will be personal, based on what portions of last year's soiree you found valuable vs those you did not. Again, I've seen plenty of reviews that were not so positive, and bemoaned the lack of value, and the "rushed" feeling of the party, itself. And I've read others from folks that loved it.

 

[pilferk]

The one thing I will be paying VERY close attention to is "the herding process" and the parade check in reports. IF those turn out to be poorly thought out, or have poor logistical outcomes...we'll cancel. I don't mind being herded like sheep...provided the herding is efficient, and we get a decent amount of time to graze prior to the fireworks.

But to us..it's worth the "risk" to book, for now. We're not til mid October...plenty of time to read reviews!

 

[kimieko]

I hope you don't give up 3 hours. People that have done the regular dessert party and those who did villains soiree last year said they showed up 15-30 minutes prior to the parade at the VIP viewing spot and had greats spots for the parade. If that is also the case with Hallowishes Dessert party, for us it'll be well worth it. We waited for 2 hours last year for MVMCP for the parade to get a great spot. I am anxious for reviews because if you really do have to show up at 7:30 to get a decent spot in the VIP area for the parade, I will cancel. I can do that for free.

I would be worried that the viewing area may be a little more difficult to get to if you wait until later, with the main street crowds especially since the second parade is now at 11:15, I would assume the first parade will be more crowded and with more strollers. There were plenty of people that had to stand last year in the viewing area, but I don't think there was a "bad" view. We sat front row for the parade but were there at the earliest time. The majority of the front row seating (sitting on the ground) was taken within the first 30 minutes or so. I'm not sure if this new area is larger or not so it may accommodate more sitting guests around the area.

 

[Grace W]

No one is making you spend the extra $ nor should anyone be criticized for doing so. No matter how you feel Disney will keep doing these add on hard ticket things... Example frozen add on going on now.

Right, I think either way, it comes down to the business of things. If they can charge for it, they will. Its all about the $$$

 

[Aurora0427]

The one thing I will be paying VERY close attention to is "the herding process" and the parade check in reports. IF those turn out to be poorly thought out, or have poor logistical outcomes...we'll cancel. I don't mind being herded like sheep...provided the herding is efficient, and we get a decent amount of time to graze prior to the fireworks.

But to us..it's worth the "risk" to book, for now. We're not til mid October...plenty of time to read reviews!

I totally agree with this. We have to do the early parade because I don't know if my 4 year old will make the late parade. She did in December for MVMCP, but I don't want to risk it. For us, the party is about trick or treating, the parade, fireworks, and meeting Maleficent. We have to meet Maleficent. LOL

 

[Aurora0427]

I would be worried that the viewing area may be a little more difficult to get to if you wait until later, with the main street crowds especially since the second parade is now at 11:15, I would assume the first parade will be more crowded and with more strollers. There were plenty of people that had to stand last year in the viewing area, but I don't think there was a "bad" view. We sat front row for the parade but were there at the earliest time. The majority of the front row seating (sitting on the ground) was taken within the first 30 minutes or so. I'm not sure if this new area is larger or not so it may accommodate more sitting guests around the area.

The one thing I am worried about is that we are going to the 10/25 parade, so I bet it will be more crowded than a party in September. So you may be totally right about having to show up earlier to get a decent spot.

 

[thedjwaver]

Regardless I am gonna Show up at 8 pm for the parade and go to dessert party afterwards. This will keep me from spending upwards to an hour sitting and waiting for the parade to start. At least I know I got a Decent area I can go to view the Parade and not be behind the "father with his child on his Shoulders" in front of me for either the parade or fireworks. I plan to stay till close at the party and usually everything empties out the last hour or so.

 

[pilferk]

I totally agree with this. We have to do the early parade because I don't know if my 4 year old will make the late parade. She did in December for MVMCP, but I don't want to risk it. For us, the party is about trick or treating, the parade, fireworks, and meeting Maleficent. We have to meet Maleficent. LOL

For us, too! We might throw in a ride on Haunted Mansion and Pirates..but that's probably about it. We have 2 other full days at MK...we're not there to ride the attractions that night. But I know for others, that's a big thing!

 

[DisneyMooners2010]

Don't call the number listed on page 9- it is someone's room- -

I am booked for 11/1

Oh no! I updated it. So sorry. It was really early and I hadn't had my coffee. I feel terrible!

 

[pilferk]

Parks blog now has the info up:

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/

From that..this is a nice little souvenir giveaway:

Have a toast with family and friends with sparkling cider! And a skull mug filled with candy is your very own trick-or-treat takeaway.

 

[jpeden]

Honestly, since we had already scheduled a dessert party, we're just subbing this one in for the original one. There's a chance that if there's a decent spot to view the parade off of main street, we might skip the reserved parade viewing area and just go straight to the dessert party afterwords (which per the phone CM is allowed). We'll make that decision night-of, but for us, since the original Wishes Dessert Party felt like it just wasn't right in our schedule, this works out nicely for us. I understand why people think it's not as good of a value as the Soiree, and they're most likely correct. But, I do think the price is fair for the event when you look at what you're getting and how much the standard Dessert Party costs.

 

[jcjen519]

I couldn't book for 5 online for 10/31 but called and was able to get it. I'm disappointed there isn't more to this party but the parade viewing is enough for me to buy.

 

[patrickpiteo]

Oh no! I updated it. So sorry. It was really early and I hadn't had my coffee. I feel terrible!

LOL yea thanks.. the guy thought I was his wake up call