Here is my experiences for 8/20.
5 things before:
1.This was a last minute trip planned for AP SWGE previews. We were only in DW for 3 nights.
2.We went to the 1st party last year, so we had lower expectations for this night.
3. We did EMM here so hit most of the rides we wanted. Skipped overlays since we did last year.
4. I had a screaming headache almost all night, so our night was not a typical touring night.
5. We had both dessert parties planned, so fireworks and parade were not an issue.
I asked DS7 before we left what his priority was. He said if Stitch's line or Jafar's lines were not bad he'd do those, otherwise candy and a couple of MSs.
I wanted the MSs on Main Street, and the hitchhiking ghosts. Anything more was a bonus (we have headless horseman from last year)
We arrived from WL to MK around 6. Got right in, walked the back path. Headed to see what waits were like in the Tomorrowland area. Stitch's wait was way out to the end of the building, so that was a no go. We checked Buzz, still at 30ish. So we walked around back to see if Fab 5 had started lining up and a CM said they do not come out until 7, so we walked past LM ride, and Photographer had no line. I asked if she had magic shots, thinking it was the crab, to my surprise it was the fire pumpkin.
Rode IASW since it was 5 min.
Party:
TOT at Jamboree Bears right at 7, walked straight thru quickly.
Went to TOT behind Splash
TOT by BTMR
walked thru to see JC line wayyyy backed up, and Jafar's line was longer than DS was comfortable with. So headed back thru to HM, that line was backed way out as well
BUT Hatbox ghost MS was only 5-10 min, so we did it.
Went to Gazebo, line for Gavediggers was I am guessing 20 minutes? We did it last year, so skipped it this time. BUT, no wait for hitchhiking ghosts!!
As we walked thru Main Street, found a Photographer with no line, so we knocked out those MS! We ended up with 2 different burning pumpkin shots, both diff backgrounds and poses tho.
Tot at Monsters around 8ish, long line, but little stopping.
Did COP, didn't realize it was an applesause.
Went to check in for plaza dessert party bcuz my headache was making me feel nauseous.
We were among maybe 2 other people, lol. Ate some desserts, rested. Watched a bit of castle show from our table.
Headed back out to Monsters Tot one last time and sat for a bit to watch.
Bathroom break and went to get a spot in garden early so I could lay down. Caught some of parade from our spot, not a good view, but could see some.
Projections were great. I wish I wouldn't have read other reviews/opinions prior to, bcuz they were in my head while I watched. lol
After fireworks we went straight down to Cruella's.
Got some food and drinks, DS enjoyed the pizza. I didnt eat much so can't give a review on the food. Cruella was out and about mingling, but didn't do a great job of hitting tables. Infact, a couple of women sitting by me at parade view were not happy with Cruella part. I didn't need a pic with her, I wasn't sure I could smile at this point bcuz of my headache.
We went over to parade spot at 11. Glad I did bcuz we got a bench. There was curb space open in our area, but it filled up quickly.
There was no curb space open that I saw around Tony's. (I looked to see if I wasted my money.
)
Once parade started my head was not as bad, thank goodness, bcuz I could enjoy my FAV part of this night.
We left after that, I needed my bed.
For me, in my condition, I was happy to have both dessert parties. Gave me plenty of breaks from crowds and craziness to rest.
YMMV
Sorry so long!
ETA:We came home with 3+ pounds of candy between the 2 of us.