Perspective from a first time party goer. We have never been to a party (have done a couple dessert parties and two EMM mornings, but have never been there for a party). This was our experience (myself, DD20, DD17, my dad age 78 and loves Disney).
Arrived at 5:15pm by choice - knew we could have arrived earlier but didn't think we could do it all with my dad if we were in the heat at 4. HOWEVER, the weather was the best evening August weather ever!
Did the By-pass, got our candy bags, saw Monsters Inc Laugh Floor show
Used our FP for Haunted Mansion at 6:00pm (made it just in time)
We had supper at Cosmic Rays at 6:30, just before party started.
We noticed CM's in a line making sure that people without bands were not getting on any rides. They were very actively getting non-party guests to leave, so that was good to see.
The rest of the night...
-rode Buzz Lightyear, IASW, Winnie the Pooh, People Mover, Pirates (so much fun!!!), Haunted Mansion
-saw the women / show on HM lawn, saw Cadaver Dans,
-did a ton of trick or treating
-saw 2nd parade
-did plaza dessert party
The only downside to the night were certain aspects of the dessert party. We went to check in at 8:40pm (tried to check in earlier but they were not open-
@joviroxx asked me to reply back regarding check in). We were checked in by 9:10 and put in a corner that was so difficult to navigate around. The line for desserts were so long and they ran out of the cider which was so good- we wanted a second glass but could not get one. Also could not get more than 3 chocolate covered strawberries for our family of 4. But, overall, desserts were nice, as was the fruit / cheese / cheeseburger egg rolls. The viewing at the plaza garden was good. We walked over and sat on grass about about 10:10 and the firework show started just after 10:15 (people stood up at this time). I have read mixed reviews here, but we loved the projections, story, music, fireworks. My dad thought it was the best evening ever. I would pay for the dessert party again as it allowed him / us to sit for an hour and relax, then have a space for the show.
We left about 12:30pm.
Fantastic night overall. I will say again that the weather was so great - I'm sure if it was raining or too hot, it would have made it more difficult with my dad, but the cool breeze was fantastic.
Thought it was a one and done, but we will go to a party again if it's offered when we're there next August.