Hi Peter,
Bonjour from Canada! Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel and thank you for asking us a question.
The
Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing truly is my favourite way to see
Happily Ever After. Based on my experience, you can absolutely check in after your designated reservation time. All this means is that you’ll have less time to feast prior to heading to the Plaza Garden Viewing area in order to get a good spot for the show. Guests aren’t escorted to the viewing area all at once, but rather in waves as people are done eating. This means that people who finish their dessert selections earlier get more choices when it comes to viewing spots.
You can absolutely stay in the Plaza Gardens area to see
Once Upon a Time after the fireworks. In fact, the area is open to all Guests once Happily Ever After is over, so you can come and go as you please (though no spot will be reserved for you for that show).
I hope my answer helps you plan your upcoming visit to Walt Disney World Resort. Please don’t hesitate to come back and see us if you have any other questions.
Have a Magical Day,
Lynne