MVMCP Dessert Party + Parade

Has anyone had success attending the dessert party at MVMCP and then viewing the 11p parade? Or is it better to see the 8:30 and then do the dessert party? I don’t think they offer reserved parade seating, so wondering what the best strategy is to do both.

My plan is to do the dessert party and then the parade (I have Plaza Garden Viewing of the fireworks)
From what I’ve read, understand and from experience that 2nd parade will have way less people jostling for a spot than the first.

I would probably see the first parade and then do the dessert party.