Anyone been as a Magical Gatherings group?

[2tinkersmom]

I'm curious to hear from any of you who have been as a Magical Gatherings group, which I guess just means a group over 8 people.
We took our very first trip as a family of four in Jan. 2005 . Believe it or not, right after we got back I found out I was one of 100 winners of a sweepstakes McDonalds was running in the fall......we won an all expenses paid Magical Gatherings trip for 8 to Disney!!!!!! Shock of our lives, we have never won anything before and all I did was enter a code off a box of chicken selects one time!!
Anyway, we have invited my husbands sister, her husband and their three teenagers to go with us (Yes that makes 9, I know, they just have to pay for the extra person). We even get to choose one of their Magical Gatherings experiences.
I've never gone on vacation with that many people before...any tips? Any fun things happen to you? Ages of the cousins will range from 6 to 19. We are going in early June.....how is that time of year?

 

[lovetheworld]

I have recently attended two of the Grand Gathering Events. Last April 04 we enjoyed the Magical Fireworks Voyage and January 05 we attended the the Good Morning Gathering (breakfast at Tony's Town Square).

Let me start with the Magical Fireworks Voyage. It was spectacular! You start off with a Dessert reception at the Conteporary Dock~ sponsored by Toll House. They provided cookies, brownies and other goodies accompanied by your choice of beverage..coffee, soda, water. There was plenty for everyone. Soon Mr. Smee and Captin Hook arrived. They Signed autographs and took pictures. They were there to entertain until it was time to board the boat for our voyage. There were two boats that left the dock each was hosted by a pirate! Our pirate was fantastic! He lead us in a round of "yo ho yo ho" and well as other festive Disney tunes. He also gave away prizes during a round of Disney triva. On the way out to the viewing area for Wishes we came upon the Water Pagent and the music was piped right aboard the ship. We arrived at the perfect spot to view Wishes..on the lagoon facing the Magic Kingdom. The music is right aboard the ship and the show is breath taking from this view. You really can not appreciate the magnitude of the display untill you have been aboard the Firework Voyage. After the show was over and we were on our way back to the dock our pirate host told the story of Peter Pan and we sang some more songs. Waiting for us at the dock was Peter himself! He signed autographs and took pictures. This was well worth the money and was a fantastic event. I am looking forward to doing it again in May 05.

Skip the breakfast at Tony's~ It was crowded. Too many people jammed in one room. The kids ages 6-12 did not like the food. There were no choices. The tables are so tight that the characters can't come to the table. They invite you group by group up front to meet the characters. WE WERE NEVER TAKEN TO SEE THE CHARACTERS. We were the last table seated and the LAST group to have our private meeting with Mickey. So if you choose to do this I would get there VERY early and be the first seated. waited at least a 1/2 hour after our meal to be taken to see the big cheese.(we had already been at the table for over an hour) Although the private time with Mickey was great it was not really worth the time or money.

When you schedule a Grand Gathering you get a special phone number to call and schedule your events. We have ages 8 months to 88years old so we have quite a gang

Hope this helps and have fun and congrats on your prize that is fantastic.