Anyone Ever Done A Grand Gatherings?

[Jenngoofys]

Anyone have any info on the Grand Gathering events you can do I would appreciate it. Please tell me which one you have done and what you liked and didnt like about them. We are thinking of trying one on our next trip and arent sure which one yet. Thank you.

 

[Jenngoofys]

There are 3 different experiences you can only do if you are a Grand Gatherings. I just want to know if you have tried one and what you thought of it please.

 

[boltfan]

My family did a grand gathering in Dec. 04. We did the safari after hours that included dinner. It was a lot of fun. That's the only one we did, but we could have done a special Illuminations party, but my sister didn't want to. You should go on Allears. They have a lot of info.

 

[kimara]

In 2008 we were a Grand Gathering. We only did the Safari Celebration dinner. We really enjoyed it and wish we could do it on our next trip but there will only be four of us
From Grandma to the small children, we all enjoyed it.

 

[spokanemom]

In Jan 09 we did the GG Illuminations Dinner. We enjoyed it. We met at the Odyssey restaurant where we had a nice buffet dinner. During dinner, there was a bit of a show and some dancing. After dinner was really nice though. We went to a special roped off area for our Illuminations viewing. There were desserts and drinks to enjoy during the viewing. Although there were no seats, everyone was very accommodating for those of us that are a bit more vertically challenged than others!

We were on the DDP and used 2 credits for this (if I remember correctly) and we all thought it was well worth it. To compensate, we just paid OOP for a TS breakfast instead.

 

[kristenhh]

We did the Illuminations dinner in 2008 and we did not enjoy it. Hopefully they have improved, but it was not worth 2 TS credits, or 1 for that matter. The food at the buffet was mediocre and cold. The service was terrible. We received our drinks after we had finished eating...my sister in law finally got up and grabbed a pitcher of water from a nearby station. Also, at that time, the DDP brochure stated that the gratuity was included in the package. Our "waiter" however, told us it was not and made us pay. Sorry for the rant! My suggestion is a signature restaurant instead.

 

[donnyj]

my family and I are considering doing the breakfast grand gathering at Tony's. Any thoughts?

 

[4forthemouse]

We have done all 3 Grand Gathering events. We all LOVED Tony's. Tony is a hoot and a fantastic host. The kids liked the character time, dancing, pins. I would recommend it, especially if you're on the dining plan - it's only 1 dining credit, includes the tip, and has great entertainment value.

International Dinner/Illuminations was fine. The kids liked the storytime and Roz. We thought the food was pretty good. It rained that night so the desserts were all inside - nothing special - and the weather was bad enough we didn't attend Illuminations.

The safari celebration was great. The safari ride, chocolate cake, music, live animals and characters were all super. Would definitely go again and recommend it to others.

 

[Peter Pan's Girl]

Have done 2, the illuminations dinner and Tony's. Definitely prefer Tony's! Pre-plated, all you can eat, family style breakfast. Food was good and hot. There was ample character time, dancing w/ the characters and a family photo w/ Mickey. The only negative was that it didn't finish until about 10:30, so rope drop touring that day was out. We also received a pin (which you will get one from each of the GG meals) and a FP to use at any time of the day for Mickey's Philharmagic. I was less than impressed w/ the illuminations dinner. The food was mediocre at best & lukewarm since it is not prepared in the Odyssey bldg (rather prepared, transported and reheated in chaffing dishes-yuK!). For 2 TS credits I can think of much better meals. However, if you have little ones who would like to dance on the dance floor w/ Minnie & Mickey, or if the preferred Illuminations spot is important to you (like a super crowded time of year), then it does have some value. Just my two cents worth!

 

[Jenngoofys]

Thank you all so much this will help us in our decision making