Call me a plan-a-holic! Grand Gathering Questions.

[Rachael Q]

We are already planning our 2008 Disney Trip to coincide with the Disney Marathon.

I have some questions about Grand Gatherings.

Do we have to book rooms through them or can we try for room codes or annual pass rates and still be a grand gathering?

Assuming Grand Gatherings are around in 2008 or a similar format.......
I am looking for reports on ......
The IllumiNations Dinner and Dessert event
The Safari dinner
The Breakfast
and the Magical Fireworks Voyage.

I tried searching the trip reports but couldn't find what I was looking for.

Don't worry about spoiling any surprises, I am the type of person who needs to know everything! But I won't tell the rest of our group.

Rachael

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

We booked a Grand Gathering in August. We had 16 people with 6 rooms booked. Mine was with an AP discount room only, my parents had a AAA discount, my sister (had 2 rooms) had a package deal, 7 for 5 or something like that, my FIL (also had 2 rooms) booked a package through AAA with no discount. So no, you don't all have to book the same way to qualify as a Gathering, you just need 8 people and a gathering #.
The only Gathering Experience we did was the Fireworks Voyage and it is absolutely wonderful! The best thing we planned all week. The view is breathtaking, there just isn't a better place to watch Wishes. The music is piped onto the boat, so it's like you have your own private viewing. Definately do this, it's worth every penny not to have to fight the crowds leaving the park afterwards, find a perfect spot to watch, etc. Have a great time planning!
p.s. I did a trip report back in August on this trip and the Fireworks cruise, if you want to check that board to read it, it may be helpful, as to what worked for us as a group etc.

 

[IluvXU]

We traveled as a Grand Gathering withy my inlaws to WDW in Dec and did the Breakfast at Tony's... it was our last day with most of the group and we had a great time. The breakfast was very filling... lots of food... french toast, fruit, juice, danishes. Plus the characters were great. We had four children under the age of 4- the three big ones had a great time. They even danced with the characters, even to sitting on the floor with them. It was a highlight of our trip. Even after three other character meals this was the nicest. My father in law said it was the best part of the trip- better than Chef Mickeys, MVMCP, Liberty Tree Tavern, and Garden Grille.