Last night I was with a group of friends who hold an "Unofficial Disneyana Non-Convention" every two years. It is set up as a Grand Gathering plus special events. Last night we did the Magical Fireworks Voyage. I have done this GG experience three times in the past, and I was extremely disappointed with it this time. The voyage itself was unchanged, with a "pirate" on board leading fun and games, with prizes for a triva and of course the excellent view of Wishes! with the music piped in. (Actually last night we saw Hallowishes and I think the view was much better than from in the park.) The problem was beforehand. I don't know if this is regular, or just anticipating cold weather, but instead of the dessert buffet being outside near the Contemporary dock it was inside one of the 2nd floor ballrooms. We still had Capt Hook and Mr Smee, and of course a couple of pirate skeleton statues. Although the price has gone up since I was last on, the food quality has gone down tremendously. There used to be one or two tables with a large assortment of fresh pastries, brownies, fruit and other dessert items. Now there is a table with prepackaged snacks. The items included brownies (marked "prepared for Walt Disney World" and pretty yucky), cookies (marked "Made in Canada for Walt Disney World"), cotton candy, pretzels (plain and yogurt coated), and the one redeeming feature, silver dollar sized chocolate "coins". In addition, you used to, when boarding, receive a six-inch diameter wrapped fresh Nestle's Toll House cookie to prevent starvation while on the voyage, this is no longer done either. In all, I do not expect to go one one of these again (unless someone else is paying) as the value has dropped significantly.
That is really sad to hear as I was hoping to do one of these with my parents next year! Oh well, we wil just have to think of something else to spend that $$$ on!
Were the drinks set up the same? We did this 2 years ago and it was "inside" on the second floor. I did not know that they did it outside. I really did not get to sit and enjoy any of the desserts because I had 4 little ones running around to see the characters. But, this year it will be my family of 6 and my parents. I hope that we are not disappointed. The kids are older so I was really looking forward to getting the full effect! Has anyone else done this GG cruise lately? Please speak up! If it is going downhill then I would like my $200 back! ha! So they did not give you cookies while you were on the boat? Did they do the prizes with the kids? Thanks for anymore information!
A group of DISers just did this cruise on October 27th. I agree with the original poster about the dissappointment of the desserts and being up on the second floor instead of outside. I talked to some employees that night and I plan on voicing my complaints to Disney in the morning. Our group spent over a thousand dollars and I do not think we got our money's worth on the pre-packaged snacks. The rest of the voyage was great! Would I pay that kind of money again for the snacks that were offered "NO".
Oh, that is horrible!!! We went 2 yrs ago with family and really enjoyed it. The prepacked "snacks" sound pretty tacky. Hope they change it back - it was great fun!
