Grand Gathering - Magical Firework Voyage

[SuzanneSLO]

With 8 in your group, you might also want to consider booking your own Wishes cruise. When we compared prices for Oct 06, they were very similar, so we opted for the private cruise. Of course, there are no characters (except our boat captain!) on the private cruise, but that wasn't a big deal since we were all adults.

I agree that Wishes from the boat is very impressive, particularly the clarity of the music. Our captain also dropped us off at MK afterwords so that we could see the 2nd viewing of Spectro. That made the evening particularly special!

Best of luck -- Suzanne

 

[MinnesotaChill]

I'd have to strongly disagree with this. I have done the Magical Fireworks Voyage twice and I have seen Wishes from Main St. several times. The view from the boat is far better IMHO. It is truly breathtaking from the water.

Thank you so much for letting us know this! We love Wishes from inside the park, and will probably try to hit that later in the week, but were worried that they wouldn't be as spectacular from outside. Since it is the first time at WDW for the other members of our party and the first night of the trip, I want to make sure it is extra special.

I LOVED the Breathless EPCOT fireworks cruise, but the fireworks weren't nearly as impressive as inside the park. Cruising around Cresent Lake as the only boat on mirrored glass water while the Boardwalk was lit up and watching the absolute and pure joy on my father-in-law's face - THAT was priceless.

 

[Mike]

Thank you so much for letting us know this! We love Wishes from inside the park, and will probably try to hit that later in the week, but were worried that they wouldn't be as spectacular from outside. Since it is the first time at WDW for the other members of our party and the first night of the trip, I want to make sure it is extra special.

I LOVED the Breathless EPCOT fireworks cruise, but the fireworks weren't nearly as impressive as inside the park. Cruising around Cresent Lake as the only boat on mirrored glass water while the Boardwalk was lit up and watching the absolute and pure joy on my father-in-law's face - THAT was priceless.

No problem. I have done the IllumiNations Cruise three times on a regular pontoon boat and I agree, the view is much better on land. On the water, you are close to the action but you do not get the perspective that you need to appreciate the show.

That is not the case with the Magical Fireworks Voyage and Wishes Cruise however. You have a perfect view of the Castle and the fireworks exploding directly over it. And the audio portion of the show sounds terrific over the speakers onboard.

 

[KristineN]

We did a Grand Gathering last December....and are doing another one this December...

My reviews:

Firework Voyage:

Meet on the 2nd floor of the Contemporary...they had prepackaged snacks and desserts, cookies, rice krispy treats etc. Bottled water, canned soda. The entertainment on the boat was pretty good...the kids really enjoyed it. The view of the electrical water parade & the fireworks was great. We will do it again this year.

Safari Celebration:

We did not care for this event at all. There were virtually NO animals present during the safari (Which is not their fault) but it was a big downer. Didn't much care for the entertainment either. I'm glad we tried it...but will NOT do it again this year>

Int'l Dinner & Illuminations:

This was our favorite event...we had a great time. Somehow we ended up on stage! The kids enjoyed the DJ...I thought the food was good...the view for Illuminations was spectacular. No negatives from us. We WILL do this again.

Tony's Good Morning Gathering...

Doing it for the first time this year!

I think like anything else...you will get a wide variety of opinions on these events.

 

[mello]

I'd be curious about the dessert party. I decided against booking the Illuminations GG dinner, too, for the same reason you did. Do they have dessert parties only for such a small number of people? I've only seen them for 50 people or so in the past.

I've been looking for info on them. It looks like they do them for wedding parties and other groups, with minimums of like 30 people. I've seen some posts where people were able to book less people and pay a "small party fee" or some such. Others have invited some fellow Dis-ers to make up the rest of the group. So it looks like there are options. I just haven't figured out exactly who to contact about doing one. It looks like most the wedding people book them through their wedding planners, but there must be someone else to contact.

 

[Scoobypop]

We did a Grand Gathering last December....and are doing another one this December...

My reviews:

Firework Voyage:

Meet on the 2nd floor of the Contemporary...they had prepackaged snacks and desserts, cookies, rice krispy treats etc. Bottled water, canned soda. The entertainment on the boat was pretty good...the kids really enjoyed it. The view of the electrical water parade & the fireworks was great. We will do it again this year.

Safari Celebration:

We did not care for this event at all. There were virtually NO animals present during the safari (Which is not their fault) but it was a big downer. Didn't much care for the entertainment either. I'm glad we tried it...but will NOT do it again this year>

Int'l Dinner & Illuminations:

This was our favorite event...we had a great time. Somehow we ended up on stage! The kids enjoyed the DJ...I thought the food was good...the view for Illuminations was spectacular. No negatives from us. We WILL do this again.

Tony's Good Morning Gathering...

Doing it for the first time this year!

I think like anything else...you will get a wide variety of opinions on these events.

Can you tell me what and where the International Dinner includes and where it is? Where do you sit for Illuminations? How much was it? I'm positive with a little looking around, I could find this info, but since I'm on this link now, perhaps someone could help me out. Thanks!

 

[KristineN]

No seating for the Illuminations viewing...here's the info

International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Reception
Meet your friends and family at the Odyssey in Epcot® for a celebration of international friendship. Your well-traveled and fun-loving hostess, Auntie Roz, welcomes you to amazing tastes from around the world. Help yourself to delectable international cuisine served family-style, where everyone from Grandma to Junior is sure to find a favorite dish.

As you feast, Auntie Roz and some of your favorite Disney Characters sing, dance and tell stories — sometimes they even need your help! And Auntie Roz loves birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions, so if you've got something to celebrate just give her the word and she'll give you plenty of recognition, including a special song.

After your international eating adventure, end your evening on a sweet note with a scrumptious dessert buffet and a private, reserved viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Theme park admission is required.

Price:
Adults and Juniors - $59.99, Children (ages 3-9) - $24.99 (available 180 days prior)

Can you tell me what and where the International Dinner includes and where it is? Where do you sit for Illuminations? How much was it? I'm positive with a little looking around, I could find this info, but since I'm on this link now, perhaps someone could help me out. Thanks!

 

[Inkmahm]

No seating for the Illuminations viewing...here's the info

International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Reception
Meet your friends and family at the Odyssey in Epcot® for a celebration of international friendship. Your well-traveled and fun-loving hostess, Auntie Roz, welcomes you to amazing tastes from around the world. Help yourself to delectable international cuisine served family-style, where everyone from Grandma to Junior is sure to find a favorite dish.

As you feast, Auntie Roz and some of your favorite Disney Characters sing, dance and tell stories — sometimes they even need your help! And Auntie Roz loves birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions, so if you've got something to celebrate just give her the word and she'll give you plenty of recognition, including a special song.

After your international eating adventure, end your evening on a sweet note with a scrumptious dessert buffet and a private, reserved viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Theme park admission is required.

Price:
Adults and Juniors - $59.99, Children (ages 3-9) - $24.99 (available 180 days prior)

What? The only advantage to a reserved viewing area would be that there were seats there instead of having to stand at the railing to wait for and watch the show. Any time I've been to a desset buffet with a group at Epcot, there were seats available for the group.

 

[KristineN]

I truly don't remember seating...

truthfully, (at least we were) at the dinner portion (having photos taken with characters) until 20 minutes or so before Illuminations started. The time we got there...ate from the dessert buffet, drank...the show started very soon thereafter...with 100's of people...the desserts & beverages I can't see where they would have seats set up (at least that I know of) Not sure how I would miss it..although like i said..there were 100's of people.

Keep in mind...you don't have to go stake out a seat...so there is not a lot of waiting for the show to start. The spectacular location was well worth the short stand. Like I said...I have it booked already for this December.

I also agree with you...I have been to a dessert buffet that did have seating..but it certainly did not have enough. I sat on the ledge.

What? The only advantage to a reserved viewing area would be that there were seats there instead of having to stand at the railing to wait for and watch the show. Any time I've been to a desset buffet with a group at Epcot, there were seats available for the group.

 

[Inkmahm]

I truly don't remember seating...

truthfully, (at least we were) at the dinner portion (having photos taken with characters) until 20 minutes or so before Illuminations started. The time we got there...ate from the dessert buffet, drank...the show started very soon thereafter...with 100's of people...the desserts & beverages I can't see where they would have seats set up (at least that I know of) Not sure how I would miss it..although like i said..there were 100's of people.

Keep in mind...you don't have to go stake out a seat...so there is not a lot of waiting for the show to start. The spectacular location was well worth the short stand. Like I said...I have it booked already for this December.

I also agree with you...I have been to a dessert buffet that did have seating..but it certainly did not have enough. I sat on the ledge.

I must be missing something. Where they have the dinner set up fits hundreds of people? Where is the spectacular location for viewing Illuminations- can you tell me which country it is near?

 

[KristineN]

dinner is in the odyssey...I copied & pasted this:

<<<<<After dinner you are lead out to the viewing area in front of the gift shop that is at the beginning of world showcase. It is front and center for viewing the show. This is where desserts are usually served.>>>>>

I must be missing something. Where they have the dinner set up fits hundreds of people? Where is the spectacular location for viewing Illuminations- can you tell me which country it is near?

 

[bobbiwoz]

We did the International Dinner and Illuminations viewing for our GG for my DMom's 85th birthday party in '04. The "no seats" for Illuminations was a real disappointment. However, just the other day, as I was talking to my DSis about the Illuminations cruise we were on last week, she said that she couldn't believe that there was better Illuminations viewing from the water than from the spot that we had for the GG. Even without seating, it was just a perfect place to watch Illuminations. So, in our family, there's a difference of opinion on whether that particular GG event was "worth it." The deserts WERE very tasty!

However, since DSis liked it so much, we would do it again for another GG when our DGC get a bit older.

Bobbi

 

[Inkmahm]

We did the International Dinner and Illuminations viewing for our GG for my DMom's 85th birthday party in '04. The "no seats" for Illuminations was a real disappointment. However, just the other day, as I was talking to my DSis about the Illuminations cruise we were on last week, she said that she couldn't believe that there was better Illuminations viewing from the water than from the spot that we had for the GG. Even without seating, it was just a perfect place to watch Illuminations. So, in our family, there's a difference of opinion on whether that particular GG event was "worth it." The deserts WERE very tasty!

However, since DSis liked it so much, we would do it again for another GG when our DGC get a bit older.

Bobbi

The "no seats" is a deal breaker for me. Sounds like a rip off. Perhaps if there are characters there that may make up a bit for the lack of seats.

The restaurant was the other reason we decided against it. I believe that's the same building that is used during the spring flower event at Epcot and it isn't that big. I'm not sure how it could hold hundreds of people for dinner. We decided that the food was an unknown and we'd rather pick our own restaurants where we wanted to eat.

Also, that would be a pretty good location if you had to exit the park at the front at the end of the show. We'll be walking back to BWV so I'd rather be on the other side of the lake near the bridge than at the Odyssey.

We love the Illuminations cruise and think the view from the pontoon boat at the bridge is great. I've also done the dessert event where you are seated just to the right of the bridge (when looking at the water) near the water. Great views! I'd do the cruise again except we have 12 people and wouldn't fit on the boat.

 

[Inkmahm]

That is not the case with the Magical Fireworks Voyage and Wishes Cruise however. You have a perfect view of the Castle and the fireworks exploding directly over it. And the audio portion of the show sounds terrific over the speakers onboard.

Hmmmm... I'm reconsidering this one. I'll have to check which nights of the week it is offered and see if I can schedule it. May be difficult since our ADRs are done already.

 

[KristineN]

In our group...everyone thought the viewing from the GG event was superior to the Illuminations cruise. Not that we didn't like the cruise view. But for us, this view was great...a

We did the International Dinner and Illuminations viewing for our GG for my DMom's 85th birthday party in '04. The "no seats" for Illuminations was a real disappointment. However, just the other day, as I was talking to my DSis about the Illuminations cruise we were on last week, she said that she couldn't believe that there was better Illuminations viewing from the water than from the spot that we had for the GG. Even without seating, it was just a perfect place to watch Illuminations. So, in our family, there's a difference of opinion on whether that particular GG event was "worth it." The deserts WERE very tasty!

However, since DSis liked it so much, we would do it again for another GG when our DGC get a bit older.

Bobbi

I can understand your disappointment about no seats...again, there was not a lot of time standing around. Good luck with whatever you decide...

The "no seats" is a deal breaker for me. Sounds like a rip off. Perhaps if there are characters there that may make up a bit for the lack of seats.

The restaurant was the other reason we decided against it. I believe that's the same building that is used during the spring flower event at Epcot and it isn't that big. I'm not sure how it could hold hundreds of people for dinner. We decided that the food was an unknown and we'd rather pick our own restaurants where we wanted to eat.

Also, that would be a pretty good location if you had to exit the park at the front at the end of the show. We'll be walking back to BWV so I'd rather be on the other side of the lake near the bridge than at the Odyssey.

We love the Illuminations cruise and think the view from the pontoon boat at the bridge is great. I've also done the dessert event where you are seated just to the right of the bridge (when looking at the water) near the water. Great views! I'd do the cruise again except we have 12 people and wouldn't fit on the boat.

 

[mackeyapp]

We did three Grand Gatherings when we were there Dec.28-Jan 9 and I would have to say we had mixed reviews.

Tony's - Wonderful! That would be the general opinion from our party of 8 with ages from 6-50 yrs. Fun, lively and good breakfast and given the correct time.

Safari-Not Impressed!! We were given the incorrect time and arrived Very Late (by no fault of ours). We were not the only ones there that evening given the wrong time and it ruined our evening. The information I was given when I booked the Safari was totally incorrect and even though it was booked 6 months out we were never sent any corrections. We were very unhappy and although I spoke to someone that evening afterwards I felt it wasn't handled well. Word of warning-Verify your times when you arrive in DW.

Fireworks Cruise-We did this on New Year's Eve and Guess what, we were given the incorrect time once again by the CM that booked this. We arrived seconds before they were to board the boats and totally missed out on the goodies. The tables were virtually bare for the exception of a few gold coins, and sodas. I felt terrible since I booked all these for our two families. We did enjoy the fireworks and I tried to get pass the problem and enjoy the evening. It's great with young kids who may be frightened of the noise. It really does give you a great view and the piped in music drowns out the loud noise.

The moral of this story is check and recheck your times. Some CM are very unprepared with their scripted verse. We learned the hard way and I would hate for someone else to go through that. The fees are too high for such careless mistakes. We were told after the fact that we should have been given itineraries at the resort when we checked in and they would have given us the proper times. Live and Learn!!!

 

[mello]

Don't you mean the Safari Celebration Dinner? The Sunset Safari is limited to AKL and AKV concierge guests, I believe.

We enjoyed the Safari Celebration Dinner very much. The animals were not cooperating that evening, however. I did not get good pics that time.

That's what I meant!

 

[bobbiwoz]

...

The moral of this story is check and recheck your times. Some CM are very unprepared with their scripted verse. We learned the hard way and I would hate for someone else to go through that. The fees are too high for such careless mistakes. We were told after the fact that we should have been given itineraries at the resort when we checked in and they would have given us the proper times. Live and Learn!!!

When we booked the International Dinner we too received a later time than others. The party was well in progress when we got there. I asked and some parties arrived over 1/2 hour before we were told, we were the last party seated. I was told that they stagger times in order not to wait in line for the buffet. Well, there was cold food at the hot buffet! Sometimes I wonder what Disney ever did to get what I perceive as a good reputation for customer service. I have come not to expect very much, but still enjoy the things that do happen "correctly." Every so often I do write a letter when I think improvements can be made. I truly expected the reserved viewing section for Illuminations to have seats, they said they would consider what I said, but apparently, there are still no seats in the section at all and the description is still the same.

Bobbi

 

[wildernessDad]

The moral of this story is check and recheck your times. Some CM are very unprepared with their scripted verse. We learned the hard way and I would hate for someone else to go through that. The fees are too high for such careless mistakes. We were told after the fact that we should have been given itineraries at the resort when we checked in and they would have given us the proper times. Live and Learn!!!

We were not given itineraries either. Perhaps because we made all the arrangements through DVC? Anyway, I pestered the lobby concierge at check in for the meeting times and we got there on time. Definitely double check the times.

They should have made that up to you. That is just sloppy on their, Disney's, part.

 

[mackeyapp]

I can't blame the DVC CM for our mistake. I was booking the entire trip for our firiends and ourselves and all the bookings were done through the regular CM and the CM in the Grand Gathering area. We even booked our first three night at Port Orleans Riverside with our friends to help them get used to everything. There was no reason why we shouldn't have been notified of correction since we all checked in together in the same resort. We eventually moved over to DVC for our first visit home, but I can't blame them for any of our mishaps. If we ran our business that way we wouldn't have a business. They really need to "Pull things together" or they will eventually pay the price.