Grand Gathering Meals

[Buzzfanmom]

Hi guys-
Has anyone done any of the special Grand Gathering meals? I'm debating whether we want to do one or not. We have a group of 10 which includes 4 kids ages 14, 4, 2, and 1. If you did one of the meals or fireworks cruise would you mind telling me which ones and what you liked or disliked about them? And did it seem different than the regular character meals or cruises in any way?
Thanks so much!

 

[Dreamin' Disney]

Events or meals for Grand Gatherings are called Magical Gatherings. I did a search on the disboards and entered Grand Gatherings which resulted in a huge list of threads showing questions and answers about all the meals, events and reviews.
Good luck!

 

[Buzzfanmom]

I think I was under the impression that Magical Gatherings are for any size group and Grand Gatherings are for groups of 8 or more. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Dreamin' Disney]

Well, Grand Gatherings are definitely groups of 8 or more, which you have to be to qualify for the events. I think there is a dinner and tour at AK, a dinner and Illuminations special viewing at Epcot, the Magical Fireworks Voyage (but you don't need park admission). I really don't think anyone can do these, unless you are registered as a Grand Gathering. It's probably the only perk I can see to being a GG, other than when we booked, we were told that connecting/adjacent rooms were available to GG registrations. You also have to stay at a Disney resort to qualify.

When I made the reservations for our group of 12 (3 rooms of 4) I was automatically given a Grand Gatherings number. This is the number you use if you wish to make any reservations for the special events, whatever they're called.

 

[Buzzfanmom]

Thanks Dreamin' Disney. We were given the GG number when I booked yesterday. I called later about info on when to book these events which is 90 days out like everything else. It looks like the days they have them scheduled may not coincide with our other plans so I don't know if I can even fit them in. This is a shorter trip for us with only 6 nights so we have to squeeze a lot in. I appreciate your help