Grand Gathering question

[IluvXU]

How crowded is this breakfast?
The room at Tony's (the back one near the kitchen was full) but the front room (glass enclosed) was empty. I am not sure if since it was a slow time(early Dec) if that was why there were not more families.
It was a much smaller crowd than Chef Mickeys, Liberty Tree Tavern and the Garden Grille. I felt as it was intimate, and more character time was available. I have never went to a character breakast at WDW, we have always done dinners, so I can't compare it for you in that way. I would highly recommend it for a large group because you CAN't do it with a group smaller than 8! They also did announcements of special occasions too.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Thanks very much for the details!!! As aways our Dis family knows more than WDW Planning. They had no info for me either! I asked which characters and was told Disney ones. Well I figured that out all by myself!

 

[Fridye]

DMRick -- Where in Epcot did you eat the Illuminations dinner? Where did they seat you for Illuminations and was the view good? Thanks!

 

[junebug]

bump

I would also like to know about the location of the illuminations dinner, and viewing area. Thanks!!

 

[Fridye]

Bump -- Anyone with more info on the Illuminations dinner? Thanks!

 

[5dizneynutz]

***Bump***

 

[Turner5]

I'd like more info on Illuminations Grand Gathering, too. At what age are kids considered adults for this? It is quite expensive.
Thanks!

 

[bobbiwoz]

We did the Illuminations Dinner for our Grand Gathering. The buffet was just OK, some of the food was cold. We were brought hot portions by the waitstaff. There really wasn't entertainment as such, well, mother-son dancing time, sort of like at a wedding. There's photo opportunity with Minnie and Goofy, and our gathering photo is really a good one. The event was held at the Oddessy restaurant.

The place for viewing Illuminations was fine. There was a small roped off area behind the store that's at the entrance for World Showcase, if you're walking from Spaceship Earth. However, there weren't seats, you were squooshed up against the railing, not really VIP viewing, as they claimed.

We were celebrating mom's 85th birthday, and this is what she chose as the special event. It was OK, but I don't think any of the 13 people in our group would do it again. I sent WDW a letter, in the very least, I think it was over-priced.

Bobbi

 

[DMRick]

Gosh, we had a much better time. Our food was great..piping hot and a great variety. The usual children's stuff, and food representing several countries. Some was being made while we waited. The waitress was attentive. The entertainment was fun, although we were a little bit away from it. My sister was retired, and they found out asking questions while we waited to get in, and called her up. They then had a dance for the people they called up, as well as the kids and a few adults dancing. The same place for illuminations with wonderful wonderful desserts, and there was limited seating, but most were standing. The view was definately VIP, and it was just great. I don't know if I would spend $60 a person to do it a gain, but was very glad we did it the once. We somehow missed the pictures.

 

[junebug]

Thanks for the replies! My Family will be doing this the end of May.

 

[klapham]

Hi - we just returned from a grand gathering trip to Disney. The safari was great and the dinner afterwards was even better. The food was fabulous, the waiters were wonderful and the guides for the safari were also terrific. I would highly recommend it!! We also did the Good Morning Breakfast at Tony's Town Sqare. Again everything couldn't have been better. There were lots of characters, the food was wonderful. They danced and sang with the kids and there was a private picture taking session with Mickey afterwards. We also did the Magical Firework Voyage which I thought was a bit disappointing. It was somewhat disorganized and we were only told to go to the marina at the Contemporary Resort. Once there, we had to ask around to find out where to go. There was a dessert reception with Capt. Hook and Smee at the Resort which was very nice. After that, the characters walked us out to the boat which was only the boat that they use to ferry people back and forth. Patch the pirate was there to take us on the cruise. He was great and very entertaining, but we were expecting a pirate ship. Also, for the fireworks, they anchored the boat at a spot which made it almost impossible to see most of the fireworks because of the way the wind was blowing. All the smoke from the fireworks blocked our view. All in all, it was fun, but I wouldn't do that again. We decided not to do the Illuminations dinner because of the price. Instead, we got priority seating at the Rose & Crown Pub in Epcot. It's right on the lagoon and if you can get seating outside on the deck, you can see the fireworks from your table and the music is piped in. It was absolutely fantastic and you don't want to miss it!!!

 

[barb45]

klapham - How would you compare the breakfast at Tony's Town Square with a regular character breakfast? What are the differences?

 

[klapham]

This was our first trip to Disney so I don't know what the regular character breakfasts are like but I thought this one was just wonderful. Tony (the owner with an Italian accent - very funny and good with the kids) came around to each table and interacted with all the kids, he sang songs and got the kids up with Chip & Dale to sing and dance. All the characters came to each table for autographs and pictures with each child. They also had Goofy and Pluto and at the end, they took each group into a private area for photos and autographs with Mickey. They give everyone, even adults, a pin that says Good Morning Gathering and apparently, the pins for the grand gatherings can't be purchased anywhere else. The food is great - eggs, juice, bacon, sausage, french toast and fruit for the kids, sweet rolls. They really make sure that each child spends time with each character. They don't hurry you and because they come to each table separately, you're not standing in line to try to get close to a character.