Grand Gathering Safari Dinner

[laurabelle]

I just booked this and can't seem to find info other than that the dinner is held at Tusker House and it's family style. What were the food offerings? Do they have typical kid's food for my picky eater too? Can you order beer or wine? Thanks!

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

The food offering for adults are Africian dishes. My DH, DB & DSIL really enjoyed all the different offerings. For me, I stuck with the childrens menu which was the regular chicken strips and mac & cheese.

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

I do not remember about the beer and/or wine. I know that I did not have it to drink.

 

[angelsmom920]

We just did this in April. The dinner offerings were salmon, roasted chicken in a pineapple glaze (delicious) and prime rib. There were lots of different breads and a vegetable soup and another soup to start. There were also a couple of salads to start. The sides with the meals were bean fritters, veggies and roasted potatoes. I know I am missing a bunch of food too! The desert was chocolate cake, fruit and baklava. Everything was very very good and they did have a children's menu. They did have beer and wine (the berr was very good). The food is served family style so they bring big platters out and keep refilling them as the meal goes on. Have a great trip!

 

[bellenbuzz]

We are a group of 10ppl going this November. I am having trouble finding much on this also. DIS Boards doesn't have very much on this topic...
I'd like to hear more about this Safari Event and any of the others offered too!!
Was the Safari different then the regular one??
Is there any form of entertainment ?? Characters ??
I read somewhere they bring in animals for a hands on thing ???
THANKS

 

[tiggerluver12]

Thanks Bellenbuzz for asking those questions!!! We have a Grand Gathering of 11 going in November, too, and have been trying to find information about this event, also. We are hoping to do this Safari Dinner on Thanksgiving Day.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

We met at Wonders of Flight Pavilion. Started with brief introduction and "streetmosphere" type entertainment. We then went out to a reserved viewing area for the Jungle Jammin Parade. Back in for more entertainment. Then walked to Safari. When we got on we were told that the Safari would be slower than usual and might even stop for photo opportuniteis. Also we did not have any poacher involvement. After the Safari we went to Tusker House where each group was assigned specific tables. There was music and other entertainment during the meal. We had some animal handlers show up with small creatures for the kids, as well as some educational information. Also character visits. Finally we were escorted out of the park. There were some groups where the people had come using Disney Transportation, when we got out of the park those groups were met by buses to take them to their resort.

 

[lovewdwdvc]

How much was the event, how long did it last and would you recommend it for a grand gathering of 9 people mostly kids 5-9.

Thanks thanks thanks

 

[laurabelle]

Thank you all so much for the detailed info! Very helpful! I hadn't heard about the special parade viewing area. I have never been in AK later in the day, so I've always missed the parade. I'm really looking forward to this!

 

[bellenbuzz]

When you say "went back in for more entertainment", what kind ?? And Back in Where ??
Also, I didn't know about the Parade Viewing, nice touch !!
What Characters come around & visit ??
About the Safari, Was it Slower ??? Did you ever Get Out of Vehicle for Photos ??
Yes, and another Question previous poster asked, what time did this start and what time did it end ???
Nice touch with the busses waiting, I didn't even think about that !!!
It LOVE Details, it makes the planning so much more exciting !!!!
THANKS
DD age 4 loves picking out the Smilie Dudes For Me !!

 

[tiggerluver12]

Wow!!! Thanks Cheshire Figment for the awesome information - although can you please fill in the blanks with more specific information, if you can remember???? Sound like ya'll had a wonderful time and Disney really does a good job on these kinds of events. Can't wait to get there!!!!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Answering some questions.

You go back into the Wonders of Flight area and there are a couple of streetmosphere people to keep you occupied until actual official park closing time, when you then walk to the Safari.

The Safari is slower but you definitely do not get off.

I don't remember which characters.

If Park Closing was schedule for 5, it started some time after 4 and ended about 8. Again, I did not keep track.

I think that kids in the 5-9 range would really enjoy it.

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

I don't remember which characters.

This I remember...............we had Timon from Lion King and Terk from Tarzan. Our children got to spend alot of time with them.

 

[tiggerluver12]

Do you remember how many people participated in the event. I know that more than 1 Grand Gathering group are involved. But, I'm just wondering about how many people will be with us.

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

Do you remember how many people participated in the event. I know that more than 1 Grand Gathering group are involved. But, I'm just wondering about how many people will be with us.

Since it was off season when we went (early December), each group got their own CM, bus for the safari and sat at their own table for dinner. Our CM told us that if possible, they like to separate the groups.

 

[laurabelle]

I asked how many total guests could be on the safari dinner and the CM told me the limit is 134. I think that's great if they can seperate the groups and make it even more intimate.

 

[TwingleMum]

I think everyone covered most of the happenings. For our group they brought a tararentula (sp) which the boys thought was really cool. After dinner they had African musicians play and then brought out instruments for the kids to play along it was wonderful. I remember the food being very good and them bringing as much as you wanted. My DH got a really wonderful glass of African red wine. I wish we knew what it was I'd love to get him a bottle. This was a really romantic time for DH & I even though we were with our 3 kids and about 12 other family members. We honeymooned in Africa for 6 weeks and did many game runs, so it was a trip down a special memory lane for us. We just kept looking at one another smiling and DH kissed my hand and told me he loved me.... Priceless

 

[bellenbuzz]

I could not find any details on this event...SO a Big Thanks for all this terrific information!!!
It sounds wonderful !
We have a group of 10 & I will be making our ADR's this Monday Morning....
One Question: Did you call regular Disney Dining to reserve/book this OR did you call the Grand Gatherings phone number ???

 

[laurabelle]

TwingleMum- What a sweet story! Romance is where you make it!

bellenbuzz- You call the grand gatherings phone number to book the dinner.

I'm so excited! Thanks to everyone for all the detailed info! It sounds like a wonderful experience!

 

[tripplanner2]

Was the beer and wine included in the price or did you have to pay oop for it?

I really appreciate all the info on this as it is really difficult to find. I was originally looking for menus when I found this thread.