Grand Gathering's Illumination dinner at Epcot

[*CheshireCat*]

Hi Everyone!

Was wondering if anyone has experienced the Grand Gathering's Illumination dinner at Epcot and would love to hear your opinions on it

Thanks so much!

Me (31)
DH (32)
DD (7)
DD (5)
DD (3)
DD (11 months)

 

[disneymath]

We did this on our trip in 2006 ... there were six adults (3 in their 50s-60s, 3 in their late 20s) and two teens (15 and 12).

We really enjoyed the food at the International Dinner part. The entertainment (Auntie Roz, etc.) was cute - every group got recognized. It was definitely more for kids though ... Minnie and Goofy arrived at the end and that was a nice surprise - it seemed that everyone, young and old, opted to get photos with the characters.

The IllumiNations Dessert Reception part was fantastic. The desserts were very good and the view of IllumiNations was amazing.

I would recommend it. (If you are on the basic dining plan it is 2 credits ... which worked out well for us as we had a few days off property and credits to spare. Others might recommend that in terms of "value" for your credits you would be better off paying Out of Pocket for this experience.)

 

[*CheshireCat*]

Thanks so much for your response! It makes us even more psyched for the event!!

 

[Disneycrazymom]

I would like to book this for our gathering in June.

Do I have to wait until next Saturday when our 90 day window opens or can I do it now?

Is there a schedule I can see somewhere to help me plan which night it is offered while we are there and what time it begins.

Thanks so much!

 

[disneymath]

I would like to book this for our gathering in June.

Do I have to wait until next Saturday when our 90 day window opens or can I do it now?

Is there a schedule I can see somewhere to help me plan which night it is offered while we are there and what time it begins.

Thanks so much!

Our trip is 2006 was booked within the 180 day window ... I think, but am not 100% sure, that you would have to wait for your 90 day mark now.

This link gives you the dates each GG is offered through to the end of June 2009.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/Grandgathering-calendar.htm

Hope this helps.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Thank-you so much for the link!

Here is the information I found today. It is the 180 day window for booking. The June 26th Illuminations has 5 spots open but they can only book a group of 8 or larger.

She suggested I continue to call back. The number to call on the Disney site will not take you directly to Grand Gatherings (1-407-939-62442) I got there but went through lots of promps first. She said to call 1-407-939-7526. You must pay for the entire thing 45 days in Advance.

 

[Aye Sea Turtles]

We did this back in November of 2007, it was absolutely wonderful! I recommend it very highly.

 

[MariaEllerºoº]

Our family booked this Grand Gathering experience August 2007 and to be honest we did not care for it at all. The food was cold and the entertainment was a joke. I could see where young children would like this, but felt the entertainment wasn't up to Disney standards. Disney normally does everything so well that this really threw us for a loop.

Now, the desserts and VIP viewing section of Illuminations was absolutely wonderful!!! The only thing I wish Disney would have done would be to set up tables and chairs in the viewing section to make it easier to enjoy the desserts and Illuminations. Everyone was standing as they normally do to watch Illuminations and trying to get right up to the railing...people were spilling their drinks and dropping desserts on other people.

I'm glad we tried it, but we will never book this event again.

 

[MariaEllerºoº]

Here are a couple of pics:

 

[MariaEllerºoº]

 

[*CheshireCat*]

Thank you all for the input!