Grand Gatherings question

[Samsma]

If you do not have the required 8 people for a grand gathering event- (fireworks cruise)- but are willing to pay for 4 absent "people" will they allow just 4 to go? The one with the pirate, and snacks sounds so much better, also I believe the music is piped in and the regular cruise is not.

 

[prplcrzy]

I can't answer your pay for 4 question, but wanted to let you know that we did the Magical Fireworks Voyage and loved it. We had alot of fun and the music was piped in! Wishes wouldn't be the same without listening to the soundtrack.

Good luck!

 

[micmacmissy]

I don't know the answer to your question but have one of my own...we have 9 going in December, they offered me a Grand Gatherings package but I had no idea what it was....am I missing out on something? What do they offer?

Thanks!

 

[Samsma]

You would have access to special events such as the Pirates Cruise I'm after, which involves watching Wishes from a boat with a Pirate Captain, and reportedly a meeting with Peter Pan. Also another perk is the Illuminations viewing with special seating and dessert I believe. Just look on the website under "Grand Gatherings" and it should outline them for you. You do have to pay a price, I think it's $29.00 each for the cruise, but I think that would be worth it.

Does anyone else know if you can pay for "empty seats"?

 

[shoes99]

If you book a grand gathering, you must give them the names of all the people in your group, including ages, hotel they are staying at, and the all important resort confirmation....They do check...
Then you can book your very expensive grand gathering events.
We have the fireworks cruise, AK Dinner and Tony's breakfast booked for the end of October.
They called me Saturday because one of my reservations for the cruise has a contact name that does not match reservations. I had to tell them that my niece is staying with me at OKW, and the reservation is in my name, not hers....
On Saturday they told me that 90% of the guests must be staying at a Disney resort....(last time they said 80%)....

 

[micmacmissy]

shoes99

Do you know what time the Fireworks Cruise starts or finishes? We have young kids in our party who don't stay up very late. Also, are you on a boat just with your family, or are you crammed in with others? It sounds like fun, but it wouldn't be worth it for me unless it was a really personalized experience.

I was also looking at the AK Safari Experience. Again, I'm wondering if it's worth it since I can see the safari and show with my regular park admission. They said it's an extended safari...and then dinner at Tusker House. Is this one any good? Also wondering about times on this--we're staying at the GF but would like the kids in bed at a decent hour or they turn into little monsters!

thanks!

 

[Samsma]

Okay- another question- could you hook up with someone on these boards to finish out the required number of people for any of the events?

 

[shoes99]

The fireworks cruise and dessert reception times depends on the park closing. We have two different groups.
The Sat group has to be at the boat dock by 8:30PM and the fireworks are scheduled for 10PM.
The Monday group has to be at the boat dock by 5:45PM and the fireworks are scheduled for 7:30PM.
For the Safari, we have to meet at the Flights of Wonder Caravan Stage at 4:00PM to check in....I think AK closes at 5PM that day.
We are looking forward to both events.

Yes, you can hook up with someone on these boards to create your own grand gathering group. You must have at least 8 people over the age of 3, with 90% of the group staying on Disney property. Just post your request on the boards. I have seen similar posts.

 

[spooers23]

The cruise time depends on the time of the fireworks. If the Fireworks are @ 10pm check in is @ 8:45pm or 7pm check in is @ 5:45pm.

 

[SnowWhiteIsDreaming]

I am going with 9 people in April (4 in my family, and 5 in my SIL's family). We are all staying at the WL. I don't have a GG #. Do I need one to book the Magical Fireworks Voyage (pirate cruise one).? If so, can I get a GG # after I've already booked the WL? Also, when can I make these reservations (90 days out) and who do I call?

Thanks, Karen

 

[Samsma]

Yes, you can get a number if you have an existing reservation. Just have names, ages, and home addresses for all the people in your party, and where they are staying on site. Call (407) WDISNEY, and push the option for making reservatins for eight or more. Then they call you back in a few days after they've checked your info. They told me I could then call them back 90 days from our desired event date, and make arrangements using our number.