Grand Gatherings tips

[klapham]

We are going to Disney on 9/25/04 - 8 adults (grandparents) and 6 kids. This is our first time and we are doing the grand gathering thing. I know that as a group this large, we are able to get special seating at certain functions but those are only 4 functions. I'm wondering if anyone else has done this and if they have any recommendations for dinner, character meals, etc. and just in general, the best things to do. We are staying in cabins at Ft. Wilderness campground. Thanks!

 

[mommystieg]

We did a GG in June with 14 family members (5 families including 2 grandparents and 5 kids ranging in age from 13 to 4) and I would do it again in a heartbeat!! We did a couple of group meals (Chef Mickey's on our first night and Crystal Palace on our first MK day)and all met up for Fantasmic! We did an E-Ride Night for the families with kids so they could enjoy some ride time together. We also bought matching shirts in different colors for each family and then did a group photo in front of the castle. We did not tour the parks together but were all pretty much in the same parks on the same days. We met in smaller groups for parades and fireworks and the grandparents did one sit down meal with each family. If your party is larger than 13 and you want to be sure you are seated together at any meals you will need to call Group Dining for your PS's--you will be limited to the first or last 20 minutes of the seating. You can also make your PS's thru WDW-DINE and then just request to be seated together upon arrival at the restaurant--for the most part the staff will try to grant your request. We booked the GG fireworks cruise but it was cancelled due to lightening Since we didn't hang out together we are planning a picture party once everyone gets their film developed so we can look at each other's pictures and talk about what everybody saw and did. My only regret was not planning a group meal later in our visit so we could catch up on what everybody had enjoyed so far--both our meals were early in our stay.
To get started, I gave everyone all the planning info I had and then got a good deal on the PassPorter so every family bought a copy. Since our family had been before (and I spend LOTS of time here) we were able to advise everyone on park touring and meals. We all live near each other so we met up once right before time to schedule our PS's to go over meals and itineraries. Good luck with the planning and have a great trip!!

 

[klapham]

Thanks for the info! One question tho - what is a PassPorter? I'm a major novice!

 

[mommystieg]

It's a pretty cool guidebook with fold out park maps and lots of neat features:
http://passporter.com/

If you haven't done so yet--you should register at these two sites:
http://allearsnet.com/
and
http://mousesavers.com/

At allearsnet.com you can subscribe to a free weekly newsletter with lots of great info on WDW. That is how I got a good price on our PassPorters. The newsletter will often contain links to discounts for Disney related stuff. Mousesavers also sends out a newsletter with lots discounts and deals on Disney stuff as well as promotion codes for resort rooms and such.

 

[klapham]

:Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!! I went onto mousesavers.com and got our room rate for the whole group reduced from $229 per night to $149. The group will love me!!!! Thanks soooooooo much for the tip!

 

[mommystieg]

Aren't these boards full of great information? I learned soooo much here after our first trip to WDW. As you can see by my tag..never be afraid to ask questions here

 

[GOBA Mom Lynn]

I didn't register our family with Disney Grand Gatherings. We weren't planning on doing any of their group activities so I didn't think it would make much difference. Am I missing something? Do they do anything else for you that I don't know about? I already make our PS for our one group dinner (thru group dining), and our room ressies were made at the same time at the same hotel.

Glad to hear your trip went well. I'm crossing my fingers all our family members get along the whole time we're there. We have a recent BIL and SIL who've never been, and others who haven't been in like 10 years!

Sorry to go on and on.......

I'm just

 

[cdrn1]

I am a little confused about the whole Grand Gatherings thing. I called last week to make reservations at AKL for four rooms, and right away the CM said he would need to send me to Grand Gatherings since our group has more than eight people. There does not seem to be any advantage to it except that the next CM I talked to said our rooms would be together. He seemed to have a bit of trouble making the reservations; it took quite a while. When I got the confirmation, it didn't look anything like what I have gotten before, and it had my daughter's name on it and only listed the reservations for her room and my sister's room, as they are only staying three nights. My DH and I and my DD and her family are staying five nights. There was no mention of that. Yet when I go to the Disney website and put our confirmation numbers in, it does show both sets of reservations.
I have to admit I am a little worried.

 

[mbb]

Originally posted by cdrn1
....I have to admit I am a little worried.

Print off what you have.
Take it with you when you go...but first,
Call and check.
And if it isn't correct, ask politely for additional assistance
ie, get thee to a Supervisor!!

Let us know!!

 

[WeluvDisney2]

Originally posted by mommystieg
It's a pretty cool guidebook with fold out park maps and lots of neat features:

I am looking for a map of the Pop Century Resort. Can you tell me if there is a map of it in the passporter? Thanks! Monique

 

[mommystieg]

I am at work and my book is at home so I'm not positive but I am pretty sure there is a map showing the locations of the different buildings for Pop. I will check when I get home and let you know

 

[mommystieg]

I checked my 2004 PassPorter and there is a complete section with a small map on Pop.

 

[klapham]

This is my first experience with Disney & I was under the impression they created Grand Gatherings to make it easier for large groups to book their trip - all reservations in one place, etc. It appears they need to do some major work on their computer program and/or training for agents as I have spent countless hours on the phone trying to get things straightened out. It actually took 4 hours for the first agent to book 3 experiences for our group of 14. Then when each couple called in to pay, they rebooked all the experiences for everyone - they all spent at least an hour on the phone each time - and we ended up with Disney showing that we had a group of 52!!!! Anyway, after many phone calls, I think we're squared away, but can't seem to get written confirmation of anything until 30 days before we arrive. I found that asking to speak to a coordinator helps a bit. Keeping my fingers crossed!!!

BTW - anyone have any recommendations for transportation to Disney from the airport?