Grand Gatherings Wishes cruise

[laughinplace199]

Our group of 5 might turn into a group of 9 for our April trip, so I started looking at the Grand Gathering events available on Disney's website.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has done this cruise. It sounds great.

(I tried to do a search, but it's not working right now.)

Thank you!

 

[sistertrip]

We did this with a group of 12 two years ago (out of the Polynesian). The boat "tour" before the fireworks was the best part. Our guide pointed out a lot of little things and gave us some interesting facts. It wasn't the greatest view of the fireworks, but overall it was a truly "magical" experience.

 

[cman]

We did the GG cruise a couple years ago with a group of 15. We ate at one of the Contemporary restaurants and then went to the gathering place to have the snack that comes with the cruise. There were three or four characters there to entertain the kids while waiting for the cruise to start.

The pirate on board the cruise really got everyone into the spirit of things and the view of the fireworks were great.

Of all the GG activities we picked that one since it didn't require a park admission like the others. Since everyone in the group tended to do different things each day it was nice not to have to waste a day on our passes just for a GG event.

I'd say do it, you'll love it.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Both the Wishes and Illuminations cruises are nice.
2) We have enjoyed both of them.
3) Mrs Rusty was a little upset about the cost. *
4) For a 12-minute Wishes show, it a lot of bucks-per-minute.


* She HAS threatened previously to take my charge cards. Fortunately I have a perfect marriage. I charge "things", and the bills go to her for payment. LIFE IS GOOD !

 

[laughinplace199]

Thanks for the replies, everyone! If our group does increase to 9 people, I think we will try to book this cruise. The kids would love it!

1) Fortunately I have a perfect marriage. I charge "things", and the bills go to her for payment. LIFE IS GOOD !

That is truly a perfect marriage!

 

[ajksmom]

laughinplace199,
I'm doing the GG wishes cruise on the 19th of august. If you'd like I can give you all the details when I return.

 

[laughinplace199]

ajksmom,
Thanks! I'd love to hear all about it when you get back. Enjoy the cruise and your vacation!

 

[ajksmom]

Thanks!! I'll either respond in this thread or PM you the details.

 

[disneyscrapper]

Please respond here. We are taking this cruise in December and I'd also like to hear all about it.

 

[ajksmom]

Will do!!

 

[tn_disney_addict]

We did the Grand Gatherings Cruise last Sept and it was incredible. We left from the Contemporary Dock after 'snacking' with Smee and Capt Hook. Then Peter joined us and lead us to the cruise. He stayed with us through the whole cruise and the kids had a blast with him.

The snacks were DELICIOUS, too!

 

[ajksmom]

tn disney addict

Can you tell me a little (okay a lot) about the desserts. I'm wondering just how hungry we should be when we show up at the CR....

 

[tn_disney_addict]

There is more than enough to eat, but it is mostly fruit, pastries, cookies, appetizer type stuff. I would eat a lite meal, then just use this as dessert later in the evening.

 

[ajksmom]

tn disney addict
thanks thats perfect. and fits our day plans well. Nice pictures you've posted, hope we enjoy it as much as you did.

 

[laughinplace199]

Thanks for the great pic, tn disney addict!

 

[laughinplace199]

How loud are the fireworks? We have two little ones who dislike fireworks in the parks due to the noise level. I'm thinking that the noise would be considerably less since the boat would be much further from the source of the fireworks than if we were watching from inside MK. Do you agree?

Thanks!

 

[JerseyGirl114]

Wow, my kids LOVE Peter Pan, and are totally into anything "pirate" lately thanks to Capt. Jack Sparrow We are traveling with my cousin & their family and that will make 9 of us.

Tell me, do you share the cruise with others or is it just your group? Do you know what time it departs? We are staying at Poly so it's almost like we HAVE to go right?!? How fast do you have to book this? We are going in November. I wonder if it is too late.

Also, if you know the prices off hand that would be great, otherwise I'm sure I could find them.

Sorry for the all the questions, now I really want to go, just have to talk the other family into joining us!

Thanks for the great photos

 

[aksunshine]

laughinplace199,
I'm doing the GG wishes cruise on the 19th of august. If you'd like I can give you all the details when I return.

So, are you back yet? If so, how was it and the rest of your trip, of course?

 

[mtbmom]

We did this in July. It left from CR bock. We got there at about 8:00. The desserts included chololates, cotton candy, cookies, etc. Capt. Hook and Mr.Smee were there to entertain. The kids loved this. Then we were lead to out boat, with our pirate guide. there were more families with us, but I think it just inhanced the enjoyment. We went and watched the barge parade near the Wilderness Lodge, and then went over near MK. The pirate was very funny, and had some of the couples dance, including a man just back from Iraq. While waitning for the fireworks, we played pirate trivia for prizes (mostly aimed toward the kids). We enjoyed the fireworks. On the way back to the dock, our pirate read the story of peter pan. We met Peter Pan when we got back. This was well worth the money.
Here are some pictures:

 

[ajksmom]

I'm back and I must say the cruise was a highlight of our trip!! My normally very frugal DH couldn't believe it only cost $89 to experience such magic. (For 2 adults and 1 child)
Much like mtbmom reported, you meet on the 2nd floor of the CR where there are snacks (bagged peanuts, smartfood, chips, cookies and other "prepackaged snacks) and drinks (water, soda, coffee) There was also some candy (chocolate coins and smartees are all that I remember) Smee and Cpt. Hook entertain the crowd, do autographs and pose for pictures. At some point, more desserts were brought out but we didn't notice them until we were leaving for the boat. I saw brownies, more cookies and some type of danish.
A pirate brings you down to the boat and you go out to see the EWP on Bay Lake by the WL. On the way out we all celebrated a couples anniversary. While we were heading over to Seven Seas Lagoon we played trivia - they had prizes for the kids who answered correctly. (they do allow parents to supply the kids with the answers) Some prizes I saw were pirate hats, skeleton glow heads, telescopes, cards and hooks) We got in position for the fireworks with just minutes to spare, then the music starts and prepare for a viewing!!! Absolutely amazing, and the sound is much clearer than what you can experience in the parks. Made it very easy to follow the "story".
Our pirate read us Peter Pan as we made our way back to the CR where we were greeted by Peter Pan who had Tink in a lantern. He told us all that she was very tired from her flight and a CM took her off to bed while Peter Pan posed for pix and did autographs.
Definately worth the money. The entertainment and views make it so. The food however leaves alot to be desired. Perhaps its because as soon as it was placed out, people were shoving things by the handfuls into their bags and they've decided not to fund peoples snacks/drinks for the week.
All in all I would definately do it again. And probably won't see Wishes from anywhere else as I tried a couple of days later to watch them in MK and was disappointed after the great views we had from the water.