Grand Gatherings.....

[Woodcourt]

We are going with a big group and can participate in the Grand Gathering Special events. Anyone ever do these and which do you recommend? We are leaning towards the AK safari...Thanks!

 

[pxydust]

In my free time I book travel (just for fun and travel benefits really) but, I get a lot of people calling on me for Disney and some clients just returned from a Grand Gathering-13 total and did the Wishes Fireworks crusie and really raved about it.
They did it in January so, it was a little chilly but, they really enjoyed it.

 

[ReneeJ]

I am also going as a Grand Gathering. We booked the AK Safari and the Wishes Pirate Crusie. We are excited about both. Any info would be great on what to expect!! Thanks!!

 

[Hieatt]

We booked both the Illuminations Dinner at Epcot and the Safari Celebration at Animal Kingdom on our last trip.

I'll describe our impressions of the Epcot dinner in this post, and tell about our Safari experience next.

The Epcot dinner was nice, but I had several complaints. First was check-in. They told us to be there early, but then wouldn't check anyone in until right before the time of the dinner, and there was a mob effect at that point - didn't feel very exclusive at all. The dinner buffet had a good selection of international foods, and it was of pretty good quality for a buffet. The Odyessy building is okay, but not that attractive. Otherwise, I think the best way to describe the experience was like being at a wedding reception. They had a DJ and a hostess, the kids all danced, etc. The only thing that made it worth while, in my opinion, was that characters came out to dance with the kids, including Minnie.

After dinner, they had the dessert reception behind the gift shop that is at the entrance to the WS from FW. Desserts were very good and plentiful, including coffee, etc. However, it was somewhat crowded, and there weren't tables or anywhere to set anything down, which was inconvenient, especially with kids. Also, we got there a little later than others after getting pictures with Minnie and Goofy, and by that time all the space at the rail had been "claimed" by adults who were not considerate enough to offer children to stand in front of them. We just had our daughters (ages 7 and 6) go up and ask a few people to let them stand by the rail, and a few people allowed them up to see the show, albeit with reluctance.

For the price and the hype, I found the whole experience pretty mediocre, especially by Disney standards. To me, the whole purpose of paying for a private gathering like this is to avoid lines, crowds and pushy guests - unfortunately, the size of the group and administration of the event did not avoid these things. I wouldn't do this experience again.

 

[Hieatt]

I actually can't give you a first hand report on the Safari, as my family came down with the stomach flu the day before the event, and we were all puking our guts out the day of. First word of warning: When they tell you these events are non-refundable, they mean it. I explained our medical situation, and I received a very polite apology. No refund, no breaks, not even allowed to send others in our place! I found this disappointing.

However, the rest of our group did go, and they had all good things to say about this event. Food was great, animal and character interaction good, and the Safari was private. They said that they felt like they got their money's worth, unlike the Epcot dinner we attended a few days before.

 

[IluvmyPrincess]

I am not familiar with a grand gathering? What is it and what are the qualifications for it? Thanks.

 

[Hieatt]

I am not familiar with a grand gathering? What is it and what are the qualifications for it? Thanks.

There are 4 grand gathering events open to parties of 8 or more (8 people must be 3 and older) staying at a Disney resort. Disney will give you a grand gathering number and phone number to call to book these events. Aside from the Epcot dinner and the AK safari I described already, there is also a pirate fireworks (Wishes) cruise and a Magic Kingdom breakfast with Mickey (at Tony's Town Square).

 

[5dizneynutz]

We did the Safari Surprise this past June and it was great! First you meet at the Flight of Wonder auditorium around the time of park closing, where you are sectioned off according to your party size. You will be placed with 1 or 2 other families and are given your own guide. You then walk to Safari and are taken on a much longer ride without the poacher theme. Our truck even stopped a few times to see the animals. It's then off to dinner at Tusker House. Your family gets your own table and the food is family style. We thought the food was great. It is African dishes, kind of like the food at Boma. If I remember correctly, there was a beef dish, lamb stew and salmon. The desserts were to die for!!!!! There's singing, an African storyteller and all the children come up front and play African instruments. A CM brings in small animals to see. Mickey and Minnie even make an appearance!! One of the best things was walking out of the park in the dark with the Tree of Life lit up. Magical!! Well, worth the money IMHO.

 

[TheresaNY]

We did Tony's Grand Breakfastwhich was great. Plenty of delicious food, EXCELLENT service and character interaction, dancing, and plenty of private Mickey time with photos.
Also did the Fireworks Voyage on 3rd of July. It was alright. Extremely difficult to get tickets for it. Great dessert buffet but the accomodations at the CR were pathetic. The cruise itself was ok - singing and games but we couldn't see the fireworks from our side of the boat !!

 

[lorrainesy]

do the grand gathering events cost aything?

 

[ReneeJ]

The Safari one is 59.00 a person and the Pirate Cruise is 32.99 a person. They are the two we are doing.

 

[lorrainesy]

thanks