I promised I would update on my GG experiences so here it is, but first my disclosures. This was my first trip. I didn't pay for any of it(Thank you DMIL & DFIL!). We were on the Deluxe DP. Due to the timing of our flights, heat, lack of appetite, and bringing our own water, we finished our trip w/ 5 meal credits left and 35 snacks!!! (4 in my family for 5 nights). My family does not dine at 5 star restaurants so my food expectations are not gourmet; however, I appreciate good food. I had read plenty of negative comments was was prepared for cold buffets w/ nasty food. So I was prepared for the worst & hoped for the best.
Animal Kingdom/Dinner Safari: We did this on 6/14. I really enjoyed everything. Make sure you ask a cast member/concierge where you are supposed to meet. "Mama," the hostess, was wonderful. DS10 & DD6 thought she was great. Our safari guide was fantastic. Beware of the duct tape
, DS is still talking about it. The safari is different from the one during the day. We saw lots of animals. Only the elephants weren't out. The food was good. Rafiki & Timon do not come to the tables for autographs, it is done in a separate room. Be prepared to have the kids and cameraperson get up & move. For us, this was our favorite, the TS credits weren't an issue so it was completely worth it. Had I had to pay cash for this? I probably would do it.
Epcot/Dinner, Illuminations: We did this on 6/15. It is held at the Odyssey: located on the left as you enter WS before Mexico. I enjoyed this too. Roz was funny and embarrassed DMIL
. My disclosure: I didn't tell anyone that it was their 50th anniversary, DMIL did
. Anyway, the buffet was good. Had a little from many countries. I ate PLENTY. I was delighted at the assortment of cookies, cupcakes, chocolate galore, etc... All look freshly baked. Again, Minnie & Goofy do not come to the tables. However, guests can get in line to have pics and autographs after the dancing. DS loved this interaction w/ Goofy as he had a Goofy shirt on and I mentioned to Goofy that he is DS's favorite. After dessert, all were lead somewhere to view Illuminations. I stopped to use the restroom on the way and the rest of our group went without us
. The 4 of us were then separated from everyone else so we found our own spot to view. So no comment on the preferred viewing. For us, the TS credits weren't an issue so it was worth it. Had I had to pay cash for this, probably not.
Magic Kingdom/Mickey's Philharmagic: We did this on 6/17. It is at Tony's and the food was fine: nothing glamorous (Reason it is only 1 TS?). The sausage was a tad on the spicy side. Personally, I liked it, others in my group did not. I did enjoy it
not being a buffet! Daisy, Donald, Goofy & Minnie came to each table. The entertainment is not a big deal (MIL made sure all the kids faced the front so they could see). The big thing for the kids is that they are near the end of the table so that they can get to the characters!! Kids don't care about Tony singing!!! Anyway, finally, I mean FINALLY, Mickey showed up. We were one of the last tables to get to go see him. Yes, for most this is definitely worth the
1 TS. However, for the 4 of us, it was not. The breakfast didn't start until 9:00 and it was our only day in MK. It was after 10:30 by the time we were done and still had to go to the Philharmagic!. Not the start we wanted to our only day. Others in our party had been to MK the previous day (we went to HS) and for them, the later start didn't matter. Oh, the "preferred seating" at the Philharmagic? You receive a pin from Tony that acts as a Fastpass. Of course, the tables before us got to the Philharmagic before us and when we arrived we had to wait because that show had just begun. However, the Philharmagic was a fantastic show.
We also dined together (all 10) at the Princess Storybook breakfast in Epcot. That reservation was made thru regular dining. It included 1 picture for every 4 in your
we received 3. One of all 10 of us, one of the 4 in my family and one of the 4 in my SIL's family. I have never dined at CRT but I really enjoyed this breakfast as did the 2 princesses in my party. Considering our meal included the photo package, Totally worth every dime. FYI, I have heard that this may go to a 2TS meal in the future.
This is just my opinion. I am sure many will have differing ones. Good luck planning your gatherings. Any questions, just ask and I'll try to answer.
money.
), the desserts were served inside. I understand that they are normally served outside. I didn't mean to sound like I was complaining about the preferred viewing, I just didn't experience it. I am sure it was because of me stopping, getting seperated and it being dark. We did have our pins on. The inlaws all said they enjoyed it. Actually, it worked out. We seemed to be ahead of the crowd and were back to the GF by 9:40. 
