Grand Gatherings

[Sapper383]

We are going to WDW next Sept and my sister and her family have just booked to come along too......I think my parents will also come....anyway....was thinking it might be nice to do a grand gathering.

Has anyone done one of these and if so what was it like?

 

[wilma-bride]

We registered as a Grand Gathering when we went last year but didn't end up doing any of the events as they worked out really expensive. There are various events that you can book for your group but they are fairly pricey. If you don't do any of the events, there aren't really any perks to being a Grand Gathering. The only one of real use is that, if you are all staying at the same hotel, they are supposed to ensure you have rooms near to each other. We were about 6 or 7 doors down from the other half of our party so fairly close, although I'm not sure that wasn't just down to luck rather than anything else

There is some more detailed information on many of the events here and I'm fairly sure, if you did a search, you might come across a couple of reviews.

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Do you mean as in a meal?

If so there was 8 of us this year all family, and we booked the Tony Town Square Breakfast, and used our free DDP, one TS each.

TBH I would not rush back, it was fine but nothing something I would do again.

We did get a free "tony breakfast" pin and entry straight away without queueing into the show.

 

[Sapper383]

Thanks guys

Did you get to see Mickey at Tony's?

 

[eeyorefanuk]

How rubbish am i, cannot remember exact ones there.

Mickey and minnie def were and sure three others - Donald, Goofy and A Another. Of course Tony was there singing

 

[Sapper383]

Can you do the grand gatherings on the dining plan?

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Yes you can use the free ddp for Tony Town Square Breakfast and use just 1 TS each. The safari and illuminations "event" is 2 TS each.

 

[mark&sue]

We did two grand gatherings a few years ago. The safari celebration and the pirate cruise. I liked them but ended up paying for all my party as they did not like them and I did not want them to feel forced to pay for my indulgence. I think you have to have spare money and be a mad Disney fan.



susan

 

[Kypster]

We went from October 23-30 with 11 of us, ranging from ages 43 to 4. We tried out two of the Grand Gatherings and we would definitely do both of them again.

We were on the meal plan, so we used table service credits for these meals.

At the Animal Kingdom they have a private Safari ride, followed by dinner at the Tusker House. This was 2 table credits. They served very unique and delicious dishes, served partially as buffet and partially with family style plates brought to the table. The entertainment included African Musicians, two Disney characters from the Lion King and two animals for the kids to see and ask questions from their handlers. That night it was an owl and a tarantula. This was a very memorable event for my entire family and of course, everyone received a collectable Pin too.

We also went to Tony's Town Square for breakfast. This was one table credit, the service was good and the food was pre-plated and unlimited. The adults were happy for a hot meal at breakfast, and kids were tickled with the Mickey waffles. The highlight was the Characters we were visted by Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck and Goofy, time for pictures and autographs and another collectible pin. If characters are part of your plan, I would recommend it, if you are a "foody", I know there are other meals that you may enjoy more.