Grand Gatherings

[Terry S]

I had heard that you have to have 3 or more rooms booked? Has anyone else heard this? If that is the case, would it apply to DVC? I think a 2 bedroom should count as 2 rooms and a Grand Villa as 3 rooms.

 

[zulaya]

The only requirement that was mentioned was 8 or more people. As I said, I dont know all the details.

I think 3 or more rooms would defeat the 8 person minimum. All WDW resorts can fit 4 people.

We'll just have to wait it out for the details I guess unless someone in the know spills the beans.

As far as I have read - and believe me, I have searched out a lot of discussion boards for answers - it seems the 8 person minimum is the big requirement. I have yet to see any talk of any room quantity requirement.

 

[Janet2k]

I, for one, hope there is more involved with the Grand Gatherings program than just a couple special events that are set in stone. I would love to see Disney open up group vacationing to a whole realm of activities that may be personalized in order to accommodate the wide variety of vacationers who visit WDW each year. I have personally planned WDW group vacations that have encompassed paying resorts as well as DVC resorts on points. Those vacations included family members, friends, and (eh gads!) strangers who I had struck up friendships with via the Internet (aka, the Dis). If Disney could make coordinating easier for my group’s hotel, Priority Seating, and various other reservations, I would be forever grateful. I especially would love to see an on-line tool that may be accessed by everyone who is either traveling with my family or who is hooking up with my family during our vacation.

The possibilities are endless. Yeah, I admit it – I’m a dreamer. Come on, Disney. Hit me with your best shot. Make me a believer regarding your new Grand Gatherings program.

 

[zulaya]

Janet2k - I believe all the itinerary planning, PS help, etc IS going to be part of the Magical Gatherings initiative. I have read about that. However, for me, I prefer to plan my own itineraries. If I had as many group planning experiences as you seem to, having that planning assistance available to me might make me more excited.

The events really will make for a great memory...a magical gathering...for my extended family. This was what I was most worried about DVC members not being able to take advantage of.

I am sure we will all find out in mid-October. I hear tell on some other websites that the tv ads for Magical Gatherings will begin Oct 6 so that will probably be the time we will see more info on this new program.

I for one will be ready to call with my questions once they are ready to field them.

 

[Janet2k]

Originally posted by zulaya
I believe all the itinerary planning, PS help, etc IS going to be part of the Magical Gatherings initiative.

I sure hope so. I certainly could have used something like this for my upcoming vacation, but, alas, the program starts after my vacation ends. But there's always next year...

 

[Janet2k]

I found this on the Internet:
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This fall, Disney is coming out with a new plan for family reunions, extended family and friends, and leisure travel groups of eight or more booking up to 10 rooms. The plan will allow each family to book separately but be identified as a group. "Grand Gatherings" debuts in October for travel beginning Nov. 24, 2003.
- - - - - - -

The part that really grabbed me was the following: "The plan will allow each family to book separately but be identified as a group. Boy, would that make things easier for me. Normally, I book everything for everyone (and is that ever painful). But like I said before, I hope Disney has some sort of on-line tool that may be accessed by every person in my "Grand Gathering" party so that we can plan and coordinate things together. If Disney can pull that off, they've got me as a customer for life.

 

[Janet2k]

I also found on the Internet a memo about Magical Gatherings from Al Weiss, the President of WDW: click here to view memo.

What I particularly liked was the following:
“When our guests travel in parties of eight or more and stay in a Walt Disney World resort, we'll give them the designation of Grand Gathering. For them, we'll offer an array of new products and services such as itinerary planning, a vacation-planning kit for larger parties and custom-designed experiences just for these gatherings, to name a few.

Okay, now you’re talking, Disney. I wonder what will be in the vacation-planning kits? Never mind. I will be calling Disney on the first day that one can plan a Grand Gathering and find out for myself.

 

[zulaya]

Janet2k - if you beat me to the call be sure to post.

 

[tiggerguy2000]

Im also taking 12 people in December so im interested if it includes DVC members resorts.
tiggerguy2000 ºoº

 

[off to neverland]

I'm bumping this up because I'm hoping to hear some Grand Gatherings reviews, particularly the safari dinner. This may no longer be appropriate for this board; if it isn't, feel free to move it!

 

[Coach Rick]

I was signed up for the magical gatherings last year when 11 of us stayed at OKW, and I didn't find it to be worth anything. On a couple of occasions I called to make ressies, and the CM I spoke to when I made these ressies was really not interested in my MG #. Outside of those special dinners, which IMO are overpriced, MG is a farce. Again, only my opinion.