Grand Gatherings?

[Beejie]

I haven't seen much information on what is available for Grand Gatherings. Has anyone booked a Grand Gatherings trip? Did it cost extra? Any perks?
We're looking for Christmas 2007 for a group of 12 including 6 kids (ages 1-10).

 

[WDWNicole]

We did the Wishes cruise in December 2004 (we were 13). I can't remember how much it cost - I want to say $30. It included dessert beforehand. It was nice - a different way to see the fireworks.

 

[bbyrne23]

In July 2005 my group, we were 11, did 2. The Safari in AK and International Buffet in WS. Both were excellent. The safari gave us our own tour of the animals and a wonderful family style buffet. The Internation Bufet was real nice as we had a private viewing area for Illuminations. I think it was 50 per person, but it was well worth it. There were other suprises and if you collect, pins too.

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

We also did the fireworks cruise and it was wonderful. We had a group of 16, and everyone agreed it was the best thing we did all week. There aren't any savings if you book a GG (unless you book a block of 10 rooms or more), but if you all stay at the same resort (which isn't required, you just have to be onsite) they'll put all of your rooms together.

 

[Beejie]

Does anyone have a link to what is available for large groups? I'd like to see what's offered. Thanks.

 

[TheresaNY]

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wd...s/ggLandingPage?id=GrandGatheringsLandingPage

Go to DisneyWorld.com then under "Choose your experience" (right side of screen) select "Magical Gatherings" then "GrandGatherings.. if this pasted link doen't work.

 

[Beejie]

Thanks. That was the first time I've seen anything with prices. My parents are footing the bill for all of us so I doubt that they might want to pay another fee per person. I thought it looked great though. We're going for my parents 40th anniversary. Its in August but I thought going over Christmas would be better because of the heat. 6 of the bunch live in Florida and we've been to the parks in May and June and it was pretty bad then. Parents are seniors and some of the kids are little so I think being out in the heat a lot would be too much for them.

Are there any less expensive or free options available?

 

[ReneeJ]

Do they have these Grand Gatherings events on certain days only? We are doing a Grand Gathering and are interested in the Fireworks Cruise and Safari.

 

[TheresaNY]

Beejie.....We had a great time at the Boardwalk in the evening. We all took the ferry from MGM over to Boardwalk which was a beautiful ride. You get to see all the other resorts on the way. Then we went to the Brewery for supper (I love the beer they make there !!) which wasn't terribly expensive. Afterwards we strolled the boardwalk and watched various performers (magician, juggler, bike riding piano player). It was a lot of fun. Their are various shops, bakery, bars, etc that you can roam through. Afterwards, we hopped on the ferry again and took it to the International Gateway and caught Illuminations at EPCOT. Then we walked to the front of EPCOT and hopped the bus back to our resort for the night !

ReneeJ....yes, the GG events are only on certain days. The Magical Voyage GG Cruise is very difficult to book depending on when you are going. You can only book no sooner than 90 days from event and must pay then. I only remember the GG Breakfast at Tony's (fabulous and highly recommend) was on Tuesdays and Saturdays. I can't remember the fireworks cruise. We did it on July 3rd and was fortunate enough to meet a WONDERFUL person on the DISBoard that changed their mind about going and sold me her tickets. Call and check but they may not have firm dates until 90 days prior.

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

I thought you could now book GG experiences 180 days out. I could be wrong though, but I thought I read that somewhere?

 

[Danaans]

I did this with my family...a group of 9 people....Tony's Towne Gathering

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!

Here is the link to my thread before I went and after I came back complete with a review....

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=970571

Hope this helps in planning your trip!