Has anyone done a magical gathering event...m

[Gupsmom]

We're going to WDW with friends of ours in June. Our anniversary is during this trip. DH and I are thinking of booking the Illuminations Magical Gathering event (3 adults and 5 kids). I can't remember the exact name but you get a dinner and dessert buffet with characters and then go to a VIP viewing area for Illuminations.

I was just wondering if anyone had any first hand experience with ANY of the 4 magical gathering events? Also, are these events private, semi-private ( a few groups) or many groups?

Thanks...
Jess

 

[mommytutu]

Good question! I want to know too. We'll be a group of at least 4 adults and 5 kids....we could have as many as 22 people though.

I'm looking at the Good Morning Gathering and the Magical Fireworks Voyage (Wishes is my FAVORITE!!)

 

[twojo21]

A Grand Gathering is a group of 8 or more (ages 3 and up count towards the guest count) staying at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels. Once your group qualifies as a Grand Gathering, you can join other Grand Gathering parties for these exclusive events. you can book online or simply have the planner in your group call (407) WDW-MAGIC† or your Travel Agent, to get started on planning your Magical Gatherings vacation.

International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Reception
Indulge yourself in Epcot® with international delights and tantalizing cuisine from around the world. Share the magic of live entertainment that's sure to please your whole gathering. Then enjoy a delicious dessert buffet along with VIP viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Theme park admission is required.

Price:
Adults and Juniors - $59.99, Children (ages 3-9) - $19.99 (available 90 days prior)

Magical Fireworks Voyage
Cast off on a moonlit voyage around the Magic Kingdom® Seven Seas lagoon, which provides the perfect viewing location for the Electrical Water Pageant and the all new Disney Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams. Your evening will begin with a mouth-watering array of sumptuous cookies and desserts. You'll then enjoy your moonlit voyage and have fun with Disney trivia and tales of pirates and Peter Pan along the way. Your evening will end with a special Disney meet and greet with Peter himself. Available on a seasonal basis.

Price:
Adults and Juniors - $32.99, Children (ages 3-9) - $14.99 (available 90 days prior)

from disneyworld.disney.go.com

 

[Gupsmom]

Thanks for the replies...

I saw the info on the web site....actually a really nice CM went over the options on the phone too. I'm just wondering if anyone here has actually experienced one of the events? I'd love to hear about it first hand.

Jess

 

[Figment2]

Last Fall a group of us did the Safari dinner, Illuminations dinner and the Wishes Cruise. Some also did the breakfast at Tony's. With all of these there were other groups with us. We enjoyed all of them mainly because it gave us a chance to be together.

The Illuminations dinner was held at the Millennium Village and then we went to a special viewing area for desserts and fireworks. Food was good, not outstanding. Desserts were outstanding. I think I enjoyed the Safari dinner the most (although it was difficult to socialize since there were about 30 of us just in our group and I think 3 other groups). They do limit the number of people but unless you have about 50-60 people, be prepared to share.

Plan on spending a lot of time on the phone with Magical Gatherings. Our two "leaders" spent about 3 hours on the phone that week because some reservations got screwed up. One couple changed their reservations and Disney sent them a check. They thought it was for the difference in hotel price when in fact it was the money submitted for them for the Magical Gathering events.

Will we be doing it again - absolutely!

Cyn