Have found takers for my extra Grand Gathering experiences tickets

[quadaunt]

Thanks, everyone!

Hello, everyone. This is somewhat long (my apologies!), so please bear with me!

Rather than canceling my Grand Gathering reservations for the IllumiNations International Dinner and Dessert Reception or the Good Morning Gathering experiences because three in my Grand Gathering party of nine have decided not to do them, I thought I would try to first find others who might be interested in becoming part of our Grand Gathering and joining us for one or the other (or both) of these experiences. The Grand Gathering experiences require a party of a minimum of eight people who are staying at one of the WDW resorts. Currently I have two extra adult tickets and one child ticket for both IllumiNations ($59.99 per adult ticket, $19.99 per child, ages 3-9) for Monday 2/21 (7:30 p.m.) and the Good Morning Gathering ($24.99 per adult ticket, $11.99 per child, ages 3-9) for Tuesday 2/22 (9:30 a.m.). I spoke with the Grand Gathering reservations desk and they said there is no problem with adding another family under our Grand Gathering number, and no problem switching the names of the attendees for the experiences. However, if by chance you have one more child (even one under age 3) or even another adult (I'd like to keep our group number at no more than 10), but that they wouldn't know until the time of requesting an extra ticket whether or not an extra ticket is available. However, they did say that often times requesting just one more ticket is not a problem. They said they have strict fire codes to follow as to how many people they can allow in each event so that's why they can't guarantee there would be an extra ticket (but I have a good feeling there would be). As I mentioned above, one Grand Gathering requirement, though, is that a minimum of eight people attending a Grand Gathering experience must be staying at a WDW resort. Therefore, while one adult would not have to be staying onsite, the other one would need to be able to prove that they were staying onsite.

Once again, you wouldn't have to commit to doing both experiences. One or the other would be fine.

Since I have until only 2/14 to cancel for a full refund, please PM or e-mail me ASAP if you are interested. If you have additional questions before you make a decision, ask away!

Thanks for your time and patience! ~ Betty

Thanks, everyone, for reading and responding to this thread! Happily, I have found takers for my extra tickets! Looking forward to meeting another DISer!

 

[gothmommie]

Can you tell me more what these events are? As we are a party of 3 (2 adults, one child), I have no clue about the details of the offerings the grand gatherings.

We might be interested but I don't know enough about it.

Thanks!

 

[Rpsemont]

I'd also be interested in this info. We are 3 adults and one child (10) . Or it could be that just DD and I would do this. We arrive 2/21 and are staying onsite

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

Would love to join you if the dates work, but we are going in September/October. We did two Grand Magical Gatherings this past December and they were both wonderful and worth every penny,

 

[Rpsemont]

We did two Grand Magical Gatherings this past December and they were both wonderful and worth every penny,

Which did you do? Tell more! I may need to try and sell it to DH

 

[jcemom]

from allears:

"International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Reception" -- There's no need to jet around the globe to experience dining around the world. At Epcot, international culinary favorites are on the menu for adventurous groups looking for a storybook ending to their day. Children can join in the dinner's special storytelling experience, which is punctuated with a surprise character appearance. A special viewing area is reserved for the evening finale, the nighttime Epcot spectacular "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth." Ages 10 and older, $59.99; ages 3-9, $19.99.

"Good Morning Gatherings" -- Breakfast with famous Disney characters enters a whole new dimension with this new group gathering served up with plenty of morning merriment at Tony's Town Square Restaurant in Magic Kingdom. Your group will not only meet favorite characters but will participate in song-and-dance numbers. Mickey Mouse makes a one-on-one appearance with each guest for photo sessions. Ages 10 and older, $24.99; ages 3-9, $11.99.

 

[jcemom]

from the Disney site:

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.

Good Morning Gathering
Begin your day with a Magic Kingdom® morning filled with special songs and fun for kids of all ages. Here, classic Disney Characters join you for breakfast and fun at Tony's Town Square Restaurant. You'll even get some one-on-one time for your group with Mickey himself. Theme park admission is required.

 

[DMRick]

We loved our grand gathering when we joined with another dis family. Just one note, however. At the illuminations, they would only let us in when our family was complete. Since we had no idea which of all the people there were our "family", we had to wait til everyone else went in and take the leftovers (lol). Have a meeting place and figure out how you will know who the others are. Oh, and for us, the other party had to be staying in Disney. It was a great time!

 

[quadaunt]

Thanks, everyone, for reading and reply to this thread! Happily, I have found takers for my extra GG experience tickets! Looking forward to meeting another DISer! (Hey there, Tracey! I meant to respond to the question as to what a GG was so appreciate your jumping for me!)

 

[jcemom]

You're welcome! I'm so happy to hear you were able to find someone to share with you...too bad it couldn't be me!

 

[Fridye]

Where is the special viewing area for Illuminations? Did you have a good view?

 

[quadaunt]

We loved our grand gathering when we joined with another dis family.

Thanks for the tip! Can you tell me how many people they seat at a table? What was your favorite part about the IllumiNations Dinner (and any of the other GG experiences you may have done)?