How do Grand Gatherings and DVC work?

[Jacksmom99]

We have a trip planned with DH's family for August 2005. His mother, her SO, sister, BIL, and niece will be there from August 10-19. We will be arriving on August 13 (stay on cash at AKL or CR) and check into DCV on Sunday, August 14 thru Monday, August 22 with DH's father, step mother, DH, me and our two kids. We overlap from August 13-19. We already have our reservation a 2bdrm at VWL our home resort, booked at 11mo window. MIL can not make a reservation until January as they have HH points.

Questions:
1) Can our group count as a Grand Gathering group even though we don't have the same check-in/check-out days?

2) How do we go about "registering" as a Grand Gathering, is this done through DVC?

3) I plan on switching our reservation to BCV at the 7 mo window as the rest of the group voted to stay there. (we must go with majority rule....there's too much family politics going on with this trip as it is.) Should I wait until I change the reservation to call about the Grand Gathering? I don't want to add any more confusion to the reservation.

4) Any advice on how to handle this trip besides lots of wine?? We are very fortunate that my MIL and FIL and their respective partners have a good relationship with each other. My kids will benefit from 2 sets of grandparents competing for spoiling rights.

5) Has anyone done any of the Grand Gathering events? We were thinking about the Pirate Fireworks Cruise and the character b-fast at Tony's in the MK. We really don't like Crystal Palace, but enjoyed Tony's the year CP was being renovated. Any thoughts? All the events sounded like fun, but a little too pricey with a 6 yo and 3 yo to entertain. If I'm spending 60 a person, I don't want to have to leave if my kids act up!

TIA,
Kim

 

[deanna2426]

We just got back from doing a GG. We were all staying at different resorts and had different check-in/check-out dates. You just need to get in touch with a GG coordinator to set it all up. All of your reservations will be attached to a GG # which designates you as a GG.

The only event we took part in was the Magical Fireworks Voyages. It was absolutely spectacular!!! The kids (ranging from 21 months to 6) had a blast with Mr. Smee and Captain Hook, the pirate who takes you out on the boat was hysterical, the fireworks were beautiful from the lagoon and Peter Pan and Tink waiting for us at the dock was magical!!!! I really can't say enough about it!!!!

Have fun planning!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Wow, never thought of doing this. We are taking our parents down this summer. I wonder if this qualifies as a grand gathering. Does anyone have a link for GG information, contact information or a number?

Thanks for a heads up on this.

 

[disney4me4ever]

There are some really neat opportunities for Grand Gatherings. One place to check is at www.disneyworld.com; there is a dropdown where you can click on Grand Gatherings. A phone number for assistance and reservations is 407-934-7639. Also, if you do a search on these boards for Grand Gatherings, you can read some great reviews.

HTH,
Nancy

 

[GrimGhost]

We just did a GG in late Aug-early Sep. We had to call MS first thru DVC to set up the GG. They (MS) give you a ID#, you then call back WDW reservations and use that GG ID# to book the various GG special products like the Magical Gatherings voyage--we did this and it was terrific!

 

[lenshanem]

We've done the Magical Fireworks Voyage and it was FAB!!! We hooked up with another DVC family on this board to meet the required party size of eight. DVC MS set up our Magical Gatherings number for us and then we called Magical Gatherings directly to book the voyage. It took a little effort to get everything set up, but was worth it.

 

[Jacksmom99]

Does anyone know if I can call now to get a GG # or do I have to wait until MIL and SIL have made their reservation? Do the GG people actually want everyone in the to have made their room reservations before they will assign a GG#?

Still no advice on how to manage the family politics??

 

[kweaver]

I'm curious about that too.

Also, what is the maxiumum number of people for the fireworks voyage? If it all works out...we'll have 18. Can you give me an idea about cost?

 

[RumpleMom]

I haven't done the Magical Fireworks cruise yet, but the cost is $30.00 per person. It includes meeting Captain Hook, Smee and Nestle desserts before the cruise, then returning to meet Peter Pan afterwards.

 

[lenshanem]

Yes, you will need everyone's info and ressie numbers when you call DVC MS to get a Magical Gatherings number assigned to you. They ask for about everything except your weight!
You need to get this done before your booking window cause it takes awhile (at least it did for us) and I've heard this books quickly.
I can't remember the exact price, if I wasn't lazy right now I'd search it for you. But, it is worth every single penny. It was fab.
Katie, the boats are very large, I'm sure they can accommodate that size party if you book at your PS window.
Also, if you click on my July trip report link in my sig I mention the cruise.

 

[InstImpres]

Originally posted by Jacksmom99

Still no advice on how to manage the family politics??

No real advice as I haven't figured it out yet...one suggestion though, now that everyone has airline tickets, I add 2 extra days just for DD and myself. I will enjoy "my disney" on my terms to make sure I end on a happy note.

Sandy