How to plan a Grand Gathering with two DVC contract?

[tink'smom2B]

I'm planning a grand gathering for next year and am wondering how to work with two contracts. I'm thinking I will have to book at our home resorts (two studios at each resort) at the 11 month window and try to change them to one resort at the 7 month window. Has anyone had any luck with this? I decided to pick one of the slower times of the year for this plan (late August) so maybe the change at the 7 mo window will work. My DD only wants to stay at VWL or BLT. Can member services be of any assistance? I've searched the disney website for grand gatherings and come up empty. Advice will be greatly appreciated!!

 

[DenLo]

We never done a grand gathering using the DVC villas. But I would book the rooms separately at 11 months and try to bring them together at 7 months. Also I would ask member services what help they offer for grand gatherings or whether you should call somewhere else.

We have done a GG when staying at a moderate resort. We just called the regular WDW number and they referred us to a Grand Gathering CM. The main thing we wanted for our small gathering of 11 people was for our rooms to be near each other. And they arranged for us to be in the same building and all in a row. Depending on the accommodations you choose with a DVC villa it might be more difficult to get them "near" each other since studios are often linked to 1 BRs and dedicated 2 BRs are placed randomly around the resorts. Some resorts have dedicated studios and 1 BRs as well as 2 BRs and others only have dedicated 2BR's. The Grand Gathering people also helped us with some ADRs that we had problems getting for the whole group. We chose not to do any of the GG experiences as they cost extra.

Here's what I found on the Disney website (I had to go to the Mom's Panel to find the information).

8 or More Guests

Travel parties with at least 8 Guests over the age of 3 staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel may purchase a Walt Disney World Magical Gatherings vacation package. A Magical Gatherings planning specialist will help you coordinate accommodations, as well as make your reservations for dining, recreation and special experiences. You may also choose Grand Gatherings, unique dining and entertainment experiences that can be booked up to 180 days in advance. For more information, call (407) 934-7639. Guests under age 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call.