Illuminations Grand Gathering Meal???

[Stephanie VanMeter]

We are looking at our options for our July trip. I noticed that on the Grand Gathering options (which I was told I could use 2 ts for) it has a Illuminations Dinner Show. It said that it included a buffet of food from around the world and then dessert and drinks while watching the show. As anyone done this before or have any info? What kind of food could we expect? Is it worth 2 credits? Is the viewing a nice location?

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

I'd like to know more about this too. Bumping back to page 1!

I didn't know you could use 2TS for it! How did you find out about that? Are any of the other ones available on the dining plan? (Tony's?)

 

[Cheshire Figment]

There are four different buffet tables, each with food from a different country. There is also entertainment as well as one or tewo "streetmosphere" people wandering around.

I have done this twice. The first time the meal was in World Showplace and we then went down to the area below the Rose and Crown where there was the dessert buffet and the exceptional view of IllumiNations. The second time the meal and the dessert buffet were in the Oddessy, and the viewing area was near one of the two stores at the entrance of World Showcase; I felt the location was not really good.

 

[minniestheone]

how do you reserve that dessert buffet? I can't find any info on it

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

There are four different buffet tables, each with food from a different country. There is also entertainment as well as one or tewo "streetmosphere" people wandering around.

I have done this twice. The first time the meal was in World Showplace and we then went down to the area below the Rose and Crown where there was the dessert buffet and the exceptional view of IllumiNations. The second time the meal and the dessert buffet were in the Oddessy, and the viewing area was near one of the two stores at the entrance of World Showcase; I felt the location was not really good.

We are very interested in doing this one for our next big family trip. Do you know why they changed the location? Did the location change back? Also, was the food children friendly? Thank you.

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

how do you reserve that dessert buffet? I can't find any info on it

Try this

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wd...roducts?id=GrandGatheringsSpecialProductsPage

 

[glass slipper girl]

We did this in December and it was very kid friendly both in activities and food. The desert reception options could have had one or two more kid friendly options but it wasn't that there was NOTHING, just fanicer things than my kids wanted. Also drinks were coffee, lemonade and stuff that could be made with hot water (hot tea/hot chocolate). They had characters come out and dance and play with the kids which was lots of fun!

The viewing area for us was near Mexico. VERY close to the fireworks which was cool but the wind changed direction during the show and we ended up COVERED in fireworks ash. A big unexploded fireworks canister landed on a lady's foot during the show as well. Fortunately she seemed to be OK.

From what we were told they only use the area near Rose and Crown if a large group (like a convention) has the other area booked. The dinner is at the Oddesy restaurant so they want the viewing location to be close by.

 

[glass slipper girl]

oh and at least for us we couldn't use credits to pay for it. It was prepaid when you booked it for the people who had room only or added to the package total to be paid 45 days out for those with a package reservation. I had asked if it was on the dining plan but was told no, it was totally separate. That may have changed for this year though.

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

We did this in December and it was very kid friendly both in activities and food. The desert reception options could have had one or two more kid friendly options but it wasn't that there was NOTHING, just fanicer things than my kids wanted. Also drinks were coffee, lemonade and stuff that could be made with hot water (hot tea/hot chocolate). They had characters come out and dance and play with the kids which was lots of fun!

The viewing area for us was near Mexico. VERY close to the fireworks which was cool but the wind changed direction during the show and we ended up COVERED in fireworks ash. A big unexploded fireworks canister landed on a lady's foot during the show as well. Fortunately she seemed to be OK.

From what we were told they only use the area near Rose and Crown if a large group (like a convention) has the other area booked. The dinner is at the Oddesy restaurant so they want the viewing location to be close by.

What country is the Oddesy restaurant?

 

[MinnieGi]

What country is the Oddesy restaurant?

It is in the building between FW & WS on the side nearest Mexico. You are actually closer to WS though. You can see it on your left hand side once you enter the WS circle goint toward Mexico. It also houses the Epcot baby care center and restroom facilities.

 

[glass slipper girl]

as you go down the walkway towards future world there is a building on your left sort of out over the water...that is the odessey.

It isn't used anymore as a restaurant, just as an "event" location.

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

as you go down the walkway towards future world there is a building on your left sort of out over the water...that is the odessey.

It isn't used anymore as a restaurant, just as an "event" location.

Thanks!!! I know where that building is--I needed the picture.