International dinner and Illuminations

[ctrezek]

I've posted this in a reply under someone elses question, but I think this is a more appropriate area. ....(sorry)

I've already made reservations for my family and my brother family: 9 people, at Rose and Crown for June. But...

My brothers friends now want to join us and suggested the Magical Gathering at Illuminations. This is new to me, has anyone done this International Dinner and Illuminations Gathering? $59 seems steep to me, It would cost $300 for my family. Are drinks included? Alcoholic drinks?
I'm trying to compare the costs and justify that amount.?

I figure Rose & Crown averages $15-20 a person, If you include an appetizer and dessert, maybe another $10. Equals about $25 - $30 a person....drinks?

Any comments?

 

[wdwhereicome]

We did the International Dinner and Illuminations Dessert Buffet - and it was the most magical thing we've done!

I, too, was concerned about the price. My MIL and nieces and nephews as well as my family joined together for a trip--10 in all. I planned some of the magical gatherings special treats and this was one of them.

You are met at the door by cast members. One is dressed in costume and asks questions about your family -- why you're at Disney, any special celebrations -- and later in the evening they announce your family and tell everyone at the party about you.

Inside it is set up with the large round buffet tables. You have one for your family with a centerpiece (cardboard) with your name imprinted. There is a special favor at your place. There is a Disney DJ who plays music and tells corny jokes. A cm brings you drinks and you begin the buffet.

But it's not like other Dbuffets - there is a chef at each table actually cooking the food right in front of your eyes! It is the most delicious food - from all around the country. There is a kids buffet with the typical pb & j sandwiches and other finger foods.

The party includes music - dancing - storytelling - and special Character visits. You have an opportunity to get a family picture (which you can buy later).

Then after all of this fun, you head on down to a special viewing place for Illuminations - and the desserts are countless! There was drinks and the most delicious desserts. The viewing area was perfect.

I can't say enough about this event. It just clicked for us - and not one of us left without feeling we had just experienced the greatest thing on earth. And all the kids in our group were teenagers. They forgot about their cellphones - their gameboys - their MP3 players. They were "with us" all night!

 

[ctrezek]

That sounds nice, its nice to hear your teens liked it, and its really cool that they cook at your table. The guys are definitely Beer drinkers though....does it include beer? and wine?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The price of $59.99 per person includes the food and entertainment and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as tax and tip.

It is possible to run (and pay) a tab for wine and possibly beer over and above the advance payment.

 

[California Mom]

Sounds very interesting....please provide more details!

Office title - Magical Gatherings? Magical Experience?
Where?
How to make ressie? Dep required?
$59.99/pp including kids?
How long does it last?

Thanks!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I just checked with the Grand Gatherings people and they said that until July 2 the children's (3 to 9) price is $19.99 but effective July 3 it goes up to $24.99. Note that the price includes tax and tip.

Note to California Mom -- This is what is referred to as a Grand Gatherings event. It requires a pre-formed group of at least eight people staying at the Disney Resorts. It can be augmented by people not staying in a Disney resort but at least 80% of the people must be at a Disney Resort.

If I recall, we showed up at 6:30, were let in at 6:45 and started eating by 7:00. At about 8:30 we were escorted to the area at water level below the Rose and Crown where the dessert buffet was set up. This was then open until the end of IllumiNations.

 

[wdwhereicome]

I just checked with the Grand Gatherings people and they said that until July 2 the children's (3 to 9) price is $19.99 but effective July 3 it goes up to $24.99. Note that the price includes tax and tip.

Note to California Mom -- This is what is referred to as a Grand Gatherings event. It requires a pre-formed group of at least eight people staying at the Disney Resorts. It can be augmented by people not staying in a Disney resort but at least 80% of the people must be at a Disney Resort.

If I recall, we showed up at 6:30, were let in at 6:45 and started eating by 7:00. At about 8:30 we were escorted to the area at water level below the Rose and Crown where the dessert buffet was set up. This was then open until the end of IllumiNations.

Just to add a few tidbits...

The deposit is the full price...for 10 of us, all adults, I had to charge a cc with $599.50...as I breath in!

Would I do it again? Yes. How I finally decided to go - I based the cost on other dinner shows - Hoop and Spirit of Aloha are $50. Even though this was not a "show" - I personally feel like I had enough fun to compare it to those.

Our viewing area was right behind the gift shop. It was a nice area - benches - and we were able to stay until the very end of the music playing. We didn't have to battle the crowds to get out. We sat around talking and the cms were cleaning up and talking around us.