July 18 2009 Tortola

[jlawall]

Who's organizing the FE? Please keep us on the list! Our daughters LOOOOOOVED this the last time we cruised! It was the only way to get them back to the cabin!!! "Hmmmm...I wonder what surprises are waiting in the fish extenders????" And they were racing to see who could get there first!

Lucy

I think to start out, we should see who's wants to do Thursday in the parks......the plan is Epcot Illuminations & dessert.

1)JoAnn & Ken & Rents
2)Wendy & Russ & Rents
3)Maryann & Tom
4)Lucy & Bob
5)Joann & Aaron & family(I feel really stupid.)
6)Lissa & family*organizer

If you're interested, jump on, we will still meet everyone on the ship if you can't make it. Also, there's been other talk of a pre-cruise meet at the Radison? I don't remember the details on the that one but I think it's Friday night.

Happy Weekend!!!!!!!

 

[bigAWL]

It's a great idea. We did this 2 years ago when we were down with my DH's company. It was wonderful. They held it on a terrace near the Rose and Crown. It was a great spot for Illuminations.

Hi. Aaron here (DH of 3PrincessMommy aka Joann#2). I've read about some people doing something called Illuminations Grand Gatherings. Is this what we're talking about? Here's something I found on that event:

International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Reception
Taste food from all around the world in a buffet style dinner. In the past there have been American, Italian, German and Chinese selections. Your fun-loving hostess, Auntie Roz, will keep the eveningly lively and someone from your party might even be part of the show! Make sure your outgoing children are ready to perform -- and have your camera ready!

Classic Characters such as Minnie Mouse and Goofy have been known to show up right before the dance party begins! After dinner, there is also time for photos with the characters before heading out to your VIP viewing area for "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth."

The highlight of this viewing spot is a beautiful and elegant dessert buffet. Wine and coffee are served around the chocolate fountain and other sweets. Sounds like a dessert lover's dream come true!

You're leaving so soon? After the fireworks, you do not have to hurry out. Relax! Fill up another plate! Do anything to avoid the mass exodus around you. Think about how peaceful your walk out of Epcot will be once the crowds are gone.

Prices are $59.99 (Adult ages 10+) and $29.99 (Children 3-9). Remember that theme park admission is required and is NOT included in the price of the Grand Gathering.

It also said, that in order to book this, at least 80% of your party had to be staying at WDW resort. We actually won't be, technically.

 

[tinkerbell_29]

There is one for grand gatherings but this is different it would just be desserts. It is little known about because usually just corporations arrange but I have had friends do it before and they loved it. I'm on hold with wdw right now.

Lissa

 

[tinkerbell_29]

Just got off the phone with WDW. They no longer offer this to just groups you have to be a grand gathering or there with a convention. Talked with the grand gathering people and set up a grand gathering number to book this at least eight people have to want to do it. He said that Shades of green does count as staying on property. I asked because if i remember correctly one group is staying there. This is only available on Friday the 17 so if you want to do something on Thursday there were other options we could chose from. I can call and book for all of us but you would need to add the grand gatherings number to your resort reservation. I went ahead and got the number since it was free and did not require anything. The guy i talked to laughed when i said how the group meet it seems many groups from the disboards have done this before. Our group name is disboards gathering 2009. The grand gathering number is 824529 if nothing else we can all get a grand gatherings button. Let me know what y'all think and if you want to do it I'll book it for us on Monday.

Lissa

 

[tinkerbell_29]

The other events that are available is a private safari and dinner, a character breakfast at the MY, or a wishes fireworks cruise.

Lissa

 

[3princessMommy]

The other events that are available is a private safari and dinner, a character breakfast at the MY, or a wishes fireworks cruise.

Lissa

Do you have details for costs etc. for the other options? Friday night works for us at Epcot.

 

[tinkerbell_29]

I'm not sure about the cost for the other options. I know for the safari you take a private safari at the AK which ends with a private dinner at Tusker house that is very similar to the one at Epcot with the food and Characters. For the fireworks cruise you leave from the Contemporary where the characters of Peter pan are their to see you off. You take a cruise around the lagoon and then stop in front of the MK to watch the fireworks. The Character breakfast is in the MK at Tony's it includes Characters like Mickey, Minnie, Chip and Dale. It is basically like chef mickeys just on a smaller more intimate scale. I can call back and get cost if y'all are interested in these.

Lissa

 

[bigAWL]

Here's more on the other Grand Gatherings options:

Good Morning Character Breakfast at Magic Kingdom
Join proprietor Tony (with his thick Italian accent and serenading singing voice) at Tony's Town Square Restaurant for a breakfast experience that, in the past, has included Goofy, Pluto, Chip and Dale & the main man, Mickey Mouse. The characters visit each table, pose for photos, and lead the kids in some singing and dancing numbers.

The mouse himself will be there to greet all the guests arriving for the breakfast. Dont forget to bring your camera! After the meal is over, Tony will invite you to visit Mickey's PhilharMagic, for reserved seating at the very next show.

What is served? An all-you-can-eat meal served at your table that includes scrambled eggs, sausage links, Italian toast covered with berries, cereal and breakfast potatoes with caramelized onions. A vegetarian breakfast plate is also available.

Prices are $29.99 (adults ages 10+) and $17.99 (children 3-9). Prices are per person and include gratuity. Remember that theme park admission is required and is NOT included in the price of the Grand Gathering.


Magical Fireworks Voyage on the Seven Seas Lagoon
"Hop aboard Matey!" Be a guest on a pirate cruise with Patch the Pirate. Patch shares his Disney trivia and songs while giving a tour of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake where you will see the Electrical Water Pageant. The highlight of this tour is the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular fireworks display over the Magic Kingdom.

Before you begin your adventure on the high seas, you'll start the evening at the Contemporary Resort with some piratey snacks and drinks (chocolate coins, assorted fruits, pretzels, popcorn, cookies, soft drinks, juices, and water). Aaarg!

Off to Neverland! Captain Hook and Mr. Smee start your pirate adventure off at a dessert reception. And don't forget to get Peter Pan's autograph and picture after your cruise. He'll be waiting for you on the boat dock.

Prices are $43.99 (Adult ages 10+) and $24.99 (Children 3-9). Cookies and other desserts are included in your cruise.


Safari Celebration Dinner at Animal Kingdom
You will experience the last tour of the day at Kilimanjaro Safari. However, expect a different adventure than the normal Safari. This tour is a bit longer and does NOT include the poacher storyline.

After your safari you will be lead to the Tusker House Restaurant to enjoy an African inspired dinner. There is authentic African music and instruments -- and please encourage kids of all ages to use the instruments! That’s why they're there.

Disney characters such as Turk (Tarzan) and Timon (Lion King) are waiting to pose for pictures and autographs when you leave the restaurant. Get those autograph books and cameras ready!

Prices are $59.99 (Adults ages 10+) and $29.99 (children 3-9). Remember that theme park admission is required and is NOT included in the price of the Grand Gathering.

 

[bigAWL]

Also, looking at this page: http://www.wdwinfo.com/Grandgathering-calendar.htm, July dates are not set yet for these Grand Gathering events. But on the schedule for May and June, the MK breakfast is offered each Wed and Sat, and the Illuminations thing is every Mon and Fri. The other two don't have dates listed for May or June at all. I'm not sure what that means fo July.

 

[tinkerbell_29]

The person that i talked to said that you would not be able to find the July dates on the web as they are in the process of updating that web page. They are available for booking but you have to call to get them.

Lissa

 

[jlawall]

I'm up for any of the ideas. We will be a group of 7, so I don't think the number of people would be a problem. I could also do the Friday night. The Illuminations dinner sounds really nice, but I will do whatever the group wants. We are staying at the GF, so we could definitely book this as a WDW resort. Thx to all for the ideas, it sounds really cool (I guess the fireworks ideas are best to me?)

 

[lwilliam]

WHAT we do, as long as we end up on the ship on Saturday

IF you guys plan anything Friday night, you can't count us in (but go ahead and do what you guys planned)...we'll be at the airport overnight that night.

I'm so happy 'Darth Vader' is planning a meet on the ship - you can count on us to be there!

Relaxing tonight at home. I just watched my Grey's Anatomy from Thursday night on the computer while the 'boys' watched a movie.

YES, Lucy can organize the FE, but kindof funny, though. A person who has never done the FE is organizing this? This FE can only turn out to be a hoot!
(I need directions from someone who has done this) - I've been reading up on this, and I do recommend we only do one 'gift' for the 7 days - not a daily gift....that's alot of work....ok?

 

[jlawall]

WHAT we do, as long as we end up on the ship on Saturday

IF you guys plan anything Friday night, you can't count us in (but go ahead and do what you guys planned)...we'll be at the airport overnight that night.

I'm so happy 'Darth Vader' is planning a meet on the ship - you can count on us to be there!

Relaxing tonight at home. I just watched my Grey's Anatomy from Thursday night on the computer while the 'boys' watched a movie.

YES, Lucy can organize the FE, but kindof funny, though. A person who has never done the FE is organizing this? This FE can only turn out to be a hoot!
(I need directions from someone who has done this) - I've been reading up on this, and I do recommend we only do one 'gift' for the 7 days - not a daily gift....that's alot of work....ok?

I definitely agree about the one gift for the 7 days...............

 

[Dizzyworld]

I agree with one gift too. On our last FE cruise, the person organizing it kept a list of what each gift was going to be to cut down on doubles or triples of the same thing. Just a thought.

 

[jfis1020]

I'm in for one gift! Teacher, yes......creative, no! I'll struggle with one in creativity!
Lucy will do fine organizing.........she has three boys........anyone with three boys can do organizing!

 

[3princessMommy]

I agree with one gift too. On our last FE cruise, the person organizing it kept a list of what each gift was going to be to cut down on doubles or triples of the same thing. Just a thought.

I really like the idea of surprise. It's fun for me to run back with the girls to find out what our DisFriends have come up with. So, if we think this is a must - can it be done through PMs to the organizer only? I don't want to spoil the surprise for anyone.

I also like the idea of one FE for the cruise. We did a small little gift bag last time and delivered on the second night of the cruise. It took me at least an hour, if not two, to get around to all the cabins. I don't want to do that every night/day. (As much as I love you guys....I love my vacation too! )

I also really liked knowing how many kids (boys vs. girls) and how many adults were in each cabin. That way I could sort of personalize each gift and try to make sure that a 7-year old boy didn't get a princess necklace!!!!

I can't wait for the FE!!! I look forward to seeing everyone! Lucy, if you need some help, let me know. I'm happy to lend a hand.

 

[jfis1020]

I really like the idea of surprise. It's fun for me to run back with the girls to find out what our DisFriends have come up with. So, if we think this is a must - can it be done through PMs to the organizer only? I don't want to spoil the surprise for anyone.

I also like the idea of one FE for the cruise. We did a small little gift bag last time and delivered on the second night of the cruise. It took me at least an hour, if not two, to get around to all the cabins. I don't want to do that every night/day. (As much as I love you guys....I love my vacation too! )

I also really liked knowing how many kids (boys vs. girls) and how many adults were in each cabin. That way I could sort of personalize each gift and try to make sure that a 7-year old boy didn't get a princess necklace!!!!

I can't wait for the FE!!! I look forward to seeing everyone! Lucy, if you need some help, let me know. I'm happy to lend a hand.

UUUU, Lucy needing help??? Don't go there?? You'll understand when you meet her JoAnn #2!!!!

I think you are right with your thinking on the FE. And, I also would like to know how many little ones and what gender they are. I think the kids should do their own "exchange". I don't want someone without kids to go to the expense of putting in something for mine.

So, are we saying one FE gift per participating cabin? Then, if you have younger children they could do something for them the other children? What do you guys think?

 

[jlawall]

UUUU, Lucy needing help??? Don't go there?? You'll understand when you meet her JoAnn #2!!!!

I think you are right with your thinking on the FE. And, I also would like to know how many little ones and what gender they are. I think the kids should do their own "exchange". I don't want someone without kids to go to the expense of putting in something for mine.

So, are we saying one FE gift per participating cabin? Then, if you have younger children they could do something for them the other children? What do you guys think?

That's a nice idea if people want to do it. One gift per family and optional one gift per family w/little kids.

I was thinking we could just surprise each other and that there would be no need to coordinate the items. What we do need when we're closer to the time is a list of room numbers. On my previous FE cruise, someone knew how to bring up the decks of the ship and then highlight the rooms we needed to deliver to. Can anyone do that kind of thing.

I'm not creative or clever with pictures (just a teacher, like Jenny)

 

[MrsG]

I'm up for any of the ideas. We will be a group of 7, so I don't think the number of people would be a problem. I could also do the Friday night. The Illuminations dinner sounds really nice, but I will do whatever the group wants. We are staying at the GF, so we could definitely book this as a WDW resort. Thx to all for the ideas, it sounds really cool (I guess the fireworks ideas are best to me?)

We are also in, so that makes 9. The Illuminations sounds the best to us too. I think all ages would enjoy that one.

Anyone else in?

 

[Dizzyworld]

I was thinking we could just surprise each other and that there would be no need to coordinate the items. What we do need when we're closer to the time is a list of room numbers. On my previous FE cruise, someone knew how to bring up the decks of the ship and then highlight the rooms we needed to deliver to.

I like the idea of highlighted rooms on a deck plan, especially on Deck 8. I always get a little lost up there. I had to make our own list the last time.

I thought we were going to finally get snow today, but it is going to miss us again. I don't think we are going to get any here in Maryland. Oh well....

Time to go make dips and dessert for the football party later today. My DH and DS are going to parties for the big game today. Everywhere you look in Maryland things are dressed in purple for the home team. That is kind of fun. My DD is cheering for the other team so she wasn't invited to any parties. I'd rather watch soccer, not into football at all. So, I don't know what us girls will get into.

Hope everyone is having a fun day!