Magical Gathering, is it worth doing, anyone done one?

[insoin]

Got a question for everyone. My family wants to do a Disney Vacation next year. There will be about 18 of us total. I have heard of Magical (Grand) Gatherings. Anyone done one? Is it worth doing this, or is it best to just do the vacation w/o the MG? Does it have any advantages over just booking it myself?

Also, the reason we are thinking of doing this, is that 7 of the 18 have a brithday in the same month. Would Disney think its odd for me to say there are 7 birthdays in our group that we are celebrating? Not all would be during the week we are there, but close to it. Thoughts?

Thanks for any help.

 

[bettydau]

We'll be a Grand Gathering in January (15 of us), so I always like to read about what people did as a GG and how they liked it.

 

[writersblock42]

We just did a grand gathering and I don't believe that it cost anything extra at all unless you do Grand Gathering Celebrations. I did not notice any special perks except that we did get a special itinerary each, we each got a special button to wear around the park. We did choose to do the Safari Grand Gathering Celebration. Basically, you get a special exclusive pin, a VIP tour of the safari in animal kingdom, a private feast at Tusker House with entertainment and a special visit from Chip and Dale. The food was really good and they treated us really special. They made sure that all our rooms together but other than that I don't remember anything that special. BTW, not sure if anyone knows this but if you visit guest relations at any park, they will give you a 1st visit button.

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

I've done 2 of them, once with a group of 16, once with 22. We did the MG Fireworks Voyage, which is awesome. They make sure all your rooms are close together if you're all at the same resort, and it's easier to make ADR's since you get transferred to Group Dining when you call the GG line.