Magical Gatherings - Epcot Dinner Reception

[Camster0307]

Has anyone done this as part of their magical gatherings?

I got off the phone yesterday with a not-very-helpful CM. I was put on hold for just about every question I asked and still did not get many answers. Here are some:

1. Buffet dinner held at Odyssey restaurant. Does anyone know where in Epcot this is? I thought it was that special banquet hall space by the first aid station; CM insists it's a restaurant in Epcot. She also couldn't tell me what food is served - just that the menu constantly changes and it has an "international" flare. For $60 per adult, I'd like to get some idea as to what is being served.

2. Dinner is hosted by Auntie Roz(?). Who is that? Also, characters are to appear but CM couldn't tell me what characters because they are subject to change.

3. Is alcohol served at dinner? I know it wouldn't be included in the price; but is it available for purchase? Again, CM didn't know that either.

4. CM told me, after dinner, we would be escorted to a private viewing area for Illuminations - but she didn't know where. And, after Illuminations, we would go back to the Odyssey for dessert. Can that be right? Wouldn't we have dessert after dinner, then Illuminations?

Would love to hear from someone who has done this. Based on the info I have so far, it doesn't seem worth it to me. Thanks.

 

[Goofy4]

You are correct, it is a special banquet hall. See http://www.wdwinfo.com/Grandgathering.htm.

The private viewing area is tucked away just off the International Gateway. At least, that was the response from our Illuminations cruise captain when I asked "who are those people?".

Sorry, don't know much more than that, but I am interested in possibly doing this next Summer.

 

[Camster0307]

You are correct, it is a special banquet hall. See http://www.wdwinfo.com/Grandgathering.htm.

The private viewing area is tucked away just off the International Gateway. At least, that was the response from our Illuminations cruise captain when I asked "who are those people?".

Sorry, don't know much more than that, but I am interested in possibly doing this next Summer.

Thanks so much for confirming for me that I wasn't crazy! The CM kept insisting that is The Odyssey is a standing restaurant in Epcot. I have visited Epcot ALOT - knew I never saw such a restaurant!

Now, who can tell me about the food?

 

[Camster0307]

Wow - just checked out that link. The CM quoted me the cheaper prices; the link says the price for children went up this past Jan. Also says that dessert is served at the private viewing area - CM said we had dessert in the restaurant! Good grief!

 

[Goofy4]

I've been looking around myself and found this over at allears: http://allearsnet.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php?product=333&cpage=2#poststart

 

[lulu71]

We did this a couple of years ago, so my info may be old.

The dinner was held at the Odyssey, which is the space by the first aid/baby care center. It was a buffet and there was a lot of choices. I don't remember what was on the buffet exactly, but there were many dishes to choose from.

The Auntie Roz person was kind of a high energy emcee lady. She was entertaining. I remember she called people up who were celebrating special events, like anniversaries and birthdays. She introduced the characters, I think it was Minnie, Mickey and Goofy - there may have been more. There was a dancing with the characters part and the kids loved that.

You could order alcohol - I think we had wine and if I remember right, we paid extra for that but not sure.

The special viewing for Illuminations was held between the two shops at the entrance if World Showcase, but right on the water if that makes sense. There was a dessert buffet during Illuminations.

Our party really liked it, althought I must admit that I was pretty shocked at the number of people at the event. There were a lot and even with the roped off Illumniations viewing area, it was pretty packed in there.

Good luck and have fun if you decide to do it.