Magical Gatherings Questions

[claire_ont]

I have two studios booked for Dec 08 with 8 people on the reservation. (My family and my sisters family). Since we are staying on my DVC points do we still qualify as a magical gathering or do we have to book through CRO to qualify? If we do qualify, do we have to register somehow with the planning office, or can I just book some of the special magical gathering activities and order Tshirts, and as long as I am paying for 8 its OK.
The other question is what if one family member decides not to come at the last minute? As long as we have paid for 8, can 7 still take part with one missing?

 

[laughinplace199]

Yes, with 8 people staying on property, you can be considered a Magical Gathering. You need to call MS and they will take down all of your info and get you a GG # (it takes a few days). Then, you can call the GG people and book any of the special events that you are interested in. However, we were told that if one of our 8 people didn't show up, we would not be able to take part in the event (Safari Celebration Dinner). Travelling with little kids (there were 5 in our group), you never know when someone will get sick, hurt, be out of sorts, etc, so I was a bit worried about that. Luckily, everyone was fine and we had a great night.

 

[claire_ont]

Thanks for the info. I need to call MS anyway this week, so I will get us registered as a GG and get the number. Hopefully, everyone will attend as we have no buffer. If one person is sick, hurt, not interested, we will no longer qualify.

Claire

 

[Inkmahm]

I got a MG number for our family gathering of 12 last month. While it turns out we weren't interested in any of the special events you can do as a group, I did use the number when making ADRs. I think the restaurants made a special effort to keep all 12 of us together even though there were few places that had tables that big for us. I'd get the number and use it for ADRs for sure.

 

[DIZBOUND]

OK I have 8 so far booked for Nov 2008 and possibly another 3 that will all be staying on my points. What exactly are the MG oportunities? I guess I am asking if it is worth tyring to get through to MS for this MG number, with the way their phones have been busy.

 

[laughinplace199]

OK I have 8 so far booked for Nov 2008 and possibly another 3 that will all be staying on my points. What exactly are the MG oportunities? I guess I am asking if it is worth tyring to get through to MS for this MG number, with the way their phones have been busy.

Go to the official WDW site and type Grand Gatherings into the search box. You will find all of the info there. (I tried to insert the link here for you, but it wouldn't work for some odd reason.) We did the Safari Celebration Dinner and it was incredible!

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

We were recently in a group of 9.

For us, it was kind of a hodge podge of people, and not a really big special event. We did decide to take part in the Illuminations GG, partly because none of us could imagine being at WDW with 8 or more people in the future.

FYI, children under 3 don't count in your number of 8 or more. We were considered a group of 8 plus an infant.

The special viewing spot for Illuminations was amazing. As for the food and entertainment, it was very good, but I must admit that I've had better at the WS restaurants at Epcot. I would recommend this event, but just know the WOW comes at the end. DH and I have always thought Illuminations from the UK was great, but this spot, behind the gift shop at WS entrance, will blow you away!!

 

[claire_ont]

We are hoping to go on the Magical Fireworks Voyage and buy the T-Shirts. I know it sounds a bit hokey, but I want a photo with all of us in our matching T-shirts...

OK, maybe I really need to get a life, but this will be my niece (16) and nephew's (14) first trip to WDW and I want it filled with special memories and keep sakes... I plan to max out my photopass CD. I can not wait!

Has anyone tried the Magical Fireworks Voyage?

Claire

 

[wildernessDad]

Has anyone tried the Magical Fireworks Voyage?

Claire

Yes, and I thought it was great! If I am involved in another GG, I'd definitely do it again, most definitely.

 

[KelNottAt]

This is an interesting thread. I'm going to call and get a GG number. We'll have a party of 22 next Thanksgiving. It should be great if we could all be served together for our Tgive meal.

 

[claire_ont]

This is an interesting thread. I'm going to call and get a GG number. We'll have a party of 22 next Thanksgiving. It should be great if we could all be served together for our Tgive meal.

I called member services today and gave them all the info they needed to make us a grand gathering. LOTS of questions - everyones names, ages for all children and juniors, each families address and phone number, and then a name for your gathering. I was a little short on imagination so I just gave them our last names plus the word gathering. It is limited in characters so you may want to come up with a few in advance.

Once they have all the info, they will get back to you with the number between 2 days and a week. Once you have the number, you can book the experiences through MS.

I can not imagine organizing for 22. I am having enough trouble with 8.

I think I am done for now. Then there will be that pesky 180 day window for ADRs etc...