Magical Gatherings

[walls1999]

Hey! I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the Magical Gatherings that WDW is advertising. We have a large extended family and would love to get everyone to go woth us. Thanks for any help!

 

[Memaw2Wm]

You can find information at Disney's website:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/waltdisneyworld/special/magicalgatherings/index?id=MGlanding

Also if you use your Disney Visa card you can get a deal if you're traveling with 2 adults and 2 kids (4+ nights) one child's ultimate park hoppers are FREE and you get $100 in disney dollars!!!

We're going for 3 nights in January, by adding a 4th night I saved $346.92 (yep, it was cheaper to stay for a fourth night) ... plus we'll get the 100 Disney dollars and get to spend an extra day in Disney ... what a sweet deal!!!

 

[always dreamin']

Does anyone know if this is a better deal than the FTP?

 

[walls1999]

I finally broke down and called WDW. The Magical Gatherings are for groups of eight or more. What they do is give you all rooms right togther. Then there are special events that you can sign up for that are just for your group. I didn't get any kind of discount or anything, even though we need 6 rooms. The discounts don't come until you have at least nine rooms. The website is going to have a new way of planning that you can download and then send email back and forth with your group. I will check that out when they get it up and running. So, for now that is all I know.

 

[kadaten]

The online planning tool is supposed to launched Oct. 15.

We have our Magical Gathering booked for Dec 17-22 for 20 people in 9 rooms. Just so you know, we didn't get a room discount...we were told you had to have 10 rooms to get a group discount!

One of the main things we're happy about with this program is that they are saying they will give you rooms located together. For those of you who have traveled in groups before, you know that they usually tell you it's a request and can't be guaranteed. Our MG coordinator said "well that's what the program is all about" when I asked if we'd now be located together for sure.

We are booked on the Magical Fireworks Voyage on December 20. It's a dessert cruise hosted by Capt. Hook and Smee, complete with a storytelling pirate, a view of Wishes from the Seven Seas Lagoon, and a surprise greeter back at the dock. Lots of character interaction since these events are rather limited. Can't wait to hear some reviews after the first Magical Gatherings events start at the end of November! Anyone out there doing one before we get there in December?

Can't wait!!
Katie

 

[Teri Zolman]

Could you tell me what kind of deposits are required. I was also told my a CM that you can apply AP resort rates and if any other discounts come up.

 

[kadaten]

The cool thing about Magical Gatherings is that is simply coordinates all your reservations, priority seatings, tours, events, etc. It does not change anything (rates, codes, deposits, etc.).

So, we have room-only reservations through CRO under several different rates (FL resident, SOG, and Operation Salute) and the deposit rules are the same that they've always been for room-only ressies....one night down with the balance paid at check-in. Priority seatings....just the usual deposit at CRT. Candlelight Processional we had to pay in advance like everyone does.

The only thing different for groups is that when you make group PS, if you don't cancel or change the number in your party 24 hours out, you will be charged a cancellation fee (I think $10 per head, but don't quote me on that). But that's always been the group dining policy; that is not new with Magical Gatherings. (Just so you know, you don't have to call group reservations until you have 13 people.)

As for the Magical Fireworks Voyage and the other special new experiences (International Storybook Dinner at Epcot, Good Morning Gathering at MK, and Safari Celebration at AK), they require payment in full 45 days out. Cancellations may be made up to 6 days out for refund. No cancellations within 5 days of event.

HTH. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Katie

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

Just another FYI....We have our Magical Gathering planned for Aug. 2004. We have people coming from several states with several different budgets. You don't have to all stay in the same resort to particiapate in this. We will be staying in about 4 different resorts. Your "gathering number" which will be given to you when your planner for the group makes their reservations, is what "links" everyone together.

 

[Teri Zolman]

Katie

Thank you that helps. I will make sure and pass on the info to my family.

 

[Teri Zolman]

Just went to Disneyworld.com and the planner is on. It is very cool. I am so excited to set this up for my family.