Magical Grand Gathering Trip with Pics. Completed

[crgfsu1]

Thanks cathy,
So glad you found my trippie. how have you been? Kenai, I coudn't remember his name LOL. Her wrap is surviving so far . but if you bend those wraps then hair tneds to pop out of the sides of them and then look a mess. CBR gets 2 from us. We stayed in Martinique since I booked preferred to be close to OPR but Jamaica looks so pretty. If we go back then I'll book a standard and request that section. Are you bringing Abbey back to Disney anytime soon?

As a matter of fact, we are going back!!! In February. We are going with the big group again, but this time to save money, we are staying off site at Windsor Hills in a 4BR house. It looks nice and from our understanding, it is a 5-10 minute drive to the parks. I havent started a pre-trip report, not really sure I will....but there definitly will be a trip report.


Cathy

 

[kaysmommie]

As a matter of fact, we are going back!!! In February. We are going with the big group again, but this time to save money, we are staying off site at Windsor Hills in a 4BR house. It looks nice and from our understanding, it is a 5-10 minute drive to the parks. I havent started a pre-trip report, not really sure I will....but there definitly will be a trip report.


Cathy

Windsor Hills is supposed to be really nice and is not far from the parks either. If you do a trip report send me the link please.

 

[dddisrunner]

Great update Nichole! LOVE the kids matching outfits! Thomas' poses with the characters are so funny! I was cracking up when I read about how the kids ate from McDonalds and you and Tom ate from FTB! We do that ALL the time too! Glad Kaylee loved EE it really is SO fun! Sorry you didn't like Dinosaur...we laugh so hard on that ride! Must be a boy thing! Looking forward to more.

 

[Poohtigeey]

Nichole, btw, I got those green and yellow Mickey head Crocs on clearance at Hallmark for $6.00!!!!!!!

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

I'm a coaster junkie myself but could care less about the TOT. I've been on it a few times but it's nothing I have to do. I agree with her 100%! I've started the clothing transition...I finished up the babies stuff today. I hate this time of year when it's 80...then 40...then 80...then 60. Grrrr! It's usually shorts...maybe a l/s T occasionally until December around here. Running to the shower before DH comes on...

 

[kaysmommie]

Great update Nichole! LOVE the kids matching outfits! Thomas' poses with the characters are so funny! I was cracking up when I read about how the kids ate from McDonalds and you and Tom ate from FTB! We do that ALL the time too! Glad Kaylee loved EE it really is SO fun! Sorry you didn't like Dinosaur...we laugh so hard on that ride! Must be a boy thing! Looking forward to more.

Hi Diane. The kids outfits are from Gymboree last year. they are actually called Safari collection. I planned on them wearing them to dinner but my friends wanted to the kids to wearing matching T's. SO I just had them wear those outfits for daytime instead. My kids don't like Flametree and it's not worth it to hear them complain . Dinosaur made both of us motion sick. Glad your boys like it. I remember their funny pics from the ride.

Nichole, btw, I got those green and yellow Mickey head Crocs on clearance at Hallmark for $6.00!!!!!!!

Wow what a deal!! I overpaid last summer on shoebuy. I might have to check out hallmarks clearance section for a bigger size for Thomas. Thanks for telling me.

I'm a coaster junkie myself but could care less about the TOT. I've been on it a few times but it's nothing I have to do. I agree with her 100%! I've started the clothing transition...I finished up the babies stuff today. I hate this time of year when it's 80...then 40...then 80...then 60. Grrrr! It's usually shorts...maybe a l/s T occasionally until December around here. Running to the shower before DH comes on...

I have to do clothing transition this week . It's a job I can't stand doing. Same here with the weather. I have to leave out some warm weather clothes because we still get warm days. I'm not ready to stop wearing flip flops yet. Kaylee won't be riding TOT again . Your update is coming right up. Yesterday was very busy, we took the kids to the Pumpkin Patch so that took up most of our day.

 

[kaysmommie]

Grand Gathering Safari celebration Dinner...


It was hard to get Thomas and Kaylee out of the pool. Kaylee was having a blast with her friends she made at the pool. They only had and hour and a half to swim before having to get showers for dinner. Even letting them swim that long caused us to be later than iwanted getting abck to AK. Unfortunately we didn't get to see the Nemo Musical or the Jammin Jungle Parade. I guess that will be our the list for next time. The kids were complaining they were hungry, so I let them have a mickey Bar as a snack.

On the way to our room , we saw these birds. They were kind of different looking.

Driving to AK was the best way since then we would have to get a bus back after dinner. They do have buses for the event to take everyone back to their resorts. It was raining on the way there and I called my DF to see if the dinner would still be on in the rain. Since it was light rain the Safari dinner would still be going on. We waited out front of AK for our friends to arrive. Then since it was close to 5:30 we headed to FOW to check in. When you check in they give you a group name. Our group of 16 was called the Cheetah's, all 5 girls loved that name. We waited around for about 20 minutes before they called us into FOW. Here is Kaylee with her BF from NJ. I think she is a very photogenic little girl.

There we met our guide for the evening. Her name was Karen and she from TX. She was a very nice CM and the kids liked her because she was younger. Everyone that does the Grand gathering events gets a special pin from the event. If anyone wants to see it I can take a picture. Then our hostess came out, can't remember her name, to tell us all about Safari, Dinner and entertainment.

It seemed like we waited a while before heading to the Safari ride. The other 2 DH's in our group (not mine ) had to go for a beer run. Of course by that time we started lining up to walk over to KS to board and they had to chug their beer because the CM said no drinks on the ride .

Then we finally took off for our 2 week adventure on the Safari. it was a great ride and since it was still drizzling a bit lots of animals were out. It was a longer ride then you would do on a regular park day and they don't do the whole story with little red. you can also ask the guides any questions you want, and they ask the kids lots of questions. I really enjoyed the Safari, minus a few minor things with other peoples kids not behaving which I don't care to get into on my trippie . If you feel like hearing me complain then you can PM me . Here are a few pics from the Safari. They are not great because we were moving slowly alot of the time.

Ou guide ..

Hippo out of the water which you rarely see...

Anyone know the name of these upside down trees??

Ostrich eggs, they aren't real BTW..

Continued in next post..

 

[kaysmommie]

After the Safari we headed to Tusker House for dinner. The park was empty and it was cool seeing only the GG people walking around. We were seated at a huge table in the side room. I think the main room would have been better to see the entertainment but we wouldn't have all fit. They had bread and salads on the table already and the waiter took our drink orders.

Real African Musicians..

Then we headed up to the buffet. I did take a few pics but most of the food was dug into already. I did my best though . It was kind of hectic with a big group.


Carving station. Beef and Turkey, which was good. Kaylee said the steak was fatty.

Vegtables

I have no clue what some of this was but it was good!

Kids buffet. I think all the DH'S got some food here..

Make your own PB&J Complete with girl licking her fingers.

Most of us liked the food. They need more kid choices though. Tommy thought it was not worth 2 Table service even with the Safari. My friends DH didn't like it at all and he is a foody and he cooks alot and pretty good I might add. Mostly likes the signature restaurants at Disney.

After most of us were finshing dinner the hostess brought out Rafiki and Timon and they came out and danced with the kids. Some of the kids had Maracas to play too.

Most of the boys, not looking too thrilled...

Then Rafiki and Timon signed books and took pics with the kids. Thomas didn't want to see Rafiki.

Next we went outside on the patio to see the animals they brought over to show the kids.


first is a Tarantula, Thomas loved looking at him and wanted to hold it .

Next was a spiky tailed lizard, of course I forgot his proper name. He was kind of neat and the kids got to pet him. Even Tom pet him which kind of suprised me.

They even had hand sanitizer for everyone to use after .


When we went back to our table and dessert was waiting for everyone... It was yummy, pastries, fruit, and chocolate cake!

After dessert we took a few pics of tired mom's and kids. Excuse my hair it was raining out. Michelle is my friend in the middle. Sandie is actually a friend of Michelle's who I don't know too well, met once or twice maybe. She was very nice though and has 4 kids and one on the way. So she must be a patient person. All of her girls were adorable from age 10 to 3.

All of the kids in our Grand Gathering.

After dessert everyone walked out of and empty AK together. The CM's walk you out to make sure you don't try and stay. The Tree of Life was all lit up and it looked beautiful. I tried to take a picture of it but it didn't come out. Then my DF tried to take a picture of it and it wouldn't come out. I guess we needed a tripod or something.

It was a fun night at the Safari dinner. Not sure if I would do it again though. It was a fun event to do with friends or family and it was great to spend time together. But I also like to have family time on vacation for the 4 of us since Tommy works so many hours. So we did both on this vacation. It worked out perfectly though except when Thomas got sick because they switched the plans around so much and we didn't get to do much.




Up next: Hollywood Studios..

 

[jake&samsmom]

Hi Nichole! Just catching up on your latest update. I think the Grand Gathering Safari is cool, esp. when you have a pretty good sized group. I think the kids' matching shirts are so cute, and the Moms look stunning even after a tiring but fun-filled day. That tarantula was scary!
Jen

 

[29apr00]

Hi Nicole!!

I think the upside down tree is a Banyan Tree. Love all the pics! Thomas is so cute seeing all the characters! UGh i'd have been angry too if that big ol'dumb bear tied a knot in her Hair Wrap! You'd think Disney would teach them better!!

The GG safari looked pretty cool!! The character and animals were a nice extra. But was it just your group, or did the dinner include other GG groups too??

 

[mom2mek]

Great update Nichole! I don't know what you are talking about "not looking good" - You are nuts! You always look fabulous!

Loved the info on the Grand Gathering Safari Dinner - I think it sounds nice. A good way to end an AK day with a group, without having to ahem....lug everyone around with one another ALL DAY!!!

Can I just say... to the tarantula! But the lizard was neat looking - what a weird tail! That's cool that they bring the animals out so up close and personal! My kids would love that!

All of the kids look so cute in their matching shirts! Can't wait to hear about the Studios day!

Sara

 

[kaysmommie]

Hi Nichole! Just catching up on your latest update. I think the Grand Gathering Safari is cool, esp. when you have a pretty good sized group. I think the kids' matching shirts are so cute, and the Moms look stunning even after a tiring but fun-filled day. That tarantula was scary!
Jen

Thanks Jen, you are so sweet . I have nightmares about that Tarantula but even worse we found a Black Widow by our pool filter before we left for vacation . Tom crushed it though.

Hi Nicole!!

I think the upside down tree is a Banyan Tree. Love all the pics! Thomas is so cute seeing all the characters! UGh i'd have been angry too if that big ol'dumb bear tied a knot in her Hair Wrap! You'd think Disney would teach them better!!

The GG safari looked pretty cool!! The character and animals were a nice extra. But was it just your group, or did the dinner include other GG groups too??

I'm laughing at your reaction to the dumb ol bear. I thought maybe I was just being a grouch but it seriously got on my nerves. Thanks, I couldn't remember the name of that tree but it' s cool. No not just our group. There were about 10 groups total. That is why you wait around so much I guess.

Great update Nichole! I don't know what you are talking about "not looking good" - You are nuts! You always look fabulous!

Loved the info on the Grand Gathering Safari Dinner - I think it sounds nice. A good way to end an AK day with a group, without having to ahem....lug everyone around with one another ALL DAY!!!

Can I just say... to the tarantula! But the lizard was neat looking - what a weird tail! That's cool that they bring the animals out so up close and personal! My kids would love that!

All of the kids look so cute in their matching shirts! Can't wait to hear about the Studios day!

Sara

Thanks Sara,
I just read your update and loved it. So glad I didn't go the parks everyday with the entire group. I would have checked into a rubber room when we got back . your braver than me with the large group traveling together. My brothers family would have been easier than this group. They have well behaved kids and are just more laid back. I can only travel with certain people 24/7 I guess. I was made sure to tell my DF that this was also our family vacation for the year. The animals were cool but that tarantula . The only good thing about being home is my hair is not poofy anymore .

 

[tmkinney]

Great update! I'm always learning of something new to do at Disney!!

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Okay...the food does not look good to me. I can do nuggests but not the PBJ as my entire meal from the kiddie bar. I'm a junkitarian. I don't like meat a whole lot and most veggies are out. Spiders kind of scare the &!%* out of me too. I think I'm going to skip this one. Everything else looks like fun though...the musicians (bet the music was awesome)....characters and the safari. And the desserts look yum too. What is the GG pin? I've seen a GG button w/ the Incredibles on it before. Is that it? Looks like you guys had a fun time here. AK would be the perfect place to do a Halloween party...from the way people describe it. Ya know? The tree sounds beautiful at night. They should have had a PP person out there to do GG pics. Don't you think? That would have been cool. Love the hippo pic too. I always heard the rain makes the safari much better.

Sidney just came in and suggested the cabin for Thanksgiving. If we go do you think you guys could come over for dinner one evening?

 

[kaysmommie]

Great update! I'm always learning of something new to do at Disney!!

Thanks .

Okay...the food does not look good to me. I can do nuggests but not the PBJ as my entire meal from the kiddie bar. I'm a junkitarian. I don't like meat a whole lot and most veggies are out. Spiders kind of scare the &!%* out of me too. I think I'm going to skip this one. Everything else looks like fun though...the musicians (bet the music was awesome)....characters and the safari. And the desserts look yum too. What is the GG pin? I've seen a GG button w/ the Incredibles on it before. Is that it? Looks like you guys had a fun time here. AK would be the perfect place to do a Halloween party...from the way people describe it. Ya know? The tree sounds beautiful at night. They should have had a PP person out there to do GG pics. Don't you think? That would have been cool. Love the hippo pic too. I always heard the rain makes the safari much better.

Sidney just came in and suggested the cabin for Thanksgiving. If we go do you think you guys could come over for dinner one evening?

I don't blame you for skipping it. I'm also a junkatarian . But yet I can't figure out why I feel like crap all the time. Tommy will defnately say don't do the Safari dinner ! He didn't like it much. The Safari celebration pin is like a special addition pin for your lanyard or collection. If you want I can take a pic of it?? The one with incredibles they give at check in for Grand gatherings, a regular button type pin KWIM. I agree AK would be fun for a Halloween Party. You would know how to photograph that tree at night maybe you need to go to EMH at AK. They do photopass CM's to cover the GG events. I really thought they would. Dinner at the cabin sounds fun . I have to see when Tommy has off from work that weekend and see what your plans are. Just let me know K?

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Thanks .



I don't blame you for skipping it. I'm also a junkatarian . But yet I can't figure out why I feel like crap all the time. Tommy will defnately say don't do the Safari dinner ! He didn't like it much. The Safari celebration pin is like a special addition pin for your lanyard or collection. If you want I can take a pic of it?? The one with incredibles they give at check in for Grand gatherings, a regular button type pin KWIM. I agree AK would be fun for a Halloween Party. You would know how to photograph that tree at night maybe you need to go to EMH at AK. They do photopass CM's to cover the GG events. I really thought they would. Dinner at the cabin sounds fun . I have to see when Tommy has off from work that weekend and see what your plans are. Just let me know K?

Is that why I feel like poo!? OMG!? Hmmm. I do eat a variety of food. I'm the girl who'd choose crab legs or salmon anyway over a steak or burger. I'm not a big fan of red meat. I love chicken though. Turkey. I'd eat Escargot over green beans any day of the week. I'm just weird like that!

I'd love to see your pin if ya don't mind taking a pic. I wonder if we'll get one for Tony's? That'd be cool. I wonder how the Illuminations dinner is!? I really really really wanted to do the Tony's one and we get to in December. I hope it's fun...the description sounds awesome! Watch it suck! I just talked to Nancy...she is due with their fourth child in mid January. I'm not sure if they can journey to the NC then or not. I will definitely let you know. We'll have to get together and hang out the next time we go.

 

[Kimberly815]

Thanks for the review of the safari dinner. I have always wondered about those Grand Gathering events and there never seems to be much details available about them.

Keep the updates coming.

 

[mansionterror]

Hello Great report so far. I noticed that your family is living in Knoxville, well my family lives in Maryville and I work in Knoxville. Nice to meet someone else on the boards that lives in my area.

 

[snowwhite325]

Great Update The Grand Gathering safari looked like lots of fun

 

[cdotla]

I really enjoyed the Safari, minus a few minor things with other peoples kids not behaving which I don't care to get into on my trippie . If you feel like hearing me complain then you can PM me .

Awww...come on Nicole!!! LOL!! Your TR just won't be the same without your unedited comments/commentary.

I think your honest comments are what keep me coming back - so funny!!!

Don't get too PC on us now!