My intimate Magical Gathering-120 people?!?

[SuzieQMomof3]

Someone from guest relations called yesterday to change the time of our Magical Gatherings Fireworks Cruise. I asked her how many people were scheduled to go with us and she said "It's a big group, about 120 people." I'm so worried now, I don't know if I should cancel it. My family is going, there are 16 of us, and I know there will be a lot of boats, but I just don't see how it can be something extra special if there's such a big crowd.

Anyone have any experience with this? This is one of only three things that we are all doing together on our trip and I really wanted it to be special.

 

[Crazy Hakim]

I don't understand, didn't you know that the Magical Gathering Cruise is on two large boats with other guests?

"Magical Fireworks Voyage" -- After bidding farewell to Captain Hook and Mr. Smee on shore, your group will sail with Patch the pirate along Seven Seas Lagoon by Magic Kingdom. This memorable evening includes ideal "seaward" viewing of the "Electrical Water Pageant" and the spectacular new "Wishes" fireworks extravaganza over Cinderella Castle. The voyage features group trivia and song activities and a celebration for special occasions like birthdays, reunions or anniversaries. The irrepressible Patch regales you with tales of Peter Pan on the trip back to shore. Speaking of Peter Pan, he awaits your return to pose for photos and sign autographs. Ages 10 and older, $29.99; ages 3-9, $14.99.

This is not a private "Wishes" Cruise, where one party (up to 10 ppl) is on one boat.

 

[taximomfor4]

I would still keep it....I have heard that they usually split the Magical Gatherings people onto 2 boats, so that's like only 60, lol.

We are going on one on 8/12, and had no idea they had THAT many people, but it makes sense. And I have heard nothing but good reviews about it. Go, have fun...maybe you'll meet some more new friends on there!

Beth

 

[intrep93]

120 is a lot more intimate and special than the 12,000 who will be viewing it from main street - LOL!!!! I would keep it - Sounds like a great time and if everyone knows they will be part of a bigger group, no one will be dissappointed that it's not "private". Just think if you were doing a brewery tour or something somewhere - those are usually big group tours, but they are still neat and fun. Don't worry, if it's at WDW it will be magical!!

 

[SuzieQMomof3]

Thanks for the input-maybe I'm just nervous because this was the get together that was my responsibility. However, now I'm even more confused. I didn't see anything in the write-up about the size of the boats, and the CM told me that they hold about 20 people. Maybe she was wrong. If it's just 2 boats with 60 people each, like Crazy Hakim said, I'm afraid I'm going to be spending my evening chasing around my 4 kids.

I should just relax. Like intrep93 said, it will be magical.

 

[Figment2]

The boats are not something you or your children can "run around on." Your group will be seated together. As you board, "Patch or his cohort" will tell you something like first five rows left side. So your area on the boat will be pre-assigned (at least this is what happened when we did this cruise a couple of years ago).

We liked it so much our group is doing it again in Oct.

Cyn

 

[ticktock]

Is there a restroom on these boats? On any of the boats you can rent?

 

[WANNABE@WDW]

The only boat with a restroom is the Grand 1. They will tell everyone repeatedly to go to the restrooms before leaving the dock. We have done the Magical Gatherings Fireworks Voyage 4 times and have loved it each time!Our Magical gatherings consisted of groups of 8, 14, 11, and 36! You do share the boats with other groups, but it only adds to the fun. I'm guessing the boats hold 50 to 60 people. Everyone who has done this with us has loved it. Have fun!

 

[SuzieQMomof3]

Thanks, everyone!

 

[ajksmom]

SuzieQMomof3

What is the date of your cruise? I've scheduled one for the 19th of August.

 

[Kourtnie]

This is one of my favorite activities at Disney. The deserts were to die for and the character interaction is good. I would bring a light coat or something, we were cold out on the boat ( it was april at night though).
I would do it again if there were 8 of us going.

 

[PottersMom]

I don't understand, didn't you know that the Magical Gathering Cruise is on two large boats with other guests?

"Magical Fireworks Voyage" -- After bidding farewell to Captain Hook and Mr. Smee on shore, your group will sail with Patch the pirate along Seven Seas Lagoon by Magic Kingdom. This memorable evening includes ideal "seaward" viewing of the "Electrical Water Pageant" and the spectacular new "Wishes" fireworks extravaganza over Cinderella Castle. The voyage features group trivia and song activities and a celebration for special occasions like birthdays, reunions or anniversaries. The irrepressible Patch regales you with tales of Peter Pan on the trip back to shore. Speaking of Peter Pan, he awaits your return to pose for photos and sign autographs. Ages 10 and older, $29.99; ages 3-9, $14.99.

This is not a private "Wishes" Cruise, where one party (up to 10 ppl) is on one boat.

Question... can you get on one of these if you aren't part of a magical gathering??? DH and I are going in Oct. for a late honeymoon, and we wanted to view wishes or illuminations from the water, but didn't want to spring for a private boat. i asked about any tours that you paid per person but the activities guy said "no". Did we have a miscommunication or something?? Is there anyway for us to join one of these?

 

[SuzieQMomof3]

ajksmom,

We're going on Sunday, August 6. I hope you have a good time!


Pottersmom,

I'm pretty sure this is only open to those who are registered as a Grand Gathering group, and for that you need to be a party of 8 or more. Sorry.


Glad to hear that this is a favorite activity for so many!

Susan

 

[ajksmom]

Susan too bad we didn't find out that it was the same date. Hope you enjoy the cruise, post about it when you get home!!

 

[Brise Nannie]

The only boat with a restroom is the Grand 1. They will tell everyone repeatedly to go to the restrooms before leaving the dock. We have done the Magical Gatherings Fireworks Voyage 4 times and have loved it each time!Our Magical gatherings consisted of groups of 8, 14, 11, and 36! You do share the boats with other groups, but it only adds to the fun. I'm guessing the boats hold 50 to 60 people. Everyone who has done this with us has loved it. Have fun!

Wow! I didn't realize when they said group they meant GROUP! With no potty I guess I won't have to worry about making plans for this cruise. My bladder is worse than the kids! Is this TMI?

 

[InstImpres]

Question... can you get on one of these if you aren't part of a magical gathering??? DH and I are going in Oct. for a late honeymoon, and we wanted to view wishes or illuminations from the water, but didn't want to spring for a private boat. i asked about any tours that you paid per person but the activities guy said "no". Did we have a miscommunication or something?? Is there anyway for us to join one of these?

You can go to the cruise share thread and post your dates....we have created "Magical Gatherings" with other DISers for the purpose of being able to do the events. You will need to be 8 people but nothing says they can't be web friends. Congrats!

 

[SuzieQMomof3]

Pottersmom, I don't think so. In order to sign up for the cruise, your party needs to be registered as a Grand Gathering. You get a registration number and a separate telephone number to make your reservation. Sorry.