Need help with Grand Gathering meeting times and specifics....

[lornak]

Hello!

I am in charge of a group of 22 that will be in WDW beginning on 9/17. We have scheduled the WISHES cruise, the International Dinner and the Safari Celebration.


I have called MANY times to find out the details of these events and no one is ever able to help me. They just keep telling me that the information hasn't been released yet. We are only three weeks away..this doesn't seem too early to get the information!!

Does anyone who has done these events remember any of the specifics? Meeting times? Locations? I have read other posts regarding preferred viewing area for the parade at AK---but when I asked the CM about it she didn't know anything about it.

Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Windjammer]

We just returned from our trip and and did the Grand Gatherings Safari while there. I hope I can give you some helpful information.

Upon check in at our hotel we were given an envelope with the Grand Gatherings schedule.

Our meet location was at the Flights of Wonder at 4:30. There was no preferred area for viewing the parade but there was plenty of room there anyway. We were originally supposed to meet at 5:00 or 5:30 but the time was changed because the park closing time changed. I understand that the time to meet is generally 1/2 hour before park closing, whatever time that may be.

We really loved the Safari Celebration, it was worth the money. At 5:00 p.m. after family pictures were taken and we were each given a special Safari Grand Gatherings Pin, we walked over to the Safari. Our jeep had two groups, about 20 people total. The Safari lasted 20-30 minutes and we saw practically every animal.

Then we walked to the Tusker House for a family style dinner. This was the best part. Upon arrival there were different types of breads on the table, including chocolate mango. They were all very good. The Salad Course consisted of three dishes;mixed greens, a string bean salad and a cucumber and tomato salad, in a yogurt based dressing. The main course consisted of prime rib (very good), Salmon with cous cous and spicy cakes made of, I think, beans or pea paste (very good), a lamb curry with rice (the best), and Tandori Chicken (very good). There were also root vegetables and two different chutneys. Desert was two different types of Baklava, Fruit and chocolate cake.

They also brought each of our children a meal of chicken fingers, macaroni and cheese and apple sauce, just in case they didn't like the food being served.

There was an African musician playing music during dinner, some dancing and Timon and Goofy were there for a meet and greet. Towards the end of the dinner they had an animal handler with a turtle and a tarantula.

I had been a little leary of having booked the Safari because of the cost, but we all thought it was well worth it. If you have any specific questions feel free to ask.

Steve

 

[lornak]

Thank you so much for that information, Steve. It was a wonderful and helpful report!! I'm glad to hear you thought it was worth the expense as I have been having similar concerns. I am very excited about it after reading your thoughts....!


Does anyone have any information on the Wishes Cruise or the International Dinner???

Thanks!

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

We did the Fireworks cruise last August. We had the dessert reception and had to be on the dock at 8:45 I think. If I remember correctly, the reception started around 8:15 or so, with Capt. Hook and Mr. Smee there to greet us and interact with the guests. This one is definately worth every penny, it was by far the best thing we did all week, and we may be doing another one in Dec.!

 

[lornak]

Thank you! Another helpful post!!! I appreciate it.

Now, if anyone has info on the International Dinner and Dessert Reception I will be good to go!