Not quite happy dance....but trying

[NHMom4]

We are very excited to be going back to DW. We are a family of 7 (hubby, kids, me and grandpa). The last 4 days of our vacation we are going to be joined by Grammy & bob. We booked our vacation through Southwest. Hotel at AKL savannah view, tickets, dining plan & airfare. I was going to book through Disney but they didn't have any nonstop flights out of the airports we are near. I talked to a rep at Disney and asked if their would be any problem booking through SW. Oh, no they told me same tickets same hotel can still use Magic Express. She even said she understood not wanting a lay over with 4 small kids. Grammy and Bob booked straight through Disney. Time to make ADR. We are going to be a party of 9 for those last 4 days so we wanted to do some of the Grand Gathering Events. Well guess what you CAN'T if you book through SW. NO ONE told us. So now what? Cancel the SW?? Do I have to pay a fee and what the heck am I going to do with $9000 in SW credits! Now I read that the buses are horrible at AKL, that one of the savannas will be closed... what am I going to do?? How far would it be to walk to Coronado Spring (where Grammy & Bob will be)
As far as ADR's we have
Le Cellier 230
Tutto Italia 730
Crystal Palace 1130 (in place of Grand Gathering Breakfast)
Hoop-Dee-Doo 715 (in place of Grand Gathering Savanna)
50's prime time cafe 530
Akus... Norway Restaurant with princesses 1145
Then we plan on going to
Cosmic Rays
El Pirata y el Parrio
Captain Jack's
T-Rex
as you can tell I am an over planner, should I just get over everything or are their some valid concerns??

 

[JessR]

 

[ktcov]

I dont know about the Grand Gatherings but I just wanted to say that we never had a problem with the bus system at AKL when we stayed for our honeymoon. I dont remember ever waiting more than 10-15 minutes for a bus to get where we wanted to go. The bus ride itself is longer to MK, but thats because its the farthest one away. On the flip side, AK is about 5 minutes since it is right next door.

BTW, Hoop Dee Doo was a BLAST. Our family really enjoyed it last spring. Its all my DH talks about when I mention going back.

 

[MarkinNM]

Sounds BUSY!!!!!


but fun................

 

[dizzy203]

You can book a Grand Gathering through Disney to include everything but the airfare. You do not have to book your flights through them. Then you can book just your flights through Southwest. We never book our flights through Disney for same reasons you stated, we want nonstop flights. So we always call Disney for the hotel/tickets etc and then book our own flights through Southwest. Good Luck!

 

[NHMom4]

ktcov, thanks for letting me know that. Maybe I just came across people who had the worst time with the AKL busses. Sometimes all we tend to mention is the worst. As for Hoop-Dee-Doo most people that have been say they loved it. Some people commented on the cheezy over-acting but the ADR guy warned me of that.

dizzy203, we already booked everything through Southwest in December for our March trip and are now not able to participate in the Grand Gatherings. I didn't find it out until I was trying to make the reservations. I just wished when I asked the Disney rep they could have told me that. Or that there was a list of restrictions somewhere on the Disney Grand Gathering site. Oh well, now I know and maybe this will let someone else know. Maybe I should post a warning somewhere...

 

[PilotWife]

I just wanted to say that we also never had a problem with the buses at AKL. They didnt pick up or drop off at other resorts - hardly ever crowded, except at the opening and closing times (of course). But we thought they were great - with 3 small kids and a double stroller.

Jennifer

 

[BarbieGal457]

I just planned and came back from a Grand Gathering of 8. We booked room-only through Disney, and bought park tickets and flights separately. Three of us flew US Air and the other five flew Southwest, and we never had any problems booking anything! I think maybe you should call and try to get another CM. We were never told that our flights affected us? I'm just a bit confused by all of it.

As for Hoop-De-Doo, it's a must-see and one of my favorites!

 

[NHMom4]

I was told by 2 CM's that it is because we booked our whole vacation through Southwest. At the time I booked it I just thought it was easier to get it all (tickets, flights, dining, hotel) from one place. To book the flight from SW, and then everything else from Disney vs. book it all from SW was not really a price difference. Besides when I asked the first Disney vacation rep they told me there was no difference so I believed her. Both CM's I talked to after tried to book the Grand Gathering but then had to talk to a supervisor and come back on the phone. They told me because SW is a wholesaler they have no way to link the reservations to the other people in our party. I also asked if we could book the Grand Gatherings once we were there, obviously they would be able to link our parties then, right?? I was told nope not even then. I am really just bummed that no one told me and that the CM's don't even know. We really wanted to do the Safari Grand Gathering. I am glad I didn't tell the kids before I had it booked.

 

[SplashMtnCrew]

I've never done a Grand Gathering, and we drive to WDW, so I can't comment on those.
However, I do know that CM's on the phone do not give advice or recommendations. They pretty much answer your questions only. They don't tell details unless you ask them. Trying to get info from a CM when you call is like pulling teeth. You have to ask specific questions, they are not known for giving information freely, as I'm sure lots of DISers will tell you. Sad, but that's the way it is.
It sounds like you have a great trip planned, have lots of fun

 

[DWFan4Life]

I agree, try to ask them specifically so you will really get and know what you want. Your plan is great. Hope you had a great time.

Enjoy and have fun.

 

[NHMom4]

Thanks for all your happy wishes. We will have fun. It's Disney after all!!!