Question on Grand Gathering Safari

[Disneywoz]

Trying to solidify our plans for our Grand Gathering. We have booked it for a Sunday night and were told to be at Flights of Wonder by 4:00pm. The parade starts in Africa at 3:45pm, supposedly, we do not start anything until 4:15pm. Have others been able to watch the whole parade from Flights of Wonder and then start the GG experience or not? Do they have a special section for you to watch from or do you just have to camp out for a good spot?

Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

The parade route passes right past the Caravan Stage (flights of wonder), so you should be able to see most, if not all of the parade, then turn around and go into the theater.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Time is going to be close.
2) You DO need to report at 4:00, not 4:15.
3) Once checked-in, they get everything ready.
4) So, DO NOT show up at 4:15.
5) There is no special viewing area - you have to stake out your spot.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

The parade starts in Africa at 3:45pm, supposedly, we do not start anything until 4:15pm. Have others been able to watch the whole parade from Flights of Wonder and then start the GG experience or not?

From memory, and I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong, the parade goes anti-clockwise around the park, so only gets to Flights of Wonder right at the end; much later than 4:15 pm. Also, last time I saw the parade, it must have been more than 30 minutes from first float to last float, so you probably couldn't see the entire parade, even if you positioned yourself to watch it come out from backstage in Harambe.

Also, be aware that once the parade is moving, it is very difficult to get around the park. You will most likely be directed through all the shops. Make sure you don't get cut off from getting to Flights of Wonder.

Andrew

 

[Disneywoz]

Thanks everyone. I guess we will get to Flights of Wonder at 3:45 to be safe and then hope we get to see some of the parade.

 

[level01]

We went on the Safari in August.

We were able to watch the whole parade, as they didn't open up the enterance for Flights of Wonder until after the parade was over.

 

[bellenbuzz]

There is a group of 10 of us doing this Safari Celebration......
To clarify, we should be at the Flight of Wonder Caravan at 3:45pm, right ???? Just to be safe ????
It doesn't matter if we see some of the parade or not, but will we see some from this point at this time ??

ALSO, How is this Safari Celebration ??? What's it like for those of you who have already done it ??? details & feedback please !!!!

THANKS SO MUCH !

 

[Magic4UsZ's]

I would love to hear what people thought of this event. I hope to book this for our GG in June 07.

Is this something that gets booked up really quick? Do I need to be on the phone at 7am 180 days out?

What time does it usually start? Does it vary with park closing times?

Thanks for all your help

 

[level01]

It was a good experience, but I don't think I would do it again.

I think maybe I was expecting to much.

When we went on the Safari, most of the animals were missing in action and I was expected the Safari to be different then the normal Safari ride, but it was the same. You just get a private safari vehicle for your group.

The dinner was very good (and lots of it).

The animal and character interactions were also a let down for me (but not for my kids).
The animals were a spider (in a glass box) and a snake that the kids could touch.
The characters were Chip and Dale. I wanted Mickey and Minnie in there safari clothes.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

The safari has a different spiel from the regular safari. The guide has some different animal facts, and much more freedom to go 'off-script' to interact with the guests on-board. (Note: If you're going to go on the GG safari, interact with, or at least talk to your guide, it will make the night more enjoyable for you, and them)

 

[bellenbuzz]

I am really looking forward to this event!!

So our group of 10ppl will get our own ride vehicle ???

I thought there was more entertainment, too??

It sounds pretty exciting to me! And Good Food, Huh ??! YUMMY

 

[level01]

The safari has a different spiel from the regular safari. The guide has some different animal facts, and much more freedom to go 'off-script' to interact with the guests on-board. (Note: If you're going to go on the GG safari, interact with, or at least talk to your guide, it will make the night more enjoyable for you, and them)

It is possible that the spiel is different. It was hard to tell as the audio system in our vehicle wasn't working, and what few parts we did hear were the same. The guide was very good with answer questions and providing additional facts through the whole night (not just the safari portion).

It was also nice to be able to get some group shots on our way out of the park with nobody else around (and no wait for the bus back to our resort).

Again, it was a good experience, and I am glad we did it. I just wouldn't do it again.

 

[Disneywoz]

Speaking of buses, does Disney provide transportation back to your hotel for the whole group? Do they have just a few buses and split the groups up or do they have one bus and it just goes to the hotels that are needed? Most of our group is staying in the same hotel, but there are two that are not?
Thanks.

 

[NYGiantsRule!]

When we did ours they asked each party where they were staying. Since the park is closed when you are finished with dinner the buses are lined up just to take you back to your hotel.

 

[Grand fan]

Please send me a trip report. We are doing this in April with 15. I would love to here from someone if it is worth the 2 meal credits.

 

[Grand fan]

Please send me a trip report. We are doing this in April with 15. I would love to here from someone if it is worth the 2 meal credits.

 

[bellenbuzz]

We really liked it alot !! We were the LIONS !! Your group gets an animal name. Our "Mama" character was great!
There were 10 of us, the food was great, the service wonderful !! They set-up TuskerHouse totally different then during the day time. They block off the kitchen so you can't see it and set it up more like a sit down restaurant.
Our guide was Tristen, he was a hoot, we had lots of fun with him.
The actual Safari was sooooooo much nicer then the routine.....so open, lots of talking and questions. They stop the tram if you want them to....awesome experience.
Our kids had fun joining the band with all the instruments, seeing the live animals and bring your autograph books too !!
It was run very smoothly, organized and efficiently. We loved it !!
Have fun and any other questions, please ask away !!

 

[Grand fan]

Thanks for the info. Can you answer a few more questions? What characters were there? Did the children have to eat off the children's menu or was the food family style?

 

[Disneywoz]

We also enjoyed it. We were the elephants. The characters were Chip and Dale and as another poster mentioned the animals were a snake and a spider. The food was great. The kids get a choice of eating the adult food family style or getting their own plate which was Mac and Cheese, and Applesauce. Everything at the dinner was a lot of fun. I sort fo wish they had worked the character greeting a little differently. Possibly excuse one table at a time to go get the autographs because it was a long wait and we could have been sitting visiting with the rest of our party, some of whom we would not see any more during our trip. Other than that one complaint, it was a lot of fun. And yes they did let us watch the whole parade and then started moving us into the theater to get with our groups.

 

[bellenbuzz]

Our animals were an Owl and a Tarantula. Kids thought they were cool.
We had Chip & Dale too, they are so cute in their Safari outfits.

The kids each got their own appetizer plate too, with stuff they like, and then their meal. Of course, my kids also picked on anything we had too.
Then the desserts were for everyone, which were delish!

Again, our server was great!

Also, for adults, our server served us wine & beer non-stop, kept our glasses filled without asking......turns out we were charged for our 1st alcoholic beverage only then the rest was included.....We had more then our share !! It was awesome !!