What is the Royal Gathering?

[bigAWL]

I don't understand why the "Royal Gathering" (formerly called the "Princess Gathering") is only reservable 30 days before sailing and how anyone is supposed to know that unless they're here on DisBoards.

This page mentions "Ticketed Character Greetings" (https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/booking-reservations/port-adventures-spa-salon-childcare/) and when you click that, it takes you to this page (https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/onboard-activities/character-greetings/), which lists the "Princess Gathering". So it appears that you should be able to book it when your CC date comes up.

I don't care about the PAT/BG and am debating if I want to stay up till midnight and deal w/ check-in craziness but I also don't want to miss the "Royal Gathering." If I can't get a ticket for it in advance, what's my best strategy for getting a ticket once onboard? Thanks!

PS: Relatedly, other things I want to get tickets for are a Character Breakfast and the Frozen meet-and-greet. And maybe Palo brunch. Are those truly reservable when our CC booking window opens? Thanks.

Maybe someone else can verify, but someone on my cruise FB group seemed to say they went on at midnight just to book the Royal Gathering. Instead of clicking online check-in, I think you just go to the My Plans section and add it to your other bookings. Anyone who did online check-in first, was shut out of the Gathering.

 

[DisneyPiPhi]

Maybe someone else can verify, but someone on my cruise FB group seemed to say they went on at midnight just to book the Royal Gathering. Instead of clicking online check-in, I think you just go to the My Plans section and add it to your other bookings. Anyone who did online check-in first, was shut out of the Gathering.

This is correct. You can book Royal Gathering at midnight 30 days prior to embarkation regardless of whether you've completed online check in. One adult in the party could snag the Royal Gathering while the other starts online check in on another device.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

This is correct. You can book Royal Gathering at midnight 30 days prior to embarkation regardless of whether you've completed online check in. One adult in the party could snag the Royal Gathering while the other starts online check in on another device.

Have you done this? In the past only one person can access a reservation at a time.

 

[DisneyPiPhi]

Have you done this? In the past only one person can access a reservation at a time.

I have! Plus the Royal Gathering usually takes about a minute to book, so it wouldn't put you very far behind for online check in if there's an issue.

 

[Seamama]

This is correct. You can book Royal Gathering at midnight 30 days prior to embarkation regardless of whether you've completed online check in. One adult in the party could snag the Royal Gathering while the other starts online check in on another device.

Thank you (and also thanks to @bigAWL as well)! This is super helpful. I will login at midnight 30 days prior to sailing for the Royal Gathering and if the check-in goes smoothly, great, but if not I'll just go to bed and try again the next day. Really appreciate this info!

 

[Disturbia]

Maybe someone else can verify, but someone on my cruise FB group seemed to say they went on at midnight just to book the Royal Gathering. Instead of clicking online check-in, I think you just go to the My Plans section and add it to your other bookings. Anyone who did online check-in first, was shut out of the Gathering.

I went through my plans and still got the spinning circle. I would go to the last day and book. I wasted time checking day 3 (thought that was latest enough). I would click day 6 or castaway cay day.