Grand Gathering Questions

[Breochaid]

My M-I-L made reservations using her DVC points for our entire family. We will have one 2 bedroom and 3 studios at Old Key West. We will all be using the dining plan and would like to have some of our meals as a group. We have been looking into the Grand Gatherings, but have a few questions about it. Who can set up the Grand Gathering? Would it have to be my M-I-L, since she made the accomidation reservations, or could I do it for the entire group? Can we use the Grand Gathering for regular table service meals, like Olivia's Cafe or is it only for the special ones like Illuminations viewing on the boat? Does our entire group, about 9-10 adults, 3 children (ages 4, 5 & 6) and two children under age 3, have to be present for each Grand Gathering or can we use it when just 8 or more members of our family want to dine together? I tried emailing Disney, but it didn't get me anywhere. I also tried calling the grand gathering phone number, but couldn't get through. Thank you for any help!

[cal5755]

Hi There..... I am very familiar with Grand Gatherings. So I will try and help without confusing you....

:mickey: Only guests age 3 or older count toward your guest total when making reservations.

:mickey: You can make reservations for GG without including your entire group so long as there are at least 8 attending the function (ages 3+).

:mickey: Your MIL does not have to be the one to make the ADR's you can do it for your group, just make sure you have the GG # when you call.

:mickey: You can make ADR's for your entire party at any of the restaurants through the GG dining phone number (407-939-7526) they specialize in parties of 8 or more.


I am the Disney planner for our family and I have done ADR's for a GG that included 26 people .....if you have any questions please feel free to PM me and I will help if I can.

[Breochaid]

Thank you so much! That was a huge help, we will be making our ADR's next week.

[elmjimmlm]

Here are what offerings there are for GG that I found which explains in it in detail...

International Dinner and IllumiNations Desert Reception

This event offers international cuisine. Following dinner the children in the audience are invited up onto the stage to hear a classic Disney story by the bookmark storyteller. After the story there is a character meet-and-greet, a dessert reception and VIP viewing of the IllumiNations fireworks. The International Dinner experience is available on selected evenings at Epcot. Adults (10 and older) $59.99, children (ages 3-9) $24.99.

Safari Celebration Dinner

This event takes place at Disney's Animal Kingdom where your party will embark upon the Kilimanjaro Safari with a private guide. Following the safari is a dinner at Tusker House Restaurant with up-close animal visits, a Q & A and a visit from Terk and Timon. The Safari Celebration Dinner experience is available on selected evenings at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Adults (10 and older) $59.99, children (ages 3-9) $24.99.

Good Morning Gathering

A breakfast event at Tony's Town Square Restaurant. Guests are escorted from the front gate of the Magic Kingdom and served by Tony and other Disney characters. Included is some one-on-one time with Mickey Mouse and reserved seats to experience Mickey's PhilHarmagic after breakfast. The Good Morning Gathering experience is available on selected mornings at the Magic Kingdom. Adults (10 and older) $39.99, children (ages 3-9) $19.99.

Magical Fireworks Voyage

This dessert party is hosted by Captain Hook and Smee and is followed by a cruise of the Seven Seas Lagoon to view the fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant. The evening concludes with a telling of the Peter Pan story, and Peter Pan greets your group upon return. The Magical Fireworks Voyage experience is available seasonally on selected evenings on the Seven Seas Lagoon near the Magic Kingdom. Adults (10 and older) $34.99, children (ages 3-9) $19.99.

A Grand Gatherings group can book one of these special events, or all of them. Experiences will be shared by multiple Grand Gathering parties. Valid theme park admission is required for all Grand Gathering experiences except the Magical Fireworks Voyage. The same experience must be purchased by at least 8 guests (based on ages 3 and up) in the party. Experiences and dates are subject to change and weather conditions. Availability is limited. Reservations can be made from 90 to 6 days in advance (beginning 1/1/06, you can reserve 190 to 3 days in advance), and full payment for each experience is required 45 days prior to arrival. May be cancelled up to 6 days prior to first Grand Gathering Experience without penalty. Pricing includes gratuities/service charge(s).

You can use dining plan credits from the Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining for the three Grand Gatherings experiences that include a meal (International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Party, Safari Celebration Dinner and Good Morning Gathering): each experience requires 2 table service options per person. If you are on the Magic Your Way Premium or Magic Your Way Platinum package, the Grand Gatherings experiences will "cost" only one table service option per person.

There are also custom events that can be arranged for your group's special needs, including dinner parties, behind-the-scenes tours, group photographs, spa experiences and golf.