Grand Gatherings

Disney's Gift to the Large Group Vacation

Since 2003, Walt Disney World has offered Grand Gathering Vacations. Groups of eight or more (family members or friends) staying at a Walt Disney World resort, can book special Grand Gathering experiences, have access to planning assistance, and purchase specialty merchandise - all as part of the Grand Gathering "package."

HOW TO BECOME A GRAND GATHERING

You'll need eight ticket-holders (the under-three set don't count, although they can participate). At least 80% of your group needs to be staying in on-site Disney accommodations- your Aunt Mary and Uncle Jim in the off-site time share can come along, as long as you have eight on-site guests over the age of three to off-set their numbers. It doesn't matter what Disney accommodations you pick - Deluxe, Value, a campsite at Fort Wilderness; it's all good. However, Swan / Dolphin (unless booked through Disney) and Shades of Green guests cannot be counted toward your on-site guest totals. Everyone in your group does not have to be in the same resort- Grandpa Jones can save and go All-Stars, while Cousin Alexander swanks it up at the Grand Floridian. DVC members or renters are also eligible.

Also, you do not have to all be in the same family. Friends qualify, and sometimes, folks even get together on the internet and book a Grand Gathering with their cyber-friends. So even if you aren't traveling with a large group, it may be possible to gather up other Disney fans and form an internet Grand Gathering. Buyer beware, though. As in all things on-line, make sure you protect yourself - it is possible to call the Grand Gathering folks directly if you would like to avoid sharing personal information with someone you only know through the internet.

Once you determine your group is eligible, it's time to gather information. Before you call to arrange to be a Grand Gathering, be sure you have the information you need for those you are signing up: their full names, addresses and phone number, travel dates, reservation numbers, and the ages of any children at time of travel - you'll need all that data to get your Grand Gathering number. The phone number to call for the Grand Gathering travel planners is 407-939-7526. Note: If you are a Disney Vacation Club member staying in DVC accommodations, you'll need to set up your Grand Gathering through Member Services.

GRAND GATHERING EXPERIENCES

The main reason many folks sign up for grand gatherings is to have access to the three dining experiences that Disney offers only to Grand Gathering guests. The only way to participate in these events is as part of a Grand Gathering, so read on to see if these are events that appeal to you and yours.

Note: Prices vary based on peak and non-peak dates beginning 2010.

Peak Price Tier Dates
February: 14 - 20
March: 28 - 31
April: 1 - 10, 18 - 24
June: 13 - 30
July: 1 - 31
August: 1 - 14
November: 21 - 27
December: 19 - 31
January 2011: 1 & 2

The prices below are effective June 25, 2009 and subject to change. All prices include tax and gratuity.

Safari Celebration Dinner
You'll need park admission for this Grand Gathering, which begins at the Animal Kingdom's Flights of Wonder theater before the park closes for the day. Participants then proceed to Africa, where they enjoy the final Kilimanjaro Safari of the day - it's an extended version (30-40 minutes), which does not include the typical storyline. You'll have an animal handler on board as your guide. Dinner at Harambe's Tusker House follows, with an African-inspired menu served family style. Musicians entertain through the meal with African music - kids of all ages can participate on provided instruments. After dinner, guests get an "up close" look at exotic animals in the restaurant courtyard. Less exotic but no less exciting, Disney characters also make an appearance for photos, autographs and fun. Special commemorative Grand Gathering Safari pins are given to all participants.
2009 Prices: Adults (10 and up) $64.99, Children (ages 3-9) $33.99
2010 Price: Adults (10 and up) $69.99 (non-peak) and $73.99 (peak), Children (ages 3-9) $33.99 (non-peak) and $35.99 (peak).
Disney Dining Plan: 2 Table Service Credits.
Meet Location: Flights of Wonder Theater
Schedule: Please call (407) WDW-MAGIC for dates and times. Theme park admission required.

International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Reception
Theme park admission is also required for this Grand Gathering event, which meets in Epcot at the Odyssey building (between Test Track and the Mexico Pavilion). You'll be greeted by your hostess, Auntie Roz (well-traveled, good fun), and be seated for a meal of international cuisine, served family-style. Auntie Roz will entertain the group with stories of her extensive travels, and Disney characters sing and dance (and may solicit your participation!) The evening ends, as all evenings should, with a dessert buffet (yummy by all accounts) and a private, reserved VIP viewing area for IllumiNations. Commemorative pins are reportedly extended to guests.
2009 Prices: Adults (10 and up) $64.99, Children (ages 3-9) $33.99
2010 Prices: Adults (10 and up) $69.99 (non-peak) and $73.99 (peak), Children (ages 3-9) $33.99 (non-peak) and $35.99 (peak)
Disney Dining Plan: 2 Table Service Credits.
Meet Location: Odyssey Restaurant
Schedule: Please call (407) WDW-MAGIC for dates and times. Theme park admission required.

Good Morning Gathering
Once again, break out the theme park admission for a family style meal, this time a character breakfast inside the Magic Kingdom. This is the King of Disney World's character breakfasts, held at Tony's Town Square Restaurant. Tony himself hosts the event, and plenty of classic characters (Mickey, Goofy, Chip, Dale and the like) come to meet and greet, as well as lead the room in song and dance. A new addition to this event is a post-meal VIP look at Mickey's PhilharMagic - no waiting. Pins? You bet!

Not convinced this breakfast is for you? Check out these photos from MouseFest 2005: MFL Good Morning Grand Gathering Meet

2009 Prices: Adults (10 and up) $32.99, Children (ages 3-9) $19.99
2010 Prices: Adults (10 and up) $34.99 (non-peak) and $38.99 (peak), Children (ages 3-9) $20.99 (non-peak) and $22.99 (peak)
Disney Dining Plan: 2 Table Service Credits.
Meet Location: Tony's Town Square Restaurant
Schedule: Please call (407) WDW-MAGIC for dates and times. Theme park admission required.

MORE GRAND GATHERING EXPERIENCE INFORMATION
You must have eight people booking each event - if only seven in your group want to attend, it's a no-go. Please know, also, that unless your group is quite large, you will be attending the event with other families and groups.

For any of the Grand Gathering events, if you or someone in your party is celebrating a special occasion, be sure to have it noted on your reservation, and also mention it when you check in. There is a special time during each experience set aside to honor anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, or whatever it is that you are celebrating.

Grand Gathering events may made up to 180 days in advance but no later than 3 days prior to the experience. They must be paid in full 45 days prior to resort check-in. Reservations may be modified or cancelled up to 6 days prior to the first experience date without charge for the experience. You'll need to have your Grand Gathering all set up before you are able to start reserving these experiences, so try to get that legwork done before your 180-day window opens, particularly if you are traveling during a busy season like Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's Eve. All prices listed above include tax and gratuity.

Finally, three of the Grand Gathering Experiences can be paid for using Disney Dining Plan table service credits. The Safari Celebration Dinner, and the International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Party each will use two table service credits and the Good Morning Gathering will require one table service credit. Not everyone in your party needs to use the Dining Plan. The Disney Dining Experience discount does not apply for any of these events. If you are booked on a Magic Your Way Premium or Platinum plan, the Grand Gathering Experiences are included for parties of eight and up.

OTHER GRAND GATHERING PERKS

Vacationers eligible for a Grand Gathering may also get customized travel and event planning from the Grand Gathering Travel Planners. They can set you up with a unique private dining event, in-park or out, breakfast, lunch and/or dinner. These travel planners are also happy to help you with more run-of-the-mill dining plans, from Advance Dining Reservations to Dinner Shows. You can also book tours, spas, and other recreation activities.

Need a group photo? Disney's happy to help - reservations required, park admission not included ;-). And how about matching tees for the whole group? Guess what? WDW can arrange for personalized tees for everyone- screen-printed (current price is $19.95 for adult tees, $17.95 for youth and $15.95 for infant).

A side note: if you have eight or more in your group, it pays to call group dining for your non-Grand Gathering Experience dining reservations. The cast members at this number are trained to book large parties. Each restaurant has their own take on what's "large," so even parties of eight can sometimes need the expertise of these great CMs, and if you call the "regular" dining number, you very well may be transferred to group dining. Why not skip that step? Jot this number down: 407-939-7707.

Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage
No longer an exclusive Grand Gathering event but still great for large groups.

Once available to only Grand Gathering guests, this recently renamed experience is now available to the general public to book and has no minimum number of guests or Disney resort stay requirements. The event will have you snacking at the Contemporary with Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, sailing the Seven Seas Lagoon with "Patch," a charming (and handsome!) pirate, and watching Wishes from your "pirate" boat. The evening starts at the Contemporary Resort (check the Daily Event Board for location) with drinks and a snack & dessert spread- nothing fancy, just bagged snacks, cookies, brownies, that kind of thing, but certainly enough to keep hunger at bay during the rest of the adventure. Do not count on this as dinner, though. Captain Hook and Mr. Smee mingle with the guests, giving autographs and posing for photos. You'll then be assigned to your boat (which fit 60), and your pirate crew will take you along to the Contemporary marina, for your voyage in the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Entertainment is plentiful on the cruise. Think trivia quiz and sing-a-longs. The trip peaks with viewings of Wishes over Cinderella's Castle and the Electric Water Pageant, before you return to dock for yet another character meet and greet, this time with Peter Pan. Guests who are celebrating special occasions such as family reunions, birthdays and anniversaries will be recognized during the cruise.

Price (includes tax): Adults (10 and up) $53.99, Children (ages 3-9) $30.99.
Meeting Location: Noted on the Event Board in Disney's Contemporary Resort
Schedule: Please call (407) WDW-PLAY/(407) 939-7529 up to 180 days in advance for dates and times. There's a 24-hour cancellation policy and a credit card is required to guarantee your reservation.

Updated July 25, 2009