Grand Gatherings?

[jiggerj]

Looking for some insite to any of the Grand Gathering offerings. Has anyone done the "Pirate/wishes" cruise? or any of the others besides Tonys Grand Gatherings breakfast? Would love to hear how you liked or didn't like it! :) TIA-

[InstImpres]

We have done the Pirate Cruise, Tony's and Illuminations. I think the pirate cruise was loved most by the children. We also enjoyed Illuminations. Tony's however, I did not thing was nearly as good as the others especially for the money.

Depending on the size of your group, you may be better off "creating your own expierence". Since I am an event planner and TA by profession, I usually book our own activities, Illuminations Viewing area, parade viewing with treats, etc. Sometimes it is cheaper than the GG.

Sandy

[jiggerj]

We have done the Pirate Cruise, Tony's and Illuminations. I think the pirate cruise was loved most by the children. We also enjoyed Illuminations. Tony's however, I did not thing was nearly as good as the others especially for the money.

Depending on the size of your group, you may be better off "creating your own expierence". Since I am an event planner and TA by profession, I usually book our own activities, Illuminations Viewing area, parade viewing with treats, etc. Sometimes it is cheaper than the GG.

Sandy
Pm on its way! :)

[TW1]

Not sure of your group size, but a group of 10 can rent a boat for the fireworks which is a wonderful experience. You can arrange for food on the boat as well.

[jiggerj]

Not sure of your group size, but a group of 10 can rent a boat for the fireworks which is a wonderful experience. You can arrange for food on the boat as well.

Can you tell me more about your experience...? sounds very interesting and something we might want to consider- :)

[TW1]

Can you tell me more about your experience...? sounds very interesting and something we might want to consider- :)
Sure, it's a blast.

From Disney reservations you can book a boat trip around the lagoon near the MK or near Epcot at the Yacht Club. Boats come in two styles and sizes and are piloted by CMs. They run throughout the day, but the main attraction is to book one in the evening to view the fireworks. They cost about $150.

In August we booked an "Illuminations Cruise" to view the epcot fireworks. The boat held ten, we are only four, so we hooked up with another member, Kathleena, to share the boat. The other boat is smaller and was actually featured on the cover of the most recent Vacation Magic we all just received.

It's a ton o' fun, you spend about 45 minutes tooling around the waterways before parking under the bridge near France for a spectacular view of the show. The captain brings a cooler of sodas and water and you can arrange for snacks, desserts, or an actual meal. Kathleena arranged for the most fabulous cake that was to die for! She was celebrating her grand-daughter's birthday and DW and I were celebrating our 15th anniversary.

Here's what you do...

Call reservations at 407-939-7529.

When the reservationist answers tell him/her that you want to reserve the 8PM "specialty cruise" for such and such date. Do not ask to reserve an Illuminations cruise or you will waste time hearing that there is no such thing.

These cruises are very difficult to reserve and seconds count when thousands of people are competing for only 5 boats.

The phone tree is a bear, but these are my notes from last May. Hopefully this still is the routine:

Dial 1-407-939-7529- then 4 -then 2 -then your phone # -then 1 -then 1(or 2).

Each time hit the number as soon as the tape starts. This will get you to the right reservationist.

[cobbler]

Just to let you know the Illuminations cruises went up in price as of Oct 1st and they are now 250$$. We went on one Oct 2nd just after the change.

They are very hard to get so you need ot have 8 million phones going. We missed out on our first day of trying. They were gone by 703 am (the phone lines open at 7). The next day was our second try and we got the last one and they were sold out by 704 this time.

[TW1]

they are now 250$$.

:holymoly: Ouch!

[cobbler]

Yep ouch is right but it was really cool.

We did get cans of pop and chips/pretzles. Our captain did let us grab a can of pop and bag of chips when we left the boat.

It was a nice ride and to have good viewing without having to wait 45 minutes or more to get a good seat and fight the crowds to leave.