Grand Gathering Dining

DH and I were looking forward at trying out the GG dinner at Epcot next year, but found out they are discontinuing this option in January of next year :(. We thought we would try and get a reservation for it during our trip in TWO WEEKS. The CM said that during our stay, there is only one meal at one of the parks that has an opening (MK for breakfast). I was so disappointed. I wondered, I haven't read the reason for discontinuing GG, but it seems like it's a big hit. If you have a link or can tell me why, I'd appreciate it!

What is the Grand Gathering dinner? Hopefully someone can help.

I can not find anything explaining why they are being discontinued, just that they are. I did the International Dinner & IllumiNations Dessert Reception in August, and it was great. I tried to get The Good Morning Breakfast, but was not able to. I know you are disappointed that is the only one available, but it sounds like a lot of fun.

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Originally Posted by Scar

What is the Grand Gathering dinner? Hopefully someone can help.

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Scar, The have special events (experiences) for Grand Gathering parties including two dinners options.

International Dinner & Illuminations Dessert Reception
This event is hosted by "Auntie Roz" at Epcot's Odyssey Restaurant. Served buffet style, this International dinner features the cuisine from five different nations.

While enjoying your meal, storytelling and live musical entertainment is provided. This event features some of your favorite Disney Characters who join the guests on the dance floor.
If you're celebrating a special occasion, just let Auntie Roz know and she'll take it from there.

Once you've enjoyed your evening of food and fun, you're escorted to a reserved viewing area for the nightly "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth" where a delicious dessert buffet is served.

Safari Celebration Dinner
This special event begins with an end of day Kilimanjaro Safari ride. You'll meet your guide in Disney's Animal Kingdom's Asia section and be taken on your tour.

Following your Safari is dinner in the Tusker House Restaurant. Featuring African inspired cuisine, your all you care to eat dinner is served family style.

While enjoying your meal, Disney Characters will be available for photos and fun. As an added treat, you'll get an up close look at a few of Animal Kingdom's exotic species.

A large group of us went a few years ago and did all of the GG experiences. I loved the Safari dinner. It was such a neat experience. You stay in the park after it closes and get to do the Safari without the cheesy storyline, just the driver pointing out the animals that you encounter. After your "trip" you walk to Tusker house where an amazing family style dinner is brought out to you while you are entertained. When you finish up you are walked to the exit of the park. Since everyone else is gone its like having it all to yourself. It was lovely. :cloud9:
That said I didnt feel like the GG morning experience was worth it at all, I also didnt care for the Epcot experience. I loved the fireworks cruise although not sure if they are still doing that?

DH has always seen Odyssey sitting off in the distance and thought it looked like such a neat building. We then found out that it was being used for the GG. And it sounded so great. Just one of those things you wish you could do, but didn't get a chance to do at Disney. It happens.

You can't compare the breakfast with the Safari dinner as far as $$ is concerned. The breakfast is much cheaper, or 1 table service, and the Safari was more money, or 2 table service. Just my:twocents:

I was not able to do the Safari because very few in my gathering would eat the food the serve at dinner.