Grand Gatherings...
DISNEY SPECIALS FOR SMALL GROUPS
WHen My fAMIly JOIneD ArIS AnD I AT DISney fOr Our After we returned, our guide escorted us to the Tusker House in
WeDDIng We Were cOnSIDereD A ‘grAnD gATHerIng’. Harambe Village for an African buffet with entertainment. We
This meant that during the week we were at Disney, we got to sampled several dishes and were greeted by musicians and
experience some of the special events that Disney offers for performers demonstrating the music and culture of Africa. A
groups of 8 or more. experiences that might include a pirate’s variety of wildlife was brought around and introduced to the tables
fireworks cruise, a private safari with dinner, a special character as well. It was a perfect end to our day at Animal Kingdom.
breakfast, or a dinner at epcot complete with a special viewing
area for Illuminations. We chose the safari with dinner and the CliCk the photo to hear
Illuminations buffet.
about Day 3, including epcot
and our Grand Gathering for
for our safari, we gathered at the Bird Show pavilion at about
the illuminations buffet.
4pm and our “safari guide” took us to our vehicles. We then
experienced the Kilimanjaro Safari attraction in a whole new way.
rather than the usual script that the drivers follow, they talked
with us directly and we learned more about the animals. Since
this is the last safari of the day, the weather tends to be cooler
CliCk thiS photo to
and the animals more active.
see Day 5 and Grand
Gathering footage from
DISNEY RESORT HOTELS
our African Safari.
The Grand Floridian at Walt Disney World: This
for our Illuminations Dinner, we gathered for dinner at
is Disney at its best! A beautiful setting that takes
the Odyssey restaurant, which sits right between future
you back to the grand Victorian beach resorts at the
World and World Showcase. We sampled cuisine from the
turn of the century. Try the shrimp with garlic and
11 different countries of epcot and enjoyed a terrific show.
feta appetizer at Citricos, followed by the braised
Our “ring leader” Zelda did a great job at getting everyone
lamb. Another special treat is the afternoon tea. The
up and dancing. One of my favorite memories was dancing
lagoon and theme park rooms offer sweeping views of
with my dad. It meant a lot to me as we weren’t planning on
the Seven Seas lagoon, the Magic Kingdom, and the
having dancing at our wedding but thanks to Disney, it was a
Disney Monorail, which is always a thrill. If you can
sentimental memory I didn’t miss out.
swing it, book a room on the Club Level. They spoil
you rotten!
After dinner, we were lead to a special area overlooking the
World Showcase lagoon. There we found a lavish dessert
The Wilderness Lodge: If you love the Pacific
buffet, complete with coffee and after dinner drinks. We
Northwest this is the hotel for you. Enjoy a glass of
indulged and then found a spot beside the lagoon for a great
Oregon pinot while sitting next to the huge fireplace.
view of Illuminations, the nighttime show at epcot.
Or try the salmon and berry cobbler at the Artist
Point. This is one of two resorts that offer bunk beds!
As a group there were a number of wonderful shared
memories. The Winnie the Pooh character Breakfast at the
The Yacht and Beach Club: If you are planning
crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom, and the Spirit of Aloha
on spending most of your time at Epcot, this is my
luau at the Polynesian resort were two favorites.
top pick. It’s just a short distance to the entrance
to the International Showcase and the restaurants
PSSST...
and activities on the Boardwalk. I love the elegant,
RHONDA CAN TELL YOU HOW TO:
nautical rooms and the sandy bottom pool, Stormalong
Roast marshmallows over a campfire at
Disney’s Fort Wilderness
Continued >>>