Family Reunions & Other Groups in Orlando-Disney World

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Family Reunions & Other Groups

Groups of eight or more can take advantage of Disney's Magical Gatherings (407/934-7639. www.disneyworld.com/magicalgatherings) program, through which you can access special group packages that include entertainment and meals tailored to your group's interest.

Whether you're traveling with relatives, friends, coworkers, club members, or any other kind of group, getting everyone to agree on what to do can be tricky. Preschoolers may be content on Dumbo, but thrill-seekers will want faster-paced rides. And grandparents might rather play golf than traipse around a water park. Likewise, when it comes to meals, everyone's preferences and dietary concerns may not coincide. And those doing the planning may find themselves also doing the mediating. That's where Disney's Magical Gatherings program comes in. Designed to help groups travel well together, the program, which is accessible online and over the phone, offers lots of free planning tips, plus a planner that can help you decide what to do together and when to split up.

Planning Made Easy

You can start planning by visiting Disney's Magical Gatherings Web site. With its private chat rooms, your companions can "meet" virtually to discuss the trip. You can create polls to find out about your group's common interests and use the "My Favorites" feature to list everyone's can't-miss attractions. The "Group Favorites" button tabulates popular choices, so you can draft an itinerary that suits everyone.

Group Meals & Activities

Specially trained vacation planners can help you book a special tour, dinner reservation, or even a photo shoot just for your group. For example, if you have eight or more people in your group and are staying at a WDW resort, you can sign up for one of Disney's four Grand Gatherings:

Good Morning Gathering. This is an interactive sit-down breakfast at Tony's Town Square Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom, hosted by a cast of colorful characters. You get to sing, dance, and play group games with Goofy, Pluto, and Chip 'n' Dale, and you even meet privately with Mickey Mouse himself.[. $29.99 per person, $17.99 ages 3-9

Safari Celebration Dinner. You begin this gathering with a guided safari through the Animal Kingdom's jungles and savanna. Afterward, you head to Tusker House Restaurant for a family-style dinner and show with African singers, drummers, storytellers, and live animals. Timon, of The Lion King, and Turk, of Tarzan, make special appearances.[. $59.99 per person, $24.99 ages 3 to 9

International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Reception. In Epcot's Odyssey pavilion, you dine on international cuisine in a fairy-tale setting, where children participate in a storytelling experience and enjoy a surprise character appearance. After dinner you're led outside to a private viewing area where you can watch the IllumiNations nighttime spectacular.[. $59.99 per person, $24.99 ages 3-9

Magical Fireworks Voyage. For a cruise and an after-dinner treat, meet at the Contemporary resort for this boat ride and dessert buffet. Captain Hook and Mr. Smee playfully capture your crew and usher you onto a boat commandeered by Patch the Pirate. But don't worry about walking the plank -- you'll be too busy singing seafaring songs and playing trivia games as you cruise the Seven Seas Lagoon. You get to watch the Electrical Water Pageant and the Wishes fireworks extravaganza from the boat. On the way back to shore, Patch regales you with tales of Peter Pan, who'll be waiting at the dock to sign autographs and pose for pictures.[. $39.99 per person, $18.99 ages 3-9