advice on dining with a group of 8?

[justkeepswimming]

Hi, everyone.... My family (husband, son 9 and daughter 5) are meeting my brother and his family (wife and daughters 3 and 5) in WDW in early May. Should we make lots of dinner reservations or can we play it by ear? Of course, sitting separately isn't that big a deal, but we'll probably want to eat dinner together as often as we can. (And yes, I know it's late, but this trip has been planned at the last minute!).
Also -- we looked at the Grand Gatherings but our travel agent said she didn't really think they were worth the money. Any opinions on that?
Thanks!

[Belle5]

We are a family of eight and have been to WDW many, many times. I highly recommend PS for large parties like yours. Two restaurants off hand that I can think of that can seat 8 together with no problem would be Biergarten and Teppanyaki. Ther tables are made for 8 diners. Spoodles is another place that has nice big tables where you shouldn't have to be split up.
I cannot answer anything about Grand Gatherings as of yet. I am sure someone else can give you info. about that.

[kathylovesdisneyworl]

Just did the Wishes grand gatherings 2 weeks ago and it was worth every penny of the $30 pp. You start off with a small reception at the dock which has an assortment of fruits and deserts with drinks. There were characters there to interact with eveyone. The captian of our boat was a pirate and he entertained up with songs, jokes and some games. The viewing area was beautiful for the Wishes fireworks and with the music piped into the boat you couldn't have asked for a better end to the voyage. We were there about 1-1/2 - 2 hours total.