ADRs for party of 9

[quinacciani]

A bit disappointed as my 60day+ window opened today and I wasn't able to get anything for 9 people. I did manage to get everything I needed at virtually the same time for 4 and 5, but nothing for 9. I even tried searching for 10 bc I read Disney likes even numbers and nothing. A decent amount for 8 but didn't want to risk it, even though 2 of our 9 are under 3 yr old in high chairs. Just a bit disheartening bc they do give you the option to search for 9 or 10 but nothing at any time came up, even that far out. It doesn't appear that Disney considers this a "large group" until you hit 11 people, so why not actually offer tables that accommodate?

What are my chances of being sat together at Chef Mickey's, Ohana and Crystal Palace?

 

[thanxfornoticin]

A bit disappointed as my 60day+ window opened today and I wasn't able to get anything for 9 people. I did manage to get everything I needed at virtually the same time for 4 and 5, but nothing for 9. I even tried searching for 10 bc I read Disney likes even numbers and nothing. A decent amount for 8 but didn't want to risk it, even though 2 of our 9 are under 3 yr old in high chairs. Just a bit disheartening bc they do give you the option to search for 9 or 10 but nothing at any time came up, even that far out. It doesn't appear that Disney considers this a "large group" until you hit 11 people, so why not actually offer tables that accommodate?

What are my chances of being sat together at Chef Mickey's, Ohana and Crystal Palace?

Yea, we've seen similar issues with 'test' booking for a group of 8, as we have a trip coming up in the fall. I've been trying to see what might be available and what might be tough to get. And even 8 is very hit and miss. Some places, like SH71, seem to have large tables that seat up to 7, and other reservations need to be 4 or 6. Hope we have similar results as you, and at least get the locations/times we want. As for being seated together? Just a guess, but Chef Mickey's is likely to be separate (mostly because of how busy they are). We've had large groups there, and have always been separated. You might have a chance at 'Ohana, as they do have a few larger tables. Sorry - no experience with CP, so I won't venture a guess. Enjoy your trip!

 

[focusondisney]

For as busy as chef Mickey’s is, it isn’t that big of a space. So I’m not surprised they don’t have bigger tables. I haven’t ever traveled with that large of a group, but most times it is suggested to check in a little early for your ADR in person, not on the app. Ask to be seated together or as close as possible. You might have to wait a little bit, but they usually try to get you close, maybe a table for 4 next to a table for 6. This is for any restaurant, not just Chef Mickey’s.

 

[SkyGuy]

Yea, we've seen similar issues with 'test' booking for a group of 8, as we have a trip coming up in the fall. I've been trying to see what might be available and what might be tough to get. And even 8 is very hit and miss. Some places, like SH71, seem to have large tables that seat up to 7, and other reservations need to be 4 or 6. Hope we have similar results as you, and at least get the locations/times we want. As for being seated together? Just a guess, but Chef Mickey's is likely to be separate (mostly because of how busy they are). We've had large groups there, and have always been separated. You might have a chance at 'Ohana, as they do have a few larger tables. Sorry - no experience with CP, so I won't venture a guess. Enjoy your trip!

I am going with a group of 8 in September, and I was surprised that I had 0 issues getting everything we wanted. San Angel (originally had La Hacienda, then switched), Akershus, Ohana, Tusker House, Via Napoli, Oga’s, and 2 tables of 4 for Space 220 Lounge. Even was able to book the MNSSHP Fireworks Dessert party at MK, but ultimately we decided we didn’t want to waste party time on that. So 8 is doable - good luck!

 

[quinacciani]

I am going with a group of 8 in September, and I was surprised that I had 0 issues getting everything we wanted. San Angel (originally had La Hacienda, then switched), Akershus, Ohana, Tusker House, Via Napoli, Oga’s, and 2 tables of 4 for Space 220 Lounge. Even was able to book the MNSSHP Fireworks Dessert party at MK, but ultimately we decided we didn’t want to waste party time on that. So 8 is doable - good luck!

* def seems doable, it's apparently when you get to 9 there are issues! Example, I would have been able to book 8ppl at 8am at CP, but not 9.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

I am going with a group of 8 in September, and I was surprised that I had 0 issues getting everything we wanted. San Angel (originally had La Hacienda, then switched), Akershus, Ohana, Tusker House, Via Napoli, Oga’s, and 2 tables of 4 for Space 220 Lounge. Even was able to book the MNSSHP Fireworks Dessert party at MK, but ultimately we decided we didn’t want to waste party time on that. So 8 is doable - good luck!

Thanks. Good to know. The only overlap we have is Via Napoli!! But I think we will be ok for most. The only one that appears to be a definite for 2 tables, so far, is that SH71 reservation we want.

 

[SkyGuy]

* def seems doable, it's apparently when you get to 9 there are issues! Example, I would have been able to book 8ppl at 8am at CP, but not 9.

Yes, sorry, once you go over 8 it gets much harder, as I think many of the large tables are configured for a max of 8, and Disney won’t just pull up an extra chair (or high chair). I mainly commented to reassure thanxfornoticin. Your best bet is to make two reservations in close time proximity then call dining and see if they can either help you combine them into one or note that you are together, then still go early to your reservation and let the host stand know you would like to sit together if possible. Do not make your reservation for less than your party. While Disney will do what they can to accommodate if you show up with more, even if it’s a high chair or lap child, they do not have to seat you due to fire code, and you may have a long wait.

 

[SkyGuy]

Thanks. Good to know. The only overlap we have is Via Napoli!! But I think we will be ok for most. The only one that appears to be a definite for 2 tables, so far, is that SH71 reservation we want.

We ate at SH71 for breakfast on July 31 (excellent) and sat next to a party of 8 (2 were small children) including two extremely well behaved service dogs that sat under the table at the feet of their handlers.

 

[quinacciani]

Yes, sorry, once you go over 8 it gets much harder, as I think many of the large tables are configured for a max of 8, and Disney won’t just pull up an extra chair (or high chair). I mainly commented to reassure thanxfornoticin. Your best bet is to make two reservations in close time proximity then call dining and see if they can either help you combine them into one or note that you are together, then still go early to your reservation and let the host stand know you would like to sit together if possible. Do not make your reservation for less than your party. While Disney will do what they can to accommodate if you show up with more, even if it’s a high chair or lap child, they do not have to seat you due to fire code, and you may have a long wait.

for sure. def not willing to risk it with a party of 8. I did call already and they said they can't combine. perhaps I make my husband stay home to make this easier LOL.

 

[Vickie1016]

Our late July trip was a party of 10. I’ll break down where we ate, reservation & how we sat.

I will say, at each location we checked in 15 minutes prior at the podium & politely asked if we could be seated close to each other. At Steakhouse 71 & Skipper Canteen it took a few minutes after our reservation time to be seated. We anticipated that would be the case & had no problem waiting when necessary. The hostesses were very accommodating, friendly & the service was great at each location.

Space 220 - 2 reservations of 5, seated at two 5 tops nxt to each other.

Steakhouse 71 - 2 reservations 8 & 2, seated at an 8 top & a 2 top nxt to each other.

Teppan Edo - 1 reservation for 10, we were all seated at one table. It was tight, but had fun & meal was better than expected.

Hoop-Dee-Do - reservation for 10, seated at one long table that was three 4 tops put together.

Cinderella Royal Table - 2 reservations 8 & 2, seated at a 6 top & 4 top nxt to each other. It was the last bkfst seating, so the hostesses was very accommodating.

Jungle Cruise/Skipper Canteen - 2 reservations 5 & 5, seated at one long table that was two 4 tops & one 2 top put together.

Hollywood & Vine - 2 reservations 5 & 5, seated at a 6 top & 4 top next to each other.

Fireworks Dessert Party - reservation for 10, the hostess put tables together so we can all sit together. The servers were fantastic.

Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

A bit disappointed as my 60day+ window opened today and I wasn't able to get anything for 9 people. I did manage to get everything I needed at virtually the same time for 4 and 5, but nothing for 9. I even tried searching for 10 bc I read Disney likes even numbers and nothing. A decent amount for 8 but didn't want to risk it, even though 2 of our 9 are under 3 yr old in high chairs. Just a bit disheartening bc they do give you the option to search for 9 or 10 but nothing at any time came up, even that far out. It doesn't appear that Disney considers this a "large group" until you hit 11 people, so why not actually offer tables that accommodate?

What are my chances of being sat together at Chef Mickey's, Ohana and Crystal Palace?

granted this was precovid but we were seated with a wait at both Chef Mickey and Ohana at tables pushed together with a group of 14 including 2 under 2 year old and 2 under 9 year old. Disney will not add a highchair at end of table that blocks another table ability to exit either side of their table. all ressies said we could be split

 

[quinacciani]

An update on our large group's dining experiences.

1. Ohana- easily merged our ADR's together, but the tables for large parties weren't in a great location. Still a great dinner, just would have preferred a window view!
2. Chef Mickey's- also easily merged our ADR but again, terrible table location which made the character interactions a little awkward.
3. Crystal Palace- had 2 8am ADRs so that was easy for them to merge together. We were the first party seated and had a great spot near the buffet. Amazing experience.
4. San Angel Inn- they could not accommodate us together, but next to each other with separate servers. Again, not a big deal but kind of weird they couldn't just put us together.
5. Space 220 lounge- seated separately a few tables apart. This I was anticipating and wasn't disappointed about because none of the lounge tables seat more than 4 and we had 9 in total. We were also quite late because we had to do rider switch on GG, so I was just happy they could seat us at all. Highly recommend it because it was a cool experience and we were very happy to just enjoy the lounge and not do the price fix.

 

[kshu2014]

An update on our large group's dining experiences.

1. Ohana- easily merged our ADR's together, but the tables for large parties weren't in a great location. Still a great dinner, just would have preferred a window view!
2. Chef Mickey's- also easily merged our ADR but again, terrible table location which made the character interactions a little awkward.
3. Crystal Palace- had 2 8am ADRs so that was easy for them to merge together. We were the first party seated and had a great spot near the buffet. Amazing experience.
4. San Angel Inn- they could not accommodate us together, but next to each other with separate servers. Again, not a big deal but kind of weird they couldn't just put us together.
5. Space 220 lounge- seated separately a few tables apart. This I was anticipating and wasn't disappointed about because none of the lounge tables seat more than 4 and we had 9 in total. We were also quite late because we had to do rider switch on GG, so I was just happy they could seat us at all. Highly recommend it because it was a cool experience and we were very happy to just enjoy the lounge and not do the price fix.

Thanks for the update here - we were trying to book for a party of 10 and literally nothing (even 60+10). Ended up splitting up and doing 6+4, but hoping we have some luck with combining tables, or being seated nearby!

 

[quinacciani]

Thanks for the update here - we were trying to book for a party of 10 and literally nothing (even 60+10). Ended up splitting up and doing 6+4, but hoping we have some luck with combining tables, or being seated nearby!

good luck! I would arrive a few min early, make sure everyone is there, and just ask really nicely

 

[MainMom]

Pre-Covid I planned family trips for a group size of 11-14. I usually had to make 2 ADR's, one in my name & one in my dads name. When we arrived (early) at the podium to check-in we let them know that the 2 ADR's were together and would it be possible to be seated together or in the general area of each other. Every single restaurant worked with our request to the best of their ability. Yes, we typically waited a bit longer than we would have if we took the first option, but it was worth it. Even The Plaza seated us in the same room and that restaurant is small! I recommend booking 2 ADR's and making the requests once there.

 

[jimim]

so I have done many a trip with the whole 9 plus people. some places just don't have tables for 9 plus or the place only has say 2 tables that big. I used to know which places but I don't right now. So how it was explained to me if a place has 2 tables that fit 8 or more and they are booked you are out of luck from the computer. the computer will not look at available tables that can be pushed together to accommodate you. So you have to make 2 ADR's and when you check in you tell them you are a party of whatever and if they can push tables together you are good to go. Does that make sense? So alot of times I knew already to just do 2 ADR's cause said restaurant didn't have any large tables but I knew they could merge tables. If a place had large tables I would do those ADR's first and towards end of trip so I knew I could grab one of the 2 larger tables.

Does that make sense. So don't sweat it. We always. . . I mean always were good. Unless the place just could not move tables. I really don't even remember those places now. We usually travel with only my parents now or my sister in law's family not both together anymore.

Make 2 ADR's and when you show up tell em.

 

[harmon54]

An update on our large group's dining experiences.

1. Ohana- easily merged our ADR's together, but the tables for large parties weren't in a great location. Still a great dinner, just would have preferred a window view!
2. Chef Mickey's- also easily merged our ADR but again, terrible table location which made the character interactions a little awkward.
3. Crystal Palace- had 2 8am ADRs so that was easy for them to merge together. We were the first party seated and had a great spot near the buffet. Amazing experience.
4. San Angel Inn- they could not accommodate us together, but next to each other with separate servers. Again, not a big deal but kind of weird they couldn't just put us together.
5. Space 220 lounge- seated separately a few tables apart. This I was anticipating and wasn't disappointed about because none of the lounge tables seat more than 4 and we had 9 in total. We were also quite late because we had to do rider switch on GG, so I was just happy they could seat us at all. Highly recommend it because it was a cool experience and we were very happy to just enjoy the lounge and not do the price fix.

So for the lounge how did you book with 9? If the tables only seat 4 did you do three reservations?