Any dining that requires entire party present to be seated?

[bethwc101]

We are wondering if there are dining places that require the entire party present to be seated? We are looking at doing Cove Bar right when it opens but while two of us wait for it to open, can some of the other party be off doing character greets and then just text them when we're seated and have them come sit with us? We would be a total party of 8

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

I think almost all of them require your entire party to be there, although I can't speak specifically to the Cove Bar. I know at Carnation Cafe, Cafe Orleans and ESPNZone they've required the entire party.

 

[az4boys]

If you know what time the bar opens, can they plan to be back then? If most of your party is busy doing something else it could take them a long time to show up after you text them. I doubt a restaurant would want to hold a table if they have a line.

 

[Malcon10t]

Cove Bar you will need your entire party there. Frequently, I will get in line, it opens at 11, and everyone will join me at 10:50. And with a party of 8, you don't want to get passed over. They will let you stay at the front of the line, but will move on to the next group and when your party arrives, you will be the next party of 8 to be seated. My crew (we are usually 10) will go shopping or ride Screamin', but they know to be in line at 1050a.

 

[figment_jii]

As others have said, the Cove Bar does require that your entire party be present to be seated. They also require that at least half of your party remain in line while you wait for a table (I don't know if they actual enforce it, but that's what the CM was telling guests the last time I was there). I would have your group remain near the restaurant so that way they can join you in line when you get near the front. Most other places have asked me if my entire party was present when they called us and/or checked us in, but I don't know what would have happened if I'd said no.

 

[purple figment]

We have been asked if everyone is present before being seated and we've never seen partial parties being shown to a table so do not expect to be seated if your entire group is not there. After you have been called, most likely you will have to wait until the next table for the size of your group is available. For a small group this wouldn't be a problem since there are many two and four top tables. With a group of 8 it might take longer since there are far fewer large tables in the restaurants.

At most restaurants we've seen groups waiting to be seated near the check in podium. To insure that tables are turned more efficiently, a restaurant would want everyone in the group ready to be seated and dine at the same time.