Any Disney restaurant worth time and $ for 11 ppl?

[mickeymom629]

We are going to Disney World later this year with 11 of us, ages 6-66. We don't usually do sit down restaurants because of time and money. We've done Crystal Palace on one trip with the grandkids and I really loved that. I'm thinking of Garden Grill breakfast on one of our E days but I don't love that we would be split up at the tables. Also, we love our park time and don't want to spend a lot of time at a restaurant. I'd love to take the family to Raglan Road but I don't think I can find an evening that will work in our plans for also seeing the dancers. We enjoyed BOG when it was new but I don't think I like the changes. We've done many restaurants (in parks and at resorts) when my kids were young but I just can't think of any that are worth going back with such a large group.

I am curious if any of you who have gone with a large group (with kids and adults) have dined at a restaurant that you found was worth the time and money. And, if so, what was it?

 

[CarolynFH]

Biergarten has tables for up to 12 people, oom-pah band, and a buffet with a variety of food for a variety of tastes. That’s my favorite for large groups.

 

[OhDannyBoy]

I second Biergarten.

We went there in 2021 with 16 of us ages 4 to 63. We all had a blast and the kids didn't want to leave!! I didn't either lol

 

[DWillowBay]

Biergarten again!

 

[mickeymom629]

Wow! Sounds like Biergarten is a hit! We went years ago but I think it was before kids. We have a couple of picky eaters but I will look into doing this one, thanks!
The trouble with doing a sit down meal at Epcot is that there are so many choices for just walking around - we are going around the International Festival of the Holidays, but we may be doing two days at E...

 

[ShannyMcB]

We did two reservations and they were able to combine us into one table at via Napoli. At the time our group of 9 was comprised of ages 2-69. Have been back with smaller groups since and have always thought it a good time and money investment. Not super expensive and doesn’t take a very long time.
We also went to whispering canyon as a group of 5 and did see several larger groups there.

 

[RLM852]

Add me to the Biergarten endorsees

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Biergarten is especially lovely at Christmas. The town square is fully decorated and lit up and the band plays some Christmas carols. Highly recommend. As far as picky eaters go, I was apprehensive for our first visit and was pleasantly surprised at the variety. We've also found Via Napoli to be good for large groups and economical (for Disney) when sharing the mezzo pizzas.

 

[buzzgirls&dad]

I'd love to take the family to Raglan Road but I don't think I can find an evening that will work in our plans for also seeing the dancers.

Unfortunately there is no guarantee that you will be able to see the dancers. There are many rooms and they only perform in one. I would say for fun, decent food and appeal to all ages the Hoop De Doo at Fort Wilderness. You can even boat over on an MK day have dinner and go back for the parade and fireworks.

 

[_19disnA]

I am not sure the number in your party has anything to do with whether or not you find a restaurant 'worth it'. If you have been to Disney many times in the past, you already know your favorite restaurants. A bigger issue is what the preferences are for everyone else in your party. They may not all choose to eat at the same place or care for a particular type of food. With a group of 11, you likely be sitting at a very long table and probably only able to talk with those who are nearest to you. I would talk with the others in your party and see what they want to do.

 

[Isthisnormalatdisney]

Are there any days you are not going to the parks?

 

[Isthisnormalatdisney]

I am not sure the number in your party has anything to do with whether or not you find a restaurant 'worth it'. If you have been to Disney many times in the past, you already know your favorite restaurants. A bigger issue is what the preferences are for everyone else in your party. They may not all choose to eat at the same place or care for a particular type of food. With a group of 11, you likely be sitting at a very long table and probably only able to talk with those who are nearest to you. I would talk with the others in your party and see what they want to do.

I think moreso that the price tag would likely be $500 plus for a table service

 

[Flagondry]

Hoop Dee doo would be a great option.

 

[Isthisnormalatdisney]

Hoop Dee doo would be a great option.

Yea it does look like fun for all ages. I wanna go but the two credits in dinning plan keep me away.

 

[mickeymom629]

I am not sure the number in your party has anything to do with whether or not you find a restaurant 'worth it'. If you have been to Disney many times in the past, you already know your favorite restaurants. A bigger issue is what the preferences are for everyone else in your party. They may not all choose to eat at the same place or care for a particular type of food. With a group of 11, you likely be sitting at a very long table and probably only able to talk with those who are nearest to you. I would talk with the others in your party and see what they want to do.

Yes, we have been to Disney many times and usually have had one or 2 sit-down restaurant meals each trip through the years, always a new place. DH and I treat for the one sit-down, as the parents/grandparents of the group. However, on our last trip, we treated for 2 days of Genie+ instead. I find it too hard to be certain of our itinerary, no matter how much I plan, for a group our size. We may treat for 2 days of LL this coming trip. But I really like the comments about Biergarten. We've never been to Hoop-Dee-Do, though I've thought about that. I usually like to plan for at least one new experience.

The first and last days of our trip are the only no-park days, as of now. Some of the family are going home a day or 2 before others, so it's a bit tricky.

I was just curious what other Dis'ers think. I appreciate all of the responses!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I can't speak from personal experience for a group this large but Via Napoli is a favorite of ours and has that very big extended central table that I've seen used for large groups. Last time we ate there last month a large group was split among two tables near us and they weren't happy with being at two tables, seemed to talk to the manager about it, and they were ultimately moved to the big table. I'm guessing it may be worth having an advance scout go early to the restaurant to discuss trying to secure space at the central table, although I'm sure YMMV.

Via Napoli seems to work reasonably well for all ages and taste buds, and isn't usually all that long a meal.

 

[Isthisnormalatdisney]

Yes, we have been to Disney many times and usually have had one or 2 sit-down restaurant meals each trip through the years, always a new place. DH and I treat for the one sit-down, as the parents/grandparents of the group. However, on our last trip, we treated for 2 days of Genie+ instead. I find it too hard to be certain of our itinerary, no matter how much I plan, for a group our size. We may treat for 2 days of LL this coming trip. But I really like the comments about Biergarten. We've never been to Hoop-Dee-Do, though I've thought about that. I usually like to plan for at least one new experience.

The first and last days of our trip are the only no-park days, as of now. Some of the family are going home a day or 2 before others, so it's a bit tricky.

I was just curious what other Dis'ers think. I appreciate all of the responses!

I would do the meal that first night then. What hotel you staying at? Only issue is you have worst priority that first night if staying on property.

Depending on genders and ages and stuff I would do a unique Disney experience restaurant. But also depends on time everyone will arrive and what hotel you have.