Best In-Park Dining Options for a Big Group

[starjazz]

Hey guys - we'll be at the parks in early 2015. Wondering where the best places are to eat for a group of 9 people made of up a 4 yo, 6 yo, 7 yo, four adults and two seniors (who are all kids at heart). Looking in the parks mostly, and primarily lunches and dinners. I know we won't be able to all sit together at the same table.

Thanks in advance!

 

[YukonMommy]

Honestly any counter service place (minus the Bengal BBQ as there is very limited seating) if you eat lunch a bit later, or a bit earlier you should be able to find 2-3 tables together. We always ate around 11:30ish and found no problems getting tables for our family of 7.

I strongly recommend the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ....its family style with huge tables. Reservations recommended.

if you want to do more table service meals make a reservation so they can accommodate your party size.

Have a magical time!

 

[crystal1313]

For CS at DCA, we really like the Pacific Wharf area, because there's something for everyone and lots of tables too! Plus Ghiradelli is there for dessert

 

[tlovesdis]

For CS at DCA, we really like the Pacific Wharf area, because there's something for everyone and lots of tables too! Plus Ghiradelli is there for dessert

I second that!

Also in DCA, the Garden Grill, Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta area is great!

 

[algae]

We had a group of 11 in Carthay Circle. They have private rooms with a big round table that accommodated all of us. I think the room was right above the entrance to the restaurant and lounge. We could look out the windows and see people in the park. Pretty nice room. Call up Disney Dining and inquire about those rooms. Of course, it is a sit-down dining experience that can take a good chunk of time.

 

[ParkHopper1]

Both Cathay Circle and Big Thunder BBQ can easily handle larger groups. Outside the parks but still on site, Surfs Up and Goofy's Kitchen is also set up for larger groups. For any other restaurants, they can do larger parties but the trick is to call for a reservation right at the 60 day window and know you will only be able to get first seating for each meal. They can move tables together for larger groups if they can set them during a break, but they will not typically do that once the restaurant is open to pull them together.

 

[Nonsuch]

We had a group of 11 in Carthay Circle. They have private rooms with a big round table that accommodated all of us. I think the room was right above the entrance to the restaurant and lounge. We could look out the windows and see people in the park. Pretty nice room. Call up Disney Dining and inquire about those rooms. Of course, it is a sit-down dining experience that can take a good chunk of time.

That is the Premier Room, often called the Wishing Well room (the pedestal of the circular table is modeled after the DL wishing well).
This is a special reservation, and deposits are sometimes required. Seats groups of 8 to 12.

 

[starjazz]

Thanks for all the help. The pedestal room looks great. We're just looking to make a few reservations to ensure that we have good dining options. The last couple of times we've just grabbed bites where we were at the hunger time - and its not usually very satisfying to do it that way!

 

[firefly87]

Our big group usually does Rancho del Zocalo in Frontierland, Hungry Bear Restaurant in Critter Country and the Pacific Wharf over in DCA. They all are counter service but there is plenty of seating in all 3 areas.

In DTD, we did a seating at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen. We also did one at Rainforest Cafe but due to our large size, we had to be seated at 2 different tables.

 

[GatorChris]

Another vote for Big Thunder Mt Ranch. It has big table grouped together so it's easy to eat at one table. Pacific Wharf has lots of tables, but they're not really "together". Still, it gives you a good chance of staying together.

 

[tarheelalum]

Big thunder Mtn barbecue and Hungry Bear in DL and anything in the food court area of Pacific Wharf in DCA. Also at Plaza Inn you could push a few tables together. Go before or after the usual lunch/dinner time when its less crowded and you can eat together at most places.

 

[Malcon10t]

Hey guys - we'll be at the parks in early 2015. Wondering where the best places are to eat for a group of 9 people made of up a 4 yo, 6 yo, 7 yo, four adults and two seniors (who are all kids at heart). Looking in the parks mostly, and primarily lunches and dinners. I know we won't be able to all sit together at the same table.

Thanks in advance!

As someone who runs groups of 15-20, 9 is easy.

Big Thunder BBQ, you will probably have 2 tables together. Most seat 6-8. You can probably get all 9 together if the 4yo is small enough to use a chair on the end of the table.

Any of the counter service/cafeteria style, you just move tables together. Rancho Del Zocollo is one of the easiest. Also Plaza Inn, and Pizza Port.

Table service, I've done Cafe Orleans and Carnation Cafe with parties of 12. Just be prepared for off times.

DCA - The boardwalk/wharf area is great as you can choose from numerous restaurants. Also Boardwalk Pizza off Paradise Pier is great and has large seating area.

Nicer dining, we've done Carthay with 12 and Wine Country Trattoria with 15.

 

[Malcon10t]

That is the Premier Room, often called the Wishing Well room (the pedestal of the circular table is modeled after the DL wishing well).
This is a special reservation, and deposits are sometimes required. Seats groups of 8 to 12.

Love this room. In fact, it is the only room I have eaten in at CC.