Best Place for Group dining

[dizneefan13]

If you were going to meet with some friends at DLR, where would be the best place? There will be 20-25 or so.

It has to be reasonably priced, not the Blue Bayou or one of the fancy hotel restaurants, but someplace where you can be comfortable for a couple hours and it not REAL noisy so you can hear each other.

I was thinking of Big Thunder BBQ, we all love bbq but it isn't a very comfy place for older folks to sit that long.

Maybe Hungry Bear, because the setting is so nice and you can usually grab a enough seats together for everyone, but I'm not sure the menu will suit most of us.

I am even thinking about one of the character buffets, mostly because its a buffet, not for the character meetings. So that probably doesn't fit the bill either. BTW does Ariel's Grotto have outdoor seating? That would be a nice setting as well.

So any suggestions are welcome. I know I'm missing something here so would love some input.

 

[GatorChris]

You can make reservations at Big Thunder BBQ. Plus it has plenty of space and fantastic food. The wood benches aren't the best, but how long do you plan on spending there?

There's also the Wharf over at DCA. Everyone can get what they want and there's plenty of tables spread out.

 

[Congo Queen]

Check out the lovely and ample seating area in DCA for Paradise Garden Grill and its next door neighbor Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta. You have two counter service venues to choose from so a decent array of menu choices. There s=is also a beer vendor there if adults in your crowd want a more grown up bevreage. Easy to get a whole block of tables together as it is never crowded despite good quality food (though they did just change from flatbread pizza to slice pizza). Price point is reasonable. And if you are lucky they will have live performance at the gazebo in the center of the seating area.

 

[figment_jii]

I really like Big Thunder BBQ, but given your group's size, I don't know how practical it is. The tables cannot move so you're group will be split into multiple tables (probably four or more), so you really wouldn't get to socialize with each other. It's also not that quiet while the performers are on stage.

I would also probably opt for one of the CS locations because the price is likely to be lower and you can probably socialize more easily (i.e., it wouldn't matter if you wanted to stand by another table and talk with them and then move to the next table group). The only drawback is that I don't know/think you can really move tables around very easily, so you'll still probably be in separate groups. Hungry Bear has a lot of seating, especially towards the back so you stand the best chance of finding a number of tables near each other. The River Belle Terrace also has a fair amount of tables (not during Fantasmic).

 

[dizneefan13]

Thank you both for your suggestions. Paradise Garden Grill and Boardwalk Pizza are definite possibilities. I like that area too. Only negative is no nice view like Hungry Bear or Ariel's. But it is a nice area and hardly ever crowded. I'll put it on the short list. Thanks!

 

[dizneefan13]

I really like Big Thunder BBQ, but given your group's size, I don't know how practical it is. The tables cannot move so you're group will be split into multiple tables (probably four or more), so you really wouldn't get to socialize with each other. It's also not that quiet while the performers are on stage.

I would also probably opt for one of the CS locations because the price is likely to be lower and you can probably socialize more easily (i.e., it wouldn't matter if you wanted to stand by another table and talk with them and then move to the next table group). The only drawback is that I don't know/think you can really move tables around very easily, so you'll still probably be in separate groups. Hungry Bear has a lot of seating, especially towards the back so you stand the best chance of finding a number of tables near each other. The River Belle Terrace also has a fair amount of tables (not during Fantasmic).

River Belle Terrace is also a good suggestion because we can choose a time when it isn't crowded and there are several places to choose from close by. And folks who like Mexican food can even go to Rancho del Zocalo (like me!) for that too. I've bought lunch there and met up with my family at ROA. And who doesn't enjoy relaxing and having a meal on the Rivers of America. Another one for the list!

 

[BryANDJessMom]

We had a large group that went last year...best experiences...big thunder ranch BBQ and Rainforest cafe
. Worst- carthay

 

[tiffanymink]

BTW does Ariel's Grotto have outdoor seating? That would be a nice setting as well.

Ariel's does have outdoor seating! It's beautiful down there, but Ariel's is so expensive because you're paying for a character dining experience.

May I recommend Flo's at cars? I love eating with a large group of people there because you get a ton of food (one of the best values I think in the park) and sitting outside to view Radiator Springs. If you're doing dinner, it's especially beautiful at night and we've never had problem getting lots of those tables outside (most people stay inside- most likely for the fun theming and music). It's pretty quiet and peaceful and it's fun to see McQueen, Mater, the DJ car and all that driving past you when they are changing shifts.

The plus side is the Warf isn't too far away with the other Cars Land entrance, so if Flo's doesn't suit everyone, it's a short stroll to anything from their menus.

I do agree the Hungry Bear would be a great choice for the setting and your party size. Too bad it's not the best food around, in my opinion.