Dining for large groups

[RatherBeInAK]

I'm also planning a trip for a large group of 16 people. I haven't been to WDW since I was a kid so this is all new to me. I think I've got a pretty good handle on the planning except for the dining.
I've heard that it's hard to get ADRs for large groups and even when you do they split up the group into smaller tables. Which is probably fine, you can't exactly talk to all 16 people at your table anyway. When you make ADRs for your large group do you make it as a large group or do you split everyone into subgroups? Also, when making the reservation do you count the babies in the group count or only those who will actually use a chair and order food?
What if part of your group doesn't make it to the restaurant on time? Does the rest of the group wait or will they seat part of the group? What if part of your group doesn't make it at all?
Thanks for your help!

 

[Kristibo42]

We have taken to 2 large group trips. First on over 40 people second one over 20. Did chef Mickey for both. We had a room to our self's. It was nice. We took the last time they had around 11am.

 

[purple figment]

I'm also planning a trip for a large group of 16 people. I haven't been to WDW since I was a kid so this is all new to me. I think I've got a pretty good handle on the planning except for the dining.

1. I've heard that it's hard to get ADRs for large groups and even when you do they split up the group into smaller tables. Which is probably fine, you can't exactly talk to all 16 people at your table anyway.

2. When you make ADRs for your large group do you make it as a large group or do you split everyone into subgroups?

3. Also, when making the reservation do you count the babies in the group count or only those who will actually use a chair and order food?

4. What if part of your group doesn't make it to the restaurant on time? Does the rest of the group wait or will they seat part of the group?

5. What if part of your group doesn't make it at all?
Thanks for your help!

1. You can try making reservations for the entire group online, but I'm not sure what is the maximum number of people that can be booked. If you can't make them online you can call the dining reservation number and ask to speak with group dining. As much as possible they will try to seat you together or at close by tables, but it's not always possible. You'll have the best chance if you book the reservation at the start of the mealtime because there will be more tables that can be put together.

2. It's up to you.

3. Everyone who will be at the table, regardless of age or whether they are eating or not needs to included in the reservations because of fire and safety code regulations.

4. Everyone on the reservation has to be there before you can check in. If you have one res for all 16 of you, you'll have to wait for everyone. If you know someone won't be there just let the CMs at the podium know. If you make several reservations for smaller groups each res will be treated separately unless you tell the CMs you want to all be seated together.

5. If the reservation has a credit card guarantee, as long as at least one person shows up for the single res for 16 you will not be charged for the people who don't show up. Likewise, if you make 3 reservations of 6, 6, and 4 again, as long as at least one person shows up for each reservation, you won't be charged for the missing people. If the restaurant doesn't require a cc guarantee than it's courteous to cancel any reservations you won't be using.

There are some restaurants that have large tables. The ones that I can think of are Via Napoli which has a long table that seats about 24 people, Biergarten has mostly tables for 8, Teppan Edo seats 8 at each table, and 'Ohana has large tables.

 

[DisneyMom5]

We've had a group of thirteen before. Call WDW ADR line. They will help you. Most of the time they recommend having an early or late seating for whatever meal you choose (so, not right at Noon for lunch...if that makes sense). We HAVE been split between 2-3 tables, BUT they always were next to each other.
Bigger venues (like Chef Mickey) work better. We have had 10 people at smaller venues (like Rose and Crown).
The non-Disney owned Epcot restaurants are harder to work with...I never did get an ADR with Tutto Italia because they wanted me to call them directly, and when I did, the manager said I couldn't call back and reserve until TWO WEEKS before my trip. Like that's going to happen.
Your mileage may vary...but calling is the best way to handle it.

 

[ABCastillo]

I went with 13 last January. We did ADRs by phone and the CM was able to get everything set up for us. Only got divided up at Coral Reef and it was by only the aisle because one table was next to the fish.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

What you need to do is set the reservation within the first 15 minutes of opening or the last 15 minutes before closing. This will give the highest probability of one large table or adjoining tables.

 

[RatherBeInAK]

Thank you all so much for your help. I really appreciate all of the advice.