Dining with a large group (25-29)?!?!?!?

[dizzneebabe]

Hi everyone,

There are 5-6 families going to WDW together and although we do not planning on having our own tour group, complete with flags and matching shirts (lol), we would like to do 1 or 2 meals together. The "grand gatherings" don't really appeal to us with Tusker House and Tony's being the only options.

So, I was wondering if anyone knew which restaurants COULD accommodate us? I did a search and found that there were groups of 17 or 19 at some places, but thought I would ask the question myself. Also, assuming we can get in somewhere, how do they handle the different payments? Some families will probably be on the DDP and some not. Would it be something we should all plan on paying OOP for? At least 3 of us will have a TIW card.

I would hate not not utilize the the TIW card or DDP, but if it's a logistical nightmare...well then I might have to reconsider!

Thanks for your help!

 

[PiperGirlInWondrland]

I organized a trip for 13 (not as large as your group) and we ate at Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace, Cinderella's Royal Table, etc with no problems. It was not an issue to split the checks, some were on the dining plan and some were not so you should be ok. I would recommend speaking with a grand gathering agent so they can help you plan your reservations. Good luck!

 

[dizzneebabe]

Thanks. I did speak to a Grand Gathering CM and was told she could not make any reservations that were NOT Grand Gathering Experiences. Currently, there are only 3 options: a Safari with dinner at Tusker House at AK, a breakfast at Tony's with preferred seating at Mickey's Phillharmagic (why that I don't know) and a dinner/dessert buffet at Odyssey (I think).

For any ADR's other than these, I would have to call WDW-DINE.

Good to know we can use multiple payment options!!!!

 

[vicki_c]

I have not planned for a large group, but I don't think it's the Grand Gatherings people you want, but "Group Dining" (if they still use that terminology). If you call the dining line, I think they will transfer you to Group Dining.

 

[dizzneebabe]

bumping to see if anyone else has some suggestions.
Thanks!

 

[mmorrison]

What about Biergarten? It is in Germany in the World Showcase in Epcot. It has a great family environment and the tables are huge!!!

 

[ElizabethB]

Call Group Dining. They can help you. In some cases they will tell you to call the restaurant directly -- and will give you the phone number to call. That's how it worked for us when we wanted to book a dinner for 12 at Narcoossee's.

 

[TDC Nala]

30 people on DDP sounds like a nightmare...but it may be doable if they all have it on their own reservations and you (if you are the coordinator of the group meals) make it clear to them that they need to have a certain number of credits available for the group meals. Other than that, how they use their credits would be up to them.

The other consideration is that if you have some families that want DDP and some that don't want DDP; then as the coordinator you would probably be the one to work out for the server who will be paying with credits, who won't, and who gets the bills.

With 3 TIW cards you could split into three checks and cover everybody, but you'd have to work out with the cardholders who will be on which card and how the person paying each bill will be repaid.

Call WDW-DINE and ask about group dining. Grand Gatherings cannot help you with regular restaurant reservations.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Shula's was happy to be seating tables of 12, 15, and 25 the nite we were there. I have a feeling that the restaurants at Swan/Dolphin are rather used to seating larger groups,as they are convention/meeting hotels primarily.
And the TIW card is accepted at both Shula's and Blue Zoo.
I believe both restaurants can be called directly so you don't need to deal with Disney Dining.

 

[xipetotec]

Hi everyone,

There are 5-6 families going to WDW together and although we do not planning on having our own tour group, complete with flags and matching shirts (lol), we would like to do 1 or 2 meals together. The "grand gatherings" don't really appeal to us with Tusker House and Tony's being the only options.

So, I was wondering if anyone knew which restaurants COULD accommodate us? I did a search and found that there were groups of 17 or 19 at some places, but thought I would ask the question myself. Also, assuming we can get in somewhere, how do they handle the different payments? Some families will probably be on the DDP and some not. Would it be something we should all plan on paying OOP for? At least 3 of us will have a TIW card.

I would hate not not utilize the the TIW card or DDP, but if it's a logistical nightmare...well then I might have to reconsider!

Thanks for your help!

We have *just* returned from a trip like this. We were 20-25 ( depending on the day ) and had ALL but one dinner with the whole group that day.

First thing, call AS EARLY AS YOU CAN, this will make sure they can accomodate you. In some cases, you may need to call the restaurant directly. Here are the places we ate:

Crystal Palace ( 25, it was okay, they got us a range of tables along the side of the restaurant )

50's Prime Time ( 25, love the restaurant, TERRIBLE for huge groups. Rooms are small, so we got split up - Also had to call restaurant directly )

Biergarten ( 25, pretty much perfect place. Large Festival Seating. They got us 3 tables for our group. Seated relatively quickly. Floor entertainment and dancing )

Tusker House ( 25, buffet, they set up two long tables for us, worked out pretty well )

T-REX Cafe ( 25, had to call restaurant directly, also had to sign Group Sales contract which was a hassle. However, service and setup was fantastic, we all had a great time )

San Angel Inn ( 20, Had to call restaurant directly, SURPRISINGLY we were all seated closely together in tables of 4 and they did a great job of serving everyone together )

Even when not calling directly, you will need to go through Disney Group Dining, but that's no big deal. Also be aware that an 18% gratuity will automatically be added because of the large group.

 

[Dustmouse]

I've heard large groups have good luck at Trails End!

Good luck and have fun!

 

[mmouse50]

We did Narcoossee's and Yachtsman with 15 - Group Dining had me to call the restaurant and make the reservations with Manager. At Narcoossee's they only offered me a set menu - Yachtsmans - no problem off the menu.

Also with the 15 - we did the Candlelight Processional Meal package - Le Cellier - split up but tables were next to each, Coral Reef - split up but a booth and a 2 tables across from each other, California Grill - 1 long table, those were booked through Group Dining and ordering was off the menu.