Free Dining... will this work out???

[hmdavid]

We are throwing around the possibility of going to WDW for free dining. My DH is in the military and will be deploying in the fall, so we would like to go on a trip with his family before he leaves. It will be a party of 11... 6 adults and 5 kids... DD4, DD6, DD6, and our nieces age 4 and 7. Is it too late to plan for a party this large and still get decent ADR's? I know that the restaurants will be crazy during this time. What do you think?

Editing because I forgot to add that we are looking at 9/17-9/24 as our dates. TIA!!!

 

[hmdavid]

Anyone?

 

[jkearson]

If you know where you want to eat, you could go ahead and call to make your ADRs. I did this a few days before free dining became available. That way, if you can't get what you want, you haven't gone to the trouble and expense of booking a trip.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Just call and inquire - you don't have to make a reservation to book a dining reservation.

If you're flexible, and don't want to eat at the same 15 spots everyone on the Dis books, you'll be fine =)

 

[hmdavid]

Thanks for the responses!

 

[Seahunt]

Don't forget with your size group you will also qualify as a Grand Gathering. If you go that way, they might be able to help get you in your choice of restaurants

From the WDW website info:

A Grand Gathering is a group of 8 or more staying at select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels. This means the more you gather, the more you can enjoy all kinds of special benefits, services and one-of-a-kind experiences we've created just for large parties like yours. We welcome kids of all ages, but only those age 3 and up are considered part of the guest count

Special Products
Make your Grand Gathering even more magical with our special products. Just imagine a dinner at Epcot® with storytelling for your kids and then a VIP viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Or how about your entire Grand Gathering taking a rambling safari on the African savannah and then being served a scrumptious dinner. These are just a sample of the unique experiences available only for Grand Gatherings.

Travel Planning Services
Even before you arrive, a dedicated team of Grand Gatherings Travel Planners is at your service to help with your every detail of your itinerary. They'll make planning your gatherings easier than you ever imagined helping with everything from hotels, tickets and dining to flower arrangements, special photo opportunities and much more. Grand Gatherings Services are available for qualifying parties.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Call and check what is available, both for lodging and ADRs. That may help you make your decision.

I am going to move this to the DDP for more feedback

I hope you are able to go, and thank you and your DH for his service to our country.

 

[ElizabethB]

Utilize the CM's in the Grand Gatherings department and I think you'll do fine. Free dining is a wonderful time to go with a large party (used to be even better but still great).

 

[hmdavid]

Thanks everyone for your help. I will definitely get with the Grand Gathering CM's as I would like to do a couple of the special events if possible, and we shall see what else they can do for us. My DH, kids and I were just at WDW in March, so ideally this trip would happen when I have more time to plan, but with the deployment, we don't have that luxury. The girlies really want to go to WDW with their cousins and they are all so in to all things Disney right now so it should be fun if we can make it happen. My biggest challenge won't even be the ADR's, but my very picky, crowd hating, non-Disney SIL ... I know!!! Any advice for that one???!!!

 

[cherylp3]

suggestion: give her taxi money and directions to the outlet stores??

Also I'd suggest using the resort hotel restaurants.

 

[hmdavid]

suggestion: give her taxi money and directions to the outlet stores??

Oooohhh... this is a good idea. I am sure everyone would be much happier in the long run!