Give me all your tips for booking ADRs for a large group!

[Feckless]

we are heading back after four years, and I was super disappointed that the IPO can't help me with ADRs. We are five families, who will be eating in different configurations, and all but one other family are planning newbies. I see from the reservation site that you can book large groups for a lot of places, but some require that you call. We want BOG lunch, Teppan Edo, Le Cellier, Sci Fi, Boma and Tutto Italia for sure. I've gotten some awesome advice but looking for more!

 

[DisMommyTX]

Almost everything 12 or under can be booked yourself online at 180+ days out. We have always gotten what we wanted when booking at release date. Later reservations (if we change our plans), we sometimes have to split into two parties. Most restaurants I prefer splitting into a couple smaller tables (about 6 max) because it is too hard to talk to everyone at big, long tables. Just try to have your plans solidified in advance. I made all the reservations for everyone in our families, but because I could not have overlapping reservations, I also used my husband's MDE as well as my sister's on occasion. Helps when you need to split into smaller parties or when some want to do something different.

Final piece of advice, it is much easier to book early and cancel later than to try to find openings later. Reserve everything you think you might possibly want now, even if you are not 100% sure. If you do end up deciding to cancel something later, people with large parties over on the cancellation boards will love you!

 

[RachaelA]

I booked cape May for 18 people online actually but then at 7am called the group dining line and they had other restaurant availability and I was able to switch to chef mickeys no issue. So definitely call that line on your ADR day