Have you planned for a BIG party?

[Mo-Yo]

My extended family and I (24-30 peeps) are staying in two villas in Emerald Island in March. We know it will be impossible to stay together all day every day, but we'd like to plan two group meals out together (and possibly a Phillies Spring Training game...but that's for another board.).

So here's the question...do any of you Dis experts have any first hand experience with planning for a similar situation?

We are considering Ohana or HDDR one night, and Biergarten or Akershus one day.

I know I need to call group dining. Can I call before 180 days? Do I need to pre-pay? What kind of seating accommodations can we expect? Any hints, clues, insight? As the "cruise director" I'd love to make sure everyone has a great time.

Also...two in our group are disabled--mom had a stroke and walks with cane, and my young niece has spina bifida and is in a wheelchair. What do I need to consider about HDDR. I know seating is multi-level.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Pumbaa_]

For your group, you would need to book Tier 1 for HDDR. Tier 2 & 3 have the possibilty of being upstairs, and it is not wheelchair friendly.

That would be a great place for your group though. A fun show and a good night.

'ohana can also do a big group. I went to a wedding rehearsal dinner there once and we had a great time. The group was at a very long table, so it was hard to visit with everyone.

Biergarted may be another option at Epcot.

Call Disney DIning and see if you have to go through special dining or if you can just make your ressiers there.

With a group that size, you could also schedule an Illuminations Dessert Party

 

[hipporina]

We have gone with groups ranging from 17-31. This year, we have 53 people going! And I am responsible for most of the ressies. Group dining will not be able to book you at some restaurants, but will give you the direct number to call. We have ressies for 47 at Coral Reef. The lady there was wonderful. I called and left a message, and she contacted me by email. I have had to add people 3 times and she was great about it. Boma is not very cooperative with large groups. Whispering Canyon will require your group (or at least 50% of it depending on exact size) to order the all you can eat skillet.

Ohana is wonderful for a large group. We have 21 doing breakfast this year and have done it in the past with 17 and 21.

HDDR is fun with a group, but you won't be all together. We went with 31 people last year and had a good time. 2 people in our group got picked to go on stage, so that made it even more fun.

Akershus is hard with a group. 23 of us went last year and we found it to be incredibly difficult. We will not go back.

The most important thing to do is to call early! If you don't book the first day or so, you probably won't get in. Good luck and if there is anything else I can help you with, let me know.

 

[Mo-Yo]

Thanks so much!!!!

I knew there had to be a few people out there who are as crazy as we are.

That's what's so great about the DIS...there is no need to completely re-invent the wheel...or the vacation anyway.

Should I call 180 days out, or can I do it before that?
Have you had to pre-pay for the meals?

It is nice to hear there may be some leniency in adding people after the fact. AT present we have firm commitments from 24, but another family may sign on as well.

Thanks for sharing your experiences. It's really helpful.

 

[hipporina]

I would suggest talking to group dining before your 180 day mark that way you know what restaraunts you will have to call direct and you can get their numbers.

I did not have to pre-pay any because we are all on the ddp. We LOVE free dining! I did have to put a credit card on file as a guarantee though.

A little off-topic, but if you need to fly, AirTran is great with groups. We are flying RT from DFW for $172.