HELP I need Suggestions for a Large Party

[MLAinVA]

I got a real surprise this morning when I tried to book a table for 18 for my husband's 60th birthday party/family reunion on October 30 (90 days out). After years of seeing large parties at various restaurants, O'Hana and California Grill for example, the policy now is that for a large group, 13+, the PS must be for the first 20 minutes that the restaurant is open and for some the last 20 minutes, BUT even in that timeframe, they will not put tables together to accommodate groups over 13 and they won't gurantee that the tables, if setated separately, will be even in the same part of the restaurant. SO I need your help to find a non-WDW solution to the problem of seating 18 people together for a birthday dinner. I am not too put off by the cost as I expect to pay $1500-2000 for dinner, so give me your best recommendations. Thanks in advance!

 

[webray]

Did you call group dining..or the regular line?

Otherwise..try booking the wine room at Jiko for the evening.
That would easily accomodate your party size and the food is wonderful.

 

[MLAinVA]

I first spoke with the regular dinind PS folks who transferred me to the group dining desk. Thats where I got the BAD news! I asked them for any suggestions and they had none, zip, zilch, nada. No Disney magic! I'm really paniced!

We're staying at SOG, maybe their guest services can help out.

 

[murphyboys]

Hi There - I just made a PS at Flying Fish for a party of 8 last week. Because of the party size they had me call Flying Fish directly. They were wonderful- they'll sit us together and the lady specifically asked me if this was for a special occassion such as a birthday or an anniversary. You might want to try Flying Fish, it sure sounded like they'll do something magical for you on a special occassion. Plus I hear the food there is outstanding.

 

[MLAinVA]

Thanks, I'll give them a try. FF is one of our favorites. I haven't thought about negotiating directly with one of the restaurants, but since FF isn't Disney owned, that might be the way to go about it. I appreciate your suggestion.