How hard is it getting ADR's for a large group?

[Cruz Family]

We are planning a trip for a large group for fall 2008. I do not have the exact numbers yet, but it looks like it will be somewhere between 9 and 16 people. I was just wondering how hard it is to get ADR's for a large group? Any tips or suggestions? TIA, Melissa

 

[MandM-Mom]

Make sure you book as a grand gathering and you will have some extra options for dining that others will not have the option of.

 

[tblmom]

Just make sure you book at the 180 day mark. We had 14 last time we went and had no trouble booking reservations. We even got into CRT twice for breakfast. I called each morning, but now I believe you can book 180 plus 10 days so you should have no problem.

 

[dancemomnj]

There are 9 of us going July 1st- 6th. We ended up booking In Feb. So it was after the 180 mark. We were able to get all our ADR'S. The only thing was WCC we have 2 tables not one.

 

[Cruz Family]

Wow, I thought I would hear some horror stories. We always book 180 days out so I guess we shouldn't have a problem. Thanks!!!!

 

[waltskids]

We booked about 5 months out for Ohana's and Chef Mickey's for 24 people for June '07. They transferred us to group dining and they took care of everything.

 

[disnut8]

Be flexible. Both on your restaurants and your times. Lunches are easier to get than dinners. Be prepared to break up your party into smaller groups. For example, if it's just nine people, it's easier to say it's nine people and you'd like a table for five and then one for four. The reservations will be linked in the system and it's more than likely (much more than like) the tables will be right next to each other. If it's 16 people, 4 tables for four will be a possibility.

And this has nothing to do with making the actual reservation but from my experience, tell everyone in your party that the reservation is for 15-30 minutes before your actual seating time. That way, everyone should be there close to the actual reservation. Someone along the way will need "just one second more" or something.

 

[Cruz Family]

And this has nothing to do with making the actual reservation but from my experience, tell everyone in your party that the reservation is for 15-30 minutes before your actual seating time. That way, everyone should be there close to the actual reservation. Someone along the way will need "just one second more" or something.

Great Idea!!!

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

I've gone twice with large groups, once with 16 and once with 22 (during free dining). If your party has more than 10 people (I think that's the number anyway!) you need to call group dining. Their number is 407-939-7707. They may also request that you be seated at the first seating for dinner or breakfast, last seating for lunch, etc. just so that it's easier to seat you all together.

 

[ascardino]

Subscribing.

 

[simonkodousek]

I have no experience going to WDW with more than 5 people, but I can honestly say that it is much more difficult. Last year we went to Disney World with a relative, and I was in charge of ADR's. Even though I booked 5-6 months out, the pickings were slim and we did have to make some compromises. I recently made ADR's for this year's possible trip, but with only our immediate family (of 4) and I got everything and at every time I wanted.

 

[Robert P]

Large parties are harder to book!

I have been making ADR's for our Fall 2008 trip, and we will have 8 for some of the meals (including the local in-laws). I called between the 180 and 175 day mark, and got exactly 1 of the 3 I was needing for that many people. The other two I had to play with times, and they could get us only at two tables.
Call on the first possible day, and you should be successful. Limited numbers of tables for big party tables, and they do go quickly.

 

[JeffZ]

I went with a party of 16 @ easter '07. We got everything we wanted. We did four dinners together. HDDR ,hollywood & Vine, Chef Mickeys on Easter, Coral reef--right in front of the tank--so we could see our diver sign! My buddy who is a DVc member set it all up , I think he went through group dining. but everything went great.

 

[Jubaby]

I booked 7 ADR's for 9 people at the 180 + 10 mark. I got all the restaurants we wanted, but only two could seat all 9 people together. The other 5 will be at two separate tables, and they told me they couldn't guarantee that we will even be near each other.

 

[Nicola2010]

slightly off topic

CRUZ FAMILY i love your avatar pic of Michael Johns!

my df and i are watching American Idol over here in the UK at the moment, Carly went out last week ... i dont want any spoilers lol but cant believe Michael didnt make it further than he did... he was fab!

Was he your family favourite? Im really rooting for David Cook now!

 

[Island Mouse]

I booked a couple ADR's for October for 20+ people and didn't have much trouble. Of course they can't seat everyone at one table so they told me that we would be seated at 5 or 6 tables. We reserved dinner for 5:30pm on both of them (one at a resort, the other in MK) because that is the time that works out best for us. I would say that the best way to book for large, or even small party's these days is to call and book as early as possible.