Large Group Dining Struggle

[H.Lipps]

I planned a trip for 10 people this past spring break, which included 3 ADRs. We had ADRs at San Angel Inn, Mama Melrose, and Yak and Yeti. All meals were delicious and our trip was an overall success but there is one thing I found mildly irritating...

When I checked in for our reservations at all three restaurants they would always ask if our group would mind being split up. Each time I told the cast member that it was fine because after a day of parks we are definitely a hungry group, hah! Although we never ended up split, I was curious as to what is the purpose of this practice? I feel like the point of me making an ADR 160 days out was to ensure that our group of 10 would be able to get a table and be able to sit together.

Has anyone else had this experience?

On a side note, Yak and Yeti is definitely my new favorite restaurant in the parks

 

[minnie mum]

If you had checked your ADR confirmations, there was probably a warning that large parties MIGHT be split up. Few restaurants have tables large enough to seat very large groups. They have to have two or more adjacent vacant tables that they can put together. Waiting for those tables to become vacant can result in longer waits. If they are fully booked, these waits can often snowball, leading to delayed seating for every one. So sometimes it's necessary to split; but they do their best to accommodate you.

 

[pa. dad]

I planned a trip for 10 people this past spring break, which included 3 ADRs. We had ADRs at San Angel Inn, Mama Melrose, and Yak and Yeti. All meals were delicious and our trip was an overall success but there is one thing I found mildly irritating...

When I checked in for our reservations at all three restaurants they would always ask if our group would mind being split up. Each time I told the cast member that it was fine because after a day of parks we are definitely a hungry group, hah! Although we never ended up split, I was curious as to what is the purpose of this practice? I feel like the point of me making an ADR 160 days out was to ensure that our group of 10 would be able to get a table and be able to sit together.

Has anyone else had this experience?

On a side note, Yak and Yeti is definitely my new favorite restaurant in the parks

In the restaurant business, not just at disney, you never know how tables are going are going to open up. Some groups will linger, order dessert and coffee while others just want a check so they can move on.
So I'm sure it's just an automatic question they ask as they know that how quickly which tables will open up is guesswork.

 

[H.Lipps]

If they are fully booked, these waits can often snowball, leading to delayed seating for every one.

I didn't think about this, good point

In the restaurant business, not just at disney, you never know how tables are going are going to open up. Some groups will linger, order dessert and coffee while others just want a check so they can move on.

Shows how much I know about the restaurant biz, hah! Both you and Minnie Mum and completely right.

 

[purple figment]

Your dining reservations at DW are not reservations where there is a table set and waiting for your party. Instead when you check in you are placed on the list for the next available table for your party size, but behind anyone with the same party size who has already checked in and are waiting. If you look around the restaurant you will find very few tables large enough to accommodate parties of more than 6. There might be a few, but beyond that you would have to wait for 2 or 3 adjacent tables to empty at the same time. Because there is a possibility of a very long wait, it is typical of the host/hostesses to ask every larger group if they are willing to be seated separately.

 

[H.Lipps]

Your dining reservations at DW are not reservations where there is a table set and waiting for your party.

I didn't realize this, thanks for the insight! This was my first time being in control of the vacation and it seems like the planning seat is much different than just following the plans

 

[emnems34]

That's strange! I did a few with a group of 15 around the same time of year this year and we were never asked that!