Large parties split for dinner?

[ccw]

Called this a.m. for ADRs for trip beginning 11/03...phone was answered right away (my cell phone showed 6:59!) , got the 7:30 time at Calif. Grill I wanted BUT all of the large tables were already booked so my party of 9 adults will be at two separate tables. Hopefully we will at least be close together. Also, i am treating my girlfriends that night (using DDE discount) so I hope the servers will not balk at having us at two tables. Reservationist was quick to tell me gratuity would be included since we are more than 8, so I guess Disney considers us to be one party even tho we will be seated apart. Basically was told I would need to deal with that as well as a window request with the staff at check in. Oh, well...i'm sure it will all work out fine. Anybody else get split up and lived to tell about it?
PS I also tried using my Magical Gatherings i.d. and calling that number for help but got the same response.

 

[sue1013]

We had a large party a couple times at Easter once 13 once 17. I was told by dining that we would be split up. When we got to the restaurants they had set a table for all of us. I don't know if that always happens but it was a nice surprise for us.

 

[ccw]

Oh, boy...that would be awesome!

 

[DVCconvert]

You won't have any problem combining the tables as far as payment goes.
This has happened to us many times. As to if you'll arrive to find one big table set up? -- that also has happened to us, but not everytime. They will try the best they can if at all possible to seat you close to each other if your split up. Alot of this is determined by which restaurant you're at-at CG I'd say you've got a good chance they'll combine tables for you!

Have fun!

 

[Viki]

We always have one big party for dinner one night of our stay, when my family in the area joins us and I have found the actual restaurant, once we get there, much more accomading than the CMs are on the phone. In fact once I was assured twice on the phone that our party of 11 could not be seated together and even then not before 7 PM. We went over and 5:30 and had not problem.

 

[JujiD]

I think they just tell everyone that just to cover themselves. That way you won't be dissappointed if it doesn't happen.
We have a group of 8 and have one of the first seatings and they told us the same thing. How can they not have a table for 8 if they're not full yet?

 

[disnut8]

I've done this a couple of times. Once at LeCellier with a party of twelve. I was told we'd be at three separate tables. When we got there, the three tables were next to each other and the Cast Members asked if we wanted them pushed together (which I did). Not a problem.

Second time, we were a party of ten at Cape May and when I made the reservation, I was told they only had two tables set up to accommodate six people. I was willing to split the party into two groups of five. But those two tables weren't anywhere near each other. I went with one seating for six, one with four. When we got there, we were seated next to each other with one side being a long bench. So we basically could all be together with a nice gap between the tables for ease of getting up and down for the buffet.

If you have the reservation in one name, you shouldn't have any problem at all.