Larger parties successfully seated together or at adjacent tables?

[olive]

I followed tips on this board and made two reservations at the same time splitting our large party of 13 into two groups. I called Disney dining. It took two tries because I had to hang up after almost two hours the first day unfortunately, but got through yesterday after a little over two hours (after almost 50!! attempts of "All circuits are busy" first). I was happy to get through. I asked first if it was possible to combine the groups and was told that it is not at this time. I am guessing it depends on the restaurant (we are reserved at San Angel Inn) and there are limitations in the computer system. I then asked if we could have a note placed on the reservation requesting that we be seated at nearby or adjacent tables, and was again told that was not possible, but that we could try showing up a bit early at the restaurant and asking.

For folks who have done this, what strategy was successful, if any? We made a late-ish reservation (8 pm). I was thinking of having someone pop in perhaps around 630 or 7 pm and making the request to the hostess to either be seated together or at adjacent or nearby tables so they would have more time to get something like that set up since of course the restaurant would need time to do it and there are people at different stages of eating and waiting to eat. What has worked for other large parties at San Angel or other restaurants? And I totally get that the best we can do is ask. It is just a major anniversary for my parents, so I want to do the best I can to try to make the request successful.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

I followed tips on this board and made two reservations at the same time splitting our large party of 13 into two groups. I called Disney dining. It took two tries because I had to hang up after almost two hours the first day unfortunately, but got through yesterday after a little over two hours (after almost 50!! attempts of "All circuits are busy" first). I was happy to get through. I asked first if it was possible to combine the groups and was told that it is not at this time. I am guessing it depends on the restaurant (we are reserved at San Angel Inn) and there are limitations in the computer system. I then asked if we could have a note placed on the reservation requesting that we be seated at nearby or adjacent tables, and was again told that was not possible, but that we could try showing up a bit early at the restaurant and asking.

For folks who have done this, what strategy was successful, if any? We made a late-ish reservation (8 pm). I was thinking of having someone pop in perhaps around 630 or 7 pm and making the request to the hostess to either be seated together or at adjacent or nearby tables so they would have more time to get something like that set up since of course the restaurant would need time to do it and there are people at different stages of eating and waiting to eat. What has worked for other large parties at San Angel or other restaurants? And I totally get that the best we can do is ask. It is just a major anniversary for my parents, so I want to do the best I can to try to make the request successful.

Thanks in advance!

have not been during covid but used to be possible at check in would not help to go by earlier as they would not know what was open for when you would be there. the one thing to remember esp if young kids involved as you could be waiting for awhile past your time waiting for a table head of you to leave. again all of these were per covid never been to San Angel but we have had no problems with groups of 10 to 14 getting seated together but always had to wait other than Hoop Dee Doo where there was a long table already set up. we usually ate a little past normal dinner times but as I said this was all per covid

 

[FCDub]

There’s literally only one strategy: show up and ask nicely.

Other people here have reported being successful in the past, but of course your milage may vary.

 

[olive]

There’s literally only one strategy: show up and ask nicely.

Other people here have reported being successful in the past, but of course your milage may vary.

That is definitely our plan at this point. Our only plan, in fact! Plus the advance notice part with checking in early. But I didn't know if someone had shown up with a large party and perhaps a hostess had shared that usually if they find out by a certain time that two parties would like to be seated together or if the reservation is after a certain time or whatever, we would keep that in mind as we plan our day or shuffle reservations. Asking nicely is a given, though, and it is really good to know some folks have been able to be seated together. We will hope for success!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

That is definitely our plan at this point. Our only plan, in fact! Plus the advance notice part with checking in early. But I didn't know if someone had shown up with a large party and perhaps a hostess had shared that usually if they find out by a certain time that two parties would like to be seated together or if the reservation is after a certain time or whatever, we would keep that in mind as we plan our day or shuffle reservations. Asking nicely is a given, though, and it is really good to know some folks have been able to be seated together. We will hope for success!

asking nicely and saying you will wait are what seems to help. the one that happened during one of trips with 14 was another group that had not counted a highchair in their count were very upset with waiting 45 minutes longer then we were seated ahead of them but we had counted our infant in our count. we were seated first and all together. they seem to grant if at all possible if you are nice about it. as I say this was per covid

 

[olive]

asking nicely and saying you will wait are what seems to help. the one that happened during one of trips with 14 was another group that had not counted a highchair in their count were very upset with waiting 45 minutes longer then we were seated ahead of them but we had counted our infant in our count. we were seated first and all together. they seem to grant if at all possible if you are nice about it. as I say this was per covid

We anticipate waiting regardless. And luckily we are going during Flower & Garden, which means lots of snacks nearby.

 

[Leight19]

When I went in January we had success with this for group of 10 booked as 5/5 or 6/4. Generally we would go hour or so before to let them know. Every place we tried was successful at combining tables except topolinos (but they did give adjacent). The one thing I’ll note is one time when we went they said they could sit us immediately as 10 but couldn’t gurantee would work at our actual time. We were all there so worked but may be good to be ready to call audible on time in case they can seat you combined early.

 

[CarolynFH]

I made sure that our party of 9 was all there about 15 minutes before the earliest ADR and then checked in with the CM, not via MDE, so I could tell them we were together and ask to be seated as close together as possible. We were seated at the same table everywhere except Sci Fi. BTW We ate at Mama Melrose, Homecomin’, Liberty Tree Tavern, Sci Fi, Beaches & Cream and Biergarten.

 

[daisy2013]

I’ve made reservations for up to 16 together. I found times when the restaurant opens for a meal is easier than later. And some restaurants are more prepared for large parties- Oktoberfest vs beaches and cream.

 

[Buzzsgramma]

In Feb...we were supoose to be 12 but ended up 10...When I booked I split 6+6...6+2+4.....etc....I booked under my name and either son or daughter for another lead..We treat anyway so it didnt matter....We went a bit early and kindly ask to be seated close by IF possible... (We all live very close to each other so it wasnt like we dont get together often)... also they advised NOT trying to rebook if i knew there would be a couple less people and just to tell them at the podium....We ate at Trattoria al forno,Cali Grill, Topolino's and Tiffins to name a few...

 

[olive]

When I went in January we had success with this for group of 10 booked as 5/5 or 6/4. Generally we would go hour or so before to let them know. Every place we tried was successful at combining tables except topolinos (but they did give adjacent). The one thing I’ll note is one time when we went they said they could sit us immediately as 10 but couldn’t gurantee would work at our actual time. We were all there so worked but may be good to be ready to call audible on time in case they can seat you combined early.

That is really interesting - both that advance notice worked either to sit together or adjacent every time, and that once you were only able to be accommodated together before your actual time. Since our party is so large and includes several kids, maybe one person can go ahead to the hostess stand and the rest can be outside the pavilion snacking on a bench or something so they are close enough to come right in in case magically the restaurant is able to seat us quickly, and we can easily head off to do other things if not. Thanks so much for this info! It really helps with our planning.

 

[olive]

I’ve made reservations for up to 16 together. I found times when the restaurant opens for a meal is easier than later. And some restaurants are more prepared for large parties- Oktoberfest vs beaches and cream.

Wow - were you able to make the reservations for 16 together on the app? That is amazing. I could see Oktoberfest being a bit easier for seating just because of the restaurant setup. That makes sense to me. The person I spoke with on the phone when I called made it sound like seating large parties would be an exception only, but I am not sure what information trickles from those working on the ground in the parks to the reservations agents on the phones.

 

[olive]

In Feb...we were supoose to be 12 but ended up 10...When I booked I split 6+6...6+2+4.....etc....I booked under my name and either son or daughter for another lead..We treat anyway so it didnt matter....We went a bit early and kindly ask to be seated close by IF possible... (We all live very close to each other so it wasnt like we dont get together often)... also they advised NOT trying to rebook if i knew there would be a couple less people and just to tell them at the podium....We ate at Trattoria al forno,Cali Grill, Topolino's and Tiffins to name a few...

And they were able to seat you all together despite the separate reservations? Ours are 2 separate but "linked" reservations.

 

[daisy2013]

Wow - were you able to make the reservations for 16 together on the app? That is amazing. I could see Oktoberfest being a bit easier for seating just because of the restaurant setup. That makes sense to me. The person I spoke with on the phone when I called made it sound like seating large parties would be an exception only, but I am not sure what information trickles from those working on the ground in the parks to the reservations agents on the phones.

I don’t remember if it was the app or we site but definitely not calling. I don’t actually speak to people unless I have to