Magical Gatherings for Groups but no large seating arrangements

[bexareaglecheryl]

Hi! I am the 'tour director' for our family's Magical Gathering group of 13 people this Novemeber.

I've just started making our P.S. and am somewhat surprised that there is no restaurant at WDW that can seat large groups. The largest number is 12, and at most park restaurants it is 8. I was somewhat surprised that this is the case when there is so much advertising for "Magical Gatherings". I do understand that there are some restaurants that have no room for these huge table arrangements.

Their process is this: they can most likely accomodate you for that large of a group at one table during the first seating of the day or the last seating at the restaurants, then they can put the tables together.

They can not even guarantee that even when you have PS for say 3 tables of 6 that they tables will not be scattered throughout the restaurant. The other day when I made my first PS I was not even told this, the group dining reservationist simply booked three separate tables without letting me know that we wouldn't be seated close to each other in the restaurant. When I called for another PS yesterday the reservation agent explained it to me more clearly and changed the previous PS to a more preferrable seating arrangement.

Just thought I would pass the information along. It's Disney rules, and I will live with anything they have to say. Once I'm there nothing can hinder my joy at the WDW magic.

 

[bexareaglecheryl]

Did find out tonight that Spoodles and Fulton's Crab House can accomodate large groups who want to sit together. Spoodles -14, Fultons -up to 20.

(Hoop-de-doo is another matter altogether, so this infomation doesn't really apply, ie to limited seating for large groups)
Cheryl

 

[tammydel]

Thanks for the info. I am also the "group leader" for my family's trip in November. I start making PS this Wednesday. Do you just call the Magical Gatherings number, that's what they told me on the phone today to do, but I'm not 100% that the person was sure.

I called to get the type of info that you just gave. You had better info than the CM i spoke with today.

Where else have you made PS?

Tammy

 

[Mickey's Sister]

Thanks for sharing the info. Just curious, did you make PS'S through the Grand Gathering person? I'm going to be the 'tour director' for our GG next year and so any info you have would be appreciated.

We've already gone with 9 - 10 people (same # as next trip) but it was before GG. They seated all of us at one table for 1900 Park Fare, 2 adjacent tables at Cindy's, Hollywood & Vine, Crystal Palace, Chef Mickey's & Liberty Tree Tavern. Everyone was very accommodating! The adjacent tables were always SO close (some shared a banquette) that it was never an issue. We never had to be seated in different parts of the restaurant. Most of our sit-down meals are character meals. I don't know if that has anything to do with it. Though we plan to do more non-character sit-downs next trip since we are staying longer.

Again, thanks for sharing! Good luck.

Jessica

 

[PrincessMommy2]

Hi, we have a Grand Gathering in December....I made PS for Hoop De Doo for 16 people and had to take 4 tables of 4 next to each other. I know that my Grand Gatherings planner said to call Group Dining instead of the WDW- DINE. Hope this helps!

 

[bexareaglecheryl]

When you call to make your room reservation for a WDW resort they should switch you to a GG operator who will take your reservation. (for some reason my initial reservationist didn't do this in Aug2003 and it was quite a hassle every time I made a PS). Anyway, they will give you a GG # which you will use each time you make a PS. You must call group dining (1407-939-7707) when making a ressie for 8 or more people. I'll post the phone number later as I am in a huge hurry to leave the house now. THey have the same que #'s. The group dining folks are so nice and helpful. I've booked 2 character meals and they have had the same restrictions on table size.

Yes, you may get your tables close together. I suppose it depends on the time of year, whether it's busy or not, if you actually do. 3 different reps told me not to count on it since it is unlikely (nov. 18-26 this year) that the tables will be close. I put my teens at a separate table, which will suit them fine (as long as I see the order before it's placed. Our last trip's final bill was an eye-opener - I had given the teens a room charge card of their own. This time I'll put a low dollar amount on it. Boy, they do get hungry often.!!)


One group agent told me that the agents have been complaining to mgmt that they need to accomodate larger groups at more of the restaurants since they have hyped the Magical Gatherings aspect through the roof and when people call and find out they can't be accomodated, some are quite miffed.

Love to all my Dis friends. Cheryl

 

[Mickey's Sister]

Sounds like I'd be better off sticking with the regular dining number. We've always had up to 10 at dinner & they never gave us a problem. Sounds like they really need to get their act together. Why advertise Grand Gatherings for large groups of people and then not be able to accommodate them??? Thanks for the info!

Jessica

 

[bexareaglecheryl]

re: Mickey's Sister's :
Sounds like I'd be better off sticking with the regular dining number.

I have tried to use the regular WDW Dine # but they switch me over to the group agent if it's 8 or more. May have changed recently, huh? However, the flip side is that group can make arrangements for small parties too!

Just make sure that if you are booking a group that you've kind of got your preferences for seating arrangements worked out in your mind ahead of time (i.e. 1 table for 7 and 1 table for 6 or a variation thereof. Children at the table make things tricky sometimes).

 

[bexareaglecheryl]

This will take you directly to group dining and they usually answer the phone quite quickly. They have the same que questions as the regular dining line.

Some other group info:
Use group dining for 8 or more.
Credit card used to hold all group PS.
The person who's name is on the PS and the credit card must be actually dining.
Gratuity will be added to parties of 8 or more.
Arrive 5 minutes early.
All non-smoking restaurants at WDW.

Cancelling: if you need to cancel call 48 hours before your PS to avoid a $10 per person cancellation fee.
Downsizing your I did ask them what would happen if some members of the party decided not to join you, felt ill or too tired, or their kids were too cranky and they wanted to go back to the hotel to rest. They said call as soon as you know, but if the # of diners is fairly small then it shouldn't be a problem. However, if you have made PS for say, 13 folks and 7 don't show up then it's up to the individual restaurant what to do about your cancellation fees.

Hope this sheds even more light on the Magical Gatherings/group dining conundrum. Also, remember to have your Magical Gatherings # when you make your PS so they can note that on your PS.
Love to all my DIS friends, Cheryl

PS Please pray for my BIL Mike who is slowing coming out of his coma of over 3 months!

 

[Mickey's Sister]

Hi Cheryl,

Thanks so much for the info!!! Yes, they must have changed it. Our last trip was November 2003 & I made the PS's months earlier. I'm wondering though, if it has something to do with being a Grand Gathering? Last trip we all stayed off-site - used up travel points with other hotel chains. They did ask where we were staying when I made the ressies. Group dining existed then, but I just didn't use it, assuming that 9 people wasn't quite big enough to qualify as a group. I can't make ps's for next trip till next year, so who knows what they will be doing. But I'm an obsessive planner and like to have all of my facts set well in advance.

Thanks again!!!

Jessica

 

[Mickey's Sister]

Cheryl,

I almost forget...

We will definitely keep your BIL Mike in our prayers! I hope he soon will be well! Keep us posted. GOD BLESS!!!

Jessica

 

[bexareaglecheryl]

Saw your countdown clock and noticed that it mentioned "Humphrey" Am i just out of the loop? Who or what is Humphrey?
Cheryl

 

[heidica]

Cheryl,
Do you know if I need to call the group # or WDW-DINE to make PS for CRT character breakfast for a party of 8? Want to make sure I call the right number and not waste time getting transferred. We are not doing a Grand Gathering because our hotel reservations are at SOG, so I will not be using their services.
Thanks for all your great info

 

[Mickey's Sister]

You're not out of the loop! I hadn't heard of Humphrey either till we decided to stay at Wilderness Lodge for our next trip & I started reading the WL thread here on the Dis. Humphrey is a carved bear in Wilderness Lodge. All the Disers rub Humphrey's nose for luck & to say "We're home." Whenever anyone on these posts is heading to the lodge, everyone tells them to "rub Humphrey's nose for me". The WL vets on the Dis are some of the nicest, most welcoming people! They're like one big family. I think one of the Disers actually came up with Humphrey's name. I haven't stayed at WL yet so we're really looking forward to 'joining the family'.

Jessica

 

[bexareaglecheryl]

Reply to heidica:
Cinderella's Royal Table for 8 reservation would require calling the regular WDW-Dine #. For that particular restaurant a group would be 13 or more. I don't know when you're going, heidica, but make sure you read the helpful posting about CRT on the Dis Restaurant boards. Knowing the times to call, but especially the phone cue #'s really really helps you get through quickly. And have your home phone and cell phone(s) all going at the same time! Good luck! It can be done.
Hope this helps.
Cheryl

PS Going through Grand Gatherings simply allows all your info to be stored by WDW and easily shared before the trip; and then upon check-in you'll all be given a list of all your previously made PS, etc. When you make each PS and give them your #, they make a note of your GG number on each PS. Everyone in the party can use that GG# to obtain info about the trip too (if you give initial permission) by either calling or they can make their own PS to be put on the 'agenda'. They can also will send you a Magical Gathering video or dvd aimed specifically at groups, inside is also brochures with tips for groups and hints for preschoolers.