Making reservations for large party

[4Hawks]

I need some tips on how to obtain reservations for a party of 10.

My dad, stepmom, sister, and her family will all be joining us for half of our trip. While I'll be very happy to see them, I am dreading the logistical nightmare of having to add them to (or change) all our ADRs.

Several questions:
- Would it be possible to add them to ADRs I have already made? I'm guessing I would have to call?
- If not, is it possible to find/make reservations for such a large party online?
- Would it be easier to obtain a separate reservation for the 6 of them at about the same time?
- Has anyone been successful finding reservations for a large party using the touringplans tool?

(I don't even want to think about FP+ reservations for that many people )

Thank you!

 

[rosiebean]

When is your trip? The more time you have, the more likely it is to get a large reservation (in my experience). I routinely travel with extended family, and even though we plan by making ADRs for large numbers at our 180 day mark, inevitably, someone 'new' comes and we need to add more to our party.

1) Even though I've never called to add people onto an ADR (we usually just make a second ADR for the extra number), I'd do that first if you'd like to guarantee being able to sit together.

2) Making ADRs for a large party online depends on the restaurant. Some have allowed me to make an ADR for as many as 14 (buffets), and some only allow me up to 10.

3) As mentioned above, we usually go this route...just make a separate ADR for the extra people.

4) Can't help with that!

FWIW, we've never had to cancel an ADR because we couldn't somehow get the extra members of our party into the restaurant.

Good luck!

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I've made adrs for a group of 11/12 online without issue within a few months of our trip. You can try online first and if you have no luck, give them a call. Worst case, search for an adr for them close to your adr time.

 

[Gracie09]

I have made some reservations for 15 online. Some I did have to call for. Depending on the reservations you have it may be very difficult to add people to existing reservations

 

[IrishNYC]

You likely won't be able to add them online - you'd have to make an all new reservation. Your best bet is to make a separate reservation for the additional people, then ask to be seated as close together as possible. If you're spending all day together in the parks, some temporary separation might be a good thing.

 

[purple figment]

I need some tips on how to obtain reservations for a party of 10.

My dad, stepmom, sister, and her family will all be joining us for half of our trip. While I'll be very happy to see them, I am dreading the logistical nightmare of having to add them to (or change) all our ADRs.

Several questions:
- Would it be possible to add them to ADRs I have already made? I'm guessing I would have to call?

You can call to see if they can be added, but there would have to be an available reservation for 10.

- If not, is it possible to find/make reservations for such a large party online?

Yes, you can check online for reservations for a party of 10. There aren't many tables for that size group so be prepared to check a lot.

- Would it be easier to obtain a separate reservation for the 6 of them at about the same time?

Possibly since it is a smaller group although still on the larger side. You will need to book the second reservation under a different person's MDE account since you already have a reservation in your account. Also, when you check in at the podium you can ask to be seated together or near each other, but it is only a request. While the castmembers will do their best, it may be difficult and will depend upon two or more tables large enough for your group and near one another opening up at the same time. Be prepared to wait longer and/or not sitting near each other.

- Has anyone been successful finding reservations for a large party using the touringplans tool?

No experience with touring plans, but you can also subscribe to the cancellation thread for your month at the top of the Dining reservations board.

Good luck!

 

[4Hawks]

If you're spending all day together in the parks, some temporary separation might be a good thing.

LOL! Yes, some time apart would be best...for my DH's sanity

You will need to book the second reservation under a different person's MDE account since you already have a reservation in your account.

Good to know. I did try making a second reservation and the system kept trying to cancel my other reservation. I will have my sister make it on her account.


I will call the reservations number and see if I can just add them **fingers crossed**

Thanks all!