? on dining with a large group

[PrincessMommy2]

We will be traveling with a total of 4 families as part of a Magical Garthering. I've started to make our PSs and got to thinking about what the easiest/less confusing way would be to handle the checks. I don't want to drive our waiter/waitress nuts having to give out 4 separate checks if I don't have to. But then again, I don't want us all sitting there figuring out who ordered what to divide the check. I like the convenience of using the room key to pay for things rather than carrying a lot of cash around, but that may not be possible when we are eating with 3 other families. We are doing a few buffet meals so far, so I know what those costs will be. I was thinking we should figure each family's total for the costs of the meals we know and put it aside beforehand so we are not sitting there at the end of the meal passing money back and forth. I'm guessing that some members will order alcoholic drinks, but adding the cost of someone's drink would be easier than sitting there adding each individual family's total meal. Or maybe each family take a turn putting it on their room card? Those of you who have traveled with multiple families: what was the easiest way you found to handle the checks?

Thanks

 

[lucky978]

I wouldn't think that putting everything on 4 checks would be that much of a hassle. Personally I think that would be the best idea so as not to make anyone feel funny about ordering an alcoholic drink. Plus, I'm sure not everyone has the same amount of kids, either so that would be difficult to figure.

 

[webray]

I would just let the server know ahead of time...what meals on what check and get the 4 separate checks. That sounds like the easiest way to me. Just don't wait until after dinner to ask for 4 checks..do it before you all order.

 

[maci]

I was wondering about this too. We have a party of 11. On all of the PS I have made, they have made a point to say that gratuity will automatically be included..... how will that work with separate checks???? Will they just divide it by the number of families???

I can see how this could become a pain!!!

 

[lorileer]

We just treat it like any other restaurant and ask for separate checks usually. The gratuity is still automatically added. They just add the 15% (I think that's what it is) on to your family's amount based on what you bought. That is definitely the easiest way to go. Just tell them as you order. They are used to that.

 

[ReneeQ]

I'm wondering this myself. We went in May with husband's family. There were three couples - me and dh, dh's brother and his wife, dh's mom and dad. Also along was 2 1/2 year old neice. Since none of us drink and usually got about the same thing, we took turns paying. One night dad paid the whole check, the next night we paid the whole check, the next night brother paid the whole check. We didn't worry about neice's food, as she either only had a kid's meal or ate off someone's plate. We ate breakfast in our room at the Boardwalk each morning and did a fast food lunch daily, so each couple paid their own lunches with cash. We had 6 sit down meals and each couple paid twice.

Now coming in Jan. it's another story. My family is going this time. It's my sister, her husband and my 7 year old nephew, so three in that family. My single brother. Me (husband isn't going on this trip). And my mom, who is on a limited income and hardly eats anything. My brother is also a light eater. My brother in law can eat enough for two! My sister and I are average eaters. My nephew can eat more than my brother!

I talked to my sister and brother and this is our plan. We three will split the cost of Mom's food. My sister, brother in law and nephew have been enough to know meal costs. My sister has estimated their meal costs and is sending me money monthly, just to get it paid in advance. My brother will give me his money at the beginning of our trip. I will charge everything back to our room (again, DVC at Boardwalk), which will then go to my Disney Visa for more rewards!

At the end of each day I'll make a notation on the restaurant receipts of who had what. After the trip is over I'll check back over our meal receipts and total each person or family's meal costs, then figure if they owe me more or I owe them money back. This sounds tedious to some, but I love this sort of thing!
We'll see how it goes.

Again, we'll each pay cash as we go for snacks and fast food lunches and have breakfasts in the room.

This way none of us has to take a lot of cash. The money my sister gives me will be in my checking account, to be used when the Visa bill comes in the next month. If my brother gives me his money in time, I'll put it in the bank before we go, too. But his won't really be that much.

 

[DVCTiff]

I was just thinking ... is it so horrible to split up a party of 12 (or so) into two tables? I think it's just so much easier to talk that way, and each night you could have different pairings. I would think it'd make the check paying easier too. I know with our family, a couple of tables - maybe even not right next to each other - might be a good thing. I guess the biggest issue is getting everyone seating and served at the same time.

 

[maci]

dvctiff...we have a party of 11, and every PS we have made, they have put us at 2 tables....so you may not have a choice...you may have to sit at 2 tables.

 

[DizneeCM]

We usually just split the check. If one family has spent quite a bit more than the other, often that family will add a little more. Separate checks might work best for four families, though.