Party of 8?

[ms_mckenna]

I blew through making our first round of dining ressies and no one ever really warned we would not get to sit together. I just assumed we we would? Tonight when I called to change a few ressies when I made the one for 1900 Park Fair she was quiet persistent about the fact that it was 2 4 tops and we would more than likely be split. She also acted like this should not be news to me. This is our first Disney experience as a family of 8... last time we went we were a family of 4. I really thought I remembered seeing lots of large parties seated together? But then again it could have been the wine! So I am completely oblivious to anything other than the fact that it costs a LOT more than a family of 4 lol.

The big thing is we have 6 kids who only 2 could actually eat with no help at all. We have 2 2 year olds and our 3 year old has severe delays. Our oldest son who is 15 has CP and needs help with certain things. The thought of us being likely split makes me think maybe we should save some money at just eat at CS!

I guess my question is what has been others experiences?
We are doing Deluxe so this is a big issue for us we have a TS breakfast and dinner every day.

And if it matters here are our list of restaurants:
Coral Reef
Tusker House
Boma
1900 Park Fair
Cinderellas Royal Table
Chef Mickey
Cape May
Garden Grill
Crystal Palace
Spirit of Aloha
Akershus
Mickey's Backyard BBQ
Ohana

 

[MinnieTink]

In 2009 we went as a group of 11 and we were seated together at one big table for the most part. At Le Cellier we were technically at 3 different tables but they were three "half booth half table" tables along a wall. At Sci Fi we had two cars next to each other. I think they make every effort to keep you together. If one of your ADRs isn't accommodating, like you said there is always CS. Best of luck and have a wonderful time!!!!

ETA: my ADRs for 5 say we may be seated at more than one table too. I guess it's a "CYA" type of thing.

 

[MSLRAC]

All of our ADRs said that we could be seated at separate tables but we were not. The CM making them said it was just their standard verbiage. That said, I think that I would call back in your case just to clarify that you understand that you could be split but that you want one table if at all possible due to the age and needs of your children.

 

[ms_mckenna]

Thanks for the replys I will call back tomorrow and double check.

 

[SAHDad]

As others said, they pretty much have to say it. We have a group of 13 (give or take - depends on who goes), and when we do our meals, we have never really been "separated". (OKay, at Crystal Palace we were spread over 3 of the circular tables, but they were all next to each other, but anyway. . .)

Defintely call so they can make a note on the ADR, and just try to show up a little earlier than normal and let the CMs know. It should not be a problem.

 

[Cinderella94]

We've gone with 8 before and always got to sit together, from what I can remember- it was a few years ago.

 

[LilyWDW]

It sort of depends. When you made the newer 1900 Park Fare reservation it is totally possible that they did not have a table open that would accommodate your party size. As such, they may have only been able to book it for you by splitting up your party for 2 tables at the same time. If this is the case, when you check in, ask to have the tables near each other.

 

[DonaldTDuck]

You weere talking to a cm who may never have been to Disney. There is a caveat that should be told for each ADR (it is online) that the party may not be seated together. Sounds like she took that as will not, but she's wrong. Only during extremely busy times would it even be possible they would split you up.
go and don't worry. When the hostess cm sees your situation, she will make sure to seat you together.

 

[Anthony1971]

we had 10 on more than a few trips and were always together but were told we could be seperated.
One reservation made the same day told us we would be, however as above we were together.

 

[ms_mckenna]

Thank you so much guys. I do think it is a spill. This CM was super big on the WHOLE spill each and every restaurant. So it may have been just that. I am going to try and not loose sleep over it because it cannot be guaranteed we will all sit together. I just pray we will be able to Wonder if they seat us as 2 parties do we get out of the automatic gratuity lol.