PS for a Party of Seven?

[scanne]

Will I have a hard time making PS's for my party of 6 adults and one baby? Here are some of the places we are planning on going to.

Crystal Palace
'Ohana
Kona Cafe (this may be a party of nine)
Garden Grill (Ice Cream Social)
Princess Breakfast
Cape May Cafe
Shutters at CBR

Any tips you can offer for a large party like this? Thank you!

 

[n2mm]

We had a party of 9 a couple of years ago and while the restraurants will work hard a keeping you together at some places, you may hear a few places say that we can not guarantee that we can seat you all at one table. Garden Grill might be a problem, but not sure if the seating is the same as the last time we went. We managed a table at the 50s PT but had to have 2 at the Plaza Restraurant. You'll know more when you call to make PS.

 

[kimmar067]

...the adventurous type? I'd DEFINITELY recommend Boma, which is a buffet; you can check out AKL while you are there!!

 

[Belle5]

I would definately call as far in advance as you are able to get PS's. If you don't call right on the first available day (60 days out, 120 days out) you may get slim pickin's. Depends on the restaurant. Some restaurants like Shutter's only have tables for 6 so you will HAVE to have 2 tables for 4. Actually, you will hear things like, " We have seating for 7 at 8:45 pm or 2 tables (not guaranteed together) at 5:30 or 6:20" at many of the restaurants. Honestly, based on making my PS's recently I would not only call 60 days out (or whatever the earliest day is that you can call)--I would call FIRST thing that morning. I tried late morning (exactly 60 days out) to get Cindy's for LUNCH and could NOT get a seating for seven (off season). I had wanted LTT's first available seating (noon) and having called exactly 60 days out (but waiting until 10:30 am to call instead of 7 am) I was not able to nab a table for 7 for the first seating. All this to say-- getting a PS for 7 is NOT like a table for 4 or 2. It can be difficult and takes planning. This will be our family's 17th trip to WDW and I have made a lot of large party PS's over the years. I feel the reason it was more difficult to book PS's this time was because of shortened restaurant hours and cutbacks in general. (Shortened hours at lunchtime in particular.) Good luck and let us know how you make out with your PS's.

 

[shelly3girls]

We traveled with a party of 8 in Dec and will again in May. We often were broken up to two tables. Whenever we were at the first seating for a meal we were always seated next to each other. I did not call for some of our PS as soon as they were available and had very limited selection with poor times when I finally did. For the PS's that I called early, I had no problem getting what I want. A CM told me that the PSB has become very popular so I would call asap.

 

[jel0511]

Also another vote for calling early. We had 8 in our group for some PS's and were always told that we probably would be seated at separate tables. Usually we were seated at two tables of 4, but they usually were next to each other.

 

[scanne]

Now I'm worried about my PS's. What is the earliest time for the Princess Breakfast at Epcot? I know WS opens at 11 or 12, but do they have PS for 8am? Also, which is better for Crystal Palace? Lunch or dinner? Thanks....

 

[jel0511]

According to Deb Will's site, the PSB starts serving at 8:30. Also, I personally wouldn't recommend either lunch or dinner at Crystal Palace. We just ate dinner there this past February and the food was AWFUL!!! They've changed the lunch/dinner menu since the renovation, and it's just atrocious!!! I will never eat lunch/dinner there again, unless the menu is changed for the better. I'd recommend going for breakfast.

 

[denisem]

(From Deb Wills Site)

***Our group is larger than 4 people, how do we make a PS to keep our group together?

There is a way around this problem for certain sized groups of visitors.

1) Call 407-WDW-DINE and ask for "Group Sales"
2) Let the coordinator know your requests.
3) The coordinator can make the ressies and, based upon the time-date-restaurant, usually you can be accommodated at one table.
4) You will give a credit card number to guarantee your reservation.
5) There is a cancellation policy within 24-hours of the reservation time.
6) It should also be mentioned a gratuity is automatically applied.***

My experience? Trip was 3/4-3/11 with 10 people. I called after we arrived and made ressies for O'Hana's and Chef Mickeys. (At that late date, we did not have many choices as to days/times but made our plans around availability). We were NOT asked for credit card (perhaps because of the late reservations?).

We were accomodated promptly at one table at both venues.

Depending on how far ahead you are planning (and the time of year), you may find success through this method.

Good luck!

 

[ilovefh]

[

I tried late morning (exactly 60 days out) to get Cindy's for LUNCH and could NOT get a seating for seven (off season)

Actually CRT does not have a seating for 7. The largest table seats 6 so anything larger will have to be at two seperate tables. However, most times they are together. (We give two options, willing to wait...up to 45 mins but you will be next to eachother, or first available-first available tables for your party size but we'll try as hard as we can to get you together)
I dont know if you were looking for a PS for 7 (which doesnt exist) or two tables for 4.

I agree that the 1st PS is always best for a large party, then the assignors have the whole dining area to choose from!

Also, unfortunately, if you go through group dining you are still not guaranteed one table. They might tell you you are, but in reality, when you get to the restaurant, you won't be. (For example at CRT, they will still have to book you on two seperate tables of 4. Just the way the computer system works, they is no option for anything larger than 6)

 

[Belle5]

I was looking for 2 tables for 4.