Reservations for 12?

[Snk5050]

Hello, I am planning an extended family trip with our DVC and there are 12 of us (including 2 infants) for Jan. 2-7. We would like at least one, but would prefer two character meals. Am I more likely to get these if I split us into two reservations of 6, as opposed to trying to book for 12?

 

[kanerf]

Nope. It is based on table size, so think perhaps 8 and 4 or 6 and 6. No guarantee that they will next to each other either.

 

[Disney.Dreamin.Dee]

Splitting may help to secure the reservation but just be aware it may mean you are not seated together.

I'd try for 12 and see if you can get anything and if not then split.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

In the past (and some dining things have changed a bit since Covid), there have been restaurants where we've been able to actually get a single table for groups even bigger than 12 ('Ohana, Boma, T-Rex to name a few). So you might be able to do one table, but be prepared for the split reservations. When you check in, let them know your situation. They often will try to work with you to have you sitting close.

 

[Disney.Dreamin.Dee]

Nope. It is based on table size, so think perhaps 8 and 4 or 6 and 6. No guarantee that they will next to each other either.

You certainly can book one reservation for 12+ people.

 

[ftbaker1313]

When I have travelled with a large group, I have had better success calling some of the restaurants directly. For many 8 is the largest table size they have. We have split our group in two and then talked to the front person, they almost always managed to seat us next to each other. It did mean longer waits several times.

 

[Snk5050]

In the past (and some dining things have changed a bit since Covid), there have been restaurants where we've been able to actually get a single table for groups even bigger than 12 ('Ohana, Boma, T-Rex to name a few). So you might be able to do one table, but be prepared for the split reservations. When you check in, let them know your situation. They often will try to work with you to have you sitting close.

Thank you. Helpful to know about T-Rex. That is one we are also hoping to get. If we cannot get a character reservation for all of us, but can for a portion of us, our back-up plan it to send the little ones who will really enjoy it with the grandparents who have never been The rest of us will do something else with the infants during that time.

 

[Snk5050]

When I have travelled with a large group, I have had better success calling some of the restaurants directly. For many 8 is the largest table size they have. We have split our group in two and then talked to the front person, they almost always managed to seat us next to each other. It did mean longer waits several times.

Ok, thank you. Curious, do you call the Disney restaurants directly?

 

[CarolynFH]

Hello, I am planning an extended family trip with our DVC and there are 12 of us (including 2 infants) for Jan. 2-7. We would like at least one, but would prefer two character meals. Am I more likely to get these if I split us into two reservations of 6, as opposed to trying to book for 12?

If you decide to split your group, be sure to designate someone other than yourself to manage the first ADR, or else the system won’t let you book an overlapping ADR for the second group. Or, you and another member of your party who has their own MDE account can coordinate, one booking for part of the group and the other booking for the other part - this takes close coordination, letting each other know what time each ADR is so they can get as close together as possible. (Some reports of success with this method reported they were both seated at the same table, working on separate devices!) And when you have your ADRs, make sure everyone arrives at the restaurant 10-15 minutes before the earlier ADR, check in with the CM (not via mobile), and tell them you’re together and would like to be seated as close together as possible. They’ll do their best!

 

[db8mommy]

If you decide to split your group, be sure to designate someone other than yourself to manage the first ADR, or else the system won’t let you book an overlapping ADR for the second group. Or, you and another member of your party who has their own MDE account can coordinate, one booking for part of the group and the other booking for the other part - this takes close coordination, letting each other know what time each ADR is so they can get as close together as possible. (Some reports of success with this method reported they were both seated at the same table, working on separate devices!) And when you have your ADRs, make sure everyone arrives at the restaurant 10-15 minutes before the earlier ADR, check in with the CM (not via mobile), and tell them you’re together and would like to be seated as close together as possible. They’ll do their best!

This is what my SIL and I did for our Thanksgiving ressies, but we were on Google Meet since we live 300 miles apart.

 

[CarolynFH]

This is what my SIL and I did for our Thanksgiving ressies, but we were on Google Meet since we live 300 miles apart.

Ah, the beauty of technology (when it works)!