Suggestions for Dining with Large Party?

[Batthauer]

My family will be headed to WDW in December, and would like tips for dining with a large party of 9 (3 of which will be small children)..

Thanks!

 

[PoohNRoo2]

We're heading down Dec. 11-16 this year with a similar party. Six adults and a 9, 5, and 2 yo. I've called for ressies already, and here's what we have:

12/11 - Hollywood and Vine in DHS
12/12 - Cape May Cafe in the Beach Club Resort
12/13 - Garden Grill at the Land in EPCOT
12/14 - Princess Breakfast at the Akershus, and late lunch at Restaurant Marrakesh
12/15 - Boma at AKL

I kept with mostly family-style and buffets, as we have a spectrum of eaters, from the picky, to the bland-food loving, to the super adventuous (Me, of course). My DH and I are doing most of the organizing for this trip, as his parents and sister with her family are rookies.

I do have most of our tables together, although I believe that Cape May and H&V we did get split. I've had that happen before, and ended up getting a big table when we got to the restaurant.

The best thing I can recommend is that you call NOW!!!!!! for reservations. You'll be better able to get times and places you want.

Happy eating!

 

[airhead]

Good advice from poohnroo. Plan early!
a few places all of us ate at:
Boma---loved it
Cape May---loved it
Ohana---loved it
WCC---loved it
Fresh Mediterranean(at the Dolphin--- loved it
Trail's End---liked it( a hassle to get to,but good food)
RFC(AK)---loved it

Have a great vacation!!!!!

 

[Lorix2]

Can I join in for question?

We're a party of 9 going next month also. There is 3 in my party and want to pay separately, will they do that and is the 18% already added to the total? or is that just a suggested gratuity and you can add that on yourself? What if service wasn't very good and you want to leave less than 18%??? We are on the dining plan.

thanks!

 

[dzneelvr]

Best to stay with the buffet type meals where everyone can get what they want....and quickly! Here's one in each park to think about: Biergarten** in EPCOT, Ohana** at the Poly, Hoop De Doo** at Wilderness Campgrounds, Crystal Palace (Pooh characters)** at MK, BOMA at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and H&V at DHS. I've ** the ones that are more than just a meal--they're an experience! We find it fun to eat in the Deluxe resorts and then walk around and see what's up. their gifts shops are neat and a bit different than our much-loved ASMo Values resort
As far as tip, if you are on the DDE, the 18% will be added into the total, so don't add it in again at the end. I don't know about the DDP, we don't do that one. DDE is very easy and 20% off the entire bill (alcohol too) for maximum of 8 or 9...would seem to make sense in your situation.
ENJOY

 

[melissac]

We are going in Oct. with a group of 11. 4 adults and the following ages: 7,8,9,10,11,12,14. I made ressies right at the 180 day make because of our large group and we are doing the DDP (basic). This is were we are eating.
WCC, Boma, Mama Rosa(FDP), Teppano, Chef Mickey's for late breakfast. All but WCC could get us at one table. I'm hoping when we get there they will be able to place us all at one table but I'm not sure if they have that big of tables. Does anyone know. I did register for as a Grandgathering and had hoped to do the fireworks diner at Epcot but they don't have it that month because of Food and WIne festival. I would reccommend it though if you can. It does count as 2 meals on the dinning plan though. Good luck to you,