Suggestions for Lunch

[Twilightlover]

I'm sososo confused as to where to make lunch reservations. I have a big party (15 adults 6 children) to work with. Any suggestions?

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Do you want full service, counter service or buffet? Buffet might be easiest with a large group. You can be seated at tables close to each other (always easier to enjoy the group that way) and everyone can make their own choices.

In park or resort?

 

[Hootch]

be a good choice. It is a buffet with communal seating. Your group would take up most of three tables. Crystal Palace would be another choice.

 

[Twilightlover]

3 Buffets and 2 full service.

 

[DannysMom]

3 Buffets and 2 full service.

You are trying to keep *all* those folks together for lunch everyday? If so, I really feel for you, 'cause I think it just won't happen. Unless everyone, and I mean EVERYONE in a group that size is committed to being in the same place at the same time, it just ain't gonna happen. The group "planner" (i.e. YOU) will just give yourself an ulcer while attempting to herd cats from place to place.

Maybe better to only plan one or two huge gatherings of everyone & help folks make their own personal ADRs for multiple smaller groupings.

 

[Twilightlover]

You are trying to keep *all* those folks together for lunch everyday? If so, I really feel for you, 'cause I think it just won't happen. Unless everyone, and I mean EVERYONE in a group that size is committed to being in the same place at the same time, it just ain't gonna happen. The group "planner" (i.e. YOU) will just give yourself an ulcer while attempting to herd cats from place to place.

Maybe better to only plan one or two huge gatherings of everyone & help folks make their own personal ADRs for multiple smaller groupings.

WOW way to judge my family I know it might sound crazy but my family and friends are allll about food. We might not be spending all day in the parks together,but we plan on eating together to discuss our plans for the day ahead, meeting up in the afternoon totalk about how its going or to relax and then finishing with dinner together. I don't think i'll have an ulcer since I love planning, and just finished planning a wedding (no wedding planner) with 220 guests.

 

[DannysMom]

WOW way to judge my family I know it might sound crazy but my family and friends are allll about food. We might not be spending all day in the parks together,but we plan on eating together to discuss our plans for the day ahead, meeting up in the afternoon totalk about how its going or to relax and then finishing with dinner together. I don't think i'll have an ulcer since I love planning, and just finished planning a wedding (no wedding planner) with 220 guests.

Not trying to judge your family, just trying to relate others' experiences. I was reading the Dis a long time before I finally joined & started posting, and pretty much the most frustrated rants come from folks who tried to "plan" for their large parties (over a dozen people.) Undoubtedly some folks will not realize the work the planner has put in & start blowing off events & generally what usually happens involves angst, anguish & gnashing of teeth. Followed up w/ a post here of how they will never do that again.

Anyway for large groups I agree w/ other posters buffets as much as possible, Biergarten, Crystal Palace. As far as TS, maybe Ohana? ("Ohana means family" after all.)

And if you can keep that big a crew in line, well I bow to your superior skills. It's not something I would even attempt.

 

[Twilightlover]

Oh believe me I know it's going to be insane. My crew is very good at communication and I've already laid down the law: communicate any problems well in advance. I'm planning early too so I hope that will help. Everyone has voiced their want of a nice sit down meal that's not buffet for a couple of nights.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

Twilightlover.....wow, I respect your planning and hope it goes well with everyone getting together for the meals.....I did understand what Dannysmom was saying as sometimes trying to get a large group together for dinner, and sit down, not buffet can be a logistic nightmare.. It will take lots of coordination, sounds like you can do it. Maybe afterwards let us all know how it worked out and how you managed it.

So I am thinking where would I go with that group. I like Teppan Edo and I think.. but am not sure, you can fit 6 to 8 at those tables....where they cook in front of you, this could be a lunch. So that would be full service. I like Cape May for a buffet, lots of choices and a big place, bustling too, dinner. Spoodles is another choice of mine, very family oriented and bustling. I love their food and service is great there....sit down dinner. Both these restaurants are on the Boardwalk side..

People love, not me, the restaurant at Wilderness Lodge.. Whispering Canyon, where you need a sense of humor and a good appetite. But with your group, sounds like you would enjoy this: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=17

Anyway......if I think of more, I will post.. I am sure others have some advice and respect for you taking this dining extravaganza on...

 

[Twilightlover]

Twilightlover.....wow, I respect your planning and hope it goes well with everyone getting together for the meals.....I did understand what Dannysmom was saying as sometimes trying to get a large group together for dinner, and sit down, not buffet can be a logistic nightmare.. It will take lots of coordination, sounds like you can do it. Maybe afterwards let us all know how it worked out and how you managed it.

So I am thinking where would I go with that group. I like Teppan Edo and I think.. but am not sure, you can fit 6 to 8 at those tables....where they cook in front of you, this could be a lunch. So that would be full service. I like Cape May for a buffet, lots of choices and a big place, bustling too, dinner. Spoodles is another choice of mine, very family oriented and bustling. I love their food and service is great there....sit down dinner. Both these restaurants are on the Boardwalk side..

People love, not me, the restaurant at Wilderness Lodge.. Whispering Canyon, where you need a sense of humor and a good appetite. But with your group, sounds like you would enjoy this: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=17

Anyway......if I think of more, I will post.. I am sure others have some advice and respect for you taking this dining extravaganza on...

Thanks Mackey! I will investigate and write them on the list. I had thought about Whispering Canyon. My husband and I saw it when we there this Aug.

Basically I'm picking about 20 places each to show for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Then I'm giving people a month or so to make their vote and then letting everyone know the choices. I'm also having them tell me any other dining reservations they may want. Over seven days we are only having dinner together as a group maybe three times. I think breakfast will be the meal we have everyday together.

 

[Joe T.]

Several years ago I had the same size group. At that time groups of 20 or more could use the services of WDW Leisure Group Services. They were extremely helpful. We planned such events as lunch at the Crystal Palace and a cookout at the beach near Storm-A-Long Bay. Debbie Johnson and Dawn Chumley were the contacts. Seven years ago, their number was 407-566-6442.

The down side may be that all activities had to be prepaid. It is worth a try. Please contact me direct if you have any questions.

Good luck!

 

[oeshpdog2]

This may be off the radar, but the Colonial Harbour House in the MK will be a good lunch spot for your group if you just want CS. The abundant seating up stairs makes it ideal for large groups and we saw large groups taking advantage of it. Just an idea.

 

[Evan&Kimberly]

Well I would love to give my 2 cents and I hope this helps,my suggestion is buffets would be great,and for sit down dinners I would suggest places that I think would be easy so here goes!!!! , Grand Flordian Cafe,Plaza,Crystal Palace,Biergarten,Teppan Edo,Tusker House,Mama Melrose, also your times will play a big factor,early dinners or late dinners will proably give you a better chance to keep everyone together,I wish you luck and I am a planner and good plannig will get you whatever you want!!!!

 

[webray]

I'm sososo confused as to where to make lunch reservations. I have a big party (15 adults 6 children) to work with. Any suggestions?

Wow, sounds like fun.

For lunch:
In Animal Kingdom head for Yak and Yeti, great food and service,
sit down, they should be able to arrange all the tables so you can sit together.

In MK...I would walk over to the Contemporary resort and have lunch at the new Wave restaurant. It is fantastic. Definately need a reservation.

In EPCOT, Chefs de France, Marrakesh, San Angel Inn, Biergarten or tutto...all would be fantastic.

In MGM... 50's Prime Time Diner...great food, nice wines

In Downtown Disney...Raglan Road is fabulous. House of blues has good food also.

Any of these would be great options for dinner as well. If you aren't on the dining plan, the Swan restaurant garden grove is great for breakfast.
Swan's Il Mulino is fantastic Italian. Dolphin's Blue Zoo, fabulous.

Also for dinner, Flying Fish at the Boardwalk or Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge. Both outstanding.

 

[Twilightlover]

Thank you for the suggestions!!! I agree good planning and communication will get results.

 

[ROEDISNEY]

3 Buffets and 2 full service.

Here are a couple of suggestions:

Buffets
CM
CP
BOMA

Full Serv.
Prime Time
Tony's

 

[cseca]

Just an info, for a group that size most of the times you will be directed to a different dining dept. Group dining.
And depending on the restaurant you might have to contact the place directly (for ex: Yachtman or Boma - this are just examples, they don't do lunches) or they have a group dining ph # for other places.

So when you call 407-WDW-DINE make sure you list all the places you want to eat and have them give you the #s for those places.
Have fun!

 

[parrothead928]

At the Yacht Club, there is a quiet restaurant, It is called the Captain's Grill. It is wonderful and NEVER crowded. It is one of best places to go when you want to get away for a nice quiet dinner or lunch! We have never had a bad meal there!