Hi Michelle,
Thanks so much for visiting with another great question! It sounds like you're excited about making your dining reservations soon, and I can't blame you! That's always one of my favorite "milestones" of my family's Walt Disney World vacation countdown.
Most restaurants just require a credit card when you make your dining reservation, but that is just used as a place holder. You will not be charged anything unless you don't show up for that reservation or you cancel after midnight (Eastern Time) on the day before the reservation. There are a few exceptions to this rule and some restaurants do require payment in full at the time you make your reservation. The restaurants currently on that list are:
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Hoop Dee Doo Revue
Spirit of Aloha Luau
Mickey’s Backyard BBQ
A few of the special events are also included in that list, such as Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant Fireworks Dessert Party, IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party and the Frozen Holiday Premium Package.
As for making dining reservations for your party of 19 (which sounds like a blast, by the way!), you do have the ability to make those arrangements yourself through the
Dining page. However, I'd probably recommend that you call in directly and speak with a Cast Member at (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463), who will be able to help answer your questions and make recommendations to be sure you choose the locations that will work best for your group.
Wishing you delicious dining and pixie-dusted planning, Michelle! We'd love to help answer any other questions as you make the rest of your vacation plans, so please visit us again anytime.
Beth