Hiya, Linda! Welcome back to planDisney with your questions as you plan your trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth next month.
With your trip so close, you can make
advanced dining reservations online or on the
My Disney Experience mobile app. On the app, open the menu (the "≡" at the bottom of the screen) and select the "Reserve Dining" tile. You can make reservations for parties with up to 20 Guests online or on the app.
In addition to searching by date, you can also select a restaurant and search across multiple days. This is a great feature if you have your heart set on a particular dining experience that may not be available the first day of your trip.
I did a quick search to see what options you might have based on your arrival date and party size. Looking at availability now, you have so many phenomenal choices. I've listed a few of my favorites for larger parties.
- Biergarten Restaurant in EPCOT has tables set up for parties of 8 Guests. With the German fare and the Polka band, this is one we pick every trip. It is so festive and fun!
- Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom Park is a place we went to the first time for the jokes. Now we go back all the time for the food. Be sure to ask if there are any offerings on a secret menu. There's no guarantee. I mean, it's a secret so they can't tell you ahead of time... but if they have the Pao de Queijo (aka, cheese bread), you will be glad you asked.
- Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Disney's Hollywood Studios serves a family-style buffet, meaning we can enjoy so many different offerings from the menu without leaving our seats. Make sure to grab a riding horse to take you to your table. The fun here starts before you are even seated.
- Tusker House Restaurant in Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park is one of my favorite places to dine with characters. The theming is amazing, with its African-inspired menu and Donald Duck and friends in safari outfits. I am also a big fan of Garden Grill Restaurant in EPCOT for character dining. I hadn't thought of this as a restaurant for large parties, but I went with a group of 8 a few months ago, and it was a fabulous time!
- Sharing a Mezzo Metro pizza at Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria is a delicious option for large groups with good appetites. This restaurant has a great atmosphere and a perfect menu for large groups.
Now I'm getting hungry! I love that you asked this question, Linda. It took me on a mental stroll of some of my favorite meals and memories at Walt Disney World Resort.
Since you will be there in July, I'd like to share
planDisney's "Top Tips for Staying Cool at Walt Disney World Resort." Hopefully, this will give you a few ideas for your trip to the place worth melting for. Please come back to
planDisney, too, with your questions. You've got a friend in us!
See 'Ya Real Soon!
Jana