Hey there, Sean, and welcome to planDisney! I'm so glad you've stopped by with this great question about dining. My family loves to travel in a big group - we actually recently visited Walt Disney World Resort with a crew of 18 (and one on the way)! When you're visiting with such a big group, dining can be a great way for everyone to come together in one place.
I love that
Tusker House Restaurant is on your list of places to visit during your vacation! We had the best time having lunch there and meeting Donald and all of his friends, all dressed up for Safari! It's probably my favorite Character Dining experience in all of Walt Disney World Resort! Sean, you're right - it can be difficult to get an
Advance Dining Reservation for such a large party. In addition to booking that reservation as far out as possible (60 days before the first day of your Disney Resort Hotel reservation), you might consider breaking your party into two parties of eight and making two separate reservations for the same time. You'll need another member of your party to make the second reservation, or you can call a helpful
Cast Member to make these reservations for you. You'll want to check in at the restaurant well in advance of your reservation to let the Cast Member at the Host Stand know that you'd prefer to sit all together, or nearby, if possible. We ended up sitting at three tables all next to each other, which worked really well for our group.
There are a few other amazing restaurants that can typically accommodate large parties, so please keep these in mind as you make your plans:
- Cape May Cafe at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club - another fantastic Character Breakfast
- Splitsville Dining Room at Disney Springs - come for the fun activities, stay for the delicious food and beverages
- Teppan Edo at EPCOT - everyone has the best view in the house, when Chefs are preparing food right in front of you!
Sean, I'd love to encourage you to make sure to be intentional about getting some group photos.
Disney PhotoPass Photographers are incredibly talented and know how to get a big group in the frame, so you'll be able to preserve that memory forever! While they're always happy to take a photo with your personal camera or cell phone, I highly recommend purchasing
Memory Maker so that you have unlimited downloads of all Disney PhotoPass Service photos as well as photos from attractions.
And lastly, one of my favorite tips for large parties is to think like Casey Junior! Designate an "engine" - a leader who knows where they're headed, and a "caboose" - someone who can keep up at the back and make sure everybody is accounted for within the group. I just know your group will have the best time during your upcoming vacation. Please stop back by planDisney with any other questions you have!
See you real soon!
Jennifer