Hi there, Delores, and welcome to planDisney! I'm so happy you've found us here! My Panelist pals and I are always happy to help our fellow Guests plan unforgettable Walt Disney World Resort vacations!
Delores, it's no secret that I'm a huge fan of
dining plans at Walt Disney World Resort. Like you, we like to travel with a large group, and one of our favorite things to do is dine together. After you're seated, your Server will greet you and ask if you're using a dining plan. You'll want to inform them of your party separations so that one person representing each party can each get their own check at the end. Each person will be in charge of the gratuity associated with their party. For example, the gratuity for a party of seven will likely be more than it would be for a party of two. If you decide to order anything that isn't included in the dining plan, like additional drinks or appetizers, your Server will add that item to the correct bill.
When it comes to making
Advance Dining Reservations for a large group, I have a few tips. First, do a bit of research ahead of time to see which restaurants can accommodate larger parties. Restaurants like
Boma - Flavors of Africa,
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, and
Splitsville Dining Room can typically accommodate large parties. Other restaurants might have availability for two or three smaller groups, so you might consider splitting your party into smaller groups and making reservations at the same time. When we do this, we check in well ahead of time and inform the Cast Member that we would love to sit together if possible. Sometimes we are pleasantly surprised with one large table or two adjacent tables, and other times it's just not possible. Even when we aren't eating together, at least we are staying on the same schedule.
Delores, I hope this is helpful to you as you make your plans. Please stop back by planDisney with any other questions you have as you count down to your arrival!
See you real soon!
Jennifer