Hi there, Catie, and welcome to planDisney!
I always feel that The Most Magical Place on Earth is made even more magical when visited with those you love most, so I'm thrilled you're planning for a larger group! In my experience,
planning is indeed the keyword when preparing for a Walt Disney World Resort vacation with many Mouseketeers, so let's
dig in to your question!
While you can currently peruse the menus of Walt Disney World's incredible dining options and dream of your next magical meal, unfortunately, you won't be able to
secure your reservations until 60 days before you arrive. If you happen to be a Guest of a Disney Resort Hotel you'll conveniently be able to make reservations for the entire length of your stay at this time instead of making them one day at a time which is so helpful in securing those popular reservations (looking at you,
'Ohana and
Space 220 Restaurant) - especially with a larger party.
Because so many of my most cherished conversations have occurred around a dining table, I completely understand your desire to have your entire party seated together. In my searches on the website for upcoming dates, I noticed several reservations available for parties larger than 8, so it is definitely possible to make a reservation for a party of your size online at many restaurants. Now, if you're noticing that a must-do restaurant is consistently unavailable for larger parties as you count down to your 60-day window, I suggest reaching out to a helpful Dining Cast Member at (407) 939 3463 about your options.
My dear friend Kay recently mentioned that when her large family visits they have often needed to make two separate dining reservations for smaller parties around the same time at popular restaurants. While it is not always possible, if you speak to a Cast Member upon arrival about the situation, they are often able to combine the reservations to seat your party together. Again, these requests cannot always be accommodated, but I am consistently amazed by Cast Members' dedication to do everything within their power to make each Guest's vacation magical.
I also encourage you not to overlook your dining options for those without reservations:
- The
Mobile Dine Walk-Up feature in your My Disney Experience app will allow you to check nearby table service restaurant availability for Guests without reservations.
- There are numerous delicious and incredibly themed
Quick Service Restaurants throughout Walt Disney World Resort. I personally never pass up the opportunity to catch one of Sonny Eclipse's performances at
Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café.
I hope this was helpful, Catie, and that you're able to secure all of your desired dining reservations once your window opens. If not, don't give up! I've often been able to snag last-minute reservations at some of my favorite restaurants by monitoring the app.
If any additional questions arise as you plan, feel free to
stop back by. I'm always happy to help!
Thinking Happy Thoughts!
Lizzie