How ya doin' Matt and welcome to planDisney!
Is it August already?! I feel like I blinked and it's suddenly time for my favorite time of year to visit the Walt Disney World Resort. A travel party of 9 heading anywhere always takes a little extra know-how, but visiting The Most Magical Place on Earth requires a whole different set of skills. And I would know as my upcoming party is sitting at 10 people! Of course, the most elusive beast of all in the planning process is feeding all of these hangry Louisianians. Those of us that travel in packs know that while we tend to have scores of fun together, booking those
Advanced Dining Reservations can definitely be an event. But don't you worry Matt, I walked so that you can run!
You've got the right idea about planning for 2 smaller groups of 4 and 5. Here's a little trick I did to up my chances of getting the whole party together. There are 8 adults in my planning party for my trip and just as many
My Disney Experience accounts. I used my account to book 1 party and my mother's account to book the other simultaneously. I was actually able to book all of our desired restaurants for either the same time slot or within 5 minutes of each other this way.
Pro-tip: Ask the Cast Member at the front of the restaurant if you can be seated together or at least near each other. While there are no guarantees that they can, especially if things are very crowded, they'll try their best to help you if they're able.
Pro PRO-tip: If you're looking for another tasty spot to commune together as a group, consider
Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' in Disney Springs. The food is to die for, the cocktails are divine and they can handle a large party with no problems. They're the only reservation I didn't have to break up!
Matt, I'm wishing you all the pixie dust as your reservation day approaches. May all your vacation dreams come true. If you find yourself with another question,
I'm your girl. I've got the inside scoop on large party organizing!
Happy planning!
Taylor