Hi there, Lisa! Welcome to planDisney!
Your question brought a big smile to my face. There is nothing like celebrating a milestone at the Walt Disney World Resort with a big family group. You are going to make so many memories and have the BEST time together on your visit this May, and I love that you’re including Chef Mickey in the celebration!
As part of Walt Disney World's phased reopening, Guests can currently make
dining reservations 60 days in advance of their visit. If you’ll be
staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, that 60 day window opens up 60 days from your check-in date for up to 10 days of your stay. So, if you’re checking in before May 9, you’ll be able to make your
Chef Mickey’s dining reservation 60 days from that check-in date. If you’re
not staying on property at the Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll be able to make your Chef Mickey’s reservation on March 10, 2021. The booking window opens up online and in the
My Disney Experience app at 6:00 a.m. E.S.T.
With a party of 17, you may need to split the reservation into a few smaller groups. I would try first to book for all 17 of you, but if no availability shows up, you may need to get creative. Remember, you can slightly overlap times if needed to make it work; if those logistics get too tricky, I recommend calling (407) 939-2273 and asking for assistance from a friendly Cast member. My pal Andrea walks through her best tips for
booking larger party reservations in this helpful answer.
If you do make the reservation online, I would still recommend calling Disney Dining to let them know about your celebration, and ask if you could be accommodated at one table, but please know this depends on the restaurant’s layout and logistics, especially with the characters roaming the restaurant visiting Guests. You’ll also want to let the host know when you arrive to check in that you are one large party, and also that you’re celebrating a big milestone.
Because you mention brunch, I want to let you know that Chef Mickey's is currently only serving breakfast, but I've heard amazing things about the new
Chef Mickey’s breakfast menu, and it's available until noon. I think your own Fab Seventeen is going to have such a great time with Mickey and pals and enjoy the delicious spread. Don’t forget to stop by Guest Relations or the front desk of your resort hotel to pick up celebration buttons for all of you – that way, Cast Members and fellow Guests can share good wishes with you as you enjoy your Disney time together.
As one of the military moms here on the panel, I’d like to also thank your military family for your service to our country. As you continue to plan this epic celebration visit, please come back and see us if you have any more questions –
we love to plan parties here at planDisney, and I hope yours is absolutely magical.
ChEARS to your celebration,
Robyn