Hey, howdy, hey, Geraldyne! Thanks for pulling up a seat at the planDisney table with your dining question today! It sounds like you've got some big plans with a big group coming up for your next visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth, so let's dig into the dining details so you can all hopefully enjoy the magic of mealtime together!
When booking dining for a large party, you have a couple of options. In the
My Disney Experience mobile app, you can search for
advance dining reservations for up to a party of 20 Guests. Be sure to take advantage of the 60-day booking window, and if you are staying as a Guest at a Disney Resort hotel, you can book at 60 days for the entire length of your stay! Recently, I was able to secure a brunch at
'Ohana for a party of eight 62 days in advance!
If you aren't able to find enough space for your entire group in one reservation, I usually recommend breaking your party into smaller groups and booking overlapping reservations. In my experience, if you show up and speak with the Cast Member at the restaurant ahead of your reservation time (if possible), they will usually do their very best to accommodate your party to either be seated together or at least close by one another. Sometimes this might affect your wait time, so remember to be flexible if you do request to be seated together.
Another option is to call
Disney Dining at 407-939-3463 and see if they can find any existing availability or if they can merge your separate reservations. Your final option is always to keep checking in the My Disney Experience mobile app to see if you can modify your existing reservation to include your entire party as the date gets closer. Often, plans change and other Guests will modify their existing reservations, so you never know when you might be able to make some magic happen on your own!
Geraldyne, I think you've made a great choice to include the
Disney Dining Plan as part of your vacation package! With this plan, you will be treated to one quick-service meal and one table-service meal for each night of your visit, along with one snack for each night, and a resort-refillable mug! If you're visiting during one of EPCOT's festivals, be sure to check the pop-up kitchens for available festival treats that can be redeemed as snacks; it's a great way to sample some unique festival offerings with your dining plan!
I hope this helps, and I hope you and your party will all enjoy many magical memories and meals during your upcoming vacation! If you have any other planning questions, or would like any dining recommendations, feel free to come back to
planDisney and let us know! We'll save a seat for you at the table!
Magic Awaits,
Alison