Mom And Daughter; Animal Kingdom
  • On Jul 27, 2015
    Kim from VT Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I am looking for suggestions on buffet style dining that would include characters. I am not having any luck with reservations. What are some other suggestions for a party that would include 11 that may also have characters without a buffet?

    Hi Kim!

    Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Advanced dining reservation to the most popular locations can be tricky to get for large parties, but I have found some good reservations opening up recently and hopefully you will be able to find some for your party as well. Here are my best tips for securing the perfect character dining buffet for your family:
    1. Use the dining reservations page with filters to search all restaurants at the same time. For your reservation, I recommend filtering the restaurants on "Character Dining". Then enter your other search parameters to see what character dining buffet reservations are available throughout the resort.
    2. Search for meal availability rather than specific times. When looking for dining reservations, the Time list will include specific times as well as meals available (i.e., breakfast, lunch and dinner). Select the meal you are interested in enjoying for your searches to get the best chance of finding a reservation. You may need to be flexible with your meal time. Our family has enjoyed a 2 p.m. lunch or a 10:30 a.m. breakfast on occasions to get in places with no other availability.
    3. Be willing to sit at two tables. Tables for 11 Guests can be limited, so you should consider looking for a table for 5 Guests and a table for 6 Guests at the same time to accommodate your group. When you get to the restaurant, you can let them know the situation and ask if it is possible to be next to each other or near each other. 
    4. Call a fairy godmother (or godfather)! If I have trouble getting reservations, I always call the dining specialists at (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463. There, you can explain that you are trying to find a character dining buffet for 11 Guests and they can help you find something!
    Sending dining pixie dust your way! T-T-F-N, ta ta for now!

    ~Crystal B.
thumbnail image for Crystal

Meet the Panelist: Crystal, Colorado

Hi! I’m Crystal and I’m a wife and mommy to three little Mouseketeers. My husband and I have been enjoying Disney Parks since before we were married, and now we take our children to see Mickey and the gang as often as we can, while  managing my oldest son's food allergies. Planning is key for my family to ensure that everyone has a safe and fun trip to our favorite place and it can be just as exciting as the trip itself. I can’t wait to help you plan your next adventure there, too! Learn More About Crystal

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.