Welcome to planDisney, Bernadette!
I'm elated to hear your sensational seven are planning a Walt Disney World Resort vacation. My favorite attractions to experience with a party of seven at Magic Kingdom Park are Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and "it's a small world." On a recent ladies' trip, we took turns riding solo on two-seater attractions like The Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
I most often travel to Walt Disney World Resort with parties of six or seven and can relate to the challenges you faced when making
advance reservations for dining. I do not recommend risking everyone not being accommodated. Keeping that in mind, my first recommendation is to look for reservations at similar times for smaller parties. I struck out finding a reservation for six at
The Turf Club Bar and Grill last month. Just the other night, my husband and I secured a reservation for four and a reservation for two. We will talk to the hostess about our desire to sit together or in close proximity when we check in for dinner that night. In my experience, Cast Members will do everything they can to accommodate such requests.
My second suggestion is to keep checking for availability. Dining availability changes in real time as Guests are constantly reimagining their Disney days. I prefer making reservations online 60 days in advance but adore the ability to see all dining availability in the
My Disney Experience mobile app. Click the "+" sign at the bottom center of the app's home screen and "Check Dining Availability." Enter your party size, date, and meal preference. You'll be amazed by all that is available throughout the parks and resorts. Just now, I searched for a dinner reservation for seven on December 7 and found over 20 options.
My last tip is that the mobile check-in process for most restaurants currently allows you to add up to one additional Guest to your reservation. So if your reservation for
Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano is for six, they can accommodate you checking in as a party of seven. This option does not apply to
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, though, which is a dinner theater experience that requires prepayment and a separate check-in process.
I hope these suggestions provide you with some comfort and next steps as your Disney countdown continues, Bernadette. Please return to planDisney with any other trip-planning questions.
Choose magic,
Jennifer