Welcome to planDisney, Christie!
Thank you for stopping by with great questions as you plan your upcoming visit to the Walt Disney World Resort!
Since large parties tend to split up while touring the parks, I think it is a great idea to
make dining reservations for at least one meal during the day if you are traveling with more families. The maximum number of Guests per party depends on each restaurant, so since you have a larger group I recommend calling (407) 939-3463 for assistance as it may be easier to find availability over the phone than online. I have recently found availability for lunch at
Biergarten Restaurant for a party of 10 while making online reservations, so I recommend trying different restaurants, meal times, and days of the week. Lunch also seems to show more availability than breakfast and dinner, but calling may be simpler depending on how many Guests you have in your party.
Please note that due to the current situation,
a confirmed dining reservation is required for Guests not staying overnight at a Disney Resort hotel, even if they are staying at another Disney Resorts Collection property. If you plan to spend time with family members at another hotel, I highly recommend making reservations at a restaurant located at that resort.
I hope this information is helpful, Christie! Come back to visit us if you have additional questions and keep an eye on the
Disney Parks Blog for updates as you prepare for your visit.
Best magical wishes,
Thiana