Welcome to planDisney Kevin!
Chef Mickey's is the ultimate in "Disney dining" in my opinion. I love dining while the
monorail zooms past, and Mickey and his pals greet you while you enjoy a delicious meal! It does not get more "Disney" than that!
I am sorry you are having a hard time booking your dining reservation. If you are unable to secure the table you want, try a few things. Start by altering the time of your reservation. Sometimes this will help. Also, keep checking the
Dining Reservations page. Guests are always moving their plans around so something might open.
Another option is to book 2 separate reservations for 4 guests each. When you go to check in for your reservation, kindly ask the Cast Member if you can have tables near each other. While not guaranteed, they will do their best to accommodate. Depending on the available tables, they may even be able to seat you together, but please be patient and understanding as this cannot always happen.
When I travel with a large party, we usually opt for the 2 tables. We then can "table hop" to visit our pals!
When dining at a Quick Service location, it is much easier to sit together in a more casual setting. Quick Service locations do not require a reservation, so this is a great option for larger parties.
I hope you find the perfect solution and find a reservation. Mickey is one great Chef, so enjoy all the tasty dishes he prepares for you!
Cathy