Welcome to planDisney, Kim!
While I love every kind of visit to
Walt Disney World, there is something truly epic about a trip with a party over 20. So much fun!
Kim, I've chaperoned over a dozen school trips--with hundreds of students each--over the years, and have often been the person who booked dining for all of my fellow chaperones. It takes a bit of extra coordination, but if the reservations are available, it can be done!
Your first option is to call the very helpful Cast Members at the
Walt Disney World Help Center. Folks at Group Reservations can assist with groups of 10 or more who need park tickets, rooms, packages, and so much more. If you only need help securing dining reservations for your large group, call Disney Dining at (407) 939-3463 (WDW-DINE). They can secure dining for the whole group or can arrange smaller groups that are seated at the same time or, perhaps, within a few minutes of each other.
Of course, you can try to book these on your own as well. When I'm booking, I'll divide our group into smaller numbers, using a different person as the lead name on each reservation. 3 parties of 8, for example, or 2 parties of 10 plus another party for the remaining number needed. Have those other folks secure the reservations for the same time or as close as possible to the first reservation.
If successful, I'll stop by the restaurant earlier in the day--upon park arrival, for example--and let them know that we are actually one large group. If they can seat us together or next to each other all at the same time, they will make that happen. This gives Cast Members time to coordinate the table space we need when we arrive later in the day.
One of my favorite restaurants at
Magic Kingdom Park is
The Crystal Palace--what a great choice for your group! At lunch and dinner, I look forward to their peel and eat shrimp, salads, salmon, so many sides and, of course, tableside visits with Winnie the Pool and pals. It's a lovely way to enjoy a break from the park fun, yet you're in the middle of the magic when it's time to set out for more adventure.
Over at
Disney's Hollywood Studios, your party is going to love the entire experience of the
Fantasmic! Dining Package at
Hollywood & Vine! While your delicious meal--hosted by Minnie Mouse herself--will be unforgettable, the highlight of the night will be your VIP seats at
Fantasmic! When I know we'll be dining at Hollywood Studios, I always aim for the Fantasmic! Dining Package. Such a treat!
Kim, you've picked an outstanding
Enchanting Extra, too. My absolute favorite way to view Happily Ever After is via the
Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Pre-Party. We enjoy savory bites, special sweets, and refreshing sips together as we await that spectacular show above Cinderella Castle. The prime Plaza Garden viewing area is the perfect place to cap off a day that was truly magical.
As you put together your pixie-dusted plans for your party, Kim, be sure to send additional questions our way. We love to help!
Andrea H