Hi Gina,
Welcome to planDisney!
Making
advanced dining reservations for a larger party can be a challenge! Each dining location has different table configurations. When making dining reservations for a larger group, I typically divide the group into two or three smaller groups and make dining reservations around the same time.
To do so, we have to select a different person as the lead on the reservation because one person cannot have more than one dining reservation within the
same meal period. So, for example, if we want to dine at 7:00 p.m. with a party of 10, I might make two reservations of four each and one reservation of two with myself as the lead on one reservation and two other members of our party as the leads on the other reservations. The reservations would typically be spaced out, so one might be at 7:00 p.m., another might be at 7:05 p.m. and the third might be at 7:15 p.m.
If you try this strategy, remember to note allergies on each reservation and check the credit card being used to reserve. When you arrive at the restaurant, you can ask the Cast Members to seat you together. Although not guaranteed, Cast Members have done their best to make some magic for us while dining. Remember that parties of six or more will be
automatically charged a gratuity.
When dividing my party up into smaller groups to make dining reservations, I book what I can as reservations are available. Then, I keep searching for additional availability. On one trip, however, we had 23 people with us, so I
contacted a Cast Member to get assistance.
I can empathize with your dilemma. Keep trying and stay persistent! Also, if you have not searched by meal period, that works more often than searching for a particular time. So, instead of searching for 6:00 p.m., I search for dinner, and then reserve what is available. Keep an eye on the
dining updates since experiences and availability can change.
Gina, we are happy to welcome your super-powered group for an
Incredible visit to the Walt Disney World Resort!
Magic and memories,
Donyell