Hiya Noelle!
Thank you so much for stopping by planDisney with your character dining question! Oh my goodness — I couldn’t help but smile when I saw that you’ll be visiting from my home state of New Jersey! I know firsthand how exciting it is to trade in those Garden State turnpikes for palm trees, pixie dust, and castle views. And how wonderful that you’ll be traveling with a large party — that sounds like such a magical gathering! One Christmas, my family from New Jersey joined us at Walt Disney World, and there were 25 of us. It was absolute joyful chaos — and a core memory we’ll treasure forever.
Now, let’s talk about some pixie-dusted dining magic. When booking any dining reservation, I always recommend grabbing those spots as soon as your booking window opens on the
My Disney Experience App.
Advance Dining opens 60 days before your visit. If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you’ll be able to book for your entire length of stay (up to 10 nights) right from day one, which makes planning so much smoother.
Here are a few character dining experiences that are perfect for larger groups:
- Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This tropical favorite serves a delicious family-style breakfast with Lilo, Stitch, and friends! It’s lively, relaxed, and perfect for a big ‘ohana (family).
- Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a true Disney classic! Here, you can meet Mickey, Minnie, and pals for breakfast, lunch, or dinner right under the monorail tracks. It’s always a hit for big family celebrations.
- The Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom – This charming spot features Winnie the Pooh and friends in a beautiful, light-filled setting right on Main Street, U.S.A. When my extended family dined here, we were all seated together — and it was such a treat!
Now, if you’re having trouble finding a reservation for your entire party, here’s a little insider trick: try splitting your group into smaller reservations. You’ll need at least two people making bookings, but this can open up more availability. Aim for reservation times close together, and when you arrive, let the friendly Cast Member at the host stand know you’re one large group hoping to be seated together or nearby. While it’s never guaranteed, in my experience, Cast Members truly go above and beyond to make a little extra magic happen when they can!
Noelle, I hope this helps as you plan an unforgettable Disney dining experience for your whole crew. Wishing you a vacation filled with laughter, character hugs, Mickey waffles, and magical memories that will last a lifetime! If you have any additional questions, feel free to visit us again.
See ya real soon,
Christina