Hey there, Alicia!
Thank you for stopping by planDisney with your dining question. It sounds like you’re planning an adventure that would make even Lumière proud! Traveling with a large party can feel like wrangling all the enchanted objects in Beast’s castle, but with a little planning magic, you’ll have a dining experience as grand as Be Our Guest.
When it comes to large parties, “tie your napkin ’round your neck” because I’ve got tips and tricks I have used when making
reservations for a large party:
First, before diving into reservations, ensure each adult guest at your party has a
My Disney Experience account. If some prefer not to manage their plans, you can create an account on their behalf. For families with kids, parents or guardians should create accounts for their children. Having everyone linked in My Disney Experience makes coordinating your plans easy.
Next, splitting your party into smaller groups is a tale as old as time for those of us who travel with large families (or La Familia Madrigal!). Here’s how you can make it work:
Choose a restaurant and aim for reservations within 15-minute windows of each other. Have two separate adults make the reservations. For example, one adult can make a reservation for a group of 8, and another adult can book the next group of 8 for a time shortly after. This workaround helps, as My Disney Experience won’t allow you to hold two reservations simultaneously under the same account.
Next, when you arrive at the restaurant, kindly let the Cast Member know you’re dining with a large group and would love to be seated near each other. While it’s not guaranteed, Cast Members often work their magic to accommodate these requests.
Another important tip I have often found helpful is dining during less busy hours (like early lunch or late dinner). This can increase your chances of finding availability for your party. Also, use the My Disney Experience app to check availability. Guests often modify or cancel reservations as their plans change, so spots may open closer to your trip.
Your dining experience with your group will undoubtedly be unforgettable. Remember to enjoy every enchanted moment. If you need more help planning your magical feast, let me know.
Happy planning,
Christina