Hi Paulette!
Thanks so much for your question. I love visiting Walt Disney World with a large group. It sounds like you are in for a really fun time!
Character Dining is among the most popular of all the dining at Walt Disney World and those reservations are some of the first to fill up. I would definitely recommend that you keep checking back, though, as people's plans change and I have found that
Advanced Dining Reservations are constantly in flux. You may be able to snag one between now and the time you arrive--or even after you check-in. As far as keeping your
Dining Plan goes, that is completely up to you, of course. But I just want to reassure you that there are oodles of amazing places to eat throughout the Parks and
Resort Hotels (and
Disney Springs!) I know you will find many other options that you and your group will absolutely love! As a matter of fact, when my family visits, we have a hard time fitting in all the wonderful places we want to eat. The food ranks right up there at the top of our list of things we are crazy about at Walt Disney World!
We at the Disney Parks Moms Panel love helping Guests plan their vacations so please come back if there is anything else we can do to help you.
Have a magical day!
-Nancy-