Hey there, Steve!
Welcome to planDisney! I'm so happy you've stopped by with such a great planning question. The only thing more fun than a Walt Disney World vacation is a Walt Disney World vacation with a large group of family and friends! However, as someone who has planned several vacations for large parties, I understand that sometimes, it can feel as complicated as it is magical. But that's what we at planDisney are here for, and I'm thrilled to help you plan the most important part of any vacation: the dining. Now, let's dive in!
You will be able to
make all of your dining reservations on the Walt Disney World website or the My Disney Experience app 60 days in advance. If you are staying at a
Disney Resort Hotel, you will be able to make all of your dining reservations for your entire length of stay (up to 10 days) 60 days before your arrival date. You can make your reservations as early as 6:00 a.m. EST, but I recommend having your computer or app up and running as early as 5:45 a.m. EST.
While booking dining reservations for a large party can be a little more challenging, it can be done! I just did a hypothetical search for dining options for a party of 20 on the My Disney Experience app and found several options for lunch and dinner at Splitsville in Disney Springs, which has fun entertainment as well as a huge menu with a variety of options for even the pickiest eaters in your large group. Teppan Edo in EPCOT is one of my favorite restaurants that can accommodate a party of up to 18 guests and is as entertaining as it is delicious. When your booking window opens, I recommend logging into your My Disney Experience app, tapping the plus sign at the bottom of the screen, and searching for options for a party your size. You never know what magic you may find!
To increase your dining options, your best bet is to separate your party into at least two separate tables. To do so, I recommend having you and someone else in your group make separate reservations for up to 10 guests at the same restaurant at or around the same time. Some of my favorite non-character Table-Service restaurants where I have booked reservations for 10 or more people are Biergarten in EPCOT, Boma - Flavors of Africa and Jiko - The Cooking Place at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Trattoria al Forno at Disney's BoardWalk, The Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney's Hollywood Studios, and even the hilarious dinner show Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort.
For oh-so-fun and yummy character dining that can accommodate tables up to 10-12 guests, I recommend enjoying breakfast, lunch, or dinner with Winnie the Pooh and the gang at The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom or dinner with Tiana and friends at 1900 Park Fare at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Decrease your table sizes to eight guests or less to snag character dining reservations at 'Ohana for breakfast, Chef Mickey's, Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White, Hollywood and Vine, and more! If you prefer to have a helpful Cast Member assist you in making these reservations, I recommend calling 407-WDW-DINE or 407-939-3463.
I hope this was helpful, Steve, and I hope you have the most magical adventure full of food and fun! Feel free to stop by any time with any questions you may have.
Bon Appetit,
Mandy