Tiffany,
Thanks for asking your question to planDisney!
While I love so many of the restaurants in the EPCOT World Showcase, not all are ideal for 18 people all at once, or for a 21st birthday celebration, to be sure. But I have a great suggestion that I think will work wonders for your big day!
I am a big fan of dinner at the Biergarten Restaurant. For a large group, it could be ideal. Here are a few reasons why.
- While they cannot seat 18 at one table, the dining area is made up of several larger 8-person tables. If you can get seated in the same area, your party could fit into 2-3 tables that often are described as almost communal tables in the first place. the tables are arranged on three tiers, almost like a theater, encircling the bandstand at the front.
- The oom-pah-pah band at night sets a festive, fun, and entertaining mood for your evening. This is entertainment that encourages interaction, some singing, and a generally good time, which seems perfectly suited to a 21st birthday!
- The decor of the restaurant transports you to a courtyard in a German village and makes for a beautiful and relaxed setting.
- The buffet dining is perfect for a larger group since you have a lot of choices for all sorts of pallets. Finicky diners can find some very American-friendly choices, and those who want to explore a bit can try some wonderful German cuisine, all at the same time.
My advice would be to book enough tables for your party and arrive early so you can ask them to get the 2 to 3 tables next to each other. Even if you are on different tiers of the restaurant, it could get you all close enough to celebrate as one.
BONUS TIP If this does not seem to be up your alley, you could try to book
Via Napoli in the Italy pavilion, which might have the ability to merge several tables for a large group.
BONUS TIP #2The reservation system will allow you to book parties of up to 10 for Biergarten. So make two reservations, but still take my advice and arrive early to request that all are seated in an area together.
Please feel free to
write me back directly if you have any follow-up questions.
Have a Magical Vacation!
Doug