Hi, Margaret! Welcome back to planDisney!
Visiting
Walt Disney World Resort with a big group means big fun! My planDisney friends and I get together for a reunion trip every fall, and we look forward to catching up in our favorite place all year. I'm usually one of the people in our group who books our
dining reservations, so I know that finding restaurant availability for a large group can sometimes pose a bit of a challenge. However, I'm happy to pass on some tips that will help you secure the dining experiences that your group of eight is looking forward to.
If you search for a dining reservation for eight Guests and do not find any availability, I recommend breaking your party up into two or more smaller groups. Sometimes restaurants have a limited number of tables that can accommodate larger parties. I know this is particularly an issue at
Space 220 Lounge. Many friends that I have talked to have had success with booking Space 220 Lounge if they break their larger group up into parties of two or four.
Dining reservations can be made 60 days in advance, and if you are staying at a
Disney Resorts Collection Hotel, you can make your dining reservations for your entire trip (up to 10 days) 60 days prior to your check-in date. When it comes time for you to make your reservations, I recommend teaming up with one other member of your travel party. If you cannot find a reservation for a party of eight, then you and your friend or family member can each make a reservation for four people at similar times. When you arrive at the restaurant to check in for your reservations, you can let the Cast Members know that your parties are together. While it cannot be guaranteed, in my experience, the Cast Members will try their best to seat your parties near one another.
Margaret, if we can help you with anything else as you plan for your trip, please don't hesitate to ask. See ya real soon!
Samantha