Hello, Jason! Welcome back to planDisney! We always love when you stop by.
Thank you for your question about advance dining reservations for a large group! Gawrsh, your magical visit to the Happiest Place on Earth is coming up so soon - I bet your family is getting so excited and counting down the days!
My extended family (of 14!) also had our hearts set on multiple dining experiences at Disneyland and realized, when we were trying to make our advance dining reservations, that the maximum party for one reservation is 8 Guests per account. My suggestion to you, Jason, is to make two separate dining reservations, from two different
Disney Accounts. One person in your party will make a reservation for 7 Guests and another person will make a reservation for 6 Guests. Be sure to request the same date and time! Then, at check-in for your dining reservation, let the host know that your two groups are together. Cast Members may not be able to seat everyone at the same table but will do their very best to accommodate your group so you're sitting close!
Reservations for the River Belle Terrace - Premium Package are only available to book through the
Fantasmic! Dining Package page on the Disneyland website. Select "Check Availability" and, if there is availability for the date you're hoping for, there will be an option to select "7:15pm River Belle Terrace - Premium Package." If you do not see a premium package option for River Belle Terrace, it's because it is sold out for that particular date, as they are extremely popular!
My recommendation to snag tough-to-get dining reservations is for you (and the others who will helping to make reservations, as well) to be logged into your accounts on the Disneyland website a few minutes before 6am PST, exactly 60 days out from the date you're wanting to visit - and make a wish!
If you're already within 60 days of your visit, which you may be, Jason, keep checking for availability! I've been lucky enough to get a dining reservation all the way up to two hours before the time I was hoping for, especially at Blue Bayou. It's not guaranteed, especially for a large group, but magic does happen!
However, I'll let you in on a little secret though, Jason, you don't have to have dining reservations at Disneyland to enjoy incredible eats and sweets! Where Disneyland really shines, I think, is in the quick service and mobile ordering from the
Disneyland app. I might have maybe one sit-down meal on any given day, and the rest of the time I'm snacking my way around the park.
My family also loves the Plaza Inn on Main Street (no reservations needed!) because there's something for everyone, it's nostalgic (Walt Disney himself dined here!), it's got plenty of seating (views of Sleeping Beauty Castle!), and the food just feels good in your tummy - especially the Fried Chicken Platter. I dream about this meal. It's quintessential Disneyland, in my opinion, and definitely sharable!
Now I've got a rumbly in my tumbly. But good thing your magical day is coming up soon, Jason. Go enjoy!
Cheers,
McCayla