Hi Therese,
Thank you for dropping by planDisney with a great dining question!
With a group that size, I suggest splitting into two groups of four or one group of six and one group of two when making
advanced dining reservations. Try to make reservations within 15 minutes of each other. And, you will need to select a different person to be the lead on the second reservation. When I am booking for a larger party using this strategy, I just list the lead person on each reservation, and I leave the other Guests as Guests. When we get to the restaurant, we explain that we have two reservations and ask if we can be seated together. Although they may not be able to seat your party together, Cast Members have done their best when we have asked!
As you plan, remember that if restaurants have no availability in the theme parks, you can always try other
dining locations at resort hotels or
Disney Springs. If you're at Magic Kingdom and are looking for availability, I would try
The Crystal Palace and
Liberty Tree Tavern with a group the size of yours. Or, you could hop on Walt Disney World Monorail Transportation and dine at
Kona Café at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort or
Grand Floridian Cafe at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. You could also walk to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa from Magic Kingdom. It's about a 15-20 minute walk depending on your walking speed. If you're at EPCOT, remember that
Trattoria al Forno,
Ale & Compass Restaurant,
Cape May Cafe, and
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop are all located on Disney's BoardWalk area which is accessible from the International Gateway entrance at EPCOT.
Once you split your party into smaller groups, I think you will have some success finding dining reservations! Also know that cancelations do happen. Just keep looking!
Magic and memories,
Donyell