Disney Dining with a Large Group
Walt Disney World has routinely been a top destination for families of all sizes, and kids of all ages. You may have noticed, however, that Orlando has also become increasingly popular for other groups of travelers, as well.
These days, it’s more common than ever to see groups of students, prom-goers or bachelorette parties mingling around the parks with their matching shirts and Mickey ears.
And while Disney trips with the whole family or roster of friends can be exceptional, it’s not always the easiest to navigate dining in and around the parks.
At Magical Vacations Travel, we have more than a decade of experience booking group travel to Walt Disney World. With that comes the knowledge and firsthand tips to help find dining to suit everyone in your party.
We’re breaking down some of our top tips and favorite recommendations for feeding your group.
Many of our tips for last-minute Disney dining can be just as helpful for large parties.
The Basics
Aim for restaurants with larger table sizes. When thinking of “big groups” eating at Walt Disney World, that usually translates to eight or more guests. You can certainly find restaurants to fit everyone at one table, you just may need to adjust if there are “must-do” meals on your wish list.
Consider buffets. Not only do buffets and family-style eateries give you more bang for your buck, they also often provide more options to satisfy the palates of your group.
Break up your party into smaller groups. If your party is set on eating at a particular restaurant that can’t accommodate everyone, simply request multiple, smaller reservations. You’ll be less cramped and may still get tables next to each other, or near enough that you won’t know the difference.
Where to eat in the Parks
Popular for its exquisite theming, Be Our Guest restaurant is also extremely well-suited to seat large parties in any of its three dining rooms.
Many eateries in and around property can be made to fit your party’s needs, but we’ve pulled together a few of our favorites when planning for large reservations.
Magic Kingdom
- Be Our Guest – This Fantasyland restaurant checks all of the dining boxes for so many guests. Immersive theming, a unique, prix fixe French menu and plenty of space for your whole group.
- Crystal Palace – Right in the heart of the Magic Kingdom, this American-style buffet can seat plenty. An added bonus? Winnie the Pooh and friends return this month for the character-dining experience.
Epcot
- Biergarten – This authentic German buffet includes brats, carved meats, various salads and sides before moving on to dessert. One of our favorite parts of the Biergarten is the live Polka band that makes the whole venue feel like family!
- Teppan Edo – Fit eight around the grill as you fill up on fresh seafood, meats and grilled veggies at this traditional Teppan-yaki-style restaurant in the Japan pavilion.
- Via Napoli – Classic Italian dishes and enormous pizzas will satisfy your group and leave everyone full enough to finish their tour around World Showcase.
Animal Kingdom
- Tusker House –Tusker House offers African-inspired dishes and Safari Donald Duck and Friends, unique to the Animal Kingdom. Currently serving family style, the menu returns to a buffet come November.
Hollywood Studios
- 50’s Prime Time – Mind your manners and clear your plate of home-cooked classics in Hollywood Studios. Tables here aren’t overly-large, but can generally accommodate your family and friends.
Where to eat at the Resorts
Don’t discount resorts! Some of our favorite meals on property can be found just steps away from your hotel room.
- ‘Ohana – Bottomless Polynesian favorites are served family-style, and bigger tables mean more room for your own ‘Ohana.
- Whispering Canyon – Hearty Western favorites will fill up the whole group at this stop in the Wilderness Lodge… just be ready for some (purposely) sassy servers!
- Boma – This African-style buffet at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is a fan favorite, with plenty of space for everyone and dishes that will prove both familiar and adventurous.
- Chef Mickeys – Located right inside the Contemporary lobby, we love that you can get a character-dining experience for the whole family on your way to/from the Magic Kingdom. Just hop on the monorail and you’re on your way.
- Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue – This popular experience just reopened at Fort Wilderness, where you and the whole group can dine on BBQ favorites while you watch the musical revue. Get your reservations in early, as this dinner-and-a-show fills up quickly!
Where to eat at Disney Springs
You don’t need to be at the parks or even resorts to find fantastic dining to suit everyone’s palate. Disney Springs has options for everyone, plus shopping and entertainment once you’ve refueled.
- Raglan Road – Comforting Irish food and lively, authentic music will make you want to stay all night. Between booths, tables and the open bar space, you won’t have any issue fitting your whole party under one roof.
- Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ – Pair locally-sourced, homestyle favorites with a moonshine cocktail as you watch passersby from the outdoor porch.
- Paddlefish – This spacious boathouse-style restaurant serves up seafood and steak dishes with indoor and outdoor seating options.
- Terralina Crafted Italian – Find something for everyone in your party with familiar Italian classics and a rustic atmosphere.
