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We are chaparoning 14 teens graduating May 2017. They are paying their own way. We would like to take all of them out for a surprise dinner at WDW as a surprise treat by us. Really great, bright well behaved kids.
Any ideas appreciated.
Thanks
Stan Baton Rouge
Last edited by Belle*; 01-23-2017 at 10:34 AM..
Reason: newsletter01262017
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I was thinking a buffet, as then there are plenty of things for everyone to eat. We love Boma and even traditional meat and potato people we've taken there have found plenty of enjoy.
Given the number of the people in your party, you might be best steering clear of the most popular places at Disney, as you may struggle to get in there. Be Our Guest is one of those and I can imagine trying to snag a meal for 14 there would be extremely difficult.
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Given the number of the people in your party, you might be best steering clear of the most popular places at Disney, as you may struggle to get in there. Be Our Guest is one of those and I can imagine trying to snag a meal for 14 there would be extremely difficult.
Good point, Cheryl. I was clearly thinking unusual places young adults might enjoy with little regard for the practicality of getting an ADR when I suggested BOG.
Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace and 1900 Park Fare would all be character meal buffets that could well be impossible to book for a group that size because they're so very popular. Not even at 180 days out from Disney Dining.
If any of the most popular places appeal, an app like Open Table might be a better source. I've heard of people getting into the popular places that way. No idea if that would work for such a large group, however.
Breaking the group into a more customary reservation size, groups of four and two, might result in easier booking but rather defeats the purpose.
__________________
“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” —Winnie-the-Pooh
Good point, Cheryl. I was clearly thinking unusual places young adults might enjoy with little regard for the practicality of getting an ADR when I suggested BOG.
I was with you on the thought pattern of something unusual and I was about to say what a great idea it was, when I realised how darned tough it is to get in there, even if there's only two of you!
Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace and 1900 Park Fare would all be character meal buffets that could well be impossible to book for a group that size because they're so very popular. Not even at 180 days out from Disney Dining.
I had a "party of eight" reservation at Chef Mickey's for breakfast, and finding a day/time to fit us into was very difficult. We wound up seated at the one, sole, "ginormous" table - it might have handled 15-20 people, actually. But across the entire 2-week stay, even booking 30 days out (my sister dragged her feet on picking a place to get together for our mini-reunion meal), there was a SINGLE opening ... right at 7:00am sharp.
So, while a party of (including chaperones) 16-20, or two groups of 8-10, can be accommodated at some (?most?) places, there's a very limited number of tables available for groups that size, which makes it harder to get the time-and-day of your preference.
The more flexible a dinner booking can be on that front, the better.
If I were taking 14 teen's to dinner I would take them to Biergarten for sure! They accommodate large groups easily, they are encouraged to get a little rowdy and there is always the few who will totally rage (in the good way not the hulk way) on the chicken dance! Even though the food isn't my favorite the show can be a great time with a crowd!
If I were taking 14 teen's to dinner I would take them to Biergarten for sure! They accommodate large groups easily, they are encouraged to get a little rowdy and there is always the few who will totally rage (in the good way not the hulk way) on the chicken dance! Even though the food isn't my favorite the show can be a great time with a crowd!
That's what I was going to say! Two tables side by side for the group. Live music. Toasting of whatever beverages are being consumed (non alcoholic for the teens). Fun! Oih, oih, oih!
Biergarten would be great for teens! A buffet and entertainment!
Whispering Canyon makes for a fun meal. If the kids are adventurous eaters, I've seen large groups at Boma. There are lots of areas to view the animals after dinner, even with night vision goggles. They also have a fire pit with storytelling.
Hoop Dee Doo, while a bit more expensive, would be hilarious with a large group! I think the pricing is a little less expensive for the latest show. I've seen very large groups in there.
This past September, I booked a large group (17) for breakfast at Trails End. They seated us at two very large tables next to each other. They have buffets for both breakfast & dinner and a nice lunch menu, as well. Pricing is better than most places on property and the location is nice.
No matter where you end up, if someone in your group has Tables in Wonderland, you will be able to save 20% off your entire group's meal. (TiW only offers a discount to HDDR for the last seating)
You have to call to make a large reservation. The woman I spoke to that help me with ours was wonderful. I think we actually broke the ADR into two separate ADRs, but it was viewed as one for them. I forget how she explained it. I'm sure the cast members may also be able to make some suggestions for your group's needs.
Hope this helps! Looking forward to hearing what you choose
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
What about the silly antics of the Hoop Dee Doo Revue...all you can eat and it is so much fun. The more you put into it (similar to Whispering Canyon and 50's Prime the more overall fun that will be had by all. We had 18 of is there for a family gathering and they made a big deal of it. They signed our matching shirts after the show ended and everything. And bonus - no park ticket needed to enter. Plus Wishes and the Electrical Water Pageant can be viewed from the dock area 5 minute walk away.
Thanks all. We once took 17 family members on the Fantasy but that made it easier except that we foot the bill. We are staying at Animal Kingdom. I love the night safaris. Jamba is a great idea. We will take the 7 girls to BOG. No beer for guys. We are the only two parents. Great kids but graduating kids!!!
Thank y'all. We go on the Norway cruise and an Adventure by Disney 2 weeks later. Life is Disney ! Again great ideas. Thank you
Last edited by Stan Bonis; 01-24-2017 at 12:52 AM..
Reason: Lousey typing!
I am a volunteer who runs trips for girl scouts to Disney World. The age range is 6th-11th grade. I take them to the Whispering Canyon Cafe and order the all-you-can-eat platter. You do not have to be quiet in the restaurant or sit still. The waiters are very interactive and do things to get people up and involved. There is hooting and howling and singing and laughter (especially if you ask for ketchup). Food is great and entertainmentt a lot of fun.
I think you have to come up with a budget and work from there. 16 people at $50. each is a hefty bill. My experience with college aged kids is that they are happy with most food, it need not be gourmet or entertaining.
One option would be to get a lot of pizza, some chicken fingers and maybe some salad and have your own "picnic" This would be reasonable priced, the kids could interact as they chose, and serve foods kids like to eat. You could have a cake or two for dessert.
I think it is hard to get specialty dining that such a large crowd all like. And I can imagine the bill. If you want more bang for you buck, try something a little less formal.
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