Originally Posted By LuLu I need suggestions. I feel like I've been stymied at every turn. I called Disney Dining 60 days out, and was told only Storyteller's could take a group of 12 or more for lunch. Not interested, lunch wasn't even good the last time we ate there. They suggested I contact Tortilla Jo's or Jazz Kitchen directly. We ended up with over 20 people, which means we have to book thru Special Events. I choose from a limited menu and lunch costs $36 with tax and tip. Aren't there any other options for a large group? I know LP groups have dined together before. Help!
Originally Posted By SuzieQ Yikes! The way we've done it recently is to make two reservations for the same time (under different names). The day we are dining, I tell the restaurant directly that our two groups are connected and request seating near each other.
Originally Posted By 999HAUNTS What if we used the "to go" window at Tortilla Jo's and headed on over to the lost bar? I'm sure there are a few folks who would like to do that.
Originally Posted By 999HAUNTS Or for a last resort, there are all of the surrounding restaurants like Red Robin, Joe's Crab Shack or IHOP and Denni's. Also Mimi's or Millies.
Originally Posted By LuLu Thanks Suzie, I wondered how you'd done it. Even that way, my guess is our options are limited. I first had asked about Goofy's Kitchen. After talking to a couple CMs about it, I gathered that the max party was 10, they only had 3 time slots allotted for a group that size, and I assume, only 1 group per time slot. They really make it difficult for groups! 999, the to go option may work. I think we need to do something less structured like that. I (and probably the restaurants) am concerned about a big bill coming and it getting split/paid properly. Tho I remember eating at Blue Bayou and it all worked out! I just don't want to be the one holding the bill when the music stops ;-)
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains I was just there and was at White Water snacks - since some said they were blocked for this day this would be a good option - there were plenty of tables outside or inside and everyone could order their own food...Not sure if they would let you move the outside tables a little closer together - we were there about 1:30 and it was fairly empty...
Originally Posted By dlkozy We have eaten at WWS with a group and have moved tables. No one seemed to mind-but it was not busy either.
Originally Posted By Mr X I'm surprised they're not set up for something like that! There must be large groups at Disney all the time no? Good luck!
Originally Posted By SuzieQ We've done the same as dlkozy. No problems whatsoever with WWS. LuLu, what about doing something like the Lunchtime Lounge? Everyone shows up at a designated place and time, food in hand? I agree they make things difficult. We've had to plan months in advance to pull off our lunches. And I don't blame you one bit for not wanting to be the one left holding the bill if dividing doesn't net you the right amount!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Thanks for all these tips folks. By some miracle and hard work of some wonderful LPers, we are able to have a meet. But it just goes to show that large scale meets are not that easy with Disney, even if they appear to be on the face of it.
Originally Posted By juicer Does it have to be a sitdown/waitress service restaurant? If not, I like the idea of going to Whitewater Snack's - Or even a early lunch at the Hungry Bear and saving a bunch of tables near the back side of the restuarant - near the water - That way everyone pays for what they want and you don't have to deal with the check - I know what you are going through - I have an old church youth group where we meet every couple years or so and I am always the one dealing the bill Make it as easy as possible for you and enlist other people in your party to help you too
Originally Posted By 999HAUNTS I'm wondering also just how many folks who signed up for this meet can't go into the park that day. Hungry Bear is an excellent, overlooked option (thanks juicer!) I would vote for that one. There are plenty of tables and chairs, and the food isn't that bad!
Originally Posted By dlkozy Will the Hungry Bear even be open? They don't seem to have as dependable hours as other places. But-if everyone is bringing their food from other CS, there would be PLENTY of seating if HB is not serving.
