I love helping large family groups plans their magical Walt Disney World vacations. Multi-generational trips are my favorite, but they can be a bit tricky when it comes to dining options for large groups. Of course everyone would like to sit together and enjoy a great meal but at many dining locations that is not as easy as it might be at others. This is due to the size of the restaurant or the fact that 5- or 6-top tables can cause the party to be split and they’re not guaranteed to be right by each other.
Some restaurants are larger and offer larger tables, making them a great option for large families. So, let’s look at some of those dining locations for booking an unforgettable dining experience for your group!
1 – Ohana (Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort)
A family favorite and, after all, “Ohana means family.” This is a large restaurant with large rectangular tables, family-style dishes, and some of the best bread pudding around! When booking a late dinner, it’s possible to see the Magic Kingdom fireworks from some tables, but that is not guaranteed.
*No park ticket required but it is just a monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom or EPCOT*
2 – Chef Mickey’s (Disney’s Contemporary Resort)
This is a great character dining experience with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, and Donald. One of Disney’s most popular character dining experiences, it is inside the only resort the monorail runs right through! Here, you get to have a buffet meal and see the most popular characters! Great group photo op too!
*No park ticket required but it is just a monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom or EPCOT*
3 – Whispering Canyon Café (Disney’s Wilderness Lodge)
This restaurant has an open atmosphere and views of the beautiful Wilderness Lodge lobby. Be aware, though, that shenanigans abound at this fun, and maybe a little loud, restaurant. If you like a good time and great food with a little hi-jinx thrown in then this is the place for your family! Great breakfast and awesome barbecue.
*No park ticket required but it is just a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom*
4 – Biergarten (EPCOT – World Showcase, Germany)
If you’re looking for authentic German food, beer, and live entertainment the Biergarten is for you! Celebrate Oktoberfest no matter what time of year you visit, with an authentic German buffet style meal. Then, enjoy some more beer while you listen to the music and maybe even dance a little.
*Park ticket required*
5 – Via Napoli (EPCOT – World Showcase, Italy)
My family’s favorite Italian restaurant at Disney, you can enjoy great brick-oven pizza or other authentic Italian entrees and desserts. A large restaurant with a huge community table, this is a great choice for larger families. Psst, try the Quattro Formaggi pizza if it’s up your alley. That’s my favorite!! Mmmmm, now that’s a spicy meatball!!
*Park ticket required*
6 – Boma Flavors of Africa (Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge)
Delicious choice for either breakfast or dinner. A breathtakingly beautiful restaurant. You can delight in the aroma of the food before you ever go in. There’s plenty of space to move and many tasty dishes on the buffet, many of which are authentic African dishes you can’t find anywhere else at Disney.
*No park ticket required but it is just a short bus ride away from the Animal Kingdom*
7 – The Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom)
Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet can’t wait to greet you at this special character dining restaurant. The beautiful glass Victorian building is one of the most beautiful anywhere at Disney. A large space and plenty of room to gather, it is a great choice for your large family. Whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner you are sure to enjoy this buffet meal.
*Park ticket required*
8 – Liberty Tree Tavern (Magic Kingdom)
Found in the colonial area of the Magic Kingdom known as Liberty Square, you will always celebrate Thanksgiving here no matter what time of the year you visit. There are several dining rooms, and each is named after a Founding Father. This design is different from many other restaurants, this allows large groups to be seated together. The food is delicious and don’t forget to try the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake for dessert! You won’t be sorry!
*Park ticket required*
9 – Cape May Cafe (Disney’s Beach Club Resort)
Cape May Cafe offers 2 distinct dining experiences: Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast with Minnie Mouse and some of her friends OR a dinner buffet with flavors from the New England coast. No matter whether you enjoy the character breakfast or the dinner without characters you will enjoy some great food offerings here. And be sure to save room for assorted seaside sweets!
*No park ticket required but it is just a short walk to EOCOT or boat ride away from Hollywood Studios.*
10 – Hoop Dee Doo Revue (Pioneer Hall, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground)
Join the Pioneer Hall Players for 2 hours of singing, dancing and comedy. Get ready to clap, move your feet, sing along or just have a good time! Serving all-you-care-to-enjoy offerings of fried chicken and smoked BBQ pork ribs, as well as a tossed green salad, cowboy beans, fresh-baked cornbread, macaroni-and-cheese and creamy coleslaw, shame on you if you leave here hungry. And be sure to save room for…strawberry shortcake!!!!
*No park ticket required but it is just a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom – this one is a bit harder to get to but a great time!
There’s a look at my top 10 favorite dining experiences for large families. Did I miss any of your favorites? Let me know in the comments below.
If I can help you plan your family’s magical vacation contact me at Brenda@pixievacations.com or at the quote link in this website. Be sure to ask me about current specials too!
Happy travels!
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