Student Group Dining Plans

[go3epcot]

I will be leading a high school student group for the second time this December. Our last trip was great, but we used Disney meal vouchers (prepaid) which were great but limiting. They were a great value, but when I travel with my family we enjoy great sit-down meals as a way to refresh ourselves as well as "tasting the flavors" of WDW. I want to share that with my students a bit on this next trip. We tried to do that last trip, but in eating at Planet Hollywood and Rain Forest Cafe (prepaid as well) it just didn't do the trick for me. I am definitely planning dinner at the 50's Prime Time Cafe, but would like suggestions for one other sit-down meal as a group (around 30 people total- staggered seating fine). I would love Le Cellier, but either lunch or dinner might be too much expense for my students. I would love your opinions!

 

[wolf359]

I would suggest a resort restaurant, as few of the in-park restaurants could handle that large of a group easily.

Chef Mickey's or O'Hana would be good choices...easy access (and a nice break from) the Magic Kingdom, all-you-can-eat for the bottomless appetites typical of most school-age kids, and the prices are fairly reasonable.

Chef Mickey's also has the additional drama of being in the middle of the Contemporary, and a more diverse menu, so it's probably my first choice for student group dining.

I applaud you for trying to go a little more outside the box. I've taken a large group of high schoolers to WDW and have eaten that group dinner at Planet Hollywood, and other than being served promptly I really can't think of anything else complementary to say about it.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

For a group that size, I think a buffet or all you can eat would be best. Ohana and Whispering Canyon come to mind here as good choices. Also, if they would like the food Biergarten might be a good time as well.

 

[ImaYoyo]

What about a private event? There are great private options that can be catered to your menu choices and budget. call your services manager (or if you're not contracted at a Disney hotel, call your sales coordinator) and ask about private functions based on the budget that you have and the menu you would like.

Booking a group at an existing restaurant can be very difficult considering how tables are booked for the most efficient service. If you've noticed, dining times are usually a few tables every 5 minutes. This allows for maximum efficiency in seating and serving, but does not help groups. What I would do is pick a favorite restaurant or two outside of the parks and call the restaurant's office (not podium) and speak with a manager. That's your best bet!

And might I recommend Sanaa, at lunch time. Reasonable prices, and the team there would be willing to work with you.

 

[buseegal]

our family group of 11 last summer were limited in the times we could book table serve meals. large groups from what i remember were first and last hours only. we got where we wanted but not all the times we wanted. we mostly ate at the parks not resorts.

 

[go3epcot]

I really like the idea of a buffet and would be expecting to seat 4-6 members of our group at a time, with time after our meal being open park "exploration" time. I am wondering if a brunch sounds like the best way to go...??

 

[go3epcot]

I am down to Chef Mickey's or Whispering Canyon Cafe...

any opinions out there as to which would be better for a high school student group of around 30 plus 5 adults on a limited budget?