Hi Michelle,
One of the best parts of our Walt Disney World vacations is the opportunity for us to see extended family. The tough part, as you have discovered, is when they decide to join after all of the
Advanced Dining Reservations have already been made. In my experience, depending on which restaurants I have booked, I've had quite a bit of success in adding an extra person to our reservations. The closer you get to the time of your vacation, and the larger your party size, the tougher it seems to be. Additionally, places such as Cinderella's Royal Table (which is challenging enough to get at 180-days out), are extremely difficult to add a guest. When you make a reservation, you are reserving a table size. Adding another person may bump you out of a table that seats 6 (for example) and you'd need a bigger table now (which may be all booked). You'll want to call 407-WDW-DINE to speak with a Cast Member and explain the situation. They can try to modify the reservations for you. If there are any that they cannot change,
don't cancel them. Instead, explain to your family member that there is
still a chance that they can join you. Plans change all the time and another party may have a sick family member and can't make their reservation. If your family member is willing to chance it, they can go with you to check in. You can explain to the Cast Member at the podium that you're so excited they could join your vacation and that you're really hoping they can dine too. If at all possible, the Cast Members will make it work. Please understand though, that due to fire codes, the restaurants cannot exceed maximum capacity.
When all else fails, your extended family member can grab a quick service meal, and then explore something fun. You can meet up again afterwards.
Wishing you magical memories,
Kaylene