Hey there, Kelli!
Welcome back to planDisney, and excellent question! You’ve come to the right spot and the perfect person, as I have been in this situation more than once. Come to think about it, I am often in this situation. As a military spouse, my availability depends on my husband's availability, so I’m happy to share my experience with you.
I’ve found that if you are booking a room-only reservation, it’s easier to add everyone to the reservation from the start. And then, if that fourth person cannot attend, remove them as soon as they know they won’t be joining you. If you are looking at booking a complete
vacation package that includes room, theme park tickets, and possibly a dining plan, then wait on adding them. Book your package in a room that accommodates four people, but only book your travel for the three confirmed guests. That way, you don’t have to worry about the
cancellation policy for that fourth guest if they cannot make it.
The only thing to keep in mind is that the total package price will increase once that fourth person is added, and depending on when they are added, that new cost difference might need to be paid for at the time they are added. Other than that, you are good to go. The good thing is that
most rooms accommodate four adults, so there is no worry there. It’s just a matter of hoping that the fourth person can make it. As mentioned, I am usually that fourth person who is always on the fence. So I’m hoping they can make it!
I’m currently in the same situation for an October visit. All my friends are booked and ready to go, and I am anxiously pacing in the background, hoping I can join them! We are booked as a
room-only reservation, and I am not the lead guest, so my friend is holding me as her second person on the reservation. She’s truly the best, and I hope I’m there to make new memories with all of them!
Kelli, I hope this helps answer your question, and please let your fourth person know I’m rooting for them! Hopefully, soon we all will be living in the magic of Walt Disney World Resort!
Magical Wishes,
Shantel