Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Jessica! Thanks for stopping by to bring us such a great question.
Dining at the Walt Disney World Resort is part of the vacation fun! It gets me so excited to book my family’s favorite restaurants as we plan our visits. It builds the anticipation of our magical and oh so delicious vacation to the place where the magic is endless!
Jessica, although there is no penalty if your entire party is unable to make the reservation, but it’s best to try to modify your reservation in advance if you are able. Cast Members are understanding and will work with you if some of your party was maybe too tired to make it. They understand a day filled with magic and fun can be exhausting!
Regarding not ordering at a restaurant, it will depend on the restaurant. If you are visiting a table service restaurant with à la carte menu, you should be ok. But at Family Style, Buffet, and Character Dining experience restaurants, each guest is required to pay for the meal as they will be able to enjoy the open buffet, all-you-care-to-eat meal served for everyone at the table to enjoy, and fun character interactions.
If you’re staying at one of the wonderful
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels, you could plan to meet-up at some of the common areas there. I bet you’d find some beautiful areas in the grounds where you could come together and enjoy some time as a family. Likewise, at many quick service restaurants, there are big seating areas where you could come together if not everyone wishes to eat.
Have fun planning and dreaming up your visit! Be sure to mark your calendar with your important planning dates.
You can book your dining reservations as early as 180-days away. See ya real soon,
Emille