Chef Pluto; Mother and daughter; character dining experience
  • On Oct 5, 2023
    Koen Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I want to make a dinner reservation for some (but not all) of my family. i manage the family, so when I make a reservation I am automatically part of the reservation. How can I change this so my wife and kids can go somewhere without me?

    Hiya Koen! 

    Welcome to planDisney! Dining at Walt Disney World Resort is one of the things I love the most. I sometimes sit at home trying to figure out what to cook for dinner and wishing I could just grab some mini corn dogs from Casey's Corner and watch Happily Ever After. However, as I cannot visit Walt Disney World every night I can pretend to join you as I write this answer.

    As the planner in my family, I have found myself booking many Dining Reservations for my family in various combinations. I understand how it can be confusing to manage so many people but I promise you it will work out. For example, if you booked a dining reservation for three at Garden Grill in EPCOT it would show your name as the "Reservation Contact" followed by a section labeled "My Dining Party" which will show two more icons for the guests joining this event. I confirmed with a Cast Member who stated that when you check into your reservation at the restaurant, the Cast Members will ask for the name on the reservation and the number of people in your party. Your wife will have to say your name as you are the Reservation Contact or name on the reservation and state the party size.  If you are not present it is okay as the name and party size are what matters.

    I strongly suggest that you try to get as many adults in your group to make a My Disney Experience Account and then link to them on your Family & Friends List. This way, you can add them to any dining reservation as a part of the "Dining Party." By doing this they can see the reservation in their plans with all the details including the confirmation number. This also solidifies their connection to the reservation. Also, it will be such a great help to you! Those with different plans can see their itinerary right on the My Disney Experience Mobile App and not have to rely on you every minute to remind them. 

    Just to make sure it is noted, a guest cannot make a dining reservation within 2 hours of another using the same My Disney Experience Account. This means that if you book a dining reservation for your family at one restaurant at 12:30 PM and then try to book one just for you and your uncle at another at 1:00 PM it won't work. Having people with their own accounts who can help you make these reservations will solve that problem. 

    So I hope you can relax and know that your family will have a delicious meal. If you follow my hypothetical plan and leave your family with Mickey and the gang at Garden Grill you would be free to head to Karamell-Küche in the Germany Pavilion in EPCOT for some delicious caramel popcorn and if you are lucky- a stroopwafel! 

    I hope this helps and you have a delicious time! If you have any questions feel free to let us know!

    Happy Planning!

    -Nimmy 
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Meet the Panelist: Nimmy, New York

Hey, it's Nimmy from New York! Just like my guy Jiminy Cricket I am your wisecracking and helpful guide to making the best decisions for your Disney vacation! My husband and I work very hard to journey to our favorite place on Earth, Walt Disney World Resort, as much as we can. We have traveled as just adults, with babies, kids, teenagers, and senior citizens. We have seen so many characters, eaten at amazing places, and consumed a ton of Dole Whips. So "give a little whistle" and let me be your guide! Learn More About Nimmy

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