Hi Lisa, and welcome to planDisney! Wow, what a magical gift you are coordinating for your mother!
I'm sorry to hear it's been challenging to
modify your plans to add some surprise Guests. I see you're asking about reservations, so I'll share some tips for the different types of reservations you might be trying to modify.
If you're trying to add Guests to your Disney Resorts Collection hotel reservation, you may be able to do so using the desktop version of My Disney Experience. Go to the
Walt Disney World website and click "Sign In" at the top. Then, hover over "My Disney Experience" and click "My Plans." Scroll down to your Resort Hotel reservation and look for a button to modify. If you're able to make changes (and you may be unable to do this because of the type of reservation or because your trip is coming up soon), follow the steps to add your Guests. Note that capacity is limited in resort hotel rooms, and you won't be able to exceed the maximum number of Guests, so it's possible your Guests will need to reserve another room. You may call (407) 939-4357 to speak with a Cast Member about adding Guests to your resort hotel reservation.
If you're trying to add Theme Park Reservations, you'll need to make sure each Guest has a valid ticket linked to their My Disney Experience account. Then, hover over "Park Reservations" in "My Plans" and then click on "Make a Park Reservation." Follow the steps on the
Disney Park Pass system webpage to make your reservations. I see on the Availability Calendar that some days during your visit have no theme park availability - the holiday season is very busy, and my advice is to check often, as Guests do change plans and drop reservations. If you're trying to line up reservations for the same parks as your original party, that can be tricky. A workaround is to purchase the
Park Hopper Option for each ticket. Then, your new party members can reserve whichever park is available (even if a different park). They will need to enter that park and then, when
Park Hopper Hours begin (usually at 2:00 p.m.), you can all meet in the same park as long as it's available for Park Hopping.
Finally, if you're looking to add Guests to dining reservations, I have a tip for you. Have someone in the group of new Guests look for reservations around the same time as yours rather than trying to make a reservation for one large group. When you arrive at the restaurant, let the Cast Member at the podium know you're hoping to dine together; while those requests can't be guaranteed, they will do their best to make it work.
I know this is a lot of logistics and information. A Cast Member in Guest Relations will be happy to help you with your plans, and they can be reached by calling (407) 939-2273. Wait times are longer than usual right now, so try to call right when the phone lines open at 7:00 a.m. or later in the evening, and plan to multitask while you wait.
Lisa, I hope this helps as you add Guests to your mother's big surprise Disney vacation! Be sure to stop at Guest Relations, the front desk of your Disney resort hotel, or a merchandise location to request free celebration buttons for your whole party. They usually have Sharpies available so you can write "Family Reunion" on your button.
If you have any further questions, please come back and see us. Have the best time!
Wishing you much magic,
Robyn