Hi Kathryn, and welcome to planDisney. My family has so many core memories from our Disney World vacations! During our last trip, we were in a similar situation with everyone at a mix of resort hotels and checking in and out on different days. So I’d be happy to help with your question!
First, anyone who wants to book Lightning Lane selections needs to log into the
My Disney Experience app with their own MyDisney account. To do this for the whole group, everyone needs to be connected on each other’s Family & Friends List.
To check this, go to your
Family & Friends List on the Disney World website. If you see all of your family members under Connections, you’re all set! If the other people with MyDisney accounts aren’t on that page, click the Add a Guest button towards the top right. You can search by their name and phone number or email address to send an invitation.
If the other family members with MyDisney accounts are on that list, but the profiles they manage are missing (for instance, your sister is there, but not her significant other or kids), they need to allow the other people with MyDisney accounts to plan for their managed guests. To do this, have them go into their Family & Friends List, find you (and anyone else with a MyDisney account), and click the Edit Settings button next to your name. Under settings, they’ll click the Connect My Managed Guests button, check the boxes next to everyone’s names, and click Send Invite. You’ll receive an email inviting you to connect with the other profiles. Once you repeat this in everyone’s accounts, you’ll be able to make plans for each other!
If you’re having any issues, call the
App and MagicBand Support phone number and a Cast Member would be happy to walk you through the process.
A couple of things I wanted to mention about dining reservations. While you have the option to add everyone to any reservations you make, you don’t need to. Anyone on your Family & Friends List should be able to see your plans, including the dining reservations you booked. If not, go back into your Family & Friends List and click the Edit Settings button next to each person under Connections. Make sure Allow [name] to view and modify all of your plans is toggled on.
Since it sounds like you have a large group, sometimes I find it helpful to book two smaller dining reservations for around the same time. For instance, you may not see availability for a party of 10 but will be able to book two tables of five. In this case, you’ll need someone else in the family to book the second table. When you check in at the restaurant, let them know you’d like to be seated together or at nearby tables, if possible. While it’s not guaranteed, Cast Members will try their best to make it happen!
November is an extra special time to visit Disney World! The weather is usually cooler and the parks and resort hotels are starting to put up their beautiful holiday decorations. If you want to get in on some extra seasonal fun, the specially ticketed event,
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is usually happening in Magic Kingdom on select nights in November and December. Keep an eye on
Disney Parks Blog as they announce more information in the coming months.
I hope you and your family have a magical time together at Disney World! If you have other questions, don’t hesitate to visit us again at planDisney.
JoAnna