Hi, Brad! Welcome to planDisney.
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation with a group arriving on different days can be a little tricky, but it's definitely manageable! I have a similar situation coming up next year when we visit. Our friends are likely arriving a couple of days after us, and so we need to coordinate our Lightning Lane plan accordingly. With everyone staying at a
Disney Resort hotel, the key is understanding how Lightning Lane reservations work. Thankfully, early Lightning Lane booking is one of the
perks of staying on site.
Each Guest's ability to book
Lightning Lane selections is tied to their individual hotel check-in date. The first group, arriving earlier, can begin making Lightning Lane reservations 7 days before their check-in. The second group, arriving two days later, will have their own 7-day window starting from their check-in date. That means the first group can book in advance, but the second group will need to wait until their window opens to make theirs. Linking reservations doesn't change their booking window, I'm afraid.
Once the second group's booking window opens, they can check for available Lightning Lane selections. If needed, the first group can modify reservations to align with the second group's plans so that your party can enjoy as many shared experiences as possible.
I hope that's clarifying, Brad. Thanks for choosing to be our Guest.
Mike