Hey there, Gregory, and welcome to planDisney!
Regardless if you’re planning to chow down at a table-service restaurant like
Roundup Rodeo BBQ or to clink drinks at a lounge like
The Beak & Barrel, your scenario is a common one. Sometimes plans change and the party number dwindles. So, let’s jump right into what would happen if you are down a Mouseketeer.
The very best decision is to
make a dining reservation for the exact number of Guests who will join you at the dining location. A true reflection of your crew’s count really helps the Cast Members prepare for your visit. Also, of course, you don’t want to take seating space from other Guests who’d like to enjoy the dining experience, too.
Here’s the news that you are hoping to hear: There is no charge if your entire booked party doesn’t show up to the reservation. This is a situation that I’ve experienced more than once. Things happen, and you can adjust your party count when you check in to the restaurant via the
My Disney Experience app or with the front-of-house Cast Members. The more difficult situation would be that there are
more Guests who show up with you. The accommodation in that case is definitely not guaranteed. Also, if the dining reservation is a prepaid experience, like
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, please have the missing party member cancel their reservation in time in order to get a full refund.
AN EXTRA GEM: The lead Guest on the advance dining reservation must be one of the members who actually makes it on time on the big day. Keep that in mind when booking the reservation online or in the app.
Gregory, I hope that you have an amazing time socializing at your meal and during your entire vacation. If you have additional Disney World planning questions,
give us a holler here at planDisney!
Magic always,
LeAndra