Hi there, Krista!
Thank you for stopping by planDisney! Some of my most treasured memories were formed at large family trips to Disney destinations. Last fall, we visited
Walt Disney World Resort with kids, grandparents, and cousins. Spending time with extended family at "The Most Magical Place on Earth" is a special experience!
Although
valid theme park tickets are needed to enter a theme park, Guests do not need those tickets to make dining reservations in my experience. The two-year-old child can (and should) be included in dining reservations. This ensures they have table space for the entire party.
Dining reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance, and Guests with a valid Disney Resort Hotel reservation can make reservations for the entire length of their trip (up to a 10-night stay). It can be tricky to find dining reservations for larger groups. If you are unable to find reservations for a party of 7, you may want to try dividing your group into two smaller groups and making two reservations around the same time at the same restaurant. When I do this, I arrive early at the dining location and ask if we can be seated together. Although shared seating is not guaranteed, I have never experienced an issue with this request as long as I was patient and kind.
Krista, I hope your trip to Walt Disney World is full of laughter and joy. We hope to see you real soon!
Wishing you a Great, Big, Beautiful Tomorrow!
Jen