Hi again, Melissa!
Thanks for stopping back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel with another great question.
You do need to include your two-year-old on your reservation, even though there will not be a charge for him. This is for safety as well as to make sure you have the proper table size to accommodate your party.
Here are two strategies for securing hard-to-get dining reservations that have worked for me in the past. First, in addition to checking online daily, I've had some luck when calling
Disney Dining Reservations. The Cast Members have the ability to search multiple days at a time, which is helpful. Second, I have been most successful in finding a cancellation a few days before our trip. On our most recent visit to
Walt Disney World Resort, I was able to get a reservation at
Chef Mickey's for my family of five just a few days before our visit. My advice is to keep searching for a reservation at Chef Mickey's. I will keep my fingers crossed for you!
I hope I've answered your question, Melissa. Please stop back again if you have any additional questions!
Wishing you many magical memories!
Erin