Couple enjoying pretzel at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park; AA; mickey ears
  • On Jan 15, 2026
    Sangmee from CA Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hi! Our school's team will be at Disney World for a competition. They will be at the parks without their parents. Can I make a dining reservation for them even though I won't be there? And can they dine at table service without an adult? Thank you!

    Hey there, Sangmee! Welcome to planDisney - so glad you found us! I'm excited to hear that you'll be heading east to visit Walt Disney World Resort, and it's my pleasure to help out with your planning question. Let's get right to it!

    One of the most important questions for our Disney vacations is where to eat! There are so many great options at Walt Disney World between the theme parks, resort hotels, and Disney Springs. It's an ideal way for teens and tweens to experience a bit of independence as they navigate things without parents. For the last several years, we've given our daughters (now older teens) designated "sister time" to head out on their own, and they absolutely love making memories together and discovering some new favorite restaurants!

    Sangmee, you can indeed make dining reservations for members of your team who are under 18. Typically Guests under 18 cannot make these on their own, as they require a credit card guarantee to confirm the reservation. I chaperoned a school band trip last year and was able to book a reservation at San Angel Inn for my daughter and a few pals so she could take them to her favorite Disney restaurant! I do recommend being thoughtful about the age and interest of the students involved - something fun and lively like Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant  (Disney's Hollywood Studios) is always a hit. 

    Another team mom tip - send your child with a Disney Gift Card to pay for their meals, other souvenirs, and snacks on their trip. It's another great way to gain some independence and let them decide what to spend their money on. Plus, it can easily be reloaded if they urgently need a giant Stitch plush to bring back to California (speaking from experience here...). 

    I hope your team has a magical time at Walt Disney World, Sangmee! Best of luck to them in their competition. If you have any other questions before your trip, please come back and see us again at planDisney anytime. 

    See Ya Real Soon!
    Susan 
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Meet the Panelist: Susan, Michigan

Hi there! I'm Susan, a mom and pixie-dusted pediatric nurse from Michigan. Our family has been making Disney memories for four generations, and I'm so excited to help you plan your own magical adventures as part of the planDisney panel. Welcome home! Learn More About Susan

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