Hello Heather!
Thank you for visiting the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
Dining Reservation time is always one of my favorite times, because then I start thinking of all the delicious food I'll be eating at Walt Disney World. I'm just like Rolly from 101 Dalmatians - always hungry...for Disney snacks.
You and your friends can both make dining reservations 180 days in advance. The difference is you'd be able to make them for your entire vacation starting at that 180 day mark. If you'll be in the same dining party, then yes, you can make the reservations for you and your friends under your
My Disney Experience Account. If you will be in a separate party or dining at different locations, then when you login to your Disney account to make the reservation for your friend, it will automatically input your name. Also if the reservation requires a credit card guarantee, then it would also be your credit card information. Sometimes very nice Cast Members will make name changes for reservations at 407-WDW-DINE, but it's at their discretion.
I hope that makes sense. Good luck with dining reservations, and may the Force be with you.
Tania