Hi Lori,
Welcome back! I understand your dilemma now.
You are correct, that is a legitimate concern.
Theme park tickets are non-refundable. If you purchase tickets via the Walt Disney World Resort online or by phone and some tickets go unused, you could potentially use those unused tickets towards the purchase of additional tickets in the future, just see this explanation of the
ticket policy for additional details.
If the tickets are unused, you can also reassign them to another member of your group. With either option, there is some risk, so I understand your dilemma. Also, know that if you purchase tickets from a third-party vendor, that vendor may have different ticket policies.
Given your situation, you may want to wait until one or two days before arrival to purchase those tickets. Perhaps by then everyone in your group would know for certain if they were going. Just check the
theme park reservation availability calendar prior to purchasing the tickets. If you have your heart set on visiting a particular park, this strategy is also a risk because there may not be any
Disney Park Pass system availability by the time you try to purchase those tickets.
If you have not done so already, download the
My Disney Experience Mobile App. You can use the mobile app to reassign tickets and to make other plans (including
dining reservations).
Lori, I am sorry that I don't have an easy solution for you. It sounds like you have taken on the group leader responsibility and that can be a tough job. I am sending some pixie dusted patience your way as you try to wrangle your crew to the magic!
Magic and memories,
Donyell