Mother, Son, Giraffe, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Animal Kingdom, Savannah
  • On Jul 7, 2012
    Hayley from NSW Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Travelling with another family who have not yet booked for Jan 2013. Should I make dining res for 5 and then change down if they don't come? Do I change online or with concierge at hotel on arrival?

    Hi Hayley!

    Thank you for sending in your question to the Walt Disney World Moms Panel!

    I would definitely make dining reservations as soon as possible if you want to dine in specific restaurants at peak times. If the specific restaurant doesn't matter that much then you can probably wait for a while; January is a quiet time at Walt Disney World except for Marathon Weekend and the Martin Luther King Jr Holiday Weekend.

    That said, I would make a reservation for 5 for the meals you are interested in.  If the other family is a party of 2 or 3, then I don't think I would only remake the reservation if I can still get the location and time that I wanted.  Otherwise, I wouldn't "fix" the reservation until you are at Walt Disney World and talking to a Cast Member at the restaurant.  Disney is very flexible!  However, that's not good advice for those restaurants requiring a credit card guarantee, such as Disney Character Dining Experiences.  For those restaurants, you should make a reservation for what you believe is going to happen (a larger party or a smaller party) and then you will have to remake it once you know the exact party size.

    Good luck.  I know how hard it is to schedule and plan when you are not sure how many people are actually coming.  It happens to me and my family from time to time.  Please write back with more questions!
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Meet the Panelist: Bernie, Maryland

I am an engineer with NASA with prior Air Force service. My wife and I have two boys, ages 13 and 8. At home, I'm known as the "Disney Guy" and I've enjoyed helping guests plan their Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and Disneyland vacations. Learn More About Bernie

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