Hello Kirsten!
Thank you for stopping by the Disney Parks Moms Panel! There is some flexibility with
dining reservations at Walt Disney World Resort. In my experience, if someone in our party wasn't feeling well or was tired, and we showed up with less people in our reservation, we were not charged the $10 per person for the guests that didn't come as long as someone in the party did.
That being said, if you're unsure if people really want a dining reservation and want to be in the moment, then I suggest walking up to a restaurant and inquiring about availability. If they are not accepting walk-up reservations, then it's a great time to try a new quick-service location! I have found some of my new favorite Disney restaurants that way like
La Cantina de San Angel in Epcot. The Nachos and Empanadas con Queso are delicious!
If you have any other questions, please come back and see us real soon!
Tania