Free Dining and adding friend to the reservation ?

[squirrel]

I have a room already booked for Free Dining for my niece and myself.

A friend and her son are thinking about going but might not arrive on the day we check in Oct.1st, they also wouldn't stay the full two weeks-just a few nights as they would be down visiting family. In order for them to qualify for the free dining on our reservation do they have to arrive on the 1st? would the 2nd be a problem?

I know that the CM's have asked to see everyone at Check in, sometimes if it's during Free Dining.

Any ideas? Trying to help her save some money on getting a room for her and her young son.

 

[TDC Nala]

Everybody has to be on the same dining plan for the full length of the reservation. And it is possible they may ask to see everyone listed when you check in. It might do you some good to do one of two things: 1) call WDW and say you want to add a third and fourth person to your reservation, but make it clear that the third and fourth persons in the room will not be arriving until the second day or 2) book a room only reservation for the first night and start the free dining on the second night.

There are reports that you might randomly be asked to have everyone present at check in in order to prevent those who book phantom guests just to get extra dining credits. It might help if you already have it noted on your reservation that the others won't arrive until the second day.

If they only stay for a portion of the reservation they would be getting dining credits for the full stay.

You will also have to purchase the same park tickets for them that you are purchasing on your package for you and your niece.