How do I book when I don't know who will be going?

[wdwfann]

I am planning a trip for the end of May/first of June for my son's graduation gift. There will be myself, hubby, son, daughter-n-law, graduating son and a friend. My problem is at this time we don't know who the friend will be. Several of his classmates have plans following graduation. I would like to book because it will be a fairly large trip with a fairly large price tag so I would like to begin making payments on the trip. How do I go about this if I don't know who the 6th person is going to be? Should I call and make the reservation over the phone, should I make a room only reservation and upgrade to a package later? We are also going to spend the first couple of days at Universal. So, if anyone knows how to work this out for Universal, as well, any advice would be appreciated.

 

[danceintherain]

From what I understand, it's not that difficult to add people to a reservation as long as it's within the room occupancy. I think the same applies to changing someone, as long as you're not trying to change the primary person on the reservation. Now that I'm thinking about it...the name doesn't actually matter much (except for the primary) until it's time to personalize your MagicBands (even then you don't have to engrave a name on it). The only time I've ever been asked for an ID is when activating Armed Forces Salute tickets. Otherwise, there has never been a need for it.
I even once checked into an ADR that had been made by a TA under the wrong name, because I had the confirmation number with me that matched what they had on file.

The only time they require information that may be person specific is when you're adding children. Over 18 is just simply considered an "adult."

No idea about Universal. Again, the only time I've ever bought tickets there was from a military standpoint, so they required a military ID.

 

[minnie mum]

As the PP stated, you can add the 6th person later as long as you won't be over the occupancy limit. There's really no need for a specific name even for MBs, ADRs or FPs. Make one up if you like. It doesnt matter as long as they arent the primary on the rrservation. If you want a package, book a package. If you want RO, then book RO. Switching from one to another requires you to cancel and rebook, with new deposits, and is an unnecessary PITA.

The only problem I forsee, if your son can't nail down a friend in time, would be plane reservations, since they aren't transferrable. Good luck.

 

[wdwfann]

Thank you for the help. Plane reservations are not a problem. We're only 6 hours away. We drive. We missed going this summer because my oldest son got married. So, I'm beyond excited to start planning this trip.