We are party of 3; any issue with booking ADR for 4?

[frannn]

I've been trying for a Be Our Guest ADR for a week, since Disney froze August. Finally got one today, but there seems to be an issue with parties of 3. Many ressies open for parties of 2 or 4, but only after 8pm for parties of 3. I checked over many days, almost right after the ADRs were released. I went ahead and booked the ressie for 4, since it was the day and time we wanted. Is this a no-no? Will we have any issues at the podium or otherwise? Don't think I want to call Disney Dining to ask them, since we seem to know more concrete info on the DIS! If this will cause a problem I will go after 8...

 

[DeeCeeSW]

I am in the same boat. We're 3 and I just booked BOG for 4. CM told me that it's easier to drop one than add, so she suggested a call to WDW-DINE during our trip to downsize or go to the concierge at my resort and have them make the change. I am still skeptical...I asked if I could just mention we are 3 and not 4 when I got to the podium for dinner, and she said it would likely be ok to do that too. She said she hadn't heard anything about people being charged the $10 fee and from what I've been reading on the DIS for weeks, this is common practice.

 

[smitch425]

The credit card/cancellation sticky addresses this scenario. It is in post #1 under "partial parties"...

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2836290

 

[purple figment]

You'll be fine. As far as the credit card guarantee, there's no problem. As long as at least one person shows up for the reservation, you will not be charged for anyone who doesn't show up (even a phantom 4th person.)

As far as making a reservation for 4 even though you're a party of 3, that also is not a problem. The Disney reservation system is set up to fill as many seats as possible. Once the reservation system fills the (very few) tables for an odd number party (e.g. 3), the system then says nothing is available for your party even though there are still tables for 4 available. It's looking to fill the tables of 4 with a party of 4. You'll often have better luck if you input an even number instead of an odd. Once you're at the restaurant, just let the CM at the podium know you're only a party of 3. We've gotten used to this because we are usually a party of 3 also.

 

[closetmickey]

You should be just fine letting them know at the podium.

 

[DISNEYGAMMIE]

I could only get a table for 2 at BOG online so I listed the adults as guests, what happens if I show up with 1 child also?
I'll keep checking back and even call but, has anyone done this at any restaurant?

 

[purple figment]

I could only get a table for 2 at BOG online so I listed the adults as guests, what happens if I show up with 1 child also?
I'll keep checking back and even call but, has anyone done this at any restaurant?

It's always easier to show up with fewer than to try and add extra people at the podium. You will need a larger sized table - a 4 top rather than a 2 top. When you arrive at BOG it's possible that you'll be okay, or you might have to wait longer - or rare, but possible - if the restaurant is fully booked and at capacity one person in your group might not be allowed in because of fire and safety code limits.

Definitely keep checking online for a reservation that includes everyone in your group.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

I've been trying for a Be Our Guest ADR for a week, since Disney froze August. Finally got one today, but there seems to be an issue with parties of 3. Many ressies open for parties of 2 or 4, but only after 8pm for parties of 3. I checked over many days, almost right after the ADRs were released. I went ahead and booked the ressie for 4, since it was the day and time we wanted. Is this a no-no? Will we have any issues at the podium or otherwise? Don't think I want to call Disney Dining to ask them, since we seem to know more concrete info on the DIS! If this will cause a problem I will go after 8...

It is easier to turn up with one less then extra. For a party for 3, you will be put on a table that is set up for four people. I don't recommend calling and trying to change it. There have been so many stories of people where the CM has cancelled the reservation and they've turned up and can't get a table. Just tell them at the podium only 3 people will be dining. If you don't want to tell him you "deliberately" booked too many seats, say someone couldn't make it. A small lie...

As others have said, you won't be charged for a "no show" as even if you could a table for 20 people, if 1 person turns up, you don't get charged.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

I could only get a table for 2 at BOG online so I listed the adults as guests, what happens if I show up with 1 child also?
I'll keep checking back and even call but, has anyone done this at any restaurant?

This is a little more difficult. With a reservation for 2, you will be "given" in the system a table for 2 people. Even with a child, they still need a "seat" or space for a high chair. It's doubtful you'll be turned away but you might need to wait for another table.

 

[klangkat]

Thanks for posting this OP, we're a party of three also and I've been doing a few dummy runs for CP and BoG and noticing a scarcity in ADR availability.
If we're struggling I guess we'll just book for four

 

[iheartjuppy]

This is a little more difficult. With a reservation for 2, you will be "given" in the system a table for 2 people. Even with a child, they still need a "seat" or space for a high chair. It's doubtful you'll be turned away but you might need to wait for another table.

I would come prepared to wait for another table because, due to fire hazard regulations, they can't always add a chair/high chair to a table for two. Hopefully they can accommodate you quickly but I would probably keep the reservation line to see what they can do.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Thanks for posting this OP, we're a party of three also and I've been doing a few dummy runs for CP and BoG and noticing a scarcity in ADR availability.
If we're struggling I guess we'll just book for four

It's better to book for four and need three. You will be put at the same table since there are no actual tables for three people.

 

[Southern Bell]

I had the same problem booking for 5 people. I called at home in a day or two after making the reservation and cancelled the extra people. That way your reservation is correct when you get there and you don't take a chance of being charged for the extra person or people.

 

[maxiesmom]

I could only get a table for 2 at BOG online so I listed the adults as guests, what happens if I show up with 1 child also?
I'll keep checking back and even call but, has anyone done this at any restaurant?

Not a great idea. Especially for BoG, which is very popular. If the restaurant is booked solid they won't be able to sit an extra person. So you would have to decide then which adult wouldn't eat at BoG, or if you would all skip the meal.

There has been a poster who said Disney is on to people under counting their numbers, and they have been told to sit the extra guest if possible. But it is not always possible. And if it isn't, it is not their fault.

Try and change your ADR to at least your correct party size. Always better to over-book than under-book if you can't find a table for 3. If you can't change it, keep your fingers crossed!