Adding 2 year old to dining res

[crayon3448]

We were all set with our dining reservations for our November trip for me, DH and DD (2) but now our nephew is coming to live with us via foster care (he's 2 also). We added him to our reservations and it's not an issue for fast passes because of his age, but will it be a problem for the dining reservations?

I was able to snag updated ressies for 4 people for 3 of the meals, but I am not hopeful to get some of the harder reservations- Be Our Guest, Akershus, Hollywood & Vine Character lunch and Le Cellier (on a Sat night during Food & Wine). If we show up with an additional "infant" will it create a problem? It would be going from 3 to 4 or from 5 to 6 (2 meals the ILs are with us) so there should still be an extra seat at the table. I just don't want to get turned away and have 2 hungry kids and no reservations for meals. I did set up a disney dining scout to look for our ressies with the additional person, but I'm not sure what kind of luck I'll have.

Booking 180 days out for meals is rough, so much can change in 6 months!

 

[maxiesmom]

It might be a problem, yes. Some restaurants do have 3 top tables. The very best thing is to keep checking for the ADR size you need, and get it switched. I know, that is obvious, right? But keep checking, and check again and again. Don't give up until you are at your ADR. Now the bad thing is that if they cannot accommodate your extra guest you will have a tough decision to make. Who sits out, or do you walk away and pay the no show fees?

Change what you can ahead of time. If you decide to take your chances, show up early for your ADRs and explain your situation. Good luck!

 

[pooch]

I would also suggest if you are near the restaurants in question on earlier days, stop at the podium and explain the situation. They may be able to help in advance. And ask Guest Services at your resort. Often, feet on the ground people are able to do things the phone & website can't.

 

[gtpoohbear]

We have never had a problem adding a extra person at check-in, though I know it has happened to others. In general it is easier going from 3 to 4, as you will be. Although I know Akershus does have quite a few 3 person tables - that's what we were seated at on our first trip when it was just me, DH, and DD. It wouldn't hurt to keep checking for ADRs for 4 so that you don't have to worry, but if you don't have any luck, I would definitely explain the situation at check-in and hope for the best. My guess is that you won't have a problem, at least for most of them.

 

[Hopefully]

It is not just a matter of age or seats, it is also a matter of maximum capacity per fire code. I think it is about 50 -50 at the restaurants you list. If they are at or near capacity, which they very well could be, they will not accept extras. You need a plan B as to what you will do if you can't all be seated.
Good Luck

 

[dwight16]

i give it like 99% you dont have a problem......even if you add 1 person and my god the kid can sit on someones lap if its really an issue...people dont show or come light......how many times people are in a party of 6 more and 1 or 2 dont make it....it happens all the time.....dont sweat it and god forbid anything happens just explain what happened.....i would have to think if your nice they will be nice.....good luck i am dealing with the same thing but with an adult.....

 

[maxiesmom]

i give it like 99% you dont have a problem......even if you add 1 person and my god the kid can sit on someones lap if its really an issue...people dont show or come light......how many times people are in a party of 6 more and 1 or 2 dont make it....it happens all the time.....dont sweat it and god forbid anything happens just explain what happened.....i would have to think if your nice they will be nice.....good luck i am dealing with the same thing but with an adult.....

As was pointed out Disney counts every person, no matter how small. Disney also makes sure everyone has a space at the table, so saying you will hold a child won't work. I agree the OP probably won't have a problem. But none of us can guarantee it ahead of time. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.

 

[Ladyfish77]

Call reservations. If there is room, they can add one to the reservation.

 

[Lucius Best]

I was able to snag updated ressies for 4 people for 3 of the meals, but I am not hopeful to get some of the harder reservations- Be Our Guest, Akershus, Hollywood & Vine Character lunch and Le Cellier (on a Sat night during Food & Wine). If we show up with an additional "infant" will it create a problem? It would be going from 3 to 4 or from 5 to 6 (2 meals the ILs are with us) so there should still be an extra seat at the table. I just don't want to get turned away and have 2 hungry kids and no reservations for meals. I did set up a disney dining scout to look for our ressies with the additional person, but I'm not sure what kind of luck I'll have.

I would try calling. On last trip we spent weeks checking online trying to make a larger ADR at an early morning 8:05am Crystal Palace ADR, with no success. When we called, they were able to change it no problem.