Adding a person to a dining reservation at the last minute

[sfromma]

Hi everyone. I'm hoping someone has some personal experience here and can help me out. We leave in two weeks for Disney and my brother's girlfriend is now joining us for a few nights (a late add). I called Disney dining to add her to two of our exisiting reservations - Mama Melrose and Le Cellier - bring us from 7 to 8. They said they aren't able to add her, the computer is saying they are booked. I will keep checking, but can't imagine either of those opening much. Do you think we could roll the dice, and let the hostess know when we get there that we have a late add... and hope they don't turn us all away?
Thanks!
Shannon

 

[TDC Nala]

They won't turn you all away. They will turn away one person. That will only happen if the restaurant is absolutely at capacity, and this is rare. What is more likely to happen is that you will be waiting longer for a table.

Le Cellier will carry the biggest risk, as it is a very small restaurant and intensely popular.

 

[Skylarr29]

I think you'd probably be ok just showing up. More than likely you would have been at an 8 top ( 2 four top tables) put together anyways. Only a few places have actual seating for 7.

 

[smitch425]

The only reason you would not be allowed to have that extra person is for fire code. Since you are already a group of 7, you would be given a table for 8 anyway. I would say your odds are good since the addition will not effect your table size, but have that 8th person prepared for a plan B if the restaurant is full.

 

[sfromma]

Thanks. Having worked in restaurants for years I figured that the table size would remain the same, but you're right about the fire code. I think that's the concern... here's hoping!