ADR dilemma and need expert advice

[rk5798]

Our ADR time is coming up soon and my dilemma is that 2 of the people wanting to eat with us at almost all of our ADR may or may not make the trip. They are having a baby in October and are really planning on coming in December (Christmas week) but may not if after the baby is born they find that they think it will be too hard. One ADR will be the candlelight processional. I don't want to be charged for them if they don't show but I am afraid of losing the reservation if we try to cancel and remake it. Is Disney good about updating reservations if we find out in advance that 2 members of our group are not going to make it. I don't want to waste space in the restaurant that another couple could use but I also don't want to lose all of our ADR either because they don't have a table available for the new number of diners in our group. I hope this all makes sense and hope someone can offer some advice on how to handle this situation. Thanks

 

[jrtoastyman]

I can't speak from specific experience, but based upon the way I understand Disney to handle their ADR system, it stands to reason that going from a larger group to a smaller group would not present a problem, because they can always accept new reservations to fill that space. Adding to a group is going to be tougher, because they have to come up with new space for your larger party.

 

[DaisyMaisie]

I don't know anything about the cancellation policy, I am sure someone will be helpful there. But as long as you can cancel I would make 2 separate reservations for 2 people each, and see if you can switch to a foursome when you are sure they are coming, or ask to be seated together when you get there. Worse case scenario you wont get to share a table. At least you wont lose your ressie if you have to reduce it to a party of 2.

 

[KJay]

Make your reservations for the larger number. If they are not going, call well in advance. Let the reservation person know that two members of your party are not coming- they'll change the res to the proper number.

 

[purple figment]

It's easier to arrive with fewer people than more so make your reservations for the maximum number of people who will be there. If they are bringing the baby, s/he needs to be included as well since every person, no matter how young, counts towards the fire code regulations.

As far as CP, if it requires a credit card guarantee, there will be a deadline for cancellations. Alternatively you could reserve separate packages for each of the families. There won't be a guarantee that you'll be seated together, although I'm sure the podium CMs will try, but it will make cancellation of one package easier.