ADR problem - what would you do

[deegack]

So we are traveling with DH's family. I made ADRs at 180+10 and go everything I wanted. We made some changes mainly dropping people from reservations because his family can't plan a way out of a paper bag. About a month ago, we were thrilled to be placed with a foster child who may be coming with us on our trip. I was able to add her to all our reservations except one at Chef Mickey's. We would be going from 10 to 11 and even if I split into small groups (5 and 6) it doesn't show availability at all during our 8 days.
I plan to keep on trying both online and on the phone but DH says we should just show up and explain that she was a late foster placement and we tried to add her to the reservation but couldn't and hope they take pity on us. She is very small and can fit easily in a high chair but I feel squeeky about just showing up with one more. What if they say no then SIL will get pissed and blame me that her kids didn't get to see Chef Mickey. My other thought is I would just get food somewhere else at the Contemporary and let FD that my seat but I do want to see her face when she "meets" Mickey and Minnie (she is in LOVE with them).
I have tried to convince SIL to do a different character meal like Donald Duck Breakfast at AK but she won't budge.

Any thoughts??

 

[Cafeen]

I'd say keep trying, but if it doesn't work, show up with the extra one. While they can be turned away, it doesn't happen all that often. I would also show up a bit early and let them know ahead of time to see what they can work with.

Now, with that said, I'd suggest having a backup plan if they say no. Meaning, at least 1 person steps out like you had planned. Chances are, you won't need it, but it's a possibility.

 

[ginnygi]

Just show up and explain your situation. They will accommodate you. They are really great about that. My mom decided to join us on a trip last minute (2 years ago) and she wasnt on ANY of our ADRs. We never had a problem adding her to our party when we checked in though. We just explained that she was a last minute addition to our trip and they were happy to help. I LOVE Disney!!!

 

[butterfly71076]

So we are traveling with DH's family. I made ADRs at 180+10 and go everything I wanted. We made some changes mainly dropping people from reservations because his family can't plan a way out of a paper bag. About a month ago, we were thrilled to be placed with a foster child who may be coming with us on our trip. I was able to add her to all our reservations except one at Chef Mickey's. We would be going from 10 to 11 and even if I split into small groups (5 and 6) it doesn't show availability at all during our 8 days.
I plan to keep on trying both online and on the phone but DH says we should just show up and explain that she was a late foster placement and we tried to add her to the reservation but couldn't and hope they take pity on us. She is very small and can fit easily in a high chair but I feel squeeky about just showing up with one more. What if they say no then SIL will get pissed and blame me that her kids didn't get to see Chef Mickey. My other thought is I would just get food somewhere else at the Contemporary and let FD that my seat but I do want to see her face when she "meets" Mickey and Minnie (she is in LOVE with them).
I have tried to convince SIL to do a different character meal like Donald Duck Breakfast at AK but she won't budge.

Any thoughts??

Call and explain the situation. They might be able to help you. Good luck!

 

[butterfly71076]

Just show up and explain your situation. They will accommodate you. They are really great about that. My mom decided to join us on a trip last minute (2 years ago) and she wasnt on ANY of our ADRs. We never had a problem adding her to our party when we checked in though. We just explained that she was a last minute addition to our trip and they were happy to help. I LOVE Disney!!!

Completely disagree. I would not just show up with extra people. By doing this you are making others wait longer because you need a different size table than originally planned for.

 

[ccgirl]

I would show up with one extra but I would have a backup plan also. The FD size has no bearing whatsoever. It is more fire codes. Only so many people can be in the restaurant at a time. If capacity allows, they will seat you. If not, you would need to find an alternate plan. Letting your FD sit rather than you seems like the best option.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

I would keep trying for dual adrs to accomodate everyone. While I know of a few cases where people were accomodated...most of the people I know who have shown up w/too many have been told no or made to wait a long time. The waiting part can be a recipe for disaster w/kids.

Considering the CC guar...I think something should open up at some point. Rather than looking for two slots...I'd look for one...maybe a party of 4 or even a party of 2...and if you can get that...call and reduce your 10 top to a party of 7 or 9. i.e. easier to reduce what is already booked and it's easier to find just one slot for a smaller #.

 

[TDC Nala]

The only way they won't try to accommodate an extra person at the podium is if the restaurant is full to maximum capacity for fire codes. While this is rare, it does sometimes happen. What is more likely is that you will be asked to wait, especially if you are going up a table size.

 

[tyzzle]

Completely disagree. I would not just show up with extra people. By doing this you are making others wait longer because you need a different size table than originally planned for.

That maybe true if going from 2 to 4, or 4 to 6 or 8, but her party is for 10, another high chair is not going to bump them to a bigger table. I would and have shown up with an extra. It is not a big deal. I have not been turned down. The worst they could say is no.

 

[beedale862003]

I would definitely show up and explain, if there is a problem and they can't do it discuss with your hubby one of you stepping out and waiting for the rest of the group. That way your party still gets to do the character meal, including your foster child and no one gets upset. But odds are they will seat you all.

 

[maj42169]

If you are not able to add her on a reservation, then just show up, and DO NOT feel bad about it. Obviously, you could not predict a foster placement when making your ADR's. Explainer the situation, and I am confident it will work out. I have had an extenuating circumstance and shown up with one more and had NO problem. I commend you on opening up your heart, family, and home to a child in need! It takes a special kind of family to be willing and able to foster children.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

So we are traveling with DH's family. I made ADRs at 180+10 and go everything I wanted. We made some changes mainly dropping people from reservations because his family can't plan a way out of a paper bag. About a month ago, we were thrilled to be placed with a foster child who may be coming with us on our trip. I was able to add her to all our reservations except one at Chef Mickey's. We would be going from 10 to 11 and even if I split into small groups (5 and 6) it doesn't show availability at all during our 8 days.
I plan to keep on trying both online and on the phone but DH says we should just show up and explain that she was a late foster placement and we tried to add her to the reservation but couldn't and hope they take pity on us. She is very small and can fit easily in a high chair but I feel squeeky about just showing up with one more. What if they say no then SIL will get pissed and blame me that her kids didn't get to see Chef Mickey. My other thought is I would just get food somewhere else at the Contemporary and let FD that my seat but I do want to see her face when she "meets" Mickey and Minnie (she is in LOVE with them).
I have tried to convince SIL to do a different character meal like Donald Duck Breakfast at AK but she won't budge.

Any thoughts??

Well in 2010, my DD(now 4) was 2 and didnt count so when I made ADR's I didnt have her on there and they didnt mind I told them I didnt know she counted.

 

[tyzzle]

Well in 2010, my DD(now 4) was 2 and didnt count so when I made ADR's I didnt have her on there and they didnt mind I told them I didnt know she counted.

Yep, you have to include them in the reservation count. It is how many people are sitting at the table, not how many are eating. Which I am sure leads to the one extra thing all the time, so I am sure restaurants are used to this.

 

[maxiesmom]

That maybe true if going from 2 to 4, or 4 to 6 or 8, but her party is for 10, another high chair is not going to bump them to a bigger table. I would and have shown up with an extra. It is not a big deal. I have not been turned down. The worst they could say is no.

Disney really does not leave any spare room at the tables, so unfortunately it won't be as simple as pulling up another chair.

The best thing to do is to keep trying to change the ADR. If that isn't possible, then show up extra early and throw yourselves on the mercy of the CMs working that day. Hopefully they will be able to seat everyone, most likely they will. But be prepared with a back up plan, just in case they can't.

 

[deegack]

Thanks everyone. I will just keep on trying and if not will let the others go and eat elsewhere. I hope dh can handle the two girls alone at dinner . His family is useless in these situations.

 

[Cafeen]

Thanks everyone. I will just keep on trying and if not will let the others go and eat elsewhere. I hope dh can handle the two girls alone at dinner . His family is useless in these situations.

Make sure to try the day of as well, especially calling in the morning. With the CC hold at CM, there's a much higher chance of cancellations than there are of flat out NoShows.