ADRs - can you make changes?

[OneThree]

So I'm working out where we'd like to do our ADRs for our upcoming trip. Since we are traveling with another family, can I make reservations for the group and change them if needed? For example, I book and ADR to Cafe Orleans but the other family decides they want something else. Can just four of us show up?

Never done ADRs so I'm confused about the rules

 

[GatorChris]

You can't make changes to existing ADR. When something like this happens (a family joins us or leaves our dining party), I make another reservation that fits and then cancel the old reservation. It's pretty easy online. Now if you have a party of 6 and 1 leaves, you probably don't have to change anything. But if you have a party of 4 and you need to add 1, you need to make another reservation. You may get there and they'll say they have you down for 4, but it'll take longer to get a table for 5. Maybe not as long as a walk-up, but it could take more than a 15-30 minute wait. Disney plans around your numbers, so make sure they have an accurate count for your own sake as well as the sake of others.

 

[figment_jii]

Yes, you can make changes to your existing reservations. When you view the reservation on Disneyland.com, you'll see two clickable links below the confirmation number on the right hand side of the screen. One says "Change Reservation" and the other says "Cancel Reservation". If you click on change, you can look for a new date, time, and party size at that same location. If there is anything available, it will give you the new options on the next screen. I used it a couple of times on my last trip and it worked out pretty good.

 

[disneychrista]

Note: that they charge a $10 per person NO SHOW charge if you cancel less than 24 hours in advance. So if day of someone changes their mind and only 3 of the 4 show up they could charge you a $10 cancel fee for the no show. If an extra person shows up they may not be able to accommodate, depending on the party size adding a person to a party of 3 may not be so difficult but adding one to a party of 2 might not be accommodated.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

It is possible to modify existing reservations, but there is no guarantee that the new changes will be accomodated. As stated above, you may need to make a new reservation for a larger party size, but there is no guarantee that a table will be available for you when you want it. In other words, having an existing reservation does not give any advantage in booking a new one. If a restaurant, say Blue Bayou, is fully booked for your day and you already have a reservation you wish to change, you may not be able to do so. But usually, you should not have a problem with less crowded TS places as long as you can be flexible about times.

 

[Disney_Alli]

I've never heard of anyone being charged the $10/person fee as long as at least one person shows up. If the ADR is for 5 and only 4 show up you won't be charged and everyone will be seated. If the ADR is for 4 and 5 show up especially at busier restaurants it's possible they'd turn the additional person(s) away. So reserve for the maximum number who could show up and attempt to modify if your friends decide not to join you