Annoying ADR hiccup

[2Tiggies]

I make my ADRs in 2 days. Everything is fine and dandy in terms of planning and knowing what I want etc. As always, nothing is straightforward though.

As many of you know, this is a surprise trip for DD. Her dad, who lives and works abroad has been promising to come and see her for 2 years. He was meant to come in April (now) but phoned at the beginning of the year to say they are filming again until the end of summer so he is looking at October

So I told him about our trip and said if it is the only time he can get off, he can arrange to meet us there. He would probably only stay 5-7 days at most and would have to make his own accommodation arrangements but I sent him a stack of planning info, prices, quotes, reviews ....... and our itinerary. I also explained in very strong terms the ADR 180 day scenario and told him if he wants to join us for the meals (especially the character which I think would be nice for him to experience with DD) then he needs to tell me ASAP. Despite many reminders I have heard nothing except that 2 weeks ago he still hadn't had time to read the info I sent

I don't really want to start a discussion about what is right and wrong, but should I book for 3 and say he didn't pitch up if he doesn't (which is very possible but you never know with him) or do I book for the 2 of us and tell him it's too bad? Bearing in mind that DD has been tearful for the last week because he hasn't been in touch, been to visit or replied to her letters/emails it is very important to her and she doesn't see the situation the way an adult does. If his being there brings a smile to her face, which it would, I will make whatever sacrifices. I am concerned that if I book for 2 and he arrives she may not be interested in all the ADRs I am making especially for her (her favourites) because his not being at the meal may put a damper on things. On the other hand, booking for 3 if only 2 of us arrive, will potentially rob a couple of an ADR at all 6 restaurants due to table and seating configuration. I really didn't want to be in this position at this stage of my planning.

 

[gemmybear83]

Sorry your having to go through this - I would book for 3 90% of the tables we were sat at were for 4 anyway (were a couple) so booking an extra person should not make any difference.

Don't get too stressed about the 180 days either - we have always managed to amend ADRS and do walk ups throughout our trips as well as booking advance

 

[2Tiggies]

Thanks Gemmybear. I am doing the ADRs on Monday because we are closed for the bank holiday which suits me. I would not manage to do it in between work.

I guess you make a good point. I am going to text him and ask him if it's still a possibility or an outright no. At least if I have some idea it will be helpful. I guess I can always try and change the ressies later, but he has a habit of deciding things as the last, and I mean the LAST minute. An obsessive planner like me just cannot get a grip on that

 

[MrsTigger]

I wouldnt worry about changing ressies its seems fairly ok, I have changed a few and have been looking up different times etc and I'm sure you will be able to work soemthing out in few months time- do you have many you want to book? I hope he does give you an answer tho for your DD.

 

[Disneymad]

Unless there's a deposit or something like for CRT I'd deffo book for 3. It's easier to downsize an ADR than upsize it and you'll not be depriving people of a spot as the restaurants do actually factor in for cancellations (hence why sometimes you can wait a long time for a table even with an ADR - it's because everyone has been turning up!)

 

[2Tiggies]

Thanks everyone. He has texted back to say I must book for two as he doesn't know and may just come over here to see her when he gets back but he might still go to Disney ..... I suspect, going on past patterns that this is his way of saying he won't be coming but doesn't want to have it set in stone at this point. I think I will book the character meals that she loves for three and the others like WCC and House of Blues for two as it won't feel like such a big deal if he meets us after those and with HoB it may be a bit easier to add one on if necessary as we are likely to do an off-peak lunch/early dinner there.

I guess nothings changed - I always used to complain about not being able to get a straight answer from my indecisive ex-DH

 

[howlongtillsummer?]

Poor you! Would it be a bit mean to say you'll probably have more fun without him?

 

[2Tiggies]

Poor you! Would it be a bit mean to say you'll probably have more fun without him?

Well, you made me smile! He is actually good fun so I'm not too worried about that. It will mean a lot to DD though and she is going through a stage of questioning whether he cares about her or not. I don't mind him not going and as this is my surprise trip for her, I would like to have at least a week for just DD and I together, however he would need to come and see her this year as he promised (again) and I am concerned that if he shelves the WDW idea, he may not come and see her at all. There are advantages to meeting on neutral turf, but to say I am totally unselfish about it would not be true as I can't deny I am hoping very sincerely that he won't join us for more than half of our stay.

Thanks

 

[howlongtillsummer?]

Maybe you shouldn't tell her - then if doesn't turn up she won't be disappointed. I would just hate her magic to be tarnished.

 

[2Tiggies]

Maybe you shouldn't tell her - then if doesn't turn up she won't be disappointed. I would just hate her magic to be tarnished.

That's okay, I'm safe in that department. DD has no clue about the upcoming trip. She thinks I am planning a trip to Spain. And she is pestering me to go to the place where her friend goes several times a year, er.... "the place with a rock in the middle" Took about a week of bad guesses on my part until she announced she remembered the place: "Lanzarocky" All she cares about is some sun and to be with me Her dad has said nothing about when he will see her except that it will be late in the year and "definitely before Christmas"