Booked ADR for 3 people, but its only for 2?

[Disney8704]

I had a horrible time trying to get Chef Mickey's for breakfast so I asked for a party of 3 and got a time. This is on our anniversary and I want everything to go smoothly. I tried calling earlier today to see if I could switch it to 2 people and I couldnt cuz there was nothing available for a party of 2. When we show up and theres only 2 people instead of 3, will that cause a problem? Has anyone ever booked extra people but showed up with less?

EDIT: CHEF MICKEYS HAS BEEN CANCELLED. This thread can now close.

 

[JMD]

It shouldn't be a problem. I've never intentionally booked more people than I needed, but we've showed up to an ADR with a few less or a few extra people and its never been a problem. They've always been able to seat us.

You may have to wait a little bit longer for a table, but they should be able to accomodate you.

 

[MickeyNicki]

That happened to me at Cape May breakfast, I didnt make the ADR for 3 but I guess the CM on the phone did. So we go to check in and the hostess said party of 3 right and I said no just the 2 of us. She got all confused and said no you are down for 3, I said well thats fine but there is just us. She conferred with another host and they were all upset. She said ok we will seat you...well I hope so because I did have a reservation.

We were seated at a very nice large booth and the waiter comes over, looks at the little reservation paper and said there is going to be another person with you? Again I said no just us 2. He was all bent out of shape, pissy and full of attitude, grumbling how we are taking up a large booth that could fit 4 and blah blah blah. We got terrible service from this dude, he doted on the other tables around us but completely ignored us. Never got drink refills, never had our dishes removed and had to hunt him down for the check. I left him a buck tip.

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

I can understand why they get upset when you show up with less or more people than you booked for.

OP, why did you book for the wrong number of people in the first place? I'm not understanding.

 

[vellamint]

I can understand why they get upset when you show up with less or more people than you booked for.

OP, why did you book for the wrong number of people in the first place? I'm not understanding.

Booking for a party of 3 when you are only a party of 2 is a tip that is told in quite a few guidebooks/podcasts. It seems that if a table for 2 is not available you will be told there are no openings at the restaurant even if there are tables of 4 sitting empty........ While I have never booked a meal this way (we are a party of 6 - think a party of 2 is difficult try being a party of 6) I know of quite a few that use this method. I am not here to judge.

 

[Disney8704]

vellamint is correct. Thats why I did it. I couldnt get a table for 2 so I had to tell them a party of 3 and managed to grab a table. This is the only ADR I did it for and its for our anniversary breakfast. I called everyday for like a week and the final day I called, I called every hr to see if there was any changes. Finally I tried my luck and asked for a party of 3 and scored. And I was even flexiable in my dates. I tried everyday of my vacation, but nothing was open for a party of 2 for breakfast. We both wanted to eat here really bad. Its not like I did it to all our ADRs, its just this 1. I can see them getting upset if you tell them a party for like 6 or 8 and only 2, 3 or 4 people show, but to get a table for a party of 3 or 4 and 2 show up doesnt make much more difference. If we have to wait to get a table for a party of 2 instead of a table for a party of 3 or 4, we'll wait. We'll understand. We're not gonna create a huge scene because we cant get a table for 4 when its just the 2 of us and having to wait.

Now if they tell us we cant eat there because all 3 people didnt show, then I'll speak to a manager, because its completely unfair. To me I really dont see what the big deal is. Its a table. Its not like the whole world is gonna come to a crashing end because we book a table for a party of 3 and only 2 people showed up.

Same thing applies to MickeyNicki story. Those CMs IMHO were out of line. If we ever got treated that way, regardless if we did it on purpose or the dining CM made a mistake in the computer, they would get a nice big ZERO tip from us. Its no way to treat guests. We, Disney guests are the reason they even have a job in the 1st place. Yes Disney might hire them, but we're the one who spends the $$ at those places. If no one went there, the restaurant would close, and those people would be out of a job.

When we go to check in, I'll simply tell them that we had a ADR for 3 people, but the other person couldnt come and its our anniversary so we wanted to still eat here anyways and ask if its gonna be a problem. And I'll be sure to mention that we will wait for a table for 2 if need be. Not that big of a deal. I'll show kindess to the person at the podium, and hope they will be kind right back. If they even tempt to give me an attitude problem, I'll ask to speak to a manager immediately.

I can understand why they get upset when you show up with less or more people than you booked for.

OP, why did you book for the wrong number of people in the first place? I'm not understanding.

Booking for a party of 3 when you are only a party of 2 is a tip that is told in quite a few guidebooks/podcasts. It seems that if a table for 2 is not available you will be told there are no openings at the restaurant even if there are tables of 4 sitting empty........ While I have never booked a meal this way (we are a party of 6 - think a party of 2 is difficult try being a party of 6) I know of quite a few that use this method. I am not here to judge.

 

[MermaidsMom]

You need to tell the people at the check in desk when you first arrive rather than wait until the host/hostess is getting the menus. They simply change it in their computer and when they come to get you they have the correct number of menus and everything is good. The problem may happen when the host/hostess gets confused with the menu count. Other than that no one cares. People here make a big deal about it but no one there cares. Also, I wouldn't ask if it's OK to have less people, simply state you have 2 rather than 3 people. They really don't care.

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Now if they tell us we cant eat there because all 3 people didnt show, then I'll speak to a manager, because its completely unfair. To me I really dont see what the big deal is. Its a table. Its not like the whole world is gonna come to a crashing end because we book a table for a party of 3 and only 2 people showed up.

<skip>

We, Disney guests are the reason they even have a job in the 1st place. Yes Disney might hire them, but we're the one who spends the $$ at those places. If no one went there, the restaurant would close, and those people would be out of a job.

When we go to check in, I'll simply tell them that we had a ADR for 3 people, but the other person couldnt come and its our anniversary so we wanted to still eat here anyways and ask if its gonna be a problem.

<skip>

If they even tempt to give me an attitude problem, I'll ask to speak to a manager immediately.

Wow. There's just so much wrong with your attitude.

I don't think you deserve a pat on the back for giving people jobs. I don't think servers are slaves. And I can't believe that there really are people who have no problem lying directly to another person's face. Not only are you planning to lie but if they don't accept your lies, you're going to cause a scene by getting the manager involved.

Well, do what you're going to do I suppose, but I needed to voice my disagreement. Thank you.

 

[Disney8704]

That is what I was gonna do...

You need to tell the people at the check in desk when you first arrive rather than wait until the host/hostess is getting the menus. They simply change it in their computer and when they come to get you they have the correct number of menus and everything is good. The problem may happen when the host/hostess gets confused with the menu count. Other than that no one cares. People here make a big deal about it but no one there cares. Also, I wouldn't ask if it's OK to have less people, simply state you have 2 rather than 3 people. They really don't care.

 

[Disney8704]

Im not asking for a pat on the back, what I am asking and expect along with everyone else that goes to Disney is that no matter what the situation is, CMs should ALWAYS treat customers with respect and kindness. If they have a problem with a customer, they need to bite their tongue and grin and bear it and put a smile on. Yes I know its hard. I've had to deal with it working in retail. But I managed, lived, survived and moved on. Why cant they? This is supposed to be the happiest place on earth. Not the meanest place on earth.

As for lying..I dont see it as lying..im stretching the truth by saying the other person couldnt come. Everything else is true. What am I supposed to say? I booked it for 3 people just so I can get in? That would probably make me loose my ADR. I dont need that kind of stress on my vacation especially on our anniversary day.

Wow. There's just so much wrong with your attitude.

I don't think you deserve a pat on the back for giving people jobs. I don't think servers are slaves. And I can't believe that there really are people who have no problem lying directly to another person's face. Not only are you planning to lie but if they don't accept your lies, you're going to cause a scene by getting the manager involved.

Well, do what you're going to do I suppose, but I needed to voice my disagreement. Thank you.

 

[Disney8704]

Thanks to another DISer, I received a PM from her telling me she received a PM from another DISer. I wont post the entire PM, just part of it, as the rest of the PM that has NOTHING to do with this topic. Long story, short, they said some pretty rotten stuff about me behind my back to another DISer.

Originally Posted by kaytieeldr
JMO - but she's selfish, immature, and the world needs to revolve around her.


Now seriously...if its SO selfish they why on earth do they go off and place this tip in guide books, podcasts and yes, even right here on the DISboards under Dining > Advanced Dining Reservation Tips? Direct from there:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/reservations.htm

5. Be aware that Disney’s dining reservation system is flawed. You might find difficulty in booking a table for two, but have no trouble finding a table for three. The reservation system will attempt to find a table appropriate for your party size and when it doesn’t, it will let the person you are talking to know that there are no available tables. This is often not the case. There may be plenty of space available, but no tables for two. There isn’t a restaurant anywhere that would deny a party of two a table for four if one is available. Just ask them to check for a party of 3 and see if it changes.

I dont see how Im being selfish, considering I have been calling and calling and trying to get it switched to 2 people. Its not my fault the dang on ADR system is flawed.

EDIT TO ADD: I just wanna say 1 thing. I dont think Im the one whos being immature. Whats immature about this, is that fact someone PMed another DISer and talked trash about me. THATS immature. Thats something you would do when your in high school. Not as an adult.

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/reservations.htm

5. Be aware that Disney’s dining reservation system is flawed. You might find difficulty in booking a table for two, but have no trouble finding a table for three. The reservation system will attempt to find a table appropriate for your party size and when it doesn’t, it will let the person you are talking to know that there are no available tables. This is often not the case. There may be plenty of space available, but no tables for two. There isn’t a restaurant anywhere that would deny a party of two a table for four if one is available. Just ask them to check for a party of 3 and see if it changes.

This doesn't say to lie to the CM and tell them you have 3 people in your party when you really have 2. It says to ask them if they can check and see if there is an ADR available for a 3 top that she might be able to book for your party of 2. It also doesn't say that you should lie to the CM at the podium and tell them that you had planned all along to have 3 people in your party but one person cancelled. You can do what you want to do without lying. That's my point.

 

[kbmaggs]

It's difficult to explain to an "I'm the center of the universe" kind of person why this kind of thinking and justification is selfish and inappropriate. The world does not owe you a table at a particular restaurant just because you want it. Cheating the system is just plain wrong.

 

[Disney8704]

I dont think of myself center of the universe. Infact Im always thinking the opposite - i always think the world is against me, not with me..even DH can tell you that!

Yes, I am cheating the system..but I dont see it wrong. Maybe if Disney Dining would fix their dining system to allow to check for other tables other then what you put in for amount of people, I bet you any $ everyone would have a lot easier time finding an ADR.

If its so wrong, then why do others do it and why do they suggest it? And please do not give me the whole spiel of if someone jumped off a bridge would you follow....

I just got off the phone with disney dining trying again to switch it to 2 people. Even had the guy check other dates..still nothing for 2 people. He even bluntly came out and told me I can keep it for 3 people.

I even had him check for other restaurants that we would be interested in and nothing.

I know Im not the only person who has done this and I know Im not gonna be the last. Are you gonna tell every single person that has "cheated the system" its wrong? I just love it how I always seem to be the one to get singled out and get yelled and blamed on. Yet, I bet if others got on here and said they done the same thing, their post would get read and people would move on.

DISers like you and the ones who are stating that im lying, cheating, think the world revolves around me, etc..your the ones that is gonna make me wanna stop being a DISer. This isnt a family friendly board. You come on here and you better have a flame suit on and a whole bunch of other armor.

It's difficult to explain to an "I'm the center of the universe" kind of person why this kind of thinking and justification is selfish and inappropriate. The world does not owe you a table at a particular restaurant just because you want it. Cheating the system is just plain wrong.

 

[Disney8704]

Just so you all know I went ahead and cancelled Chef Mickeys. I hope your all

 

[Disneydaddycanada]

This doesn't say to lie to the CM and tell them you have 3 people in your party when you really have 2. It says to ask them if they can check and see if there is an ADR available for a 3 top that she might be able to book for your party of 2. It also doesn't say that you should lie to the CM at the podium and tell them that you had planned all along to have 3 people in your party but one person cancelled. You can do what you want to do without lying. That's my point.

I guess I look at it differently...

Why is the op being penalized because she only has 2 people eating? It's ok if a party of 3, or 4 but I am sorry you can not eat here because you only have 2 people eating. The system is very flawed. The booking should be first come first served so if a table that sits 3 or 4 should go to the party of 2 or whomever called in first!

It's amazing Mr. & Mrs. Smith, how does it feel being so perfect? "preaching "No liying" I don't know you but I think everyone in this world has lied about something at one time or another. You are very judge mental.

We all pay to have a magical trip and in my mind that should include all of us not just the party sizes that fit disney's flaw reservation system.

To the OP if I was in the same position I would have done the same as you!

Have a wonderful trip and "ask for forgiveness" for lieing
When you check in just say the other person did not feel well so they could not come. That would be a really big lie

Happy anniversary

Please don't listen to these people they are the type that feel better when others are down. They are very sad people.

Call back and get your ressie back... its your anniversary not theirs!!!

 

[Disney8704]

I really wish you had posted about 10 minutes ago...I already cancelled my CM ADR thanks to the "wonderful DISers". Oh well..I cancelled it and made one for Cape May Cafe. DH is gonna be REALLY disapointed. We both were looking so forward to eating at CM. But then everyone had to get on here and ruin it for me. So I just wanna say a big thank you to those who ruined it and even a BIGGER thank you for understanding to Disneydaddycanada.

I guess I look at it differently...

Why is the op being penalized because she only has 2 people eating? It's ok if a party of 3, or 4 but I am sorry you can not eat here because you only have 2 people eating. The system is very flawed. The booking should be first come first served so if a table that sits 3 or 4 should go to the party of 2 or whomever called in first!

It's amazing Mr. & Mrs. Smith, how does it feel being so perfect? "preaching "No lieing" I don't know you but I think everyone in this world has lied about something at one time or another. You are very judge mental.

We all pay to have a magical trip and in my mind that should include all of us not just the party sizes that fit disney's flaw reservation system.

To the OP if I was in the same position I would have done the same as you!

Have a wonderful trip and "ask for forgiveness" for lieing
When you check in just say the other person did not feel well so they could not come. That would be a really big lie

Happy anniversary

 

[Ms. WDW]

Yes, I am cheating the system..but I dont see it wrong. I know I'm not the only person who has done this and I know Im not gonna be the last.

This is probably true, but not many come to the board and brag about what they've done, no matter what the reason.

 

[freesone]

That happened to me at Cape May breakfast, I didnt make the ADR for 3 but I guess the CM on the phone did. So we go to check in and the hostess said party of 3 right and I said no just the 2 of us. She got all confused and said no you are down for 3, I said well thats fine but there is just us. She conferred with another host and they were all upset. She said ok we will seat you...well I hope so because I did have a reservation.

We were seated at a very nice large booth and the waiter comes over, looks at the little reservation paper and said there is going to be another person with you? Again I said no just us 2. He was all bent out of shape, pissy and full of attitude, grumbling how we are taking up a large booth that could fit 4 and blah blah blah. We got terrible service from this dude, he doted on the other tables around us but completely ignored us. Never got drink refills, never had our dishes removed and had to hunt him down for the check. I left him a buck tip.

You left one dollar too much!! There is no need for that type of action by any server.

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

I really wish you had posted about 10 minutes ago...I already cancelled my CM ADR thanks to the "wonderful DISers". Oh well..I cancelled it and made one for Cape May Cafe. DH is gonna be REALLY disapointed. We both were looking so forward to eating at CM. But then everyone had to get on here and ruin it for me. So I just wanna say a big thank you to those who ruined it and even a BIGGER thank you for understanding to Disneydaddycanada.

I really don't get it. If you didn't want people to weigh in on the issue, why did you start a thread about it?

Maybe if Disney Dining would fix their dining system to allow to check for other tables other then what you put in for amount of people, I bet you any $ everyone would have a lot easier time finding an ADR.

They do! Isn't that what you did in the first place?

I just got off the phone with disney dining trying again to switch it to 2 people. Even had the guy check other dates..still nothing for 2 people. He even bluntly came out and told me I can keep it for 3 people.

That's my whole point. You can book a 3 top for 2 people if you ask if it's ok. You don't need to make up a third person who mysteriously fallls in on the day of your ADR.

It's amazing Mr. & Mrs. Smith, how does it feel being so perfect? "preaching "No liying" I don't know you but I think everyone in this world has lied about something at one time or another. You are very judge mental.

It's not as if I'm offering unsolicited advice here. And I find the OP's attitude problematic not just because of the lying but because the drama and the insistance that servers only have a job because she pays their salary. Speaking of drama, I'm not feeding anyone's desire for it in this thread any longer. That's my piece; now peace out!