Changing Reservation from 3 to 4 people

[scrappinginontario]

I'm helping a friend with their first Disney trip and they leave this weekend.

They currently have a reservation for 3 people and there is a chance (but not a guarantee) that a 4th person will be joining them at Epcot that day.

What do you suggest? Should they try to get a reservation for 4 but would they then have to pay a penalty if only 3 showed up?

Would you 'risk it' and try to change the reservation when you arriving at the restaurant since they'll most likely be sitting at a table for 4 anyway?

Has this happened to you and what did you do?

TIA!

 

[TDC Nala]

You can't just change the reservation to add a person. A new reservation for 4 would have to be booked. That means there must be availability for a party of 4 at the time they try to change it.

Even if the table is for 4 there is an outside chance the extra person won't be allowed at the podium if the restaurant is full to capacity when they arrive. This is VERY rare but apparently it does happen at times. Other than that they can add the 4th when you arrive.

They would NOT have to pay a penalty if only 3 show up on a reservation for 4, unless it's a prepaid reservation (CRT or a dinner show). None of those are at Epcot so I think it can be assumed it isn't a prepaid reservation.

 

[figment_jii]

What do you suggest? Should they try to get a reservation for 4 but would they then have to pay a penalty if only 3 showed up?

Would you 'risk it' and try to change the reservation when you arriving at the restaurant since they'll most likely be sitting at a table for 4 anyway?

It really depends on how much they want to eat their reserved place. If they would be really disappointed if they can't get in or have to wait a while, then I would try to change your reservations before walking-up. In most cases, yes, you'll be at a 4 top anyway, but there are a few places where they have three tops or multi-group tables so you would end up needing a different table.