Counting an infant in ADR Ressie

[DCgator]

I have a question on ADR availability and party size. We've got two adults, two toddlers and an infant that will be in an infant carrier when we visit. Tried making an ADR for a party of 5 in a couple of places with no availability. Tried for a party of 4 in those instances and was successful. (Also successfully booked 5 for a very early character lunch at H&V).

Wondering about the legitimacy of this approach if DD (infant) is not actually occupying a seat. Will we be accomodated when we show up with 5 persons that only want to occupy 4 seats? Or will they usher us out if no walk-ups are available (which could very well be the case)?

Any thoughts/experiences?

Many thanks.

 

[Eeyore's Pal]

Your infant needs a seat because the carrier or stroller takes up a space.

 

[disneystacy]

Your infant needs a seat because the carrier or stroller takes up a space.

I agree, unless you plan on holding the infant in your lap.

 

[Freyja]

I agree, unless you plan on holding the infant in your lap.

Even an infant on a lap counts towards total group size at WDW. I have no idea why though

 

[DCgator]

Even an infant on a lap counts towards total group size at WDW. I have no idea why though

Thanks. So this is the real question then - if we plan to hold her in our lap and are only booked for four then we won't be accomodated?

 

[diserwannabe]

We went last year. It was me, dh, ds4 and ds 5 months. I made ressie's for party of 4 and some for party of 3. It was NOT on purpose at all, I just didn't count him in when calling 6 months early (he was still in my belly, lol) When we showed up, at EACH restaurant, there were always 4 seats at our table.

I would say 5 is a different story. I think they would probably need a 6 top?? I could be totally wrong here. There's a chance that with the baby being on your lap, or in the infant seat, it will work. Can you call and let them know your situation? I hope it all works out for you

 

[webray]

You need to count your infant in..that's just the way they do it.

You may encounter a wait when you arrive at the restaurant if you do not make your reservation for the right amount of people.

Try six instead of five. More is better.

 

[ParrotBill]

keep the 4, show up, act innocent and say you're sorry, you did not think an infant counted. it will work out ...

 

[IwannaseeMickey]

In our case, our infant is pushing us to a party of 7, and we will have to have gratuity added automatically now too. 2 separate families, but all at one table. I do not care for this!

 

[QueenCityDiva]

On a recent call, I asked a CM for clarification on this and she stated that it was due to fire code - they had to account for every head for occupancy laws. She said that the restaurant SHOULD turn you away, but most won't.

I know that doesn't help you decide what to do, but hopefully it provides a reason for the refusal. I say keep trying to get a table for 5 but if it doesn't work out, show up and act innocent!

 

[mmmears]

I would try to get it changed asap -- be persistant with Disney Dining, otherwise you have a potential long wait each and every time you show up at a restaurant -- not something that I would want, especially with small kids in the party! I always made my ADRs saying "three people, plus an infant." That way, they will record it however they want to.

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

In our case, our infant is pushing us to a party of 7, and we will have to have gratuity added automatically now too. 2 separate families, but all at one table. I do not care for this!

This is totaly OT but, why does this bother you, were you not planning on tipping? You tip based on what you buy, so unless the infant is purchasing a meal, your tip would be about the same as it was if you weren't having it added automatically. If your service is bad enough to not warrent the tip you should speak to a manager regardless of wether the tip is automatic or not.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

In our case, our infant is pushing us to a party of 7, and we will have to have gratuity added automatically now too. 2 separate families, but all at one table. I do not care for this!

But, thems da rules.

 

[mbanks21]

It is a very frustrating rule but if youre not going during free dining I would make the resses for 4 but go expecting a slightly longer wait time JUST IN CASE they cant accomodate you at the time

 

[disnut8]

The server has to deal with five people. I don't think the infant is going to just sit there and be quiet for the entire meal.

I've had to start eating with an infant falling asleep in my lap (my own child). It was NOT fun. My husband had to cut my meat, I could only use one hand (fortunately my left hand and I'm left handed), I had to watch everything I put in my mouth so I didn't drop anything on my son. We use both of our hands while dining a lot more than we think.

Sorry but an infant is a person and should be included in your party for everything.

 

[BriarRosie]

In our case, our infant is pushing us to a party of 7, and we will have to have gratuity added automatically now too. 2 separate families, but all at one table. I do not care for this!

Point is moot because it's parties of 6 or more. The extra person being an infant doesn't change the auto-gratuity. I don't see the issue because places around me locally have done this practice for years.

Maybe it's not a widespread thing if people are that incensed about it.

 

[Freyja]

In our case, our infant is pushing us to a party of 7, and we will have to have gratuity added automatically now too. 2 separate families, but all at one table. I do not care for this!

Gratuity is added to all groups of 6 or more.

This is totaly OT but, why does this bother you, were you not planning on tipping? You tip based on what you buy, so unless the infant is purchasing a meal, your tip would be about the same as it was if you weren't having it added automatically. If your service is bad enough to not warrent the tip you should speak to a manager regardless of wether the tip is automatic or not.

I guess some people prefer choosing for themselves how much they tip. From what I´ve read around here, many people are annoyed that it´s an 18% tip, when they might have intended to tip 15% for example.

 

[Justish]

*puts on policeman's cap*

I would refrain from delving further into the topic of "to tip or not to tip?"

There is a tipping discussion area at the top of this board section for those
type of questions. They shut threads that turn into tipping debates down
pretty quick here.

<-- should know because she has cause a few threads to be locked.