Do reservations have to be exact?

[scmbaby]

We have reservations for 4 for ADR, but we really need a total of 5. My kids are all small and we usually can fit in a booth for 4. Will they allow us to use a reservation for 4 when we actually have 5?

 

[momto2inKC]

We have reservations for 4 for ADR, but we really need a total of 5. My kids are all small and we usually can fit in a booth for 4. Will they allow us to use a reservation for 4 when we actually have 5?

I would try to get them all changed to 5 if there are 5 of you. Regardless of how much room at a table the kids take up, the restaurants can't go over capacity due to fire codes and such.

 

[jlk806]

I would try to get them all changed to 5 if there are 5 of you. Regardless of how much room at a table the kids take up, the restaurants can't go over capacity due to fire codes and such.

Very few restaurants actually have booths, most are chairs. We did once by mistake book a res for 2 when we had 3 at Yak & Yeti they let it slide in that case but if they are super busy they may not.

 

[ses1230]

We have reservations for 4 for ADR, but we really need a total of 5. My kids are all small and we usually can fit in a booth for 4. Will they allow us to use a reservation for 4 when we actually have 5?

You should try to change your ADRs to the correct number.

Going from 4 to 5 means that you will need to be seated at a bigger table. If you get there with 5 and there is no bigger table available you may have to wait longer.

 

[purple figment]

As much as possible restaurants will seat extra guests, but there's always a small chance that they will not. It's not a matter of squeezing more people at a table, but as PPs said, fire and safety codes set a maximum occupancy. Also, we were at a Disney restaurant that was running far behind schedule so they were turning away extra guests, walk ups and latecomers.

Going from a 4 to 5 you will need a larger sized table so try calling the reservation line to see if your reservations can be modified. For those that cannot, start checking online multiple times a day to see if you can get a reservation for 5 (or 6) because most likely you'll be seated at a 6 top. You will not be charged the no show fee for the missing 6th person as long as at least one person shows up for the reservation. It is always much easier to show up at a restaurant with fewer people than with an extra person and hope that everyone will be seated.

 

[MikeandSulley]

My sister and I had a reservation for 2, we were on a big family trip it was kinda make your own plans. Our dad and step mom happened to be with us at our reservation time, when we arrived we asked if it wouldn't be too much trouble to add them to our reservation. We had to wait 10 extra minutes but it wasn't an issue. I would though definitely call and and see if they can be added or try and get another ADR. and if it seems to be an issue maybe just show up and ask. We did this during Thanksgiving week. It all depends on the time and the restaurant.

 

[maxiesmom]

Definitely call and try to make your ADRs for 5 people. Most Disney tables are so small, it is very difficult if not impossible to squish in an extra person. Plus as other posters have pointed out, there is a capacity limit on each restaurant.

Worst case scenario if you show up with too many guests? You will be told they simply cannot seat the extra person. Then you will have to decide between some people eating and some not, or everybody leaving and paying the $10 per person no show fee.

Never under count. If you need a table for 5, that is what you need to book. Otherwise you could have huge problems.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

As a general rule, it is easier to go from an odd amount to an an even amount, not vice versa. Disney will not pull up an extra chair for an extra member, because there just isn't room. If someone has a wheelchair or stroller, they take a chair away, not stick the wheelchair on the side. Also, there aren't many booths, because they allow for less flexibility in table configurations.

If they can accommodate you by sitting you at a table for 6, they will. But don't count on it, especially at popular restaurants. They are often full to capacity from open to close.

Also, keep in mind it isn't just Disney being greedy or a jerk. There are fire codes they have to abide by. And they are trying to keep guests and castmembers safe from accidents by allowing enough room for everyone to maneuver through the restaurant safely and efficiently.

 

[lovewdwdvc]

As others have said, it is easier to go from an odd number to the next bigger even number. It is also easier to decrease the number of people instead of increasing the number. Call please.

 

[dzak1717]

On the same line... I will be traveling with a 9 month old, would that be considered an extra guest? I would assume so since he will be in a high chair.

thanks

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Yes. Everyone present should be counted, regardless of their age, even if they will not be sitting in a chair or paying for a meal.

 

[gonnago]

I was just on the phone for an hour(had problems with MDE...ugh) and after they fixed those problems they connected me with dining and I was able to add my DGS to all my reservations except for one at H&V that I will continue to keep trying to get one for the correct party of 3 instead of 2 although this is the 4th time I have talked to them about my ADR's and changing the party size and every CM has tried to assure me that they will not turn away an infant(2yo) I would prefer to have the correct party size on the ADR but if I cannot find availability I will keep the one I have because he LOVES Disney Jr. so that ADR is a must do for him.

So just keep trying online/calling and hopefully you are able to change your party size to the correct amount.