DS just decided to join us

[bizeemom4]

My DS decided LAST NIGHT that he would like to join me on my free dining trip in September. Today is the last day to book the room so I'm scrambling trying to find a room for 5 at this late date. Anyway, I can't get my dining reservations for some restaurants modified to add him.

Some I could, like Chefs de France & Kona but others are a no go, like 1900 Park Faire and Coral Reef. What do I do know?

 

[Nancyg56]

I would modify what I could and leave the rest. My DS joined us during our free dining trip, surprised us by just showing up a day early. I had reservations at the Kona and thy were swamped. I explained what happened and they just added him at the podium. It is taking a chance but I believe it is a small one.

 

[maxiesmom]

Keep in mind that you will need a larger table then what you have reserved, so you may have substantial waits when you show up with an extra person. I would add your son to what you can, and then be prepared for either long waits, or the possibility that you will be turned away at the others.

Also, keep calling and check on the ones that are telling you no now. People cancel ADRs all the time, you may be able to snag one that will fit your new size.

 

[gigi1313]

since ADRs are not "reservations" and tables are not assigned in advance, it really should not be too much of a problem to show up with a last minute addition (or deletion for that matter) as they will simply put you at the next available table for your party size... ADRs just give the restaurants some guidelines on how busy it will be... they are not 'specific' as they take into account no-shows as well as additions/deletions... personally, i would try my best to get them modified, but those that you couldn't, i would not sweat it... ENJOY!

 

[maxiesmom]

since ADRs are not "reservations" and tables are not assigned in advance, it really should not be too much of a problem to show up with a last minute addition (or deletion for that matter) as they will simply put you at the next available table for your party size... ADRs just give the restaurants some guidelines on how busy it will be... they are not 'specific' as they take into account no-shows as well as additions/deletions...

That is not necessarily true. Otherwise why would they bother to inform me that my reservation for 6 people at the Kona will be at 2 tables? It shouldn't matter, if they don't plan for table size. I think this showes that they do count tables in some way, and that may be where the OP runs into a problem. They will go from needing one table that can seat 4 to needing a table (or 2 tables) that will seat 6.

 

[Nancyg56]

That is not necessarily true. Otherwise why would they bother to inform me that my reservation for 6 people at the Kona will be at 2 tables? It shouldn't matter, if they don't plan for table size. I think this showes that they do count tables in some way, and that may be where the OP runs into a problem. They will go from needing one table that can seat 4 to needing a table (or 2 tables) that will seat 6.

I think that this is just a worst case here. I was told the same thing on several occasions. Once we arrived we got one table. I think that the CM's taking calls can only use what they show available on their program. Once you arrive at the restaurant life has stepped in, the flow of customers may be different. If you are informed that you have to use two tables you are happy if you are seated at one, if you are not expecting your party to be split you may be upset.

 

[musicmom3]

Just throwing in what happened to me today when I called to add MY DS (who has also just decided to join US!) to our existing dining ADRS. We are not on the DDP, if that makes any difference, but I was told that I was lucky that we were changing from a party of 3 to a party of 4 because we were already "booked" for a table for four. I asked what would happen if we were switching from 2 people to 4 and she laughed! Things are really filling up for September and at least in Epcot availability seems to be limited. I was trying to book Tutto Italia or Les Chefs du France for dinner but the only thing available on the night I needed was Rose and Crown at 5:10. Oh well. I'm sure it will be fine and I was able to change Boma and The Wave to accommodate DS.