How late can you be for a PS?

[kbkids]

I've currently got a PS for Prime Time at 6:00 - that's the latest they had left. The parade is at 5:30 - we'll sit as close as possible to the restaurant, but I'm not certain if we're going to make it the 5 minutes before that they request. I know in the past, we were going to be running late for Rainforest Cafe at DTD, and I called to try to move it back. They couldn't, but the CM told me that you were allowed 15 minutes from the time of the PS. I wasn't sure if this was just at Rainforest, or if this was a policy for all of the Disney restaurants.

 

[Cherylmay]

we found that up to 1/2 hour was even okay. it really depends on how busy the restaurant is and how nice the host/hostess is.

 

[RamseyTrio]

It was always my understanding that if you weren't there by your PS time then you may be waiting with all the non-PS people for a table.

I'm not 100% sure but I think that since the Rainforest Cafe is a sort of non-Disney restaurant that their reservation rules are a bit more like regular reservations at non-Disney restaurants (15 minutes seems to be what regular restaurants hold reservations for).

I cannot tell you how many times I've been checking in for a PS when there's a family there who is "just a few minutes late" and they are begging for a table. Sometimes they are accomodated but mostly they are explained the "rules" of a PS and left to wait. Also many families will send one or two people ahead to grab their PS but I've also heard the hosts saying that they can't check in before their entire party is there.

I would say that if it's not at a busy time of the year you'll probably be okay and able to get a table. Totally agree that it depends a lot on the host/hostess' mood.

 

[GrammieMame]

I've had two experiences, once when we were all late and once when only 4 of our party of six were on time. In both cases, during very crowded park conditions, we were allowed to keep our PS. When 4 of us showed up, they told us to let them know when the other 2 arrived. When they came (about 1/2 hour later) we were seated soon after. The other time, we were put in line with the other PS people who were already there. I think it might depend on the person at the checkin podium.

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

I think it depends on how busy they are. We were 20 minutes late for 50'sPT once, and we were put on the back of the list behinds others who had PS's and already checked in (some after our original time) We had to wait about 20-25 minutes. However, since they were busy accomodating people with PS's, I don't think they were taking any walkins, hence our wait.

 

[webray]

If you already know you are going to be late..just plan on waiting. Then there won't be any disappointment on your part.