Making ADR's when you aren't sure of party size.

[photobob]

I'm not sure at this point who all will be traveling with us, could be as many as 9 or as few as 3!! My son and his wife are unsure if they will be able to go or not and our traveling friends(3) are also unsure if they can go the same week we can because of work conflicts and they are sounding more and more like it isn't likely. The only definites are DW, DD and me, not sure if DD is wanting to take a friend. I'm thinking of making reservations for five or six people and then adjusting that number when we arrive at the restaurants, think that will work??

 

[photobob]

BTW we are already within the 180 day window.

 

[Pakey]

If you have a reservation for 6 people and 9 show up, you are now asking the restuarant to find you a 10 top table when you had reserved a 6 top.

I would make the reservation for 9 if that's the max that you believe will show up. It's easier for them to seat you at a smaller table when you arrive than it is to seat you at a larger table.

 

[LilyWDW]

I'm not sure at this point who all will be traveling with us, could be as many as 9 or as few as 3!! My son and his wife are unsure if they will be able to go or not and our traveling friends(3) are also unsure if they can go the same week we can because of work conflicts and they are sounding more and more like it isn't likely. The only definites are DW, DD and me, not sure if DD is wanting to take a friend. I'm thinking of making reservations for five or six people and then adjusting that number when we arrive at the restaurants, think that will work??

I would make reservations for your group only. You need to really tell your possible traveling companions that this has to be done now and if they can not tell you for sure now, then they will be responsible to get their own reservations. I would even tell your daughter this so she can decide if she wants to take a friend.

The reason I say this is because it usually isn't an issue having LESS people then the original reservation, though you might end up waiting an extended time. However, it can be an issue if you end up with MORE people then the original reservation. The restaurant could turn those extra people away if there is simply no room as there is a maximum number allowed due to fire code. You simply can not expect to be allowed to bring more or less people then the original reservation with no issues.

Am I posting worst case scenarios? Most likely yes. However, if can and does happen so it is best to know the issues that might arise.

 

[Figment2]

We have this problem all the time. We can have anywhere from 8 to 30 (depending on when FL friends show up). We make reservations for the larger number and then downsize as we get closer to our travel dates and we know how many. We usually end up with a party between 15 & 24 (LOL).

We've never lost a reservation doing it this way. There was one time when we really thought we would only have 5 and ended up with 8. Tried to change the ressie with no luck. What was really sad was there were a lot of empty tables in the restaurant including some large ones plus they were turning people away.

Good luck!

Cyn

 

[crostorfer]

I would always book for the max amount of people, and if less show, then oh well. Its always easier for the staff to find smaller tables at the last minute as opposed to larger ones.

 

[jodls01]

If you make ADRs for 10 at CRT and only 7 show up, how will this affect the prepay? Will you get the difference back?

 

[gizfish]

Make the reservations for the larger size group. We had issues with this on our last trip, and I was told there is no problem to have less people show up, but can be a problem if more show up.

When you find out how many will actually be showing up, call the dining number and have them adjust the amount of people on the reservation. The confirmation number will stay the same, and they have no problems doing this for you.

 

[ftwildernessrick]

If at all possible, make the ressies for the lager amount, then call & adjust it down as necessary, rather than showing up to check in & do it. Most of the restaurants can only seat so many large groups & someone else may need the bigger table.

 

[bumbershoot]

When I wasn't sure about how many of us would be going one place, I made one ADR for my family of 3, and another reservation for the other family of 5. Figured that if they wanted to go we could all check in at the same time and request that we get tables near each other. (ultimately we canceled both b/c no one wanted to go to that restaurant on that day, though)

 

[crostorfer]

When I wasn't sure about how many of us would be going one place, I made one ADR for my family of 3, and another reservation for the other family of 5. Figured that if they wanted to go we could all check in at the same time and request that we get tables near each other. (ultimately we canceled both b/c no one wanted to go to that restaurant on that day, though)

Totally off topic, but HELLO TACOMA! Are you hating January rain as much as I am?

 

[crostorfer]

If you make ADRs for 10 at CRT and only 7 show up, how will this affect the prepay? Will you get the difference back?

Cinderella's Royal Table is tricky. If you don't cancel 48 hours ahead of time, they will not refund your money, it's stated in the fine print when you book. If you book over the phone it is explained to you at the time you make your reservation by the Cast Member on the phone.

 

[pixiemeg]

We were just there in December and I completely agree about making ADRs for the total potential of your group. We planned one dinner with relatives who were not able to join us. I called that day from my room and decreased from 7 to 4 and there was no problem. The cast member even thanked me because perhaps someone else was going to be able to get in that night. Just suggest you call and decrease you number as soon as you know so someone else can use the space. Have fun!

 

[photobob]

Thanks everyone, I think I'll make the reservation for the larger number and adjust them when I found out for sure.