Making reservation then downsizing it?

[Shleedogg]

We're already a month past when we could start making ADRs for our Jan trip. I told MIL last week that I wanted to book them within a week so to let me know who was going and how many to make reservations for. Well DH just called and she still doesn't know, she said she'll try to call people and let me know by Mon. DH suggested that I make reservations for the max number of people, 6 (Me, DH, MIL, FIL, Niece, Niece) and then call and cancel later (maybe a month before we leave) if there end up being less or they don't like our option for that night. Can I do that? What's the possibility of making a reservation for 6 and then adding more? BIL is talking about going w/ his 4 daughters, but we don't think they'll do the DDP because of the expense so we know they won't be eating w/ us at all meals and I don't want to make a reservation for 11 and limit our options even more.

Also, we will have DD, 2 1/2 mos with us, do I need to include her on the count for the reservation?

What do you think the likely hood is of me being able to get ADRs at this point in? We're looking to book Mama Melrose (Fantasmic Package), Le Cellier, Liberty Tree Tavern, Tutto Italia, 1900 Park Fare, 50's PTC, Chef Micky Breakfast.

Thanks!

 

[ehrn]

I just went through something very similar--except it is for free dining!!! i had all my ressies made and then other family members decided to come along and monkey with my adr's--how dare they, ha, ha...
I doubt the baby will count but I don't know that for sure. Maybe they do count her just in terms of fire code counts or something.
For free dining time I've been told several times over that there has been no opening at any time I tried for Le Cellier, Coral Reef, Chef Mickey, Crystal Palace. I was able to adjust a few others and get my brother and his in-laws adr's for Tutto Italia and I was able to expand Boma, LTT, Cape May Cafe--just had to move times around. So I think you'll be able to get some good things for Jan. Sometimes you have to keep trying, but persistence usually pays off.
I was also able to change LeCellier from 8 to 6 and it didn't cancel--at least I hope not, lol.
Good Luck!!

 

[JimMIA]

Sure, you can do that. It happens all the time, both showing up with fewer people than the reservation and showing up with more. The restaurants will accommodate you. Worst case scenario, you may have to wait a few minutes.

The baby will count. And not only that -- the baby will also count to trigger the automatic 18% gratuity if you have a total of six or more people...even if the baby is not eating.

 

[lisadr]

We just had to downsize our ressies b/c my mom can't go . For some tables it didn't matter for some it did-even changing our ressie time. But it was not that big a deal, and the CM was really helpful. Just make sure you cancel any ressie for any restaurant that charges for now shows like Cindys or Princess Storybook Dining.
Good Luck!!

 

[Shleedogg]

Thank you everyone! I was so worried that if I had to downsize the reservation that somehow the whole thing would get canceled or I just wouldn't be able to do it. I'm going to go ahead and make them for 7 (including DD...cannot believe they count her for the 18% gratuity). Thanks again!

 

[Brooknwdw]

Some of my ADR's are for 4 people...my husband can't go now because of work, so we are going without him..there is 3 of us. (we are going to be eating with other family members other nights).

I am not touching my ADR's..3 people will be showing for a 4 person ADR. I figure most tables have four chairs anyway so I'd only be shooting myself in foot if I called and messed with my ADR's!

 

[LisaInNc]

You have to think of table size. If you are a party of 4 and want to go to 5 it's a bigger table. If you are a party os 6 and want to go to 4 it's a smaller table. A party of 3 wanting to go to 4 it's the same table.

If you have to change tables you have to get an entire new ADR.

Large tables are more difficult to get but it would be wrong to get an early ADR for a really large group and then show up with a lot less people and take that table from someone who would ligitimately use it. When you get to the restaurant they might be able to put you at a different table but anyone who called ahead of time was told there was no availability because you had one of the larger tables blocked.

My best advice to save yourself a headache is wait and get your party size straight.

 

[kcashner]

Lisa explained it well (I like that lady!). Going from 4 to 3 keeps you at the same table size, so no issue at all. Going from 6 to 4 puts you at a different table.

However, I'd take the other approach--make the ressie with 6 if that is what you think you'll have, and call to downsize when you know for sure. If they won't let you downsize on the phone, keep the larger ressie and downsize when you get to the restaurant--that happens all the time!

Yes, the baby counts as a person even if he/she isn't eating. He takes a place at the table and counts in the head count for the fire code.

 

[Tricia1972]

I'd make them for 7 now and if fewer can make it then downsize later on. It is much easier to downsize vs up-size.

Your daughter will count towards party size for the 18% gratuity, but if she doesn't eat then you won't have to pay extra for her.