number on reservation (not made yet)

[daisyx3]

We are planning on taking a trip next March. It will be me, DH, DD, and grandson (who will be 2 1/2). My son-in-law is in the military. Until today it was assumed he could not join us as he will be training. Now he says he will have a couple of vacation days. He said he could come for a couple of days and then leave the rest of it for "Grandma and Papa". They will be living in FL at the time and we are flying from Ohio, so it's a big deal for me to see my only grandchild and take him on his first WDW trip.
Problem is, the military being what it is, when I book the ADRs I won't know which two days yet. I know the trip dates because it is my spring break, but just won't know when he will be with us. In truth, knowing the military, he may end up not being able to go at all in spite of good intentions.
I want to book a couple of special meals. Chef Mickey's is a must. DD has never been to Be Our Guest (she last went with us her senior year in 2010) and wants to go there. So being on the ball for ADRs is important.
To make a long story longer....Can I book my ADRs at 180 days for 4 adults and a toddler, in case he is there that day, and then modify my reservations when his details are firmed up, taking him off of the ones he won't be there for? I think that would make more sense than booking for 3 and trying to add him in later.

 

[BriLovesDisney]

I would book the meals with him being counted and then modify. It's always easier to take someone off than to add someone. Also, hello fellow Ohioan

 

[dachsie]

Yes, book the ADRs with him included, then modify if he cant go

 

[mar7967]

And if you are unable to modify for some reason, just show up anyway. They won't give you a hard time showing up with an extra person on the reservation. If you tried showing up with him when he wasn't on the reservation, they'd try to accommodate you but it'd be a bigger hassle.

 

[Tksolomom]

They don’t charge you the $10 no show fee as long as some people on the reservation show up. Definitely book the reservations to include him.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

add another count him and not worry later if he can come

 

[kaytieeldr]

And if you are unable to modify for some reason, just show up anyway. They won't give you a hard time showing up with an extra person on the reservation. If you tried showing up with him when he wasn't on the reservation, they'd try to accommodate you but it'd be a bigger hassle.

They might. The OP would be going from a standard table for four, to a less standard table for six (extremely rare to find five-tops.) Zero penalty for arriving with fewer guests.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I agree with the PP's. Make all of your reservations with the maximum number of people who may be there. Once you know your son-in-law's dates, you can try to modify the reservations where he won't be joining you, but if you can't modify them, just leave them as they are. You will not be penalized for showing up with less people.

 

[daisyx3]

Awesome, you have just all confirmed what I was thinking!

I would book the meals with him being counted and then modify. It's always easier to take someone off than to add someone. Also, hello fellow Ohioan

Hi to you too! We are up near Toledo and it is sleeting. Going to give the mouse my spring break business on Sunday and can't wait.

 

[mar7967]

They might. The OP would be going from a standard table for four, to a less standard table for six (extremely rare to find five-tops.) Zero penalty for arriving with fewer guests.

Agreed. I *meant* that if you make the reservation for 5 and show up with 4, you won't get a hard time (hence the extra person on the reservation...). If you have a reservation for 4 and show up with 5, it's a big hassle. I

 

[purple figment]

I think that would make more sense than booking for 3 and trying to add him in later.

Just to clarify - you need to book for everyone who might be at the table regardless of age so make all of your reservations for 5.

 

[gharter]

Another, book for the maximum number. It is much easier to decrease than increase the number. You will not get charged a fee if fewer show up. you may not get a table for a greater number than your ADR listed.