Odd question, but I read this...reserve for 3 when only 2 people?

[Farro]

I had read previously for certain restaurants (Ohana comes to mind) even if you are 2 people, make the reservation for 3? Is this true?

If so, later in our trip there will be 5 of us, make reservations for 6?

Or did I just completely misunderstand what I read?

 

[Westcoastwild]

I think you must have misunderstood that because it makes no sense. Don't some places charge for no shows?

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

You could be thinking of times when people who were by themselves had to make ADRs for 2 because booking for one was pretty nonexistent.

 

[Farro]

I think you must have misunderstood that because it makes no sense. Don't some places charge for no shows?

You aren't charged if most of party shows up, or at least one? Just if reservation is missed completely.

As for me misunderstanding - that is the most likely scenario!

 

[Farro]

You could be thinking of times when people who were by themselves had to make ADRs for 2 because booking for one was pretty nonexistent.

That seems likely!

 

[thepicklebee]

There are times where if you have tried to find a reservation for a small party - say 2 or 3 - upping to a party of 3 or 4 can help ADR availability mysteriously open up for you.

Theoretically, if I go to book an ADR for 2, the system may only look for 2 top tables which may have a limited number. By upping to 3, I then force the system to look for available 4 top tables. This shouldn't make a difference going from 3 to 4 in theory, but the ADR gods are a silly bunch.

 

[Apopper74]

There are more 4 top tables than there are 2 top tables. By upping the reservation to 3 it would bump you to a 4 top. I don't think bumping party sizes greater than 2 would have as much an impact as the 2 to 3. Remember, WDW is a family destination so they make sure to be able to accommodate to family sizes.

 

[JZCubed]

I had read previously for certain restaurants (Ohana comes to mind) even if you are 2 people, make the reservation for 3? Is this true?

If so, later in our trip there will be 5 of us, make reservations for 6?

Or did I just completely misunderstand what I read?

I am one of the people who suggests making reservations for even numbers of people - if a person is unable to make a reservation for an odd number.

For instance, sometimes it seems easier to locate a reservation for 4-people, instead of 3-people.

Personally, I do this.

 

[tinka-belle]

A few times I've had to look for a table for 4 at certain restaurants since nothing decent comes up for 2. In 95% of those cases I am also able to "modify" my party size back to 2 on MDE right away and still get the exact same time slot. The system search doesn't like odd numbers or small parties of 1 or 2.

 

[Marthasor]

I have only done this when I CAN'T find a reservation for our party size. If you can find a reservation for the exact number of people you have, book it. If you can't, try adding a guest and seeing if times open up. There is no logical reason to make a reservation for 3 if the time you want for a party of 2 is available.