One extra for Hoop De Doo?

[Kudrah]

I have an ADR for 3 adults and 1 child on the first night of our trip...since booking we have one more person coming with us...everything is now full for that evening...is it going to be a problem with one extra? Should I call and see if they can add him to our ADR or just chance it and play dumb and/or beg?

 

[walkdmc]

I've been there twice. The seating seems very strategic, not at all random (as in, I didn't notice any extra seats in Cat. 1 or 2 seating. However, in Cat. 3, there were some extra seats at the end of our row. I don't know if those could have been filled, or they had to be left empty.

At any rate, I'd just show up, calling will be useless. But, that extra person should be prepared to catch the boat back to wherever, if turned away.

 

[clanmcculloch]

At dinner shows you're taking a huge risk. What will you do if they can't/won't seat that additional person? You'll have paid for the meal for those who are on the ADR so it's not like you'll want to walk away from that much money. But, to attend the meal/show that meals leaving the extra member of your party outside while you go in. If you agree ahead of time that the person will be ok with this and meet you back at your resort or somewhere else afterwards then fine, go ahead and try. Just make sure that you DO prepare for this very real possibility. If they're already full then they're already full.

There is no harm in trying to call to see if the extra person can be added, but I personally wouldn't try to add an extra person at check-in. Regular restaurants, sure. Dinner shows, no.

 

[DonaldTDuck]

For HDDR, calling to add a person will cancel your ADR and start a new one, which will impact your 'place in line' and where you will be set. And the odds are against them being able to do it, since it sells out so often. Showing up with an extra will not work as the seating chart is made out about 3 days in advance. There is a chance that it's not sold out and a single could get in as a walkup, but they would not be seated with your group.

 

[CathieArms]

I think this is a bad idea. Don't you have to pick up your tickets for HDDR in advance? If you have 4 tickets and 5 people, then it seems pretty basic math that they wouldn't have seating for you. How would you handle it if you bought tickets for, say, a concert? You have 4 tickets and bring a 5th person expecting to get them in at the door...very likely not gonna happen.

I'd keep trying or see if you can switch your days around.

 

[DonaldTDuck]

From your vacation calendar I assume you go on Feb 16th. I checked the website and there is availability for each show that night for a party of 1. You could book that way and some one would have to sit separately. It also seems likely you could rebook with a fifth person, although it could move you to a new category. I always book early to sit right down front.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) The seating charts are made 8-days ahead of time.
2) They are then added-to for late purchasers during the 7-days.
. . . at 8-days one person assigns the tables in the afternoon
. . . during the 7-days, a ticket rep at HDDR assigns the tables
. . . on the last day, the box office assigns the late tables
3) You will have been already assigned a 4-top table for your group.
4) There is no way to add a 5th to the table.
5) Best to call and ask for a new ressie for 5-people.

 

[Kudrah]

Thanks, folks...the extra person is my son's 13 year old best friend...I'm not comfortable with him or any of us having to sit separately. It was decided at the last minute that he would be joining us for this trip. I guess I was just hoping that since one of us is my 4 year old we could have squished him in and bumped elbows.

I suppose it can't hurt to call and see if there's anything that can be done. We are on the dining plan and are using 2 credits for the HDDR. I'm not going to spend them if we can't all enjoy the experience together.

I guess if this is the only real glitch in our trip, we're blessed!

 

[smangan10`]

That happened to us once year and they accommodated no problem. If you've pre-paid, you'll have to pay for the extra person.

 

[Kudrah]

Just an update for anyone who might have a similar situation. I called Disney Dining, and she was able to add another person to my ADR with no problem, and she said my spot in line for seating wouldn't change, because it is the same confirmation number .