Partial party show up on credit card required ADRs

[Masonmj84]

The sticky thread states the following:

"Per information from a poster who called Disney Dining, apparently if a partial party shows up at the restaurant there will still be a $10 charge for each person who didn't show up. This is the information given via one call to Disney Dining...we all know how consistent they are with their information.

Per information others have posted, they have been told that there will NOT be a charge for a partial party. So Disney Dining is as inconsistent as always. Still awaiting first-hand information regarding how partial parties are dealt with.

There has been one first-hand report from a poster who says they were NOT charged for no-shows when a partial party arrived and were told AT THE RESTAURANT that the no-show fees only apply when the entire party doesn't show up. (This is one report...if we get more I'd be willing to say they don't charge for partial parties, but with Disney you have to be careful.)"

I'd be interested to hear if there's any new information about this. We have a trip planned with my parents with an opening night dinner planned for 'Ohana, where we very well may be arriving on different flights (yes, I realize the risk of having an opening night ADR at a credit card guarantee resturant but I just HAVE to have 'Ohana on opening night and am willing to take that chance).

To me, it seems sort of ridiculus that they'd charge us for the no-shows if part of our group doesn't show up. For example, we plan to use dining credits for the meal. So, say, my parents flight is delayed and they're not there in time for the ADR. If there's a charge for no-shows, the only way I can see to avoid the fee is to walk out into the Poly lobby and invite a couple of total strangers to come eat with us. This just seems absurd.

 

[goofyintoronto]

The sticky thread states the following:

"Per information from a poster who called Disney Dining, apparently if a partial party shows up at the restaurant there will still be a $10 charge for each person who didn't show up. This is the information given via one call to Disney Dining...we all know how consistent they are with their information.

Per information others have posted, they have been told that there will NOT be a charge for a partial party. So Disney Dining is as inconsistent as always. Still awaiting first-hand information regarding how partial parties are dealt with.

There has been one first-hand report from a poster who says they were NOT charged for no-shows when a partial party arrived and were told AT THE RESTAURANT that the no-show fees only apply when the entire party doesn't show up. (This is one report...if we get more I'd be willing to say they don't charge for partial parties, but with Disney you have to be careful.)"

I'd be interested to hear if there's any new information about this. We have a trip planned with my parents with an opening night dinner planned for 'Ohana, where we very well may be arriving on different flights (yes, I realize the risk of having an opening night ADR at a credit card guarantee resturant but I just HAVE to have 'Ohana on opening night and am willing to take that chance).

To me, it seems sort of ridiculus that they'd charge us for the no-shows if part of our group doesn't show up. For example, we plan to use dining credits for the meal. So, say, my parents flight is delayed and they're not there in time for the ADR. If there's a charge for no-shows, the only way I can see to avoid the fee is to walk out into the Poly lobby and invite a couple of total strangers to come eat with us. This just seems absurd.

hahahaha Thats funny. Thats a great idea actually, invite total strangers to come dine with you. That way you wont be charged, and everyone is happy!

Seriously thou, thats a great question. I really dont think that Disney will charge you if you book for 6 and only 4 show up. Ive heard from ppl who've been in this situation, and they said they havent been charged. As long as the majority are there i dont think they would charge. but lets hope others chime in and answer your question for you!

 

[maxiesmom]

To me, it seems sort of ridiculus that they'd charge us for the no-shows if part of our group doesn't show up. For example, we plan to use dining credits for the meal. So, say, my parents flight is delayed and they're not there in time for the ADR. If there's a charge for no-shows, the only way I can see to avoid the fee is to walk out into the Poly lobby and invite a couple of total strangers to come eat with us. This just seems absurd.

I think it is partially due to people booking larger tables than they actually needed. For example, posters were reporting not being able to get a table for 4, but the could get a table for 6. So they would book the larger table, knowing full well they didn't have that number of guests. Heck, some CMs were recommending doing that!

Disney's system seems to be a bit wonky, with regards to what tables are open when.

 

[gdrj]

We have a trip planned with my parents with an opening night dinner planned for 'Ohana, where we very well may be arriving on different flights (yes, I realize the risk of having an opening night ADR at a credit card guarantee resturant but I just HAVE to have 'Ohana on opening night and am willing to take that chance).

To me, it seems sort of ridiculus that they'd charge us for the no-shows if part of our group doesn't show up. For example, we plan to use dining credits for the meal. So, say, my parents flight is delayed and they're not there in time for the ADR. If there's a charge for no-shows, the only way I can see to avoid the fee is to walk out into the Poly lobby and invite a couple of total strangers to come eat with us. This just seems absurd.

Or don't schedule it for the first night! I don't see an issue with the restaurant charging for no-show or partial no-show for specific high demand restaurants or character dinners etc. This policy I think will make people think twice about just making reservations for just in case they want to go.

When people no show or partial no show (partial still means empty seats), there are other people who would have loved to have the reservation. The policy still allows you to cancel reservations ahead of time.

If you are "willing to take the chance" on the first night then it should be worth the $20 bucks if your parents are delayed. On the board I've seen people say they've booked larger tables because they could not get a 4 top. Out of consideration for other vacationers I think this is a fair policy.

With my upcoming vacation I had 6 reservations requiring credit cards, I cancelled 2 a month ahead because I was unsure and this opens it up for someone that most likely will use it. Without the credit card requirement I probably would have held it longer without thinking about it.

 

[mlittig]

I am taking a solo trip so obviously, I look for a table for 1 So I don't understand when there is no table available for 1 but there is a table for 2 available at the same time

 

[goofyintoronto]

I am taking a solo trip so obviously, I look for a table for 1 So I don't understand when there is no table available for 1 but there is a table for 2 available at the same time

hahahaha funny how that works huh?

 

[cigar95]

It's not surprising that seatings for one are harder to come by than seatings for two - very simply, there's more revenue when there are two at the table.

 

[raidermatt]

To me, it seems sort of ridiculus that they'd charge us for the no-shows if part of our group doesn't show up. For example, we plan to use dining credits for the meal. So, say, my parents flight is delayed and they're not there in time for the ADR. If there's a charge for no-shows, the only way I can see to avoid the fee is to walk out into the Poly lobby and invite a couple of total strangers to come eat with us. This just seems absurd.

It would be silly of them to do so. It would be different if ADRs were real reservations and they actually held a table for 6 until you showed up, like fine dining establishments do. But that's not how they do it, so if the restaurant truly is busy they will still have full tables the entire time. Charging you $20 when they didn't lose any real revenue is just a money grab.

It would also be different if maybe 1/2 your party or more didn't show up, they can't have too many people do that, hence the cc guarantee threat.

 

[Pre]

I am taking a solo trip so obviously, I look for a table for 1 So I don't understand when there is no table available for 1 but there is a table for 2 available at the same time

Or when you do book a ressie for one they seat you at a table for four! :rotfl2
That one kills me because then I get those looks from parents at some of the character meals.

 

[Missytara]

It's not surprising that seatings for one are harder to come by than seatings for two - very simply, there's more revenue when there are two at the table.

That is why when I do my solo trips, I sit at the bar. It is so much more fun, because the bartenders are always very engaging and you met a lot of different people as they are waiting for their tables to become available.

Some of my favs are Yak n' Yeti, the Wave, Wilderness Lodge Lounge, Prime Time 50's Cafe, and RFC.