Reservation question:

[Pluto777]

If you have an ADR dinner scheduled for 6 people, but you show up with all 6 PLUS a three year old child, will they let you sit for dinner?

 

[rwdavis2]

Maybe. If they do not have a table that seats 7 or the restaurant is at full capacity you may be out of luck.

 

[ears2BWV]

No personal experience, just from reading the boards. I would try and change ressie now. You may be turned away due to fire code capacity or the table you've been assigned will only seat 6. Sometimes it's literally a game of Jenga in there, while other times there's wiggle room.

 

[maxiesmom]

If you have an ADR dinner scheduled for 6 people, but you show up with all 6 PLUS a three year old child, will they let you sit for dinner?

If they have room. You will need a bigger table than what your ADR is for. When making ADRs you have to count every person, no matter how small. If they have room they won't turn away the extra revenue, but there are no guarantees.

There are 3 things that could happen: They could seat you pretty much on time, they could seat you with a wait, or they could turn you away and take your $10 person no show fee.

Are you talking about a particular restaurant?

 

[DISNEY1975]

I have not done that at Disney, but I have been a waitress. Most tables are have an even number of seating (unless up against a wall, then you lose an end seat). Most likely you are at a table for 6, moving you to an 8 top could be a challenge. Youd have better lusj if you were an odd number to begin with, then most likely youd have an extra chair. Being 6 already and getting a seat for 7 would completely move your table. Since groups of 8 or more have their own dining like and need to reserve as 8+, the larger tables most likely would be full. Is the 3 year old too large for a high chair? That may be the only way.

 

[Nancyg56]

I have not done that at Disney, but I have been a waitress. Most tables are have an even number of seating (unless up against a wall, then you lose an end seat). Most likely you are at a table for 6, moving you to an 8 top could be a challenge. Youd have better lusj if you were an odd number to begin with, then most likely youd have an extra chair. Being 6 already and getting a seat for 7 would completely move your table. Since groups of 8 or more have their own dining like and need to reserve as 8+, the larger tables most likely would be full. Is the 3 year old too large for a high chair? That may be the only way.

With a Disney restaurant a high chair will not change how the party is counted. A lap child is counted in the head count.

OP- try to make the change now, because if you show up with that additional person, depending on the restaurant circumstance at that time, you may be asked to make a difficult decision.

 

[EdnaMarieMode]

Every person needs to be counted, and the restaurant can turn you away if you arrive with an extra person regardless of age. I have seen people turned away or told to wait for a long time past thier reservation time.

It’s not just the seating itself, it’s a fire code and room capacity issue. Even an infant who will be in someone’s lap must be counted.

 

[EdnaMarieMode]

With a Disney restaurant a high chair will not change how the party is counted. A lap child is counted in the head count.

OP- try to make the change now, because if you show up with that additional person, depending on the restaurant circumstance at that time, you may be asked to make a difficult decision.

Exactly this- best to try and add a person now, because everyone with a pulse has to be counted toward occupancy.

I once witnessed someone making this very argument having been turned away from a restaurant. The parent was shrieking at the CM that all they had to do was pull up a (expletive) high chair.

The CM repeatedly told her it didn’t matter if the child planned to sit in a chair, in a lap, in a high chair, or on the floor- they were booked to capacity and could not allow anyone but the number in her originally booked party in until they could accommodate that number of people.

The CM also explained that a high chair can’t just be placed anywhere-they are required to keep passage clear through the restaurant in case an emergency arises.

You can always ask, and it may be fine but you run the risk of it not working out in which case have a Plan B and be prepared to pay the $10 per person for not keeping the reservation. Also luck is usually better in a larger, less popular restaurant or at an “off” time of day (like a 4 pm dinner or 3 PM lunch).

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Just change the ADR.

 

[gharter]

As others have said, change the ADR if you can. Or call the restaurant to change it. having fewer people is not a problem. Having more can be a big problem.