Ressies for 3 vs using 4

[sarah05]

I'm new to this.... but from what I can gather when I go to put my ADRs in most tables are either for two people, four people, or larger parties. We are a family of three. Will I save myself a lot of hassle if I just search for my ADRs in the on line system using 4 as my number? I mean is this acceptable and what the system will default to since we will be seated at a table with 4 chairs anyway? Just don't want to search for 3 persons and cost myself extra time or make the system have to think too much. Thanks.

 

[maxiesmom]

It depends. If you are booking a meal that asks for a credit card, for either payment in full or just to hold, you will be charged a fee for the 4th person who doesn't show up.

And from what I understand, some restaurants actually have 3 tops where the table is pushed up against a window or wall.

I would just try to get your ADRs for 3 people first, then maybe try 4 if you have no luck. But be careful so you don't end up paying for the phantom 4th person.

 

[KJay]

We are a party of 3, and I've spent countless hours stalking ADRs. When a friend decided to join us for a few meals, I was extremely surprised to find out how much easier it was to find a table for 4- often available at many places where I was rejected as a party of 3. I suppose it makes sense if their goal is to maximize volume. It sucks for parties of 3, though! If you go with a res for 4, just make sure to do as the previous poster said- if it's a place that requires a credit card to reserve, make sure to call and adjust your reservation to 3 to avoid a no-show charge.

 

[sarah05]

Thanks, I wondered if it might make it harder. I have DP so I don't believe I be using credit card for any except a Fantasmic package.

 

[Cafeen]

There has always been an issue with odd numbers not showing true availability. This also happens with groups of 1 (erm, is 1 a "group" ) where they'd ideally be seated at a 2-top anyway (no availability for 1, availability for 2). If it's not prepaid or CC-held, using the next even number up can net some better results.

As a note, this method is actually suggested, supported, and condoned by Disney Dining. I booked a solo trip over the phone a couple years ago, and the CM there did this specific thing after finding no availability for 1 at several restaurants.

 

[darthtatty]

we're a family of 3 and have never had the problem of finding tables for 3.

 

[MHSweb79]

I actually had a CM suggest to me that we book ADR's for 4, even though there are only three of us. It's just a quirk of their system and nobody bats an eye when you only show up with 3 people.

Of course, as the PP said, this isn't a good strategy for prepaid or ADR's with a credit card hold.