Showing up with 1 more than reservation number

[curlyqs]

11 days before we are set to go. All the plans were made perfectly. Last minute we are taking my nephew because of a family emergency. I was able to change o'hana, t rex said I might just have to wait a couple of minutes. I can't change 50's prime time or Diamond Horseshow Dinner. Anyone have experience having a reservation for 8 and showing up with 9?

 

[Dug720]

I would not count on it. That would be a whole other table size. If the original party was 7 and he was the 8th, I'd think you'd have a slightly better chance.

 

[Marthasor]

You could sign up for the Touring Plans reservation finder. I believe you can sign up for two searches to run at the same time, so you could search for both Diamond Horseshoe and 50's. https://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/reservation-finder

Otherwise, I would show up, explain the situation to them and hope for the best. Are there reservations for two around the same time? If so, you could snag those and then you at least have a second table reserved in the restaurant and you could split your party slightly if need be.

 

[DisneyandBeerLover]

Also if you try to just show up with 9, be okay with or even tell them it's okay with squeezing in tight at a table set for 8. I know it might sound weird but it happens often at the restaurant I work at and squeezing in a extra seat to a table for 8 is a lot easier than finding a whole new table configuration for 9 people because you're needing a table size for 10 in most situations.

 

[sharonabe]

It's not just table size. There are also capacity and fire codes that have to be considered.

They will probably do what they can to seat you, but be prepared to be told no and have a back up just in case.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

They would need to have the correct table configuration not to mention they have to stay within capacity of the restaurant for fire codes.

Just showing up may or may not work.

Best solution would be to continue looking even for just a one person ADR around that same time or call and explain the situation and see if a CM can manually add another guest.

 

[Nancyg56]

Also if you try to just show up with 9, be okay with or even tell them it's okay with squeezing in tight at a table set for 8. I know it might sound weird but it happens often at the restaurant I work at and squeezing in a extra seat to a table for 8 is a lot easier than finding a whole new table configuration for 9 people because you're needing a table size for 10 in most situations.

DIsney restaurants will not squeeze one more in. Even babies are counted in their configuration.

OP- keep trying to find an ADR for 1 or 2. They will often open up the day before.

 

[sharonabe]

While OP has a very valid reason for needing to show up with one extra, unfortunately, MANY others through the years have not. There are those who can't get an ADR for the number of people coming. They get what they can, then show up with a sob story. I've even seen people advise this to those who come looking for a solution to their dilemma. Disney has an ADR system for a reason: It fills up their restaurants, thus generating revenue. I'm old enough to remember the days when you waited until you were inside MK or EP and had to go to a special location to make reservations for that day. There were long lines THEN, and we're talking almost 30 years ago. Can you imagine how long you would have to wait EVERY day to make reservations now?

 

[mercydisney]

Did you try to call or did you try doing it online?
I have always called when I have not been able to add a person online. And not have a problem.

 

[CoCoMo]

I just attempted to add a 5th to Tusker House dinner today. I called in the request but was told “no upgrade was available”. The cast member said the best plan was to keep looking for a new reservation (for what her opinion was worth ). I have no experience showing up with an extra.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

THE QUESTION OF AN EXTRA PERSON or EXTRA PEOPLE (the "411"):
1) People can't always get the ADR for the quantity of people they want.
2) So, they under-count the number of guests in order to get a table.
3) Then, they show up with "unexpected" additional people.
4) In a team meeting, CM's have been told to warn guests against this.
5) If there is room, WDW will not turn away revenue.
6) But, if too busy, they will turn away the additions.
7) Go ahead and arrive with the extras, if you like.
8) Just be prepared to have someone stand around OUTSIDE while you eat.
9) I have heard explanations such as . . .
. . . "but, Aunt Suzy decided to join us and we need an extra seat"
. . . "but, two friends from off-site decided to join us and we need two extra seats"
. . . "but, brother-in-law decided to join us and we need an extra seat"
. . . "but, the entire Boy Scout Troop decided to join us and we need 14 extra sets"
. . . "but, my baby is so small that I didn't count her in the number of eaters"
.
NOTE1: It is far easier going from an odd-number to an even number, such as from 7-people to 8-people, adding a person to an even number of diners, such as going from 6-people to 7-people. Adding odd person can mean adding a table, and this might not be possible. Going from an odd-to-even might only mean adding a chair or using an empty seat. So, if going from even-to-odd, you might not get the extra person a seat. It is always better to get another ADR with the proper people-count.
.
NOTE2: Frequently a party-of-two will try to add a third person at the podium. This can be risky, because many eateries do have tables-for-two. If the guest was slated for one of these, there simply might not be a table available to seat the third person - even if an infant. The extra chair location might extend into an aisle and block access for other guests or Servers.
.
NOTE3: Sometimes it is a threesome adding a fourth. Unfortunately, there are many eateries that do have 3-top tables - usually against a wall or pillar. They can't add a fourth chair, since that would invade the aisle and be unsafe for SERVERS.
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NOTE4: The final question is that of how many people are in the eatery. There are Fire Codes which dictate the maximum amount of people. If the capacity is exceeded, there are some big fines possible. And, Disney will not violate the max-capacity of an eatery.

 

[Shanti]

DIsney restaurants will not squeeze one more in. Even babies are counted in their configuration.

They might not physically squeeze people in, but they don't tend to turn people away when the guest count is off by just 1 from the reservation.

Anyone have experience having a reservation for 8 and showing up with 9?

I had one trip where the count was off by one for every ADR because of a last-minute change of plans, and we were accepted everywhere. And that was doing two ADRs every day of the trip.

Go to the restaurant and you have a 99% chance of being seated.

 

[Mich123]

My daughter unexpectedly joined us in WDW because her school closed due to the CA fires last December. I went to guest services at POR and was able to add her onto our dining reservations. I also had help at AK guest services for FPs. It took a little time, but seemed like some amazing pixie dust to be able to add her. I'd note that it was not peak season.

 

[cobright]

If it were me, and the reservation was important, and being seated with the +1 was in doubt, I would roll up with someone in my party in a large ecv or wheelchair.

Then slip the CM checking names a folded $20 and tell them the minor child was a last minute hardship addition (unavoidable. Father's an injured firefighter, injured rescuing kittens from a meth lab fire). Let them stew on that a bit.

If they still come back with no, tell them that's fine. One of your party (not the wheelchair user) is willing to eat elsewhere...

Or... You offer that the mobility assisted member of your party is willing to park outside and walk in if there is room for everyone.

Now the restaurant has two options, find a little bigger table out of all available tables or seat the family in an HA 8-top. If the place is busy, HA tables are often scarce (and the cause of many seating delays).

From experience, I have witnessed a "It will be about 15 minutes" turn into, "right this way" when we offered to have my date park her wheelie out front. Le Cellier is notoriously 'close' and I think staff their would jump at option to have one less ecv on dining floor. The aquarium restaurant in Epcot has a tiered dining floor with some tiers not HA accessible (may have changed since I went last). So your offer to leave the chair out front is something that may benefit them greatly but they can't require you to do so.

Note - If push comes to shove and the restaurant simply will not find room for the extra kiddo so someone does end up losing their seat, let ttem call your bluff and park the chair out front anyway. HA tables really are scarce in some placep and taking one you don't need during a busy time makes it tough on the mobility challenged.

 

[NYCgrrl]

It sounds as if there is a possibility there are several adults or teens within your party. As a back up plan I would ask 2 of them to back out and eat somewhere else nearby. They might enjoy a little time away from the family unit.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

OP, have you checked for an ADR for 10 instead of 9? Disney's ADR system doesn't seem to like odd numbers very much - you might have better luck booking for 10 if you can.

 

[maxiesmom]

Showing up with an extra should always be the last thing you try. Keep checking for what you need as often as you can before you go.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

11 days before we are set to go. All the plans were made perfectly. Last minute we are taking my nephew because of a family emergency. I was able to change o'hana, t rex said I might just have to wait a couple of minutes. I can't change 50's prime time or Diamond Horseshow Dinner. Anyone have experience having a reservation for 8 and showing up with 9?

as a PP said try a Ressie for 10 instead of 9 no charge for showing up with 9. Disney seems to like even number ressies. there is also a chance you will have to split up at different tables. I would also call if you haven't tried that yet. unlike others I have seen people turned down when they showed up an extra so yes it does happen. if you cant add and walk there is a chance you will be charged the No Show fee for 8 if no one eats

 

[gharter]

try to modify the reservation in MDE. If that doesn't work, either call the restaurant or check with the front desk at your resort.
Decreasing the number is easy. Depending on the restaurant, increasing may work, but often does not.
Keep trying, our last trip, we needed to increase for one meal, we were not able to until we stopped at the restaurant the day of, and then they were able to change. Two days, and the day before, we were told no.