Some ADR questions...

[happypaws]

I am going in mid December(13-17), just me and my spouse in my booking party, however my sister and her two boys (2 & 1/2 and 5) will be joining us for part of the time, and possibly a few other family members/friends.

My sister wants to do a character breakfast with the boys, is it possible for me to book the ADR for the 5 of us even if we booked our hotel separately?

Assuming the above is true, how easy is it to add and subtract people from ADRs? I am assuming if you have a large group of people you must have an ADR? For one reservation I may have an ADR that exceeds 9 people so I am assuming I would have to call the group line?
Also, now that you have to put a deposit per person this makes not knowing the exact number of people well in advance a little challenging...any advice?

I am at most booking ADRs for 3 meals: the character breakfast, a large group meal for my birthday(>9) and possibly one other dinner. The rest will be quick service or day of plans.

Thanks for any tips or information you might have!

 

[purple figment]

I am going in mid December(13-17), just me and my spouse in my booking party, however my sister and her two boys (2 & 1/2 and 5) will be joining us for part of the time, and possibly a few other family members/friends.

My sister wants to do a character breakfast with the boys, is it possible for me to book the ADR for the 5 of us even if we booked our hotel separately?

You can book dining reservations for as many people as you want. It is not tied to the number on your resort reservation.

Assuming the above is true, how easy is it to add and subtract people from ADRs?

Much easier to subtract people. You can always show up with fewer than on your reservation.

It is much more difficult to add people - there would have to be a reservation available for the new total number of people and that might not be available. It is always better to make the reservation for the maximum number of people who might be dining and then show up with fewer. If you show up with extra people not on your reservation because you couldn't find a res for the correct number of people there is a chance the extra people will be turned away. While castmembers at the podium will do their best to seat everyone, it is not always possible because restaurants must abide by the fire code regulations.

I am assuming if you have a large group of people you must have an ADR? For one reservation I may have an ADR that exceeds 9 people so I am assuming I would have to call the group line?

You can make reservations online for groups larger than 9, but you can call the dining reservation line and ask to speak with group dining.

Also, now that you have to put a deposit per person this makes not knowing the exact number of people well in advance a little challenging...any advice?

There is no deposit when making reservations. You would have to give credit card info for the no show guarantee, but as long as at least one person shows up for the reservation you would not be charged the no show fee. Just be sure you note the cancellation deadline for the reservations you book. In most cases it is 11:59 PM the night before, but there are some events and meals that have a different cancellation deadline (e.g. Wishes Dessert Party).

The only reservations that require payment in full at the time you make the reservations are Cinderella's Royal Table, the 3 dinner shows (Hoop De Doo, Spirit of Aloha luau, Mickey's Backyard Barbecue), Wishes Dessert Party (not sure about the other dessert parties), and special F&W events.

 

[happypaws]

Thanks purple figment for taking the time to write such a thorough reply, you answered all of my questions!
It's been awhile since I have made any ADRs on a trip, so I feel a little out of touch. Glad to hear it will be easier than I had originally thought.

 

[purple figment]

You're welcome. Since you are within 180 days you might want to start making reservations as soon as possible.