Specific # guests/tables for each time slot?

[creamypuffs]

I always wondered how the availability works. I find all the times I want for a table of 4 for a specific date but I can't get those times for a table of 3. We only have 3 people but they cannot fit us on a table of 2 so wouldn't we sit on a table that fits 4 anyway? Just curious how they allocate the slots.

I really want to get a Crystal Palace lunch as soon as they open and they currently have 12pm for table of 3 and 11:30am opening time for table of 4.

What happens if I book 4 and show up with 3 people, do they charge me the $10 no show? I think so but just confirming. I might end up doing this if nothing opens up.

What if I book 4 and then later say that plans changed and change to a 3? Will they re-do whole reservation and only look for table of 3 slots so either way I lose the time?

In meantime, I'll keep stalking the site hopefully a 11:30a shows up for 3 ppl.

 

[purple figment]

If you are a party of 3 go ahead and book the table for 4. Per the Dining FAQs on the Disney website, you won't be charged for the missing person. Just explain when you check in that there are just 3 of you.

We are also a party of 3, but routinely find more availability for a party of 4. The reservations system has a quirk in it that wants to fill as many seats as possible, thus you'll often find availability for an even number and not an odd. As a result, even though a party of 3 will usually be seated at a 4 top, the system rejects us because it wants to fill all 4 seats.

Don't try to book a party of 2 and show up with a third person. You will definitely run the risk of not having the third person seated or having to wait a lot longer. It is always easier to reduce the numbers on a reservation at the podium than increase the numbers. The only time you want to have the exact number of people on a reservation is at CRT.

Here's a link to the Dining FAQs. Questions about the cc guarantee policy are at the end:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/dining/

 

[creamypuffs]

OooooH, thanks sooo much!!! I'm glad I asked. I had no idea I could do that. I won't do it for all my reservations since I mostly got all the times I want. I will definitely change my Crystal Palace to table of 4 then!

Thanks for the tip and the FAQ as I completely missed that question.

 

[aurora72]

When I go solo, the only option is to reserve a table for 2. The only time Disney charges you is when no-one shows. They can not charge the $10 no show fee when at least one person shows up.

 

[creamypuffs]

wow, didn't even think of solo reservations!

I always thought with the cc guarantee that they still charge $10 for the people that doesn't show up. Glad to find out otherwise. Now I have all the ADRs I needed.

Thanks!!!!

 

[tiffany0610]

I booked 1900 PF for a table of 6 and there are only 5 of us. After I booked online, I called and said I clicked the wrong key and they changed it for 5 for me