Walk up earlier in the evening when you already have a CC guaranteed ADR?

[taaren]

We just added another night to the beginning of our trip in a different resort, so that means we can add on a 1 night DDP, which we're excited about since we really wanted to eat at Garden Grill but much more reasonably priced if we're on the DDP.
Unfortunately since we're a little over 3 months out, no times were left for the night we need, and it took us a week to snag the 7:50p timeslot we got.

What would happen if we walked up at 4p and asked if they could seat us then? Would they refuse? (Its a slow-ish season, first of December.) Would they still charge us $10 each for the 7:50 ADR if they were able to seat us early? I don't mind going to Epcot and wandering around prior to the meal, but would really love to get the kids back to the room sooner than 10p on our first night, even with the time change issues we'll be having.

Will keep checking for an earlier ADR, hoping there'll be some movement as it gets closer, but if I can't find one, should I even attempt this?

 

[lisakramer]

We've done that before. Not at Garden Grill (which I personally don't recommend), but at Brown Derby, Yak and Yeti and 50's PTC. Sometimes we've been able to be seated earlier, other times we've had to wait till it was almost time for our ADR anyhow. Just depends on how busy the place is when you get there.

 

[TDC Nala]

If you do it, be sure to check your credit card statements to be absolutely sure you were not charged for the original reservation, seeing as it's nearly four hours after the time you intend to walk up.