What if we go from a party of 9 to a party of 5?

[wheredreamsbegin]

I will be booking reservations tomorrow for my family and my in-laws. I'm worried that part of the party might want to skip out on a meal or two while the rest of the party will want to keep the reservation. Is this typically a problem?

 

[LilyWDW]

I will be booking reservations tomorrow for my family and my in-laws. I'm worried that part of the party might want to skip out on a meal or two while the rest of the party will want to keep the reservation. Is this typically a problem?

9 down to 5 is a big change. It moves you down a couple of table sizes. I would expect at LEAST a wait for a table, possibly even putting you as a "walk in" at that point.

I would tell your party that you are making these reservations and that they need to tell you NOW if they want to come.

 

[Nadjalu]

IT won't be as big an issue as if you are trying to add people.

But if several people of your party don't show it isn't that big a deal. They will go ahead and seat you. This has been our experience as well as reports on the forums here.

I don't think it would be much of a wait, maybe a few minutes, but I most certainly not drop you to "walk in" status.

When my DH and I go to WDW we always have dinner with my good friend and her family (and the kid's friends) so we usually make the adr for 7-8 people. But inevitably only her and 1 or 2 kids come, and we have not waited for a table.
1 year at Ohana they sat us at a table for 8 and it was only 4 of us.

 

[wheredreamsbegin]

I would tell your party that you are making these reservations and that they need to tell you NOW if they want to come.

I did tell them that. I just don't think that they understand what an issue this is. They still think that you can walk up to any restaurant at the last minute and be seated immediately.

IT won't be as big an issue as if you are trying to add people.

But if several people of your party don't show it isn't that big a deal. They will go ahead and seat you. This has been our experience as well as reports on the forums here.

I don't think it would be much of a wait, maybe a few minutes, but I most certainly not drop you to "walk in" status.

I was hoping that this would be the case. I completely understand the importance of canceling a reservation if you don't/can't make it. I also believe that it is important to make a reservation for your true party size to free up as many tables as possible for other guests. I just don't want to be stuck because others in our travel party change their minds.

Thanks!