What if we're late to an ADR - How much leeway

[Kathy Z]

What happens if one member of a party of 3 shows up on time for an ADR but the other 2 are late? In other words, how long will a Disney TS restaurant keep a spot open for you before considering you a no-show?

 

[maxiesmom]

Typically around 15-20 minutes. After that if they can fit you in they will, but no guarantees.

 

[purple figment]

Most restaurants will give a 15 minute grace period to check in, but your group won't be able to check in until everyone has arrived so sending one person ahead won't work. Disney recommends that you check in 10-15 minutes early.

We were at BOG one evening when seating was running about 45 minutes behind schedule. One party checked in and the CM at the podium told them they were 1 minute past the grace period. At another restaurant which was running very far behind schedule anyone showing up late was turned away.

 

[Kathy Z]

Thanks maxiesmom & purple figment. The latest ADR I could get for Yak & Yeti is 4 pm. We want to have a chance to see the parade and don't think it will have passed through Asia by that time. 4:15 might allow us to see at least the beginning of the parade...here's hoping.

 

[purple figment]

Keep checking online multiple times a day to see if something later comes up. Cancellations re-enter the system at all times so it's a matter of luck that you are online checking just as someone's cancelled reservation re-enters.

Also, the Disney reservation system has a quirk that makes it more difficult for odd numbered groups to get a res. Even though a party of 3 is usually seated at a 4 top, the system wants to fill every seat at the table so when you search for 3 you are often bypassed. Search for a party for 4 and something might come up. When you arrive at the podium just let the CM know there are only 3 of you. If it is a credit card guarantee restaurant you won't be charged for the "missing" person as long as at least one person shows up for the reservation. We're also family of 3 so we've done this.

Everyone who will be at the table needs to be included in the reservation so don't downsize to look for a table smaller than the total number in your group. It's easier to show up with fewer than to show up with an extra person and hope everyone will be seated.

Y&Y is a Landry's restaurant so if you are paying out of pocket you could look into joining Landry's select club. I believe one of the perks is priority seating. I'm not sure if this would work if AK is closing at 5:00 because I would guess it is dependent on what time the last seating at Y&Y would be.

If possible the restaurant will seat you even if you are late so you could show up at 4:00 and ask if you could watch the parade first.

 

[Sirtet]

We were at BOG one evening when seating was running about 45 minutes behind schedule. One party checked in and the CM at the podium told them they were 1 minute past the grace period. At another restaurant which was running very far behind schedule anyone showing up late was turned away.

That's good info to have. I'll make sure we show up a bit early, and I'm going to check to make sure we don't have any FP+ conflicts. It will be better for us to miss a FP+ time than a meal time.

 

[pikasso]

Trust me the Landry's perk card is better than any other discount because you can use it at Rainforest and several other great restaurants. The staff treat you so much better, you get the best table, and move to the front of the line.