Who is Seated First: according to ADR time or time of check in?

[JC Butterfly]

Here's a scenario that I'm not sure about and maybe some of my fellow DISers can help me figure out.

If I have an ADR for Crystal Palace at 6:50 and I am told to arrive 15-20 minute prior, then I would be checking in at about 6:30.

So, does that automatically put me next in line?

Or, let's say the Jones family has an ADR at 7:00 but they get to the Magic Kingdom a bit early and then check in just before me at 6:28.

Do they have priority because they checked in first? Or do I have priority because my ADR was originally scheduled earlier than theirs?

Or does Crystal Palace not allow you to check in more than 15-20 minutes prior to your actual ADR time?

For example, if the Jones family has an ADR at 7:30 but then manage to get to the Magic Kingdom much earlier than they thought and want to check in at 6:28, are they given priority over all of the other diners? Or will they be forced to wait until, say 7:10 to check in?

Or the opposite scenerio. What if the Jones Family had a 6:30 ADR. I check in just before them and my ADR is at 6:50. Since they are "just on time" or even/late do they have priority over me?

Just trying to figure out the balance of when or how early to check in for an ADR versus spending the time shopping or seeing an attraction and not causing inconvienince to other guests.

Thanks for any tips.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Can't say in actual practice, but the policy is, check in prior to your reservation time and you will be seated at the next available table for your party size at or after your reservation time.

 

[fla4fun]

I think it depends on the circumstances, because I've seen it work both ways. If, for example, it's Le Cellier, and it's really busy, I've seen them seat as they check in. I've also seen them at LC when they first open, seating people according to their ADR times, even if one with a later time checked in a few minutes before the other. (There's not much wiggle room at LC while you're waiting, so it's been easy to observe).

Another circumstance that plays into it is your party size. Most restaurants have fewer tables for two or for larger parties, than the standard four top. So if someone with a large party has an ADR later than you, but they check in before you, the restaurant will probably go ahead and seat them, because they know there isn't another large party booked for a couple hours. Or, if you're a party of two, and it's busy, you may be waiting for a table while people in parties of three or four are taken right in. They don't always just seat two people at a table for four, especially if it's really busy.

 

[Hodder]

When we were there last a couple of times we were earlier than our 15-20 min time to check in (checked in 30min before just because we were there then) and we got seated after those whose ADR was before us. The opposite happened to us one time, we checked in15min before our ADR time at Le Cellier, when they called our name a man went up to the podium and told them he was there before us, they told him that his ADR was after us (both of us was a party of 4). I guess though you can check in and see if they squeeze you in earlier.

 

[klj27]

Very interesting question. I would love to hear a castmember's answer to this.

 

[allisonswonderland]

We ate at O'Hana they open at 5 my ressi was at 5 I was the 3rd to check in and many were seated before us- but we did get a really good table

 

[simonkodousek]

I wish they just kept to your ADR time...

 

[shellybaxter]

I think it really depends on the restaurant and the time of day but here is our expirieince (the only time I've noticed)

We had an 8:05 ressie at Crystal Palace on a non-EMH day. We got let through the gate at 8:00 and had to rent a stroller and an ECV. We also stopped on main street to get a photopass picture. We arrived down at CP at about 8:15. There were already LOTS of people waiting. I figured it would take a while for us to be seated, but no, we were called almost immediately. They must have been seating by ADR times that day

 

[Bev J]

Many resturants will not even let you check in more than 15-20 min before your ADR,, we have heard people told come back 15 min before your ADR your here too early.. So I do think they let you check in and then get you the next available table based on your ADR time. Does no good to check yourself in really early and expect to get seated unless perhaps someone has cancelled an ADR at the last minute.

Bev

 

[shellybaxter]

Many resturants will not even let you check in more than 15-20 min before your ADR,, we have heard people told come back 15 min before your ADR your here too early.. So I do think they let you check in and then get you the next available table based on your ADR time. Does no good to check yourself in really early and expect to get seated unless perhaps someone has cancelled an ADR at the last minute.

Bev

Once at the Primetime 50s we tried to check in almost an hour early and were told we would have to come back. It was just after the afternoon parade and they were already packed. However, that is the only time we've been turned away when we've checked in early. We've been seated up to an hour early (I always leave plenty of time for travel and then end up way early) at Ohanas, Kona, the Plaza, Morroco, WCC, and 1900 Parkfair off the top of my head. Like most things at Disney, it just depends on the circumstances off the moment.