Why count child in high chair?

[crazykids]

I was originally going to leave my 1 year old w/ a sitter, but now I was thinking of bringing her w/ us. I called to change the party to 5 instead of 4 & they told me there was no availability. Why would this matter if she's still in a high chair? If I just showed up w/ her would they give me a problem?

 

[Chuck S]

Because the child in the high char still takes up table and floor space. Remember that they have to leave clearance between tables for guests in wheelchairs and ECVs.

 

[swilphil]

Chuck is right. You will need a bigger table. It's probably harder to go from a 4 top to a 5 top than go from a 3 to 4 or a 5 to 6, just because of the way the tables are configured.

Whether you can just show up depends on what restaurant you are talking. If Cinderella's Castle, probably not. If Ohana or Crystal Palace, you're probably okay if they are not busy.

 

[bbmommy]

When are you going? I would try to keep the ADR and have the 1 year old on your lap...depending on where it is (like if it is a buffet) they eat off the adult's plate anyway....maybe if we had a bit more info we could help.

 

[crazykids]

The ADR is for Spoodles & it's during free dining, so I really didn't have many other options to switch it around. My daughter is 19 months old & always sits in a highchair, I don't think she'd sit still on my lap. If it's going to be a big deal, I guess I'll keep calling to get something else. Just didn't want to lose the ADR if I didn't have to.

 

[septbaby]

Send someone to Beaches and Cream to put your party on the list (TS, but they don't take ADRs same is true for ESPN). Then go to Spoodles, explain your situation and see if you can be accomodated. If Spoodles says yes. Call the person at B&C to join you. If they say no go back to B&C or ESPN and simply wait for the beeper to go off. You'll still get to eat together that night.

 

[vandort]

Disney's reservation system is rather odd. In the past, I tried to change my ADRs from 8 people to 3 (due to a death in the family which caused part of our party to cancel their reservation). I couldn't do this. In order to change the reservation, Disney would cancel my current reservation and then had no space for the smaller party.

At the time, I was absolutely sick with this situation and the guest services person was mean and nasty about the entire situation. Most people at Disney are wonderful but this was awful. I went to the concierge desk at OKW almost in tears. The concierge recommended that I keep my reservations and explain my situation to the hosts when I checked in for my meal. This woman was wonderful and so sweet. I remember being amazed at her positive attitude. At the time, she had been watching her son struggle with brain cancer.

So, I took her recommendation. Every Disney host/hostess was understanding. I'm sure that you can find someway to accommodate your child. I'd keep your ADR's and have a respectful and flexible attitude. I'm sure that you'll have a great time and find people that will try and make your day truly magical.