Changing number of people in a dining reservation

[KingStefan]

I searched for a discussion of this, but was unsuccessful, so pardon me if I didn't use the right search terms or something.

Can I change an existing dining reservations from 8, for example, to 4 without a hassle? Or if I don't change it, and it turns out that half the party can't make it for some reason, will there be a problem getting in?

 

[Rob562]

You can try calling and see if the reservation people can change you to a smaller reservation, or you can go online and try to make a new reservation for the smaller party at the same or similar time and then cancel the old reservation.

But in most instances, there's no problem if you show up with fewer people than you have on the reservation. I've shown up with 3 for a 6-person reservation, 5 and 7 for an 8-person reservation, etc. Even with restaurants with a credit-card guarantee (which it's been posted is pretty much all of them now) as long as *someone* shows up for the reservation, you're ok.

The one instance where you'd want to make sure that you lowered the party size is for things that are pre-paid like a dinner show or the meals in the castle. No-show guests will get charged.

And of course if you're trying to *increase* the number of Guests going, you'll want to make a larger reservation.

-Rob

 

[KingStefan]

Thanks so much. That makes perfect sense that they do it that way.

I do remember (it was long ago, so my memory is vague) that at one time there was something about not being able to change the number of people. I think it was a system limitation rather than policy.

The person in our party who made the reservation was able to call and change it, so it's all taken care of. But it's really good to know how the system works, so thanks again.

 

[Prince-1]

Its a lot easier to go down in size with a reservation than it is to go up. Much easier!

 

[The Tuna]

Sorry to bring up an old post but in the past I have called and tried to make a reservation size smaller and they have had trouble doing it because they need to make a new reservation first but there are no tables, or if they cancel and try to rebook they may not get the proper amount as some could have been taken online or over the phone in the few minutes it takes them to make the change.

Now that they charge at all restaurants does anyone know if this policy has changed? I have quite a few to change as people have backed out last minute.

 

[danyoung56]

I'm a single park stormer, but many times the Disney online system will not book a single diner. They will, however book 2. I go ahead and book, and then tell the greeter that there will only be one dining tonight. I've never had even a hint of a problem.

 

[disney4life2008]

I'm a single park stormer, but many times the Disney online system will not book a single diner. They will, however book 2. I go ahead and book, and then tell the greeter that there will only be one dining tonight. I've never had even a hint of a problem.

Yes, I am a solo diner as well. I actually do not know of any places that book for one and it stumped me for a while. Once I changed to two problem solved. It only becomes a problem that as a solo diner they place me at a large table in the middle of the room that has happened to me a few times. It happened to me at Red Lobster last night lol

 

[The Tuna]

we are going from 36-28. big swing

 

[danyoung56]

I actually do not know of any places that book for one and it stumped me for a while

They actually are pretty good at booking for one now. But occasionally I will have trouble finding a table for one, but no problem finding a table for two.

 

[disney4life2008]

They actually are pretty good at booking for one now. But occasionally I will have trouble finding a table for one, but no problem finding a table for two.

I am debating on stepping outside of my comfort zone and trying another place solo. I have only did Ohana and Boma. But I want to try California Grill but I feel like its a date night place. Any suggestions/feedback?

 

[Tuvalu]

I am debating on stepping outside of my comfort zone and trying another place solo. I have only did Ohana and Boma. But I want to try California Grill but I feel like its a date night place. Any suggestions/feedback?

You can order off the full menu at the bar...no need to feel awkward dining alone .

 

[disney4life2008]

You can order off the full menu at the bar...no need to feel awkward dining alone .

Thats the problem I do not like sitting at the bar. I always feel slighted at the bar

 

[Zummi Gummi]

I am debating on stepping outside of my comfort zone and trying another place solo. I have only did Ohana and Boma. But I want to try California Grill but I feel like its a date night place. Any suggestions/feedback?

Request to sit at the counter. They have a full show kitchen there with counter seating in front of it (different from the bar). The chefs are usually quite chatty and will occasionally give you little morsels of stuff to try.

 

[danyoung56]

Do a reservation just like any other restaurant. Sit proudly alone at your table, and enjoy your dinner. No one will even begin to have a problem with you.

 

[Kate Alan]

I agree with @danyoung56 - I am a regular solo diner and no one will bat an eye at you by yourself at a table. In fact, I have a reservation set for my trip in February at California Grill, and I'll be dining alone. Quite frankly - the majority of restaurant goers will be so preoccupied with their own tables that they won't even notice. Don't miss out on an awesome dining experience just because you're on your own.