Could we have handled this better?

[HouCuseChickie]

So, we're traveling to WDW in Dec. We're a family of 4, but my parents are meeting us for some of the trip, so some of our ADRs are for 6. Just for crowd anticipation purposes, I'd been monitoring our various ressies to see how booked up each restaurant is around each respective ADR time and some are booked solid. Which is fine, except that now by brother and SIL are planning on joining us for a portion of the trip as well, and that would make us a party of 8.

I've seen a couple of threads talking about changing party numbers by 1 or 2 at the time you check in with the CM at the actual restaurant, but most of them seemed to involve smaller groups. So, as a larger party- I suggested that my brother book their own ADRs as close to our ressie times for the restaurants where they wished to at least try and dine with or near us. I went as far as to book his ADR for Rose & Crown- which is about 15 min prior to our ADR.

Considering our group size, was this a good way to handle it? or is there a better way? :shrug:

 

[Master Yoda]

The ideal way would be to attempt to rebook as a party of 8. If that is unsuccessful book the additional party of 2 at a close time and then let them know what you would like to sit together when you get to the hostess stand. They can not guarantee that you will but they will make every effort to sit you together.

 

[Monty]

ADRs and changes to them are always awkward.

I have occasionally added someone at the last minute, met a friend in the park and invited them along or they asked if they could try. The few times I've tried it worked out well, once we had an obvious longer wait than would be normal for an ADR.

If they're prepared to possibly have to fend for themselves at CS or try walk-up at another TS, you can always attempt to add them at check in. If you show up and the restaurant can't accommodate the extra two, be gracious and do your ADR with the original numbers and all should be good.

There are always CS options, so they won't starve.

 

[ThinkTink721]

I know this is off the subject, but have to say that I LOVE the cake in HouCuseChickie's avatar pic! :wave:

 

[ccw7759]

I know this is off the subject, but have to say that I LOVE the cake in HouCuseChickie's avatar pic! :wave:

Me, too!! I think it might be the most perfect "princess" cake I've ever seen!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I couldn't find anything around our times for a party of 8, so they're sticking with the ressies they were able to get for 2 near our ressies for 6- with the exception of the Fantasmic dinner pkg we've got. They're just going to have to go with a different restaurant and brave the regular crowds for Fantasmic should they choose to see it.

As for the cake- THANK YOU :wave: I did that one last summer for my older daughter's 3rd bday. I still can't believe it's been over a year since I finished. It seemed like I was having gumpaste "glass" slipper construction dreams forever. I've just started sketching plans for a Tinkerbell cake for my younger daughter's bday in Nov.

 

[disneygirl1]

I agree, I think you shoula attempt to call and see if there is anyway to up the party size, rather then be told at check in they can not accomodate you. Good Luck!