Priority Seating for One

[MaryPoppinsLives]

I have done PS when I am with a group but on my solo trips I have just brought snacks and eaten at counter service, or walked in to breakfast at Rain Forest Cafe before going to AK so I have never called to make a PS with WDW-DINE for just 1 person. Have any of you made PS for 1? Was the CM nice about it?? I thought about making it for 2 people and just saying that the other person couldn't make it at check-in. As my next 3 planned trips are all solo & I would like to try some new restuarnts I am not sure what to do?!? Any suggestions ???

[chyam]

Noticed that you will be doing MVMCP on Dec. 4th me too and most likely solo. Perhaps we could meet up for dinner before hand. I usually do the 1900 Park Fare character dinner before the party and then just get on the monorail to head to the park..........just a thought. I am a 40ish woman and passholder, already have my ticket for the party. I say most likely solo since my friend maybe moving and won't be able to go, will know later this summer if that is the case.

[helenk]

I made seating reservations for myself for my trip coming up this weekend.
When I called I had no problems when I said the seating was just for one.
I made reservations at Sci-Fi, Boma's, Trails End, Tony's, and for the Tea at the GF. Otherwise I'm just going to do counter service or wing it, I'm thinking of making a reservation at Teppanyaki but not sure if I want to do that one solo.

[Missy1961]

I was just going to call & make my solo ressies for a character breakfast! I would imagine that it should be no problem.

[aubriee]

I went on my first ever solo trip that past May. I had never really gone anywhere by myself before and had defintely never eaten in a restaraunt alone. I decided to take the plunge and make myself do things I hadn't tried before. I booked three tours and also made alot of PS (Marrakesh, Biergarten, Rainforest Cafe, Le Cellier, Rose & Crown, Sci-Fi, Mama Melrose, House of Blues, Bomas, and Cystal Palace). When I made the PS the CM was very sweet, offered suggestions, and said I made good choices. While I was down there the only place I was uncomfortable was at Biergarten. The hostess had placed me at a table with two other parties, which I expected. But I didn't expect to be the only female at the table. The night I had Bomas scheduled I wasn't feeling well so cancelled, but that was the only PS I didn't keep. I never had a problem dining solo, nor did a CM ever make me uncomfortable either when I was making the PS or while I was eating. In fact they went out of their way to engage me in converastion. Call, make your ADRs, and have fun!

[solotraveler]

No problems with making dining reservations here either. Every time they are perfectly nice.

The only places I won't go generally are character meals (just not my thing) and, like Aubriee, Biergarten (feel weird sitting with other people just staring and eating..sort of feel like an odd duck.)

Go and have a great time!
Solotraveler :earsboy:

[Simba's Mom]

I just made PS/AR for solo dining yesterday, at 3 different resturaunts for my trip next month. As usual, the CM was very nice. Someday, I'm going to get my courage up to make solo ressies for a character meal.

[InstImpres]

Ithe only place I was uncomfortable was at Biergarten.

I second the ADR for solos. There are places you can't get into even as a solo without it. I too, will not go back Biergarten. I actually walked out. I was seated in the middle of 2 families :guilty: I asked for something else and was told to "wait over there" (an arbitary spot in the rest.) after 5 minutes, I gave up and left.

I had some great meals as solo. as I would not spend for some of the places with DD. Can't wait to go back to Italy again! :flower:

[pirateparrot]

I made seating reservations for myself for my trip coming up this weekend.
When I called I had no problems when I said the seating was just for one.
I made reservations at Sci-Fi, Boma's, Trails End, Tony's, and for the Tea at the GF. Otherwise I'm just going to do counter service or wing it, I'm thinking of making a reservation at Teppanyaki but not sure if I want to do that one solo.

I have made ADRs for 1 person on several occasions without a problem.

As for Teppanyaki, I think that could be one of the easier restaurants because yhou are already sitting at a table of people that do not know each other. Yesterday I sat with two couples (only 5 at the table) and we talked a bit because the couples were also talking to each other. Another trip I sat with a mother/daughter/grand daughter combination and talked all through dinner. The other couple at the table were not talkative. I would not hesitate to do this again. I do think it is best to get grouped at a table with two or more different parties and I think they try to pair youb that way.

Good luck and enjoy the meal.

[disnut8]

While I have never dined solo at Biergarten, we did have seven people at our table for dinner once. Our group of two, two older ladies, a couple that didn't speak to anyone, even to each other, and a single guy. The quiet couple ate in about fifteen minutes and left. The five of us were glad and ended up having the most pleasant conversation. The single guy said he felt strange being there by himself but he was recently home from a military tour in Germany and wanted the food again. He was the most interesting guy.

I've also eaten solo at Concourse Steakhouse for breakfast, Chefs de France for lunch, Cape May Buffet for dinner. Never had a problem. Contrast that with a solo trip to TGIFriday's where I had a book out and a notepad where I was writing things down. Clearly I wanted to be able to work. That server stopped by every two minutes to see if I needed anything. I wanted to say peace and quiet. Disney is great for solo dining.

[disneyfav4ever]

I made PS's for Boma, Crystal Palace, Brown Derby, Fresh, CRT, Akershus, Le Cellier, Jiko, Breakfastasouras, Marrakesh, Kona, Mama Melrose's, Coral Reef, and Artist Point solo, and the CM's didn't say anything about that being strange.

[jenelope]

I always make PS for table service meals on solo trips. Everyone's always nice. Well, except for one time and place. I went to Spoodles for breakfast in 1999 and was told that the reason they couldn't find my PS was that they usually cancel them for solo diners. As it turned out, I definitely didn't need it, but there was a more diplomatic way of explaining it. My entire Spoodles experience was pretty bad re: service. The food was good, but I didn't enjoy it. I'm sure it's changed since then, but I won't go back to find out.

[disneyfav4ever]

I went to Spoodles for breakfast in 1999 and was told that the reason they couldn't find my PS was that they usually cancel them for solo diners. As it turned out, I definitely didn't need it, but there was a more diplomatic way of explaining it.

Why would they cancel a solo PS? :confused3 Is this common? Now I'm getting worried about my PS's.

[Simba's Mom]

I've been going solo yearly since 2000, 2-3 ADR per trip, fortunately nothing's ever been cancelled. That's strange!

[Moosysmom]

MaryPoppinsLives
I do table seating by myself all the time. The CM's are great and when I have done charactor dinners even the charactor's have been great---For some reason every time I eat at LTT Chip steals my food, occasionally Meeko has gotten into the act. I may actually be let down if he doesn't steal my food the next time I eat there. So I say just go for it. I usually always have a book with me and will read during dinner.
I noticed that you are doing MVMCP on the 4th and I am too. Have been thinking about eating at LTT--so let me know.
Later,
Lynn

[wdwr]

I had no problems making ressies for solo meals. The CM on the phone was very nice. All she asked was if they were on the free dining or not. (I guess they make a note)

And MaryPoppinsLives...as far as I know you haven't read my PM to you about my ressies and joining me for Breakfast at AK. Go read you messages would you! Then I will know if I should plan on company or not. :banana: (If you have read it by the time you see this...nevermind :rotfl: )

You might even have better luck making your ressies because you are a solo than a group of 4 or more. So start dialing if you didn't already


wdwr

[jenelope]

Why would they cancel a solo PS? Is this common? Now I'm getting worried about my PS's.
I wouldn't worry too much. Since that trip, I've made 15-20 solo PSs and, as far as I know, none of them were cancelled. That experience with Spoodles was very unusual, in my experience. I haven't heard of anything like it happening before or since.

[Missy1961]

I called yesterday & made my solo PS for a character breakfast. When I mentioned it was for 1, the CM said "what a good idea! I should do that myself!". I can't wait...70 days until I get on the plane.

[dznyntnh]

I've never had problems making a PS for one. In fact, the other night I was making one for dinner and the CM thought it was for two and could only give me a late seating, I told her it was one and I got a much earlier PS (the time I wanted).

[lonegungirl]

I've made solo ADRs all over and never had any problems--it was usually easier to get in for same-day meals as 1, I thought.

I always think it's curious how self-conscious people get about eating alone--my sister and brother would rather chew off their own legs in the privacy of their hotel rooms than eat out by themselves. I find it the best solution for my situation of a) really, really enjoying food, and b) having no friends interested in anything Disney.

[Mykelogan]

Just wanted to add my voice to the crowd!! hehe!
I made a slew of PS/ADRs for 1 for my last trip. The CMs on the phone (and at the restaurants!) were always very accomodating. Most times we would get into talking about my trip as a solo and they would express how cool they thought it would be to go alone. :goodvibes

Mike

[pjpoohbear]

Ok after reading this thread, I changed my dinning plans for my first solo. Making the ADR's was easy my 90 days was on July 18th, the first day of the new policy. I am staying 10/16-10/21 at OKW. I thought I would enjoy some cool, sit down meals.

Here is my list:

Breakfast: Spoodles, Donald's CB, Concourse Steakhouse, Boma
Lunch: Trail's End, Olivia's
Dinner: Cape May Cafe

There is one more meal, a dinner I think, but the information is at home. Thanks for the assurance to table dinning is for solos. I like to read when I eat solo, will this be ok?

Penny

[Mykelogan]

Ok after reading this thread, I changed my dinning plans for my first solo. Making the ADR's was easy my 90 days was on July 18th, the first day of the new policy. I am staying 10/16-10/21 at OKW. I thought I would enjoy some cool, sit down meals.

Here is my list:

Breakfast: Spoodles, Donald's CB, Concourse Steakhouse, Boma
Lunch: Trail's End, Olivia's
Dinner: Cape May Cafe

There is one more meal, a dinner I think, but the information is at home. Thanks for the assurance to table dinning is for solos. I like to read when I eat solo, will this be ok?

Penny

Hi Penny,

Looks like you have picked some great places. I went to Donalds and Boma on my last trip and loved both. If you are adding one more dinner might I suggest one of the Epcot restaurants? I am a big fan of Le Cellier.
And as for reading, I have done this before too. I also like writing out postcards or trip journaling during a sit down meal.

Hope that you have a great trip!
Mike :goodvibes

[pjpoohbear]

Mike:

I have to journal this trip, so a great idea! Just started scrapbooking, :rolleyes2 .

I wanted to do food booth sampling for an epcot dinner. Food and Wine Fest is suppose to be the grown-up :snooty: reason I tell others for this trip :rolleyes1 .

Yeah right, :rotfl: I am going to see those two chipmunks :lovestruc and maybe a mouse or two, some ducks, a crickets, and who else.... :laughing:.

AT Home: The other dinner will hopefully be at Raglan Road, the new irish pub at PI. So no ADR for that, at least for now.

[Mykelogan]

Mike:

I have to journal this trip, so a great idea! Just started scrapbooking, :rolleyes2 .

Oh cool Penny!!
I just started doing some scrapbooking myself because of my June trip, I wanted to be able to extend my "Disney magic" a few months by doing an uber scrapbook. You have to check out the scrapbooking store at DTD! I spent sooo much money there! hehe I got the "Happiest Celebration" Scrapbook binder and lots of fun scrapbook toys (papers, mickey head scissors, character hole punches) there.

Have fun at Food & Wine Festival too, I have heard it is a blast!
Mike :earsboy:

[wdwr]

Oh cool Penny!!
I just started doing some scrapbooking myself because of my June trip, I wanted to be able to extend my "Disney magic" a few months by doing an uber scrapbook. You have to check out the scrapbooking store at DTD! I spent sooo much money there! hehe I got the "Happiest Celebration" Scrapbook binder and lots of fun scrapbook toys (papers, mickey head scissors, character hole punches) there.

Have fun at Food & Wine Festival too, I have heard it is a blast!
Mike :earsboy:


There is a Scrapbooking store in DTD!!! Do you mean in Marketplace. How did I miss that in December. Could you PM me the store name and which part of DTD it is in. I need to buy stuff to spruce up my photo album when I come down in Sept.

Thanks Mike,

Shelley
aka wdwr

[pjpoohbear]

It is a couple of doors down from the 365 days of Christmas store. If you take the bus it is really close to the marketplace stop. It is connected to the art store. Browsed last trip, but was not committed to the madness of scrapping yet, the bug does bite really fast!

Penny

[kaytieeldr]

Sure, the CMs are fine with it. Nobody's ever questioned me, nor have I ever noticed a change in tone or attitude :sunny:
The only 'odd' thing I've noticed is, when I tried to get a PS for California Grill for just me, the earliest they could seat me was 9:15 or 9:30; when I changed it to three people, I could get a PS for 7 PM! I ended up using neither one - my friends didn't make it until the next day, and I was at PI.

[MaryPoppinsLives]

Thanks everyone for the input. I will try my hand at it. WDWR I sent you a private email today....

Scrapbookers, the scrapbook store in DTD is great but if you are not planning on visiting DTD you can get some of the supplies at EPCOT (store is at the end of the bridge between FW/WS) and at MK at the Town Hall first store on the right as you enter mainstreet

[Terk-1]

I always make ps for the restaurants I want to dine at, especially the more popular ones. I have no trouble telling Disney Dining it is for a party of one, and most times, I get kudos from the CM on the phone. I usually tell them that although I love going with family, when I go solo, it gives me the opportunity to try some great sit down restaurants, that my young nephews may not care for. I love to read, so I always have a book with me. This helps take any awkwardness away from dining alone, as well as something to help fill in the time while waiting for a parade or show to start. I have always received very good service, even while dining alone. I tried the Whispering Canyon in 2003 and always dine at 50's. Both places were very respectful that I was dining solo and that I was not interested in the jokes or games.

[ExPirateShopGirl]

As for the poster who wondered about dining at Teppanyaki solo, I would definitely dine there solo. You usually meet some really neat people at your table, even if you are part of a group yourself. :flower:

[CarolynNC]

I learned something interesting today. I booked a trip about a month out so I've been late making ADRs. I'm only going to be there 3 nights and I've had no luck getting CRT and LeCellier for dinner. I call daily hoping for a cancellation. When I called today the CM told me she had availability all evening at CRT. I was thrilled...then she said...wait a minute, that's for a 4 top. I don't have anything for a single. Seems they have very few tables for one and aren't allowed to do ADRs for a 4 top for a single diner. She check LeCellier for the day I wanted and it was the same deal. She suggested I walk up and get put on the list about an hour before I want to eat. Of course if I take a chance that screws my backup ADR. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I'm too honest to lie to get an ADR.

[Keggy]

The only 'odd' thing I've noticed is, when I tried to get a PS for California Grill for just me, the earliest they could seat me was 9:15 or 9:30; when I changed it to three people, I could get a PS for 7 PM!

That is because the way the dining system works they have tables listed for 1-2, 3-4, etc... You changed to a different size table, so there were different table sizes available.

I don't agree with it - just explaining it...