Solo table service dining at WDW

[Tiradan]

Hello everyone,

I'm going to WDW for only the 2nd time in my life this January (first time was last month ). I didn't eat at any sit down restaurants because I was solo and I'll be solo again this January, so I was wondering if it would be strange to make reservations for 1 at any of the table service restaurants. I especially want to try the new Be Our Guest restaurant, would it be weird to make a reservation for one there?

Thanks.

 

[pumba]

You will hear from plenty of people on this ..

Everytime (26ish) visits to the house of the mouse...we have seen plenty of solo diners...one of my husbands co workers...always goes by himself...

Biergarten is a great place to go solo..you sit with another group of people and everyone is so friendly...at least our ten or so visits there have been positive visits..

GO and make some reservations...enjoy yourself...

 

[TDC Nala]

There is absolutely no problem with making a reservation for one. The only concern is that at some restaurants reservations for one can be hard to come by. Try making a reservation for two. Then you can either call and reduce it to one, or when you show up say there is going to be one diner instead of two. I'm not sure if you mean can the system do it, or will the staff give you a hard time when you arrive. They shouldn't.

Another way to handle eating at TS as a solo diner is to pick the ones that have a bar or lounge that serves the full menu. Usually you don't even need reservations if you're willing to do this.

Remember if you want to see Be Our Guest you can also eat counter service lunch there. Biggest concern with a solo for lunch is that you need to get your own drinks, condiments and utensils, maybe do that before you sit down.

 

[Uncleromulus]

THis

And to add that there are a large # of WDW restaurants with bars that serve a full menu. We eat at the bars all the time and it's a great spot for a solo diner.

 

[IrishPixies]

I was wondering if it would be strange to make reservations for 1 at any of the table service restaurants

If it helps at all, I will be checking in at Pop on Sunday and I have 12 ADR's for my solo stay (doing deluxe dining). I dine solo often at home so I don't feel uncomfortable about it at all. I did have to make most of my reservations for 2, though. So the advice to try looking for spots for 2 is absolutely great advice. You'll have many more options.

I can give you a report of how it all went when I return but I'm sure it will be GREAT!

 

[BayouBelle77]

My fave restaurants for dining solo at WDW:

Flying Fish and Jiko - both have counter seating and are just fantastic. Flying Fish has always been bustling with activity even though I go during slow season. I have found Jiko to be a bit quieter. Don't know which type of atmosphere you prefer.

Bluezoo - you can get the full menu at the bar...I did the chef's tasting menu and it was one of the top 5 best meals I have ever eaten. Plus this restaurant just looks really cool inside.

Bistro de Paris - I snagged a table by the window and got to watch Illuminations during dessert. Very quiet atmosphere.

Artist Point - the food was excellent (cedar plank salmon) and the waiter was very attentive. He even took my charger in the back and charged my camera battery while I ate so I had a full battery when I went back to the park after dinner.

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[GATORinaZ28]

While I cannot speak for the Be Our Guest experience solo, I can speak for dining solo as I solo'd a trip in May 2010. Absolutely nothing weird about it at all! I was treated the same as anywhere else I have been with my family. It was also kind of nice to finish and leave rather than to wait for others. (lol)

I hope you stay and dining!

 

[winthropf]

One thing to note if booking a solo ADR online. If you enter for 2 people, many more time slots open up.

 

[Stinky_Pete]

I am planning my first solo trip in a week and a half. I see mention of bars that serve full menus. Can someone please list some of these?

Thanks!

 

[mlittig]

I go solo and eat wherever I want I have also used the "book it for 2" strategy if I can't get a table for one since I figure it is not a problem because I have never seen a real table for one

 

[POOHsie]

I had dinner solo at Be Our Guest, and also a solo lunch. No worries. The nice couple at the next table shared a small bit of casual chit-chat with me. But if that's not for you, that's OK, too. I had the most wonderful meal at Narcoossee's with a very attentive but not intrusive waiter. Nice evening.

I reserved all my ADRs for one. I couldn't get a res at 'Ohana. I even tried res for 2. I think they have very limited small tables. I don't worry that I'm solo. I had my time "in the sun" with family. Now my DH has passed and DD has married and lives far away. But I still want to visit WDW as often as possible. So I don't try to overthink my situation. As a WDW-lover, I'm glad that you're returning to WDW so soon after your first visit. Have a great time!

 

[Uncleromulus]

Sure Pete!!

Blue Zoo
Shulas
California grill
Il Mulino
Flying Fish
Narcoossee's
Jiko
Citricos

And those are just the Signatures.

I've heard that Fultons and Portobello both have bars where you can order full meals as well. There is of course the ESPN on the Boardwalk, and since we always order lunch at the Gurgling Suitcase at OKW, I'd expect they serve the dinner menu from Olivias. And there is Yak and Yeti in the AK. VERY small bar, but nice!!

 

[racefilly]

One of my favorite places to go when I travel solo is the sushi bar at Kona Cafe at the Polynesian resort. Not only is it sushi, but you can order anything off the menu from Kona Cafe, plus they have full bar service. A lot of solo diners eat there. I also enjoy the bar at Citricos or California Grill. Go enjoy, I've met a lot of wonderful people while dining solo who are also dining solo. You know you will have one thing in common - the mouse!

 

[Stinky_Pete]

Sure Pete!!

Blue Zoo
Shulas
California grill
Il Mulino
Flying Fish
Narcoossee's
Jiko
Citricos

And those are just the Signatures.

I've heard that Fultons and Portobello both have bars where you can order full meals as well. There is of course the ESPN on the Boardwalk, and since we always order lunch at the Gurgling Suitcase at OKW, I'd expect they serve the dinner menu from Olivias. And there is Yak and Yeti in the AK. VERY small bar, but nice!!

Thanks Uncleromulus! I didn't know about Citricos and always wanted to go there. I may have to see if I can get a seat there this trip.

 

[edbo77]

I posted a similar thread earlier this week, got lots of great replies if you want to check them out.

As for my own experience, I ate solo at Cape May Cafe for dinner earlier in the year. Showed up with no reservation and got seated in about 15 minutes.

 

[Sweettears]

I always do TS when I travel solo. I also use the table for 2 strategy. I agree with PP. Who has ever seen a table for one. At least one you would want to sit at.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Pete:

The bar at Citricos is on the left as you enter the restaurant. It's almost never busy, as most drinking folks go to Mizners.