Best restaurants for solo dining?

[MUFFYCAT]

I'm going solo in Sept for five days.
are they any restaurants that solo would feel more comforatble?

Would the Primetime Cafe at MGM be alright?

 

[yearbook50]

Here's my reservations for my upcoming solo trip.

Day 1:
Afternoon Tea
California Grill

Day 2:
CS Lunch
Crystal Palace

Day 3:
Lunch @ Alfredo's
Dinner @ Le Cellier

Day 4:
Sci-Fi
FDP @ Brown Derby

Day 5:
Donald's Breakfastosouros
Rainforest Cafe
V&A

Day 6:
CS Lunch
Yachtsman

Day 7:
Breakfast @ 1900 Park Fare
Lunch @ Tony's

Most places are fine for dining alone. Only places I would avoid solo would be Ohana's and WCC

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

I've eaten solo at 'Ohana, Restaurant Marrakesh, Boatwright's, and Le Cellier and enjoyed myself at all of them. The server at 'Ohana was the only one who disappointed me, giving all his attention to the large (therefore higher-tipping?) groups and ignoring me - however, he did the same when I got him again while eating with DD and DS, so it wasn't an anti-solo thing. I had the best service at Boatwright's - absolutely stellar - but the servers at Marrakesh and Le Cellier were great as well.

My future solo dining plans include the Garden View Lounge Tea, Chefs de France, and Raglan Road. Based on my past experiences, I expect to enjoy my solo meals at any WDW restaurant. I see no reason why the Prime Time would be any different. The only thing to consider is whether you want to be part of the "fun" and let your server know. I'd guess that the server would be hesitant to play up the atmosphere with a solo diner unless you indicate that you want to be part of the antics. As for the other restaurants, check out the menus to decide which restaurants appeal to you and go for it - you'll have a great time.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

Thanks for your help. I would be the quiet one at Prime Time.

you guys gave me alot of choices

 

[Simba's Mom]

I understand your concern about solo sit-down dining. The first ones I felt comfortable at were Chefs de France (make sure you get a window table so you can watch the people go by) and Sci-Fi. I've never eaten at 50s Prime Time, so I don't know about there. However, I've never felt uncomfortable at any place I've eaten solo-LTT, R&C, CRT, Cape May Breakfast, Boatrights, Trail's End, B&C (another especially good experience at the counter), and of course, the above mentioned 2. The only thing a little unnerving was when one server was so surprised I was solo and said, "Good for you-I'd never have the courage to dine by myself."

 

[WillCAD]

Best restaurants for solo dining?

No such thing.

Feeling comfortable dining solo is not a function of the restaurant, it's a function of the diner. If you can feel comfortable dining solo at McDonalds, you can feel comfortable dining solo at any WDW restaurant.

Forget about trying to find a place that is "better for solos", and instead concentrate on finding places that you want to eat. Look at the menus on AllEarsNet, look at reviews on the DIS boards, check out the various themes, and decide where to eat based on what appeals to you.

The big advantage of going to WDW solo is being able to do anything you want without worrying about the needs of traveling companions. Solo means complete freedom to eat in any restaurant, stay at any hotel, or experience any attraction, any time you want - or skip any of them. DH always drag you to Planet Hollywood, but you don't like it? Skip it! Kids always drag you to CP, but you don't care for it? Skip it! Always wanted to try Rainforest Cafe or California Grill but DH and the kids didn't want to? Go for it!

Ride RNRC 5 times in a row, eat a Mickey Bar for breakfast, have a glass of wine at Rose and Crown and read a book, or take a whole day just to go shopping at the outlets - who cares? You're on your own time, nobody elses.

Not sure where to start? Go through the menus and pick your 5 favorite meals (mix up some breakfasts, lunches, and dinners), and make ADRs there. Pick a few appealing counter-service meals, too, and make note with your planning materials so you can try them along the way. Once you get that far, the rest of your trip will fall into place like Tetris blocks and you'll have the time of your life.

 

[CaliMouseKing]

I'm in the same boat Muffy. Going solo but want to enjoy good restaurants as well. I think as long as the food is exceptional, the solo part shouldn't be too bad.

 

[smiller]

I agree that dining solo is more a "state of mind" than the accomodations of the restaurant. But I also must say that I am a bit hesitant of something like 'Ohana simply for the fact that I wouldn't know what to do with all that food on the lazy susan in front of me. I'm going in September with my parents, my sister, brother-in-law, 3yo niece and infant nephew (yet to be born - he'll probably be about 6 weeks old!). I am so looking forward to getting away for my solo lunch at Rose & Crown!

 

[Disney Chick2]

I went to Flying Fish last time I went solo. I sat at the bar and it was wonderful. The bartenders let me try some wines and paired them with my dinner. It's a place I will visit often. I also love Spoodles!
Have fun!

 

[WillCAD]

I agree that dining solo is more a "state of mind" than the accomodations of the restaurant. But I also must say that I am a bit hesitant of something like 'Ohana simply for the fact that I wouldn't know what to do with all that food on the lazy susan in front of me. I'm going in September with my parents, my sister, brother-in-law, 3yo niece and infant nephew (yet to be born - he'll probably be about 6 weeks old!). I am so looking forward to getting away for my solo lunch at Rose & Crown!

I've been to 'Ohana solo several times. You eat, just like you do with a group, only when you're solo you can concentrate on enjoying the food instead of concentrating on talking to someone else.

Just be sure to save room for dessert!

 

[MUFFYCAT]

willcad- I remember you from a website years ago- Magic Alley?

i always remember your phrase and the picture with the epcot globe

 

[MUFFYCAT]

thanks for all your help guys.

i won't be alone the whole time, just wanted to make sure i have dinner planned each day.

 

[WillCAD]

willcad- I remember you from a website years ago- Magic Alley?

i always remember your phrase and the picture with the epcot globe

I was a moderator in the Readers Clubhouse, before it became the Magic Alley.

These days I hang out at the DIS, Passporter, Themeparks.com, and Tagrel boards.

If you're going in September, consider leaving a day or two with dinner unplanned, and winging it. September is the easiest time of year to get into WDW restaurants as a walk-up; you might have to wait a little while, or maybe go to another restaurant, but you can leave picking out a place till the last minute and have a great time.

 

[#1DizGal]

Love love love Mama Melrose's at the Studios. Dine there solo once or twice every trip.

 

[SandraVB79]

I went solo to 50s Prime Time Cafe, Coral Reef and the Plaza Restaurant. I enjoyed every minute of it

 

[Hugpug]

I have eaten solo at quite a few and the only ones that made me feel un-welcome were LeCellers and WCC. I have eaten at 50'sPT a few times and was very much impressed with the service besides good food. Chef Mickeys,Concourse Steak House,Trails End,Garden Cafe,Rose and Crown,Beaches & Cream,Kona's,LTT,Sci-Fi All these places treated me very well. I will be trying a few new ones this time around.

 

[yearbook50]

I have eaten solo at quite a few and the only ones that made me feel un-welcome were LeCellers and WCC. I have eaten at 50'sPT a few times and was very much impressed with the service besides good food. Chef Mickeys,Concourse Steak House,Trails End,Garden Cafe,Rose and Crown,Beaches & Cream,Kona's,LTT,Sci-Fi All these places treated me very well. I will be trying a few new ones this time around.

What about LeCellers made you feel unwelomed?
I would just like to know because I'm planning on a meal there for my upcoming solo trip.

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

I had a wonderful server at Le Cellier. At first she acted a little surprised at my being solo, but was quite welcoming and provided sociable service without being smothering.

 

[DanPadavona]

Restaurant Akershus used to be perfect for solo dieting, but unfortunately it went all Princess on us.

 

[disneyaggie]

While at EPCOT I love to dine at Mitsukoshi Tappanyaki (Japan). You are seated with others so you can meet some new folks and not dine alone.

Also -- I have always wanted to try the 50's Prime Time Cafe, but going solo, do they sit you with others so you share a table? Tell me more about the Prime Time Cafe while dining alone.

Thanks!