Can you tell me about your solo TS dining experiences?

[TeresaNJ]

I just booked my first solo trip, April 7-14, in a studio at BWV. It is for a much needed renew my spirit/mental health break. I've never gone solo before, and I'm feeling somewhat strange about dining at table service restaurants alone.

What do you think are some good TS restaurants for those dining solo? What were your experiences? Did you feel weird? Did you find people looking at you, wondering? I'm going to feel awkward and out of place as it is, being there myself, but I'm forcing myself to do it, as right now it looks like I'll be making more solo trips in the future. Thanks for all your help.

 

[Sadie22]

I traveled to the World last summer with my husband. While he attended a convention, I was out and about on my own. I ate alone at Le Chefs de France and Sci Fi Dine In as well as some counter service restaurants. I was celebrating my birthday. Four French waiters sang to me at Le Chefs. It was not at all awkward to dine alone. No one stared at me. There were other solo diners. Sometimes I would strike up conversations with families nearby, sometimes not. It was nice to be able to go where I wanted, at my own sometimes slow pace, and not have to worry about what anyone else wanted to do. You will have a great time. I do recommend you make ADRs if possible. You may be able to walk up and get a table, but I preferred not to chance that.

 

[disneymeister]

I like some of the table service restaurants with counters when dining alone...Beaches & Cream, 50s Prime Time are some of the places that I have dined.

Also Biergarten seems like a good choice because of the jovial atmosphere and group seating, but sometimes I have been seated with some antisocial people there. But that has never decreased my own enjoyment of Biergarten ;-)

 

[Chrisvee]

Here's where I've dined alone:

--Les Chefs de France
--Artists Point
--Captain's Grille
--Yachtsman Steakhouse
--Kouzzina
--Raglan Road

My trip was during the last week April/first week in May. In general, I made my reservations at the start of the dinner hour so that I wouldn't be taking up a table for 2 during the busiest hours.

I felt entirely comfortable at all of these restaurants. I was generally seated at a table for two rather than for four. I was on the dining plan. The servers were wonderful and chatted with me. I got the same level of service that I've gotten when I've been with my family. I didn't feel that anyone was staring or that I was singled out in any way. I tended to tip on the higher side (20%+) since I was only a party of one rather than two. I brought a book and would read while sipping my drink or between courses.

It was a great experience and I'm headed back again in Nov. I plan to dine at several TS restaurants to try new ones!

 

[TeresaNJ]

Thanks so much for the replies. I've made reservations for Kouzzina, Les Chefs de France, Tutto Italia, Rose & Crown, Tony's, Via Napoli & Cape May Cafe. Still pondering on changing a few. Have to think about it a little more. I'm thinking of asking to sit outdoors at Tony's, Tutto Italia, & Rose & Crown, since they have that type of seating available. I thought about bringing my nook for when dining inside, but would that be rude?

 

[Verstehen]

Kouzzina is GREAT. You will not be disappointed there.

 

[mytripsandraces]

I went to Akershus for the princess lunch and every princess treated me as if I were a visiting princess. I have never had anyone look at me strangely and I take a lot of trips alone to the World (I run Disney). I read at the table if it's not a character meal, so go ahead and do what makes you comfortable.

Oh, and an additional benefit of eating alone at Akershus for lunch is you get to eat the entire family-style dessert on your own!

 

[DisMullins]

I am so glad I found this thread!! I just booked my first solo trip and have been asking myself the same question about the TS. I don't mind eating alone, but wondered how it would be at The World. Thanks for all the input!

Another question--I know there is no alcohol in MK. But at Epcot and others, is there a bar at any of the TS? If I ever eat alone (or when it's just me and the hubby), I usually like to sit there because not only is the service usually better, but the bartender provides good convo. Any ideas? (I've never noticed when I've been before! )

 

[Sawhiskey]

I have eaten at TS restaurants plenty of times and have not felt weird at all. I have done Kona a few times, Tutto Italia a few times, I did Boma, SciFi DineIn, Grand Floridian Cafe each once. I have 12 reservations for my next trip including a character breakfast at Crystal Palace for 820am and I am solo again. I don't see a reason to not do ANYTHING solo in the real or dis world. Have a fun trip, going Solo is very fun.

 

[DFD]

eat the entire family-style dessert on your own!

I have eaten at TS restaurants plenty of times and have not felt weird at all. I have done Kona a few times, Tutto Italia a few times, I did Boma, SciFi DineIn, Grand Floridian Cafe each once. I have 12 reservations for my next trip including a character breakfast at Crystal Palace for 820am and I am solo again. I don't see a reason to not do ANYTHING solo in the real or dis world. Have a fun trip, going Solo is very fun.

did I see that right ??? 11 days at POP ?????? So Lime green in envy here!!!

 

[Floydian]

Over the years I've probably eaten at about half of the TS restaurants by myself. I generally hate eating alone (or going to movies alone) because I tend to be so self-conscious. That said, I've always felt fine at Disney locations.

I especially recommend Biergarten as it's a table for 8, so everyone is sitting with some strangers anyway. Also, I dined at 1900 Park Fare this past Christmas Eve, and didn't even feel strange there. Plus as a solo guy, I got a little extra attention from Anastasia and Drisella.

 

[ClareH37]

I had my first solo trip last May and therefore my first solo dining experiences - I had a great time everywhere

Restaurants I ate at were Flying Fish (twice - my absolute favourite, loved the chef's counter/kitchen), Rose & Crown (had a great little 2 top table on the patio), Cap'n Jacks (another great little 2 top table in the main dining area with a great view of DTD and the water).

I'm returning in November and so far have Tutto Italia, Tokyo Dining, Flying Fish, Captains Grill and Blue Zoo on my list, with plenty of room for more

 

[Bets19]

Thanks so much for the replies. I've made reservations for Kouzzina, Les Chefs de France, Tutto Italia, Rose & Crown, Tony's, Via Napoli & Cape May Cafe. Still pondering on changing a few. Have to think about it a little more. I'm thinking of asking to sit outdoors at Tony's, Tutto Italia, & Rose & Crown, since they have that type of seating available. I thought about bringing my nook for when dining inside, but would that be rude?

I always have a book with me. I don't think it's rude at all. Have a wonderful trip. I'm going solo for my first time in October. I am looking forward to this trip.

 

[Sawhiskey]

did I see that right ??? 11 days at POP ?????? So Lime green in envy here!!!

Yes, I have 10 nights booked at POP, I pretty much started saving and planning as soon as I got home from my last trip.

 

[Bets19]

Four French waiters sang to me at Le Chefs. It was not at all awkward to dine alone. No one stared at me.

This quote alone made me even more excited for my birthday trip in October. People think I'm nuts for spending my birthday week in Disney solo. Now I will definately be wearing my birthday button on that day!!! Thank you for sharing.

 

[Ramsfan28]

I have had MANY trips to the World solo and never have felt weird dining alone. I have eaten at just about every signature restaraunt and besides enjoying great food, I get to people watch!

 

[DFD]

Teresa!!!

This quote alone made me even more excited for my birthday trip in October. People think I'm nuts for spending my birthday week in Disney solo. Now I will definately be wearing my birthday button on that day!!! Thank you for sharing.

am with you on that!!! As early as now I am contemplating for 2012 on where am going to eat on that very day!!! When in October are you going ??!!

I have had MANY trips to the World solo and never have felt weird dining alone. I have eaten at just about every signature restaraunt and besides enjoying great food, I get to people watch!

woohooo another Joisey neighbors

 

[keahgirl8]

This quote alone made me even more excited for my birthday trip in October. People think I'm nuts for spending my birthday week in Disney solo. Now I will definately be wearing my birthday button on that day!!! Thank you for sharing.

Good for you! I am celebrating my birthday solo in WDW this year too!

I have eaten solo at Sci-Fi, Le Cellier, Coral Reef, San Angel Inn, and many many counter service locations! It never bothered me a bit.

 

[DFD]

Good for you! I am celebrating my birthday solo in WDW this year too!

I have eaten solo at Sci-Fi, Le Cellier, Coral Reef, San Angel Inn, and many many counter service locations! It never bothered me a bit.

advance happy Bday!!!

 

[Sadie22]

This quote alone made me even more excited for my birthday trip in October. People think I'm nuts for spending my birthday week in Disney solo. Now I will definately be wearing my birthday button on that day!!! Thank you for sharing.

How nice! I mentioned my birthday when I made my ADRs. I had heard that French waiters might be snooty, but that was not the case at Le Chefs. My waiter was very attentive and it was the highlight when he brought three friends over with a flaming dessert. I was enjoying my dessert when the executive chef stopped by to check on me. His name is Remy.