CRT- How awkward would it be solo?

[Linkura]

I'm doing my second annual solo trip in early March, and I've realized I've never done CRT before and kind of want to do it just to do it. I know the food isn't supposed to be amazing, but I never got to go even as a little kid who went to WDW plenty of times. Kind of a bucket list item. And doing it solo would relieve my husband of going with me whenever he comes on another trip.

Has anyone ever done CRT solo or seen someone at the restaurant as a solo diner? If so, how awkward was it? I did Tiffins and Skipper Canteen solo last trip, and it was totally fine. But I didn't do any character meals, and Tiffins and Skipper Canteen kind of lean towards an adult vibe. The last character meal I did was with my husband at Crystal Palace, and that was fine with the two of us. I'm just wondering if a formal, sit-down, character meal would just be too weird or if I'd get funny looks or something. I was always treated well last trip as a solo traveler, but would doing CRT alone just be a little too much? I'm a 30 year old woman, but I've been mistaken for a teenager too many times to count, if that helps.

Thanks for any opinions.

 

[Capang]

I’d say if you want to do it go for it! I don’t think it would be awkward and I think it’d make for fun character interactions. Enjoy!

 

[Linkura]

So they have no tables for 1 for the dinner date I selected, but they do for 2. And they require prepayment. I'm wondering if it's possible to modify it afterwards to 1 person...

Edit: Anddd it's already got so it's not like I can find out. I put 1 person into TouringPlans's Reservation Finder. We'll see if it ever comes up.

 

[KenHutch]

Second trip (2008) I saw a woman (young early 20's?) eating alone. I only remember because of her jumping up and posing with the princesses. She seemed to be having a great time. I say do it and have fun.

 

[Disney_Alli]

I went solo in 2010 and loved it. I'm sure you'll have a blast. (I was 25 not that it matters)

ETA I've done most of the character meals at both DL and WDW solo and always have a blast. Eat anywhere you want and do you!

 

[kmc8826]

I think if you can get the ADR do it. I went with just my daughter who was 9 at the time but she was tired and quiet and missing her daddy and her sisters. Honestly I remember thinking then that I wish I was just alone so I could enjoy this and not be worrying about her. If you are by yourself you can just focus on the whole experience!

 

[Wubar]

Yes, only you can answer for yourself if it's going to be awkward. If you don't have a problem eating by yourself and doing other things solo, I think you would be fine, especially since it's something you want to do. Have fun!

 

[macraven]

My trips are solo and have eaten at that place three times solo

It was fine for me
Some of the cm spent time chatting with me longer than usual

I’m sure they were wanting to make sure I had a good time

I do one dinner hour adr for each day I’m at Disney
Never felt uncomfortable dining alone
Most of the diners are with family or others and don’t notice if someone is there as a solo diner

You will love the princess interaction at CRT !

 

[PaulaSB12]

I'm doing my second annual solo trip in early March, and I've realized I've never done CRT before and kind of want to do it just to do it. I know the food isn't supposed to be amazing, but I never got to go even as a little kid who went to WDW plenty of times. Kind of a bucket list item. And doing it solo would relieve my husband of going with me whenever he comes on another trip.

Has anyone ever done CRT solo or seen someone at the restaurant as a solo diner? If so, how awkward was it? I did Tiffins and Skipper Canteen solo last trip, and it was totally fine. But I didn't do any character meals, and Tiffins and Skipper Canteen kind of lean towards an adult vibe. The last character meal I did was with my husband at Crystal Palace, and that was fine with the two of us. I'm just wondering if a formal, sit-down, character meal would just be too weird or if I'd get funny looks or something. I was always treated well last trip as a solo traveler, but would doing CRT alone just be a little too much? I'm a 30 year old woman, but I've been mistaken for a teenager too many times to count, if that helps.

Thanks for any opinions.

I did it once and they made me feel totally comfortable liked the food. Mind you you brining it up means I am going to have to put it on the list for my October visit

 

[JAMIESMITH]

The food was better than we expected. I was with my daughter and cousin, but I wouldn’t hesitate to go alone.

 

[Linkura]

Thanks everyone! I got it on TouringPlans's Reservation Finder.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Thanks everyone! I got it on TouringPlans's Reservation Finder.

Yay! so happy for you. Dont feel awkward eating there alone. A friend of mine (male) ate there alone a couple times and had a great time! I say go for it. I too am a solo traveller and have no issues eating alone.

 

[Linkura]

Well, I was able to get one myself by just refreshing for a late lunch (2:30) on my AK day. If I can't find a reservation for a different day, I'll have to get a hopper. I was planning on peacing out of AK around 1 anyway, so the timing is fine, but I would have to pay extra for a hopper I wasn't planning to get. Hoping I can get something for another day. If I cancel on the website 24 hours prior, it'll refund my money, correct?

 

[gharter]

I've eaten at many of their restaurants solo on different trips and always had fun. Its all in your attitude. If you go in with the attitude that you're going to have fun, you will.
Have never eaten at CRT, but no reason that would be any different than dining solo somewhere else.

 

[Vala]

I've been doing character meals solo ever since I went to Disney the first time.

Cinderella's Royal Table is the only meal that ever made me feel awkward. Came to check in "Where's your family?" Umm... I am solo, that's why you have a reservation for one? Picture taking with Cinderella - once they finally called me after half an hour (I am willing to bet they forgot about me)? 'Don't you want to wait for your family?'

When the photo had been taken I was quite abruptly told to go up the staircase, only to be ignored at the steps by all CMs upstairs for more than 5 minutes. First question? 'Where's your family?'

The CM serving me mostly ignored me and twice even snapped at me when I tried to ask them something when they were close cleaning a table.

Okay, the latter part could have happened to a larger party too I guess. Still the whole experience was so weird, I have no desire to go back.

 

[nighttowll]

I will say we went just two girls last trip, 30s and 20s. Like you, we both pass for teens easily. It was fun, but it was a little awkward at times. We skipped the picture with Cinderella. We aren’t big picture people.

They set us dead center in the middle of the dining room which made me a little uncomfortable. I think I would have felt much bettter if we had been by the wall or window. I don’t like feeling like I’m on display while I eat. If I was single, I’d have to ask for a table around the perimeter. I couldn’t be front and center and have everyone staring at me.

We didn’t really care about meeting with the princesses, most we just waved off, but a couple it was a little awkward.

They also give you the wands for the spell, so that’s a little awkward too in my opinion, if you have no kids with you.

Overall, we had a good time, and it was fine. I personally wouldn’t have felt comfortable doing it alone, but I’m not a big fan of eating anywhere alone, unless it’s more of a coffee shop / Panera type place where I have a book or tablet to keep me company.

I think most of what was a bit awkward for us was more because we were childless adults than anything. However, I know if I was there alone, it would bother me 10 times more than it did. Strength in numbers and all that. I never feel as silly if I have a partner in crime.

So I think it really comes down to the individual person if they would be comfortable or not. Even with the little bits of awkwardness, we did not regret doing it at all. We really enjoyed seeing the castle, the food was good, and our waitress was great. We also enjoyed watching all the little kids run around in their costumes, and they were very cute when they were doing the spell. We felt it was worth doing once.

 

[Linkura]

I've been doing character meals solo ever since I went to Disney the first time.

Cinderella's Royal Table is the only meal that ever made me feel awkward. Came to check in "Where's your family?" Umm... I am solo, that's why you have a reservation for one? Picture taking with Cinderella - once they finally called me after half an hour (I am willing to bet they forgot about me)? 'Don't you want to wait for your family?'

When the photo had been taken I was quite abruptly told to go up the staircase, only to be ignored at the steps by all CMs upstairs for more than 5 minutes. First question? 'Where's your family?'

The CM serving me mostly ignored me and twice even snapped at me when I tried to ask them something when they were close cleaning a table.

Okay, the latter part could have happened to a larger party too I guess. Still the whole experience was so weird, I have no desire to go back.

Oh dear... this is discouraging. How recent was this?

 

[adamreisinger]

I've dined at CRT five times now, always solo, and have enjoyed it every time (most recently on New Year's Day this year). I've never had a bad experience there and found both the castmembers and the Princesses to be incredibly kind. The one thing I'll say is that because of the layout of the restaurant, it's not always easy to get a CM to help you out with a photo when a Princess is at your table, but in those cases the Princesses will usually suggest a selfie with your "magic mirror" (aka your smartphone). One time I did specifically mention to the CM that seated me that I was by myself and was hoping someone could help out with photos, and she kept an eye on my table and was able to make it over to take pictures for three of the four princesses.

 

[Vala]

Oh dear... this is discouraging. How recent was this?

Three years.

Besides that please, don't base your decision on one negative review only. I've myself done close to 100 character meals alone and this was the only real bad experience. I may just have been incredibly unlucky. You can see the positive reviews outweigh mine by far.

Normally being solo even gives you the chance for special experiences who you wouldn't get in a group. I've had tons of characters starting from Chip to Prince Naveen and Tiana sitting down to keep me company. The Fairy Godmother came to my rescue when she saw I was alone and was really smitten with Foulfellow. Captain Hook dragged a CM over with the hook to take a picture when he realized I am not exactly a selfie pro.

The chances for that at CRT are probably smaller. But a solo meal by no way means having a bad experience.

 

[Linkura]

Three years.

Besides that please, don't base your decision on one negative review only. I've myself done close to 100 character meals alone and this was the only real bad experience. I may just have been incredibly unlucky. You can see the positive reviews outweigh mine by far.

Normally being solo even gives you the chance for special experiences who you wouldn't get in a group. I've had tons of characters starting from Chip to Prince Naveen and Tiana sitting down to keep me company. The Fairy Godmother came to my rescue when she saw I was alone and was really smitten with Foulfellow. Captain Hook dragged a CM over with the hook to take a picture when he realized I am not exactly a selfie pro.

The chances for that at CRT are probably smaller. But a solo meal by no way means having a bad experience.

Thanks. Yeah, I'm still going to keep looking for an ADR for my 3 MK days so I don't have to get a hopper. Nothing yet, but considering I was able to get something for my AK day pretty easily, I'm hopeful.