Dining Alone in Disney World Tips

[MchL]

I never thought about 50's Prime Time as a solo. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Stephanator]

Kindle App for your phone, best thing ever. You don't have to carry a book around and if you are an avid reader, you can even use the time in lines that don't have much interesting to do reading. It will run down your battery a bit but mine still lasts all day with about a 40% charge left.

If your book is already downloaded thought the phone Kindle app, you can read it while in airplane mode which will save your battery. I tend to keep my phone in airplane mode and just turn it back to active once an hour or so at the park to conserve battery. You can still take photos and read notes and access info on apps, you just can't do anything to "communicate" while in airplane mode.

 

[anonymousegirl]

I am at work and can't watch the video right now, but my big solo dining tip is to eat at off times-like when the venue first opens. I almost always get seated at Sci-Fi or Brown Derby if I am there just before they open. I always talk with other diners (unless they clearly want to be alone). I usually have my Kindle (on my phone), but don't usually use it while dining. I prefer to people watch.

 

[MaybeMaybeline]

One thing I found that made quick service more enjoyable as a solo was eating at off times and choosing locations that have interesting seating options with nooks and crannies. Like flame tree bbq, Columbia harbor house, and tangierine cafe. It was fun to hunt for the perfect spot to tuck in, enjoy my meal, and people watch. Another great option is to skip a meal entirely and enjoy all the fabulous snacking opportunities as you go.

 

[DebZip]

I went solo to Disney several times last year, one time I decided to "theme" my first day.

I had never stayed at the Coronado Springs resort so I chose it and decided Spanish-theme for the day.

I rarely enjoy relaxing at the resort and taking my time there, so this time I arrived about 9:30am after a 3 hour drive, checked in, unpacked in my room and relaxed for a few minutes. Walked around the grounds taking in the scenery, greeting other guests, and taking pictures, and then I changed for the pool with that great pyramid.

Enjoyed the pool a lot, even took a turn on the water slide. Afterwards I dried a bit and had lunch at the pool bar - keeping in theme, I had nachos and a fruity-Spanish drink with rum.

Around 3pm I headed to Epcot, enjoyed a few rides, about 5pm I had a snack (the kids Empanada & also churro) with a Dos Equis draft at La Cantina de San Angel.
I visited other countries and Future World attractions, but spent a lot of time in the Mexico Pavillion.

At 7:30 I had my ADR at La Hacienda de San Angel and had the taco sampler - everything was really good. After the park closed, I returned to the Coronado and had a Modelo beer at the pool.

 

[MinnieLee]

Great video. You hit the nail on the head with how dining alone starts with what is in your head. DH just passed away and I am keeping our reservations for the F&W in October which is something we did for 19 years. I am aprehensive about going into a sit down restaurant. I know I will feel a bit awkward. A lot of sit downs I either want to try or that we enjoyed. Baby steps. A lot of good hints.

 

[DonaldTDuck]

Before I saw this thread I had already written down to avoid 50s Prime. LOL! I for some reason cannot get that one into my head.

FYI at Prime Time Cafe you can eat at the bar without a ressie if you'd be uncomfortable in the restaurant. The bartenders are friendly and happy to oblige.