Dining alone question

[poppie123]

Ok so my solo trip is just over 6 weeks away now and going for 4 nights i really don't want to have to live off of counter service meals whilst i am there.

But.... i am really really worried about eating alone, i don't know why as i have seen people do it but whenever i do i always feel sorry for them and want to ask them to come and sit with us.
I mean there could be a million and one reasons why they are sitting on there own (party memebers ill etc) but i automatically assume they are there visiting on their own.

Does anyone have any ideas where i could eat without sticking out like a sore thumb.
I do plan to do the Rainforest cafe one evening as it is pretty dark in there and also Annettes.

Anyone got any ideas? do you think it would look rude to take a book with me so whilst i am waiting i can read rather than sit there twiddling my thumbs?

 

[JustJonathan]

Personally, I wouldn't worry yourself.. when we went we saw a number of people alone, and honestly thought nothing of it.

For all others know, as you say.. a party member could be ill, or you could even live in france and fancy a single trip away... OR you could just be a mad nutjob of a disney fan from elsewhere and want to go THAT much!

In any case, don't worry about it... you could perhaps take a book or something with you to read whilst waiting between meals, may make you feel more comfortable rather than twiddling thumbs

 

[lil_stitch]

Confidence is the key. If you look slumped and miserable people may feel sorry for you. But if you look contented (hard not to in Disney) then I don't think people will feel sorry for you.

And even if they do, it shouldn't really matter. You clearly want to be there solo, some people just can't be on their own, others love it.

Don't worry about what other people think and go eat wherever you want to!!

xx

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I wondered how I'd feel before I did my first solo trip too. So the first trip I did only counter service meals because I thought I'd hate a restaurant on my own. Honestly I didn't eat very well. Second solo trip I made reservations at two buffets and liked it much better. Since at a buffet people are always up and about getting more food - no issues with tipping or the bill - as a solo I felt very comfortable and ate much better. Enjoy your trip!

 

[Jonjo]

I either take a book to read or bring along my netbook so I can check my email and do a bit of web browsing when I dine alone in a resturant.

If it's a buffet resturant I don't bother taking anything with me.

 

[karonf]

Honestly, give it a try. I think you will be surprised at how relaxing and nice it can be to have a meal in a restaurant by yourself. I used to travel on business frequently and living off room service is really annoying so I first tried it then. Add on eating at nice restaurants while on a solo vacation and I was hooked. I even do this at home if I don't feel like cooking. I almost always have a book with me (these days in the form of kindle and/or iphone) but when traveling it is nice just to make notes about what you have seen, check plans for the rest of the trip or write postcards.

If some family invited me to join them I would turn them down nicely. It is a lovely gesture but a quiet meal by myself is so much more relaxing than making small talk with people I do not know.

 

[zinderella]

I don't think its at all rude for you to bring a book, and personally that is what I would do as it would combine 2 of my fave past times, eating and losing myself in a book. How lovely and indulgent!! If one night you did want to escape to your room for a meal, you could always go for a takeaway biggie salad from Annette's. Amazing...and won't get cold walking back to your hotel.

I expect once you are there and have had your first meal you will just relish the luxury of eating exactly where you want and when. I reckon as OP have said that a buffet meal for one of your choices would be a good option.

 

[Ware Bears]

I don't think it's rude of you to read a book either ~ that's what DH does when he's away and has to eat alone.

Alternatively you could use the time to keep your trip report notes up to date!!

 

[mommy2ash]

if i were going on my own i would make sure to go to all my favourite restaurants. even if someone feels sorry for you who cares you will probably never see them again.