Dining alone?

[Beth E. (NJ)]

Are you comfortable dining alone at a sit down restaurant? I guess if you are traveling alone you have no choice, right?

I'm doing a family free Disney trip and I am planning on eating at Boma, even if I am by myself. I once went out for breakfast by myself (Dh was away with the kids) I brought a magazine and read and drank coffee while I waited for my food.

 

[Steve H.]

When I did a lot of business travelling, I forced myself to get used to dining alone so I didn't get into a rut of ordering room service. I tried to take something to read and pick a restaurant that had TV's so that I was occupied, but it's still not an easy thing to get used to.

 

[Blondie]

I've never dined out alone! If I was by myself, I'd probably order room service, or get it "to go."

 

[daannzzz]

I eat out alone often and though occaisionally I feel a bit odd I don't have a problem with it. I also take some of my Disney trips alone and I prefer the full service restaurants. If you feel like you are standing out, bring something to read. Not a book but maybe some Disney Literature, park maps and guides and such. Or bring a note book to keep a journal in and write some during your meal.

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

I've eaten in sit down restaurants by myself many times. I always carry something to read in that situation. I have even gone to Benihana's by myself and requested one of the Teppenyaki tables. In that case I found myself sitting next to a couple who were my parents age. After chatting with them for a while, it turned out that their DIL and my DH worked together. Pretty bizarre considering we were in Vegas, they were from OK and I live in New Orleans.

With 2 DDs, DH, a cat and a dog, I will take any solitude I can get even if it is a sit down restaurant myself!!

 

[CarolA]

If you go over to the Disney for Adults and Solos board this comes up all the time.

I have done Boma solo and had a great time. I also liked Jiko since I sat at the kitchen bar and was enteratined watching the chefs. I did the same thing in France and got to watch the guys make deserts. I had to have one after that.

I have done lots of Disney resturants solo, including character meals, no problems at all. In Canada I got into a great discussion with the wait staff on the Boundary Waters Canoe area, but other times I have just people watched. (The window tables at France are GREAT for that!)

 

[dzneprincess]

Yes I am comfortable. During my teen years, I was a waitress at many a restaurants, and saw many solitary diners. I didn't laugh and point at them, as it seems people will do when you are dining alone! LOL I didn't treat them any different then people who were in a large group. It is more common than you would think to see people eating alone. I usually take a book with me, and enjoy some quiet time to myself. I know some people, ( my mother, for one) who would NEVER even dream of eating alone. This I don't understand. There is some peacful solitude in eating alone

 

[FOJMO]

For some reason, I wouldn't mind eating lunch alone, but I don't think I'd like to do dinner alone. Probably because at dinner there's more of a chance of couples or groups than at lunchtime. During the workweek, it's pretty normal to see "alone" diners. I would take a magazine to read, though.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Here's a tip I've discovered with 5 solo Disney trips behind me. Before the trip, buy a little spiral notebook (they're less than a dollar). Carry it everywhere. Whenever you're dining alone, ude that time to jot down notes on your trip-where you've been, rides, what you've eaten, opinions, etc. Not only does it fill the time, it's a neat little souvenier to look back on-you can read it and remember details of your trip long after you return. But note-buy that notebook before you go-they're so expensive at WDW!

 

[Rajah]

When I'm traveling, sure. When I'm at home, I'd rather have someone with me and will just grab take-out instead of eating in anywhere.

But I've done Disney restaurants solo before and had wonderful times, especially at the character meals.

 

[jipsy]

Yes. I had a job that required me to travel eleven states so I got used to it. I would usually grab the local paper to read, or a local real estate magazine. I also like to people watch, so I would just watch the people in the restaurant and wonder what they do for a living, etc. Made a little game out of it.

I would go to the movies alone, go to local attractions alone, everything. It really is not a big deal to me anymore.

 

[preshi]

I have dined alone alot... I do get looks sometimes...but I couldnt really care less about what others think of me

 

[Dan Murphy]

I was going to suggest the Solo board also, Beth.

I have eaten many times alone at WDW (though always looking for a DIS'er to share with), as well as here when I am home when I am out during the day on appointments if not with a client. At Disney, it fun to strike up a conversation with the wait staff or maybe even other guests. Never a dull moment.

 

[glo]

I was thinking of the same thing...I am doing a family free trip and Boma's or the other AK restaurant sounds cool. I figure it might be my Sat nite meal

 

[snoopy]

With 2 DDs, DH, a cat and a dog, I will take any solitude I can get even if it is a sit down restaurant myself!!

Thats me, but I have 2 DS's and 2 cats, but no dogs.

On the rare ocassion that DH & the boys, or a friend or other family member is unavailable, I love eating alone. I always have a book, and enjoy the time having someone serve me, PLUS I don't have to cut ANYONE'S meat!