Dining Solo

[Donald is #1]

Has anyone had any problems dining solo at WDW? I may be visiting solo this year and I am wondering how people have been treated at the sit-down restaurants? If I do go solo, this will be my first time at WDW solo. At home, I have found that at some restaurants, you can get either ignored or placed at a bad table if you are dining solo. Luckily most restaurants are getting better at this, but I am trying to decide whether I should get the dining plan or not. Does anyone have any experience at WDW dining solo?

 

[bigtinkfun]

Most of my trips to WDW have been solo, and I always have a wonderful time!I have never had any problems at any restaurant and have enjoyed my meals. Don't worry about being a solo, you'll have a good time!

 

[2xcited2slp]

Hi Don #1 and welcome!!!!

I travelled solo last Feb. which was my first time solo (but not the last ). I had just one so-so experience at the Concourse Steakhouse for lunch(2pm) and it was with the seating arrangements. I only waited for about five minutes but when the hostess handed the menu off to my server to seat me (he eye rolled her--I acted like I did not see--nope, wasn't gonna ruin my trip) he brought me to a table in the center of the restaurant. Before he even set the menu on the table I asked if I could have one of the many empty tables off to the side. He said those were reserved. I felt that he should have at least checked with the hostess up front who assigns the seating but he did not. He gave me adequate service, not the best but not the worst. By the way, no one ever sat at any of the other tables the entire time I dined. I just felt like I was "on show", as there were a couple of large conference groups there as well.

My other experiences were really good:

Kona Cafe (Poly): dinner (8pm)
Whispering Canyon (Wilderness Lodge): lunch (2pm)
Grand Floridian Cafe (GF): breakfast (9am)
Flying Fish (Boardwalk): dinner (5pm)

The rest of my meals were counter service. The above meals were lovely with no problems at all. I people watched, reviewed my day, etc. I learned from my first experience at CS to request a table exactly where I wanted to sit and they were very accomodating. Keep in mind that I was in WDW during an off-peak time of year and my meals were somewhat off-time as well. I did not have any advance reservations. There were other solo diners at all of the restaurants too. I am somewhat of a shy person but am working up to some of the other venues which I adore but did not feel as if I could do them on my own.

From what I have previously read on the DIS, there are several restaurants that have "show kitchen" bars that are popular with solo diners. You can sit at the "bar" facing the kitchen and watch. Evidently the chefs are very interactive with you also.

There is a forum here called "Disney for Adults and Solo". You may want to check them out. They are a very fun and helpful group.

Have a wonderful trip and if we can dine solo outside the world, why not at our favorite world.

Let us know how it goes. Have fun.

 

[Terk-1]

Have gone solo to WDW 4 times and have lucked out at almost all (except Chef Mickey's for dinner) of the sit-down places I have dined at in WDW and have had very good cm's. I always bring a book with me to pass the time waiting for parades or shows to start, but also to read while I dine. I find that this takes the awkwardness of dining alone away. Have had great seating (especially at the Rose & Crown for dinner) and wonderful service. If the service is good, I usually leave at least 15%. If it's really good, it's more towards 20%.

Unfortunately, had one really awful experience at Chef Mickey's a few years ago for dinner and don't plan on returning there for that meal anytime soon. The CM who waited on me noticed I was there alone. Took 15 minutes to bring me my drink and never came back. Had to find a manager to try and find this CM to get my check and when he finally did show back up, he just tossed the bill on the table and left again. Can you say "no tip for you?" I spoke to the manager about the extremely poor and rude service. I know that dining solo means less of a tip for the CM's compared to larger parties, but any type of service is appreciated.

 

[Terk-1]

Whoops! Forgot to say WELCOME to the DIS to my fellow New Englander!!!

Hop over to the Solo board for alot of great info on going to WDW solo. If you need any help or suggestions, just drop me a line!

 

[Donald is #1]

Thank you everyone for the quick replies! You have all definitely alieviated my concerns. I am going to eat well & have a great time. I am definitely getting excited even though my trip is months away!

 

[2xcited2slp]

I forgot to mention that I even went to Territory Lounge (at WL) to order a fruit/cheese plate to go to bring up to my room. It was extremely crowded but I was able to get a small table and I drank a cosmo while I waited. The waiter was very busy but also very nice and checked on me several times. I struck up a conversation with a sweet family at the next table and before I knew it my order was ready.

I tend to give gratuity according to service as well, over 20% if service is exceptional. I do this whether I am solo or not.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I travel solo pretty much all the time.
The only not-completely-positive experience I recall is once at California Grill, when the Host insisted on seating me facing the window (so I could ostensibly see the Illuminations fireworks in the distance). Now, I'm not paranoid, but I couldn't see any reason to sit with my back to a restaurant full of people... so I moved into the seat on the opposite side of my table