Dining Solo

[TEK224]

Question for those of you who have dined solo at sit-down places. As of now, I'll be going alone in January. Not a big deal as I've gone solo before and sometimes it's kinda nice and relaxing.

I'm thinking of doing a few sit-down meals this trip ans wondering if it was difficult to get a table for 1. Is it a must to book ahead of time or would I have any success as a walk-up?

Do you get wierd looks from staff/patrons because you're solo? What do you do while waiting? Would it be considered rude to read something while waiting for my food (I'll be alone, afterall, not ignoring anyone)?

I'm also trying to decide whether to get DP or not? I could get the reg. plan
(1CS, 1TS, 1 snack), which would cover the sit-down meals. But not sure I'd do a TS evey day. The other option is the plan that has 2CS & 2 snacks per day. Then I coud just use the TIW card for the TS meals. Of course ZI could not get the plan and just pay OOP, but I think the DP would save me a little $$ in the long run. One of my favorite things to do at WDW is eat!

Any suggestions?

 

[disnut8]

No one looks at you like you have two heads if you dine alone. You can read, play games on your phone, do whatever you want while waiting or even eating. Servers are fine and the only time I had a lousy table assignment was at Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom where I was put right next to the kitchen. But it was busy and it was a table for two so I'm sure it was what they had at the time for me.

I always made a reservation so I knew I would have something.

 

[siskaren]

I've heard it can be difficult to get a reservation for one at some places, but I've never had a problem at places I've gone to. I would definitely get ADRs for places that you want to eat at, but I have been able to get a walk-up at Biergarten and same day ADRs at Sci-Fi Dine Inn; however, I would not try to do walk-up at really popular places like 'Ohana or Le Cellier.

And just so you know, next year the QSDP will only have 1 snack credit per night (and it's per night, not per day) rather than 2.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Is eating at the bar a viable option for you? We always eat a full meal at the various bars, and often see solo diners having a good meal and a good time.

 

[cbg1027]

If you want to eat somewhere like Le Cellier or 'Ohana, I would say you still need an ADR. But for almost anywhere else, it's pretty easy to get a walk up as a solo diner. There aren't nearly as many parties of one of two as there are three+, so it's much easier for places to fit you in.

I've had a lot of success with walk ups as a solo diner during peak eating times at places like Boma, Via Napoli, and Yak n Yeti. I never waited more than 10 minutes.

I've never experienced any weird looks and it's perfectly ok to read something. I usually just people watch while I wait...Disney has some very interesting stuff to observe.

I always advise against DP because I don't think it saves any money. If you were paying OOP, would you really order a drink and a dessert with EVERY meal? If the answer is no, then the DP doesn't really save you any more if you're paying for food you wouldn't normally order. I also don't have a snack everyday, so there's another reason why it makes no sense for me. People end up throwing away a lot of food on the DP and they don't seem to realize that they're throwing away money too.

I realize that the DP may work for some, but I think if you run the numbers, those people are few and far between. Only way to know for sure is to look at the menus and do the math.

 

[maxiesmom]

I dined solo at the California Grill, and really enjoyed it. The CMs were all very welcoming. I was seated so that I had a great view of the kitchen, and watching the work really kept me entertained. I also took a few pictures of my food and sent them to my sister, and that helped me to not feel so alone.

But I never once felt they were looking at me strangely, or in any way thought I was wierd for dining alone. Go, and have a great time!

 

[TEK224]

Thanks for the replies.

Eating at the bar could be an option.

As for eating meals, yes, I usually do get a drink and dessert with my meals. I like an appetizer, too, but I know that's an OOP expense. I'm a pretty hearty eater. Have had the DxDP and enjoyed that very much.
But I'll be down for the marathon and know I won't eat 3 sit-downs every day so the DxDP doesn't make sense for this trip.

 

[MickeyNicki]

I did 2 solo lunches in Epcot, both were walk ups, Tutto Italia and Chefs de France.

Didnt get weird looks or treatment, in fact I had amazing service at both places and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

 

[rubysparkles]

I haven't had any trouble in getting a reservation for one. I'm doing the deluxe dining plan in November on my own and everywhere I've tried to get a reservation has been fine. I'm going to take lots of photos, and actually do some reading! Which is something I seem to never be able to fit in!!!