Dining Solo

[abbychamber]

I'll be visiting WDW in mid-July as a solo trip. What are the most comfortable places to dine in WDW on your own? I know theoretically every restaurant is okay to dine in solo, however, which are the BEST and MOST comfortable?

 

[rg35]

I don't think there's such a thing. Every restaurant is accommodating to parties of any size, including 1. Eat at the places that you most want to eat at. Don't let being a party of 1 be a determining factor.

[obligatory joke about Star Wars land being the best place for a Solo diner]

 

[NYCgrrl]

Well I would start with restaurants that are indoors (A/C!) since your trip is in July and then decide what types of cuisine I'd like next.
I've never taken a solo trip to any of the Disney properties but have at other places. Traveling solo has never impacted my ability to enjoy myself.

 

[FutureDisneyEventPlanner]

The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge! Absolutely amazing. I have been thinking about it since I left! Via Napoli wasn't bad either.

I absolutely hating dining alone at Be Our Guest unfortunately. I got a lot of weird looks from people, which really bugged me.

 

[Tksolomom]

It depends on if you want company or not. Teppan Edo and Biergarten might be good choices if you want to eat with other people.

 

[DSLRuser]

Artist Point. My server went out of his way to engage me and talk me through the menu and even when each course was brought out. Gave me someone to talk with in between course as well.

California grille was good because the couple sitting next to me were nice and easy to speak with.

 

[Templemom]

I enjoyed sci fi dine in solo as you have the TV screen to look at. Really good milkshakes.
I did morinotos at the sushi bar. Also good because you can watch them make sushi.

 

[Shock13]

I travel solo. I found that restaurants that have a 'show' are the most comfortable for me. For example Teppen Edo and Biergarten. Also I enjoyed the communal tables so I can talk to other people. I also like Sci Fi Dine In. It's dark and everyone is engrossed in the film to really look around and see who is dining alone.
Just a couple of tips...ask the host/hostess to seat you in the perimeter of the room instead of a table in the center. You will feel less self-conscious. Also if the restaurant has windows, ask to be seated at one so you have something that keeps your interest.

 

[Sweettears]

You can eat at the CG bar as well.

 

[goofyintoronto]

I enjoyed sci fi dine in solo as you have the TV screen to look at. Really good milkshakes.

I agree with this! its the perfect place to dine solo.....youre looking at the screen along with everyone else. But i love that its super quiet and nice and cool there. And yes, the shakes AMAZING. Oreo is to die for.

I agree with @DSLRuser about dining solo at Artist Point. My server was awesome and we had great convo's going between courses.

The bar at Raglan Road and Morimoto are both awesome for solo diners for both food and drink. I've been to both solo.

 

[sleepydog25]

Good suggestions above. I would tend to structure my dining to less convivial places. For example, I wouldn't likely do CG because it's generally boisterous. Someone suggested Artist Point with which I agree completely. Jiko would also be a very good spot. Il Mulino has quite a few conventioneers, so dining alone there wouldn't make you stand out, and the food is generally excellent, as is the service. Very good wine list, too. I'm partial to Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar in Epcot, as it has a casual feel to it, very nice tapas-style plates (or you can get items from Tutto Italia next door), but you can't make ADRs for it. Sanaa is good, too: fine food and you can watch animals if you go during lunch or daylight hours.

 

[EdmondD]

Every once in awhile you see new accounts on here with only a few posts and they are worded in such a way that it makes me 65 percent certain it's just a Disney marketing/research effort. If that's not the case @abbychamber, apologies!

 

[bryanb]

I've done a few restaurants by myself. Boma has been a really great experience. Given that it's in a hotel, I guess shouldn't be surprised to see other solo diners there too. The fact that it's a buffet is great because you can start eating immediately and go at your own pace. QSRs are great in general, but I particularly liked Flame Tree BBQ in Animal Kingdom. Sitting out on the waterfront provides an entertaining and relaxing view.

Some solo people enjoy going to places like Biergarten and Teppan Edo at Epcot, where you are seated with other parties at communal tables. I'm not as much of a fan of that (since I'd want to avoid any risk of being the awkward fifth wheel), but if you're more extroverted it could be a consideration.

Every once in awhile you see new accounts on here with only a few posts and they are worded in such a way that it makes me 65 percent certain it's just a Disney marketing/research effort. If that's not the case @abbychamber, apologies!

It seems like a reasonable question, but even if it's a marketing/research effort, it would be really cool that Disney is interested in the solo traveler.

 

[gharter]

When I have traveled solo, I haven't felt strange anywhere that I ate. From QS to signature meals, all treated me very well.
I was probably treated the best at California Grill and Flying Fish, but that may be subjective as I really like both of those anyway.
If you are looking for interaction with others, the Biergarten in Germany does that very well. Most likely you will be seated with others.

 

[Kimrlav]

On my solo trips, I enjoy dining at the following restaurants:
HS: Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge and Sci-Fi
AK: Nomad's Lounge
EPCOT: Chefs France, Rose and Crown
Resort: Flying Fish at the bar, Jiko at the bar, Narcooses at the bar

Also, I eat at counter-service restaurants as well and enjoy snacking around World showcase and on the Boardwalk in the evenings.

Hope you have a great time.

 

[Lynn in MI]

Just returned from a solo trip. I agree with PP about Sci-Fi. Wonderful solo experience. I also tried Garden Grill lunch and the characters were very engaged but a solo character meal just felt weird to me so probably won't do it again. Not to mention the food was not the greatest. I loved my BOG breakfast.