Eating TS solo?

[Glendamax]

Heya! I just made reservations for 9/8 - 9/12, and I may be going solo. For those of you who've done this, please tell me which restaurants to avoid, and which were okay.

I REALLY wanna go to BOMA, because it's my fav, but dont know if it'll be weird. So please send your input! I'd like to make my reservations next week! Thanks!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Hi Glendamax! I can understand your hesitation-it took me about 4-5 solo trips to feel comfortable with TS dining solo. I think some of the best bets are:
Chefs de France-ask for a window table
Sci-Fi dine in-everyone's just looking at the movie screen
Coral Reef-I love sitting tankside
And, believe it or not, character meals-I can't believe it took me about 8 solo trips to get up the courage to do a character meal solo, because I enjoyed it so much. For one thing, watching the characters interacting with the kids is a real joy for me to see. And if you think anyone's looking at you, thinking "Wow, look at her, all alone at a character meal," well, sorry-no one's looking at you. They're looking around for the characters they came to see. And the characters themselves are so tuned in to what You want, my first trip, after one hug, they knew I just wanted to sit unobtrusively and watch, so they just blew me a kiss every time they went by after that.
Oh, one last tip-don't hesitate to point out politely when you check in that you're solo and would really appreciate a view of something to pass the time while you eat. I've found I've gotten some great seats that way.
And I'll also be at WDW solo that same week, so if you want to share a meal, just give a holler!

 

[tiqr]

I am proud of both of you ladies. After experiences several solo days, I still have not mastered it. My typical cop-out is take-away and squirreling my meal back to my room. BUT I AM THERE FOR THE EXPERIENCE - so how much sense does that make.

Hat's off to you ladies.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I also enjoy dinner at the Rose and Crown while watching Illuminations. Especially if I can get a patio table. Everyone's concentrating on the show and not worrying about who's solo and who's not.

*Brian*

 

[inaminute]

I had a wonderful time on my solo trip in October. I ate at Chefs de France, LIberty Tree Tavern, Coral Reef, and Tony's Town Square. I had a wonderful table at each and the service was the best I ever received! The servers acutally talked to me and not the cute little kid I usually have with me (my grandson)!

Liberty Tree was a lot of fun. Chip, or was it Dale?, actually sat with me for a bit and wanted to share a bit of my meal. Goofy stopped by as did Minnie. They were much more interactive, but again, I wasn't competing with a cute little kid! LOL I'm not usually into character meals, but this was really fun. I had a nice little corner table at Tony's and they gave me a window seat at Chef's. I was seated right next to the tank at Coral Reef. I really enjoyed myself and didn't feel the least bit weird.

I had a wonderful time and am considering another solo trip this fall. So, I say call and make that reservation! Boma is waiting!

 

[Glendamax]

And I'll also be at WDW solo that same week, so if you want to share a meal, just give a holler!

Yay! I certainly will! Have you made any reservations yet? I'm going to call next week.

I had a wonderful time and am considering another solo trip this fall. So, I say call and make that reservation! Boma is waiting!

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I WILL make a reservation for BOMA! Maybe Simba's Mom will join me! But if not, I'll still go. I LOVE that place!

And thank you Brian and tiqr! I'm starting to feel more at ease. I really think I'd rather feel a bit weird at WDW alone, than home all year with NO vacation at all!

 

[Care]

Definitely go solo at the table service restaurants. I did many character meals during my trip, and really enjoyed interacting with the characters.

When in doubt, though, ask for a table with a view. I didn't request this at Liberty Tree Tavern, and was placed next to the kitchen entrance/exit where the cutlery station was placed so it was always busy with CMs. Also, because of the location, a couple of the characters rushed by without stopping when they were working the dining section that I was in. Oh well...

Other than that, I always had great service and lots of attention from the servers and characters.

 

[mla1977]

I agree with everyone. I had TS in Morroco in 2002. I am considering doing a character breakfast in my upcoming trip since my BF will be at a conference and I am certain that I will need a break from his dad and brother. My parents are staying off site, so I'll be doing breakfast without them most of the time.

 

[Glendamax]

Definitely go solo at the table service restaurants. I did many character meals during my trip, and really enjoyed interacting with the characters.

Thank you! I'm starting to feel much more at ease about my decision to go!

I agree with everyone. I had TS in Morroco in 2002. I am considering doing a character breakfast in my upcoming trip since my BF will be at a conference and I am certain that I will need a break from his dad and brother. My parents are staying off site, so I'll be doing breakfast without them most of the time.

Hearing stories like these will make me feel more comfortable while I'm there, because I'll know there are other singles there besides me! Thanks!

 

[Terk-1]

Having been on several solo trips, I think I can comment on this post. My favorite TS restaurants are:

50's Primetime Cafe
Crystal Palace
Le Cellier
Rose & Crown
Spoodles

Have tried Whispering Canyon Cafe once for an early lunch and it was good. Liberty Tree Tavern for lunch and the Plaza Restaurant are also good.

Some of the worst restaurants I've dined at are:

Sci-Fi
Chef Mickey's (dinner)

 

[newholidayx2]

50's Primetime Cafe
Le Cellier
Rose & Crown

I have ARs here during my April solo trip - glad you like them

 

[Care]

Having been on several solo trips, I think I can comment on this post. My favorite TS restaurants are:

50's Primetime Cafe
Crystal Palace
Le Cellier
Rose & Crown
Spoodles

Have tried Whispering Canyon Cafe once for an early lunch and it was good. Liberty Tree Tavern for lunch and the Plaza Restaurant are also good.

Some of the worst restaurants I've dined at are:

Sci-Fi
Chef Mickey's (dinner)

Of the above, I've dined at the 50s Prime Time Cafe, Crystal Palace and Chef Mickey's. I really enjoyed the Cafe as my waiter was super friendly, gave great recommendations (even when I couldn't decide on dessert and left it to him to surprise me), and never made me feel uncomfortable for being on my own. Crystal Palace had yummy food at lunch, and I'd definitely return on my next trip. Chef Mickey's for me is a one-time thing as I didn't find the dinner buffet to be anything out of the ordinary, and I'm not sure I would return to it unless I was on the DDP. As for the other places on the list, I've got some good recommendations for the future!

 

[librarylady]

I am going solo next week for six days and have made the following ressies:

Table service: dinner: Kona, Rose and Crown (7:40 for Illuminations hopefully), Rainforest - AK, House of Blues and Crystal Palace Lunch: Tony's, Sci-Fi

Breakfast: Chef Mickey's, and Boma!


I have been to several of these places and some will be new to me. I always enjoy table service when visiting WDW, whether I am with friends or alone. I tend to lean more to counter service type places when dining with family or friends at home. Boma breakfast solo last time was great. I am doing it again. Enjoy your trip 6 day dance

 

[Glendamax]

YAY! Thanks for even more responses!

I really wanted to eat at 50's PrimeTime, but thought that I would feel out of place since I heard it's really interactive with families. But you guys said you didnt feel funny right?

Also, I am going to book Boma, because I love that place and can't see skipping it!

LibraryLady, please report back! Would love any tips, and to hear about your experience. Hope you have a GREAT time!!!

 

[BriarRosie]

Hey GMax!

You know what might make it more comfortable for you? Do you ever go
out solo locally? I eat at restaurants and go to movies alone.

It might help.

 

[Glendamax]

Hey GMax!

You know what might make it more comfortable for you? Do you ever go
out solo locally? I eat at restaurants and go to movies alone.

It might help.

Yes I do, but I've never done vacations solo before.

 

[Accentuate+]

I eat out alone when I travel for work and I always make sure I have something to do (like review my calendar/schedule or have something to read). If there's plenty to see at the restaurant without staring at people you won't need it, but, if not you'll have something to occupy you. Bring a Disney guide or something with you or write a trip report or review of the meal while you're eating if you find yourself at loose ends.

 

[newholidayx2]

Hey GMax!
You know what might make it more comfortable for you? Do you ever go
out solo locally? I eat at restaurants and go to movies alone.
It might help.

Personally I havent gone to movies or dining alone at home.
There have been times however while at WDW the family decides to spread out and do our own thing. Thats never felt "funny" to me. Ive always felt that was acceptable as noone knows if there is family at WDW or not. Im keeping that in my mind while there solo in Apr and Nov.

Have fun

 

[boomhauer]

Good bet are restaurants with bars:

Rainforest Cafe (though I'll get a table - I don't care)
Planet Hollywood
50's Prime Time

I totally understand the hesitation, but look at it this way. These people don't know who you are and will never see you again. Who cares? Bring a book, get a table and enjoy yourself.

 

[faindrops27]

Glendamax,

I can sympathize. I will be going through the same thing in April. My husband had to go on conference in Cali. So, I decided I will go just to take side trips to universal, and Disneyland. Well, let me tell you. I have never gone to any themepark alone. It does seem kind of wierd. I am the type to not attend a movie if I have to go alone. But, I havent been to disneyland in over 20+ years. And, I probably wont have the oppurtunity to in the near future, if at all. We are on the east coast. So, I decided to do it. 3 days in anaheim alone. While hubby is in hollywood on conference. Then two alone to universal. Eh, we only have one life. And like you said it sure beats staying at home. I took the initiative, to eat at two TS resteraunts. At the Blue Bayou, and Cafe Orleans. I am nervous, but I will get through it, and so will you!! I am routing for you!! Go, and enjoy Boma'! And please have a bowl of that delicious butternut squash soup, and one those delicious chicken fingers for me!