First time solo, where to eat?

[pumpkinfish]

I'm taking a weekend off and heading down to WDW. DH will be at home due to work obligations and I've never gone solo. Any experience or ideas on where I should eat?
I have to say that typically DH and I stick witht he same resturants so I'm up to try something new. I'll be staying at BWI if it makes any difference.
I just don't want to stick out like a sore thumb.
I think I'd like to get something at Flying Fish but is that more romantic/couples only? Also I think I'll get something at Rose & Crown since it's like a pub right? Those are two places we've never tried.

I appreciate your thoughts and any solo eating advice you can give

 

[BunsenH]

The Flying Fish has a counter that overlooks the kitchen. Ask to sit there, watch the activity, and talk to the chefs. You can also do this at Jiko (AKL).

The bars at ESPN and Big River Brewing are also lively without being too bar like. Watch a game, chat with the bartenders or your neighbors.

 

[HelenParr]

Not sure where you have not tried...but I'll give it a shot. First, the wait staff is usually extra nice when you are dining alone -- not just at Disney, but there too. If you find it intimidating bc you have no one to talk to, bring a book (really).

Eating at the bar would work in many places, and provides it's own entertainiment: Wave, Kimonos, Jiko (there's a real bar you can always eat in, and a high bar which is sometimes open), Yak and Yeti - bar was fun place to eat, Flying Fish. Only caveat is folks will start talking to you -- so if you do not want to meet new people -- bring a book. If you do want to meet new people, bar is perfect for that, and easier at Disney than the rest of the world because you can just talk Disney!

Flying Fish would work well -- ask to ist at the bar -- the bar near the grill, although hot, is very interesting and the chefs are fun to watch. The high bar where bartenders wait on you is good too. You will not stick out. Rose and Crown would work too. Other thoughts: Narcoossee's bar doesn't always let you eat full menu at the bar (they have that snack menu). So that may not be a great option. California Grill, in the lounge or bar would be fun. There's so much too see and so much distraction -- you could not stick out if you tried. Ask at Second Floor podium if you can go up.

 

[BunsenH]

Visit the "Adults & Solo Travelers" Board for lots of info.

And have fun.

I would find a solo visit interesting, but my DW and I have so much fun together that I'll never get the chance.

 

[fla4fun]

I travel solo to Disney a lot. I have never stuck out like a sore thumb in the restaurants. There are so many people attending conventions and meetings, that either they, or their significant other, are dining alone on a regular basis. No one treats you differently, and I've never felt like any one was even aware that I was dining solo. People are generally too wrapped up in themselves on vacation to pay attention to that. So I would dine wherever you want to dine. Pick a couple places that you've always wanted to try, but DH doesn't, and go have a good time. You'll find that the CM's are pretty good at picking up on whether you want to talk or be left alone.

You may get really spoiled by your solo trip experience. It's a totally different Disney on your own!

 

[Chrisinroch]

Counter at Jiko watching the cold station at work

 

[tally-minnie]

Go to Beaches & Cream at the Beach Club and sit at the counter. I went there on my own last year and it was my favorite meal of the trip. You'll get an up close look at your food being cooked and can chat with the waitresses who are very sweet. The food was awesome - fresh, juicy and tasty burger on a fresh baked bun and crispy fries. I got excellent service, plenty of drink refills. Get a milkshake to go then go outside and sit on the beach to enjoy it. It's great to have a trip on your own.

 

[14disney]

I 2nd the vote for counter service at Beaches and Cream, we sat there in November (me, my husband and 11 year old nephew). It was great!!! You get to watch them make the desserts (the kitchen sink is a dessert you don't want to miss being made and when they deliver it to the table, they play disco music and lites flash). Jiko is also a great idea, they have a bar where you can watch them cook, the food is great, expensive but good. Also, bar at Ohanas, I've never been there, but it looks like it had a great atmosphere, we tried Kona last time which was great. Have fun.