going solo for the 1st time

[disneydeb]

also celebrating my 50th birthday where would you eat solo in magic kingdom and epcot also at mnsshp? thanks in advance

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

Solo, for MNSSHP I prefer a quiet dinner at one of the monorail resorts - perhaps at the Concourse Steakhouse at the Contemporary or Kona at the Poly. Then I take the monorail to the park and walk in as it all begins; the lines are a bit longer that way but you do get the experience of walking in and experiencing all the Halloween magic the way it's "meant" to be seen.

For the Magic Kingdom in general, Liberty Tree Tavern at lunch (it's a character dinner at night) and The Plaza for lunch or dinner are great choices. They both offer lighter choices and are reasonably priced sit-down meals. For instance, a burger at either of them is only a couple of bucks more than fast food, but you get to sit in a wonderfully themed, air conditioned, (relatively) quiet and relaxed atmosphere. Both are really excellent choices for solo dining.

At Epcot, Le Cellier is always a nice choice. Either for sandwiches at lunch or steaks at dinner, it's a really nice place to rest and get away from the bustle of the parks. I also enjoy the sit-down in Mexico, as it overlooks the ride - but I usually just have a couple of appetizers instead of ordering a full meal. Since you are solo and on your own time frame, you may want to "pick" your way through World Showcase; it sounds like you will be going during the Food and Wine fest, and you can easily go from country to country sampling bits from here and there. You can try some of the cheese soup at the Candian pavillion (not my cup of tea, but people rave over it), some sausage from Germany, a desert pastry from Norway. Pick your way across.

Good luck, and happy birthday!

NED

PS - Check out the Solo forum for more great tips

 

[Harambe]

For a lark, you may want to leave Epcot via boat and head to the Boardwalk. EAt at Flying Fish - wonderful food, and they have a food bar, where you could watch the chefs prepare the meal. This restaurant is beautiful! I saw a few single diners at this food bar. Looked fun!

If you want something simple at MK, go to Columbia Harbour House, and bring you food upstairs. Pick a table by the window (there are tons of them) and people watch.

Have a great time! I have always wanted to do a solo trip, but I don't think my kids would ever forgive me.

And Happy Birthday!

 

[Terk-1]

Having been to WDW solo 4 times, I think I can help out here. Also, I always have a book in my backpack and will read while eating or waiting for a show or parade to start. Find this takes away any awkwardness of dining solo. These are my favorite places to dine:

Magic Kingdom -- Crystal Palace
EPCOT -- Rose & Crown, Le Cellier
Disney Studios -- 50's Primetime Cafe
Animal Kingdom -- Tusker House