Good restaurants for solo guests

[Chautauqua]

I have traveled to WDW a few times alone, but have not eaten at most of the table service restaurants or dinner shows, as it seems weird or uncomfortable to be sitting alone at a table. (Hopefully at some point in the future Mrs. Right will come along, but until then....) Quick service dining gets pretty boring after awhile !
I have found very little info on solo travelers in the various travel guides and websites, with most suggestions about the bar scene or rides.

1. Does anyone have suggestions of restaurants at WDW that would be "OK" for a solo diner ?

2. Also, how about any of the dinner shows ? And would they seat you with another family at a place like the Hoop De Doo or Spirit of Aloha, or at your own table? It would be odd being seated with a couple or family, but I can't see Disney having a whole table taken up by one paying customer at a show when they could sell every seat.

 

[BelleBway]

I have traveled to WDW a few times alone, but have not eaten at most of the table service restaurants or dinner shows, as it seems weird or uncomfortable to be sitting alone at a table. (Hopefully at some point in the future Mrs. Right will come along, but until then....) Quick service dining gets pretty boring after awhile !
I have found very little info on solo travelers in the various travel guides and websites, with most suggestions about the bar scene or rides.

1. Does anyone have suggestions of restaurants at WDW that would be "OK" for a solo diner ?

2. Also, how about any of the dinner shows ? And would they seat you with another family at a place like the Hoop De Doo or Spirit of Aloha, or at your own table? It would be odd being seated with a couple or family, but I can't see Disney having a whole table taken up by one paying customer at a show when they could sell every seat.

Any restaurant should be ok for a solo diner- I've even gone to the CRT princess breakfast solo and had a great time. I never felt that the CM's looked at me funny, and they were very helpful about taking character photos for me if I wanted them.

I haven't done any dinner shows solo, though. And it's been so long since we did HDD that I can't remember for sure if my party of 2 shared a table with anyone else but I have a feeling we may have.

I'm a big advocate for solo travel, so I say go for it if a restaurant interests you!

 

[Chautauqua]

I'm a big advocate for solo travel, so I say go for it if a restaurant interests you!

Thanks for the info. Yes, traveling solo is nice - do what you want, when you want ! And as a teacher on vacation, it's nice to smile and know that every kid there is someone else's problem. The restaurant part always seemed odd to me.

 

[BelleBway]

Thanks for the info. Yes, traveling solo is nice - do what you want, when you want ! And as a teacher on vacation, it's nice to smile and know that every kid there is someone else's problem. The restaurant part always seemed odd to me.

It's definitely intimidating to do restaurants alone. But, that said, I find it a little easier at WDW than in the "real world". Maybe it's because it's usually a welcome chance for me to step back and relax for a bit.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Everyone is way too tired and over stimulated to notice.

I definately would try the "bar" at Narcoosee's. That has always looked like a comfortable place for solo travelers. Il Mulino in the Swan.

I wouldn't even worry in the least. People are really very distracted with their own thing.

 

[goin' goofy]

I don't mind eating alone, except that I get really bored!

I'd suggest 50's Prime Time, and eat at the counter in the bar area. The bartenders there are very entertaining and play along with the theme well. Also, Sci Fi might be a good choice since you can watch movie clips while you eat!

As for the dinner shows I would assume they would put you at your own two-person table at the Luau and up in the balcony at HDDR, but you would have other people at the tables around you, so you wouldn't really be alone - but you wouldn't have to share your food!!

 

[rsbuxt]

Hi

I agree that it can be somewhat uncomfortable to eat alone, but having been down a number of times alone I am now unfazed by it. Good places are those that have a bar where you can eat - the CMs behind the counter are happy to chat. Jiko, California Grill & Flying Fish are all good for this.

Rich

 

[Uncleromulus]

Some places have a bar where you can order a full meal--others have a "chef's counter". Flying Fish and California Grill are our two favorite spots for that sort of dining. In fact, in our photo we're at the Flying Fish bar having an excellent meal!

 

[mickaholic4077]

I've eaten at CP,Boma,Jiko,Cape May,H&V,LTT,Plaza,Biergarten,San Angel,Rose and Crown,Le Cellier,Chefs de France,Marrakesh,Mama Melrose,Tusker House,Kona and Boatwrights by myself and had great times at all of them. You will do fine.

 

[ancestry]

I *love* traveling and eating alone. Unfortunately in my case I rare get to do it. I don't think you look strange eating by yourself. As far as being seating with another family you can ask when you make your ADRs. The CM should be able to tell you if you are at a table for 1 or if you will be seated with others.

 

[DisneyHolidayFan]

I have visited solo and am not concerned what others think. I was solo in Feb. for a few days and ate at Cape May, Liberty Tree Tavern and 50's Prime Time Cafe. I did feel a little uncomfortable at LTT (waitress seemed to hurry me through meal) but the hostess kept coming by and talking (even tried to set me up with another alone gentleman). I told her I was happily married, she apologized and we both laughed! Many couples stay at Disney for conventions and spouses have to eat alone. It must be a pretty common occurrence. Don't worry and enjoy!!!!

 

[streets of paris]

Any restaurant that serves at the bar is a great option for singles.

I've eaten at the bar at several table service places; actually, you usually get great service since the bartender is right in front of you.

Not uncomfortable AT ALL!

 

[momjkm]

I am so glad I found this thread... I am going with ds next month and he wants to spend the evening in the neverland club--- Thinking I could do a nice quiet meal by myself, esp if at a bar... does Le Cellier have a bar option?

Or if you could pick just one "nicer" bar meals (ie calli grill, jiko, narccoossee's or ?>>) which one would you pick??
Thanks Jill

 

[Seaton]

Originally posted by Chautauqua:
"Yes, traveling solo is nice - do what you want, when you want ! And as a teacher on vacation, it's nice to smile and know that every kid there is someone else's problem."

You nailed that one!

Originally posted by Chautauqua:
"The restaurant part always seemed odd to me."

I don't mind eating anywhere alone, as long as I have something to read.

 

[PaulaSB12]

I have done 3 solo trips to disney and am going on my 4th this year. I have eaten at
Victoria and Albert's
Kona cafe
Grand Florkidian cafe
Narcoossees
California grill
Flying Fish
Jiko
Boma
Sci fi
Coral Reef
Le Cellier
Rose and Crown
Spoodles
CRT
Crystal Palace
why worry about eating alone I do it when I am at home, the only time I have had any problem was in Moscow because I was trying to order a macddonalds without being able to speak russian

 

[Uncleromulus]

momjkm: Can't help with Le cellier, but Flying Fish and California Grill are two nice spots. And actually I recall Citrico's has a bar right at the entrance, but I'm not sure if you can order a full meal there.

 

[onelilspark]

I'm with you, I don't enjoy dining alone. I usually get take-out when I travel for work and eat back at the hotel.

Jiko, Flying Fish, and California Grill all have a seating area that's a bar next to the chef's area. You can order a meal off the 50s Prime Time menu at the Tune in Lounge. Tepan Edo & Biergarten you'd be seated with others if you're up for making friends.