My dining suggestion for solos travelers and mature adults

[Uncleromulus]

Eat at the bars!!! We always have now for many years. NO need for reservations--all have first come walk in seating.

At the Signatures you can get a full meal, enjoy conversation with the bartenders and avoid the food- throwing, screaming children.

This last trip (last week) we did just that at Boathouse, Narcoosees, Jiko, Wave, California Grill , Blue Zoo and Yak and Yeti.

And these are not 20 something loud sports type bars. They are all small and relatively quiet. We've eaten at all of them from time to time (except the very newest restaurants) so any specific questions, just ask!!!

 

[brad813]

Eat at the bars!!! We always have now for many years. NO need for reservations--all have first come walk in seating.

At the Signatures you can get a full meal, enjoy conversation with the bartenders and avoid the food- throwing, screaming children.

This last trip (last week) we did just that at Boathouse, Narcoosees, Jiko, Wave, California Grill , Blue Zoo and Yak and Yeti.

And these are not 20 something loud sports type bars. They are all small and relatively quiet. We've eaten at all of them from time to time (except the very newest restaurants) so any specific questions, just ask!!!

Have you ever had any problems walking in at Sanaa? A couple weeks ago, I had an ADR there for my one night in town, but end up being too tired to go, so I would like to do it on my next trip(for the Halloween party) and have a day I am still deciding on for where to eat.

 

[RealBlast3]

Eat at the bars!!! We always have now for many years. NO need for reservations--all have first come walk in seating.

At the Signatures you can get a full meal, enjoy conversation with the bartenders and avoid the food- throwing, screaming children.

This last trip (last week) we did just that at Boathouse, Narcoosees, Jiko, Wave, California Grill , Blue Zoo and Yak and Yeti.

And these are not 20 something loud sports type bars. They are all small and relatively quiet. We've eaten at all of them from time to time (except the very newest restaurants) so any specific questions, just ask!!!

Haha this thread is so funny to be posted right now because there are several threads on here recently where us solo diners have talked about how we don't want to sit at the bar! It's funny because the suggestion you're very kindly making to us is one we're always bombarded with every time we enter a restaurant when we don't want to hear it LOL.

But I appreciate you wanting to make my dining experience as a solo diner more lovely. It's just that for many of us, the very notion of sitting at the bar is one we dread.

And also, having gone to Disney 7 times previously, 5 as a solo diner, I am amused by your notion that we must sit at the bar to "avoid the food-throwing, screaming children". I don't seem to have ever encountered that which you speak of at any of the signatures I've ever dined at, nor, for that matter, even at 1 credit sit-down dining experiences. Character buffet? Sure, you'll get your fair share of that every so often. But, otherwise, craving a wonderful sit-down dinner at a table in Disney is not only possible when not at the bar, it's probable.

Again, thank you for your suggestion, but it really is quite hilarious because solo diners are always bombarded with it by the hostess every eatery we ever walk into because they're hoping they won't have to waste a whole table on a single diner. So, yes, for the most part, this is something that has been considered by most solo diners at one time or another. The thing is, most of us who go to the trouble of making a dining reservation, it should kind of go without saying, probably want to sit at a table. Because as you say, and it's not just an exclusive thing to Disney dining, but you usually can get into most places for a meal if you're willing to eat at the bar without reservations (with some exceptions, of course)

Anyway, I am glad you had a fabulous time at the bar at these restaurants! It's just not something I would ever want to do, (I like a regular comfy chair and a big table to get comfy in and orders lots of apps and drinks and have my own space and soak up the ambiance in relative privacy sans conversation) but I'm glad it works for you and some others.

 

[brad813]

Haha this thread is so funny to be posted right now because there are several threads on here recently where us solo diners have talked about how we don't want to sit at the bar! It's funny because the suggestion you're very kindly making to us is one we're always bombarded with every time we enter a restaurant when we don't want to hear it LOL.

But I appreciate you wanting to make my dining experience as a solo diner more lovely. It's just that for many of us, the very notion of sitting at the bar is one we dread.

And also, having gone to Disney 7 times previously, 5 as a solo diner, I am amused by your notion that we must sit at the bar to "avoid the food-throwing, screaming children". I don't seem to have ever encountered that which you speak of at any of the signatures I've ever dined at, nor, for that matter, even at 1 credit sit-down dining experiences. Character buffet? Sure, you'll get your fair share of that every so often. But, otherwise, craving a wonderful sit-down dinner at a table in Disney is not only possible when not at the bar, it's probable.

Again, thank you for your suggestion, but it really is quite hilarious because solo diners are always bombarded with it by the hostess every eatery we ever walk into because they're hoping they won't have to waste a whole table on a single diner. So, yes, for the most part, this is something that has been considered by most solo diners at one time or another. The thing is, most of us who go to the trouble of making a dining reservation, it should kind of go without saying, probably want to sit at a table. Because as you say, and it's not just an exclusive thing to Disney dining, but you usually can get into most places for a meal if you're willing to eat at the bar without reservations (with some exceptions, of course)

Anyway, I am glad you had a fabulous time at the bar at these restaurants! It's just not something I would ever want to do, (I like a regular comfy chair and a big table to get comfy in and orders lots of apps and drinks and have my own space and soak up the ambiance in relative privacy sans conversation) but I'm glad it works for you and some others.

It also depends a bit on when you go what kind of environment and reception you get. I would imagine, as packed as Disney gets(similar to cruise ships), going to eat dinner around 5-6pm, when most families with small children would be sitting down to eat, you will more likely have to deal with a packed restaurant, children, and possibly rude staff(not something I have seen at Disney, but I imagine it happens occasionally). I tend to prefer to wait until 6:30pm or later for dinner, so that handles most of the children, and I find that in most restaurants, Disney or otherwise, if you are polite about requests and tip well enough, you will get a lot further. I agree with you that not everyone wants to sit at a bar(like the op said), though I am ok with it for a quick meal assuming no difference in menu, but if I am going to be sitting down for very long, I do want a table. As someone extremely aware of what it takes to run a restaurant(being trained in restaurant management), I tend to be more patient with staff. Sometimes customers forget that it is a hard job to keep things running, and either act entitled with the staff or lose their patience with them, and that is something I would urge we all avoid simply by planning according to our preferences in advance. Just my thoughts, and some common sense tips I would suggest. In restaurants, the serving order is always children, ladies, gentlemen and a table's food should be served together, so really it should be easier and quicker to serve a single guest than it would be to serve a two top or four top, or more. I would not eat at the bar during a rush either. No elbow room. Slow periods for a quick bite(30-60 minutes), sure, but for longer sit down meals, I would choose a table.

 

[Westcoastwild]

First come first serve seating is the problem though isn't it. That means you might get lucky as a solo diner. Or you may need to lurk awkwardly for 20+ minutes to swoop in a grab a seat.

Instead, I can make a reservation and be guaranteed a quieter table away from the bar's televisions (I actually don't know if Disney has those, just most bars do.) I'll probably eat when I want to eat. I'll have more elbow room. I'll feel less pressured to drink.

My main issue is that I don't like the high stools that come with bars. Most are workable. Rarely are they comfortable.

I agree that bars are awesome on occasion. Just most of the time not a cure all or something I want to count on.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Realblast--I appreciate your views certainly.

Having been to WDW 64 Times now and having eaten at almost exclusively Signature restaurants, I could curl your hair with stories we've seen of misbehaving children!!! Food throwing, standing on tables, playing tag all around the table and the restaurant, a few wrestling matches, uncontrollable screaming, etc

Westcoastwild--virtually none of the Signatures have TV's at the bar. As I said, these are small bars intended for quiet enjoyment. And going early as we do we've yet to have a wait anywhere except Blue Zoo one time when a convention is being held.

Brad--we always do JIKO at AKL so never tried Sanna

 

[brad813]

Realblast--I appreciate your views certainly.

Having been to WDW 64 Times now and having eaten at almost exclusively Signature restaurants, I could curl your hair with stories we've seen of misbehaving children!!! Food throwing, standing on tables, playing tag all around the table and the restaurant, a few wrestling matches, uncontrollable screaming, etc

Westcoastwild--virtually none of the Signatures have TV's at the bar. As I said, these are small bars intended for quiet enjoyment. And going early as we do we've yet to have a wait anywhere except Blue Zoo one time when a convention is being held.

Brad--we always do JIKO at AKL so never tried Sanna

Figured it was worth asking at least.

 

[RADOPT]

Eat at the bars!!!

Thanks for your insite. I am hoping to eat at a few bars to make it quicker, easier and lighter.

the signatures I've ever dined at

Not to change the thread but I think I read that you ate at Victoria and Albert's. How was it? I am hoping to eat there and a couple of other singature restaurants when I go.

having eaten at almost exclusively Signature restaurants, I could curl your hair with stories we've seen of misbehaving children!!! Food throwing, standing on tables, playing tag all around the table and the restaurant, a few wrestling matches, uncontrollable screaming, etc

Thank you ! for the warning. I don't know why but I never considered this happening at those restaurants. Hummm - can we ask for a table away from tables with children?
I have 3 of my own so it's not that I don't like kids (actually love them) but never allowed them to act like that anywhere, and two of my three are sp needs.

 

[arissavolk]

Have you ever had any problems walking in at Sanaa? A couple weeks ago, I had an ADR there for my one night in town, but end up being too tired to go, so I would like to do it on my next trip(for the Halloween party) and have a day I am still deciding on for where to eat.

Sanaa is very easy to walk in or obtain a reservation for. It is one of the places I always recommend to friends/family visiting the mouse for the first time because of that. The food is solid as well and it has an amazing ambiance/design, not to mention ability to see animals from your table before sunset. Entrees are not as good as Citricos or Jiko, but still good. We love the bread appetizer with all accompaniments and the dessert sampler. They have some nice wines from South Africa as well.
Not for everyone's taste- we'd say most menu items are Indian and Mediterranean/Lebanese inspired.

 

[brad813]

Sanaa is very easy to walk in or obtain a reservation for. It is one of the places I always recommend to friends/family visiting the mouse for the first time because of that. The food is solid as well and it has an amazing ambiance/design, not to mention ability to see animals from your table before sunset. Entrees are not as good as Citricos or Jiko, but still good. We love the bread appetizer with all accompaniments and the dessert sampler. They have some nice wines from South Africa as well.
Not for everyone's taste- we'd say most menu items are Indian and Mediterranean/Lebanese inspired.

The menu was what attracted me. I was supposed to go two weeks ago but was wiped out by the end of the day, so I ended up canceling. I will have a couple free evenings on my next trip so thought I could eat there on one of those days.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Radopt--indeed we did eat at V&A--our 30th meal there since they opened. Great as always!!

As for misbehaving kids--it's luck of the draw mostly. Many times our meals have been just fine--others, not so fine. Once we saw a family put a toddler on the floor at the Citricos podium and then watch him crawl on the floor all the way to their table. Another time (at Olivias as I recall) we saw a family place a 3-4 year old on the table and then watch him walk all around the table amidst all the food!!

But again--many times the meals are just fine. IF you do find kids bothering you, ask to be moved--Disney will do nothing to stop this sort of misbehaving. You however they can move!!!

And yet again--this is why we always eat at the bars!!

 

[2disneywego]

Eat at the bars!!! We always have now for many years. NO need for reservations--all have first come walk in seating.

At the Signatures you can get a full meal, enjoy conversation with the bartenders and avoid the food- throwing, screaming children.

This last trip (last week) we did just that at Boathouse, Narcoosees, Jiko, Wave, California Grill , Blue Zoo and Yak and Yeti.

And these are not 20 something loud sports type bars. They are all small and relatively quiet. We've eaten at all of them from time to time (except the very newest restaurants) so any specific questions, just ask!!!

For me, I detest eating at the bars for a variety of reasons.

Part of the enjoyment for me is sitting at a nice table, taking my time, people watching. That can be difficult sometimes as the bar often faces away from the dining room.

The high stools are a physical problem for me as I've had major reconstructive surgery on my left foot and can't prop it on a rail or let it dangle, extremely painful.

And, as noted above, many of us solo travelers are looking for others to connect with. I enjoy good food and great conversation, makes the food taste better, to me at least. I like to make a connection beforehand as I'm not keen on speaking to strangers in bars, even at Disney.

If you enjoy it, that's all that matters, it's your vacation and you enjoy it whatever way you want. (No sarcasm, I honestly mean that.)

 

[2disneywego]

Oh, and I've seen way more irresponsible parents, hence sometimes cause of misbehaving children, at non-Disney restaurants.

 

[Uncleromulus]

And we always eat at the bar in non-Disney restaurants for that very reason!!!

 

[OKW Lover]

Great suggestion @Uncleromulus. Val & I do this too. A favorite of ours is the bar at Il Mulino (Swan) where we often just get a pizza and arrancini, with a glass of wine. They offer both a bar menu and a full restaurant menu so you can get anything you want in there.

 

[2disneywego]

Not a bar, but I love having tea at the Grand Floridian. It's so nice and elegant with delicious scones and devon cream, finger sandwiches and pastries to die for!

I have seen a few children there, but very few. It's a lovely relaxing break, and surprisingly more food than you think.

 

[brad813]

Not a bar, but I love having tea at the Grand Floridian. It's so nice and elegant with delicious scones and devon cream, finger sandwiches and pastries to die for!

I have seen a few children there, but very few. It's a lovely relaxing break, and surprisingly more food than you think.

I thought about doing that, until I saw a price list. Shame they don't have a la carte pricing.

 

[brad813]

For me, I detest eating at the bars for a variety of reasons.

Part of the enjoyment for me is sitting at a nice table, taking my time, people watching. That can be difficult sometimes as the bar often faces away from the dining room.

The high stools are a physical problem for me as I've had major reconstructive surgery on my left foot and can't prop it on a rail or let it dangle, extremely painful.

And, as noted above, many of us solo travelers are looking for others to connect with. I enjoy good food and great conversation, makes the food taste better, to me at least. I like to make a connection beforehand as I'm not keen on speaking to strangers in bars, even at Disney.

If you enjoy it, that's all that matters, it's your vacation and you enjoy it whatever way you want. (No sarcasm, I honestly mean that.)

I will say it is easier to people watch from a table. I like to observe people when out.

 

[Uncleromulus]

I usually have my fill of people watching at the Theme Parks

But you are right--the bars usually face away from the tables, or aren't really inside that part of the restaurant.

 

[BrianL]

I think this suggestion would work for a lot of people, but for me, I don't like sitting at the bars for one big reason. I don't drink, and I feel like I am taking up space at the bar and not buying the product. Yes, I would order food, but that's not where the money is for a bartender. It's just uncomfortable for me. Then again, I almost never to table service when solo either and just hit the QS places.