No reservations, solo diner?

[Viking7641]

Hello,

I am planning a last minute trip to WDW and UO/IOA in September. It's been a rough summer (lost my father) and I need something..............fun. I am generally more a traveler than a tourist, but I need somewhere to shut my brain off. Oh, and go to WWOHP I'll be staying at All Star Music (Cheaper than my 2nd choice Cabana Bay)

I will be travelling solo, after finally getting non-commitments from all the people I wanted to go with.

Do i need to make advance reservations as a solo diner? There are a few places I'd like to try as a splurge (California Grill, Ohana, Teppan Edo) I am fine with sitting at the bar pretty much anywhere I go.

 

[Hopefully]

Yes you need ADR's at those restaurants.
California Grill has a very small bar and if it is full they will not allow you up in the elevator. Your best bet is early, when they first open
'OHana does not have a bar in the restaurant. The Tambu Lounge is outside the restaurant and offers a few appetizer like things, but you can not get the 'OHana dinner there.
Teppan Edo does not have a bar
I would stalk the ADR site until you go. Lots of people cancel last minute so even check the night before.
Good Luck

 

[Viking7641]

Thanks. I didn't plan this particularly well, and I've never been to Disney/Orlando either. Didn't realize reservations for so crucial!

 

[katmu]

I'm going solo in September and I decided on Il Mulino as my splurge, and I believe there is a bar if you would prefer to sit at the bar.

But keep checking, people do cancel ADRs and especially as a solo you might be able to get into your first choices.

 

[SGMCO]

If you have an iphone the Disney World App tied to "My Disney Experience" can be downloaded and there is a section that you can check for last minute Ressies at all 4 parks.
It may work on other phones also, not sure. Even though I have all my ADRs I thought that would be a great tool for those looking for last minute availability.
It ask you how many people in your party? Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner? What day you are looking for? and brings up what has openings (times), then you book from there.

 

[Grumpy247365]

Going solo in September as well and I am going to splurge on Tiffins.

 

[Viking7641]

Honestly for me a sit down place with a waiter is generally a splurge.

My last two trips (Quebec City and Iceland) involved 1 and 0 meals with waiters respectively. In Iceland I ate hot dogs a lot

I'll check the ADRS like a hawk for 1-2 good options, and see what happens while I am there!

 

[Alice777]

When I was looking into ADR for one person, it was hard to find it for some restaurants. But sometimes I would find ADR for 2. I'm told on this board that book it for 2 if that's available and when you show up at the restaurants, just let them know it'll be for one only and you won't have any problem.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I routinely book for two and just show up with one. Not my fault that Disney's IT shop is not designed to take my money

I also don't do ADRs and do fine, but I generally don't eat at any of the places OP is listing.

 

[Viking7641]

Searching for 2 opened up quite a few times!

Grabbed Teppan Edo and Boma

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I have never had a problem getting a seat at the bar at CG but I don't go at fireworks time.

 

[Viking7641]

I have never had a problem getting a seat at the bar at CG but I don't go at fireworks time.

Firework time isn't important to me really, I would rather be in a park for fireworks.

I eat early anyway. I get hangry by 6:30

 

[loves to dive]

If you will be there after Sept. 14 remember F&W will be in Epcot and you should put aside at least one day to enjoy that.

 

[Viking7641]

If you will be there after Sept. 14 remember F&W will be in Epcot and you should put aside at least one day to enjoy that.

Really? Sounds great. Epcot is at the top of my list, and will get at least 1 full day. This might necessitate a 2nd........

 

[katmu]

Really? Sounds great. Epcot is at the top of my list, and will get at least 1 full day. This might necessitate a 2nd........

Main site here: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival/

This DIS page makes it easier to browse the menus from the different food stands:http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/epcot/events/#market

 

[samsteele]

I've had good luck with lunch walk-ups at Restaurant Marrakesh in Epcot. Better prices at lunch for similar entrees that they serve at dinner. It doesn't get a lot of love here on the Boards but if you look at the online menu & see food you like, its a tasty, interesting table service alternative. Esp if you want a no-ADR choice one day at Epcot. Check out the updated menus on allears.com

Does your trip coincide with MNSSHP (Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party) at the Magic Kingdom? I did this last Fall and really enjoyed. As a solo guest, it isn't terribly $ and worth checking out. Not just for kids. Many adults enjoy the theming & the unique parade, shows & fireworks. Take a look at the MNSSHP dedicated thread on Attractions Board.

For a lower cost but still tasty lunch option when at DIS Springs, go to Earl of Sandwich. Very good fast food. Don't let the long lines discourage you. The lines move fast. And the lines show how popular the place is with locals.

I envy you your trip to Iceland! I looked into a long weekend pkg from Canada a few yrs ago (connecting flight via Nfld) & discovered the high food prices would also curb my meals significantly. And yes, many online sites strongly suggested visiting a hotdog cart for meals So I know where you are coming from.

 

[squeezle]

I agree that Restaurant Marrakesh is often available for walk-up seating.
Also:
The Polynesian hotel has Kona Island - a sushi-bar style restaurant with a full menu that is first come first serve.
In Holywood Studios - you can order from the full menu at the bar in the 50s Prime Time Cafe.

Another idea would be to check OpenTable (an site for online restaurant reservations) to see if you can find availability at one of restaurants in Disney Springs... Morimoto comes to mind.

A visit with The Mouse is always good for the soul!
Hope you enjoy your trip!