Overthinking a solo dinner

[2vets]

Hi, all - I will be at WDW for a few solo nights before meeting family in 2 weeks. On one night (a Saturday), I have a Boma res - I was initially staying at AKL and wound up moving to BWI, so would uber/lyft over and back. I looove Boma, but obvs it would be easier to stay “local”. I’ve been debating Flying Fish, but unless I sit at the bar, I hate the way they cram 1-2 people into the middle of the back area. Not.A.Fan. Where have people eaten in the area lately that I’m maybe overlooking? I would normally go to Shiki Sai, but I am going there Sunday.

Cost is not a huge factor, but I will not be wearing anything nicer than cutoffs and a tee, so that’s a factor. Epcot area, DHS area, all fine. I have an AP, so can go in and out of parks. It’s a Saturday, so I do not want to be in line at food booths after 1 pm, and also, please no Cake Bake - I am an in/out at the bakery only. Or should I stick with Boma? Thanks!

 

[Skippyboo]

You could do Trattoria al Forno, Ale & Compass. Skyliner to Sebastian’s at Caribbean Beach

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

You could do Il Mulino in Swan, or even Rosa Mexicana at Dolphin.

 

[Marthasor]

Maybe take the Skyliner over to RIV and sit in the bar/lounge area of Topolino's. I love going there and then timing my Skyliner ride back as the EP fireworks are starting. The bar/lounge at bluezoo at the Dolphin is nice - great food!

 

[2vets]

Have you guys eaten at these places lately? I’m not againt ubering to Boma, just want to be sure I’m not missing something just as good! @Marthasor I have heard great things about Bluezoo, but I am not much into mantly types of seafood so have never bothered. ETA: Looking into Topolino’s dinner now…

 

[LoveDaisy]

Are you looking to eat at a bar or do you just not like the table set up for solo dinners at Flying Fish?

I have never had an issue getting a bar seat at Flying Fish. Last time I ate at Bluezoo, there were plenty of bar seats. I had the red snapper (catch of the day) with a white wine sauce, it was fantastic! (I am not sure if you mean you don’t like manti fish, which they didn’t serve when I was last there, or many types of fish).

I’m not the biggest Boma fan. It’s fine, but not worth the drive to me unless I’m already at AK. I’d probably stay in the crescent lake or Epcot area.

 

[2vets]

Are you looking to eat at a bar or do you just not like the table set up for solo dinners at Flying Fish?

I have never had an issue getting a bar seat at Flying Fish. Last time I ate at Bluezoo, there were plenty of bar seats. I had the red snapper (catch of the day) with a white wine sauce, it was fantastic! (I am not sure if you mean you don’t like manti fish, which they didn’t serve when I was last there, or many types of fish).

I’m not the biggest Boma fan. It’s fine, but not worth the drive to me unless I’m already at AK. I’d probably stay in the crescent lake or Epcot area.

I’m fine with bar or table, I just don’t like the seating area in the back at FF. I’m pretty accustomed to being solo at Disney, but I always feel weird at those crammed in 2-tops. Oh, also planning on Crew’s Cup on my arrival night, or I’d go there.

I stopped eating fish/seafood much in general about 10 years ago because I’m an avid scuba diver and made a personal choice for conservation reasons (I know, I know, but it’s just me) - there are a few things I still love and eat on occasion, but I don’t gravitate towards fish-based menus any more, if makes sense. I have been curious about Rosa Mexicano and Il Mulino, though…hmm. And I haven’t ever been to Spice Road Table.

Thanks so much .

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I’m fine with bar or table, I just don’t like the seating area in the back at FF. I’m pretty accustomed to being solo at Disney, but I always feel weird at those crammed in 2-tops. Oh, also planning on Crew’s Cup on my arrival night, or I’d go there.

Just wanted to say I totally agree with this. While it's not that bad, that back corner loses some of the vibe and frankly feels like you're eating... in a back corner. I don't love it either.

 

[2vets]

Just wanted to say I totally agree with this. While it's not that bad, that back corner loses some of the vibe and frankly feels like you're eating... in a back corner. I don't love it either.

I have been all over WDW as a solo diner at this point, and this was a top 2 awkward experience.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I have been all over WDW as a solo diner at this point, and this was a top 2 awkward experience.

Well now we have to ask, what was the other one?

 

[gottalovepluto]

I’m fine with bar or table, I just don’t like the seating area in the back at FF. I’m pretty accustomed to being solo at Disney, but I always feel weird at those crammed in 2-tops. Oh, also planning on Crew’s Cup on my arrival night, or I’d go there.

I stopped eating fish/seafood much in general about 10 years ago because I’m an avid scuba diver and made a personal choice for conservation reasons (I know, I know, but it’s just me) - there are a few things I still love and eat on occasion, but I don’t gravitate towards fish-based menus any more, if makes sense. I have been curious about Rosa Mexicano and Il Mulino, though…hmm. And I haven’t ever been to Spice Road Table.

Thanks so much .

I like the bar at Il Mulino at Swan, you can order off the full menu. The bar is faster than the full sitting down experience there.

You'll see people dressed ranging from business casual (conference goers) to park attire, it doesn't matter what you wear. Everyone is there to drink and eat. Haven't tried Rosa's yet.

 

[2vets]

Well now we have to ask, what was the other one?

At FF, it just felt like I was on display (DH was with me that trip, but he came down with a cold and was in the room). I was surrounded by couples, and I swear, like 4 different sets kept turning around to look at me with pity. Overall, just cringey. But not that bad.

The winner? Monsieur Paul. Last year. The waiter actually asked me where my husband was. Like, out of the blue, no preliminaries. I told him he was at home dogsitting and keeping the house organized, and that on Sunday, he’d be hitting the grocery store for us so I could be ready for my busy meeting-filled week when I got home. (This was true, but I did kind of…gloss it up …) I responded kindly, but it definitely shut that line of silly questioning down. There was a guy eating solo at the next table who overheard - he started cracking up and raised his glass to me once the waiter walked away.

To be clear, these experiences are extremely rare!

 

[2vets]

I like the bar at Il Mulino at Swan, you can order off the full menu. The bar is faster than the full sitting down experience there.

You'll see people dressed ranging from business casual (conference goers) to park attire, it doesn't matter what you wear. Everyone is there to drink and eat. Haven't tried Rosa's yet.

This is great - thank you!!

 

[kylenne]

At FF, it just felt like I was on display (DH was with me that trip, but he came down with a cold and was in the room). I was surrounded by couples, and I swear, like 4 different sets kept turning around to look at me with pity. Overall, just cringey. But not that bad.

The winner? Monsieur Paul. Last year. The waiter actually asked me where my husband was. Like, out of the blue, no preliminaries. I told him he was at home dogsitting and keeping the house organized, and that on Sunday, he’d be hitting the grocery store for us so I could be ready for my busy meeting-filled week when I got home. (This was true, but I did kind of…gloss it up …) I responded kindly, but it definitely shut that line of silly questioning down. There was a guy eating solo at the next table who overheard - he started cracking up and raised his glass to me once the waiter walked away.

To be clear, these experiences are extremely rare!

Geez and I thought the woman who checked me in at Beaches and Cream on my 40th birthday trip was terrible. My gf couldn’t come on the trip because the Canadian border was still closed at the time due to covid and I already felt down when the CM really harped on me being alone on my birthday (bc I put it down in the app). “Don’t you have any friends??” type of comments. I ended up crying in my room after I left and I’ll never go back there again even though I know it was probably a one off from someone who likely didn’t normally work that role.

Fortunately as you said these types of situations are extremely rare. That’s the only time I’ve ever been singled out like that solo dining.

Re: where to eat, I haven’t been to Rosa Mexicano at the Dolphin yet but the og ones here at home are great. Enough that we’re having dinner there arrival night at the end of the month. The guac is so ridiculously good being so fresh, they make there at the table in front of you. tbh Swolphin joints are a good shout in general just because they’re used to getting conventioneers so solos aren’t treated poorly as far as seating.

 

[2vets]

Geez and I thought the woman who checked me in at Beaches and Cream on my 40th birthday trip was terrible. My gf couldn’t come on the trip because the Canadian border was still closed at the time due to covid and I already felt down when the CM really harped on me being alone on my birthday (bc I put it down in the app). “Don’t you have any friends??” type of comments. I ended up crying in my room after I left and I’ll never go back there again even though I know it was probably a one off from someone who likely didn’t normally work that role.

Fortunately as you said these types of situations are extremely rare. That’s the only time I’ve ever been singled out like that solo dining.

Re: where to eat, I haven’t been to Rosa Mexicano at the Dolphin yet but the og ones here at home are great. Enough that we’re having dinner there arrival night at the end of the month. The guac is so ridiculously good being so fresh, they make there at the table in front of you. tbh Swolphin joints are a good shout in general just because they’re used to getting conventioneers so solos aren’t treated poorly as far as seating.

OMG, that is awful!! Giving you a big virtual hug. Wth? I mean, it would be tough to even find tongue-in-cheek responses in that situation. At least I could fall back on being a smartass. Geez. It’s crazy to me because I just go so much to WDW solo now - it’s safe, it’s easy, and it’s a blast. And I was not put on this earth to sit home unless I have another person to do things with no matter what day it is. Heck, my mom just went to Singapore and Hong Kong by herself!

Ok, sounds like two pretty good options at Swolphin!! Thank you!

 

[japanese maple]

I’m fine with bar or table, I just don’t like the seating area in the back at FF. I’m pretty accustomed to being solo at Disney, but I always feel weird at those crammed in 2-tops. Oh, also planning on Crew’s Cup on my arrival night, or I’d go there.

I stopped eating fish/seafood much in general about 10 years ago because I’m an avid scuba diver and made a personal choice for conservation reasons (I know, I know, but it’s just me) - there are a few things I still love and eat on occasion, but I don’t gravitate towards fish-based menus any more, if makes sense. I have been curious about Rosa Mexicano and Il Mulino, though…hmm. And I haven’t ever been to Spice Road Table.

Thanks so much .

Just wanted to say I totally agree with this. While it's not that bad, that back corner loses some of the vibe and frankly feels like you're eating... in a back corner. I don't love it either.

Well now I'm curious! We are a party of two - do you have any pictures of what that seating in the back looks like?

 

[2vets]

Well now I'm curious! We are a party of two - do you have any pictures of what that seating in the back looks like?

I don’t - but you can probably google it. The main dining room is lovely, but that back room, ew.

ETA - description, the back room is just boring, there were tables along both walls - and then some additional tables crammed right into a row in the middle.

 

[Dug720]

At FF, it just felt like I was on display (DH was with me that trip, but he came down with a cold and was in the room). I was surrounded by couples, and I swear, like 4 different sets kept turning around to look at me with pity. Overall, just cringey. But not that bad.

The winner? Monsieur Paul. Last year. The waiter actually asked me where my husband was. Like, out of the blue, no preliminaries. I told him he was at home dogsitting and keeping the house organized, and that on Sunday, he’d be hitting the grocery store for us so I could be ready for my busy meeting-filled week when I got home. (This was true, but I did kind of…gloss it up …) I responded kindly, but it definitely shut that line of silly questioning down. There was a guy eating solo at the next table who overheard - he started cracking up and raised his glass to me once the waiter walked away.

To be clear, these experiences are extremely rare!

Honestly? I'd look at the couples and say "You just wish you could be independent!" Or just read my kindle and pay zero attention to them.

And as for the server? I'm sorry, but I'd have asked to speak with the manager. There is no call for that at all. Completely inappropriate.

 

[erinch]

A vote for Boma. I’d go to AK and close park down at Nomad, and then just take the bus or an Uber over to AKL.

Or I’d start in Victoria Falls. But then I would go eat at the bar in Jiko. Great bar tenders, fun experience.

 

[2vets]

Honestly? I'd look at the couples and say "You just wish you could be independent!" Or just read my kindle and pay zero attention to them.

And as for the server? I'm sorry, but I'd have asked to speak with the manager. There is no call for that at all. Completely inappropriate.

The couples were just weird, but I don’t think it was purposeful. The MP waiter? I was intending to email afterwards, but I kept wondering if it was sort of an accidental slip of something, or he meant to be less offensive adjacent. Admittedly, it takes a lot for me to complain at Disney!