Please give me some advice

[honeydiane1953]

I am planning a "spur of the moment" trip Dec.7th--17th. Dec 15th is my BD and I will be going solo for the first time. Going solo is a dream come true but here's my problem. Since it is such a hassle to make ADRS even in advance I am wondering if i should just "wing it" and not go for the free dining promo. Yes I love fine dining however, with this late date I can live on fast food for the trip. Also even though the promo says free dining, it really isn't esp. since I am going alone. I plan on staying at the Poly for the first time. I am a tried and true Comp. fan but want to try something new with the monorail system. I am in a scooter so that is a must. Please give me yall's opinion on dining plans. I love you all.

 

[cbg1027]

I am planning a "spur of the moment" trip Dec.7th--17th. Dec 15th is my BD and I will be going solo for the first time. Going solo is a dream come true but here's my problem. Since it is such a hassle to make ADRS even in advance I am wondering if i should just "wing it" and not go for the free dining promo. Yes I love fine dining however, with this late date I can live on fast food for the trip. Also even though the promo says free dining, it really isn't esp. since I am going alone. I plan on staying at the Poly for the first time. I am a tried and true Comp. fan but want to try something new with the monorail system. I am in a scooter so that is a must. Please give me yall's opinion on dining plans. I love you all.

I don't know if you should od the DP or not. But I'm sure there you could still make a few ADR's. Plus, as the dates get close people cancel, so even if you wanted something like California Grill, you could probably get in if you kept checking for an opening.

Even if you only do CS places, you aren't stuck with all fast-food! Think about places like Flame Tree BBQ in AK or Sunshine Seasons at Epcot.

 

[Puget Peach]

I've gone solo several times during "free" dining and never used it. I could always get a good room only discount (either AAA or AP) and frankly I just didn't want to compete for ADR's with every family on property. I did find some quieter places in QS restaurants such as upstairs at the Columbia Harbor House and an awesome covered seating area at Flame Tree BBQ with a view of EE across the water. In my opinion, it just didn't work out that dining was "free" at all with only one person in the room. Now with more people or a family it's a real deal!

 

[Judy in Texas]

The dining plan isn't only for the fine dining restaurants. You can use it at most all restaurants - even Downtown Disney. The only time I wouldn't accept the free dining plan offer is if I did the math and there was a way to get a cheaper room without the plan. Look at all your options and see what's cheapest.

 

[wdposter]

will also be going during the time your there. 6-9th. I always have been able to get last minute reservations when down there. Haven't really heard anything good about the dining plan so would go without. The bar at the poly is fantastic..... they have some good drinks... a little pricey.... but hey the atmosphere is great.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

You'll find that if you can get a room discount as a solo person it's a better discount than free dining but as for ADR's, I'd make some.

As a person who prefers restaurant dining, I'd be hard pressed to take an entire trip of counter service only (even some of the better ones - which reminds me - try the contempo cafe at the CR if you haven't - it's so good).

Play around with the online reservation site - you'd be surprised at what is still available (if you can't find for 1 person try for 2).

I'd at least make an ADR for your Birthday dinner (or lunch).

I'll be there for some of the same time (Dec 12-18) but staying at the AKL. If you want to meet up, I'd be happy to do so.

 

[nurse.darcy]

Okay, use the online dining ressie system and make your reservations for 2. Its harder to get when you only key in 1 person. . .for some odd reason. . .it is after all the same table setup.

For me alone the dining plan is not worth it. The AP discount is too generous, also for those who don't have an AP, the buy 4 get three free discount is excellent. I don't do table service every night or day and its just not worth the hassle of having to plan a ressie for each day.

Some suggestions for restaurants that will probably have availability:

1. Jiko. . .I never have a problem getting a ressie here. Food is EXCELLENT.

2. Tune Inn Lounge. . .If you are able to exit your ECV, sit at the bar and enjoy the menu offered to the people dining at 50s Prime Time . . .bar seats are first come first served.

3. Yak and Yeti. . .cuisine is fine, not extra special, but no problems getting in.

4. Tokyo Dining. . .Sushi, tempura and teryaki. Very tasty and almost always has availability.

5. Tony's Town Square. . .again, have seated 2 to 12 with no difficulty in getting ressie. . .

6. Biergarten. . .food is tasty and its a buffet. . .no issues with getting a ressie.

7. Fultons Crab House. . .have eaten there nearly every trip but only had ressies once. No issues getting in.

8. Portobello Yacht Club. . .again, no issues with ressies. . .great for a walk in lunch.

I am sure there are others, those are just the ones I have personal experience with. Enjoy your birthday trip and definitely make a ressie for your "fave" restaurant for your birthday. . .

 

[jamstew]

You're welcome to join our group for dinner at Boma on the 13th. I know we have plenty of seats (32 total IIRC). Here's the thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2205580

 

[norybell]

On my solo trip, the ADRs I appreciated the most were the two I had for lunch...It made such a huge difference to have a nice break mid-day. Dinner time it was easy enough to get a glass of wine somewhere if I felt like it, and just do quick service dinners, especially because I was having too much fun at EMHs and MNSSHP!

I'm so glad I didn't do the DP...I think being "committed" to all that food would have put a big damper on the freedom of my trip! (Just my two cents.)