Anybody feel self-conscious making PS's for one? I'm going in January, 2002. Since it's "value season", do you think PS's will be needed 60 or 90 or 120 days ahead? The one place I'd like to try on this solo trip is the California Grille for the MK fireworks. Think I'll need to call months ahead, or do you think I'll be able to play it by ear and call on the morning that I really want to go when I get there? I'd also like to do the Hollywood Brown Derby for lunch. I feel pretty sure that a midday lunch PS will be easy to get here. Any experiences out there with single/solo PS's?
I don't make PS's. When I'm solo, I never know where I'm going to be or when I'm going to be hungry. I just sort of eat when/where I want as I go along through the day. For me, PS's just tie me down to a particular place/time, which inhibits my WDW traveling-style.
For the most part, I'm like MdmMim in that I don't make too many PS. I like my vacations to be what I want to do, when I want to do it. That is why I like traveling solo so much. I have made PS's when I've traveled solo and I don't feel self-conscious at all, at least not any more. When I first made a PS or even went to eat alone, it was sort of an odd feeling but I got over that pretty quickly. There wasn't any reason to feel that way, especially at Disney. I've never felt uncomfortable or been made to feel uncomfortable eating alone at Disney. I'll do most of my meals on the spur of the moment. I have made a few PS's when I wanted to make sure that I could get into a particular restaurant. I've usually been pretty open as to the day or night that I wanted. I've never made a PS until after I've arrived at WDW but I usually go in the off seasons and it has never been a problem. I've done Brown Derby in the off seasons for a late lunch/early dinner making the PS the same day. I've not done CA Grill so I can't comment on that one.
I've been to the CA Grill twice, with an advanced PS both times. I figured that it was such a popular place to watch the fireworks and I was competing with couples for that window table so I didn't want to take any chances. It worked beautifully both times plus I had no last minute worry. I also made an advanced PS for the Rose & Crown to see Illuminations. Again, a key table at a specific time. If there is no specific time you must be at a restaurant you can play it by ear. It's one advantage of solo travel.
I made a PS for Mama Melrose's because I wanted to do the Fantasmic dinner package - I did it in person when I checked into the hotel - no, I did not feel selfconscious.
nicelady: I think you should call far ahead and do the PS in order to get the most adequate seatings for the fireworks. I had dinner on CG last year, called a few weeks before to make my solo PS, and had to dine a bit earlier than planned. It is a wonderful place!!! Just loved that pork tenderloin with polenta. Not to mention that creme brulee for dessert!!!! Wonderful food, good service, steep prices (but to me it was worth every nickel). I usually make a lot of PSs. During vacations, I like to have one nice meal a day, usually lunch. WDW is such a crowded place that I prefer not to take chances. Whenever I don't feel like keeping my plans I just call and cancel my PSs.
I have had the opportunity to be solo at WDW for a few days waiting for my family during the month of January. By and large, it is a great time to go. I've never had problems getting ressies on the same day, but then again, I have never requested a fireworks seat. For dining solo, I would recommend a restaurant in the World Showcase portion of Epcot and striking up a conversation with the waiter or waitresses. They are so excited to talk about their home country and I always learn something from them. Bon voyage and bon appetite!
