Restaurants and solo

[friendoffigment]

are some restaurants better suited for solo travelers at WDW. taking my first solo in 2016. figured character meals may feel a little weird. any dining advice for a solo traveler appreciated. TIA

 

[samsteele]

There have been similar posts/threads and lots of info posted. Some will suggest eating at the bar. Others may suggest bringing a book or using your phone/apps. Personally, I travel solo regularly and I simply choose the restaurant that I wish to go to w/o consideration to being solo but based on the menu and the atmosphere. The only slightly negative dining experience I have had was at Sanaa but believe that was the personality of the seater that evening and it wasn't a single diner thing since it was apparent that parties of 2 were also not being treated well (I had asked for a window seat at opening but they were 4 seaters). Nothing to ruin dinner or get into a knot about. Since this is your first solo trip, consider some of the better buffets such as Boma (dinner) to break the ice as you will be up getting your food often so you may not feel as self-conscious or alone. I also book my dinners for restaurant opening at approx 4:30-5pm and this allows the seater to often place me closer to a window (eg at Chefs de France) or closer to the water (at San Angel) so I have something to look at rather than looking right at other diners. I do ask for this at check-in and if done politely right at opening, you often get results. Highly themed restaurants such as Sci-Fi in HS also allow you to become immersed in the atmosphere and watch the old movie clips. However, if you see a restaurant you want to eat in . . . go for it w/o regard to dining solo. I have not felt out of place at Ohana, Biergarten, Teppan Edo, etc. Say hello to your fellow diners but just enjoy your meal. If you have a question re a specific restaurant, then let me know below & I will do my best to answer. I have eaten at most 1 credit TS restaurants but few signatures. Just enjoy! Most other diners are so caught up in their own family dynamics and squabbles that you are not of any particular interest or speculation. And that's a good thing!

 

[loves to dive]

If you go out solo at home you should have no problems at disney. My DH isn't a big fan of eating out, I am so when he is out of town I often go out to eat solo. He is also not a fan of travelling so most of the time I travel solo so eating solo is no big deal. I agree with samsteele, just choose your restaurant based on the menu and go. I've never had a problem eating solo at any disney restaurants and I have even done it at signature restaurants. I usually have my kindle on my phone and just read while I eat.

 

[SueDonym3]

Yeah...what they said. If you normally eat out solo, no issue for those folks. However, if you are someonewho never eats by yourself out, my advice is start slow with your favorite hometown restaurants. Like anything else, dining solo is a comfort level issue and the more you do it, the more comfortable you are. At this point I am usually avidly watching other diners and making up stories in my head. But, for those who have not done it, starting with a device in hand and working your way up is best. Character meals are the most intense- I did a couple my last solo trip. Not planning any for my next one...well, maybe Crystal Palace...that breakfast is amazing. I have not had any issues at any restaurant as a solo- cast has always been great and I usually have a nice chat and occasionally get a recipe for my favorite dish...

 

[Sir William]

...Personally, I travel solo regularly and I simply choose the restaurant that I wish to go to w/o consideration to being solo but based on the menu and the atmosphere. ...if you see a restaurant you want to eat in . . . go for it w/o regard to dining solo. ....Most other diners are so caught up in their own family dynamics and squabbles that you are not of any particular interest or speculation. And that's a good thing!

Completely agree. As far as Disney restaurants are concerned, just go to whichever one interests you. Take something along to help pass the time until your meal is served, but otherwise don't worry about anything except what you're going to order to eat.

 

[drayca]

I found some awesome things to pass the time until your meal is served...

They're called booze and an appetizer!

Don't forget to top it off with a dessert as well!

 

[ludari]

Do whatever your heart and/or stomach desires and don't worry about it. I've done fancy, character meals, etc during all my solo trips. In fact, with my upcoming trip next week I've already mapped out a few places I want to eat.

 

[aVASTGrl]

All restaurants are perfectly suited for solos. I've never eaten at the bar because I was alone, and I've never felt weird, or been made to feel weird, for eating anywhere by myself. Having said that, I've never done a character dinner alone (it's just not my thing) nor have I eaten at a communal table-type place like Biergarten (I just haven't gotten around to it!) so I can't tell you about either of those I say eat wherever the food looks good to you!

 

[lustergirl]

I had the best meal at Sanaa dining solo. Drinks before it was my ressie time

 

[BrianL]

Yeah, no need to worry about it too much. Biergarten has communal seating and is a great place to eat solo if you want to meet and chat with others.