Solo diners sitting with other groups?

[Kakikomori]

I'm taking my first solo trip in the second week of January. I don't mind eating alone at all, but is it possible to ask to be seated with a willing group?

I figure that it could also free up a table for another group, maybe? Or would it cause more trouble for the servers than it's worth?

 

[lurkernj]

Try planning adrs at Biergarten or Teppen Edo, where you will be placed with others regardless. Some restaurants have a bar area where you can eat also.

I think I would find it strange if I were dining with my family/friends and was approached by a waiter asking if we'd accept another diner at our table (although I'm from Jersey and we're just a bit more wary of strangers). Maybe if it's around the holidays people would be more open.

Another option would be to go onto the solo/adult board and post your dates and try to pair up with another solo. Sometimes there are groups of solos planning get-togethers.

 

[jlevis]

Depends. If it's my wife and me then I would be willing. If we were there with other family members probably not. Not everyone who dines alone, especially at Disney, are lonely.

 

[Hopefully]

If I am eating at somewhere like Teppan Edo or Biergarden where there are shared tables, I enjoy that. But if I were eating with my DH, DS and DDiL and I was approached by/for a stranger wanting to sit with us, I would find that rude.
PP had good suggestions. There is a board for solo travelers. You can get full menus at most restaurant bars.
I wouldn't do what you suggest.

 

[Kay1]

I doubt the hosts would walk from table to table to see if they'd like to sit with another guest.

You're very considerate to want to free up a table but don't worry, there are usually plenty of two-tops and you'll just be seated in one of those. Have a great time.

 

[Allison]

There are some good suggestions here.

I don't think a host/hostess is going to go up to other groups and ask them to add a person to their table.

 

[Sugardimples]

When I'm alone I like to eat at the bar.

 

[JanB]

Also, Jiko has bar seating at their open kitchen. And, though I'm not certain, I think that Flying Fish might have the same.

 

[Kakikomori]

Thanks for all the ideas, folks. I actually had ADRs at Biergarten and Teppan Edo already, but I didn't know about the seating--it makes sense though. I'll check on the solo boards, too.

 

[BLTLDZ]

I'm taking my first solo trip in the second week of January. I don't mind eating alone at all, but is it possible to ask to be seated with a willing group?

I figure that it could also free up a table for another group, maybe? Or would it cause more trouble for the servers than it's worth?

My hubby & I often want to ask someone sitting alone if they would like to join us, but WE feel funny... maybe they want to be alone?? So I guess it could go either way....I wish we we were going in January...YOu could have joined us

Have a great time!!!

 

[Uncleromulus]

Not sure where you will be eating, but many of the Signature restaurants have bars where you can get a full meal. You won't be alone what with the bartenders around (and always willing to talk), plus most likely there will be others eating at the bar as well.

Mrs U and I ALWAYS eat at the bar wherever we can--and almost always find friendly bartenders and friendly patrons as well!!

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

Frequently there are Dismeets too. Some are for lunch or dinner, some just drinks, or whatever. Check into what Dismeets there are for when you are going. Some of those might want to dine together.
I have read about Dismeets on here, but don't know how to seek them out.
Hopefully someone else will chime in and tell you how to find them.

 

[TDC Nala]

Unless it's a restaurant that already seats separate parties at the same table, I don't think you can expect the restaurant staff to survey other patrons to find you a group to sit with. You may need to do that yourself if you wish to. Be aware other groups may find it awkward to be approached by a solo diner asking to join them though.

There is an entire Meets board (in addition to the Solo travelers board) where you may be able to find a meet to join up with. That may be more difficult at certain restaurants now because of the new credit card guarantee requirements.

 

[disnut8]

Well, I have found out that most people from this country really like their personal space so asking to be seated with others is probably not the best idea unless it's expected like at the places already suggested.

That being said, I really wish we would allow others to sit with us at quick service places. Why waste a table for four when only two are sitting there?