Solo Dining Recommendations

[athumann]

I have a 4 night trip booked for May all by myself for my 50th birthday and am looking for some table service dining recommendations that will not be terribly awkward for eating alone. I wll do mostly counter service but would like to add a couple of sit downs.

I am going to do a breakfast at Kona Cafe because I have eaten there alone before when nobody else would get out of bed but would like to add another one or two. I was thinking about Rose and Crown on my Epcot day because my family has never wanted to eat there and this might be my only chance but would love some input on that or any other restaurants that people have had good solo experiences.

 

[aprilnmay]

I love the Rose & Crown. I have eaten there solo several times. Each time I sat near a window. I also love the Plaza Restaurant in Magic Kingdom. Both of these restaurants have such a great atmosphere it was never awkward that I was there solo.

 

[dreamseeker9]

I liked eating solo at Sanaa with so much to see outside the windows at the AKL. I also ate (and drank) solo at the Victoria Falls Lounge at AKL - a really great space!

I ate solo for The Wave's breakfast buffet and didn't feel awkward about it, though it is all interior - no windows.

I haven't tried the Tune In Lounge next to the '50s Primetime Cafe at DHS, but I hear it's great for solo. I did eat outside at the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge, and it was exceptional for solo, and for food and ambiance in general!

I know you asked about Table Service, but I wanted to share some Counter Service experience. Flame Tree BBQ at AK was great for solo - sit down by the water for a great view of Expedition Everest. I will never eat solo again at Columbia Harbour House in the MK. It was very crowded the day I went, and I couldn't find a table. A CM finally helped me find a table, but it seated 6 people, and I felt judged the entire time as families would walk past me looking for a place to sit and would look at me and all the empty seats at the table.

Happy Birthday, and have a wonderful trip!

 

[athumann]

I liked eating solo at Sanaa with so much to see outside the windows at the AKL. I also ate (and drank) solo at the Victoria Falls Lounge at AKL - a really great space!

I ate solo for The Wave's breakfast buffet and didn't feel awkward about it, though it is all interior - no windows.

I haven't tried the Tune In Lounge next to the '50s Primetime Cafe at DHS, but I hear it's great for solo. I did eat outside at the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge, and it was exceptional for solo, and for food and ambiance in general!

I know you asked about Table Service, but I wanted to share some Counter Service experience. Flame Tree BBQ at AK was great for solo - sit down by the water for a great view of Expedition Everest. I will never eat solo again at Columbia Harbour House in the MK. It was very crowded the day I went, and I couldn't find a table. A CM finally helped me find a table, but it seated 6 people, and I felt judged the entire time as families would walk past me looking for a place to sit and would look at me and all the empty seats at the table.

Happy Birthday, and have a wonderful trip!

Thank you for the input, I love Flame Tree and it is definitely on my list for lunch at AK! I like the idea of eating in lounges and would be more than happy to sidle up to a bar to eat. I just read a review for Territory Lounge at WL and it looked awesome!

 

[dreamseeker9]

Territory Lounge looked great when I visited WL - unfortunately, it wasn't open yet, I ate lunch at Roaring Fork.

 

[Simba's Mom]

If you're concerned about dining solo, I recommend Sci-Fi where everyone's sitting in cars watching the movies-it's just like eating in front of the TV at home. I've enjoyed Chefs de France (window table), Rose and Crown (outdoor patio at lunch) and Coral Reef (tank side). Wherever you go, be sure to point out politely to the hostess that you're solo and would like "something to look at" as you eat, since you won't have a dining companion to talk with. I've gotten some great views that way! And as strange as it seems (it took me about 8 solo trips before I did this), character meals are great for people watching opportunities! And no, no one's going to notice that "poor person sitting all by themselves", as I feared. I went to the Cape May one, which I recommend for solos because, with the convention trade there, you won't be the only solo in the restaurant. After 16 solo WDW trips, I've dined most everywhere, so feel free to ask any more questions.

 

[loves to dive]

I agree with Simba's Mom about telling your serving your dining alone and would like a view if possible. I've found most of the TS servers are really attentive to me when I dine alone and I've even had the chef come out to talk to me. I always have a kindle book downloaded on my phone and if push comes to shove, I can read while I eat. I love going to the Brown Derby and have had no problems eating alone there.

 

[DisneyBelle_x]

Doing my first solo trip in september and dining is really the only thing I'm nervous about so will be taking notes of everything that's said here

 

[automaticsoap]

I've had afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian solo a couple times, and I would definitely recommend it! It's such a relaxing and charming atmosphere.

 

[com_op_2000]

My recommendation is for the counter services for a meal:
Try either Rain Forest Cafe or T-Rex at DTD.
You can walk-up to the bar areas, find a seat at most anytime, and you can order off the whole menu.

 

[goofyintoronto]

My recommendation is for the counter services for a meal:
Try either Rain Forest Cafe or T-Rex at DTD.
You can walk-up to the bar areas, find a seat at most anytime, and you can order off the whole menu.

I second this. My son and I arent very patient people sometimes. So when we'd walk up to TRex, quite often we wouldnt want to wait so we'd just grab a seat at the bar. I actually love it there! you have a nice view of the aquarium. Plus when the ice room has a medeore shower, the bar changes colors too. Its pretty neat. We've done this a couple of times.

Teppan Edo is great for solo travellers, because you dine with other people. Same with Biergarten.

50's @ HS has a bar, you can order off the menu. Not sure if the bartender will pick on your manners, but i dont think so?

Raglan Road @ DTD, their bar offers a great view of the stage performance. You can also eat at the bar. Food is great!

 

[spiceycat]

how about WDW resorts - love Cape May Cafe in the BC - also do love Kona Cafe -it is a monorail ride away from BLT.

 

[guestswobags]

Don't worry about eating solo! I've done a bunch of solo trips and have never gotten a second glance at restaurants. I second the vote for Sci-Fi, not only because the rows seat only a couple of people anyway (for me, the self-consciousness comes from feeling like I'm taking up a whole table), but because you can watch the movies/have something to do while you eat. Another possibility is Beaches & Cream at Beach Club, because there's counter seating - again, you won't be stuck at a big table. California Grill also has a counter, if I remember correctly.

-Lauren

 

[SueDonym3]

Eat at any restaurant the menu appeals. Seriously-have done multiple solo trips and there have been no commentary/glances from waiters/fellow guests...some of my personal favorites-Le Cellier-poutine! Coral Reef-amazing views! Brown Derby-very relaxing...Mama Melrose...yum! Yak & Yeti-another yum...be our guest...through the years I have eaten at almost every in park restaurant and never had an issue. Enjoy your solo!

 

[com_op_2000]

Eat at any restaurant the menu appeals. Seriously-have done multiple solo trips and there have been no commentary/glances from waiters/fellow guests...some of my personal favorites-Le Cellier-poutine! Coral Reef-amazing views! Brown Derby-very relaxing...Mama Melrose...yum! Yak & Yeti-another yum...be our guest...through the years I have eaten at almost every in park restaurant and never had an issue. Enjoy your solo!

Have you tried going for the Golden Spoon award?
http://www.disboards.com/threads/ar...he-golden-spoon.3106043/page-14#post-53113231

 

[SueDonym3]

Have you tried going for the Golden Spoon award?
http://www.disboards.com/threads/ar...he-golden-spoon.3106043/page-14#post-53113231

Yes...I am still only 30%!

 

[JasonDeyoung30]

When I go solo, I go and eat wherever I want. Have never noticed any judgement but if they are spending their time judging me that's their issue lol besides you'll never see these ppl ever again so who cares

 

[DisneyBelle_x]

When I go solo, I go and eat wherever I want. Have never noticed any judgement but if they are spending their time judging me that's their issue lol besides you'll never see these ppl ever again so who cares

I need to get myself into this mindset!

 

[JasonDeyoung30]

Just gotta remember, it's your vacation. You paid and booked just like family a b c & d so who cares if you're solo. Some of my best trips to Disney I was solo. Also being solo you get SO much more done. It's kinda crazy lol, my first trip solo I was hesitant on where to eat by myself then I just said screw it and went everywhere I like and love and nothing felt any different than when I was with ppl. A lot of restaurants in Downtown Disney are very solo friendly

 

[kiford]

Teppan Edo. Not only do I happen to like that particular restaurant but they have many people seated at one grill.We've often been seated with people doing solo trips there and had full dinner length conversations with them. It's an environment that makes it easy to converse with others and not feel like you're intruding.