Solo Dining?

[fakereadhed]

I'll be there solo for part of my trip in March. I was wondering if I would be alone in doing this and felt a little uncomfortable. I have read the posts and the Garden View tea room could my eye. Where is this place?

Grand Floridian

Amazing review here:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1514791

 

[SuperDave]

Anyhow, back to the solo dining. I think I might ask to sit at this "cooking place" you speak of because it sounds interesting!

Anyone sat at the bar at CG? I thought that might be different - but I do LOVE the view you have by the windows, there!

Sitting up at the kitchen at Jiko where they make the appetizers and bread is always a good experience, especially for a solo diner. I always request my seating there, when I dine solo. Done this I believe four times. If you show some interest by talking to the chefs here you may receive a sample or two as I have in the past. I love the experience here dining solo. I've also sat at the kitchen at the California Grill too. Although, I prefer a window seat here (as I believe most would), it's great to watch the chefs in action and converse with them as well.

 

[SuperDave]

Last year while dining solo at Le Cellier, one of the CMs sat me next to the table to that of another solo diner. We talked quite a bit with each other during our meal and gave each other tips about WDW. She was a woman from Alabama who as a DVC member spends a lot of time here throughout the year. My reservation was about 8pm or so that evening and before our main courses came out we told our CM who was waiting on us that night to hold our meals for a while so we could go outside to view Illuminations. Sometimes you can make a friend for a bit while dining solo.

I've also dined at Victoria & Albert's solo as well. Although, it would be better to dine with someone here I have enjoyed the experience solo at this fine establishment since the cuisine is just so overwhelming.

 

[ttester9612]

As many times I've been to WDW, I have never seen the Fantasmic Show, I'm always with folks that never want to see it.

I've decided to do the Fantasmic! Dinner Package during the May trip. Being solo, any suggestions as to which restaurant I should pick?

 

[SuperDave]

As many times I've been to WDW, I have never seen the Fantasmic Show, I'm always with folks that never want to see it.

I've decided to do the Fantasmic! Dinner Package during the May trip. Being solo, any suggestions as to which restaurant I should pick?

I'd definitely pick The Brown Derby. I did the Fantasmic Package last year. I thought the food was excellent with good service. Don't worry about time restraints regarding having enough time to dine and catch the Fantasmic show on time. They take that into consideration when you make the reservation. Around 6pm should be good.

Unfortunately for me last year when I exited the restaurant, there was a big rainstorm so I skipped the Fantasmic show. I didn't have a poncho with me and would have had to wait in the pouring rain at the line for the Fantasmic reserved seating. I still haven't seen it as well. Hopefully some day soon.

 

[ttester9612]

I'd definitely pick The Brown Derby. I did the Fantasmic Package last year. I thought the food was excellent with good service. Don't worry about time restraints regarding having enough time to dine and catch the Fantasmic show on time. They take that into consideration when you make the reservation. Around 6pm should be good.

Unfortunately for me last year when I exited the restaurant, there was a big rainstorm so I skipped the Fantasmic show. I didn't have a poncho with me and would have had to wait in the pouring rain at the line for the Fantasmic reserved seating. I still haven't seen it as well. Hopefully some day soon.

thanks for the tip I don't want to miss the show, so I'll make sure I have my poncho with me.

 

[dahirsh]

I'll second the Brown Derby.

 

[Mousecat]

I usually ask if there is an exceptional people watching seat. I have found there is always an awkward 2 person seat with a view that works great for one.

I agree with others the service is usually spot on. We are easy as solos. Fast. Usually good tippers. They like us.

 

[disneygirlinnj]

Can someone list a bunch of restuaurants at Epcot that have a bar or kitchen seat for solo travelers? I'm not a fan of taking up a normal table and think I would be more comfortable to sit at the bar (or wherever!) and enjoy my meal! Thanks!

 

[fakereadhed]

I didn't have a poncho with me and would have had to wait in the pouring rain at the line for the Fantasmic reserved seating.

I have never booked a Fantasmic package. Maybe that's why I've never waited in line to see it? I just walk in(a little slow stroll, but not really a line) and get a seat in the back 8 rows of the farthest half of the theatre- near the middle really.

I am starting to wonder if the "package" is something they scare you into, but the seating situation is actually worse than winging it.

 

[BillSears]

I've done 2 solo trips so far and eaten MANY places solo. I always have at least one TS meal each day and often 2.

Here's a link to a dining trip report/review with pictures I wrote. It covers Bistro de Paris, Jiko, California Grill and other places:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1467257

 

[Lenc324]

I was at Jiko's last night and they were very accommodating. The food was good, but I don't know if I would go back. Going to try Flying fish tonite.

 

[Aunt Michelle]

I was at Jiko's last night and they were very accommodating. The food was good, but I don't know if I would go back. Going to try Flying fish tonite.

Did you have a good time at the Flying Fish? It's probably my favorite "solo" restaurant. The CMs are always great and it's fun to watch the kitchen actually prepare your meal.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

I just returned from a Disney part-solo trip, and I dined alone twice at table service restaurants - 'Ohanas and Trail's End. I dined before at 'Ohanas and loved it, but this time was sort of blah - the server barely said 2 words to me; and everything seemed rushed (they were already bringing the next guests to my table before I gathered my stuff to leave!). I felt a little like a third wheel - a single person is a low tip, so why put much effort into serving them, I suppose. Overall it was a tad awkward and wasn't particularly fun, which is sad since I used to love this place. Oh well.

The other place I ate was Trail's End at Fort Wilderness, and once again the server barely said a word to me. I had some lively, chatty servers there before, but not this time. The server were functional and the meal was fine, but nothing welcoming or special. Oh well.

I had servers make me feel more welcomed on many of my prior trips, but this time was different and I could feel it. I am going to re-think whether I want to continue to do solo dining for my next trip.

 

[Lenc324]

I just returned from my first solo trip and really enjoyed eating at Flying Fish and also California Grille. Both places I sat at the cooking counter and loved it. I also got to meet new people there too. Flying Fish was the best but loved watching the fireworks from the California Grille.

 

[Aunt Michelle]

I just returned from my first solo trip and really enjoyed eating at Flying Fish and also California Grille. Both places I sat at the cooking counter and loved it. I also got to meet new people there too. Flying Fish was the best but loved watching the fireworks from the California Grille.

Glad you liked Flying Fish. I've never tried California Grill solo, so I'll add that to my list. Did you get home to piles of snow?

 

[Lenc324]

Aunt it was cold and lots of snow. I wanted to turn right around. My trip was filled with warm weather and sunshine. I got lucky

 

[toocherie]

I wonder--do you think it makes sense if you're a single diner to eat "off-hours" so that the servers aren't so stressed and busy?

 

[dahirsh]

I've never really concerned myself with making reservations at an off time. I book them when it's convenient for me and haven't really had any problems. At least none that I related to be solo

 

[bobbiwoz]

Do you show up solo or have you made ADR's? For example, for Jiko's? Cape May? Hollywood and Vine?

Bobbi