Solo Dining

[castaways]

Going to Orlando for a conference in October without the family. Needing a little Disney magic until the family and I make our 18th trip to WDW in the spring. Is there any WDW restaurant you would recommend where a solo diner wouldn't feel out of place? I'm thinking maybe Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge.

 

[DisCopper]

I had a nice time eating alone at the bar at California Grill.

One thing that I did notice about any restaurant where I dined alone... I was in and out very quickly. I like to think that it was because they didn't want me to be sitting alone and staring off into space. They probably just wanted to turn the table fast so that they could get a bigger tip from a bigger group. LOL

 

[etail]

Certainly Artist Point. When I travel I bring a book to dinner and so just prefer a quiet place. So I'd add anything at AKL, Jiko or Sanaa (Boma may not be quiet but it is my favorite...though at a buffet I might be too fast rather than taking my time for some reason...). Also most places that have a counter areas for the "show kitchens"; Flying Fish and Cali Grill had such at one time if not now, as well as the Japanese one in Epcot. I'd avoid charcater meals (that's just me...) and larger audience interactive palces or shows. This happens often at Disney and elsewhere. And the cast members will make you feel comfortable wherever you end up. And feel free to order dessert and finish the chapter you are reading, no need to rush!

 

[bunnicula]

I second Jiko. I've eaten alone at Jiko's counter area, and watching appetizers go out of their show kitchen is entertaining enough that you won't even need a book.

 

[FozzieFan]

I think it comes down to you. You need to be comfortable sitting at a table by yourself, realize that none of the other diners are sitting there pointing and laughing at you. I've had some tremendous meals while solo in Disney: Chefs de France, Kona, and Brown Derby stand out in my mind at the moment. My first trip I brought a small notebook and jotted down notes while sitting at the table. Sometimes I'll pull out my phone or a book and yes sometimes I'll stare out into nothing, but I've always been made to feel welcome by the waiters and waitresses in the World.

So I say pick a favorite restaurant from an old trip, or a new one you haven't tried yet and make yourself a reservation. Honestly what's the worst that could happen, you will never see anyone in that restaurant ever again.

 

[maxiesmom]

Another vote for the California Grill. I didn't sit at the bar, but my table had a great view. I never felt awkward or out of place. The servers were very friendly but not in an overbearing manner. And the food is sooo good!

 

[septbaby]

Keep in mind you're going to a conference, you're not really solo. Make plans to eat with a colleague.

I often do solo dining and never bring a book for company. I do use counter spaces, but often eat at places where that isn't an option.

 

[cbg1027]

Any of the places that have a counter by the food prep areas are great for solo diners - Jiko, Cali Grill, and Flying Fish come to mind.

I ate at Sanaa solo and loved it because I just watched the animals the whole time! Plus the food was fantastic!

 

[cigar95]

Anywhere!

You can eat solo at any WDW restaurant and not feel self-conscious unless you want to. I even have eaten solo a number of times at CRT for breakfast, the ultimate family-dining location. I just go with the flow, and make friends with the servers. Sometimes the restaurant is set up to make it easy to strike up a conversation with the folks at the next table.

If someone decides to mutter about me behind my back, that's their problem, not mine.

 

[YodasMom]

Anywhere!

You can eat solo at any WDW restaurant and not feel self-conscious unless you want to. I even have eaten solo a number of times at CRT for breakfast, the ultimate family-dining location. I just go with the flow, and make friends with the servers. Sometimes the restaurant is set up to make it easy to strike up a conversation with the folks at the next table.

If someone decides to mutter about me behind my back, that's their problem, not mine.

This has been my experience as well!!! Plus, most people are primarily focussed on their own families, and making the most of their own experience.

 

[madalex]

Anywhere!

You can eat solo at any WDW restaurant and not feel self-conscious unless you want to. I even have eaten solo a number of times at CRT for breakfast, the ultimate family-dining location. I just go with the flow, and make friends with the servers. Sometimes the restaurant is set up to make it easy to strike up a conversation with the folks at the next table.

If someone decides to mutter about me behind my back, that's their problem, not mine.

I agree with this 100%. If I travel solo, I expect to eat solo. While I don't believe that other diners really pay much (if any) attention to me as a solo diner, it is beyond me why I would care what a bunch of strangers think about me eating alone.

 

[PamelaKay]

I second Jiko. I've eaten alone at Jiko's counter area, and watching appetizers go out of their show kitchen is entertaining enough that you won't even need a book.

I ate solo at Jiko and sat at the cooking place. It is a great place to eat solo. The chef's that prepare the salads an appetizers were awesome and we had great conversation. As I asked about different dishes they were preparing, they even fixed me samples of stuff I didn't order. Joshua in particular was so nice to answer any question I had about the food and he made great suggestions on what to order and what wines went well with it. I never once felt out of place because I was there solo.

I had a similar experience eating on that same trip at the flying fish and sitting at their cooking counter. The only difference is at the flying fish, you need to sit at the end of the counter around the corner to be able to converse with the chef.

 

[norybell]

Yet another vote for Jiko! I ate alone there at the bar last October, and ended up having such a great time with the couple sitting next to me that they gave me a ride to Epcot and we watched Illuminations together!

Brown Derby is also particularly nice solo...you can pretend to be a glamorous old-fashioned movie star.

There really wasn't anywhere I was uncomfortable, though. Those were just the standouts.

 

[BelleBway]

Anywhere!

You can eat solo at any WDW restaurant and not feel self-conscious unless you want to. I even have eaten solo a number of times at CRT for breakfast, the ultimate family-dining location. I just go with the flow, and make friends with the servers. Sometimes the restaurant is set up to make it easy to strike up a conversation with the folks at the next table.

If someone decides to mutter about me behind my back, that's their problem, not mine.

Agree with this. I do a lot of solo travel and Disney is probably the most comfortable place to eat solo. I've also done CRT breakfast solo- I think the waiters or someone were able to take my photo with the princesses. My choice of restaurants at WDW would not be affected by whether or not I was traveling solo. (other than the fact that I wouldn't have to cross anywhere off my list because there was nothing on the menu for someone else in my party!)

 

[ironz]

I travel solo a lot and usually have my kindle or phone to keep me occupied...that is, when I'm not eating, people watching, or just taking in the atmosphere!

TS Places I've eaten at solo at WDW: Bluezoo (twice, because I loved it so much the first time!), Tutto Italia, there must be more, but I don't eat a ton of TS anyway.
Places I wouldn't hesitate to treat myself to: probably any/all of them! The places with a bar to sit at are fun for solo diners, because you may end up with someone to talk to next to you, or talk to the bartender/server.

 

[Silver Queen]

I have attended a conference at WDW on a couple of occasions and have dined solo with no problems. I never felt uncomfortable and had a great time. I second the recommendations for Jiko and Flying Fish. I also think that Artist's Point and Sanaa would be fine. You might also consider the Turf Club at SSR. I really don't think that there would be a problem with any restaurant at Disney. Enjoy yourself!

 

[auntfrannie]

I have done several solo trips and therefore always dine alone. I have never felt uncomfortable at any Disney restaurant. The character meals are great because the servers always offer to take my picture with the characters. I also feel that servers give me extra attention because I am alone. Once at 50s Prime Time Cafe, the server started passing around his photo album to his area and actually introduced me to the other tables. It was a very fun experience.

The Flying Fish Cafe is also really attentive if you're sitting at the chef's counter. Lots of interaction with servers passing by and the chefs. The chefs have always sent over a little sample for me to try and the manager will stop by and chat as well.

You'll have a great time regardless of where you decide to dine!