Solo Traveler

[IGDDDF]

As a solo traveler do I have to make PS for any of the restuarants? I just assumed it had to be done for two or more? Am I wrong?

Thanks a bounce!

 

[MHopkins2]

Just like making PS for a group of any size, it depends on where and when you're eating. If you want to have a late lunch at (the excellent but frequently empty) Restaurant Marrakesh, don't worry about making a PS. If you want dinner at 8:00 at the California Grill and don't want to eat at the bar, you will definitely need a PS. Look at it this way - whether there is another person in your party or not, you will still need a table for 2 and hence should judge your PS needs that way.

 

[daannzzz]

I just got back from a 15 day solo trip. I had made PS at many places. I alway eat at the earlier times to avoid crowds. All the places I chose were not busy and you could have walked in and gotten seated fairly quickly. I depends also on the time of year. I was there the first 2 weeks of May.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I've gone on 5 solo trips and always made PS, just like I would for a family trip. However, I have been lucky enough to get a couple the same day. Even when I go in January, which is traditionally a slow time, it usually looks like it's a good thing I got PS's.

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

I would love to have a Disney solo trip someday but is it uncomfortable in Disney to dine out alone? There are just so many families( my family being one of them). Any thoughts?

 

[mickeyfan1]

Originally posted by Boardwalk Tigger
I would love to have a Disney solo trip someday but is it uncomfortable in Disney to dine out alone? There are just so many families( my family being one of them). Any thoughts?

I have done it many times solo. I like to eat, I like to be at WDW, so it works out great! The CMs are always nice, no nicer than if I am with others, but no less nice. No one looks at you like you have 3 heads, unlike other dining establishments. And like most places in WDW, people talk to strangers, if anything I have been asked about being alone, and the comments are usually, "good for you! You are so lucky to come when you want, no kids, no restrictions", etc. There is an entire board dedicated to solo visitors, http://198.64.133.85/forumdisplay.php?forumid=54, if you want to read all about it.

Do try it if you can, there is so much to see and do, when you are solo you set your own pace and schedule. Of course, your family may be upset that you are not taking them......

 

[Minniespal]

Even though you are travelling alone you will still need a table that seats two people. I would make ps for any restaurants that you really want to eat at.

 

[Margie J]

I've traveled to WDW (and other places) solo many times. If there is someplace you really want to dine at, by all means make a PS. Don't ever feel odd about it either. A solo has as many rights as a couple or family to dine anywhere they please and enjoy it. Solos are treated very well at WDW and I've often been given prime seating in some restaurants (ex. a corner window table at CA Grill, facing the MK for fireworks). Places that offer dinner shows, such as the Poly Luau, are also great for solos since there is entertainment during the meal. You will be less likely to feel alone in those situations.

A few restaurants are often an easy "walk-in" for solos and others, such as Marrakesh or Akershus. Others will need a PS to assure the time you want and/or a table. These include (IMO):

* Chefs de France
* Rose & Crown (dinner, for Illuminations)
* Alfredos
* California Grill
* Artist Point
* Whispering Canyon (unless early)
* Hoop Dee Doo
* Poly Luau
* Citricos
* Brown Derby (dinner)
* Mama Melroses
* Hollywood & Vine buffet
* Sci-Fi Dine In
* 50's Prime Time (dinner)
* Boma
* Jiko
* Crystal Palace
* Liberty Tree Tavern
* Tony's Town Square
* Spoodles (dinner)
* Flying Fish

 

[Simba's Mom]

I understand your concern about dining sit-down solo. I used to be very uncomfortable. But I finally found something that really helped. Before a solo trip, I buy a little spiral notebook, about 50 cents, at a drug store. I carry that notebook and a pen everywhere. I use my resturaunt time to write down notes on what I've done, rides, where I've been, opinions, any future plans. This not only serves to keep me busy, but it's a great little souvenier-after I come back home, I can read it when I need a "Disney fix". And something I didn't plan on, a couple times doing this has gotten me what seems to be better service. It's like the CMs think you're some kind of "undercover" Disney executive, making notes on the resturaunt service, etc.! Didn't think of that!
Just one thing-before I go, I research resturaunts so that I avoid ones where the lighting is too dim to write-for example, Biergarten and Mexico I'd avoid for that reason.

 

[bbowers]

Simba's Mom gave me that helpful hint before my first solo trip a few weeks ago. I bought a notebook and took it with me at every meal (except Le Cellier, but I had another piece of paper I wrote on there and copied it over later). It was a GREAT idea to help gather your thoughts and not forget little things you wanted to take note of (I had some specific things I was looking for as feedback to a few web sites, as well, like the new Spoodles breakfast menu (boo) for wdwig.com, etc).

I noticed other solor travelers at just about every place I ate, including Artist's Point, Le Cellier, etc. It just gave me a chance to talk with the server more than I normally would, and found out my server at Artist's Point loves RNRC and Aerosmith as much as I do...