Solo Travelers: Which Would You Do? Garden Grill or Marrakesh?

[Elevationist]

Rolling this one around in my head extensively. I have Garden Grill booked for one night of upcoming solo trip (first one ever!). I booked it because I love character meals, and I really liked the food last time I was there.

But the more I read and think about it, I realize character meals maybe aren't the best for solo travelers, especially with nobody to take photos for you. I'm very shy and can't see myself being brave enough to bother any of the families seated near me to snap pics for me, either.

I've been stalking Tuttu Italia for a reservation for that same night, as it's really the only other Epcot restaurant that I've never eaten at and am interested in. Not having any luck.

I see lots of openings at Marrakesh, which I've also never done, but am only moderately interested in. I mean, it looks lovely, but I don't have a super adventurous palate. Now, that being said, I did have lunch at the Tangerine Cafe (Morroco counter service) on my last trip, and really enjoyed it.

However, I KNOW I would enjoy the food at Garden Grill. But somehow I feel like I should look at other options.

I'm so torn. As a solo, what would you do? Which do you think you would enjoy more?

 

[DaisyDuck001]

Between those two restaurants, I prefer the food at Marrakesh, and not crazy about the food at Garden Grill, but I'd still choose Garden Grill for the rotating views and fun atmosphere.

I agree it's awkward to do character meals solo with no one to take your picture. At my last solo visit to Garden Grill, there was a cast member who told me part of her job was to rove around and take pictures of solo visitors with the characters. This was great except that half the time when the characters came by, this cast member was nowhere nearby. And in addition to being shy about asking nearby families to take your picture, Garden Grill would be an extra tough place even to ask them, because of the seating layout where you can't even see the people in the next booth, unless you get up and walk over there.

Garden Grill is not one of my favorite places to be solo, but it's good if you can find someone to meet up. So, you could see if anyone from the DIS can meet up with you there. I wish I could, but I'm there Oct. 22 - Nov. 2. If you can't find anyone to meet up, are there any other places you could dine that evening? Maybe the Food and Wine Festival kiosks?

 

[Elevationist]

Between those two restaurants, I prefer the food at Marrakesh, and not crazy about the food at Garden Grill, but I'd still choose Garden Grill for the rotating views and fun atmosphere.

I agree it's awkward to do character meals solo with no one to take your picture. At my last solo visit to Garden Grill, there was a cast member who told me part of her job was to rove around and take pictures of solo visitors with the characters. This was great except that half the time when the characters came by, this cast member was nowhere nearby. And in addition to being shy about asking nearby families to take your picture, Garden Grill would be an extra tough place even to ask them, because of the seating layout where you can't even see the people in the next booth, unless you get up and walk over there.

Garden Grill is not one of my favorite places to be solo, but it's good if you can find someone to meet up. So, you could see if anyone from the DIS can meet up with you there. I wish I could, but I'm there Oct. 22 - Nov. 2. If you can't find anyone to meet up, are there any other places you could dine that evening? Maybe the Food and Wine Festival kiosks?

Oh, I fully intend on pigging out at the kiosks through out the day! Lol.

But I'm on the DDP and need to make sure I allocate that TS credit somewhere. I may look at using it on another day somewhere, but I do like to have one relaxed sit-down meal each day, preferably in the evenings. Hence why I'm wondering if maybe Marrakesh might be a good alternative to the Garden Grill.

I do think I'll enjoy the food at GG more though. (I'm a "meat & potatoes" comfort food kinda girl.) And I do LOVE Chip & Dale. Should I maybe not worry about missing the photo opportunities so much, and just go and have fun and enjoy the experience?

 

[DaisyDuck001]

If I were going to Garden Grill, I'd want to get pictures with the characters, but some people may be able to enjoy it even without that. It's also fun to see the changing views. I think you'd be able to get some character pictures with help from the staff -- they just won't necessarily be available for every opportunity. It sounds like you prefer Garden Grill, so maybe you can get a few pictures there when the staff is available to take them, and if you miss other photo opps because no one is there, don't sweat it. Sounds like a plan!

 

[Bete]

I think you could ask your waiter to be around for pictures and remember them with a god tip in return.

You could ask the characters when it's your turn to get someone to take a picture for you. They may be able to snag a different waiter and get in done for you better than you could do.

If you really like the food there then you should enjoy Garden Grill. If you don't get many pictures there I wouldn't feel so bad; Marrakesh doesn't have characters. You at least have a shot at Garden Grill.

 

[jagfanjosh3252]

I think you could ask your waiter to be around for pictures and remember them with a god tip in return. You could ask the characters when it's your turn to get someone to take a picture for you. They may be able to snag a different waiter and get in done for you better than you could do. If you really like the food there then you should enjoy Garden Grill. If you don't get many pictures there I wouldn't feel so bad; Marrakesh doesn't have characters. You at least have a shot at Garden Grill.

Selfies. Lol

Nah. First of all. Kudos for loving Chip and Dale.

I would let it be know as soon as you're seated. That way someone will know. Let the hostess and you're waiter/waitress know.

 

[North of Mouse]

If you would really prefer the food at Garden Grill, that's where I'd go - maybe you can get a few pictures with help from your waiter - otherwise enjoy the rotating scenery, food, and just seeing the characters.

 

[DaisyDuck001]

A few times at Garden Grill and other character meals, I've asked my server to take pictures of me with the characters, and I did let them know I'd like a picture with every character.

The servers want to help, but usually they are so busy taking orders and bringing food, that I've found they are generally not able to take a picture of a guest with each character. At best you may get one or two characters out of five. I'm sure the servers would be happy to take more pictures if they had time, but not at the cost that some other table doesn't get to put in their order sooner or receive their food sooner.

So having tried this a few times, I don't recommend relying on your server for character pictures, unless you'll be OK with having pictures with only one or two of the characters, and you probably won't get to choose which characters, either. It will just be whatever fits with the server's other work.

The idea suggested by another poster of asking the character to find a less busy server to take the picture may be worthwhile. I haven't tried this one, but it may work.

I think you could have a nice time at Garden Grill if you're OK with the fact that you may not be able to get a picture with every character. If Chip and Dale are most important to you, maybe let your server know that, and he/she can try to get at least one of those, if possible. The roving photographer I mentioned earlier may also be able to help, if she is still around.

 

[Dashzap]

I love the food at Spice Road Table, so I voted Marrakesh...going with my theory that there is really only one massive WDW kitchen underground somewhere and all the food comes up in shoots.

 

[Elevationist]

If I were going to Garden Grill, I'd want to get pictures with the characters, but some people may be able to enjoy it even without that. It's also fun to see the changing views. I think you'd be able to get some character pictures with help from the staff -- they just won't necessarily be available for every opportunity. It sounds like you prefer Garden Grill, so maybe you can get a few pictures there when the staff is available to take them, and if you miss other photo opps because no one is there, don't sweat it. Sounds like a plan!

Yeah, I think this is going to be what I do. I just hope I'm making the right choice!

Selfies. Lol

Nah. First of all. Kudos for loving Chip and Dale.

I would let it be know as soon as you're seated. That way someone will know. Let the hostess and you're waiter/waitress know.

Oh, there will be selfies, for sure. LOL. And Chip & Dale are the BEST!

I didn't think about talking to the hostess and my server. Hopefully they can do something.

If you would really prefer the food at Garden Grill, that's where I'd go - maybe you can get a few pictures with help from your waiter - otherwise enjoy the rotating scenery, food, and just seeing the characters.

This is true! I guess just overthinking it a bit, since it's my first solo trip. Which I'm totally excited about, but also a bit nervous!

I think you could have a nice time at Garden Grill if you're OK with the fact that you may not be able to get a picture with every character. If Chip and Dale are most important to you, maybe let your server know that, and he/she can try to get at least one of those, if possible. The roving photographer I mentioned earlier may also be able to help, if she is still around.

I like this idea! But then I remember Pluto... and Mickey... and Goofy.... *starts practicing her selfies!*

I love the food at Spice Road Table, so I voted Marrakesh...going with my theory that there is really only one massive WDW kitchen underground somewhere and all the food comes up in shoots.

It's a GOOD theory!

 

[Luvchefmic]

No No No don't ever deprive yourself of a character meal solo. I have been going solo for decades, family out of state, husband on the road, etc. When you go to the podium tell them how important pictures are to you. I have never been disappointed.

One time, ironically at Chef Mickey, I was overlooked and when I spoke up to a character handler they more than made up for it. Even a restaurant without a dedicated character handler can help you.

Not the wait staff, too rushed and pictures will suffer. Ask for the manager, explain your situation, it's not that unique. He or she will find someone for you. Follow up with a lovely letter when you get home and name names. Win-Win for all concerned.

I promise you will have great memories made. ( PS I am one of those that cannot take a selfie, must be a talent )

 

[Elevationist]

No No No don't ever deprive yourself of a character meal solo. I have been going solo for decades, family out of state, husband on the road, etc. When you go to the podium tell them how important pictures are to you. I have never been disappointed.

One time, ironically at Chef Mickey, I was overlooked and when I spoke up to a character handler they more than made up for it. Even a restaurant without a dedicated character handler can help you.

Not the wait staff, too rushed and pictures will suffer. Ask for the manager, explain your situation, it's not that unique. He or she will find someone for you. Follow up with a lovely letter when you get home and name names. Win-Win for all concerned.

I promise you will have great memories made. ( PS I am one of those that cannot take a selfie, must be a talent )

Great advice! Thank you so much!!!

 

[Luvchefmic]

Great advice! Thank you so much!!!

You're very Welcome ! made my day please tell us about it when you get back

 

[Stefecatzz]

I vote for Garden Grill over Marrakesh. I've been to both & I prefer the food & atmosphere at Garden Grill.

I have yet to eat at a TS during a solo trip, but I'd imagine that I'd feel more comfortable eating at Garden Grill b/c of the seating arrangement & being able to interact w/the characters (even if no pictures are taken).