Solos and Disney Restaurants

[kollegekreed]

Hi All,

Will be doing Disney for three days (3/3-3/5) soon. I have florida friends joining me in MK on 3/4, but will be solo otherwise. Does anyone know if dining is harder/easier solo down there? On one hand its great cause I can of course do and eat what I want, but im wondering if they wont give preference to the parties of 2-4.

 

[Sir William]

Hi All,

Will be doing Disney for three days (3/3-3/5) soon. I have florida friends joining me in MK on 3/4, but will be solo otherwise. Does anyone know if dining is harder/easier solo down there? On one hand its great cause I can of course do and eat what I want, but im wondering if they wont give preference to the parties of 2-4.

On the whole I've found it slightly easier as a walk-up, as it's often easier to seat 1 than a group. At Rose & Crown last year, the CM had just turned away a group of four as I walked up. I asked anyway and was told they could seat me in a few minutes! My server was very attentive, saying once that he didn't want me to feel lonely because I was dining alone.

I also ate at the Biergarten one day as my family doesn't like German food. I was seated at a table with a family of 3 and another family of 4. Not the best table mates but I had a great time singing along with the band (I lived in Austria and Germany so felt quite at home).

On the downside, I tried to get into BOG (I couldn't get an ADR), but absolutely no luck.

 

[tfc3rid]

It's not so bad... If you find a table service place with a bar seating (Jiko, Cali Grill, etc.), you can sit at the bar and order from the menu...

I've felt a bit out of place at first for dinners but then I can always say I am there for a convention and my pals haven't arrived yet... I mean, that's a possibility, so no need to feel awkward...

Had a great time at Kona Cafe for dinner one evening as a solo last August. Place was packed but had some great convo with my server and had a great time...

 

[PopnPrincess]

I have thought about this before, but knowing that I won't be the only person eating solo, I think everything will be fine. If worse comes to worse, eat at a CS location!

 

[aVASTGrl]

I had absolutely no problems making ADRs as a solo (except BOG because it had recently opened), and I ended up enjoying my TS meals much more than my CS ones. I was worried I would feel out of place eating by myself but I didn't at all, and the wait staffs treated me very well I definitely didn't feel like larger parties got preference over me...in fact at the San Angel Inn, they honoured my request for a table next to the ride, no problem. Seating a solo diner is no different to them than seating two.

 

[Waiting2goback]

My last 2 trips have been solo. I have done one nice table service meal on each trip. Only went for a weekend each time so I didn't want to spend much time sitting for my meals. Both meals were at two different restaraunts at the Floridian. No wait either time, even for a very popular character meal at 1900 Park Fair. Walked right in. Each time the waitress was wonderful. They asked why I was eating alone. I explained I was a stay-at-home dad of 4 kids and this was a trip to get away on my own. They treated me like gold afterwards. One waitress even gave me a free dessert. I'm going back in October to run the TOT runDisney race. Already trying to decide where I will eat this time. I tried O'hana's each trip but with no reservation they couldn't take me. Maybe I will reserve it this time.

 

[Couchy]

I like going to restaurants with a lounge/bar area and eating there. CA Grill, Flying Fish, Crew Cup Lounge, Bluezoo, 50's PT, ESPN, Citricos.
I have always been given great service. Bartenders and other patrons often struck up conversations with me. Never have felt uncomfortable

 

[ludari]

Hi All,

Will be doing Disney for three days (3/3-3/5) soon. I have florida friends joining me in MK on 3/4, but will be solo otherwise. Does anyone know if dining is harder/easier solo down there? On one hand its great cause I can of course do and eat what I want, but im wondering if they wont give preference to the parties of 2-4.

I too found it easier when walking up to restaurants and requesting a table for one. Only once when I dined at Bomas did I really have to wait a little while but it was during dinner and the place was packed. Aside from that if the hostess asks if sitting at the counter is fine (if counter service is offered) I usually say yes and get a seat immediately. Have a great trip.

 

[winthropf]

I find that it is easier to make an ADR if you search for a table for 2 rather than 1. I get much more availability for ADRs when searching for 2. Then just show up solo, no problem. As long as you show up, there is no penalty even though the ADR is for 2. If you are a no-show, you will be assessed the penalty for 2.