Suggestions for new solo dining locations?

[GaRain]

I tell people that every time I go to Disney, I do something new!
Well, I am going down solo for the Everest Challenge in May and would like to do some new dining. I don't tend to go to the sit down dining locations, but may be willing to try on this trip.

One thing I would like to do is try one of the new places...anyone have any suggestions?

THANKS!

 

[Steph2527]

I'm interested in this too! First solo trip this October! Not sure if I'd feel awkward eating alone at a sit down restaurant...but I'm willing to consider it. Thanks!

 

[com_op_2000]

Not sure of your tastes, these are my recommendations:
DTD - T-Rex
MK - Crystal Palace for breakfast, be in the park before opening
EPCOT - Luigi's Pizza (Italy pavalion)
MGM - Brown Derby
AK - Tusker House
Boardwalk area - EPSN Club, Cape May (Seafood Buffet)

 

[Queequeg]

The espn club serves great food.

 

[GaRain]

Thank you, com op 2000!

I have eaten at Trex, Crystal Palace and Cape May before.
I may have to try the pizza place in Italy.
If I were with mom, the Brown Derby would be a good idea.

There used to be an ESPN place in Atlanta - so I wouldn't go there...
Trying to think of places that are actually new in the World and aren't chains.....but I do love me some Earl of Sandwich - that is good stuff!!

 

[Bets19]

Congrats on your upcoming solo trip. I personally don't mind eating alone and haven't found issues at any restaurant in WDW. If you are not sure about sitting down solo there are several restaurants that have bar areas that serve food too. I haven't tried them, yet.... but have been told about them on one of the threads here:
Tune In Lounge in DHS
Jiko
California Grill
Raglan Road
I would ask if the Rose and Crown serves food at the bar.

I am sure there are others... hopefully more people will add to the list.
Good Luck with Expedition Everest and enjoy your time.

 

[auntfrannie]

I'm doing a trip in May and trying several new places but I am going back to Flying Fish and California Grill because I always enjoy them both so much!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I've done at least a dozen solo trips, so that's a lot of dining. My favorite places to eat solo are Sci-Fi (it feels like sitting in front of the TV), Chefs de France and Rose and Crown porch in the daytime, and surprisingly, any character meal (there's lots of people-watching, and unless you can be mistaken for Goofy or Mickey, no one's noticing you). I avoid communal dining tables, like Biergarten and Teppen Ado-I got seated next to a VERY unfriendly person once and I'd rather be alone than wish I was!

 

[NJDiva]

I've done at least a dozen solo trips, so that's a lot of dining. My favorite places to eat solo are Sci-Fi (it feels like sitting in front of the TV), Chefs de France and Rose and Crown porch in the daytime, and surprisingly, any character meal (there's lots of people-watching, and unless you can be mistaken for Goofy or Mickey, no one's noticing you). I avoid communal dining tables, like Biergarten and Teppen Ado-I got seated next to a VERY unfriendly person once and I'd rather be alone than wish I was!

I agree with all of your picks, especially if you can eat outside to people watch it's awesome. I don't do the communal dining either, I either get the very chatty person or the "I don't want anything to do with you" person.

 

[sam_001]

the garden grill in the land is good all you can eat not a buffet they bring the food out to you it is a charater meal and the resturant rotates above the land ride i like it i would eat there again

 

[GaRain]

Thank you all so much for the great suggestions!!
I may try some of these - I wonder if you really need a reservation for a party of 1?

Has anyone done a character meal solo? How is it with taking pictures?

 

[NJDiva]

Thank you all so much for the great suggestions!!
I may try some of these - I wonder if you really need a reservation for a party of 1?

Has anyone done a character meal solo? How is it with taking pictures?

I did the Crystal Palace last year and YES I took pictures with the characters. the handlers are more than happy to take pictures for you and my suggestion is that you try to make reservations for yourself especially for dinner and definetly character meals....lunches are hit or miss, depending on where you want to eat. LeCellier in Epcot, absolutely; Sci-fi in HS maybe not, you may have like a 5-10 wait depending on what time of day/or year you go.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Has anyone done a character meal solo? How is it with taking pictures?

I've done many character meals solo. The best thing I do is just ask the character, "Do you think someone will take our picture?" Then the character grabs the camera and has no problem getting someone nearby to do it. And it causes lots of laughs when the character approaches someone.

 

[Bethannk511]

If you're going to the bar at California Grill, how do you do it? I'm going solo in May and would REALLY like to eat at CG but would prefer the bar area. Do you just walk up to the podium and tell them you want to go to the bar?

 

[Jason71]

If you're going to the bar at California Grill, how do you do it? I'm going solo in May and would REALLY like to eat at CG but would prefer the bar area. Do you just walk up to the podium and tell them you want to go to the bar?

Yes. Be warned, I've done this a few times, but word is they have been cracking down on this lately (since Christmas), only letting people with ADRs go up. May have more luck if you try to go up after fireworks.

Other places you can eat at the bar:

• The Wave
• Citricos (very small bar--can also get same appitizers/desserts down the hall at Mizners)
• Yak & Yeti (I believe anyway)
• Sushi bar at Poly (serves full Kona menu)
• Raglan Road
• Bongos
• Planet Hollwood (no, really, the homemade manicotti is the best I've had in FL)

 

[Simba's Mom]

Yes, the few times I've eaten at the bar at TS places was to make an ADR, then ask for the bar when I got there. This has always worked for me, most recently at Jiko.

 

[Bethannk511]

Yes, the few times I've eaten at the bar at TS places was to make an ADR, then ask for the bar when I got there. This has always worked for me, most recently at Jiko.

I've done that at Jiko as well. Love sitting at the cooking place and chatting with the prep cooks!!! And it keeps me occupied. Like a show !