Where to eat dining solo?

[PrincessAurora]

I am considering going solo on my next trip and since it is never to early to start planning I wanted to know what are the best Table Service restaurants to eat at when you travel solo and why.

Thanks!

 

[boomhauer]

Planet Hollywood and Rainforest Cafe are both good bets since they have a bar which you can eat at.

50's Prime Time you can sit at the bar and eat as well.

 

[Thumper's Tara]

I have never been, but I have heard that California Grill has a counter that you can sit at to eat. From the counter, the kitchen is visable. I am planning to eat there myself on my solo trip in January. I can't wait

 

[Disney Chick2]

My favorites are Spoodles (I'm never uncomfortable dining alone), Fultons Crab lounge and the Brewery on Boardwalk(the name escapes me right now) I sit outside and people watch.
Have fun.

 

[maine_jennifer]

Basically, I eat where ever I want to.

As a solo diner, I've been to these table service locations:

Lunch:
L'Originale Alfredo's (not a good experience)
Sci-Fi Dine In (repeatedly)
Coral Reef (very nice!)
Beaches and Cream (sat at the counter)
Rose and Crown (sat on the patio)

Dinner:
Wolfgang Puck Cafe
50's Prime Time Cafe
Cinderella's Royal Table


I really enjoyed the Coral Reef and Cinderella's. A nice quiet meal. Sci-Fi and 50's PTC were fun. The rest were decent, though had an akward experience at Alfredo's. Got there early and I felt like I was fishe in an aquarium as all the servers were just standing around (wasn't busy yet) and seemed like they were all staring at me.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I was very uncomfortable dining solo at TS resturaunts for the first 4 trips or so. The first ones I truly enjoyed were CRT (they treated me so nicely and I've always gotten a window seat) and Chefs de France (can't beat it for people-watching out the window. Sci Fi is also great, everyone just watches the TV, so it doesn't matter that you're alone. Now I can eat most anywhere, but those 3 were the first I enjoyed.

 

[PrincessAurora]

Thanks for these great ideas. This will be my first solo trip (2008). Usually when I eat out and am by myself I bring a book but hauling a book around the park seems unweildly. I usually read before the food comes. I also love to people watch. Sometimes I go to Disneyland all day and not ride one ride. Just snack and hang out and watch people.

Has anyone done the tours solo?

 

[disneyfav4ever]

These are the TS places I've eaten solo.

Breakfast

1900 Park Fare
Crystal Palace

Lunch

Akershus
Tony's
Coral Reef
Kona
CRT

Dinner

Boma
Brown Derby
Le Cellier
Ohana
Jiko
Marrakesh
Artist Point
Mama Melrose's

 

[HugsForEeyore]

My solo table restaurants on recent trips are:

Ohanas - had the BEST TIME!! Food was wonderful and you get it all and don't have to share! Placed at a table designed for three with a window view (of course it was a view of rain from hurricane Wilma but still nice!).

Trail's End - ate there last trip, loved it!! This time I went during the evacuation of the campground for hurricane Wilma so the buffet was closed, so will try again next time!

Boatwrights at POR - fine Pot Roast, treated well as a solo.

1900 Park Faire Dinner - Great!!! Never felt awkward, loved the characters (and Prince Charming, of course! )

Beaches and Cream - great to sit at the counter.

Cape May Buffet - sat in a booth area uncomfortable close to a large family, but still OK. Will try again.

Bomas - great as a solo! Sat at table for two by the window.

Next time, I love to try some DownTown Disney restaurants. I am glad I am getting bolder about eating alone. When I first did Disney trips solo, I would not even consider it, now I go where I want (and can afford!).

 

[Lesley]

If or when I do go solo, I think I'd go for tea at the Grand Floridian and possibly to Jiko (isn't there a counter there too? though personally I'd prefer a small table near a window...).

Maybe other places where there is a show...Biergarten (though I don't like German food, if you do it seems a good choice), possibly Marrakesh? Or anywhere with a good view...Artist Point, Ohana, CRT, Coral Reef, Cali Grill.

My dh on the other hand would most likely do all counter service....wouldn't want to waste time eating!

 

[taswira]

If dining solo, I am most comfortable at a character meal, because the characters break up the boredom of waiting for my food to arrive (if not a buffet) and because I LOVE the "furries" more than anything (probably even more than kids do!).

I have dined solo at most of the WDW park and resort restaurants at some time. I agree with HugsForEeyore, who mentioned being seated uncomfortably close to a large family. Once a child in a large family pointed to me and asked her parents, "Why is that lady alone?" But it was a character meal. Chip and Dale came over. Chip heard the question, sat down in my booth with me, gave me a big hug and wrote in crayon on a paper towel (back when Garden Grill had them), "She isn't alone. She's with ME!" and handed it to the child. I can always count on my favorite chipmunks!