FYI to all Single Diners

[Touchdown]

I’ll be heading down to the World this fall and just got to make my reservations, for years most places at WDW would not make available reservations for us single folks. We would have to book a reservation for 2 and later modify it down to 1 in order to eat at TSR. I’m happy to report this is no longer the case. Probably another sign that restaurants are having soft bookings but I’m happy about this one.

 

[osian]

I’ll be heading down to the World this fall and just got to make my reservations, for years most places at WDW would not make available reservations for us single folks. We would have to book a reservation for 2 and later modify it down to 1 in order to eat at TSR. I’m happy to report this is no longer the case. Probably another sign that restaurants are having soft bookings but I’m happy about this one.

Ah, yes, I made a reservation about a month ago and noticed that too. Glad someone else noticed it, as that must mean a policy change.

 

[threvester]

Most of my trips (usually 4 per year) are solo and ive never experienced this. I book TS every trip. I wonder what I do differently.

 

[MisterPenguin]

When I saw there were no reservations for one person, I searched for two, and SURPRISE! there were reservations available for two.

So, I'd make it for two and show up blatantly lying that "my friend was feeling nauseous, so, he want back to the hotel."

I tried to explain to a CM host once that MDE wasn't letting solo guests make reservations, and he explained hilariously stupidly that that's because there's no (table) "tops" for just one. I explained that almost all restaurants -- that don't have a bar -- don't have any "tops for one," that doesn't exist, so what is a solo guest supposed to do? There's no triangular "tops" for three and yet you take reservations for three at a table that seats four, leaving one chair open. And this restaurant has "tops" for two, and so, they should seat solo guests there.

And he didn't get it.

I have noticed over the past five years that that problem has abated and generally I can make reservations for one almost anywhere.

 

[Touchdown]

Steakhouse 71 still had the two top rule in December 2025. Penguin, you never needed to wait until the reservation to change the number as you could modify it immediately afterwards change to 1 and your time would be available.

 

[MisterPenguin]

Steakhouse 71 still had the two top rule in December 2025. Penguin, you never needed to wait until the reservation to change the number as you could modify it immediately afterwards change to 1 and your time would be available.

Oh, I tried changing it and it wouldn't let me.

Also, different restaurants seemed to have different rules about singletons and changing the number of people on the reservation. Also, when you get close to the reservation time, MDE tells you to call to make changes. Ain't doin' that to make up for their UX faults.

 

[osian]

I made reservations for Hacienda and Tony's Town Square last December, had to make them for 2 then modify to 1.

 

[Ben_since_1971]

I think it depends on time of year and therefore demand. I have been going in September as a solo the past 6 years and have never had to reserve as a 2 and then adjust - I have always been able to get what I wanted as a single.

 

[experiment624]

I'd make it for two and show up blatantly lying that "my friend was feeling nauseous

I'm wondering, they don't charge the no show fee to the card used to make the reservation as long as part of the party shows?

 

[christine7257]

I'm wondering, they don't charge the no show fee to the card used to make the reservation as long as part of the party shows?

Yes - that's been the past practice. As long as someone shows up there's been no penalty.

 

[JIMINYCR]

I never have any issues.
I always make my reservations for two and show up with my friend Harvey.

For those of you who don't understand my reference... look up the famous movie Harvey, starring Jimmy Stewart as Elwood P. Dowd. A classic film that he said was one of his favorite roles that he played.

 

[Ayla]

I’ll be heading down to the World this fall and just got to make my reservations, for years most places at WDW would not make available reservations for us single folks. We would have to book a reservation for 2 and later modify it down to 1 in order to eat at TSR. I’m happy to report this is no longer the case. Probably another sign that restaurants are having soft bookings but I’m happy about this one.

Good news for my upcoming solo trip. Thanks for letting people know.

 

[experiment624]

I never have any issues.
I always make my reservations for two and show up with my friend Harvey.

For those of you who don't understand my reference... look up the famous movie Harvey, starring Jimmy Stewart as Elwood P. Dowd. A classic film that he said was one of his favorite roles that he played.

Thanks for the recommendation @JIMINYCR. My DH and I watched it today. We enjoyed it, had lots of laughs.

 

[JIMINYCR]

Thanks for the recommendation @JIMINYCR. My DH and I watched it today. We enjoyed it, had lots of laughs.

Youre welcome. I dont think Ive watched a Jimmy Stewart film that wasnt enjoyable.
The old films from that era and before IMHO are always better quality and better entertaining. There have been several remakes of the film but Stewarts is my favorite. Those actors from years ago were masterful and are hard to be surpassed by actors now.

 

[larryz]

So, I'd make it for two and show up blatantly lying that "my friend was feeling nauseous, so, he want back to the hotel."

Try this one next time -- tell them you're expecting your fiancee to meet you and that you plan to pop the question over dessert. Have a ring box with a huge fake diamond ready, and tell them you want to go ahead and get seated to "set up the ambiance."

Ten minutes after you're seated, pretend like you got (or have someone else send you) a "Dear John" text.

I'd be surprised if you weren't treated with a free drink, free dessert, and maybe even taken home by one of the more sympathetic waitresses.

 

[JIMINYCR]

Try this one next time -- tell them you're expecting your fiancee to meet you and that you plan to pop the question over dessert. Have a ring box with a huge fake diamond ready, and tell them you want to go ahead and get seated to "set up the ambiance."

Ten minutes after you're seated, pretend like you got (or have someone else send you) a "Dear John" text.

I'd be surprised if you weren't treated with a free drink, free dessert, and maybe even taken home by one of the more sympathetic waitresses.

Oooh thats cruel. It reminds me of the guys that proposed to their fiancees on the jumbo screens only to be turned down in front of everyone.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Now that’s what I call a hack!!!!!

 

[larryz]

Oooh thats cruel. It reminds me of the guys that proposed to their fiancees on the jumbo screens only to be turned down in front of everyone.

The "Lawyer Rule" applies: that's one question one should never ask unless one knows the answer up front.

 

[Figments Friend]

Most of my trips (usually 4 per year) are solo and ive never experienced this. I book TS every trip. I wonder what I do differently.

Ditto.
I have visited for the past four decades and rarely had any issues pre-booking a single person Dining Reservation.
Typically i can choose any option i am interested in and not have a problem finding a time.

I am thinking it is just soft sales for the TS locations in general.
Example - i just booked California Grill at the Contemporary for a dinner around the time of the fireworks show at MK.
For one person, 20 days from now.
Normally this would be next to impossible in the past.

Pricing for some of these places i think is also a major deterrent for some...as much as Disney keeps saying it does not seem to be effecting per Guest spending.

-

 

[MickeyMania26]

Ditto.
I have visited for the past four decades and rarely had any issues pre-booking a single person Dining Reservation.
Typically i can choose any option i am interested in and not have a problem finding a time.

I am thinking it is just soft sales for the TS locations in general.
Example - i just booked California Grill at the Contemporary for a dinner around the time of the fireworks show at MK.
For one person, 20 days from now.
Normally this would be next to impossible in the past.

Pricing for some of these places i think is also a major deterrent for some...as much as Disney keeps saying it does not seem to be effecting per Guest spending.

-

Do they still have the walk up bar to sit at in the 50s Prime Time or do you need a reservation for that?