Going solo and eating at the buffets

[jcldtrek]

Going in September by myself for a week and was just wondering what's everyone's thoughts on going to one of the character buffets by yourself. Love crystal palace or chef mickeys and would love to eat at one of them, just was thinking it might be a little awkward being by myself. What's your opinions?

 

[alissafalco]

Going in September by myself for a week and was just wondering what's everyone's thoughts on going to one of the character buffets by yourself. Love crystal palace or chef mickeys and would love to eat at one of them, just was thinking it might be a little awkward being by myself. What's your opinions?

I think you will be fine, go for it...Mostly everyone is there on vacay to have a good time and people are friendlier once you're in MK.

 

[rob0519]

I say go and enjoy yourself. If given the opportunity I would do it. It's sure to be a conversation starter with your server. I wouldn't be looking for autographs or photos, but just a nice handshake from the characters would be fine. I don't think I've ever seen anyone by themselves, but I'm sure people do it.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

It's only as awkward as you believe it to be. I don't think anyone there will give you a second glance for dining at a character buffet (and you certainly won't be the first to do it). If you are comfortable enough with going there, then I say go and have a good time.

 

[Zummi Gummi]

I go to WDW solo all the time. I'm about the least self-conscious person in the world. I have no problem eating at restaurants alone in WDW (or anywhere else for that matter) and do so all the time.

I accidentally ended up at a character dinner a couple of years ago when I was solo. I booked dinner at Liberty Tree, and unbeknownst to me, because Crystal Palace was under refurbishment, they temporarily moved the characters back to dinner there. It was...awkward. The characters kept pointing to the empty chair next to me, which was a little annoying. Beyond that, they didn't really know what to do. Shake my hand? Come in for a hug? It was a strange dinner, and the only time I've ever felt out of place being a solo diner.

 

[rsoxguy]

It was...awkward. The characters kept pointing to the empty chair next to me, which was a little annoying. Beyond that, they didn't really know what to do. Shake my hand? Come in for a hug? It was a strange dinner, and the only time I've ever felt out of place being a solo diner.

I would have started talking to the chair as though there was someone sitting in it and then said, "Goofy, will you pose with my friend? He loves you!".
But that's just part of the fun of being me.

 

[Victoria]

I dine solo all the time at home and I have done it in WDW many times. It rarely bothers me to be in a restaurant alone. However, one time I ended up at Hollywood and Vine for lunch and the Playhouse Disney character meal was still going on. I thought my ADR was late enough that it would be over but sure enough I found myself surrounded by rowdy preschoolers and characters. The characters kept coming over to me and clearly didn't know what to do. They pointed to the chair, shrugged their shoulders, waved awkwardly, etc. It was the only time I have been uncomfortable dining solo in WDW. I ate as quickly as I could and got out of there.

Since then I have enacted a personal policy of not doing any character meals solo. However, I have truly enjoyed my solo experiences at Le Cellier, The Wave, and Hollywood and Vine again but only at dinner time. On my upcoming trip I have solo trips planned for The Wave breakfast buffet, possibly Hollywood and Vine for dinner, and maybe one or two more places. If you don't mind weird interaction with characters go for the solo dining at those places. If you think the potential for awkwardness would bother you, consider some other ADRs.

 

[macsmom]

I've been to both Chef Mickey's and Crystal Palace solo. At both places, my cast members made sure that the characters came over to me. In fact, the guy at Crystal Palace said he would make it a point for them to come on over. I had alot of fun. I am one of those that carries a book along with me just in case, but it never left my bag. Watching the characters react with the kids and when they came over to visit just filled my time up. Take a chance and have a good time!

danna

 

[Zummi Gummi]

I dine solo all the time at home and I have done it in WDW many times. It rarely bothers me to be in a restaurant alone. However, one time I ended up at Hollywood and Vine for lunch and the Playhouse Disney character meal was still going on. I thought my ADR was late enough that it would be over but sure enough I found myself surrounded by rowdy preschoolers and characters. The characters kept coming over to me and clearly didn't know what to do. They pointed to the chair, shrugged their shoulders, waved awkwardly, etc. It was the only time I have been uncomfortable dining solo in WDW. I ate as quickly as I could and got out of there.

Since then I have enacted a personal policy of not doing any character meals solo. However, I have truly enjoyed my solo experiences at Le Cellier, The Wave, and Hollywood and Vine again but only at dinner time. On my upcoming trip I have solo trips planned for The Wave breakfast buffet, possibly Hollywood and Vine for dinner, and maybe one or two more places. If you don't mind weird interaction with characters go for the solo dining at those places. If you think the potential for awkwardness would bother you, consider some other ADRs.

I agree with this. I think we're in the same boat. But tell me about this breakfast buffet at The Wave! Worth a visit? I love their dinner.

 

[Magical.Animal]

I have a solo breakfast at Tusker house in a few weeks and was wondering the same thing. I booked it because I am going on the Wild Africa Trek that morning, and figured it would be nice to get to the park early for a good meal. I typically have fun with characters, and have totally waited in lines for hours to meet characters (most recently the 7 dwarves at mnsshp while my fam went and rode rides) so I didn't think a solo buffet would be too big of a deal, since I'm pretty much spending my whole weekend solo.. Basically, I think it depends on the person... I feel comfortable and at home in WDW and have no issues being solo for the weekend, and I am the type who doesn't like to go to the mall solo while at home! If you think it would be ok and you can play along and not let it get awkward, then go for it!

 

[Rogue21]

I have a solo breakfast at Tusker house in a few weeks and was wondering the same thing. I booked it because I am going on the Wild Africa Trek that morning, and figured it would be nice to get to the park early for a good meal. I typically have fun with characters, and have totally waited in lines for hours to meet characters (most recently the 7 dwarves at mnsshp while my fam went and rode rides) so I didn't think a solo buffet would be too big of a deal, since I'm pretty much spending my whole weekend solo.. Basically, I think it depends on the person... I feel comfortable and at home in WDW and have no issues being solo for the weekend, and I am the type who doesn't like to go to the mall solo while at home! If you think it would be ok and you can play along and not let it get awkward, then go for it!

I've done the Tusker House character breakfast and didn't feel awkward at all. My server was fine. The characters stopped to interact and people at the table next to me were kind enough to take my picture with Goofy, Mickey and Daisy. Food was pretty good too. It does get a bit loud though, especially when Goofy leads the kid-parade around the tables.

Btw, you'll also love the Wild Africa Trek -- worth every penny. The giraffes came right up to our safari truck. If I had been allowed, I could have reached out and touched one; they were that close. Awesome!

 

[brifraz]

I have also done a number of solo trips. They were a ways back in the mid/late 1990s, but the Character meals were always highlights of the trips. My character interactions were always excellent.

I would recommend that you just let your server CM know if you want character visits or not and if you do want them to visit you, ask the server to tell them that you are going solo. When I did that, I usually got quite a bit of unique interaction. I was in my 20s and enjoyed playing along so the blushing flirtation of Minnie, Goofy sitting down to relax next to me between two tables of rowdy youngsters, and Eeyore just sitting there hanging out with me, were all quite enjoyable.

 

[jcldtrek]

That's a good idea telling the cm that your solo, never thought of that. I'd just have them put me in a corner somewhere lol. It is fun interacting with the characters though. Its my first ever solo trip, usually go with my parents, but their up in age and my friend refuses to ever pay for what it costs at Disney lol, so it's just me this year. I'm really looking forward to being on my own. Just trying to figure where to eat every day. After I get that done, gonna think about seeing the cirque show and maybe do one of the tours at the parks. I'll probably end up doing chef mickeys, love that place.

 

[Magical.Animal]

I've done the Tusker House character breakfast and didn't feel awkward at all. My server was fine. The characters stopped to interact and people at the table next to me were kind enough to take my picture with Goofy, Mickey and Daisy. Food was pretty good too. It does get a bit loud though, especially when Goofy leads the kid-parade around the tables.

Btw, you'll also love the Wild Africa Trek -- worth every penny. The giraffes came right up to our safari truck. If I had been allowed, I could have reached out and touched one; they were that close. Awesome!

Awesome! Thanks for the info! My husband is coming to the world with me, but he is working the whole time we are there, and since it's my 10th trip, I wanted to do something special, so booked the Trek... Then, it just made sense to book breakfast! That night I am doing the Wishes dessert party in MK... Gonna be the best day ever! It's funny, he keeps apologizing for having to work and for the fact I'll be solo basically all weekend.. I keep telling him not to worry, that I have the whole weekend planned and will have tons of fun. I'm actually looking really forward to my solo time, and being able to see and do everything I want

 

[slappy magoo]

I'd sneak in romantic candles, and then when Minnie approached your table, stand up, take her by the hand, and sit her across from you, saying "I can't tell you how long I've been waiting for this moment, did Mickey cry when you told him you and I were destined to be together?"

"My mom cried when I told her I was marrying a mouse. But when I told her WHICH mouse, she was OK with it. But please, when you meet her, don't judge, she's old school."

 

[Princess_Minnie]

Last time we went to Chef Mickey's, the table next to us had a guy who was eating alone. The characters just completely skipped over him; kinda just waved as they went by.

I would say go for it. Why skip your favorite places just because you're alone? Disney is all about including everyone, so why should you be left out?