Character Dining-Going Solo

[SigalTchelet]

I am going on my first solo trip in 2 weeks. I am trying to be thrifty where meals are concerned to cut costs since I am paying for the hotel on my own. But I really love the character meals. At home I don't have a problem going to restaurants by myself. But I am wondering if anyone here has done a character meal on their own? If you have, what was it like? I loved Goofy's Kitchen. I am thinking of that or maybe trying out Surfside Grill. I am not staying at either hotel. I liked the character interaction at Minnie and Friends, but I found it a bit claustrophobic being in a scooter and not really able to walk. Thanks in advance for your input.

[Drince88]

Just logistically in the scooter, do you want to do a buffet? What about Storytellers?

Also, most of the characters in meals don't have handlers - so you likely won't be able to get pictures of you with each of the characters - if that's important to you.

[ChipmunkStar]

Though it's not impossible to ask a nearby server or a guest at another table to take a quick picture for you.

[SigalTchelet]

Just logistically in the scooter, do you want to do a buffet? What about Storytellers?

Also, most of the characters in meals don't have handlers - so you likely won't be able to get pictures of you with each of the characters - if that's important to you.

I can do a buffet. I've been to Storytellers. I did not care for the characters. I was just wondering if people went by themselves felt awkward. I am sure I could find others to take photos.

[Leilani]

Hello Siggy!
I have not gone solo, but when we were there, I saw people eating solo at Goofy's kitchen, Storytellers, and at Breakfast with Minnie at the Plaza Inn. I kind of understand how you feel. I'm a single mom and I was self conscious seeing all the other families with both parents. I was terrified of the birthday meals because they would come and sing at your table with candles and everything, and people would turn to see that it was only me and my daughter. But no one really seemed to care! I got over it quick. Everyone there is so into their own vacations and have so much on their minds, they will not be thinking of anything or anyone else. Please don't feel awkward, (easier said than done, I know). But if it helps, I felt most comfortable at Goofy's Kitchen and the Plaza Inn. The Plaza Inn was very cozy, not too big, and the buffet was easily accessible. Either way, call before hand and reserve seats. I know I hate sitting smack dab in the middle of a restaurant surrounded... So maybe reserve seats on the outer rim? Where ever you feel most comfortable. Just worry about having a great time! It takes a sad sad person to have so little to do that they're worrying about who YOU are eating with at Disneyland! Never mind people so silly. Have a great time!

[bennette]

Completely true. No one will have the time/energy to focus on you.

If were able to pay that much attention to others at Disnetland, don't you think we'd step on each other's toes a lot less often?

[SigalTchelet]

Thank you! I'm going to do it! I think I will do Minnie and Friends for an early seating, so hopefully it won't be too crowded!

[Arnir]

I've only done solo at WDW, but I had no problems going by myself to a character dinner. The other diners don't worry about you - other than I had lot of folks offer to take photos for me. The servers were great. No one judged me - well, a few parents looked at me clearly stating that they were envious of me. LOL.

[SigalTchelet]

I've only done solo at WDW, but I had no problems going by myself to a character dinner. The other diners don't worry about you - other than I had lot of folks offer to take photos for me. The servers were great. No one judged me - well, a few parents looked at me clearly stating that they were envious of me. LOL.

Too funny! I decided to do Minnie and Friends for Wednesday Morning.

[danyoung]

I tour solo all the time to DL and WDW, and occasionally will do a character breakfast. The only thing that I find awkward is when the character comes around and you have to communicate with sign language, as they try to discover why you're there alone. They may tease you a bit, but for the most part it's just fine. Other people there are all wrapped up in their own thing, so they never even glance my way.

[SigalTchelet]

I tour solo all the time to DL and WDW, and occasionally will do a character breakfast. The only thing that I find awkward is when the character comes around and you have to communicate with sign language, as they try to discover why you're there alone. They may tease you a bit, but for the most part it's just fine. Other people there are all wrapped up in their own thing, so they never even glance my way.

You were actually my inspiration to go solo! I read your trip reports and can imagine myself doing that. Thank you, Dan!

[danyoung]

Wow. I actually inspired someone? Or to put it another way, someone actually looked at dumb ol' me and was inspired? I feel so humbled!!!!

[SigalTchelet]

Wow. I actually inspired someone? Or to put it another way, someone actually looked at dumb ol' me and was inspired? I feel so humbled!!!!

LOL You did! I will make sure I do a trip report and let you know how I do!

[lovechows]

When I lived in Arizona, I went to Disneyland by myself at least 3-4 times a year and dined alone on many occasions, including the character meals. I always had fun, especially at Goofy's Kitchen. I love the characters anywhere they are so I always have a great time with them, alone or not. Don't worry about being alone; people around you won't notice or, if they do, if might give you opportunities to make new friends. One of the things I enjoy about going to the parks alone is that you can do the trip you want exactly the way you want it. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time!!!

[Arnir]

Assuming you have gone already, how did you enjoy the meal/experience?

[lovechows]

Don't forget photos of Pluto!

[SigalTchelet]

I ended up having to cancel the trip at the last minute! ;'( Financially, I just could not do it. I was bummed, but it was the right thing to do. I won't be able to go before my pass expires, so I may try again in October for my birthday. I will let the pass expires and then try to buy a new one with the monthly payments before they raise the prices and not validate it until October.

[danyoung]

Large bummer, SigalTchelet! Ah well, that'll make the October trip that much more special!!!

[SigalTchelet]

Large bummer, SigalTchelet! Ah well, that'll make the October trip that much more special!!!

Exactly! I hope I find a good hotel deal if I start looking now!

[tea4two]

Oh, Jill, so sorry that your solo trip didn't work out. But glad that you have an October trip in the works!

[Arnir]

Sorry to hear that you couldn't make the trip. There's always another time.

[candles71]

Exactly! I hope I find a good hotel deal if I start looking now!

59 jet blue sales today. (started yesterday)

[SigalTchelet]

59 jet blue sales today. (started yesterday)

Thanks, but being that I am flying solo, I would feel more comfortable taking SW to SNA. I think there will be some sale on SW for the fall. Probably in June.

[Malcon10t]

Thanks, but being that I am flying solo, I would feel more comfortable taking SW to SNA. I think there will be some sale on SW for the fall. Probably in June.

I prefer Jet Blue ANY DAY over SW, but then again, I really don't like SW.

[SigalTchelet]

I prefer Jet Blue ANY DAY over SW, but then again, I really don't like SW.

I am sure it is better, but I have RR with SW and since I am flying solo in a wheelchair, I don't really feel comfortable traveling alone to an airport I am not familiar with.