Which special SOLO dining experience to end a BIG day?

snowybelle · Feb 8, 2016

I am in the midst of planning my first ever solo trip to WDW as a 35th birthday present to myself. One of my goals for the trip is to complete the 4-Parks-in-ONE-DAY challenge! I would like to end that special day with a special dining experience, and I would love your feedback.

First, here's my rough outline for the 4-parks-1-day extravaganza:

AK @ RD
Priorities: Safari, Everest. Meet Mickey.

HS - only time I will visit HS on this trip, methinks
Priorities: ToT, Star Tours, and either RnRC or TSMM on FP+. Meet Mickey.

EPCOT
Priorities: Have lunch in WSC (maybe Via Napoli, maybe just QS, not sure). Ride Spaceship Earth. Meet Mickey.

MK
Priorities: Ride Jungle Cruise, hopefully on a 4th FP. Meet (talking) Mickey.

Now, which meal celebrate at the end?! Here are the current contenders, but I am open to suggestions:

Cinderella's Royal Table, hopefully timed during Wishes
California Grill, hopefully timed during Wishes
Jiko (I am staying at AKL so this gets me "home" at a somewhat reasonable hour)

Thoughts? I am open to other suggestions, too! FWIW, I am female, a bit of a foodie, and I have never tried any of the above.

catmom46 · Feb 8, 2016

I vote for California Grill! Although I haven't done Jiko yet. And CRT is nice to experience once if you really want to eat in the castle, but food is not impressive.

intricatejewel · Feb 9, 2016

I am planning the big Three Five birthday trip solo, as well. I've done Jiko before and loved it. On the other hand, I've done CRT and, though I was glad to have tried it, it's not something I have any desire to do ever again. I don't think you could go wrong with California Grill or Jiko.

com_op_2000 · Feb 9, 2016

IMHO, go all out for yourself and go off your list at GF V&A.
Since you are at MK anyway, just hop on the monorail or catch a boat from MK to GF.

intricatejewel · Feb 9, 2016

Snowybelle, which month are you planning on going for your trip?

snowybelle · Feb 9, 2016

intricatejewel said:
Snowybelle, which month are you planning on going for your trip?

I am going in September!

snowybelle · Feb 9, 2016

com_op_2000 said:
IMHO, go all out for yourself and go off your list at GF V&A.
Since you are at MK anyway, just hop on the monorail or catch a boat from MK to GF.

I've considered V&A's but I am feeling a little shy about since 1) I will have been in 4 parks that day and may be looking a tad scruffy, and 2) I'm wondering if these is an experience best saved for a time when I'm at Disney with my husband.

On the other hand, I DO want to a special meal, and V&A's looks fabulous and would definitely be an experience!

gracie1 · Feb 9, 2016

I've been thinking of what to do for my 35th this year too! No trip planned but still thinking of doing something special!

Ravensorrow · Feb 9, 2016

I'm at 74 days until my first solo trip for my 41st bday. I too want to do 4 parks in 1 day. Cindy's Castle is great for the experience...but the food is meh. Jiko is great. I haven't done California Grill. It's on my bucket list.

dreamseeker9 · Feb 13, 2016

I did chef's table at Flying Fish, and it was worth every penny!

intricatejewel · Feb 14, 2016

snowybelle said:
I am going in September!

I'm going in October. I was thinking we could have met up for dinner ressies and celebrated together, but our schedules didn't coincide. I agree, V&A would be great to experience, but I too would feel awkward going alone. It's nothing special, but I am toying with the idea of going to Sanaa's because I heard the naan is out of this world delicious! Hope you have a great bday, I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time!

Ensusieasm · Feb 14, 2016

snowybelle said:
I am in the midst of planning my first ever solo trip to WDW as a 35th birthday present to myself. One of my goals for the trip is to complete the 4-Parks-in-ONE-DAY challenge! I would like to end that special day with a special dining experience, and I would love your feedback.

First, here's my rough outline for the 4-parks-1-day extravaganza:

AK @ RD
Priorities: Safari, Everest. Meet Mickey.

HS - only time I will visit HS on this trip, methinks
Priorities: ToT, Star Tours, and either RnRC or TSMM on FP+. Meet Mickey.

EPCOT
Priorities: Have lunch in WSC (maybe Via Napoli, maybe just QS, not sure). Ride Spaceship Earth. Meet Mickey.

MK
Priorities: Ride Jungle Cruise, hopefully on a 4th FP. Meet (talking) Mickey.

Now, which meal celebrate at the end?! Here are the current contenders, but I am open to suggestions:

Cinderella's Royal Table, hopefully timed during Wishes
California Grill, hopefully timed during Wishes
Jiko (I am staying at AKL so this gets me "home" at a somewhat reasonable hour)

Thoughts? I am open to other suggestions, too! FWIW, I am female, a bit of a foodie, and I have never tried any of the above.

California Grill since you are ending with MK and want to see the Wishes Fireworks! It doesn't have to be timed perfectly because they let you watch anyway if you have eaten there.

marchingstar · Feb 15, 2016

I think it depends what kind of dinner you'd most like. I agree with folks saying California grill because you're ending at MK--this way you'll be able to relax and have a nice meal, but you'll still be really immersed in Disney. My second vote would be Jiko. we stayed at AKL last November and Jiko is the only restaurant we didn't try (unfortunately). the food looks awesome, and it seemed like a calm respite from the parks.

so California Grill if you want Disney Magic at your meal, and Jiko if you want the meal to be a relaxing break.

happy planning! let us know what you pick (and how your day goes!)

BalooFan · Feb 17, 2016

I haven't eaten at any of these restaurants, but my vote is for Jiko because it is the one I would most like to try. Also, you will probably be exhausted after all of that park hopping and it will be nice to have a meal and know that you will only have a short walk to your room before you collapse!

Grumpy247365 · Feb 17, 2016

I cannot recommend Jiko enough. Amazing food. It's pricey, but definitely worth it. I haven't been to California Grill, but I remember the food not being all that good at Cinderella's Royal Table. Maybe it was just me. I'd go with Jiko. I'm going up in a few weeks to celebrate my 35th as well. Hope you have a wonderful birthday trip.

kwdw · Feb 18, 2016

Wow - all three are great choices.

I have to admit, for me, I'm not into princess character meals alone. I've done other character meals alone, but for me, I'm just not a huge fan of doing meet and greets with them solo. My niece and sister-in-laws love meeting them, so I do those meet and greets when traveling with them. So - I probably wouldn't go to CRT solo. Others do though!

I haven't been to BoG for dinner yet - but that's another option to consider since you will be at the MK already.

Cali Grill has the benefit of fireworks - but for me - RD to fireworks with the park hops is a long day - and now I still have to get from the Cont. to AKL on Disney transportation. Now - I'm older than you - so you might have a better energy level. I have to admit - ending the 4 parks in one day challenge on a birthday with fireworks would be cool.

Jiko - Man - I do love their food and the setting. And the concept I'm already home for the evening. Plus - I might get to clean up back in my room before dinner. Sept can be HOT. It's definitely the most foodie place on your list.
If you want something NOT fine dining - Boma is also great.

I probably would NOT do V&A solo - I'd rather share that first experience with my boyfriend.

I've been on Florida trips now in late August and mid-Sept - I think it's just SO hot that time of year - I would plan to either eat a the food court in America or The Land for lunch - OR I would make a TS reservation - just to know for sure I was going to be able to get out of the heat. Some of the QS places for lunch in WS aren't air-conditioned. And don't eat too much for lunch with a yummy dinner planned! The heat and too much food can really zap your energy away.

LaurenT · Feb 18, 2016

I've done all of them. It was a nice novelty to eat in the castle, but once was enough.
I do really enjoy California Grill and have some beautiful pictures of MK during sunset.
But, I LOVE Jiko!! If you really want to splurge, see if they have the Wanyama Safari during your visit! It's only available to people staying at AKL! It includes a private tour (up to 12 people, so you'll probably be with a couple of families) of all the the AKL savannas with appetizers before the tour and Jiko Chef's table dinner after the tour. One of the best things I've done at Disney (and I've done a lot).
Going on my second solo trip in May ... My first was in 2014 to celebrate my 50th!! Enjoy your trip and happy birthday!

Hannahinwonderland · Feb 18, 2016

Out of your options, I've only eaten at Jiko. But I would wholeheartedly recommend it! Some of the best food I've ever had at WDW.

cedricandsophie · Feb 18, 2016

I love CG and would go there any time. Sit at the bar, engage the bartender and watch the food go out. Order a saki martini! I also love jikos and selection of South African wine and the Naan appetizer with three different dips. If it were me, I would do jikos since I'm closer to my room and I could enjoy a couple extra glasses of time and. It worry about getting home!

Which *special* SOLO dining experience to end a BIG day?

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Which special SOLO dining experience to end a BIG day?