Buffet dining…how do you feel?

[Jennasis]

Not ready just yet.

 

[Marthasor]

I wish the buffets would be limited in number. As a mom with young kids, it’s really hard to manage at the buffets because it either takes forever to get the food, or parents have to rotate who’s getting up (and then it defeats the purpose of eating together.) I wish some restaurants would keep family style but offer more than one option. You could have a plant based option, a red meat option, seafood, etc. At least with the buffets, I knew everyone could find something to eat without complaining.

Yes, this. Buffets are not relaxing at all when you have to tag team just to make sure everyone is fed and the children are still being supervised at the table. We always appreciated the family style character meals even if they slightly lacked in variety.

 

[shortster]

I was really, really hoping the transition to family-style would stick around. I’m someone who would be happy to trade variety for freshness. And food that hasn’t been sneezed on or touched by 100 fellow diners.

 

[LCoulter]

So buffets are starting to return at WDW? And guests are serving themselves? I’m just not sure I’m ready for that with the numbers being so high right now and people being disgusting in buffets.

 

[LiteBrite]

Not ready yet. WDW buffets priced me out a long time ago, which I know is a different issue from what we're talking about here, but even if price weren't an issue, I wouldn't be ready.

 

[vakamalua]

Never did them (even on cruise ships); will never do them.

 

[_19disnA]

Nope, no plans to do any type of buffet restaurants while covid is still an issue.

Even our local grocery store closed all of their self-service food islands when covid first started. Recently, they have reopened a few, but now ask that everyone uses the disposable plastic gloves they provide to avoid having hundreds of people touching the same serving utensils. Most of their islands remain closed. I suspect some buffet style restaurants to do the same if/when they reopen. Another option so as to not have to change around the layout would be to have an employee serve you the foods you select from the various counters. Apparently some restaurants are also using 'family style' instead of buffet service.

 

[Moms]

Used to love Boma but our last visit really turned me off. There were a large number of "free range children" hitting the buffet tables/stations throughout the meal. I remember one 4-5 year old wiping his nose with the back of his hand right before he reached for a muffin ... then changed his mind and threw it back!! That was enough for me! As much as I loved Boma, I doubt I will ever eat there again!

 

[NYCgrrl]

@Moms- free range children; must remember that phrase as it perfectly sums up some of my concerns.

 

[B-Ride]

We aren't big buffet fans other than Boma and I would be comfortable going there as much as any indoor restaurant. The science indicates COVID-19 is transmitted more by air than touch so if Disney moves for making vaccines mandatory I would feel comfortable.

 

[PattnFmly]

We are looking forward to buffets returning for our family. That being said, we do not have a trip planned at the moment, so it is kind of moot for me right now. But I will add, that my family does so much better at a buffet. Choosing exactly what one wants to eat, with no waste because no one will eat something is so much better. Family platters add things that no one will eat, which goes to waste. I know you can get refills of what you LIKE on a platter, but it is hard to ask them to only include certain foods. I said at the beginning of the reopening, that if they wanted to do family platters, they needed to "tier" them. Have people choose like 2 choices from a tier one, 2 from tier 2 etc. Choice. Choice is what we like and enjoy about a buffet. It works for us on so very many levels.

 

[fly girl]

I will never be ready for buffets to return.

1. I never get my moneys worth.
2. At the Disney price point, fully admit I am a snob. I want to be served versus serving myself.
3. All I think about is the guy in front of me holding the serving spoon likely went to the bathroom and didn't wash his hands. And junior just picked through the cookies touching them all. Nope. This germaphobe can't do it.
4. During Covid times - keep it family style, or if you do make it a buffet have it where they serve you.

(I know in a theme park there are many other high touch points, but I am not eating food as I am putting on my harness for RNR.)

And on those notes ... I'm out!

 

[lukemorenus]

No thanks… at least not yet

 

[Lowfalutin]

Bleh, no way. Nothing whatsoever to do with Covid - factor in cost, quality, lots of people touching everything. I don't even like Jimmy Buffett.