Buffet Question for those who take kids alone

[may_baby06]

I am trying to plan a last minute birthday trip for DD and I. I am thinking about trying to get a Chef Mickey ADR for her birthday dinner but since its only the 2 of us I'm not sure how to go about getting food. I have never taken her anywhere like this by myself before. She is going to be 3 but she has Down Syndrome so she doesn't listen like a typical 3 year old would. I just keep picturing me with 2 plates of food and her running away from me and dropping all the food. any helpful hints would be great!

 

[ljcrochet]

I love the family style places with my DD. Makes it easy since you don't have to worry about getting the food while walking with a young child.

 

[shellybaxter]

I agree that a family style meal would be WAY easier with a 3 year old. I took my Dniece (4) to Crystal Palace by myself (hubby got sick that day and had to stay in the room) and hated it so much I was going to cancel a ressie I had for she and I at 1900 Park Faire until the manager told me they would seat a party of 3 instead of a party of 2. If this is a special meal (Birthday Dinner) for a little girl how about the Princess dinner in Norway or how about a late lunch at CRT after a BBB appointment.

 

[brendaziz]

Also, a server or someone else working at the restaurant should be more than willing to assist you at the buffet.
I know that I've read threads about people getting help from people at the buffet line.
I would definitely ask for assistance. I'd be shocked if even just people dining wouldn't offer to help if it looked like u needed it.

I wouldn't worry about buffets- do whatever places you and your daughter would enjoy and I'm sure you can get help when needed.

 

[MelanieC]

I agree- if you talk to the restaurant when you arrive, I don't see why they wouldn't help you. They go out of their way to help with allergies and such. I am positive they would be more than happy to help

 

[OllieDannyandMe]

I took my 2 year old to Chef Mickey's breakfast by myself in August 2006. She didn't listen either!

I was lucky that my table was right next to the buffet. I left her at the table 5 feet away and grabbed a plate with some fruit. Within 20 seconds, I was back at the table and had her nibbling on fruit.

Then, I went back for another plate and kept looking behind me every 5 seconds to make sure she was still seated. I didn't venture any further than the warming table that was right next to our table. I put a scoop of eggs on my plate, some breakfast meat, and then I was right back at my table. I never stayed away more than 30 seconds.

I didn't try everything like I normally would, but this was a special mother-daughter outing, and Eve loved the characters so much that it was worth it!

Our server was very nice. I do have a feeling if I had asked her to help me that she would have done so. I didn't ask for help. In a worst case scenario, I had it in my mind that I was going to give Eve a piggy back ride while I grabbed a plate of food for us to share. Luckily, it didn't come to that.

People ask for special requests from the chefs all the time. I would think in your circumstance you could ask for a plate to be brought to you. I would call and explain your situation to the restaurant several days in advance and see what might be possible.

Chef Mickey's is a special place. I love the photo of my daughter and me in front of the restaurant. It brings back such great memories.

If you would consider doing a breakfast, we do love Ohana's just as much, and it is served family style. Mickey and Pluto were both there in December 2008. Mickey was dressed in his Hawaiian shirt. It was a wonderful breakfast.

I hope it all works out and the two of you are able to have a special birthday celebration.

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

Just take your bag with you to the buffet, you'll be fine!
I do it all the time. It's awful that we have to be so careful in this day and age but I always take my bag with me to the buffet when me and my DD5 are alone.