buffets/all you can eat or table service?

[quandrea]

We are going to Disney in Sept and Dec with twins 1 year and 6 year old. Do you think buffets are better for the children because they can choose what ever they want or are table service fine? The twins can just eat off our plates. We've found buffets loud which bothers six year old. Any thoughts. We have ressies at Tusker house in Sept and Dec., Park Fare in Dec and will go to the BBQ in Dec. Other than than, it is table service right now. Should I change plans?

 

[AuroraMeansDawn]

You might do well at the buffets to try to dine at off hours. A very late "brunch" breakfast perhaps? Things will have quieted down by then and make it more pleasant. Or, my preference, the very first seating in the morning when people are seated in the first wave and things are just waking up and it's relatively quiet.

It's been a while since I had little ones but when my DS was younger he liked buffets because he was a very adventurous eater and wanted to sample everything. I credit it with my telling him when he was growing up, with a knowing smile, of course, "Oh, that is much more suited to a grown up palate. Not sure if a child could appreciate it" and he would prove me wrong with a relish for trying new things. By the time he was 9 or so we could cruise and he'd order escargot or osso buco or crab aspic and we'd just laugh and watch our servers jaws drop.

Hope you have a wonderful trip and tell Donald hello for us at the Tusker House!

 

[A_Princess'_Daddy]

In my opinion, both have benefits and limitations.

Benefits of Buffets:
1. Faster service. You can start eating immediately and stop when you are finished. With hungry and cranky kids, this can be a lifesaver.
2. Easier for kids under 3 to eat their fill, as they can eat off the buffet as much as they want. For our DS2, who eats like a horse, this is helpful.
3. Character meals, if desired, are generally located at the buffets.
4. Greater selection of items; the chance to taste a little of a lot of things.

Drawbacks of Buffets:
1. More expensive. Some of them are pricey (less relevant if you're on the DDP)
2. Food quality can be lower. Food doesn't hold well on a buffet line.
3. More "work". You need to get up, get your food, sit down, get up again for more food, etc. Not a lot, in my opinion, but less relaxing if you're woofed.

Benefits of TS:
1. More relaxing
2. Easier to get exactly what you want to eat
3. Can be less expensive

Drawbacks to TS:
1. Less food for those under 3 unless you order them their own meal
2. Service can be slower, since your food is prepared individually
3. Fewer character meal options, if those are important.

Our family enjoys both, and both have their place in our plans. Have fun!!!

 

[Nadjalu]

I agree with PP about going at "off" times.
This can be hard with young kids, but worth it if they don't like noise.

I haven't found a restaurant yet that wasn't loud. Even the TS places seem to get loud at "meal times".

So your best bet on a quieter meal is to go before or after the rush. Lunch would be before 11:30 or after 1:30, dinner would be before 5:30 and after 7:30.

 

[jdisnut]

I understand your concern about the volume at buffets, but I haven't found all of them to be super loud. The ultra-popular character meals, including Chef Mickey's and Crystal Palace, are sanitized versions of underground raves, especially during peak dining hours. A meal at one of them is like attending a wedding with a cheap DJ -- your ears will be ringing the rest of the day.

But as others have said, there are relatively quiet buffets, and the off-hours are always a little easier to handle. Take dinner at Cape May Cafe. It's a buffet, but there are no characters, and it's usually not too difficult to obtain a reservation. It is possible to have a reasonably quiet meal there.

I greatly prefer traditional table service buffet. I like extended meals with quality service. Buffets always make me feel rushed, and I would much rather stay seated and let people bring food to me than going up to a table and getting my own. I enjoy the full-service experience.

 

[Tinker Bella 17]

crystal palace
hollywood & vine
ohana
and liberty tree tavern are some of my faves. enjoy!

 

[B-Ride]

With young kids a few buffets make a lot of sense if you are on the Dining Plan. The big problem with the DP for kids is the lack of selection. A buffet gets around this restriction.

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

buffets my son likes b/c he has alot of food to choice. I would take the first sitting or the last b/c its more quiter. Since your twins are under 3 they are free and don't have to share from your plate.