Buffets and Toddlers..need help!

[dizneedoll]

Hello Everyone,

I have a trip planned for the first week in February 09 and it will me and my DS 2. This is his first trip and I wanted to include one or two character meals. Since most of my picks are buffets, I'm worried about trying to navigate through a buffet line with a toddler. Will a CM help carry my plate/tray to the table or offer some assistance in getting food? Does anyone have any tips on dealing with a rather spirited child who doesn't always stay next to me and still be able to do one of the buffets? Thanks for your help!

 

[hmontgomry]

I understand your pain! I have 2(twins) that will be almost 2-they are a handful!! THat is why I love Family style-LTT and O'Hana's have it where they keep bringing the items to the table....But I'm sure someone could help you at the buffet?? Any chance you have a hip child carrier?? They make them so you can have free hands??

 

[Eeyore's Pal]

I think you should mention this at the podium when you check in, and definitely ask your server for assistance.

I'm assuming you are traveling alone with your toddler?

While I have not seen this done for a single parent (that I can recall), I have definitely seen a CM assist a disabled guest navigate the buffet.

After one time through the line, so you can see what's there, you may be able to get them to bring you refills without getting up again.

 

[ilovemickeymost]

Hello Everyone,

I have a trip planned for the first week in February 09 and it will me and my DS 2. This is his first trip and I wanted to include one or two character meals. Since most of my picks are buffets, I'm worried about trying to navigate through a buffet line with a toddler. Will a CM help carry my plate/tray to the table or offer some assistance in getting food? Does anyone have any tips on dealing with a rather spirited child who doesn't always stay next to me and still be able to do one of the buffets? Thanks for your help!

Our DS is almost 3 & I just started telling him to put his mouse ears (or cups) on, he then puts his hands to his ears & listens & has been doing really well following directions. Also, when ever we are leaving the grocery store, I tell him to grab my pocket & don't let go. You can tell instantly if he let's go. I would start that one now. Then, when you go to WDW & go through a buffet, you can do it also & he should stay put. Also, I suggest getting your plate & going back tot he table & setting it down & then, getting his plate. Hold him up so he can see everything & pick what he likes. We did mostly buffets one year & were sick of them by the time we were done. I'd suggest getting CS at Pinochio Haus, sit near the window & let him watch the boats. If he doesn't eat b/c he's watching the boats, then just take his w/ you & when he's hungry, he can eat. I always bring ziplock bags for that very reason.

 

[perriwinkleblue]

Oh, I've been there. My 3 yo is also spirited (I always say "active") and I could break out in a cold sweat just thinking about taking him through a buffet line. I would be halfway through with a big plate of food (so I wouldn't need to go up again) and he'd be headed for the door. Maybe if you gave him something to hold? Like "okay, can you carry these spoons for me, like a big boy?" I've found that giving ds big boy "jobs" focuses his attention a bit.

I would look into LTT, Garden Grill (still characters? maybe someone can verify) or 'Ohana breakfast. Also H & V Playhouse Disney lunch is just more chaotic in general with the kids dancing around. Maybe it would be less stressful. Some people don't like the dinner here but we've done lunch 3 times and have enjoyed it.

BTW, everyone is so used to kids at DW. If something spills, drops, breaks - roll with it. As long as ds is safe and you can manage to carry a plate in one hand while holding ds with other... (stack two plates together, one for you, one for ds: you can put everything on one plate and then split it up at the table.) Also, walk by the desserts, then worst case, you could kindly ask your server if he/she wouldn't mind grabbing you your chosen dessert?

Good luck and have a great time.

 

[disnut8]

Duct tape?

No seriously, ask to be seated as close to the buffet as you can. And take your time with your meal. If you have to wait until he's totally into his food for you to get a plate, no big deal. Also, remember that you can politely ask to go in between people at the buffet to grab something. It's not like cutting into a line at an attraction.

You can be really creative and fashion a buffet button for yourself. "Please be kind. I'm alone with a two year old" Actually, maybe a sandwich board would be better. But don't be shy with explaining things to people. If anyone says anything, well, they have bigger problems in their lives.

 

[thegrimdwarf]

Garden Grill (still characters? maybe someone can verify)

Garden Grill is now dinner only, and it is a character meal.

OP - good luck! My 2 year old is the second coming of Houdini when it comes to pulling a disappearing act in public. I can't even imagine trying to do a buffet line with him!

 

[disneydreamin247]

Hello Everyone,

I have a trip planned for the first week in February 09 and it will me and my DS 2. This is his first trip and I wanted to include one or two character meals. Since most of my picks are buffets, I'm worried about trying to navigate through a buffet line with a toddler. Will a CM help carry my plate/tray to the table or offer some assistance in getting food? Does anyone have any tips on dealing with a rather spirited child who doesn't always stay next to me and still be able to do one of the buffets? Thanks for your help!

I'll be braving a few buffet lines solo with my 4 yr old next week. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Twende]

I frequently travel to Disney with two over 90 year old parents. I no longer hesitate to ask for assistance when I know I will need it.

For example at Cosmic Rays in MK. I find a place to accommodate my mother's wheel chair and I get my dad seated with her, this is of course after a trip to the restroom to wash up!

When I am at the podium ordering, I mention that I need help carrying the meal trays to the table. The order person always finds me someone who can help me carry.

It is one of those things that makes trips to Disney so very special. They really do try to meet your every need!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Duct tape?

That was also going to be my suggestion.

 

[dramaticmissy]

I will be braving the Buffet lines with DD4 and DD6 by myself in November But I have 1900 Park and Hollywood and Vine, for Buffets and Garden Grill and Liberty tree tavern for the sit down, man that seems like a lot of charactor dinners for a 6 night trip! Then whispering canyon and Yak and yeti

 

[AnnetteF]

My DD is 4 and I still can't get her to stay still! No way would I attempt a buffet alone with her! Even though I usually have DH there to watch her while I go to the buffet for her and for me, we really are not fans of the buffets. As soon as one of us gets up, it always seems that's when the characters come over. Even though it is for DD, neither one of us likes to miss seeing her reaction with them.

I strongly recommend that you try to go to Garden Grill for dinner as that is served family style, and also the Ohana breakfast. I don't know if you are interested in the Princesses, but if you are, Norway is a sit down meal as well as CRT, although that one may be difficult to get an ADR at this point. It's a shame that they are doing away with LTT as that has also been a family style meal as well.

As for the characters you won't see at a meal, we have found that Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore can usually be seen in the UK pavillion in EPCOT. You get to go in by yourselves and the Photopass guys are usually there to take pictures. My DD enjoyed them here more than at the crazy CP dinner. Also, rather than go to H&V, many of the playhouse Disney characters are usually found outside the Playhouse Disney show. Have fun!