Buffets solo with a 2 year old

[cw21726]

Since my wife will be at a conference at WDW I've decided to tag along and bring my mini-me. I'll be taking him to CM and CP. When I did this last Dec my wife was there so it made it simple but can anyone say if the high chairs are on wheels? Or will someone help bring food back to the table so I don't have to abandon my kid at some point?

 

[MsPeggySue911]

I don't think they have CMs to help assist parents with the buffet. You may have to just hold him with one arm and plate your food with your other arm, sitting the plate down along the buffet counter as you go along.

 

[readytogotodisney]

I am thinking about doing the exact same thing. On our next trip it'll be myself, my then 2 yr old along with my parents, my sister and her kids.
I plan on taking my son to CP one morning and doubt any of the others will be up for it, but I'm kind of worried how the buffet line is going to work.

But I'm willing to give it a shot. I think either he'll just have to hold on to my pant leg and walk along side me (hopefully) or I'll be carrying him while I load up food.

I didn't even think about the highchairs on wheels being an option.

 

[goofyintoronto]

I think its best just to let your 2 yo just walk along beside you while you load up both plates. If your tot wanders off a bit, just try to catch his interest by asking what kinds of things he wants to eat, describing the food, etc. By doing this, he might not wander off as much?? hopefully? Lol. Good luck! im sure you'll do fine.

 

[brymolmom]

I would do one of two things based on which is more comfortable for you:

1) Ask for a table right next to the buffet. That way you can run up to grab an extra bagel or 'quickie' thing while child is only 20 feet away and in eyesight.

OR

2) Just load up your plates high the first time up there....so that you either don't have to return OR only have to return one time. Then just take child out of high chair and bring him/her with you back up. Of course, the child would have to walk on his/her own to give you 2 hands to hold the plates. But a 2 year old should be able to handle that.

I guess if you need or want to carry him - just hold him one-armed and load up one plate...bring back to table then go back up and load up another plate and bring that back.

It'll work out - just might be a little more cumbersome than if another adult is with you.

 

[goofyintoronto]

I would do one of two things based on which is more comfortable for you:

1) Ask for a table right next to the buffet. That way you can run up to grab an extra bagel or 'quickie' thing while child is only 20 feet away and in eyesight.

OR

2) Just load up your plates high the first time up there....so that you either don't have to return OR only have to return one time. Then just take child out of high chair and bring him/her with you back up. Of course, the child would have to walk on his/her own to give you 2 hands to hold the plates. But a 2 year old should be able to handle that.

I guess if you need or want to carry him - just hold him one-armed and load up one plate...bring back to table then go back up and load up another plate and bring that back.

It'll work out - just might be a little more cumbersome than if another adult is with you.

I completely agree with you!! Ask for a table closer to the buffet. Great idea!!! And yes, if you have to hold your 2 yo, definitely take the plate to the table and go back to load up the other one.

 

[disneyholic family]

use one of those toddler leashes so mini me can't run off...

 

[cseca]

Just a thought, does it have to be CP?
We were there earlier this month and don't remember seeing high chairs with wheels.

I was thinking maybe Ohana?
They bring the food to you and you won't have to worry about leaving your mini me unattended.

Just a thought.

 

[POOHsie]

OT, but relevant. When my DD was very young, like OP's child, I took her to a place where you order off a menu, but they had a soup/salad buffet that came with the meal. I took DD up and we got some salad stuff. Then she wanted something else from the buffet. As we were going to the buffet for the second time, I saw my dinner arriving at my table. I kept going with the buffet and got my DD's requested items. When we got back to the table, my plate was gone! I had never touched the food. I explained to them that I was at the buffet when the plate arrived, but they accused me of eating the meal, then they had removed my empty plate, and I was now demanding a SECOND, FREE meal. I was never more publicly humiliated in my life. I got a replacement plate of food, but I could hear the wait staff talking and pointing at me. I never went back there again.

 

[HunnyJar]

Just a thought, does it have to be CP?
We were there earlier this month and don't remember seeing high chairs with wheels.

I was thinking maybe Ohana?
They bring the food to you and you won't have to worry about leaving your mini me unattended.

Just a thought.

I agree with this poster. If it doesn't have to be CP or CM, I'd really suggest doing 'Ohana. You will still get great character interaction with Mickey, Pluto, Lilo and Stitch and you won't have the added stress of worrying about getting up for a buffet. Everything is brought to your table family style and you can definitely ask for more of whatever you and your little one like best. The fresh fruit and juice are really good as are the pastries. My husband and son are big fan of the breakfast meats (sausage and bacon) and everyone likes the eggs and Mickey waffles. They even have a little parade with the characters for the kids. Our favorite character breakfast by far.

 

[rentayenta]

I agree with the others who suggest choosing a character meal that is not a buffet. Less stressful.

 

[blancah76]

I did this a few years ago with my son when he was 2yo. No high chair on wheels, he just walked along beside me and it was fine. I really think it depends on your childs usual behavior if this will work or not. I have a 2yo daughter now and she likes to wander so i would not do the same with her Just try and get everything you think you'll want in 1 or 2 trips so there is not too much back and forth. The most difficult part for me was getting the timing right so we would see all the characters when they came around to our table. Well I hope you enjoy your time with your child whatever you do

 

[cw21726]

He absolutely loved CM and he's a big fan of Tigger. 'Ohana might be a good deal instead of CM one morning.

Not a bad suggestion at all. That's why y'all are awesome!

 

[KathleensKid]

When I do buffets with my children, I stack 2 empty plates together and then fill the top plate to the brim. When we get back to the table, I take the empty plate from the bottom and redistribute the food. That way I can have one hand on my kid and one hand holding a massive "double plate" of food.

 

[bumbershoot]

If I'd done this with my particular 2 year old, I would have used the Ergo carrier to have him on my back. That way I would have 2 hands and no balance issues.

 

[dumbo_buddy]

hi there!

i took my son to WDW for one week by myself this past december. dh had started a new job and couldn't take off for that week. and i thought taking a 17 month old by myself would be a piece of cake since i stay at home with him everyday. yeah, notsomuch.

but i have to say, the dining part was probably the easiest part of the trip! at practically every counter service i went to there was a cast member that offered to help me get to a table. at cosmic rays a really nice CM offered to hold my tray and get me high chair and help me to my table. on the way to the table he said, "well don't you want stuff from the fixings bar too??" so he helped me get my lettuce and tomato and all that jazz!

the CMs will help you. and if they don't offer, just ask. i took DS to CP. i would hold him in one hand and get my food with the other. just put the plate down on the little counter area. once you turn towards the table and a CM sees you with your hands full you'll get some help!

it is a little annoying to get the kiddo up for each trip but not bad. plus, i found i took less trips b/c i didn't want to deal with getting him up again. haha that helped the waistline i bet