I need some tips for dining with a 5 y.o. and 2.5 y.o. solo!

[AdventurerKat]

I am taking my 5 y.o. son to WDW for his bday the first weekend in December. If my DH has to work OT that weekend, I will be bring the 2.5 y.o. as well.

I had them both at WDW with me in July and I had my SIL and niece available to help watch them while I got our food (counter service establishments) but how do you juggle this when you have no one to help?? I would like to think the 2.5 y.o. won't think its fun to run off while mommy is in line but I am realistic. And trying to maneuver the stroller and the food all at once when they put it on those trays is disasterous. Especially with drinks.

So how do you handle the situation? Besides doing sit-downs. We will do a couple but I am sure not all.

 

[staci]

Well, I've never done it at WDW, but I do childcare so I am familiar with the situation

I would suggest, first of all, that if at all possible, try to get your kids on a schedule of eating slightly before/after the rush. Like have breakfast in the room, lunch right at 11, and dinner at 3:45 or something like that. Counter service places are not that bad if you dont go when they are busy. I remember we ate in a place at MGM on our honeymoon, right as they were opening for lunch, and we were almost the only ones in there.

I assume you will have a stroller? If it were not busy, could you keep the stroller with you while you order, then push it up to the nearest table (with the kiddo belted in) and then watch for your food from there, and leave the kiddos at the table to grab your food once it is all ready?

Some restaurants will work better for this than others.... depends on the restaurant layout.

 

[3littleHalls]

But, I have 3 kids(6,3,and 14mos) and DH works a lot. I travel with the the 3 by myself so maybe I can give ideas. Stroller with the seat straps are huge helps. My 6yr gets tired and wants to ride in the stroller sometimes so we got a Buggyboard that clips on the back of a stroller for her to stand and ride. 5yr olds like some responsibility and love rewards. So, I usually give treats for big help and good behavior(picking the place we eat, getting to choose the movie we watch, a milkshake) And my kids know I mean business when I saw knock it off or we won't.... Don't threaten to leave if you don't intend to use it. Make sure tummies are full, potty time, and naptimes are taken care of and you will have much more co-operation. I also would use..."If you stay in your seat and eat you can pick the next ride, or you can put the cards in for the fast pass, or you get to pick where you sit on the ride..." Good luck!

 

[missymagic]

You sound like me....I have been taking my girls now 5&8 since they were born. The kids drinks are either the apple juice boxes or milk container. and your drink will be in a cup so hopefully you have a cup holder for it. I always used a double stroller that had a back visor I would fold that down and set the tray of food on it or if it was finger foods for the girls I would hand theirs to them in stroller to hold very tightly till we got to the table. That was their little "job" to help mommy. Alway carried a bag of new little books or little activites things in my back pack & would pull them out when I need them occupied. Always know what you are ordering before you get to the counter. If you go on www.allearsnet.com they have a section under dining called kid friendly Restaurants this might help a little.

 

[mjmcca]

I ahve gone solo with a 4 and 3 y/o. What i do at counter service is park the stroller at the table we are going to eat at .I make them stand in line with me and generally they are good. Then i take the try back to our "saved" table. I also did this at SW with 4 kids by myself and i survived.

 

[bwv4me]

I will probably be in your position in April. Supposed to go with sis and niece, but I have a feeling it's not going to work out. So I'll be alone with a 5 yo and a 2 yo. Please let us know how you make out and share your tips. If you are traveling by plane, I'd love to hear how you do in the airports as well!

 

[surfgirl]

eat in as much as possible

seriously, some great ideas here - I would not be afraid to ask someone to carry it to a table for you - or another "mom" around with older kids who aren't melting down!

the eating at non-peak times is also crucial -
avoid drinks that can spill... get a water bottle for everyone to share - can then go underneath stroller w/o a sticky yucky mess

Can you ask for the food 'to go' so its in a bag instead of on a tray? (not sure if they do this, but might be worth the question)

good luck!

 

[2buzzboys]

I have done solo with kids the same age. I bring the stroller with me when ordering and place the tray on top. I also give the kids their soda to hold and walk very slow off the line. You may get lucky and have someone help you out when they see you are alone.