Question for single parents or "lone adult" travelers

[LisaZoe]

Something happened today when DD and I were at a restaurant for lunch that reminded me of other similar problems we've had. DD is almost 3 and has been out of diapers for 6 months now. Even so, I know not to "push our luck" so when she says she has to go, I make sure to get her there as quickly as humanly possible. So far, so good in thay we've had no "accidents" while we're out. However, on a few occasions, her announcement of need has come while we're at a restaurant. Today, it was just after we'd placed our order so I took her right then. We had to wait a couple of minutes in line and by the time we got done, the table at which we'd been sitting was occupied by another couple. We did find that we had a new table ready so just went with the flow - there wasn't any difference between the two locations.

Another time, though, was different. We'd had a chance to eat 2/3 - 3/4 of our meals when DD said she needed to go. Again, we went not thinking anything about it - people do this every day, right? Well, bathroom visits with a toddler are never quick and this one was no exception. We returned to our table to find it had been bussed. Our server saw us return, apologized and said she didn't think the plates had been emptied yet - did we want them back? (Like I'd say yes after they'd left our sight!?!) I didn't make a fuss just paid and left... although I was tempted to do more than that, I was tired and just wanted to get going.

The reason I'm posting here is to ask if others have had similar problems. When there are two or more adults/older children in a group, a bathroom trip by one person isn't a big deal if someone is left to make the table look occupied. When you are the only adult, though, what would you suggest to signal "I'll be back"? With a WDW trip scheduled for Sept., we'll have a lot of restaurant meals and I don't want to worry about repeat episodes like these... and I know there will be bathroom visits at most, if not all, meals

 

[swilshire]

Never tried it at WDW, but in other restaurants when I am a single diner and go to wash up, I usually leave something like a book to indicate I haven't disappeared. The trick at WDW would be finding something obvious that wouldn't just be considered a lost item and moved to the lost and found stuff.

Even if you signaled the busperson that you were still eating before you left, I could see a problem at WDW with other patrons clearing your spot to get the table.

I look forward to seeing the suggestions.

Sheila

 

[Rapunsel]

I have made a 'sign' that says.. Toddler in need of a potty breake. We'll be right back. I put it between contact paper and then keep it in the diaper bag. It usually works...

HTH

 

[catherines_mama]

I always make sure I tap someone and let them know we are just running to the potty. DD and I eat out occasionally and have never had a problem.

We also do a 'try' on the potty before we sit down to eat to keep this from happening. WDW restaurants are great because there is always a CM around somewhere. At a counter service restaurant I once asked the people at the table next to us to not let them bus my table.... LOL People are great.. it is WDW after all!

 

[LisaZoe]

Thanks for the ideas, all.

Rapunsel, I hadn't even thought of something as simple as a sign. I might do that in case I can't find a CM quickly enough for DD.

 

[frstimer128]

Rapunsel, I am going to do that. What a great tip!

I usually try to catch the eye of our server to let them know we will be right back. I have also asked people sitting next to us to keep an eye on our stuff.

Good Luck!

 

[ladydancer]

I'm a grandma of six and always taking the little ones out to eat. I always leave my car keys on the table. I can't leave without my car keys, right? If I have other things I will leave also like....sunglasses, eyeglasses. I have a MM backpack I sometimes take into the restaurant with me that has a few small toys to keep a child happy while waiting for the food and some wipes for sticky little hands. I will also leave the backpack on the chair.

At WDW again it will be my MM backpack I will leave on the chair as I always bring my backpack. Athough at WDW I will have rain pancho's, camera and such in my backpack.

 

[tjmw2727]

I am out and around with my dd's alone as well - including WDW. The only time a situation like yours happened to me was at Crystal Palace and they were wonderful when they found out. Although I was dissapointed as we had left our sunglasses, autograph books and some personal coloring stuff as well as a sweater at the table!

The CM was super, we got all our possessions back as well as a new table and a few unexpected treats. It was also nice as it wa a buffet and there was no "meal" to be recovered we just went back and chose new food without any wait.

I may try the sign in the future!

 

[MsMulan]

The sign sounds like a great idea. Although my DD is 8, I do not like for her to go to the bathroom alone. If I see the waiter, I let them know or if there are people near I will ask them to not let anyone clear our space.

When DD was smaller and we would go out, I would also ask numerous times during a natural break for me, if she needed to go. Although, my DD has an amazing bladder and seems never to neeeeed to go. I would check anyway.