Scared of stomach bug, dumping my buffets

[DVCconvert]

I don't think I can help the OP - but here's a question as far as dining in WDW...


Would this be considered "resort casual" ???

 

[ga9497]

You may just want to take some extra precautions at a buffet. What I plan to do:

1) If they have trays, grab a few extra napkins and line my tray with them before I get the food. Keep my plates, etc. on the tray while eating.

2) Wipe down the table & chair (the part I pull out) with my bleach wipes.

3) Wash my hands thoroughly after I get my food.

4) Wash the silverware I'll use thoroughly at the same time I wash my hands.

I think these precautions should be enough to make buffet eating safe.

Number 3 is the most important. I have seen, this is at many buffets not just Disney, people pick up the tongs put food on their plate, take a piece of that food with their fingers and eat it while on line and then use that same hand to pick up the next tongs. Can you say gross

 

[the Fidge]

I don't think I can help the OP - but here's a question as far as dining in WDW...


Would this be considered "resort casual" ???

Nice but do they come in any other colors than yellow???

 

[Pranksters]

We are leaving the world today, been here for a week, we carried on like we would in the normal world, the three of us are just as healthy as the day we arrived! We didnt see or nor heard of any sickness in any buffets or any of the parks!

 

[Aristomommy]

Nice but do they come in any other colors than yellow???

We need it in lime green for the DIS boards

 

[mattsmom2000]

I read an article recently that said the thing with the most germs on it in a restaurant is the menu. At least you don't have those at a buffet.

I know what you mean. We always use hand sanitzer AFTER we read the menu and hand them back to the waitress. But we have been doing that for years. Same goes with the salad bar tongs, salt, pepper, ketchup, steak sauce, etc that they bring to your table. You can never be too careful.

 

[teacup princess]

OK, rather than harp on you for your choice... I will give you some suggestions since that is what you are asking for... looks like no one else is interested in that...

Thanks, I appreciate that, and good suggestions. I'll look into Kona and Yak and Yeti if I can still get them. I was already thinking about Sci-Fi because it looks like so much fun.

 

[MomPOM]

I think a buffet is the least of your worries. If you want to think about it, what about the handles on the rides that everyone and their mother are holding on to? Table service has just as much germ exposure. I think you should maybe build up your immune system before you leave, wash your hands religiously and just enjoy yourself.

 

[Singinglizzie]

If you feel that eating at a buffet will increase your odds of a catching a virus, or whatever, then I say go ahead and plan something else that will make you feel more comfortable. It is your vacation and if buffet dinning is going to hinder "your magic" then by all means do something else. Have fun too with all the new planning ! Is the Akershaus breakfast a buffett? Kona was a good suggestion, what about the GF Cafe? I read that the wave at CR since it is still new is easy to get an ADR to. Enjoy whatever you choose.

 

[DVCconvert]

OK, rather than harp on you for your choice... I will give you some suggestions since that is what you are asking for... looks like no one else is interested in that...

How about 'Ohana for breakfast .....Kona Cafe is a good table service for breakfast too, otherwise I would probably just do counter service at your resort for breakfast ....We really liked our lunch at Sci-Fi Dine-In....Yak & Yeti is very good,.....

Wendi2000...you don't seem to get the OP's concerns....she's worried about avoiding buffets and any possible chance of becoming sick from exposure to other human beings -- the OP should in fact NOT travel to WDW or any other place on Earth that large groups gather to insure protection from her concerns! NO eatery within 200 miles of WDW will give any significant protection for the OP!!!

 

[SGMCO]

Ok I had everything planned, now I'm thinking it might be a good idea to get rid of my buffet meals and opt for safer dining options. Here's what I had, what would you suggest we switch it to that young kids would enjoy? (we are not on the dining plan and are paying for these few meals out of pocket so we can't go too crazy on the costs). We go Jan 17-24.

1.) Tusker House breakfast -
2.) Crystal Palace breakfast -
3.) Ohana dinner - (ok not a buffet but I'm afraid of the meat skewers that will be at every other diners table)

I could switch these for a meal at Animal Kingdom, Epcot, or Magic Kingdom instead

(Other meals I already have planned include 50's Prime Time, Plaza, and Planet Hollywood)

Any suggestions?

I can understand where you are coming from--I am grossed out by buffets
because I have seen people (lots of kids) touching food and coughing, sneezing around them. I would rather take my chances with table service where less people have touched my food. I would definately think of eating at Ohanas Best Friend Breakfast--it is served family style and there are characters (Lilo, stitch, Mickey and Pluto). I don't think there is anything wrong with being concerned with trying to avoid getting sick on your Vacation. Don't let others make you feel bad about a real concern. Make sure to wash your hands frequently with plenty of soap and warm water, also avoid touching your face between washing. I hope you stay healthy on your Trip--try to have fun!

 

[RACHELSMOM1]

Number 3 is the most important. I have seen, this is at many buffets not just Disney, people pick up the tongs put food on their plate, take a piece of that food with their fingers and eat it while on line and then use that same hand to pick up the next tongs. Can you say gross

Eating and sampling while in the buffet lines is one of my pet peeves - it just looks like pigs at the feeding trough. It grosses me out big time!! Can't they just wait till they sit down?

 

[momofbcs]

I have a problem with people taking sick kids to restaurants. I mean c'mon, your kid threw up an hour ago and you are stuffing him full of dairy products and processed food? And then they barf at the restaurant and the germs fly and get everywhere. BUT this happens in sit down restauants and at buffets. I just wish people were more respectful.

 

[just another guy]

Number 3 is the most important. I have seen, this is at many buffets not just Disney, people pick up the tongs put food on their plate, take a piece of that food with their fingers and eat it while on line and then use that same hand to pick up the next tongs. Can you say gross

...and?

I'm sorry, you'll have to explain this one to me. I'm in that minority group that can also use the restroom without getting urine on my hands.

The tongs are clean. I use them to grab some grapes. I then use my hand to move a grape from my plate to my mouth. No where during this process does my entire fist become engulfed by my mouth(which you assume is a cauldron of germs and diseases, and all things icky) So whats wrong with my fingers, that makes grabbing the next tongs so bad?

BTW, I'm about to go drive my car, to get lunch(a sub sandwich, which is finger food), and not wash my hands. Yup, I'll be touching door handles, steering wheels, my credit card, my cell phone, car keys, my shoes, and WILL NOT be washing my hands. I'll report back in an hour or two to let everyone know I didn't die.

 

[perriwinkleblue]

I think the biggest concern when it comes to germs at a buffet is touching something someone else touched and then touching near your mouth. (Someone that may be sick - or have questionable personal hygiene.) At a buffet you get so many different hands touching the tongs and stuff If you are really concerned, you could bring disinfectant wipes and wipe the table down and use hand gel after touching tongs and spoons. I think that would greatly cut down the risk. When ds and dd were little, I was a paranoid germ wiper. I was fortunate to be able to take them out to lunch a lot and was sure a couple of these trips (before the wipes) made dd ill . There are a few illnesses that are spread among the toddler population in gross ways!

As far as the food itself, I usually stay away from the mayonaise type salads for fear of getting sick - but that's probably silly. After all, mayo is loaded with preservatives now. It's on the shelf - not cold - at the market.

Like another post said, you do - and will be - touching stuff all the time: handles, rails, chair backs, rides, etc. I wouldn't cancel the buffets.

 

[ntsammy5]

OP, you obviously never ate in an army mess hall or field kitchen before!

 

[EEyorelover22]

We were just there. No issues and we ate at many buffets. H&V breakfast and dinner (2 times), CP for lunch, Tusker House and 1900 Park Fare. DH and DD get most stomach bugs. Nothing.

I do not recommend the CP lunch by the way. Sort of average. I think dinner and breakfast are better.

 

[TDC Nala]

The OP isn't looking for commentary concerning buffets and germs, but wanted suggestions as to non-buffet restaurants. This thread is now significantly off topic and will be closed if it continues.