Splitting a Buffet with a Toddler

[YodaGirl]

For our next trip, we're planning on purchasing the dining plan. DD will be 2 1/2, so won't require park tickets or a dining plan. I spoke with a CM over the phone, and she said that it wouldn't be a problem for her to eat off of my plate - even at a buffet. I'd feel kinda weird about that, although for as much as food cost, I probably shouldn't.

She said that I could purchase the dining plan for her, but then I'd have to say that she was 3. In turn, that would require her to have park tickets, and I'm not doing that.

So has anyone else ever split buffet meals with a toddler? I know they don't have a probem with the TS/CS splitting, but I guess I'm leary about the buffet.

Any experiences?

 

[Jubilee]

No problems with it at all at any type of restaurant except once at Liberty Tree Tavern. Discussed with the server that she was 2 and would be eating off our plate. So for the whole meal she literally ate off out plate. At the end he said, you know I could bring you a plate (for the messy dessert) for her...I said OK thanks. Bill comes and he took 3 table service off. First of all, there were only adult credits there, so he knew not to do that...I guess he was just padding his tip. We called guest services and they corrected it but basically scolded us and said they couldn't fix it again. So, yes it's totally legit but be on the look out for little punk servers

 

[YodaGirl]

Kids these days.

Thank you very much. I feel better now.

 

[cinderella_mom]

Don't worry about sharing with your 2 year old. I'll bet she'll eat less than most people leave on their plates at the buffet.

 

[Jrabbit910]

we were there in May w/ our 15mo old and the two buffets that we went to there was never a problem. I woudlnt worry about it...

 

[HillPete]

We took our son when he was 2 11/12 (we called it our last 'cheap' trip ) Each time we went to a restaurant, we explained that he was 2 and would be 'eating off our plates'. Each time, the server brought him his own, clean plate. We then served him from our plates or from the buffets. He never actually ate from someone else's plate. We mostly ate at family-style or buffets that trip so we rarely had to explain or justify anything.

The CMs are quite used to this and there shouldn't be any problems getting your child a plate. Check your bill at the end to be sure (that applies to all meals. We've had a few billing problems over the years).

Have a great trip!
--H

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The policy at buffets and other AYCE (such as LTT) is that anyone under age three can get their own plate and beverages and there is no charge.

At other table service or any quick service location what is ordered for a child under three must be paid for, but there is no problem in the child's eating from an adult plate. Also, at most of the table service locations they will actually, upon request, bring out empty plates so the parent can transfer food onto them for the child.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Not a problem. Don't feel strange.

If you are NOT planning to eat at many buffets, and do want to get the dining plan for your child....you can save the ticket until he is of age.

A ticket - any MYW ticket - is valid until 14days after first use (even without getting the no expire part). So you COULD get your child a ticket and the meal plan, and just save it for later. It's not like WDW ticket prices are ever going to come DOWN. They will just go UP in the future.

 

[skw444]

We had no problems last year at the buffets having our 2 year old eat. She even had her own plate and they brought her a drink for free. Even at the regular sit down restaurants, they always brought her a drink and a clean plate.

 

[Finally08]

Don't feel bad at all! I actually hate at regular buffet style restaurants (even non disney) that I have to pay so much for my daughter (who is 4) to be present when I know she won't eat a THING. Seriously. She might eat a grape or a small piece of cantaloupe if there's a fruit bar. The child just doesn't eat, and especially when you take her into a restaurant/different environment. So enjoy the free meal while you can!
We avoid buffets in regular life now because I feel like I'm throwing money away, at a regular menu order type place I don't have to pay for my 4 year old to sit there and color.