Tips on handling a buffet alone with young kid(s)?

[carmiedog]

I'm considering doing Cystal Palace with just myself and 4yo dd. (Trying to cut corners this trip and we're not doing DDP - dh will take our boys to share a counter service - don't want to spend the money on them if they have no interest in Pooh.)

Are there trays available for carrying 2 or more plates of food at a time?

Are restaurants fairly accommodating if you ask to be seated close to the buffet? (Don't know though where the 2 person tables are located at CP.)

Would you be comfortable leaving a 4yo sitting at the table if the buffet line was short and you could easily see her? (I'm thinking no, but want to be sure I'm not being overprotective.)

I need to decide if this will be worth it or if we should just do meet Pooh in the parks. CP is one of MY favorites, though, and I'd really like to take dd one more time before she outgrows the preschool age.

 

[DISNEY1975]

I too have a 4 year old DD. I think I would be comfortable leaving her alone at the table if I could see her perfectly and the table was in the front line of the buffet, though Im not sure she would want to stay at the table! She would probably want to go with me regardless.

I have been at a local buffet and told her I was just going to grab some sauce for her chicken and she stayed at the table.

I dont recall trays, but I could be wrong. Maybe I was just not looking for them! Im sure waitstaff would be able to assist with carrying if asked. Your daughter could help with a small plate of sticky food (I wouldnt suggest giving her a plate of grapes or sausage links or anything that slides easily !!) There are a lot of people around so she may not be as careful as she normally would be with everything to look at!!

Have fun, enjoy!!

 

[septbaby]

My nephew's favorite restaurant is the Old Country Buffet (or dessert bar...lol). When the 2 of us go alone we do a few things:

1. First trip is together, he only eats so much and I am a big fan of putting a little bit on the plate and coming back for more if you like it and want it. I fill both plates, but he carries his own.

2. For odd items such as a extra fork, etc. I'll let him go grab it while I watch him from the table.

3. We'll both go up for seconds if we both want something. I usually get seating so that I can see him from the buffet so if I will leave him at the table and keep an eye on him while I grab something quickly. However, he is so pickywe usually go together. Truth be told if I go solo he probably is keeping an eye on me...lol

4. Not sure if CP has an omelette station, but if they do you probably want to get in that line together first as it will take longer and neither of you will want to be separate that long.

Finally, you may also consider posting your question on the family board.

 

[scrump]

My nephew's favorite restaurant is the Old Country Buffet (or dessert bar...lol). When the 2 of us go alone we do a few things:

1. First trip is together, he only eats so much and I am a big fan of putting a little bit on the plate and coming back for more if you like it and want it. I fill both plates, but he carries his own.

2. For odd items such as a extra fork, etc. I'll let him go grab it while I watch him from the table.

3. We'll both go up for seconds if we both want something. I usually get seating so that I can see him from the buffet so if I will leave him at the table and keep an eye on him while I grab something quickly. However, he is so pickywe usually go together. Truth be told if I go solo he probably is keeping an eye on me...lol

4. Not sure if CP has an omelette station, but if they do you probably want to get in that line together first as it will take longer and neither of you will want to be separate that long.

Finally, you may also consider posting your question on the family board.

These are really good tips. DS is still 10 months, but this was on my mind, too, for future trips. Thank you!

 

[GatorLady]

My DD is not a huge eater. I take her in line with me. I stack one plate on top of another, then fill up the top plate with as much as I possibly can. When I get back to the table I just set down the empty plate from underneath and transfer what she wants on to it. Repeat if necessary.

 

[DISNEY1975]

My DD is not a huge eater. I take her in line with me. I stack one plate on top of another, then fill up the top plate with as much as I possibly can. When I get back to the table I just set down the empty plate from underneath and transfer what she wants on to it. Repeat if necessary.

Thats a great idea! 40 years and 3 kids, I never thought of it!!!

 

[GatorLady]

Thats a great idea!

Thanks, glad you liked it!

 

[Freyja]

My DD is not a huge eater. I take her in line with me. I stack one plate on top of another, then fill up the top plate with as much as I possibly can. When I get back to the table I just set down the empty plate from underneath and transfer what she wants on to it. Repeat if necessary.

I often do this too. This time however, I will be going to a buffet alone with a 6 month old, a 3 and 6 year old. Not exactly sure how take the baby with me and carry food, while getting the 3 year old to stay with me, but I´m sure I´ll manage somehow.

 

[joyfulscrapper]

I have 3 kids and have often carried and filled 3 plates at once. I often have to put plates down as I fill, but it's possible. I don't see it being hard it at all with only 2 plates. And CP seemed pretty open to me. I think you wouldn't have too hard of a time seeing the buffet from most seats. Also, it wasn't a huge buffet area that it would be difficult to bring a child up with you. You should be fine.