Restaurant logistics as a solo mom with a young child

[SPAM]

Just a question to see if anyone has any experience, I have gone to WDW loads of times but this is my first as a parent. I am taking my son who just turned 1 next month. I know I can handle the regular logistics, good at folding down stroller and all that but trying to figure out how to handle quick service meals. I have tentatively scheduled a lunch reservation for each MK day because I thought it might be easier to be able to sit and have food brought to me (I am under no illusion this will be an enjoyable meal lol) but how do I work quick service meals? Is it an option to ask for someone to help us carry food to find a table? With 2 grownups one could sit with table and child and other could go get food but this will not be an option for me. My son is walking but pretty much to wherever he wants to go lol. I don't know if certain restaurants allow strollers inside or no? I could attempt to wear him in a baby carrier and carry food but I cannot guarantee he won't knock it over. Surely others have been in this predicament? Thanks in advance!

 

[scrappinginontario]

I’m a single mom by choice and have visited Disney with my dd since she was 14 months old. At the age your son is I either had her in a stroller or carrier, facing me. Your drink will be the biggest challenge. I tended to carry the try with (cold) drink on the side of the tray so I could hold it while carrying the tray and possibly pushing g the stroller too. At that age when doing QS meals I avoided hot drinks as it was not worth the risk. You will become good at juggling. A CM may be able to assist you but it’s not always possible. It can’t hurt to ask.

 

[erinch]

At the other end of the age-issues spectrum, I was at WDW last spring when my DH was recovering from a hip break, and I couldn't balance a QS order due to a minor hand injury. On multiple occasions, I asked a CM directing traffic at a QS entrance if a CM could help bring the tray to a table. In every case, someone was glad to help. This was true at Casey's, Satuuli Canteen, ABC, and Regal Eagle, so lots of help! It was better to find the traffic director than ask at the window.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Pour a QS cup directly into one of those Stanley cups many seem to have and you’ll have less worries about spilling a drink. Can also be used for water and ice.

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

I’m a single mom by choice and have visited Disney with my dd since she was 14 months old. At the age your son is I either had her in a stroller or carrier, facing me. Your drink will be the biggest challenge. I tended to carry the try with (cold) drink on the side of the tray so I could hold it while carrying the tray and possibly pushing g the stroller too. At that age when doing QS meals I avoided hot drinks as it was not worth the risk. You will become good at juggling. A CM may be able to assist you but it’s not always possible. It can’t hurt to ask.

Seconding this. I almost always go for bottled drinks and store them in the stroller pockets. Like PP, I have become really good at balancing the tray on the stroller bars!

Also - I take my stroller everywhere - has never been an issue.

Have a great trip - I have found that Disney is an easy place to ‘relax’ as a single mom!

 

[scrappinginontario]

Something else that was a great help on our Disney trips was a holder to Velcro to stroller handle bars that held drinks and a small zippered pocket.

The carrier was also super helpful maneuvering us, all our gear plus stroller on and off buses. I looked like a pack mule but I was efficient caring for my dd and our belongings. That being said, I would sometimes request a gentleman to carry my stroller off the bus when my dd was asleep and I had a lot to carry. Many were very happy to help and often offered without being asked.

Other responses are reminding me.

 

[DizneyFamof4]

There were a handful of times when I was alone with our youngest in the stroller, and I just asked the CM that I put the order in with and they had someone carry the tray for me. The CM's roaming the CS are there to help in these situations, all you have to do is ask

 

[SPAM]

I’m a single mom by choice and have visited Disney with my dd since she was 14 months old. At the age your son is I either had her in a stroller or carrier, facing me. Your drink will be the biggest challenge. I tended to carry the try with (cold) drink on the side of the tray so I could hold it while carrying the tray and possibly pushing g the stroller too. At that age when doing QS meals I avoided hot drinks as it was not worth the risk. You will become good at juggling. A CM may be able to assist you but it’s not always possible. It can’t hurt to ask.

I’m also a single mom by choice! Thanks for the tips, it’s the kind of stuff you don’t have to consider until you do!