[trilliumB]

Hey folks!

Me & the Hub are going to WDW for the last week of January. I was recently diagnosed with severe (life-threatening) food allergies. Apparently the thing to do is to call the restaurant directly 24 hours in advance, and then speak to the chef again upon arrival so that special preparations can be made.

I was just wondering if anyone else has done Disney with severe food allergies (I know that more and more children have peanut allergies, these days), and what their experience was. I'd love to get some tips on making this work! A trip to the ER would be seriously stinky in the middle of all the fun! :dazed

Thanks!

[Amethyst]

We never had to deal with severe food allergies but during our last trip, we had a strict vegan (absolutely nothing derived from animals) join us for a few days. Disney was absolutely fabulous with her. She called restaurants in advance and even though Port Royale at CBR, where we stayed, weren't given notice, they prepared her breakfast the way she specified on the spot. If you don't mind me asking, do you know specifically what you're allergic to? Some of us may be able to help pinpoint some foods and restaurants that can accomodate you without being called.

[trilliumB]

Thanks so much for the info! It's SO reassuring to hear stories of how Disney is so helpful --this will be my first time eating out since almost dying of anaphylactic shock on October 30th, and it's really kind of a scary proposition. From what I'm gathering, though, WDW is probably the safest place on earth to eat out -- due to their willingness to accomodate, crossed with their unparalleled attention to detail.

I'm still undergoing testing to find out exactly what it was that almost did me in (!), but we've got it narrowed down to tree nuts (as in, nuts that aren't peanuts) and/or seeds (sesame & sunflower). It's a bit tricky since even a trace amount (using the same pans, for instance) is enough to take me out. But Disney sounds like they're familiar with these issues (considering how many people eat there everyday, even rare problems like this become routine, I guess!). I just got an email back from guest services saying as much --which is great.

Still, there's that nagging fear, since it just takes one person to screw up in the chain... But I am determined to relax and enjoy our vacation (much needed!), and the one thing standing in the way of that is this fear. So I'm collecting evidence that supports the idea that I will have a positive experience, and that Disney will be an excellent partner in taking care of my needs. I've got a file going where I'm pasting stories like yours, and I'm reading it over whenever I start worrying. So thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with me! Every little bit helps!

Man, the people on this board are SO nice! :)
--CAT : )

[Amethyst]

I just found a link for you that may help http://wdwig.com/veg_strat.htm[/url] It's written by vegans and gives dining tips including how to contact
the restaurants and chefs directly. I'm happy I offered some comfort and will continue to keep you in mind when I visit other sites.

[Jennly]

Another really good thing you can do when booking your ps with the dining agent is the tell them you have a food allergy. The booking software actually has a spot on the ps where we can not food allergies or specific food needs (kosher... etc. not sure about vegan though I will have to check)

This will also flag the spiel that they give with the confirmation # for the ps with an extra paragraph or so that will promot the agent to give you the number of the restaurant so you know where to call 24 hours in advance

hope this helps!! :)


Jenn

[trilliumB]

Hey Jenn!

Thanks so much for your info! I'm actually SO psyched to hear (once again) that the Dis has got things SO under control! Man, I love that place! That's great to know that food allergies get noted on the PS -- that'll make things so much simpler!

Perhaps you can help with validating something I heard (it sounds like you work there?): Is it true that every single eatery at WDW has an exhaustive list of ingredients for each item they serve, available upon request? (I hope so!) I read that elsewhere, and am wondering if that's true.

Thanks again,

--CAT : )

[trilliumB]

Amethyst--

Thanks for the link! That's a great, straightforward article on how to deal with special meal considerations at WDW (not just for food allergies). It's gone into my info bank!

Thanks,
--CAT : )

[lisajl]

Hello!
We just got back, and I must tell you they are wonderful at the restaraunts,,,sorry about the spelling!

My youngest son has a peanut allergy and we told the operator when we made our Priority Seatings.

She gave me phone numbers to call ahead of time, but I could never get ahold of anyone. On our Cindy's reservations I saw they had already put it on the sheet.
The chef came out and talked to me about it, and assured me there was hardly any peanut oil used in the park now.
He told us to stay away from stir fry places.
It was wonderful. I am always hesitant to eat anywhere now!

We went to a rest. here in Ohio that a friend had recommended.
When we got there I took one look at the menu and freaked.
They cooked everything in peanut oil.
We won't be going back there!

Good luck with your trip. Trust me...they will work with you!
They are wonderful!
Lisajl

[Jennly]

Originally posted by trilliumB
Hey Jenn!

Perhaps you can help with validating something I heard (it sounds like you work there?): Is it true that every single eatery at WDW has an exhaustive list of ingredients for each item they serve, available upon request? (I hope so!) I read that elsewhere, and am wondering if that's true.

Thanks again,

--CAT : )

CAT

That's not anything that they have in the dining software so I really can't confirm or deny that one.

J

[Amethyst]

Originally posted by trilliumB
Amethyst--

Thanks for the link! That's a great, straightforward article on how to deal with special meal considerations at WDW (not just for food allergies). It's gone into my info bank!

Thanks,
--CAT : )

Not a problem. Ironically, I stumbled upon the link while looking for menus. We're planning our dinner itinerary for our next trip. :)

[trilliumB]

Lisajl, thanks so much for your input! How wonderful to keep hearing how helpful everyone is at WDW about this. Too bad about not being able to reach anyone at the restaurants, but I guess that's OK as long as they're prepared in general to deal with the food allergy situation (sounds like they're pretty used to it).

Thanks again, and I'm so glad you had such a great experience!
--CAT :p