4 year old who is gluten free and dairy free

[mathornt]

We are taking our 1st trip in october and our son is allergic to gluten and dairy.

we are bringing some of his own things to eat, but are nervous about trying to find things he can eat at wdw.

we will stay on site (all sports resort) and will be there for 5 nights. we got the disney dining plan as well.

can somebody offer advice so he doesnt have to eat hot dogs and peeled chicken nuggets the entire time?

should we avoid certain restaurants or aim for certain ones?

will the people behind the counter at the quick service places know whats in the food they are serving?

is there a universal menu somewhere online???

 

[SueM in MN]

Check out the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board (or you can get there by following the link in my signature).

Post #3 of that thread has information about various subjects, including diet information. There are links in the diet information to menu pages from wdwinfo.com and allearsnet.com
There is also information about how to contact WDW to find out specific information about diet needs.

The counter service restaurants have books where you can look up ingredients and the manager will be able to help you.

 

[snorris49]

WDW is really the best for GF and Dairy free! I'm also gluten free and I have a milk allergy (so I eat a lot of completely dairy free/vegan items), so I understand the needs your son might have while traveling to Disney. There are a lot of great resources from special diets. And the food choices are great! I don't know about kid's meals at table service restaurants, but I know there are many more choices than chicken nuggets and hot dogs. (although, I do love the allergy free chicken tenders you can get at a lot of CS restaurants!) I would also look at some of the menus for the restaurants (try allearsnet.com) and get an idea of where you'd like to eat before hand. Special Diets can even get in touch with chefs from specific restaurants if you have further questions. Check out the reviews here on the disAbilities board. There's loads of restaurant reviews to help give you an idea/tips too.

Hope that helps some!

 

[mathornt]

i am really looking for specific help here. i am new to planning for disney and new to this board and am extremely overwhelmed.



i already emailed brenda bennett and didnt get any specific information, just a form email.

 

[SueM in MN]

This is a copy of the information in post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
Brenda Bennett is no longer the contact person (although she may still respond, there is a new Special Dietary Requests Department. I bolded it in red below.
There is also a WDW Webpage that answers some general FAQs about special diet needs. I bolded that in red too.

I put smilies by the links to past threads with gluten free information (but, be aware that suppliers may change, so what is available and/or safe on one trip may not be safe on the next trip.).

THe last thing I marked with smilies are the links to the menu pages from wdwinfo.com and alleardsnet.com

Diets for allergies and other special needs: WDW Information

• Contact Information for WDW
  NOTE: Products change frequently. Food that is safe on one trip may not be safe at the next, so please keep that in mind while reading threads about foods.
• As of 1/09, there is a specific department to support Guests' Special Dietary Requests. This is the email address for that department: specialdiets@disneyworld.com[/B][/COLOR]
  [*]Also, as of 1/09, there is a WDW page about Special Dietary Needs on the WDW website. It includes some links for frequent requests and information about which restaurants are most likely to have the greatest ability to meet special needs.
  [*]General for WDW: Brenda.Bennett@disney.com (Very helpful and can provide lists of 'safe' foods. Her email is no longer listed by Disney on their website, so try the email above first. You need to contact someone each visit, but if you have used the email above, you do not need to also contact Brenda. Food supplies change frequently and food that is 'safe' on one trip may not be 'safe' on the next trip.)
  [*]Animal Kingdom 407-938-3288 wdwakspecialdiets@email.disney.com
  [*]Hollywood Studios 407-560-3551 wdwstspecialdiets@email.disney.com
  [*]Epcot 407-560-6395 wdwecspecialdiets@email.disney.com
  [*]Magic Kingdom 407-824-5967 wdwmkspecialdiets@email.disney.com
  

• Specific Diets or Food Allergies
• Celiac Disease; hints for WDW
• Celiac Disease #2; hints for WDW, includes food lists.NOTE: Products change frequently, so 'safe' food on one trip may not be 'safe' on next
• snorris49 blog about gluten free foods at WDW (note: use the information as a starting point and contact WDW to make sure you have the most recent information.)
• Dairy and Corn; hints for WDW
• Soy milk; hints for WDW
• Peanut Allergies, very comprehensive thread
  Peanut Allergy.com recommended by many posters with peanut allergies.

• General Threads about Food Allergies/Diets and WDW(may touch on many types of diets or allergies)
• Long thread about Food Allergies in general
• Very long thread about Food Allergies at WDW
• Thread about Disney Dining Plan and child with allergies (includes a lot of gluten-free info)
• Link to Allergy Moms Newsletter interview with WDW Special Dietary Director and some Restaurant Ratings
• Link to Video Interview with two Disneyland Chefs

• Links to websites with menu information
• Link to DIS site restaurant list. This page opens to a list of restaurants; the menu will pop up when you click on a restaurant.
  
• [url="http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menus.htm”]Link to allearsnet restaurant menus. [/url]

 

[mathornt]

Thanks Sue, I appreciate that.

I feel like I am planning a trip to another country here!

There is so much information and so much to see and do.

I have found lots of info on gluten free items, but need items that are both gluten free and dairy free. The info on that combo seems to be slim.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks Sue, I appreciate that.

I feel like I am planning a trip to another country here!

There is so much information and so much to see and do.

I have found lots of info on gluten free items, but need items that are both gluten free and dairy free. The info on that combo seems to be slim.

Here’s another link that may be helpful.

Vegan and gluten free thread Snorris49 (whose blog is a link in the disABILITIES FAQs post I copied for you) posted on this thread and is gluten free and has a dairy allergy.

 

[snorris49]

I know it can seem frustrating going in without a lot of confusion (what is GF and dairy free, what isn't?). That was part of the reason I started my blog, because there wasn't as much info on gluten and dairy free as there was simply gluten free. Although, honestly, you can use a lot of the GF reviews and see how they could be modified to milk and/or dairy free. WDW also makes a lot of the GF stuff allergy free, so it covers most of the top 8 allergens. If you check out some of the sheets that Special Diets gives you, you will notice the table service recommendations at Epcot list a lot of options, including some that list gluten and dairy free recommendations. However, this is not comprehensive. All table service restaurants can accommodate you, it's just a matter of the variety, the willingness of the chefs, etc. This is why I spend a lot of time looking at menus before I make ADRs because I like to know going in, what I think could be modified. You really have to take a proactive approach when you have food allergies, imo. After you go the first time, you will feel so much better once you start eating at the restaurants and seeing what the chefs can do.

I would recommend doing a search here on the disboards too for dairy free or milk allergy and see what posts come up. That's what I did the first time I went, and it was really helpful (usually you'll find GF and milk free threads together).

Check out my blog. I have a lot of reviews and such on their.

Good luck, if you have specific questions feel free to ask.

 

[clanmcculloch]

Here's something that I put together for myself to carry around with me in June. I just updated it with the latest info from Special Diets about 2 weeks ago. You'll want to confirm with Special Diets closer to your dates that nothing has changed. The items listed as safe for Natalie are milk free. The items listed as safe for Victoria are gluten, milk, egg and yeast free. Some of the items that are safe for Natalie are also gluten free, but not all of them (French Meadows and Ener-G products are gluten free, Divvies cookies are not). There are also some other foods that are GFCF that I haven't listed because DD9 doesn't like them and DD12 can't eat them due to eggs or yeast or they have citrus (not a problem for you). A great example of this is the Itzkadoozie popsicles. They're GFCF but not on my list due to our citrus allergy.

This is only CS and snack locations in the parks. TS locations have a boatload of other stuff as do resorts.

I need to point something out to you. If somebody is allergic to gluten, removing breading is not safe. There will still be gluten on the food.

Our resort food court is our favourite CS location to eat. We make sure to tell Special Diets (via the form they ask you to fill out) that we'll be dining there a lot. The chefs make sure they have special foods on hand for our kids to eat. Value resorts are the best because they have the biggest food courts so you're set there.

Since you have the dining plan, you'll include your ADR info on the form you fill out for Special Diets. They'll notify the restaurants that you're coming. When you check in, confirm the food allergies. Also remind your server. A chef will come out and discuss your options with you and will personally make all of your food. At buffets, the chef will do the same.

As others have said, WDW is the BEST place to vacation with food allergies. You'll have a great time. Just plan to take longer than expected at meals since the food has to be custom made when you order and I also like to try to eat at non-peak times so the chef isn't as swamped and can take a few extra minutes with us without being rushed.

 

[mathornt]

wow! what an awesome list.

can i just say i love this board???

if a restaurant isnt listed below in the chart, does that mean we are in trouble?

for table service restaurants, we are looking at:
jiko - dinner
whispering canyon - dinner
crystal palace - breakfast
coral reef - dinner
ohanas - breakfast

do you think any of them will present a problem?

we plan to hit each of the theme parks on our trip...so we will be in each park at some point. i figure we will need to eat lunch/snacks on some days in the park and i will bring some of our own snacks too.

also, i think we will end up needing breakfast and/or dinner and snacks at all star sports some too. thats great that i can let them know about his allergies and they will have choices at the resort. i was nervous about that since its a food court.

i want to add i know taking the breading off chicken isnt the best idea, but it has been my only option on occasion. i am glad to hear that isnt the case at disney!!!

 

[spiceycat]

tell them before and your wait is less.

if you forget - never fear - just tell the person who seats you and your food server - that you have allergies to foods.

they will send out a chef to help you order.

my worst are pepper (this is a big problem), rye, oats, barley, most vegetables, most fish.

expect to WAIT.

have waited over an hour - when the rest of my group was ready to leave.

learned not to eat out with groups - one reason why brought DVC years ago. No problem if you prepare and cook it yourself.

 

[staceyhzoo]

We've been twice with dd who has numerous food allergies. Last December we ate at Cinderella's Royal Table, Ohana Friends Bkfst (chef was really great, but food selection was lacking-mostly because she is so picky), California Grill (by far the best with her food selection and the chef was wonderful), and LeCellier (horrid with food allergies). Dairy and gluten are hard. My dd has just tested negative to dairy, but we still have corn, sulfites, nitrated, kiwi, shellfish, plus some odd ones. If your lo will eat salmon it can be prepared very safe and it's really good. My dd is a salmon junkie since returning from Disney and tells me mine isn't as good.
We also made allergy cards for her to give to the chef. It listed her first name, her food allergies, and that they were life threatening and we had epi pens. It seemed to make it easier, our first trip we weren't nearly as prepared and it was harder. We carried a lot of cereal bars and other foods that would be ok out. One day I did carry cold pasta in her lunch box and she was fine with it cold. My dd also wears a medic alert bracelet and it gets a lot of attention.
Most of the rest. in the hotels carry Divvies products-I'm not sure if they are gluten free since they contain corn but I know they are dairy free (dd was almost 2 when we discovered her corn allergy)


I also wanted to add if you go to the qs that you are wanting to eat at a little before you are going to eat, a lot of them will go get something safe from another location if they don't offer it. I've been told it's hit or miss, but we never had an issue. Watch the fries AK they were supposed to be dairy free but dd had to take 2 doses of antihistamines after eating them, she was itchy and said her mouth burned. scary time for us.

Best of luck! Have a great trip!

 

[clanmcculloch]

wow! what an awesome list.

can i just say i love this board???

if a restaurant isnt listed below in the chart, does that mean we are in trouble?

for table service restaurants, we are looking at:
jiko - dinner
whispering canyon - dinner
crystal palace - breakfast
coral reef - dinner
ohanas - breakfast

do you think any of them will present a problem?

we plan to hit each of the theme parks on our trip...so we will be in each park at some point. i figure we will need to eat lunch/snacks on some days in the park and i will bring some of our own snacks too.

also, i think we will end up needing breakfast and/or dinner and snacks at all star sports some too. thats great that i can let them know about his allergies and they will have choices at the resort. i was nervous about that since its a food court.

i want to add i know taking the breading off chicken isnt the best idea, but it has been my only option on occasion. i am glad to hear that isnt the case at disney!!!

The chart did not include TS locations. All Disney owned TS locations are equipped to handle food allergies, though some are better than others.

I've never tried Jiko (location - I don't want to shlep over there). I've only read really good reviews though.

I've never tried WCC because of the location and the fact that I'm not sure DD12 would react well to the antics. She has Asperger Syndrome and it would really depend on her mood whether she'd get into it or try to crawl under the table. It's not worth the risk. Laura (author of sleepingbean blog) doesn't have the greatest things to say about it and I typically agree with her assessments so I have no problem skipping it. They can make a dairy free milkshake so that alone might make it worthwhile to head over there (50s Prime Time will do that as well).

Crystal Palace gets either glowing or poor reviews. It's rarely in between. It seems to really depend on which chef is working at the time. I swore we wouldn't be back because I was having to correct the chef that was walking around with us (told us lemon crusted fish was citrus free, uh, I don't think so) but others swear by the place. They have a chocolate brownie that I understand is amazing and gluten, milk and egg free (the latter being rare) so I'm temped by that to try it again. Chef Mickey has a cupcake that's also gluten, milk and egg free and I know I've had a great experience there so I'm more likely to go there on a Magic Kingdom day. Just remember to confirm that what's brought out is correct and don't be shy about asking questions.

Coral Reef we're trying for the first time this August. I've read decent things and much of the menu looks super easy to convert to gfcf so I figure I'm good to go.

Ohana is pretty much a must do for allergy sufferers. Chef TJ's reputation is AMAZING in the food allergy community. Great choice!!!!

Here's a little hint for ordering at food courts. Place the allergy order first. Chefs at resorts generally tell me how long it will take to make the food (if pasta's requested then it's generally longer since they don't usually have a pot already boiling so they have to bring it to a boil then cook). About 5 minutes before the food is expected to be ready, go get everybody else's food. This way, you'll generally be eating together. If you're dining at off peak times (which I do suggest) then lines won't be a problem anyway so you could always wait until the allergy food is ready.

It is a food court, but the options are amazing. You'll definitely be able to order gluten/dairy free Mickey waffles that are DELICIOUS and they'll be served with real maple syrup (not the fake stuff normally used) and bacon if you order it. They all carry soy and rice milk and they all carry dairy free ice creams and GFCF baked goods (Divvies cookies DO have gluten but the value resorts also have GFCF brownies and may have GFCF chocolate chip cookies). The value resort food courts also have the chicken tenders and Ener-G buns and gluten free pasta and soy cheese and I believe even gluten free pizza crusts which work well with the soy cheese. Value resorts really do have the BEST food court options.

 

[snorris49]

Jiko is amazing (at least I thought so). They even gave me a special menu that was for milk free and everything but one item was gluten free. It was so cool to look at a menu and just pick what I wanted without worry of modification. I am not sure what the menu would be for kids, but I'm sure they will be very accommodating.

Crystal Palace has a really awesome GF/Milk Free/egg free/nut free cake and it is to die for! They make it house...very few places do that, usually you just get a French Meadow brownie with some rice dream ice cream, etc. I've not had breakfast there.

Ohana is awesome for dinner. I can't say enough great things about Chef TJ! a tie between here and California Grill for my favorite restaurants with dietary restrictions so far. Haven't been there for breakfast though...bet you could get GF/CF Mickey Waffles though!

 

[lilpooh108]

We are taking our 1st trip in october and our son is allergic to gluten and dairy.

we are bringing some of his own things to eat, but are nervous about trying to find things he can eat at wdw.

we will stay on site (all sports resort) and will be there for 5 nights. we got the disney dining plan as well.

can somebody offer advice so he doesnt have to eat hot dogs and peeled chicken nuggets the entire time?

should we avoid certain restaurants or aim for certain ones?

will the people behind the counter at the quick service places know whats in the food they are serving?

is there a universal menu somewhere online???

I just wanted to point out that some hot dogs and most deli meats contain traces of milk proteins such as casein. If your child has a milk allergy (not lactose intolerance), he actually might have a problem with hot dogs or deli meat (even sliced oven roasted type).

 

[antree]

Make all your reservations before your trip and have them post the allergy on your reservation, you will get a phone number that you can call before your trip and talk to the chef. Call and they can and will make you whatever is need so you will feel comfortable.
You can also call All Stars food court and let them know when you will be there and they will make sure they have what you need, or talk to the food court when you check in.

Disney is the best place to be for food allergies. We have never had a problem and feel very comfortable there.

 

[damarson]

Oh wow this is just amazing and such a relief to see all this information on one site.
We are travelling to America in May 2011 and boarding DCL Magic for 25 nights (2 cruises). I just need to confirm somthings:
WDW - walt disney world?? Is this the resorts or theme parks??
Booking/reservation form - is this done prior to arrival or on arrival??
My son is allergic to dairy and we are travelling from Aus so I am trying to get all my information together and be as organised as I can to make the trip a little easier for us all especially my son.
Do they have dairy free ice cream or Sorbet at the shops??
We were looking at staying at the Carribean resort - has anyone stayed here, if so what is it like with catering for dairy allergies?
All your help is greatly appreciated. Kind Regards

 

[antree]

Oh wow this is just amazing and such a relief to see all this information on one site.
We are travelling to America in May 2011 and boarding DCL Magic for 25 nights (2 cruises). I just need to confirm somthings:
WDW - walt disney world?? Is this the resorts or theme parks??
Booking/reservation form - is this done prior to arrival or on arrival??
My son is allergic to dairy and we are travelling from Aus so I am trying to get all my information together and be as organised as I can to make the trip a little easier for us all especially my son.
Do they have dairy free ice cream or Sorbet at the shops??
We were looking at staying at the Carribean resort - has anyone stayed here, if so what is it like with catering for dairy allergies?
All your help is greatly appreciated. Kind Regards

WDW - is the whole place, Resorts, Theme Parks, Downtown Disney, Water Parks, Etc. Everything that is on Disney 's property is consider Walt Disney World. Such to say as you are entering another dimension, You are now in Walt Disney's World. Each theme park has their own name such as, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Disney Hollywood Studio's.

Booking/Reservations- not sure what you mean. You need to make reservations for your hotel before arriving. Dining reservations should be made prior to your arrival but is not necessary. If you want to guarantee a place to eat at a certain time and place then all bookings should be made before you go.

Disney is a great place to be for allergies, they can accommodate it all. When you book your dining reservations tell them about the allergy and they will mark your reservations and give you a number to call the chef prior to arriving.
At all counter service meals will have an allergy book that you can look at and see all ingredients.

There is a email address or phone number floating around on one of the post where you can contact someone at Disney and they will send you all the information you need.

Check out the posts you can get a lot of info from them.

 

[2Tiggies]

I always take some basic snacks with me so for emergencies, lol! I take things like GF cereal bars, GF crackers and cookies and anything else that is small and can be thrown into a park bag. Also don't forget about the naturally allergy free things that you can eat like fresh fruit from the carts and popsicles. CS takes a bit longer to accommodate your request as it has to be specially made, so it is great to have a snack for my DD while we wait for them to prepare something.

 

[tavettava]

Dd is allergic to gluten and we have had an awesome experiences at WDW. We have eaten at all the places you listed but Jiko's (we have eaten at Boma and dd loved it). The chef's at all the places came out and asked dd what she liked and recommended some things to her. She usually has more food brought to her than she can eat. Sometimes she gets things that are not even on the menu.