A small dietary restrictions rant...

[Donald - my hero]

The problem is compiling a comprehensive list up to date so less-trained CMs can answer your questions.

My frustration (and it sounded like the OP as well) is not the "average CM" but those who work within the Special Diets department not being able to help out. I followed their requests and provided detail information right at the one month mark ... we've been home since Saturday and I'm STILL waiting to hear from one restaurant as was promised --- I sent several e-mails, called to request a follow-up, even suggested stopping in at the restaurant a few days before we thought we might go (it's in DS and not a highly coveted reservation so i knew it wouldn't be a problem getting in even as walk-ups) and no response.

I don't expect anyone other than the chef to know what's in the food on any given day but the Special Diet department should be able to answer the general question of "are all of the menu items prepared in bulk before start of service"

 

[eastendlights]

That's how my immediate family is, too, but not all families are. My little cousin has an obvious peanut allergy and her family still has peanuts around. I've watched her react (her airway) after her dad ate a sundae with peanuts and then kissed her. And they still don't have an official diagnosis, nor an epipen, and they think it's a mild allergy. (It's an extreme example and I'm not equating the ops family with them but it just shows that families are different)

I might have a zucchini allergy (was tested but disliked my docs so I never went back to get results) (and hello latex-adjacent allergy) and if DH and DS wanted to go to a restaurant that was All Things Zucchini they would go when I wasn't there. They would send me to get a massage or manicure or to have tea or something while they went. But not all families are like that.

As the mother of a 16 year old with a life threatening peanut allergy, I just have to say that your family is playing with fire. You, or someone with some kind of authority, should insist that your cousin is tested immediately and prescribed an EpiPen. Even if the allergy is mild, there is a very good chance it could increase dangerously, although if she has had a reaction like you describe, that is NOT a mild allergy. My son was 18 months old when he was first diagnosed and in his case he did not eat a peanut either, just touched one. His allergy has become more severe with each passing year despite the fact that he has had no exposure that has caused a reaction. Please try to make them see some sense.

 

[Tigger's ally]

Well poop

Now the well is contaminated!

 

[Honeybee83]

My daughter has a pineapple allergy. My husband and I love Ohana and knew that our adult children would as well....except for our daughter and the whole pineapple allergy situation. We hoped to be able to eat there on our last family trip so I talked with the chef one night when it was just my husband and I and asked what types of food my daughter would be able to eat if we chose to eat there on the family trip. They told me to ask to speak to the chef when we arrived and that they would make substitutes for those dishes that had pineapple. The Chef came out and talked with my daughter explaining each dish that had pineapple and what he could do as a substitute. It seems like one of the meats had a pineapple marinade..probably the chicken. The noodles contained pineapple but they made her a plate of noodles with the pineapple omitted. ONE of the dipping sauces contains pineapple and I believe she just avoided it. Of course the bread and the bread pudding have pineapple. I honestly don't remember what they offered to replace the bread. It seems like they offered ice cream to replace the bread pudding but she was so full by that point that she didn't have room for dessert.

Thank you so very much for this information! This dinner was the one my husband wanted the most of the whole trip and I would never deny him of it, however I highly doubt he would agree to go if there were no good substitutes and he would be left feeling like he was having an amazing experience at my expense. He's a pretty awesome fella. Your experience gives me hope that it will not be a big deal and that we can all still have a nice time. If we're being honest though, with how much he has talked about it, even if they did bring me a plate of gruel I would try to sell it as the best thing I've ever had because I'd hate for him to miss this.

 

[Honeybee83]

Now the well is contaminated!

Nice

 

[Honeybee83]

I get that your family wants to go, but per OP's description: "but once you spend six hours writhing in pain while all of your insides wish to be on your outsides", I would think her family would take one for the team and not pick a restaurant that has pineapple in literally every dish.

I don't think it would be too much to ask to eat somewhere she might actually be able to enjoy the food.

I just wanted to make clear that my husband is in No Way insisting on this restaurant at all! It is me that is driving the, is it possible for me to find something here bandwagon, after seeing how excited he was from some of the dining reviews we've watched. We have NEVER done a single table service restaurant other than the plaza in MK and Mama Melrose in HS. This time we decided to get the dining plan and as we were watching YouTube reviews to help us figure out where we want to go, and came across Ohana it was like the man was blind seeing the sun for the first time. However, even as excited as he was the first thing he said was I hope we can find out what's the ingredients are because if it's full of pineapple we won't eat there. He is very very thoughtful and would never want to risk me having a reaction. The other members of our dining party will be 5 years and 1 year old and probably won't care at all where we eat as long as there's dessert at the end.

 

[Honeybee83]

I have no idea about specific ingredients in 'Ohana dishes, but I need to tell you that the phrase "digestive pyrotechnics" literally made me laugh until I cried...and I really needed that today! Good luck with this menu adventure, @Honeybee83

I am here to serve!

 

[Honeybee83]

High in fiber!

At least there's that!

 

[bumbershoot]

I actually work in the medical field and am allergic to latex. How interesting. Do you have any understanding as to why this is or what causes it?

They are all simply related. And zucchini too as I've learned.

FWIW, I believe I've read that most Disney restaurants are using latex gloves at this point.

I read that to but...I don't believe it. I think someone misunderstood something at some point. Using latex gloves could harm the workers let alone guests.

As the mother of a 16 year old with a life threatening peanut allergy, I just have to say that your family is playing with fire.

I one million percent agree. Tonight I thought about calling *someone* about it. It's "killing" me emotionally. I love my little cousin. Seeing her get asthmatic after a freakin' kiss freaked me out. I have an epipen ($30 copay) from a pre-testing, suspected, allergy. I would have given it to them but I can't find it since our move (it's easy as an adult to avoid zucchini, and actually I don't think my reaction was caused by zucchini but the docs and allergy place won't listen to me).

We have NEVER done a single table service restaurant other than the plaza in MK and Mama Melrose in HS.

Gasp!!!! Do some dining!!!

 

[Honeybee83]

Gasp!!!! Do some dining!!!

Agreed! Can't wait to try Disney with a dining package!

 

[ConnecticutFlea]

I just wanted to make clear that my husband is in No Way insisting on this restaurant at all! It is me that is driving the, is it possible for me to find something here bandwagon, after seeing how excited he was from some of the dining reviews we've watched. We have NEVER done a single table service restaurant other than the plaza in MK and Mama Melrose in HS. This time we decided to get the dining plan and as we were watching YouTube reviews to help us figure out where we want to go, and came across Ohana it was like the man was blind seeing the sun for the first time. However, even as excited as he was the first thing he said was I hope we can find out what's the ingredients are because if it's full of pineapple we won't eat there. He is very very thoughtful and would never want to risk me having a reaction. The other members of our dining party will be 5 years and 1 year old and probably won't care at all where we eat as long as there's dessert at the end.

Disney is great with allergies. I'm sure they will feed you something safe. One time at Ohana they went next door to get my grandson a hot dog and fries. Of course we payed full ohana price for the hot dog. If you're on the dining plan and don't mind using your credits for potentially a less than great meal you will be fine. Worst case scenario, you get a plate of gruel. Best scenario you actually like what they can provide. Either way I think you will be safe

 

[Nancyg56]

I just wanted to make clear that my husband is in No Way insisting on this restaurant at all! It is me that is driving the, is it possible for me to find something here bandwagon, after seeing how excited he was from some of the dining reviews we've watched. We have NEVER done a single table service restaurant other than the plaza in MK and Mama Melrose in HS. This time we decided to get the dining plan and as we were watching YouTube reviews to help us figure out where we want to go, and came across Ohana it was like the man was blind seeing the sun for the first time. However, even as excited as he was the first thing he said was I hope we can find out what's the ingredients are because if it's full of pineapple we won't eat there. He is very very thoughtful and would never want to risk me having a reaction. The other members of our dining party will be 5 years and 1 year old and probably won't care at all where we eat as long as there's dessert at the end.

I understand! My DGD had a dairy and egg allergy for quite some time. Disney was amazing. The Chefs are well trained, and they will find a way to feed you. You may not have the same food your family is having, but you will eat, and it will be safe. Enjoy the meal!

 

[Dis703]

My frustration (and it sounded like the OP as well) is not the "average CM" but those who work within the Special Diets department not being able to help out. I followed their requests and provided detail information right at the one month mark ... we've been home since Saturday and I'm STILL waiting to hear from one restaurant as was promised --- I sent several e-mails, called to request a follow-up, even suggested stopping in at the restaurant a few days before we thought we might go (it's in DS and not a highly coveted reservation so i knew it wouldn't be a problem getting in even as walk-ups) and no response.

I don't expect anyone other than the chef to know what's in the food on any given day but the Special Diet department should be able to answer the general question of "are all of the menu items prepared in bulk before start of service"

Even there though you will have a difference time to time though so it's not something someone outside of the restaurant that day can answer for sure. For example, we have dined at Be Our Guest many times now. At lunch my kids need a potato option that is milk, soy, gluten/grain (among other things) free. There have been times they have had the mashed sweet potato available before any milk was added. Other times it was already prepped with the milk so they had to make us roasted potatoes instead. We've had similar experiences in other Disney restaurants.

As for the restaurants not responding, thankfully for the most part we haven't had too much trouble with that. Most are pretty quick and a couple I've had to make a second request before reaching. Only 3 of them so far out of many trips have failed to reach out at all. Since you mention DS I wonder if this was one that isn't Disney owned? Twice we didn't hear back from TRex and had issues when we arrived. I tried to give very specific information in our Special Diets form, but they claimed not to even have received it either time. I assumed it was because they aren't a Disney owned restaurant yet RFC at AK reached out both times.

For the most part, the CMs in Special Diets appear to not have any more information than anyone else they just are relaying what we send to the restaurants and sending lists of where we can find certain items throughout the resort. At least that's my impression.

 

[bumbershoot]

Agreed! Can't wait to try Disney with a dining package!

Fwiw we've done a TS each day since we started going to wdw and we've never had a dining package. And the dining plan would have cost us more than we ended up spending. Enjoy this time and then for the next trip really look at what you ordered and how you liked the Plan experience, and see what way works best for you.

 

[Honeybee83]

Fwiw we've done a TS each day since we started going to wdw and we've never had a dining package. And the dining plan would have cost us more than we ended up spending. Enjoy this time and then for the next trip really look at what you ordered and how you liked the Plan experience, and see what way works best for you.

Thanks for the tip. We're hoping they will have free dining for the fall, but with the TS restaurants that we wanted to do being so expensive, I'm just too cheap to pay OOP. We may end up only breaking even, but sadly it's the only way I can give myself permission to spend that much. Plus, with the number of snacks increasing for the regular dining plan, it actually worked out in our favor for how we spend to do the DP.

 

[sarahann77]

I do understand the frustration. I’m bothered that it’s a huge push when making the ADR to email or call to have it being helpless. Mine was for Boma. Mine aren’t full allergies but intolerances and will make the rest of the day miserable. With all the hype of Boma I wanted to know whether I could go there or not. Intolerances I’m mostly concerned of there were clove and tomatoes (hello practically every African dish). Helpless email was much more of a try it and talk with the chef. Okay. Went with breakfast as that’s safer I thought. I was fine with using my credit and having a snack after if needed. Chef was great and did imply that lunch/dinner to not try. I get why the email specialists can’t be certain but when it’s heavily worded to contact them it’s just frustrating to have even bothered. I just didn’t want to hold up a reservation if I couldn’t eat there.

 

[MammaMoe48]

As I understand it (and correct me if I'm wrong) all restaurants have basic off menu meals available, like grilled chicken or whatever, that you can order if you have allergies but you have to speak with someone at the restaurant when you arrive.

 

[Honeybee83]

I do understand the frustration. I’m bothered that it’s a huge push when making the ADR to email or call to have it being helpless. Mine was for Boma. Mine aren’t full allergies but intolerances and will make the rest of the day miserable. With all the hype of Boma I wanted to know whether I could go there or not. Intolerances I’m mostly concerned of there were clove and tomatoes (hello practically every African dish). Helpless email was much more of a try it and talk with the chef. Okay. Went with breakfast as that’s safer I thought. I was fine with using my credit and having a snack after if needed. Chef was great and did imply that lunch/dinner to not try. I get why the email specialists can’t be certain but when it’s heavily worded to contact them it’s just frustrating to have even bothered. I just didn’t want to hold up a reservation if I couldn’t eat there.

I agree. That's why I reached out to the reservation cancel board here on the dis, so that it would not go to waste, and I am still able to get my questions answered.

 

[Ava]

And they especially don't want to have to screen the regrettably large number of people who claim fake allergies. So many people on DIS tell others "say you're allergic to {thing you don't like}" and they'll accommodate!" Any time I see that I tell them not to do that, because it's disrespectful of real allergies, and disrespectful of the protocols required.

And what's even worse about that advice is that you don't have to claim an allergy to get accommodation at a Disney restaurant. We've never had a restaurant refuse to leave off an ingredient or sauce, swap out a side dish, or provide an adult sized portion of something from the children's menu when we've asked. No stated allergies required. I think the Disney restaurants understand that their diners are a somewhat captive audience and will do what they can, within reason, to make those diners happy.

 

[disneyvoice]

As someone who has an uncommon food allergy, I understand your frustration. I am allergic to ginger, also not life threatening but I end up in the ER having to get IV Benadryl and epinephrine to get rid of head to toe hives. That wouldn't be the way I would want to spend a day of my WDW vacation. The problem with having less common allergies is often when you ask someone in the restaurant if a dish contains ginger you get a puzzled "I don't think so" answer and the person somehow thinks that is good enough. For some reason I have found that if it's not a peanut allergy (or something else more well know) people seem to think you can just take a chance or something.

One problem that many people who don't have allergies don't think about is that when you are trying to decide where to eat it isn't just a matter of determining what you CAN'T eat, it is important to know what you CAN eat. That's where I agree that it would be nice to know ingredients prior to booking so you can decide if you will actually ENJOY any of the options you are left with. It would be a serious bummer if you got there and discovered you don't like any of the options available to you.

I will say, however that as long as you do some advance planning it really isn't much of problem at WDW because you can always just cancel the ADR if you decide that it won't work for you after speaking to someone. Disney is one of the places I have received service that went above and beyond what I expected in dealing with my allergy. When we went to Trader Sam's I had no way of knowing what had ginger (I have to assume most Asian and Thanksgiving holiday items contain ginger unless told otherwise) our CM had the chef come out and talk to me. Not only did he tell me what did and did not have ginger, he also gave me recommendations on the dishes he thought were the tastiest options for me. He was awesome - in fact I wrote a commendation for him. When I told him that I often take Benadryl whenever I eat somewhere with Asian food, even if I am told something won't have ginger (since things are still prepared near it) he said he didn't think being Benadryled sounded like a very fun way to spend our day so he ensured me I wouldn't need to medicate myself since he was aware of my allergy.