Allergies and tablemates question

[bertalander]

I just wanted to say that I've never asked anyone to not eat something around my son.

I will remove him from the situation first.

Now if we are sitting with JUST family I may ask people to not have mixed nuts sitting out!

 

[Funfoody]

As a scout leader, I have had many kids in my troop who will eat nothing but peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I have been lucky that we haven't had kids with a nut allergy.

So while I, an adult, would not endanger a child by ordering the peanut butter pie, you'd probably be put on a table with other children. And there are a lot of kids who really need their peanut butter to be happy.

It's not the same thing as asking adults to be polite. It's severely inconvencing other children, possibly ruining their vacation, to accomodate your child's special needs.

Of course, that's only 2 or 3 in 10 kids. My kids would be happy to forgo peanut butter. They hate it. But you can't guarantee that the kids your kids are seated with are like that.

Maybe you'd be happier in a suite, where you could order your dinners off the dining room menu to be delivered to your room. Or meeting parents on your cruise's cruise meets board, and solicit tablemates who are comfortable with your dietary restrictions. Because if you hit a family with a peanut butter kid, they're going to say, "Sorry, no. It's not an option for us."

 

[m&m's mom]

I should clarify. No one in my family has allergies. I was just curious what others experience had been. I am sure if someone asked me nicely I would pick something else or take the offending item to go.
I am surprised with all of the allergy "talk" on the DIS no one has had this come up.

 

[atinkerbellmom]

I REALLY tried not to read this thread and just end up doing it anyway when I saw it was at two pages and still in the top page running.

First, let me say, some allergies can be as bad as airborne allergies. Some can be contact, some consumption and some all of the above. Actually our sports facility here where our NBA plays and all of the other attractions have made a "peanut free zone". I am blessed not to have to deal with a severe peanut allergy, but I do understand. It is getting so bad in this world due to some type of enviromental factors, that soon everyone will know someone with severe allergies. I think the target outlook last study I heard was by 2014. So with that said, I think everyone should try to learn as much as possible and support others who have to live with it. Remember the teenage girl whom died last year from kissing her boyfriend hours after he ate a peanut butter sandwich?

TSBRN- As a nurse if you at all work with children, I am sure you know of cross contamination allergies. I have a girlfriend whom came into my kitchen and I was preparing shrimp. I went to the fridge and open the door. She came behind me and touched the handle and scratched her eyes and had an reaction.

In a world where children are having an IgE or IgA close to 1000, I think something is changing. Most schools have gone to peanut free tables and some even peanut free rooms for lunch.

To let all of you know, DCL does seat allergy kids & parents at a individual table if the medical forms go in. They do not want any problems. They are more over the top than the parents. DINNER ROTATION is the best place for these kids to eat as DCL prepares the food of these kids seperate including frying the french fries in a seperate oil. The plates are seperate in the back and they have their own grill and preping ware. So ROOMSERVICE and on DECK is more of an issue for these kids than the dining room. Oh, I forgot, the comments that come from people telling us to remove the kids are the people whom feel these kids should live in a bubble. Maybe on should start their own "The Village" or "Lost" island.

So, let me get this straight, the people whom should not cruise are the people with allergy kids, asthmatic kids and kids with some developmental challenge? Did I miss anyone? So basically anyone whom has a condition that others have to be considerate of, because it may infringe on someone's rights?

So to answer the orginal posters question, yes these people will be seated at a table alone if need be. This is the advantage of DCL's small size to each dinner rotation. Thank you for being concerned and thanks for asking.

I'm happy the people who are running DCL are the people whom are. Thanks DCL for understanding.

 

[yndygo]

Remember the teenage girl whom died last year from kissing her boyfriend hours after he ate a peanut butter sandwich?

Actually, this turned out to be incorrect. She didn't die from that... but from an acute asthma attack - sorry, but I really do keep up with this sort of thing. The media just didn't make as big a noise after it was cleared up.
Here's a link to one story about the retraction - there are more if you check the internet.

To let all of you know, DCL does seat allergy kids & parents at a individual table if the medical forms go in. They do not want any problems. They are more over the top than the parents.

Um, no they don't... not unless you specifically request it. At least, in my experience...
Believe me, we were RABID about letting them know ahead of time, and it was in capital letters on her medical form (and mine, I'm anaphylactic to shrimp... but I'm an adult) and letting everyone and anyone know about my DD's Peanut & Nut allergy - and we were seated with 5 other people.

DINNER ROTATION is the best place for these kids to eat as DCL prepares the food of these kids seperate including frying the french fries in a seperate oil. The plates are seperate in the back and they have their own grill and preping ware. So ROOMSERVICE and on DECK is more of an issue for these kids than the dining room.

Yep... the kitchen for dining service is MUCH more reliable than room service - b/c of the awareness of the HeadWaiters and servers.

Oh, I forgot, the comments that come from people telling us to remove the kids are the people whom feel these kids should live in a bubble. Maybe on should start their own "The Village" or "Lost" island.

So, let me get this straight, the people whom should not cruise are the people with allergy kids, asthmatic kids and kids with some developmental challenge? Did I miss anyone? So basically anyone whom has a condition that others have to be considerate of, because it may infringe on someone's rights?

I've grown sort of a thick skin when it comes to people who think like this.
Amazingly, despite my older brother's deadly allergy, my OWN PARENTS saw nothing wrong with a) giving it to me and b) having me grow up eating peanut butter.
I was a child, so I took my cue from them - and it never occurred to me how selfish and self-centered that was until I had my DD. Seriously - the conversations with my parents as an adult were mind-boggling. My mother's rationale was "well, that's all you would eat" and my father's was "well, I like peanut butter..."
The fact that they would risk it with me as a child after having seen it almost kill my brother is mind-blowing enough.
My response to my mother was "well I shouldn't have had the chance to get 'hooked' on it in the first place..." and there wasn't a point to arguing it with my Dad.
My Brother and I both talk about it now... and I can't tell you the number of times I've apologized for my insensitivity growing up. But the thing is? I wasn't raised aware. I, who should've been, wasn't so how can I expect people who don't have to deal with it all in their families to 'get it'??

In the end, I'm still going to ask... that's just how it is.
If I have someone whose children "need" peanut butter to be happy? Well, we'll just request a different table... as I kind of "need" my daughter to keep breathing.

But I won't segregate myself or my family because dealing with a deadly food allergy (yes, it is classified as a disability!) is uncomfortable for other people.



((hug))

 

[Gr00vyChc]

Are the clubs onboard peanut free zone also?? Fortunately, my DD isn't allergic to anything and she LOVES her chocolates with nuts.. what are the rules for the clubs regarding this issue?

Gr00vyChc

 

[professorandmom]

I gotta ask...how is a highly allergic child safe from contamination at his/her own table???...seems that diners from other tables may be closer than diners at the far end of a large table. Seems the risk is only abated by not being in the same room....

I know at my child's school there was a contact peanut allergic child and the school struggled with what to do. The lunch room is quite large (serving 200 kids per lunch period). The school couldn't promise that all 200 kids wouldn't bring pb. Both parents and school were concerned about the social stigma of putting the child in a separate room. Notes were sent home...LOTS of debate. In the end, several other parents agreed to never send any peanut items and the 4 children ate lunch in a separate room.

Seems to me there really isn't a good solution
Barb

 

[yndygo]

I gotta ask...how is a highly allergic child safe from contamination at his/her own table???...seems that diners from other tables may be closer than diners at the far end of a large table. Seems the risk is only abated by not being in the same room....

I know at my child's school there was a contact peanut allergic child and the school struggled with what to do. The lunch room is quite large (serving 200 kids per lunch period). The school couldn't promise that all 200 kids wouldn't bring pb. Both parents and school were concerned about the social stigma of putting the child in a separate room. Notes were sent home...LOTS of debate. In the end, several other parents agreed to never send any peanut items and the 4 children ate lunch in a separate room.

Seems to me there really isn't a good solution
Barb

Actually, as I mentioned before, there IS a good solution - and it's underway right now:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-07/ncas-naf072307.php
There is a scientist who has discovered how to remove the allergen from peanuts without changing the taste or texture or experience of peanuts.
Now it's just a matter of getting manufacturers to see the wisdom of switching over to allergen-free peanuts.

And then it's a matter of figuring out the same sort of process for other tree-nuts and other 'contact' allergy foods.

Then there won't be an issue.

 

[yndygo]

Are the clubs onboard peanut free zone also?? Fortunately, my DD isn't allergic to anything and she LOVES her chocolates with nuts.. what are the rules for the clubs regarding this issue?

Gr00vyChc

IIRC, with the exception of the 'cooking events' (like making cookie dough) food is not allowed in the kids clubs.

 

[ReggieB]

I know at my child's school there was a contact peanut allergic child and the school struggled with what to do. The lunch room is quite large (serving 200 kids per lunch period). The school couldn't promise that all 200 kids wouldn't bring pb. Both parents and school were concerned about the social stigma of putting the child in a separate room. Notes were sent home...LOTS of debate. In the end, several other parents agreed to never send any peanut items and the 4 children ate lunch in a separate room.

Seems to me there really isn't a good solution
Barb

Wow only 4? There is a whole table of at least 10 in my DS' elementary. Granted it's a large school, but you have to wonder how this allergy has gotten so out of control. PB isn't served, but is allowed to be brought in by the kids. I'm so lucky my DS only has contact allergy issues (with fruit of all things) He also can be randomly allergic to ingredients (nitrates possibly, but we aren't certain) we could hardly ask people not to eat anything! I'm sure if DS had a peanut allergy the poor thing would be in a bubble!

 

[tvguy]

Most schools have gone to peanut free tables and some even peanut free rooms for lunch.

I don't know is most schools is correct. Some, not most. I wouldn't want a parent of a child with a peanut allergy to assume that was the case, you need to check with each school. Heck, I was surprised on the 4 flights I took this year that both Hawaiian Airlines and Continental served peanuts on board instead of pretzels. I swear at least Continental had dumped peanuts but I guess not, or not anymore.

 

[Funfoody]

In the end, I'm still going to ask... that's just how it is.
If I have someone whose children "need" peanut butter to be happy? Well, we'll just request a different table... as I kind of "need" my daughter to keep breathing.

I think it's kind of awkward asking to be moved after you are seated. Remember, they have hundreds of numbered tables, and carefully balance how many people each server has. You may have to wait quite a while when they work out where to move you.

It could take time when you or your kids are tired and hungry. Personally, I'd prefer to deal with such issues in advance, by arranging for a private table or choosing your peanut-free tablemates on the disboard.

I have a family of four, and on every cruise (3 so far) we've been seated on a private table for four without asking. There's lots of them in the dining room. So it's not unusual.

 

[bertalander]

Hmmmmmm. I'm a mom to a peanut/tree nut allergic child. I responded that I would most likely remove my child from the situation. That does NOT mean I want him to live in a bubble. Quite the contrary. I want him to know how to live in the real world.

Bars are going to have nuts sitting out... there will be peanuts at ball games. I'm attempting to teach him now, at age 5, that he can still live out there in the big bad world. BUT he has got to learn strategies for dealing with situations.

On a cruise where an kid is looking forward to a peanut butter pie dessert I most certianly would NOT ask the other child to not eat that food. I would make sure they were not seated together and keep his area clean. Most likely I'd ask the server to wash hands after serving the peanut butter dessert. Because really people, you CAN'T react to the smell of peanut butter. National Jewish has done a couple of studies on this now. YES, you can react to airborn particles of 'dust' from peanuts or treenuts. Trust me: BTDT! But the smell along can NOT cause a reaction.

If the situtaion arose where a platter of cashews was plopped on the table I would promptly remove him from the dining area right away.


Am I teaching him to run away? No, I'm trying to teach him to avoid situations where he will mostyl likely react.

As situations present themselves, we learn how we're going to deal with them.

At soccer tonight he went up on the bleachers and came back down right away. When I told him it was ok to sit up there he told me "No way! There are pistachio shells up there!"

I certainly can't ask the entire Soccer CLub to not eat pistachios on the ground... that's simply silly IMHO. But I can teach my child how to stay safe and how to react to a reaction.... and not live in a bubble.

So... there's my bit. Sorry, that kinda struck a chord with me.

And to open an WHOLE 'nother can of worms I'm the parent of a food allergic kid and I'm AGAINST peanut bans. (So is FAAN for what it's worth!) Peanut bans create a false sense of security.

My son sits at the table with other kids while they munch on peanut butter sandwiches. He has a disposable placemat and his teacher wipes his spot off (and seat) with a clorax wipe prior to him sitting down each day. The children actually argue over who get's to sit next to Tommy. They know no one with peanut butter or nuts can sit next to him.

Ok... now I"m done.

 

[yndygo]

I think it's kind of awkward asking to be moved after you are seated. Remember, they have hundreds of numbered tables, and carefully balance how many people each server has. You may have to wait quite a while when they work out where to move you.

It could take time when you or your kids are tired and hungry. Personally, I'd prefer to deal with such issues in advance, by arranging for a private table or choosing your peanut-free tablemates on the disboard.

I have a family of four, and on every cruise (3 so far) we've been seated on a private table for four without asking. There's lots of them in the dining room. So it's not unusual.

You are welcome to do as you prefer. That doesn't make it my preference. One of the things we like best about this sort of dining is meeting our tablemates.

Fortunately for us, in the past, we haven't been seated with people who were incapable of waiting 10 minutes for us to leave the table before ordering something potentially deadly to my DD.

 

[yndygo]

Hmmmmmm. I'm a mom to a peanut/tree nut allergic child. I responded that I would most likely remove my child from the situation. That does NOT mean I want him to live in a bubble. Quite the contrary. I want him to know how to live in the real world.

Bars are going to have nuts sitting out... there will be peanuts at ball games. I'm attempting to teach him now, at age 5, that he can still live out there in the big bad world. BUT he has got to learn strategies for dealing with situations.

On a cruise where an kid is looking forward to a peanut butter pie dessert I most certianly would NOT ask the other child to not eat that food. I would make sure they were not seated together and keep his area clean. Most likely I'd ask the server to wash hands after serving the peanut butter dessert. Because really people, you CAN'T react to the smell of peanut butter. National Jewish has done a couple of studies on this now. YES, you can react to airborn particles of 'dust' from peanuts or treenuts. Trust me: BTDT! But the smell along can NOT cause a reaction.

Am I teaching him to run away? No, I'm trying to teach him to avoid situations where he will mostyl likely react.

(snipping parts for length)


So... there's my bit. Sorry, that kinda struck a chord with me.

And to open an WHOLE 'nother can of worms I'm the parent of a food allergic kid and I'm AGAINST peanut bans. (So is FAAN for what it's worth!) Peanut bans create a false sense of security.

My son sits at the table with other kids while they munch on peanut butter sandwiches. He has a disposable placemat and his teacher wipes his spot off (and seat) with a clorax wipe prior to him sitting down each day. The children actually argue over who get's to sit next to Tommy. They know no one with peanut butter or nuts can sit next to him.

We've had some success at school and some clueless people.
Certainly, if your teacher is aware, you are 100% better off.
2 years ago, DD's teacher was HYPERaware, as she had had to inject a pre-schooler with an EpiPen once and hoped to never have to do so again.
We were fine with that.
Last year, the teacher wasn't quite as vigilant - and 3-4 year olds aren't as good at "actually, don't share your chocolate chip cookie, because you don't know what's in it when you can't read" as adults... so we had a few terrifying incidents involving the ER.
This year, she's at a school where the teachers are amazing... but it's 1/2 days, so no lunch period...
But she's finally getting to the point of being able to advocate for herself.

That said - FAAN isn't exactly someone I'd quote (you'll note they don't have anything about the discovery I linked above on the site) but National Jewish is - then again, we LIVE here in Denver and go to National Jewish for her treatments - DD's allergist is one of the TOP in the country... and I take my cues from her.

We all parent our own way... but believe me when I say that after 40+ years of experience in watching my older brother deal with a deadly peanut allergy, I'll opt for peanut free environments whenever possible... until and unless the manufacturers start using the allergen-free variety.

Yes, peanut butter 'aroma' doesn't cause an issue... but you know what? No one ever died from waiting to order it for 5 minutes until someone else left either.

And for the record? I've never said "I would make another child not order it" - I'm getting a bit sick of being misquoted... I SAID "I'd ask them if they'd mind not ordering it OR WAITING UNTIL WE LEFT TO DO SO"

 

[Karen Mouse]

WOW! - I really tried not to get angry as I read this thread but geeeez! - would it really hurt someone to forgo a sandwich if it threatens someones life?????

I am not talking about a mild reaction here - its life or death people!

What if the person with the allergy uses the salt and pepper after someone has handled their nut food? - thats enough to give my son a reaction. Its easy to comment until you've lived with it.

My sons allergy is the most severe type. We still manages to live a "normal" life including flying, eating in restaurants etc - I dont think telling someone to eat in their cabin is really the answer.

Sorry - it's a touchy subject... I apologize if I'm coming across as rabid.

But I've seen my brother dying on the table in the E.R. - and barely making it - because he had trace amounts of peanuts in ice cream... it's not something I ever want to experience with my daughter.

Then again, when we were kids, no one ever heard of "life threatening peanut allergy" - so I guess I'm pretty lucky that there's awareness of it now.

I don't ever think it hurts to ask someone if it would be a hassle for them to refrain from eating it around her - but also, if someone said "you know, we love peanut butter, and I'd really hate to miss out on the Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie..." I'd also be 100% okay with saying "yep, I get that! I love it too - I just haven't eaten it since my daughter was born... but I totally understand - let me see what I can get the head-waiter to work out - or maybe we can just leave before you order dessert if that works?"

I don't expect the world to change to accommodate 1 person - or even a percentage of people - when it's something like this... but it would be silly not to ask someone in the situation. Because it would be awful to say, not get to know the people at the table because of a fear that they might say no, if it were a matter of the other folks saying something like "oh sure, no problem!"


Then again - a scientist recently discovered a way to remove the allergen from peanuts without changing the nature or taste of them - so if it ends up being commercially viable? I'm thrilled!!
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-07/ncas-naf072307.php

This came out over the summer.

Thanks for the link - I didnt know about this scientist. Lets hope it works.

I personally don't think getting your own table would solve your allergy concerns....but if you are going to feel the need to ask the other guests to avoid eating nut products....you probably should get your own table.

Let me explain....as nurse for many years, I know how serious a nut allergy can be. But, I think your table mates food choices would be the least of your worries. I am really sure it would be impossible for your child to have a reaction to someone else at the same table eating say--a piece of peanut butter pie. In fact, I can't think of any airborne particles in any food they would serve. The only way your child could come in contact would be by touching that person (or their plate/untensils) where they touched the peanut product (hands or mouth, most likely). I find that scenario pretty unlikely.

If you are going to go with the idea that possibly the cook or waiter touched the peanut product on the table mates plate, then touched your child's plate during preparation; you would have to ban nut products from the whole kitchen or at least from all the tables those waiters are serving. I also find that scenario pretty unlikely.

If it were my child, I would be far more concerned with the pools, handrails, elevators, buffets....places that people touch frequently, and more disconcerting, children (and some adults) who put there hands in their mouths and touch everything. I mean, if you child is THAT allergic to nuts, those places would seem a much more logical place of transmission than at a dining room table (where you have control over what your child eats and touches).

I have a severe shellfish allergy, but would never think of asking others around me to not eat shellfish. I just carry my Benadryl and Epi pen with me at all times in case my food is accidentally contaminated...maybe not the best option for some, but I refuse to live in a bubble.

Just my two cents.

Like I say, my son has had a reaction from someone just ruffling his hair as they went past in a restaurant. He has had a reaction from touching salt and pepper pots after someone has used them.

I REALLY tried not to read this thread and just end up doing it anyway when I saw it was at two pages and still in the top page running.

First, let me say, some allergies can be as bad as airborne allergies. Some can be contact, some consumption and some all of the above. Actually our sports facility here where our NBA plays and all of the other attractions have made a "peanut free zone". I am blessed not to have to deal with a severe peanut allergy, but I do understand. It is getting so bad in this world due to some type of enviromental factors, that soon everyone will know someone with severe allergies. I think the target outlook last study I heard was by 2014. So with that said, I think everyone should try to learn as much as possible and support others who have to live with it. Remember the teenage girl whom died last year from kissing her boyfriend hours after he ate a peanut butter sandwich?

TSBRN- As a nurse if you at all work with children, I am sure you know of cross contamination allergies. I have a girlfriend whom came into my kitchen and I was preparing shrimp. I went to the fridge and open the door. She came behind me and touched the handle and scratched her eyes and had an reaction.

In a world where children are having an IgE or IgA close to 1000, I think something is changing. Most schools have gone to peanut free tables and some even peanut free rooms for lunch.

To let all of you know, DCL does seat allergy kids & parents at a individual table if the medical forms go in. They do not want any problems. They are more over the top than the parents. DINNER ROTATION is the best place for these kids to eat as DCL prepares the food of these kids seperate including frying the french fries in a seperate oil. The plates are seperate in the back and they have their own grill and preping ware. So ROOMSERVICE and on DECK is more of an issue for these kids than the dining room. Oh, I forgot, the comments that come from people telling us to remove the kids are the people whom feel these kids should live in a bubble. Maybe on should start their own "The Village" or "Lost" island.

So, let me get this straight, the people whom should not cruise are the people with allergy kids, asthmatic kids and kids with some developmental challenge? Did I miss anyone? So basically anyone whom has a condition that others have to be considerate of, because it may infringe on someone's rights?

So to answer the orginal posters question, yes these people will be seated at a table alone if need be. This is the advantage of DCL's small size to each dinner rotation. Thank you for being concerned and thanks for asking.

I'm happy the people who are running DCL are the people whom are. Thanks DCL for understanding.

Well said

Um, no they don't... not unless you specifically request it. At least, in my experience...
Believe me, we were RABID about letting them know ahead of time, and it was in capital letters on her medical form (and mine, I'm anaphylactic to shrimp... but I'm an adult) and letting everyone and anyone know about my DD's Peanut & Nut allergy - and we were seated with 5 other people.

Yep... the kitchen for dining service is MUCH more reliable than room service - b/c of the awareness of the HeadWaiters and servers.

In the end, I'm still going to ask... that's just how it is.
If I have someone whose children "need" peanut butter to be happy? Well, we'll just request a different table... as I kind of "need" my daughter to keep breathing.

But I won't segregate myself or my family because dealing with a deadly food allergy (yes, it is classified as a disability!) is uncomfortable for other people.


((hug))

We are cruising soon... We contacted Disney and requested a table just for us and explained the reasons. However, since then we have been on the cruise meets thread and made some good friends who are now happy to eat at our "nut free" table, maybe you could buddy up with another family if they are willing to do the same.


And just to clarify - yes - I would ask you not to endanger my sons life just because you fancied a particular sandwich. Certainly, I would remove him from an area if you refused. No we cant predict every scenario to prevent all reactions, but the obvious ones we can. I have taught my son not to use handrails, touch buttons in elevators etc. I go onbaord the plane and wipe down everywhere he might come into contact with near our seating area and I sure would ask a fellow passenger to not eat nuts if he opened them. Either that or does he feel like coming to the funeral when I BURY MY SON.

Get real people. You will not die without a peanut butter sandwich. Surely if you explain to your children that it would make another child sick they would not want to eat it anyway. I find children are more accomodating than the ignorant parents half the time.

On the whole, most people you meet are very accomodating and try to comply..on the other hand there will always be the odd adult with a brain the size of a peanut that tells me his child cant live without a PBJ sandwich.

Rant over.

 

[bertalander]

Allergen free peanut. Scares me truth be told. I think it will only serve to further muddy the water. Chances are that the allergen free peanuts will be pricier. So, I don't see the general public runnign out to buy allergen free peanut butter. Thus you are still dealing with the exact same problems, only now you hav NO idea if a peanut product is safe or not. So, just like that vanilla sheet cake from the bakery you must continue to assume that all are not safe.

You know, I had NO idea that FAAN didn't have the allergen free peanut news on their site. Interesting. I thought I had followed a blurb from another allergy family to the FAAN site originally to read about. If it's not there I wonder if FAAN is tempered by the same thoughts I have.

How awful for you child to have to go back to the ER a few tims last year. I would be RUNNNING from a preschool that didn't do a better job than that.

My son had his first anaphylactic reaction when he was 3.5 at home with Hurrican Katrina churning her way towards us. It was terrifying to see him covered head to toe in hives, wheezing, screaming...

He had just started preschool 3 days a week from 9-1. Once things began to open back up I wanted to unenroll him from school right away. But dh talked me into giving it a go. Amazingly we had no problems. The teacher every meal reminded the children about no sharing. And my son is TERRIFIED of another big reaction. He will accept NOTHING unless he knows point blank I have approved it. We also did 'SAFE!' stickers for foods I had approved for the classroom.


In the end we parents of food allergic kids have to make the best choices we can. I hate food allergies, and I hate 'debates' about them. We all just want our kids safe. I would have NO problem not eating a food if a parent asked me not to, of course.

Best wishes to all... food allergies or not.

 

[goofysgirl]

Just my two cents worth...we have cruised 9 times on the Magic with a daughter severely peanut allergic.
While we never asked anyone not to eat nuts around her, we did tell our tablemates she was allergic. Just an old habit I tell everyone who will listen, I figure if everyone knows they will be able to tell medical personel if she is unable to or I am not there with her.
We have never had an issue with anything she was served and our servers were careful to check everything she ordered...right down to the bread on our table.
Be careful of the buffets because of cross contamination, other than that you should be able to have an uneventful cruise.

Happymommy-your son outgrew a nut allergy? Wow that is wonderful, my allergist told me she would never outgrow...I should check another allergist and see if this might be possible for my daughter as well, what a relief that would be!

Please make sure that you let Disney know well in advance, they will take very special care of your child and you!
Have a great trip

 

[robsmom]

You are welcome to do as you prefer. That doesn't make it my preference. One of the things we like best about this sort of dining is meeting our tablemates.

Fortunately for us, in the past, we haven't been seated with people who were incapable of waiting 10 minutes for us to leave the table before ordering something potentially deadly to my DD.

I am sorry but I really disagree with you on this one. Why does your desire to sit with other people trump another families potential desire to have peanut butter. What if it is not just dessert and the child wants an uncrustable or something. It is not like there is not a solution or we are saying yes people have the right to potentially harm your child. If Disney did not or could not accomodate you at a separate table then of course I would expect any good parent to agree to wait for 10 minutes or whatever was necessary to protect your child or anyone else's.

 

[yndygo]

Happymommy-your son outgrew a nut allergy? Wow that is wonderful, my allergist told me she would never outgrow...I should check another allergist and see if this might be possible for my daughter as well, what a relief that would be!

The latest research shows that there is a 5% chance of your child outgrowing a peanut allergy by puberty IF the allergy falls under the "mild-to-moderate" category...

Definitely check with your allergist - because it depends on the level of blood reaction (not skin reaction!)

There's also a very rare incidence (but real) of people testing positive on the skin reaction who have no blood reaction... which means the allergy isn't life-threatening!

Hoping you guys fall in the 5%!!! (We know DD doesn't, her reaction is the strongest possible on both blood and skin )