Allergies...just how helpful is Disney???

[soccer mom]

I have an adult DS who will be going to the world with us for the first time in 11 years! Last time he went we were in a FW cabin and never did PS keeping costs to a minimum with four kids.

Now we will all be together and our lifestyle has improved. I want to make this trip special for us and have lots of things planned, one being a PS for dinner every night.

This son has a severe milk allergy (we're not talking about a stomach ache; he can go into anaphylatic shock and need an epi pen and emergency care).

So now that you know our life story I will ask my question! How cooperative is Disney and when is the approriate time to make requests? We will be staying conceirge. Will they help us? Do I wait until I get to the restaurants? Should I call them before we leave home or the morning of our reservations?

Thanks for any advice you have!

 

[mamaminnie]

I think that they can be very helpful but you must be hyper-vigilant. We have a severe egg allergy here and managed quite well at WDW. We made all our AR early and I called each restaurant the day we were to eat there to let them know.

I felt better eating at full service rather than counter service meals because I could talk directly with a chef who was preparing the food rather than just heating up things.

She was able to eat something at every restaurant and they were all willing to go "off-menu" for her (she's 3 and rather picky on top of the allergy).

THey brought her a special dessert (usually fruit or sorbet-type ices) at almost every meal.

Just keep stating your needs, tell everyone, from reservations to hostess to waiter to chef and you will all have a great trip

HTH

 

[dznyntnh]

Have the concierge staff assist with making your rez's. Let them know the situation and ask them to have notes made on the rez's. When you check into the restaurants remind them of the allergies, some restaurants may even send out a chef to discuss the menu with you.

I have not personally had experiences with this, but have heard from others (and witnessed it a few times) how great the staffs are in these situations. I think with the prevelance of food allergies today they are sued to dealing with these types of issues.

 

[DisneyMom5]

When I call for ADRs I mention my son's allergies (previously wheat and egg, now peanut/tree nut), and they note them on the ADR. Have concierge do the same. Then the dining people usually give me the direct # to the restaurants and tell me to call 7 days in advance and speak to them about the allergies.
I have only done this once (last trip) and had to leave a message at the restaurant (Donald's Breakfastasaurus). I mentioned the allergies to our server when we arrived, and she went and got the chef for me. The chef showed me what my son could have on the buffet, and even asked if she could make ds some gf/ef mickey pancakes, and if the brand of mix that she had was ok with me. They brought him out a big plate.
I think you will be very pleased with the attention to detail and thoughtfulness that Disney has put into caring for special food needs.

 

[Mermaid02]

Peanut/shellfish anaphylactic reaction child. Disney was great- chefs came and talked to us. Said if Jack wanted dessert to let us know and they would open new ice cream to be sure there was no cross contamination. Ultimately it's still our responsibility, but WDW was very aware and helpful!

 

[Danauk]

My friend has several food alergies. When we make our ADR's we make a note of these on the reservation. Then when we get to the restaurant we mention it again and the cheif comes out to speak to her. If it sia buffet she has been taken around the buffet and had explained to her what ingredients are in which food. If there was anything she wanted but could not have the sauce on it they would cook her something else.

 

[The Phantom Blot]

I went with a friend who had a peanut allergy, and at any meal we mentioned it, we got the chef to come out and talk to us. It was really interesting to talk to him.

 

[OntFamily]

Echoing the other comments re the superior attention Disney provides guests with allergies. My wife has an allergy, and was advised by the Chef @ each restaurant as to what she should avoid.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would suggest going to the "disABILTIES" forum. This is a common topic there with lots of people giving their experiences and hints.