Allergy Advice Needed

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Be sure to call ahead to each restaurant at least 72 hours in advance to speak with a chef and tell them what your needs are and what you want. Yes, this will involve several calls to just find out what the correct number for each restaurant is and to each location until you can get someone who will help, but can make all the difference in the world.

Overall, this is why I think Disney cruises are much better for those with dietary restrictions, you tell them in advance, then you tell your waitstaff once at the beginning of the cruise and they watch out for you for the rest of the cruise.

I have visited Disney many times, and have never called them.

In fact, when you call, you are not contacting the restaurant. You are contacting the main Disney call center. And they will not give you the direct number to the restaurant. And, if by chance, you did get the number for the restaurant, the chances of actually speaking to the chef are infinitesimally small.

Suppliers change all of the time. Chefs are moved around. People leave employment with Disney. And there is no way to guarantee that you will talk to someone that will even be there when you visit.

On a Disney cruise, everyone is captive. No one is captive in Orlando.

Disney deals will allergies every single day. Be alert, let them know. Then decide how you feel about what you are served.

There was recently a post about someone having a reaction to a possible allergen to feed. So, remember, although they are very good, no one is perfect. Be prepared. Be alert.

 

[helenasue]

Hello everyone,

I am beginning to plan our meals, and need some help. With severe allergies to both dairy and shellfish, I am having some trouble navigating Disney dining. I have done reading here and other sites. Some of the information is conflicting, so hopefully you can clarify.

If I understand correctly, TS is my best bet for safe eating. We have been looking at the allergy menus which have been very disappointing. In some cases there is no dairy free entree available. At others, there is 1 dairy free option. Some people indicate that you can talk to a chef and work together to create an allergy free meal. Others say that no chef was available, so there was little they could eat.

Do I need to avoid restaurants that at first glance have little or no options for me? I would hate to skip signatures if they can actually accommodate my needs.

What is your experience? What should I know before booking?

In my experience, they are extremely accommodating. I'm allergic to pineapple, which is tricky at 'Ohana. The chef has always come over, asked me about it, and then offered me alternatives. Instead of noodles, I get rice. Instead of the pineapple bread pudding, they bring me a brownie. I've never had any problems.

 

[Chami]

Thanks everyone!

You have helped reduce my anxiety around eating at WDW. I will be vigilant, but it sounds like they can accommodate my needs.