Are food allergies now generic?

[dtauer]

In the past when inquiring about food allergies I was sent pdf documents of various locations and items to avoid for specific food allergies. This was very helpful as it addressed the specific allergy, which is in our case is a tree nut allergy.

I just contacted the Special Diets department regarding Harambe Nights. I was hoping to get a list of the items that may be an issue so they could be avoided.

The response was to speak to a chef or manager at each at each location. In addition it was stated that the vegan and vegatarian options would be available and these options should satisfy most food allergy requirements.

My issue is that I don't want to eat a vegatarian meal because of a tree nut allergy so I'm turning to you for help.

I'll speak to the manager or chef (which I feel like may be next to impossible at Harambe Nights, but I'll try) but does anyone have experience with allergies, specifically tree nut allergies at Harambe Nights? I know the snack bag has Pecans so that's an easy one, anyone have experience with the other foods being served?

 

[MomForFrozenAddicts]

I am the mother of 2 daughters with multiple food allergies. I always leave a note at the time of reservation and speak to the chef in the restaurant. Each Disney restaurant has an assigned chef for food allergies. He/She will go through all the options and make special meal if it is necessary. Also, at events such as Pirate Cruise, there is a special table all patrons with allergies.

 

[zipuzee]

I think that since food allergies have become so prevalent that its next to impossible to keep up with that information in any type of list. Especially as often as some menus change. Its probably easier for Disney to just let each food location/chef help guests as they come thru.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I think that since food allergies have become so prevalent that its next to impossible to keep up with that information in any type of list. Especially as often as some menus change. Its probably easier for Disney to just let each food location/chef help guests as they come thru.

Exactly. There are many different types of food allergies and many persons have multiple food allergies. They can't produce anything beforehand that will be a comprehensive list, and because allergies can be life-threatening they don't want to leave it to chance. If you speak to someone who was actually involved in the preparation of food items the day you are there, there won't be any omissions because of changes. I was just noting that some changes have been made to the Harambe Nights menu so any info you received before the changes would not apply to those changes.

They will locate someone for you to speak to at Harambe Nights. But you will want to know about this, because regarding certain catered events they do not prepare the food in the same area where it is served, so you have to work with what is there or with whatever they can bring with them - they will not be able to prepare different foods especially for allergic guests right at the event. I don't know where the kitchen is where they prepare the food but I do think they prepare it right there at AK - I did see someone grilling lamb chops out behind Tusker House.

You will need to get feedback from someone who's actually asked if what you really want to know is whether or not they will prepare special allergy-safe foods right there on-site.

 

[practicallyperfect77]

I would allow some extra time too. I have a gluten allergy...my friend does not. When we did quick service back in Dec, she typically had her food and was half way done eating before I had mine. Not the end of the world but worth noting.

 

[PinkBudgie]

I have a fish/shellfish allergy and just avoided Harambe Nights because it takes so much time and energy to talk to the appropriate people at a regular CS/TS. I didn't want to pay and then find out that I would be stuck eating some pre-packaged food safe for all the top 8 allergens.

At the Wishes Dessert party they told me the food was prepared in a kitchen that prepares fish/shellfish. So I was offered pre-packaged desserts. I didn't pay for a dessert buffet to be given a package of cookies. So I told them I'd take my chances figuring that cross contact between fish and dessert was less likely than if I had a nut allergy. And I was fine.

Before leaving from home I was sent a fish allergy document from Disney but, you're right, it was generic. It didn't list items from the menu at each place I could eat without fish, it just listed "allergy safe" items. I don't need gluten free bread in order to avoid fish.

Anyway, I just worried at something like Harambe Nights they would be unable to fix me anything special from the back if need be, so didn't go. I'd love to find out if anyone with a FA has gone and how it went.

 

[twirly123]

I have a garlic allergy and found the chefs to be helpful everywhere we ate. For instance, at Mickey Backyard BBQ, I was provided with a Woody to sit on the table so the chef could locate me and then i was prepared something completely seperate to what was available at the buffet. We ate at CRT, Chef Mickey, Yak & Yeti, Teppan Edo, Toyko Dining, 1900PF, Cirticos, GF Cafe and all chefs were fantastically helpful.

 

[twirly123]

I also received the attached from the food services team when i emailed in advance - perhaps these numbers may be useful?

If you have already booked your reservations and you are not sure if you included the restrictions, please contact our Disney Reservation Center at 407-WDW-Dine or 407-939-3463. Guests are also welcome to speak to a Chef or a Manager on duty when arriving at the dining location.

Whether dining at a table-service or quick-service restaurant, Guest food allergy or intolerance requirements will be addressed when brought to our attention. Due to the large volume of meals we serve, vendors and suppliers occasionally swap out product. Therefore menu items and preparation is often updated.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will use reasonable efforts to prevent the introduction of the allergen of concern into the food through close attention during our sourcing, preparation and handling processes. However, it is ultimately up to the Guest to use his or her individual discretion to make an informed choice regarding whether to order any particular items. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts cannot guarantee that allergens may not have been introduced during another stage of the food chain process or, even inadvertently, during preparation. We do not have separate kitchens to prepare allergen-free items or separate dining areas for Guests with allergies or intolerances.

Most restaurants offer no sugar added, low fat, low sodium, vegetarian or vegan options. Advance arrangements are not necessary for Guests with lifestyle dietary requests. Guests can discuss this with their server upon arrival at the restaurant.

Currently, the only locations that appreciate advance notice for vegetarian and vegan dining are the dinner shows. If you have a reservation at Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, or Mickey’s Backyard BBQ, please call 407-824-2858 at least 24 hours in advance. The same team is responsible for all three shows. The phone number may direct you to a voice mail; and we ask that you please leave your name, phone number, and reservation date and time so they may contact you at their earliest convenience.

 

[dtauer]

Thanks for the replies. I'm sure the responses are correct, there are so many identified allergies now, in addition to those that avoid specific items for other reasons, that they just can't address every situation. That's kind of my thought behind the original title regarding the allergies becoming generic.

I'm probably spoiled from visits many years ago. At that time there was a list that was very specific, such as avoid the such and such dessert at a specific restaurant. Over time that kind of preparation probably became overwhelming with all of the various allergies, intolerances, and food choices.

I knew Harambe Nights would be challenging because it's not a typical menu that they've been preparing in a specific restaurant for years.

Still looking for any first hand experiences, especially in regards to tree nut allergies. If no one has experience, I'll be the guinea pig and report back to help anyone else wanting to attend but are being cautious because of the allergy thing.

 

[sethschroeder]

I feel sorry for people with allergies so much good food you have to nervous about.

Its good to hear Disney seems "easy" to work with when it comes to allergies and being able to talk to the chefs.

I am also glad they have decided to go with allergies getting a special meal instead of making every meal allergy tolerant. It makes it better for those not allergic and those who are allergic get special treatment to get something done by one of the chefs to make something taste fantastic still.

to Disney

 

[minniebeth]

There was a thread started in the Disabilities Forum about food allergies and Harambe Nights. You can read it here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3271933

We looked at attending this event, and my DD has a peanut and tree nut allergy. After reading some of the responses there, we felt it was just too pricey for her to wait that long to get unsure answers about what she may be able to eat. The menu is set (minus the recent lamb chop elimination), so I don't know why special diets wouldn't have information ahead of time by now.

Disney still is fantastic with food allergies, but I really do think it's just not the same as it used to be. Too many people with too many special needs and requests. We have had our share of several frustrating situations over the past two years where we do find the attention to the allergies is becoming generic. This is just our experience.

 

[dtauer]

My original post was looking for some experiences with allergies in regards to Harambe Nights. With a tree nut allergy I notified Special Diets and was told to ask for the Chef the night of the event, or to eat the Vegetarian option.

I attended Saturday evening and here is my experience.

We walked all the way to the back of the event as the appetizer tables at the front were very busy. I found a castmember standing alone who did not appear to be actively working on anything and asked him for help.

He brought out a chef who gave me a quick overview of the appetizers. The problem was that several of the items were pre-packaged and so they could not control what may have occurred prior to reaching Disney in regards to cross-contamination. He said that the cheeseburger rolls would be the safest item, but again were not directly prepared by Disney.

The chef also let me know that the snack during the show contained Pecans but he had popcorn available as a substitute. Note that anyone with an extreme contact allergy may have an issue during the show. My most serious allergies are from consuming the tree nut, since I've grown older I don't have as much of a problem with the touching and dust in the area. For those that are ultra-sensitive to tree nuts, you will be surrounded on all sides with individuals eating the pecans in the snack package.

I asked the chef about the main course buffets after the show and he said that was a different chef I would need to speak with. I asked if I could speak with that chef now so I could get in line immediately after the show with everyone else. After a long time he returned and let me know that the chef said everything was fine for a tree nut allergy. I found this unusual since one of the desserts had Pistachios in it according to the menu list we were given when we arrived. For this reason I avoided all of the desserts, as I usually do anyway, and had no issues with any of the other food.

To summarize, I attended and was absolutely fine. The chef was helpful, but the statement that everything was OK for a tree nut allergy, when I knew that one item had pistachios concerned me a little.

If anyone has specific questions let me know.

 

[minniebeth]

My original post was looking for some experiences with allergies in regards to Harambe Nights. With a tree nut allergy I notified Special Diets and was told to ask for the Chef the night of the event, or to eat the Vegetarian option.

I attended Saturday evening and here is my experience.

We walked all the way to the back of the event as the appetizer tables at the front were very busy. I found a castmember standing alone who did not appear to be actively working on anything and asked him for help.

He brought out a chef who gave me a quick overview of the appetizers. The problem was that several of the items were pre-packaged and so they could not control what may have occurred prior to reaching Disney in regards to cross-contamination. He said that the cheeseburger rolls would be the safest item, but again were not directly prepared by Disney.

The chef also let me know that the snack during the show contained Pecans but he had popcorn available as a substitute. Note that anyone with an extreme contact allergy may have an issue during the show. My most serious allergies are from consuming the tree nut, since I've grown older I don't have as much of a problem with the touching and dust in the area. For those that are ultra-sensitive to tree nuts, you will be surrounded on all sides with individuals eating the pecans in the snack package.

I asked the chef about the main course buffets after the show and he said that was a different chef I would need to speak with. I asked if I could speak with that chef now so I could get in line immediately after the show with everyone else. After a long time he returned and let me know that the chef said everything was fine for a tree nut allergy. I found this unusual since one of the desserts had Pistachios in it according to the menu list we were given when we arrived. For this reason I avoided all of the desserts, as I usually do anyway, and had no issues with any of the other food.

To summarize, I attended and was absolutely fine. The chef was helpful, but the statement that everything was OK for a tree nut allergy, when I knew that one item had pistachios concerned me a little.

If anyone has specific questions let me know.

Thanks so much for coming back and sharing your experience with Harambe Nights! There's no way that would work for my DD. I don't expect all the menus to be curtailed to every food allergy, but I am surprised at their choice of including the nuts into the snack for the show given so many nut allergies.

I hope you had fun! Sounds like a great time!

 

[becd]

My DH has Celiac's and I have to say that we love eating at WDW because he has so many options. That being said, he gets a free pass on Chef Mickey's or any other restaurant with a buffet because it seems ridiculous to spend that much money when he can only eat a few items and the risk of cross contamination is so great. We had considered Harambe nights but decided to pass because it sounded like a buffet - now with your report about the pre-packaged food I am thrilled we did not pay the money. To much of a risk - thank you for the report!

 

[queenof3]

To the last poster about your husband not eating at buffets because of celiac...We have eaten at many buffets with celiac and they have been great! The chef will make special things at many like waffles at Chef Mickeys, they had donuts at Tusker house and even gluten free zebra domes at Boma! The chefs at many places also brought out special things because by looking at the buffet could see that certain things were contaminated. Just saying, you may want to try a buffet, we have had a lot of success with gluten free!

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

OP Thanks for sharing your experience. I too have noticed a change in the way they treat allergies. For the most part, eating with a food allergy in Disney is an amazing experience. However I ran into trouble at several quick service places where they had prepackaged items or only two choices for me (gluten free) to eat. When I was at sit-down restaurants I was able to talk to the chef and they always seemed very accommodating. If I were anywhere else in the world I would be much more limited on what, if anything, I could eat from a restaurant.