Celiac diagnosis

[lazydazy8]

My son was just diagnosed with Celiac disease. Although it is a relief that I can actually rid him of his chronic stomach pain, it is hard to think that he'll be living with this autoimmune disorder for the rest of his life.

I am concerned about his diet on our trip. I have read that I only need to call the # that we used to make made our ADR's, and notify them that my son has diet restrictions (no gluten).... then tell our server when we arrive. Is it really this easy? Some other information I found said I need to call the restaurant 24 hours in advance and speak with the chef.

If anyone has had any experience with this, I would love some reassurance and clarification!

Thank you!!

 

[Selket]

Amy - ugh - sorry to hear about the celiac diagnosis. My son who is diabetic I have checked often for celiac because it is more common among type 1's. So we often run into folks who have celiac.

Indeed you should call back the # for ADR's and let them know about the gluten allergy. In the past I've been give a number to call for the restaurants when I do this. Sometimes it is the restaurant directly but usually it is for someone at that particular park who handles all the dietary issues. They pass the info along to the chef who literally makes a note of your ressie and makes sure to have food on hand for him. I have often been able to make certain requests for things (my son has type 1 and a peanut allergy) - so they make him a hot dog, pasta, peas, broccoli, tomatoes, etc. that he will eat. They can possibly get a safe bread and prepare a special dessert.

Brenda Bennett of Magic Kingdom foods is especially helpful - she emails out a big list of safe (and unsafe) foods in the park. I can't locate her number but is probably the one you'll be given to contact restaurants in the MK.

Let me know if you have more questions!

 

[carrie s]

Im sorry about your son having celiac.I know it can be really hard at first but it gets easier.Both me and my daughter have celiac.
I havent been to disney yet so I cant really give much advice on that.
On a few different websites they say that mcdonalds fries are safe because they have a dedicated frier.Not long ago mcdonalds admitted to putting wheat in the oil,so stay away from those.But if you ever come to Canada you can have the fries here.
If your having trouble finding much selection for gluten free foods where you live there are alot of great places that you can order food on line.

You can PM me if you need any celiac advice.

 

[Mbg98]

I too have celiac and have experienced the wonders of Disney and dealing with it! They are fantastic! Just let them know when you make your reservations and again when you get to where ever you are eating and the chefs come out and talk with you and will go over the menu with you, they even made me my own special desserts. We were staying at the WL and the chef made me GF pancakes that were delicious! Don't worry to much about it they are fantastic! enjoy your vacation , and even the quick service places have managers that will help go over choices with you. Enjoy!!!

 

[antree]

My Mother has celiac and my son has a peanut and tree nut allergy and we never had a problem at Disney. We let them know when we make are ADR's and again when we get to the restaurant. Disney is great, they always have plenty of food for us. It is a good idea to call the number they give you too, because they can always make your son a platter that he will eat. I have been asked what is my mother's favorite food because they would make it if I tell them. The chefs there love the challenge of making something different, we were told by a few of them they enjoy making something different instead of the same thing everyday. If you are staying at a hotel with a food court ask for the Chef when you get there or you can call and they will make sure they will have something for your son to eat on any given day. The Bakery on the Boardwalk will also make Gluten Free cake if you let them know what day you can pick it up. The ice cream place at the end of Main Street in MK has Gluten Free ice cream, just ask for it. At any counter service place let them know about the allergy, they have a book to tell you what is in everything.

This was our experience when we called ahead.

O'hana's Breakfast was great they brought out my Mother her own huge plate with all Gluten Free items on it, she had the same breakfast as we had but her's was gluten free, it was scrabbled eggs, Mickey waffles, bacon, fruit, potatoes, it was huge.

50's prime time said they would make her anything she wanted it didn't have to be on the menu, just to let them know what her favorite food was, she opt for something on the menu, but the chef really wanted to make her something special.

Tony's in MK made her rice pasta and meatballs with gluten free rolls.

Sci-Fi in MGM made her a ruben sandwich.

This just an example on how great they are. You won't have a thing to worry about.

Have a great time.

Maria

 

[lazydazy8]

Thank you all so much for your suggestions! I know we'll make this a fantastic trip for him and Disney WILL come through for him!!

 

[VirtuallyMe]

I'm not a celiac but have an allergy to wheat (I have an anaphylactic reaction with it)... I just enjoyed a wonderful worry free trip to WDW.

I emailed Brenda Bennett [Brenda.Bennett@disney.com] in MAGIC KINGDOM Foods (407-824-5967) and she and one of the chefs sent me an email with all the Glutton Free offerings at all the resturants.

I knew already that table service wouldn't be a problem but was concerned with the counter service- they sent a list of all the items available at each counter service in all the parks.

At each table service meal the chef came out and discussed my allergy with me- at the Park Faire Buffet the chef walked the buffet line with me and let me know what was safe and offered to make glutton free alternatives of any of the food items on the menu. At all the others I ate at (Jiko and Cinderella's Royal Table) the chef came out and discussed minor alterations in the existing menu- Jiko had a separate Glutton free menu and that worked great.

There really are lots of snack and other offerings that haven't always been there- but it is always best to check before each trip- because things change frequently.

The McDonald's Fries are NOT safe because they coat the fries with wheat- but other fries in the park can be- if fried in dedicated friers. Many but not all counter service resturants do offer dedicated friers- that information will be in the packet provided by Brenda.

Just add the information to all the ADRs you make- and let the person taking your order know at counter service meals- I ate at Columbia Harbor House for lunch (they have a great salad there) and the reciept from the kitchen had "Allergy to wheat" in red on it so that servers and the chef could see when plating my meal too-

And there are tons of wonderful resources out there for Celiacs and for Wheat free eating- many that weren't available 5-10 years ago when my son was on a glutton free diet for autism. He gets so jealous every time I find something new at the grocery store that makes my life easier that he had to do without when he followed the diet

 

[fromscratchmom]

I was extremely worried about planning to eat at Disney, but every day brings more good new and encouragement. Apparently Disney is really great about everyones issues. I am sooo enjoying reading about the experiences of other Dissers! I have to admit that even with all of the encouraging news, I'm still worrying. And I know that is a very silly thing. It will probably turn out to be just wonderful. After our trip I'll have to post a report to say how great it was.