Child with food adversions

[Masonsears3]

I'm planning a trip for my childs birthday who has food aversions. Theres very little that he will actually eat which I know will be an obstacle for this vacation. I have planned a bunch of characted/buffet meals in hopes they'll have something for him and will be packing additional items just in case, but for the ones that aren't buffet...I'm worried about them not having something for him. Does disney make off menu items for kids... like say a grilled cheese or peanut butter sandwich if there isn't one listed? I don't mind paying extra for it if needed.

Ps....I know the title is spelled wrong...I thank these tiny keys on my smart phone for that.

 

[DisMommyTX]

They usually only have what is listed on the menu, but they can modify the dishes. For example, several restaurants can serve a pasta with a white cream sauce upon request, even though pasta Alfredo is not on the menu. As long as they have the items from other dishes on the menu, they can usually put it together. However, most will not have items like PBJ available. You are welcome to bring in items with you, if you don't think your child will eat anything they serve. Many quick service have uncrustables, or you can bring food with you into the parks.

My son has special needs and meals are often challenging. We found it better once we stopped thinking of the price we were paying as the cost of his meal, but rather part of the cost for us all to enjoy the character/dining experience. Once we gave up trying to get him to eat $20 worth of something (anything!) everyone was happier. We all enjoy the experience and most of us eat a decent meal. If we have to swing by a counter service for him an hour later, then that is a small price to pay relative to the overall experience.

Figure out what will work best for your family, and don't worry about what anyone else thinks your kid should be eating.

If you give a list of specific restaurants and 'approved' foods, the nice folks over on the disAbilities board can probably tell you everything you want to know. Many mom's there who have been through it all and are happy to help others.

 

[Nancyg56]

I agree that you should head over to the Disabilities Forum for the best advice, but also know that whenever possible, Disney will try to accomodate your child. When my DGD was not able to have any dairy or egg we brought a jar of peanut butter and one of jelly, and bought a loaf of bead. She never needed it, and my son was the one who snacked in it, but t was good to know we could feed her something that would tide her over if the need arose.

ETA: I also agree that you have to ignore the cost of the child's individual meal when you dine as a family in Disney. If you look at what is eaten vs. the cost, you will begin to resent all of those fun character meals.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Does disney make off menu items for kids... like say a grilled cheese or peanut butter sandwich if there isn't one listed?

1) As mentioned above, Disney does TRY to accommodate.
. . . they are VERY GOOD at managing around allergies
. . . but, they can't possibly work around "preferences"
2) If it is not on the menu, they typically cannot fulfill the request.
3) The kitchen can only hold so much food and options
4) Kitchens can't hold stock for every appetite or preference - nor should they be expected to.

 

[bumbershoot]

Anecdotally and from experience with me and my four siblings, I think someday they'll find that strong aversions like that signal an allergy in the making. So I say (because I didn't do this for myself and am the only allergic one in the family) protect your kid by honoring those aversions. It's entirely possible they'll outgrow them (all three incredibly picky brothers of mine did as adults), but for now, pay attention.

So I see no difference between an aversion and an allergy apart from one being know already.

Know what the child can eat, have options for them, see if there's anything. (But have the options just in case)

 

[Jennasis]

If they have the ingredients to make stuff (based on what is on the menu) they can likely make him something. If they HAVE peanut butter and bread...if the have sliced cheese and bread...etc. Plain pasta with butter.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

If they have the ingredients to make stuff (based on what is on the menu) they can likely make him something

1) This goes for TS eateries.
2) QS eateries are very restricted in making "special" items.
. . . they have some options for allergies
. . . they can leave SOME ingredients off the normal items
. . . they typically do not have a chef to concoct items, just managers who have a list of options for you

 

[Shoshana]

Anecdotally and from experience with me and my four siblings, I think someday they'll find that strong aversions like that signal an allergy in the making. So I say (because I didn't do this for myself and am the only allergic one in the family) protect your kid by honoring those aversions. It's entirely possible they'll outgrow them (all three incredibly picky brothers of mine did as adults), but for now, pay attention.

So I see no difference between an aversion and an allergy apart from one being know already.

Know what the child can eat, have options for them, see if there's anything. (But have the options just in case)

I agree, strong aversions may indicate a future allergy. However, there is a HUGE difference between even a strong aversion and a true food allergy. That difference is anaphylaxis and potential death if treatment isn't speedy enough. Too many people are equating food aversions and intolerances with food allergies -- to the serious detriment of those who suffer from true food allergies.