Children with Food Allergies

[1happymommy]

We will be taking our first trip to Disney in Jan. Both of our children have food allergies (ALL dairy, soy & peanuts). I know that restaurants are very accommodating with allergies. But what about counter service meals?

Has anyone gone to Disney with a child with severe food allergies? Any tips for counter service places?

THANK YOU!!

 

[disneymomnj]

We spent 8 days at WDW this August, with our daughters. Our 5 year old has celiac, and cannot eat any wheat products (among other things). So, this ruled out virtually all CS kids meals (all were on rolls, or were chicken nuggets or macaroni & cheese). The managers in most of the CS places were extremely helpful and knowledgable. We found that by stopping in BEFORE the lunch rush and talking to a manager, we were able to figure out what they could do for her. We were able to the same thing at lunch time, but it did take longer when the restaurant was crowded. Managers did things such as: giving her two hot dogs, since she could not have the roll; substituting potato chips for the desserts she could not have; substituting mashed potatoes for the fries she could not have. We did want to eat in one CS restaurant where there were no options she liked. So, we picked up lunch for her, and brought it there, and all ate together. Overall, we had an easier time at CS places than we expected to. She had to skip dessert a few times, but an afternoon ice cream break took care of that. Also, as you said the TS places are really great with allergies.

 

[DCDisney]

CS will be somewhat complicated. I also have soy allergy (I can eat soybean oil though) and I know I couldn't eat any of the buns and none of the chicken nuggets or strips at CS or TS. I'm fine eating a burger with no bun and I believe the hot dogs were also ok for me. Peanuts are contained when they are served at CS such as uncrustables premade wrapped sanwiches. We did avoid Pecos Bills because the only dessert is a PB mousse. The Itzakadoozie ice pop bars are very allergy friendly in terms of snacks--the wrappers have all the ingredient info. The easiest thing for me was pizza but with no dairy that's not helpful. All baked goods were pretty much a no due to potential cross contam.

YVonne