Contacting Special Diets

[LoveMickeyWaffles]

I apologize if this has been answered somewhere (searched and couldn't find the answer) but could someone tell me how far in advance I should contact Special Diets with my sons needs?
Thanks so much!
Michelle

 

[Fuhnuh]

Short answer: At least a month in advance of your arrival.


I am assuming your son has allergies, but I know that might not be the case. We've spent quite a bit of time at DW with a child with multiple allergies (dairy, egg, tree nuts, and peanuts) and have always had good luck with both table service and counter service. Our first trips to DW special diets seemed more helpful. During our 2010 and 2011 trips not so much. This was not really a bad thing for us because we were so well taken care of at the individual restaurants. That being said, I see you leave in a little over two months, I think it would be okay to contact them any time between now and about a month away. They will give you enough information to get prepared for the trip. They will on request send you a dietary reference sheet for quick service items. I just noticed that it was last update in March of '08, so always ask whether the food item is okay.

For us, the most important thing is to let the server/host/hostess know about the allergies and they will let the chef/allergy specialist know to come meet you and discuss your allergies. You can also note them in your ADRs, but we have found that we have to provide that information again. If the allergies are numerous or rare, you'll need to let the restaurant know in advance. The same goes if you have a specific request.

If you have any specific questions about procedures, restaurants or specific allergies, I'm sure you'll get a lot of information posting here.

I hope your Disney vacation is wonderful.

 

[opusone]

Their formal policy is: e-mail Special Diets at least two weeks prior to your reservation. If within two weeks of your reservation, they suggest you call. At least this is what they state on the reservation when you book an ADR with allergies.

I recently e-mailed them at the three week point before our trip (in nine days now) to confirm our son's allergy information. All I really got in reply was a generic, although detailed, e-mail response that explained what I already knew: note the allergies when you make each reservation (online or phone) and explain to the chef/manager at each restaurant when you arrive.

If your son's dietary needs are more complex, I imagine you may get a more custom response, but my son's multiple allergies are all common (nuts, soy, eggs).

BTW, last trip we noted the allergies on the reservations, but didn't send an e-mail to Special Diets, and everything worked just fine (the chef came out and talked to us at every restaurant). For quick service meals, we just asked for allergy information at the counter.

Hope this helps!

 

[LoveMickeyWaffles]

Thank you both for the information!
My son does not have any food allergies (that we are aware of), but he is unable to eat foods that are not soft or pureed. We usually bring all of his meals with us when at the parks (usually consisting of Spaghetti O's and that kind of stuff). He is getting better with what he is able to eat, although certain things still have to be pureed - such as meats and fruits.
This trip we will have the standard dining plan and his meal options are vastly improved if they are able to accomodate our requests - which I am almost certain they will be!!
Thanks again for your help!