corn allergy and WDW

[disneySD]

Howdy all,

I'm newly diagnosed with a corn allergy by allergist. I've always been "sensitive" to it and avoided corn and corn oils, but now it's a full blown allergy. I am so overwhelmed as it seems there is nothing I can eat, it seems corn is in everything! How do I deal with this at WDW? Anyone else suffering from this allergy? Will our only option be off site or to pay the high cost of staying in a DVC Villa.

 

[SueM in MN]

The WDW food service people are used to dealing with many different types of allergies. Let them know when you are making ADR and when you check in. People with allergies have posted that their server was very helpful and often the chef will come out to specifically cover your needs.

For the counter service restaurants, the individual service CMs may not know what foods would be a problem for you, but the manager on duty at that location should be able to help you with lists of the ingredients for the foods they serve.
You can also contact the Executive Chef/Food & Beverage Manager at each park:
MK: 407-824-5967
Epcot: 407-560-7483
Studios: 407-560-1347
AK: 407-938-2203

 

[becka]

My DS was just diagnosed with a corn allergy (along with many others) a few weeks ago and I have been trying to learn more about dining at WDW. He is currently avoid all corn and milk products. As you are no doubt aware by now almost all foods have some form of corn in them. I have not found any specifics on corn allergy and what people can eat but I have been told over and over that WDW is great with food allergies. CS places seem to be difficult but TS places sound like they are more than willling to prepare something different for you if needed.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

I used to have a corn allergy when I was little (thankfully not too severe) and travelling to the States was always difficult (we don't use as much corn in the UK). As Sue said, contact food services (I think it's Brenda Bennett you want) and they should be able to help you a lot. If you do a search on the DIS for food allergies you should find a heap of information (possibly more than you want!). As long as you're not veggie, you shouldn't have too much of a problem (though even if you are, you can cope); just stock up on meat meals. How severe is the allergy? Are you affected by even a smidgen of corn, or does it have to be a fair quantity for a reaction?

Sorry, I'm rambling a little, as it's getting late, but the best of luck and have a great time!

 

[disneySD]

Becka, it's dizzying isn't it? I had to throw out about half the food supplies in the house. And that was just the obvious stuff that had cron syrup on the label. DIS won't let me post links but I found a great Corn Allergy community on the delphi forums called Avioding Corn.


Unfortunately my allergist is concerned I likely will have a life threatening reaction. I was there because I developed several new allergies at once and ended up in the ER after eating out. More processed things like corn derivities I do not think will be life threatening. But I do have quite severe reactions and doubt I'd be leaving the hotel much if I ended up eating corn at a meal.

This is a new allergy for me, and so far it seems as though corn allergy sufferers need to travel to places with cooking facilites. I am hoping I can enjoy some of the diseny dining though.

 

[Selket]

If your corn allergy is severe (the slightest ingestion could cause a serious reaction) then I would be certain to talk to the chefs of your ADR's in advance. Because corn is in so much if the food you eat has to be 100% free of corn then they may need to secure certain items in advance to make your meal. Or at least you might be a *better* meal.

CS would be difficult I think. Definitely talk to Brenda about it. If you can tolerate some corn then you should be o.k. If you need to be 100% corn free then you might consider either making an ADR for 2 meals a day (like lunch and dinner) and having breakfast in your room. Or conversely you could have breakfast in your room, bring or buy (at a local grocery) some safe foods and pack yourself a lunch for the parks, and do one ADR a day. I would think it easier to find some safe treats (popsicles, etc) as opposed to entire CS meals. Brenda should be able to steer you towards safe CS meals - though it might not be a huge variety.

I wanted to add that besides the park/ADR chefs you should contact the chef at the hotel where you want to stay and talk to them if you plan to eat meals at your resort. I've had them offer to pack safe lunches to take for my son in the parks. They can also make sure they have choices available for you for the meals you plan to eat there.

I have found that by making others go to this much trouble I'm really good about keeping my ADR's and any meals I've arranged in advance.

Good luck!