Diabetic and DDP

[P&B's Mom]

With the new rules of the 2008 dining plan, each TS meal includes dessert but not an appetizer. Has anyone asked to replace dessert for salad because of diabetic concerns? Will they do this if you have a GAC? DGF is diabetic and will eat desserts if given chance! He is so bad!!!!! I know this will just cause friction between DGF and DGM, but that's another story....

 

[kimsuenew]

With the new rules of the 2008 dining plan, each TS meal includes dessert but not an appetizer. Has anyone asked to replace dessert for salad because of diabetic concerns? Will they do this if you have a GAC? DGF is diabetic and will eat desserts if given chance! He is so bad!!!!! I know this will just cause friction between DGF and DGM, but that's another story....

I am not sure about the "switching of desserts for salads" but I will say that, after being diagnosed just this fall with Diabetes, I ask about TS desserts/food on here and got a wonderful amount of info from other Dis members. Apparently many TS restaurants can/will offer choices, such as fruit plates and such. I did not ask only about desserts, I ask about food in general.

I would recommend doing a search, using diabetic or diabetes as the key word, and looking through old posts, as I am sure you and I are not the only one that has ever came across this situation while going to Disney!

Good luck, have fun, and plan ahead! Many menu's for these places are available online and really, the food itself being served to the diabetic, is nearly as important (or as important) as the dessert choices! Planning exactly where to eat is a great place to start!

 

[kimsuenew]

With the new rules of the 2008 dining plan, each TS meal includes dessert but not an appetizer. Has anyone asked to replace dessert for salad because of diabetic concerns? Will they do this if you have a GAC? DGF is diabetic and will eat desserts if given chance! He is so bad!!!!! I know this will just cause friction between DGF and DGM, but that's another story....

I did not know they issued GAC's for Diabetes, I think they are for the parks.

 

[kaytieeldr]

No, no Guest using the 2008 Disney Dining Plan is or will be allowed to substitute courses. Remember, the DDP doesn't work for everyone - many Guests find it more cost-effective to pay out of pocket.
Most likely, the various Chefs will work with your DGF to provide a dessert he CAN eat.

And kimsuenew is correct - the GAC is for park attraction assistance only. It will not help your DGF in any way regarding dining.

 

[Selket]

I would note the diabetes on your reservation and, if you think the situation will be a big problem, call up the chefs ahead of time to ask what the dessert options could be. Many TS places are willing to make a special dessert or they have something already that would fit in.

One problem for many I'd guess is that it would be better to eat dessert later rather than right after the meal. You might ask for something that could be made "to go" (such as a sugar-free brownie which they often serve).

Also note that many of the sugar free items have almost as many carbs as the ones with sugar. And some people are sensitive to the different artificial sweeteners. Pay close attention to anything made with sugar alcohols (malitol and sorbitol) -those can cause severe diarrhea (I think the SF brownies a few years back at least, were made with that).

 

[Talking Hands]

In my experience Disney does not substitute courses. If your plan says dessert then that is what you are entitled to. They do have diabetic desserts but I will say that although they are sugar free they are still high in carbs. You are better off just asking for something simple like a small piece of plain cake or a single scoop of ice cream and calculating it into your carb count for the meal.

 

[dinghydeb]

What does "GAC" mean?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

What does "GAC" mean?

Hi and to disABILITIES!

I would suggestyou click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information; Page 6 discusses the GAC.

Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

 

[DCDisney]

They will substitute something sugar free or fruit for the dessert but you can't get an appetizer or salad instead. They are very strict on this point. I have multiple food allergies and even if they dodn't have a dessert I could have I still couldn't get salad on the DDP. I was often able to get a different meal made up and they would even include a side order of veggies without a separate charge on the DDP so there is some flexibility.

 

[mechurchlady]

I did not know they issued GAC's for Diabetes, I think they are for the parks.

GACs are issued to people with diabetes but as stated are only for the rides and shows. I have a diabetic mother and she would have no trouble with the available alternatives. If you absolulely cannot find a dessert you like then talk to the management and if all else fails as for a rich dessert or fruit to go (doggy bag) and save that for someone in your party for a midnight snack, lol.

 

[dclfun]

GAC's are issued to people who need an accommodation to enjoy the parks- they are not for everyone or every person with a specific diagnosis. It's not really the case that GAC's are issued for diabetes in general.

I'm not a fan of the DDP. You are not allowed to substitute even if someone would prefer an appetizer to an entree and you are limited in your options. For instance it really is only a savings if you dine at TS restaurants and those generally require an ADR or you might not get your preferred restaurant or time. If you eat mostly CS meals or snacks then you're better off financially dining OOP. At least, as was mentioned, there are other options for desserts and a chef will try and provide something for dessert if a person is unable to have the selections on the menu. This goes for allergies, special ingredients, etc.---Kathy

 

[kimsuenew]

I did not know they issued GAC's for Diabetes, I think they are for the parks.

I meant to say "I did not know they issued GAC's for Restaurants, I think they are for the parks." Sorry!

 

[dclfun]

Actually there are probably people who have complications from diabetes or their condition is such that being diabetic does warrant a GAC- it's just that not all diabetics would need one just due to that diagnosis. I know it's a hard disease to live with and manage as my husband lived with it most of his life and died from complications at a relatively young age. I think all of us let go of diets when at WDW but for some it really can't be done safely-thankfully WDW is very accommodating of special dietary needs even though I too wish they'd allow subtitutions of appetizer vs. dessert on the DDP. I just know it's not gonna happen. ---Kathy

 

[pearlieq]

Some of the sugar free desserts at WDW are pretty darn good.

My favorite is by far the one at Le Cellier--it's some kind of citrus mousse with raspberry foam and it's incredible!!! The pastry chef makes them to order so just let your server know when you arrive that you'll want one. Yum!

The no sugar added apple stack at Kona is another fine dessert--very tasty and a nice change of pace.

The "default" dessert, at a place with nothing special as a sugar free dessert, seems to be this small round cheesecake. It was served to us at least 4 times on our last trip (Contemporary Steakhouse, Liberty Tree Tavern, 50's Prime Time, and somewhere else). They all dress it up a bit differently, but it's the same cheesecake. It's not bad, but it's not great either. We've been served this same cheesecake at places whether we've made prior arrangements for a sf dessert or if we just showed up.

A couple of counter service places (Cosmic Ray's and Electric Umbrella for sure) have a sugar free brownie. I think it's really good and I'm a confirmed sugar eater. It tastes like those Little Debbie brownies. It's got a lot of malitol in it, though, so be careful. The first time he tried it DH ate the whole thing and was very sorry for it later! Go slow on those until you know how it affects you.

The Backlot Express has a very tasty no sugar added strawberry parfait on the menu--also good and a nice change of pace.

Finally, many places can make a no sugar added vanilla shake for you. The no sugar added vanilla ice cream is pretty easy to find at any ice cream stop in the parks or resorts (sometimes it's vanilla/chocolate swirl).

We've also been offered plain fresh fruit anytime we've asked for it.

As others have pointed out, none of this is carb or calorie free. But some of it is darn tasty!

 

[SmallWorld71]

Not the OP, but wanted to thank everyone who has posted info. The kids and I are taking my DMom to Disney in August and she is diabetic. I'm doing all the planning and hadn't really thought all this out.
Should I have the diabetes noted on my TS reservations or should we just mention it at the restaurant?