Disney Dining Plan and Diabetes

[thruthelookinglass19]

(Sorry if this has been posted previously)

My mom was just diagnosed with Diabetes within the last month. She's getting it under control with diet and four pills a day. Doesn't have to do shots or anything.

My question - does anyone who have diabetes still use the DDP? We aren't sure if this is a good option anymore...with desserts being kinda off limits.

I did call Disney shortly after finding out and asked if they'd swap out appetizers for desserts because of her health issue and was told "No." (the CM was extremely unpleasant and not helpful).

Any help/tips/suggestions, etc would be really appreciated!

Jennie

 

[TDC Nala]

They absolutely will not allow substituting appetizers for desserts, even for medical reasons.

TS restaurants usually have sugar-free desserts or fruit listed on their menus. Or you can ask for fruit or for a substitute dessert that she could eat.

 

[HookdonWDW]

(Sorry if this has been posted previously)

My mom was just diagnosed with Diabetes within the last month. She's getting it under control with diet and four pills a day. Doesn't have to do shots or anything.

My question - does anyone who have diabetes still use the DDP? We aren't sure if this is a good option anymore...with desserts being kinda off limits.

I did call Disney shortly after finding out and asked if they'd swap out appetizers for desserts because of her health issue and was told "No." (the CM was extremely unpleasant and not helpful).

Any help/tips/suggestions, etc would be really appreciated!

Jennie

I have to limit my sugar intake. If you call the TS restaurant where you are planning to eat at least 24 hours in advance, they will accomodate your request for a sugar-free dessert, or try to work around any other dietary restrictions you may have. Between my food allergies and dietary restrictions, I've always been both pleased and amazed with what I've received from Disney Dining.

A WORD TO THE WISE: Don't wait until you get to the restaurant to order a sugar-free dessert!!! They don't always make them onsite, and there have been several times when my dessert has come out, I've heard others request sugar-free desserts, and been told that there were none available. Have a great trip!

 

[Aliceacc]

There's a little info here on diabetic diets:
http://www.allears.net/din/guestother.htm

 

[EllieMaie]

I am an insulin-dependent diabetic and we use the dining plan. There are plenty of choices that do not involve a lot of carbs. I also order some desserts and only eat a small portion of them. We like the DDP because our meals are already budgeted into our trip.

 

[DCDisney]

As someone else stated you just need to add her diabetic info to the reservations. They always have fruit for desserts and most places have some other set sugar free things especially ice cream. For entrees that may have added sugars in sauces you can always request no sauce. Even the ice cream carts in the park often have sugar free options and if they don't have it at that location they can call in to their supply area and it will be brought out to you but may take awhile to get there. At the CS places mostly they have fruit or sugar free jello for desserts but some places also have a sugar free brownie. Main St Bakery carries a few sugar free items if you want to buy a few snacks for her to have around. Norway CS at Epcot has a great sugar free choc mousse too.

 

[PictureJumpr]

I've been diabetic since age 8, and have no real trouble with the DDP - which we use twice a year most years.

For TS, I have never had much trouble getting them to substitute vegetables for starchy potatoes or rice to leave 'sugar room' for a little bit of dessert. I do not like chocolate, so often order things made mostly of fruit anyway. Buffets, of course, I can navigate on my own and skip the fried stuff, pastas, and potatoes in favor of other things with less blood sugar impact. Most TS at least have no-sugar-added ice cream or something on their menu, too, and some have things like no-sugar-added apple pies and cakes. The earlier advice about communicating the need beforehand is a great tip - Disney chefs do a good job with adjusting to meet the diners' needs.

For CS, it is fairly easy to get grapes or carrot sticks or something substituted for french fries, especially in a place that carries the standard kids meals (they tend to push these options for the kids meals). Salads and sandwiches are everywhere, too. My favorite is to split the ribs-and-chicken plate at Cosmic Ray's, where I take the barbecued chicken and half of the potatoes and green beans, and my travelmate takes the more sugary-sauced ribs and the rest of the vegetables. Counter service desserts are mostly not sugar free, but many places have fruit or something - and even if not, i get my dessert and let travelmate have it, and I take one of his snack credits later

For snacks, I get fresh fruit, funnel cakes without the pound of powdered sugar on them, sugar free ice cream or popsicles, popcorn, pretzels, egg rolls, the cheese soup in Norway, or if i've had a low-carb lunch something like a dole whip float or an orange juice slush.


For us, it's about the sense of having it all paid off beforehand - that's what makes us faithful DDP users.

 

[Daisey D]

There was a family on site that have two children with diabetes and they are DVC members, the Zurg / Zurgswife family. I have read their post and trip reports and I'm sure they could answer any questions you might have. Search their names or go to their website Bad Shoe.com and maybe you can contact them.