Disney with a Peanut Allergy?

[TaraZ]

We just learned our DD has a peanut allergy... does anyone have any experiences at WDW they can share with PA kids?

Thanks!

 

[james'mommy]

Make sure the allergy is noted on the ADR's. There are great snacks available at some resorts called Divvies that are nut free. Carmel corn, jellybeans, choc chip cookies, brownies. You can order those online too at divvies.com. They rock. I love the carmel corn. Have your epi pen and benedryl handy in case of mess ups. Disney is the best place to eat with allergies. Very safe. I have tree and peanut allergies. Check out the disabilities board there are a good number of threads regarding food allergies. Good luck.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

Be sure to check with your airline too.

 

[SueM in MN]

There are usually some active threads about food allergies on the disABILITIES Board.
If you check out the disABILITIES FAQs thread (there is a link in my signature), you will find links to some past threads and also information about how to contact WDW for more assistance.

 

[marlynnp]

They are fantastic! I was completely stressed about it the first time we went and it was such a relief to see how helpful they are.

Make sure you tell the reservationist when you make your ADR's. When you check in at the restaurant they should confirm it with you ~ if they don't, remind them. After you are seated the chef will come to your table to go over the menu. At buffets they will even walk the line with you. And they are very good about making something special if asked.

There is also a contact at disney that can provide you with ingredient lists for counter service and snack cart items. I don't have it handy but someone on the DISabilities board is sure to have it so be sure to ask over there!

 

[mcrockett1220]

My DD has nut and shellfish allergies and we have been to DW 2 times. It truly is the best place to go in dealing with allergies. Just make a note when you make reservations, and always ask before ordering anything.

 

[MamaOfTwoPrincesses]

You've gotten some great suggestions already. I just wanted to add that Disney really has its act together when it comes to dealing with food allergies. My 6 year old is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame. On our last visit, no one batted an eye when we mentioned her allergies.

At the Princess Storybook Breakfast in Epcot, the chef even offered to make her a pancake that was not on the menu.

The sundae bar at Chef Mickey's was SAFE for her!

Double check, but I do believe that the Mickey bars ARE safe now. And DD loved the Itzakadoodle popsicle sticks.

Divvies cookies are YUMMY! I know they sell them at the Main Street Bakery.
http://www.divvies.com/

 

[Ninnygunk]

Also under the disABILITIES I got the email for Beverly Bennett & she sent me a form to fill out that she forwarded to the chefs of each restaurant we have ADR's at. She's great - try that!

 

[rebecca314]

My SIL has been very stressed about her son's PA but I was happy for them because they found a trip to WDW to be pretty easy. Disney is very accommodating and will work with you.

I really wanted to let you know that it will fine ... if my SIL can have a fun trip and not stress about the PA, then anyone can. I know she was nervous about any type of vacation and we're SOOO excited that they finally realized WDW was do-able for them. (Maybe we can schedule an extended family trip for grandma's 70th birthday?!!?!?!)

Good luck!

 

[mikymouse]

I am always so pleasantly surprized at how easily Disney will accomodate those of us with food allergies. I wish the rest of the world was as knowledgeable as the chef's at WDW. I would caution you to have your meds with you as I saw a lot of families eating PBJ's in line at the rides and wipping their messy hands on the railings... I was shocked that these families didn't think anything of this and were obviously ignorant to the fact that even small amounts of peanuts can make someone very sick... So even if you have no problem with offical Disney employees you can never count on the general public being that considerate. Make sure to note your allergy on the ADR and check in with the chef when you arrive.. they are the best.

 

[loudube]

I was at the Magic Kingdom last Friday and there was a big to-do because a child had an allergic reaction after getting ice cream on Main Street. It was right before the parade and the woman was flipping out that she was told there was no peanut interaction going on, yet her child's face was all blown up. I imagine she must have already given the child an eppy treatment, because there was no urgency in terms of care for the child.

 

[DbleTheFun]

Scary about the child who had a reaction!

We have been to WDW on several occasions and I have a several peanut allergy. With my experience, they have been great in letting us know what does/does not have contact with nuts, and I have never had a problem.

I just always ask the question (and have the waiter let the chef know in TS locations)... I dont think it will affect your holiday at all! Maybe pack some safe snacks for the day...that is the only thing I would be worried about, since the vendors may not be as viligiant in knowing their ingredients.

 

[CHEK]

My Eldest DD has Allergies to Nuts, Eggs and Kiwi's and we're never had a problem, we've always found everyone to be attentive to her needs, I contacted Brenda Bennett and she sent me lots of information . Have a great trip

 

[hildarumpole]

I was at the Magic Kingdom last Friday and there was a big to-do because a child had an allergic reaction after getting ice cream on Main Street. It was right before the parade and the woman was flipping out that she was told there was no peanut interaction going on, yet her child's face was all blown up. I imagine she must have already given the child an eppy treatment, because there was no urgency in terms of care for the child.

That's the reason we don't get ice cream from shops or carts at Disney. It's very easy for cross-contaminiation to occur where there are lots of nuts in the ice creams and and as toppings.

If the child was given an epi-pen shot, there would have been great urgency. An epi-pen only buys time, it doesn't cure the problem. A call to 911 and an ambulance trip to the ER would have been required. If I had a nickle for every time I asked someone about food they were offering one of my children and they told me I could just give them the epi-pen if they had a reaction, I'd be Bill Gates. It's not that simple. Even with timely use of an epi-pen, a person can die. A swollen face without anaphylactic symptoms doesn't warrant an epi-pen. It could do more harm than good. Hopefully the mother was well aware of the type of reaction and gave appropriate care (benadryl and monitoring symptoms).


Be prepared. As others have mentioned, note the allergy on ADRs, carry your DDs meds with you at all times, check out the disABILITIES! board for tips, contact Brenda Bennett, and don't be afraid to ask for ingredient lists for any food items you are concerned about. Have a great trip!

 

[james'mommy]

As a side not always make sure to read the epi pen directions. I shot mine in my thumb the first time I used it. I usually don't eat snacks except for divvies at wdw since it is so easy for the nuts to be overlooked at the snack carts. I usually only eat food at table service. Plus the bread is never deemed safe because it is made off site and cannot be controlled. Which really stinks if you like bread like me.

 

[TaraZ]

Thank you all for the comments! We are going to the allergist on Monday for the first of I'm sure many visits...

It's nice to know that my little girl will still have a fabulous Disney experience!

 

[james'mommy]

Make sure the allergist does a full 90 something or other food rast panel. Mine didn't and we've done it piecemeal everytime I have a new reaction. I wish I knew at the beginning it would have save about 4 blood draws.

 

[SueM in MN]

As others have mentioned, note the allergy on ADRs, carry your DDs meds with you at all times, check out the disABILITIES! board for tips, contact Brenda Bennett, and don't be afraid to ask for ingredient lists for any food items you are concerned about. Have a great trip!

Another point to remember is to check again each trip and don't just assume something that was safe last trip will be safe on your next trip.
I can't remember for sure which food it was that someone posted about recently, but it was safe on one trip and a few months later, they changed suppliers or the particular site it was made at and the same food was no longer safe.
What's coming to my mind is Mickey Bars, but I'm not positive. The main point though, is check each time (contact information is in the disABILITIES FAQs thread, in post #3).