DS (age 2) is diabetic and has life threatening peanut allergy - questions

[Selket]

We are planning a sort of impromptu trip to WDW in Aug - a bit earlier in Aug than I thought and my 90 day window for restaurant ressies starts in a few days.

I'd be interested in any tips/advice that anyone has experienced with either the diabetes or peanut allergy issues at the resorts/parks. He was just diagnosed with the diabetes in March and PA in April so everything is still new to us

We plan to stay in the CR for 7 nights. One concern I have is that, similar to our AKL stay last summer, the items at the fast food spot at the CR probably won't interest him very much. He might eat chicken strips or hot dog - maybe not the mac and cheese. I'd like to be able to get him some pasta and vegetables. He likes fruit but will not generally eat fresh fruit cups if they have melons in them (he likes peaches/pears/grapes). We usually do breakfast in the room (very easy for us) and often one meal a day at the hotel from a less expensive place.

Should I plan to bring things for him to eat and rent a fridge (they are giving us a medical one for his insulin but it may be the shoebox - if so I'll rent a bigger one)? I can keep some of his favorite foods in it but I can't see how to get a good balance of things he will eat from the food court area at CR. I don't want to eat restaurant/buffets 2x a day if we don't have to.

Have you had any issues of peanut butter contamination with the food court foods or other items? If he touches peanut butter we are in a 911 situation. As you can imagine we don't eat out now very much and have brought a plate for him from home when we do because of the peanut allergy problem! But looking at the fast serv. menus I don't see how to get any vegetables (esp. peas and carrots) in there.

Thanks!

 

[AirForceRocks]

I'm pretty sure that Disney will work with you on making sure that there is food available that your child can eat. I would call WDW-DINE and explain your situation. They can point you in the right direction as to what steps you need to take regarding having safe and good food available.

 

[Kaycee]

Definitely call WDW-DINE and explain your situation. I have read so many posts where people have had severe allergies, and WDW dining has bent over backwards to make whatever accomodations are needed. With such a serious allergy, I suggest just going straight to the source and asking. Whatever we tell you here on the boards will not be nearly as valuable as what WDW can tell you.

Good luck!

 

[DonaldsGrl103]

The CR was great with a medical fridge as it wasnt that small it was actually a nice size and I could fit other things in it too!! And please call WDW DINE so they can help you with your sons medical needs - most chefs are very accomodating

 

[piratesmate]

Definately contact them directly. They are very helpful in situations like this. Also, be sure to check out the DISabilities board. There are some seasoned pros who frequent that board who may have some tips for you!

I hope your trip goes well & DS enjoys an "uneventful" time.

 

[ducklite]

If your son has that much of a peanut allergy, I would NOT eat in the food court. You do'nt know who has sat at the table before you and had peanut butter on a muffin then touched the chair.

The food court people will work with you to avoid cross contamination on the food, but the furniture, you're running a serious risk. Take it back to your room and eat it there.

Anne

 

[Aimeedyan]

I promise your DS is not the first to have this serious allergy, and Disney is well aware of his limitations and how to handle them. They have gone to the uncrustables in the parks JUST to address the issues of peanut butter contamination in the kitchen. The chefs at Disney are well schooled in all allergies and can accomodate.

As with any allergy, you need to just note your allergy on all PS that you make, and followup with the chef a week prior to discuss your worries. I would not risk eating in the food court, either, but instead perhaps in your room, or outside. I think restaurants are a bit safer since the tables are cleared more regularly and cleaned with disinfectant. It might be wise to carry wipes with you to ensure that as well...

It might be wise to bring a few things with you that you know he'll eat in a bind, as well. I know the counter service places shouldn't have the worry of contamination, either, so you could eat those too.

I hope you have a magical trip!

 

[AirForceRocks]

They have gone to the uncrustables in the parks JUST to address the issues of peanut butter contamination in the kitchen.

So they don't even offer the PB&J sandwiches anymore? Great...

 

[Selket]

Thanks for the good advice everyone. I did call and a chef from the CR called me back in a few hours and offered to prepare a few items (or just pull them off the usual menu if it is peanut free enough - I'll let them figure that out) of some things that would be safe for him to eat - and include some vegetables to supplement the hotdog/fries kids diet in the food court area. (Often he won't eat fries or mac and cheese but will eat pasta or rice ,etc.) I will also get a fridge for the room (if they don't give us a full size I'll just rent one) and keep some things that we like to have on hand that we know he will eat and some things we use to combat lows (like drink yogurt).

I will check with the folks on the peanut allergy boards as many of them are disney travelers as well and see if they've had trouble dining where peanut butter is served (I can bring wipes for the table and seat which seems to work for other people - we have only been out to eat once since he was diagnosed with the PA so I don't have much experience directly). I don't want to spend the whole vacation eating in my room though. I guess he could also come into contact with peanut butter on a ride if the person before had been eating it as a snack and had some on his/her hands, etc. I don't know how much peanut butter it would take to cause the reaction. I know if you can actually SEE the peanut butter then it is a problem.

Thanks again

 

[Selket]

Originally posted by Aimeedyan
I know the counter service places shouldn't have the worry of contamination, either, so you could eat those too.

Do you mean that they don't serve peanut butter at the counter service places in the parks and that the food is safe from peanut issues or that the seating areas are not a concern?

Just wanted to clarify!

 

[AirForceRocks]

I know that a number of the counter service places used to offer PB&J, but I don't know about now...hopefully they still do, or I'll be lugging peanut butter sandwiches around in the backpack all day.

 

[Jordan's MOM]

The uncrustable are peanut butter, they just come pre packaged so that other foods being prepared in the kitchen will not come in contact with the peanut butter. I have often seen children eating homemade peanut butter sandwiches different places in the park, so wipes are a must. I know that there is also a least one fresh fruit stand in each park and most food courts have fresh fruits, prepacked yougert, and other foods that might help you out. Sending prayers for a safe and happy well deserved trip.



Jordan's mom

 

[Aimeedyan]

I meant the kitchen itself wouldnt be contaminated bc they use the uncrustables for the pb and j sandwiches now, that are prepackaged and therefore no peanut butter is kept in the kitchens any longer...

BUt you're right, that doesnt stop people from bringing in peanut butter, so wiping down your tables and chairs would be wise =)

I should have been more clear, sorry =)

 

[airjoe]

When you make your priority seatings let the CM know about any alergys. They will give you the phone numbers of any restaurants where you make priority seating and you can contact the chefs at these locations seven days prior to your dining to arrange any special meals.

 

[jiminy14]

My 17 year old DD has had diabetes since she was 2 1/2. We have been taking her to WDW for the past 15 years and found everyone to be extremely accommodating concerning her dietary needs. Once in CRT the child's meal came with applesauce as a side. Lots of sugar and she could not eat it. Our server asked what her favorite food was and she replied "Olives". In a few minutes the server came back with a whole bowl of olives for her to eat.
The fridge that is supplied is usually the small cube size. Large enough to keep some milk, juices, and snacks in. Make sure that you inform the front desk that it is for medical purposes (insulin) and they will not charge you for it.
As a side note, each park has a first aid station. They will keep your insulin for you while you visit the park. You can return at any time during the day to test your child's blood or to give them a shot. The nurses on staff are always great. Once we accidentally left my DD insulin in EPCOT and the nurse met us at the employee parking lot after the park closed to make sure we got it.
You will be surprised at the availability of sugar-free items. Even the ice cream carts have started to carry sugar free items. I can't speak about the peanut allergy issue but I'm sure that WDW will be just as helpful.

 

[AirForceRocks]

The uncrustable are peanut butter, they just come pre packaged so that other foods being prepared in the kitchen will not come in contact with the peanut butter.

Thanks, I'm familiar with uncrustables, but my son likes the "real thing". I'm glad I found out they don't have them anymore before we got down there.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

There is a board here called disAbilities. The wonderful folks there often talk about traveling with kids w/ allergies and/or diabeties. You might find some info there.

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=20