DS with peanut/nut allergy, please help

[liznboys]

I also just heard from a friend, that Wolfgang Puck's in DTD uses peanut oil. I can't verify this, but it's something to double check if you plan to eat there.

 

[CamColt]

Thanks for sharing that letter, Liznboys. Great info there!

 

[lenshanem]

That is the same email I got several years ago! Hasn't changed one bit. I wish they'd be more specific in regard to the "oriental cuisine".

We've eaten at Wolfgang Puck EXPRESS a couple times and each time the chef never mentioned peanut oil to me?!? I can't recall what my daughter got, though...
I don't like to eat anything around her that is not safe for her so I'll ask again next time I'm there. EGADS!

 

[liznboys]

Shan, I wish it were a bit more specific too... I also was hoping they'd send a list of counter service and cart foods that are safe or not as a pp mentioned getting. But, we'll ask everyone about it everwhere we go regardless...

 

[jeancbpugh]

That is the same email I got several years ago! Hasn't changed one bit. I wish they'd be more specific in regard to the "oriental cuisine".

We've eaten at Wolfgang Puck EXPRESS a couple times and each time the chef never mentioned peanut oil to me?!? I can't recall what my daughter got, though...
I don't like to eat anything around her that is not safe for her so I'll ask again next time I'm there. EGADS!

I got the same letter a few years ago, too. I then called all the park Food & Bev offices. They weren't well organized at that time to answer my questions. I got inconstant and sometimes erroneous answers.

 

[jeancbpugh]

Shan, I wish it were a bit more specific too... I also was hoping they'd send a list of counter service and cart foods that are safe or not as a pp mentioned getting. But, we'll ask everyone about it everwhere we go regardless...

Most of the time they'll have labels you can read and they are cheerful about letting you do so.

 

[liznboys]

Most of the time they'll have labels you can read and they are cheerful about letting you do so.

Cool.

 

[mom2threeboys]

I'm so glad to see this post! I have an almost 2 year old DS with a PA, and my Dh is severely allergic to all memebers of the legume family as well as tree nuts.
Its great to hear that Disney is so accomodating in regards to food allergies. I'll be sure to follow the advice here in planning our next trip! (last time DS was undiagnosed as he was a baby, and DH has just learned to be very careful!)

 

[lenshanem]

Aren't the carts and counter services supposed to have ingredients / allergy warnings you can request to read now???

 

[DVCDawn]

Liznboys:

When you call the food and beverage managers ask specifically for ingredient lists. Some parks are better organized than others -- Magic Kingdom is unbelievably thorough while Animal Kingdom isn't. As Jeanbcpugh says, you may get a lot of duplicate information, but as I see it, information is information.

and Shan:

CMs who work at the carts should have an ingredient lists. I asked last time at one of the turkey leg vendors and they were able to produce the list immediately.

Let's just say, this is my favorite thread!

DVCDawn

 

[liznboys]

Question for you all: Are there any places where the ice cream is safe? Do you guys avoid Ghirardelli and all the bakery type places completely (for instance Main Street Bakery and Ice Cream shops)? How about places in the World Showcase like the bakery/pastry places in France and Norway-do you stay away from them? If you do avoid a lot of these places, what ones DO you go to to get baked goods and ice cream for your kids?

I want to find out if we should even THINK about going to these places, don't want to go in and then have to leave if there isn't anything safe...after my boys are already excited we're there.

 

[jeancbpugh]

Question for you all: Are there any places where the ice cream is safe? Do you guys avoid Ghirardelli and all the bakery type places completely (for instance Main Street Bakery and Ice Cream shops)? How about places in the World Showcase like the bakery/pastry places in France and Norway-do you stay away from them? If you do avoid a lot of these places, what ones DO you go to to get baked goods and ice cream for your kids?

I want to find out if we should even THINK about going to these places, don't want to go in and then have to leave if there isn't anything safe...after my boys are already excited we're there.

We skip the ice cream and bakery places completely. It's too hard to bring my 5-year-old into a bakery, and then have to tell him, "sorry, they don't have anything safe for you, honey." We carry a bag of safe candy instead.

He ate a Mickey Bar from a cart at MGM with no problem. (I called the manufacturer from the cart on my cell phone. They don't have a dedicated line, but do a double sanitization.)

He had softserve ice cream at Chef Mickey's with some choc syrup they brought from the kitchen in the Hershey's squeeze bottle. The chef said he couldn't have all the candy toppings.

We brought some cookies from home. I think there is a Krispie Kreme not too far off property.

All Ghirandelli products are outside our comfort zone.

I know what you mean about not wanting to disappoint your kids.

 

[laughinplace199]

I was told by the food and beverage offices at MK and MGM that you can go to the ice cream shops and ask for a manager. The manager will then put on clean gloves and open a fresh container of vanilla ice cream and use a clean scoop to prepare the ice cream for the allergic person. We were going to do this for DD (who was 4 YO at the time), since we never go out for ice cream at home. However, it just didn't work into our plans. However, she was able to get plain vanilla ice cream for dessert at many of the table service restaurants.

We skip all bakery products. I usually buy some Oreos or other safe cookies at the supermarket and bring those to the parks for DD's snack/dessert.

Disney is the only place where we feel that we can eat out and not worry. We've had wonderful experiences on our past trips and can't wait until the next one. I sent a letter complimenting the chefs after our last trip and someone from Disney called me to thank me. During this phone conversation, I again expressed my gratitude for the knowledge the chefs have regarding food allergies and the concern that they show for their guests. Hopefully, recognizing their hard work will encourage them to continue doing such a great job.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[CamColt]

Our DS,who has a peanut allergy, has had hand scooped icecream at the Main St Ice Cream Parlor, Ghiradellis and the place at MGM, near RNR. Hes also had quite a few Mickey bars. We eat at the Bake Shop on every trip. He usually gets a bagle, French Toast Loaf or a Cinnamon Roll. We pretty much trust the info the CMs give us, and luckily we have never had any problem.

 

[lenshanem]

I let my daughter eat the soft serve ice cream. There are numerous places throughout WDW that serve this. She loves those Dole Whips, too! I did quite a bit of calling around before regarding the ice cream in the carts. Long ago I was told the Mickey Head bars were safe and I let her eat them, but then later I followed up again and was told they were no longer safe. (This was about a year ago, maybe less.) I even contacted Nestle. The only frozen treats from the carts I was told were safe were the fruit bars - there is a Minnie Strawberry bar and that Itzadoosie or something like that. I think there is one other bar like these? She has had both of these fine and is happy just to get something special like that. But, she does miss those Mickey Head bars! (I even have a picture of her the first time she ate one and she looked so darn happy.)

We eat the Smores at 50's Prime Time every trip. (I always double check with them.) We avoid the bakeries and hard scooped ice cream places like the plague. Several places have told us not to eat their breads. I do know Krispy Kreme donuts are safe and many of the WDW breakfast buffets have them, though.

 

[lenshanem]

What do you think?

Earlier in this thread I mentioned my daughter's disappointment with us not being able to book the pirate cruise. (It just didn't sound safe enough to me when I called.) She really wants to do something on her own with her younger sister.

I called two of the kid clubs - Simba's Cubhouse and Never Land club today. (I figured they could feel grown up by doing something on their own for a couple hours and hubby and I could just have dinner.)

Both said they see peanut allergies often but neither would administer the EpiPen, they would page me. A sticker at Simba's would be given to her and a bracelet at Never Land.

Simba's is smaller and I think more controlled. BUT the kids pick from a menu and PB&J is offered on it. I was told that if any kids ordered the PB&J they sit them separately. Jiko's - where hubby and I would go eat would be a very short run back if I was needed.

Never Land is two buildings away from the restaurants at the Poly so it would take me longer to get to her. They have a buffet and it is completely nut free. BUT I think it maybe larger and less controlled.

Thoughts? Pros and cons to each. I would rather hubby and I eat at Jiko's cause we've never done that before, but I wonder where they prepare the food there for the kids cause Boma's is where my daughter reacted that one time from cross contamination.

I guess I would leave directions to page me if any doubts and have another CM call 911? I do know from a past experience at the Poly they are very quick to arrive.

Anyway, I'd love to hear your opinions. Thanks!

 

[erinch]

Our DS, who just turned 17 yesterday, has been allergic from birth to all MILK, EGG, TREE NUT, and PEANUT products.

We have been to WDW many times, and have learned many tricks which allow him to eat at restaurants and have a life that's pretty close to "normal." We've officially gone from "oh my gosh, he's going to die" to "oh dear, we have to KILL him" now that he's a teenager.

The first thing I would want to say is that, over the years, we have had 10 close calls which have involved having to give the epi-pen. 4 of them were while he was under age 3, as we were discovering new allergies. 1 was when the local Arby's suddenly changed their grill spread; 1 was when a dysfunctional mother gave him cake with nuts in it, after being told to only give the safe gummy treats; 1 was an asthma bronchospasm, cause unknown; 1 was when he got a shred of cheese at school mixed with lettuce; 2 were reactions to foods which had previously been tolerated...and one was at Universal, when the server swore there were no nuts in the cobbler. (We nearly ended up owning Universal, but that's a different story.)

The reason I mention the lengthy history is: if you ever have to use the epi-pen it is not the end of the world. But it is a VERY good idea to have 2 of them, in case an ambulance is delayed--an epi buys us about 10-15 minutes.

The second is that none of these episodes were our fault--except that we have not placed him in lock-down. When he was little, we exercised every possible precaution, and yet there were some uncontrollable slips. We learned not to beat ourselves up over them.

The third is that we have had wonderful, but not always consistent experiences at Disney. We have had chefs make him the most wonderful custom milk/egg/nut free desserts and baked goods (which really mattered when he was a little guy), and some shrug and shove some toffutti at us. The most difficult part for us was dealing with the character buffets, since what he could eat was so limited, and even after repeated phoning ahead I discovered that you cannot count on them to have the plain rice or baked potato ready when you arrive.

We had extraordinary, going way beyond the call of duty experiences at Boma (top chef made 2 handmade desserts), and the chef personally walked him through every single food item rather than communicating through mom; Mama Melroses (they overturned all their fantamsic meal policies to get him a separate salad and safe flatbread and covered every single ingredient with us); the Brown Derby (constructed a special dessert fruit plate); the Princess Buffet at Grand Floridian--walked him through all items and offered special prep; Donald's Breakfastosaurus--made him dairy free pancakes. Cindy's castle, at lunch, was phenomonal in adapting a recipe to make it dairy free and pretty much like the original. We've eaten several times at Teppanyaki with no ill effects.

The French restaurant at Epcot was our worst experience, with hidden cheese which would have killed him in dark lighting. Le Cellier brought the milk-free sorbet---with a nut-based cookie in it and chocolate squiggles on the plate, and acted put-upon when we sent it back. Ohana had a server who actually refused to bring out the chef until we demanded a manager. Crystal Palace one time made special dairy free brownies and another time said there was no cheese in the pototoes when there was.

What we've learned is that sit-down meals are far better than buffets, when possible. If you're not satisfied or feel you are being rushed, jump over the head of the server, line cook whatever and start at the "top" of the food chain. Don't be afraid to ask to see ingredients lists--I have been welcomed in the kitchen of the Grand Floridian and Jiko to look at labels.

Try to eat at times which are less busy. Make sure that they've noted the allergies on the PS. Emphasize normality whenever you can. As your child ages, if anything like mine, they would rather not eat than have attention called to them--unobtrusively working with a restaurant staff becomes an art.

We give the deepest thanks that we've had 17 years with this very twitchy kid, and want to encourage anyone dealing with food allergies to refuse to let it hold you or your child back.

As far as emergency procedures at WDW. The first aid centers are wonderful--if you're dealing with asthma as well they will store your nebulizer, and are a wonderful resource in addressing your food challenges. If the worst should happen, your experience at WDW would be much like ours at Universal--first aid guys with a stretcher arrived at the restaurant within 2 minutes of the call from the restaurant manager. I'd already given the first epi-pen. They transported him to their first aid center; which transported us via van, with him still on a stretcher to Centra-care, which got a steroid drip going and gave a second epi. Centra-care sent us by ambulance to the local hospital, which pushed more steroids, and monitored for about 4 hours until we were ready to be discharged. We had no problem getting a scrip for replacement epi-pens.

I wouldn't wish the experience on anyone--but it is good to know that if a food emergency should occur that prompt action is life-saving and life can go on.

Although I was well-versed in going over my son's action plan at school every year, and helped with the epi trainers, I was amazed that when my time came to give the shot how my hands started shaking and how what I knew perfectly well about procedure I suddenly couldn't remember. I would strongly recommend having "anaphylactic drills" to practice finding the right spot to give the shot, and who goes to call 911, until you as parents and your child are all comfortable and rehearsed in managing an emergency.

Then--RELAX and enjoy the Disney trip. Feel free to email me regarding any other info which might be helpful.
Erin Cox-Holmes

 

[erinch]

Leshanem--

When my guy was little we left him at both Neverland and the GF club, where he had meals. I would never have left the premises, since they also refuse to adminster nebulizers, but was confident that they were clear on the food management, and that the pagers functioned well. He did fine with the Neverland food--even with a milk allergy thrown in--and the manager was wonderful in making sure he got safe food without any cross-contaminated products.

If you're nervous, and trying to come to terms with your comfort level, I'd highly recommend Simba's club. It's very manageable. OUr DS (who is drip-dry healthy) LOVED it while we were having an allergically managed meal with our DS at Boma.

If your child got something like the chicken fingers and fries, they are cooked in canola oil, and there is virtually no chance of cross contamination. If you are worried about peanut odor, you could ask them to page you if a child order pb & j.

The other you could do is be present when your child's food arrives to check it out and make sure it's all in order, then leave when your child is safely playing. Food at Simba's club doesn't go on all night. They order dinner; they eat it, and they move on.

Again, speaking as the mom of a highly allergic now 17 year old, he has told me the most important thing we did was not "hover" (even while we were working like crazy behind the scenes to keep him safe.) If your daughter is anything like mine, she desperately needs to be left at a kid's club, to function on her own, and to learn her strength as well as how precarious her life is. Again--just the reflections of a mom now going crazy with this adolescent "stuff" ours is throwing at us.

 

[lenshanem]

Thanks erinch. Your posts were great!

On the excitement level, which club do you think kids would find most fun?

I'm leaning towards Simba's cause it seems smaller and more controlled and is closer to the restaurant we'd be eating at (Jiko's). But I think my daughter is a little more interested in the idea of the Never Land club. It is just Kona is two buildings away!

 

[jeancbpugh]

We give the deepest thanks that we've had 17 years with this very twitchy kid, and want to encourage anyone dealing with food allergies to refuse to let it hold you or your child back.

Thank you, Erin. It is hard to maintain perspective sometimes, and your post is very helpful to those of us with younger children.