Encouragement for multiple food allergies, please...

[stackyallred]

Hi, everyone! I have a long list of newly diagnosed food allergies and I am starting to feel pretty apprehensive about our upcoming trip in 9 weeks. We go to WDW every year so this is going to be a very different trip food-wise. In March I was diagnosed with (digestive- not anaphylactic) allergies to soy, wheat, egg and peanut. I am also highly intolerant of many other things including dairy, garlic, flax, bananas, strawberries, vanilla, lettuce and a few vegetables. Surprisingly I didn't show an allergy to corn but whole corn causes me severe pain (I think corn derivatives are safe, though). Anyway, I've done tons of research, made my ADRs, plan to talk with special diets and chefs at the six week mark but I'm just really starting to wonder if I'm going to starve while I'm there. I was feeling ok about it all due to all the great info and reviews on this forum but now I'm thinking I've been too hopeful after a very bad experience yesterday. DH and I tried to go out to eat last night for the first time in 5 months for my birthday... We researched and found one restaurant in all of Houston that seemed safe and it turned out they had closed permanently a week ago! I was an hour from home and starving. I never leave home without food and the one time I did turned out to be the time I needed it most! So my question for all of you is: Were you freaking out prior to your trip, too? Were you pleasantly surprised and able to enjoy your trip? I'm not asking to eat the best tasting food in the world- I just want to get fed healthy food and not be hungry. I know my days of indulging at WDW are probably long gone and that's ok. Pardon the needy plea but I could use some allergy-friendly encouragement from some people who understand. Thanks!

 

[clanmcculloch]

I think it's totally normal to freak out before your first trip. It's one thing to read everybody here tell you about our amazing experiences but it's another to actually see it and experience it for yourself. Your apprehension is totally normal.

That being said, your apprehension and fear is only of the unknown and you will be well taken care of. WDW really is the best place in the world as far as I know to vacation with food allergies. I will say that I'd stick with Disney owned restaurants with your complex list. For people with only one or two allergies the non-Disney owned are fine but with long lists, I definitely stick with Disney owned.

With your list of allergies, CS in parks won't be easy but CS at resorts and all TS should go really smoothly. You'll have lots of options. Sunshine Seasons at Epcot is one park CS where you should be able to find something (they actually have chefs) but the rest, uh, lets just say I'd book TS lunches those days. I honestly think garlic will be one of your more difficult allergies. Chefs will be great but park CS locations don't have chefs and I'm not sure what of the allergy foods are free of all of your lists (all gluten free baked goods and breads have eggs, I suspect the chicken tenders have garlic powder though I'd confirm with Special Diets because maybe they don't, fries have soy). We typically eat lunch at a TS restaurant in the park and then get the chef at the CS location at our resort to prepare something CS for us. It works out really well. Resort CS chefs really do have lots of ability to help you.

Just to give you an idea of where I'm coming from, the following are my family's lists of allergies/intollerances.
DD14: gluten, milk, eggs, citrus (citric acid is ok), yeast, msg, peanuts (minor - cross contamination not a concern)
DD11: milk, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, citrus (citric acid is ok), peanuts (minor - cross contamination not a concern), sesame, blueberry, cranberry, raw carrots, raw fruit skins besides grapes, lima beans, hops, soy products other than Tofutti and Follow Your Heart (soy’s not the problem but we haven’t identified what ingredient in Silk and other soy products cause Oral Allergy Syndrome)
me: gluten, milk, peanuts (minor - cross contamination not a concern)

I like to print out little cards listing our allergies. I carry lots of copies so that I can hand one to a chef at each location. That way I don't forget to mention anything and the chef has it handy when preparing our food.

 

[SDSorority]

Hi, everyone! I have a long list of newly diagnosed food allergies and I am starting to feel pretty apprehensive about our upcoming trip in 9 weeks. We go to WDW every year so this is going to be a very different trip food-wise. In March I was diagnosed with (digestive- not anaphylactic) allergies to soy, wheat, egg and peanut. I am also highly intolerant of many other things including dairy, garlic, flax, bananas, strawberries, vanilla, lettuce and a few vegetables. Surprisingly I didn't show an allergy to corn but whole corn causes me severe pain (I think corn derivatives are safe, though). Anyway, I've done tons of research, made my ADRs, plan to talk with special diets and chefs at the six week mark but I'm just really starting to wonder if I'm going to starve while I'm there. I was feeling ok about it all due to all the great info and reviews on this forum but now I'm thinking I've been too hopeful after a very bad experience yesterday. DH and I tried to go out to eat last night for the first time in 5 months for my birthday... We researched and found one restaurant in all of Houston that seemed safe and it turned out they had closed permanently a week ago! I was an hour from home and starving. I never leave home without food and the one time I did turned out to be the time I needed it most! So my question for all of you is: Were you freaking out prior to your trip, too? Were you pleasantly surprised and able to enjoy your trip? I'm not asking to eat the best tasting food in the world- I just want to get fed healthy food and not be hungry. I know my days of indulging at WDW are probably long gone and that's ok. Pardon the needy plea but I could use some allergy-friendly encouragement from some people who understand. Thanks!

Freaking out before my trip? Yes, yes I was. But we really had a wonderful experience. At the time we were artificial color/flavor/preservative, msg, gluten, soy, nut and meat free, so I totally 'get it'. My best advice is to pack snacks to bring with you. Things you know you can have (like what you have at home). I have packed many a fruit basket in my suitcase . Snacks were the most difficult thing for me to find at WDW (but we always have a car and make a Publix run as soon as we get checked in to our room). As far as dining at the restaurants, you've done your homework- you'll be fine! Luckily WDW chefs are so much better trained than, well, any other chef I have ever encountered anywhere else. I'm always apprehensive about eating out... but not while at WDW. My suggestion to you is to make little allergy cards that list what you're allergic to. Then, make a list of things you normally eat at home on a separate card. Pack some snacks just like you're used to doing to bring down with you, or pick up at Publix if you have a car. Luckily I was told that soy oil isn't used anymore in the WDW restaurants- they now use a mix of canola and olive, which should be ok for you. You shouldn't have any trouble at all. A couple suggestions: try to dine at restaurants that aren't loud. For example, we had an AWESOME meal at Raglan Road, but we had to SCREAM at the chef to discuss our allergies. Talk about stressful. But a restaurant like La Hacienda was fantastic because it was quiet and so much easier to express our concerns. Also, browse the menus ahead of time to see if there's something on there that you would make at home that could be modified to fit your needs. For any allergy, cross contamination can be a big thing, and the WDW chefs get that. So it'll take a little longer for you to get your food because they will wash all utensils/pans/pots before preparing your meal, so if you see something on the menu that's a salmon with garlic butter sauce (for example), you can ask them to make the salmon in the oil blend without garlic instead. Does that make sense? You'll be totally fine! It's daunting, I know! But the WDW chefs are

 

[Random Ninja]

Take a deep breath...and let it out. You are going to Disney World; the best location on the planet for food allergies. It is odd going to WDW after new allergies pop up. I've had my fair share of food anxieties including while at Disney. For some reason all my allergies have flared/started up recently and now i've got an odd list. However, everytime something has gone wrong, a CM is right there to try there best to make it right.

Back in February, I wandered from Cosmic Rays to CHH because that's where the allergy-free chicken tenders were. Turns out that I am allergic to the chicken so the manager had someone bring a burger from CRs over since that was all I could eat. The CMs went way above-and-beyond what I could ever had expected. They even sent someone to help me find a seat kind of secluded, away from the condiment counters since I have respiratory issues with mustard, and came to check on me too.

You've done all you can now. Make sure you check with the chefs at TS places and ask for the allergy binder at CS. I think you are going to be plesently surprised by your options. If you do have an alleric reaction, let a CM know as soon as you can. They need to know if there is an issue so they can 1. Help you, 2. See if there is a problem in the kitchen and get it fixed before someone else has a problem.

 

[stackyallred]

THANK YOU!!! It makes me feel much better to know there have been others who have felt this way and still had a great time! One thing I kept telling myself (and still keep telling myself) when I was diagnosed was, "At least the place we choose to vacation every year is allergy-friendly!" I really can't imagine going anywhere else- especially now! Thanks so much for sharing your positive experiences. I really appreciate it!

Clanmcculloch, I am happy to say that from the research I have done, it appears the chicken tenders are garlic free. I had been assuming that the generic term "spices" listed on the ingredients always included garlic but through a web search, I found that because garlic is consumed as both a spice and as a crushed or whole clove, it can not simply be listed as "spices" but it has to be listed separately. I can't remember now exactly which allergy website I read that on but I was happy to see it. Eventually, I hope to add garlic back in occasionally (per doctor's OK) but I am still in a healing phase and avoiding all intolerances for a few more months. Like you suggested, I am going to be eating a lot of CS at POP and I have chosen one CS location at each park that I know has safe options (plain hamburger patty, chicken tenders, fruit, carrots, etc). I am also planning on taking/baking a few treats and chips so that I won't feel too left out when my family is eating their desserts. I really hope to try a dairy-free shake (I have seen these in your dining reviews! ) but I am not sure yet if I can handle soy lecithin which is in the rice dream or vanilla but I am hoping to try a little prior to our trip and see how I handle it. My doctor seems to think that as long as I don't over indulge in my intolerances on a daily basis that I should be ok. I have other friends with digestive allergies/intolerances that do quite well with their intolerances as long as they rotate foods and don't over do it. I just haven't been brave enough yet to try! All my TS ADRs were made solely based on other recent allergy-friendly reviews. DH and I both are excited to try some new places that we have never been like 1900 Park Fare (I have to see what the love for Chef TJ is all about!) and Sanaa and knowing that these will be new experiences as well as probably really yummy meals makes me very excited!

SDSorority, you suggestion about quiet restaurants is invaluable! Thank you- I hadn't thought about that aspect of it. I think most of our ADRs are at fairly quiet places but for the ones that are more loud, I might try to switch up the reservations to be during a less busy time period. I had already scheduled early lunches and early dinners in hopes that we may get a bit more attention (just for the sake of having more allergy friendly options) before the crowds got too thick but now I will be sure that is the case for any of the louder places. We are flying this trip and using ME so I won't be stopping at a store but I am planning on shipping down snack and breakfast essentials for myself (almond butter, terra chips, almond milk, Ener-G bread, etc) and I am considering sharing a garden grocer order with my mom (who controls her type 2 diabetes with diet and pretty much eats just like me) so that I can have plenty of fresh whole fruit to carry around with me. I had a feeling snacks would be the big issue so that is one area where I want to be prepared. I am glad that the parks have fruit stands and that carrots are readily available- it may not be the ice cream cone or popcorn I used to love at WDW, but at least I won't starve!

Random Ninja, your story about what happened with CHH just confirms why I know I shouldn't worry so much! I have heard of managers/chefs at CS locations doing that sort of thing for kids but it is good to know they will work so hard to cater to adults with allergies as well. I have gotten really used to eating basic things and knowing that in some situations I may just have to eat the same thing a few times in a row- I just want to avoid any pain and not be hungry while enjoying all the other things WDW has to offer and it sounds like I will be able to. Thanks!

 

[jlr9882]

I was worried at first, because for some reason my son's allergy form was not emailing over to them correctly. It didn't show all his allergies, but once we got it figured out it went a whole lot better. Chefs from Cape May and POP called me several times, and some other chefs emailed me before the trip. The chefs came out to the table. They walked me through the buffets or talked about what they could make for him, and prepared food safety for him. We were on the DDP. My son was only 4 at the time, and they prepared some really yummy meals for him. He has over 20 allergies, so there wasn't much at all that he could eat off the kid's menu. No main items, because he is allergic to almost all meats and most of the top 8 allergens. He was treated like a Prince every where we went! We are excited for next summer! As far as snack credits, he got mostly special caramel popcorn from POP. It was something we can't get here, but I do want him to try babycakes next time.

Enjoy these photos (and post your's after your trip) :http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2942614

 

[Random Ninja]

Both rice dream and tofutti have soy and vanilla flavorings in them. Definitely test those before Disney. I wish they would carry so delicious coconut milk ice cream. The chocolate doesn't have soy or vanilla.

As for snacks and treats, it is hard seeing others with giant deserts that are off limits. I've been looking around at the brands I know disney carries and so far almost everything has vanilla in it. It's a good idea bringing your own treats to the parks. The Whole Foods near disney delivers so that is an option. I haven't used them myself since I always drive but I haven't heard any horror stories.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

In our experience, Disney is as good as it gets- and they are quite good about food allergies. If I were you, since you have so many allergies- I'd write a list up and carry it around- maybe post-it sized slips on bright paper that you could hand out at each place - that way you don' have to rattle offf your list a thousand times.

Here's one more suggestion - albeit a pricey one - consider club level at the deluxes.

With club level, the IPO takes care to make sure all your food allergies are noted on your ADR. Again, it woudl still be helpful to have that slip of paper- but the places you dine would all be prepped. Including an allergy free breakfast at your home resort each day - and you only have to tell the chef once.

It makes Disney a big vacation to have allergy free foods without having to go through all the effort each time. If you can get a good room discount, then the rates in certain seasons aren't all that bad - not when you consider that the rooms include breakfast, snacks, appetizers, desserts, and adult beverages.


I also second hiting the Whole Foods in Orlando -if you havea car. I have not tried their delivery service- but in person the WF near Sand Lake is just amazing! Best grocery store ever!

 

[Chelley00]

I'm making my first multiple allergy trip in October. (wheat, egg, dairy, soy, corn, peanut, tomato, chocolate, potato and apple) I'm a little nervous, mainly because I emailed special diets and their response back was a little worthless, so it concerns me walking in blind. I've decided just to pack some allergy free snacks with me just in case I can't find anything at a CS to safely eat.

The Whole Foods in Orlando delivers!
http://wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/orlando/delivery/

 

[sheboz]

I hear ya!! I flew with acceptable "bread" for my children from Windsor Ontario. We rented a car as my son has sensory issues as well and headed to whole food and got some products we were used to. We stayed off site.
I called baby cakes NYC (downtown disney) and placed a special order for my two children. They were great! I brought plastic cupcake carriers and cooler packs into the park. My children were able to have wonderful cupcakes and banana bread whenever they wanted. We all loved the treats so much we had to place a second order half way through our vacation. On the way to the airport for our return flight we stopped again and came home with all our containers stuffed with goodies!!! They are now carrying babycakes at the AOA, maybe you could have them bring a package for you. Best of luck our trip was the best EVER!!!

Check out allergyfreemouse.com or allergyeats.com All menus are on allears.net. Plan ahead and take the stress out of your trip!
Good luck! If you need any help send me a PM.