Food allergic child

[daveinmaryland]

We have a toddler, (1.5 years old) who has troubling food allergies. He's allergic to milk, eggs, wheat, nuts... His dietary restrictions cause us much angst. He can't dine at fast food type places. To that end, we like to cook his food for him. What inside Disney resorts have in room kitchen amenities? What is likelihood that a normal hotel would allow us to bring (and use) a toaster oven to cook him a chicken breast? We're trading staying off site for the kitchen but would love to stay on site as we did before he was born.

 

[MHopkins2]

All the "Home Away from Home" resorts - Old Key West, Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk Villas, and the brand new Beach Club Villas - have full kitchens in the one-bedrooms and up. Studios at those resorts have kitchenettes with (IIRC) a microwave, but no stove.

I'm not sure about using a toaster oven at one of the other resorts, or even in a HAFH studio, because I think it might be deemed a fire hazard - you might want to call Disney to ask them about that one.

However, if your budget isn't a big issue for this trip, I encourage you to eat out to your heart's content at the sit-down restaurants. I have not personally needed this service, but I have read here (especially on the DISAbilities forum) that the WDW sit-downs are very accommodating to even the most problematic food allergies. Many posters have shared stories about calling ahead (perhaps the week before your trip) and receiving both a sypmathetic ear and fantastic dishes.

If you're staying at a Deluxe resort, I would bet that room service could make your DS counter service type food to enjoy at the parks as well. Maybe chicken fingers coated in rice flour or some such? Again, they're more than willing to help out, all you have to do is ask!

 

[SnackyStacky]

I think if you call the resort on-site you'd like to stay at and ask, you'd be able to arrange something like that.

Also, I believe if you call 407-WDW-DINE, and let them know of any dietary needs and restrictions, they can accomodate you; the more restrictive the diet, the more notice they need.

If you're looking for onsite accomadations with kitchenettes, I would look into the Home Away from Home resorts. They are pricey, but available. Check into Beach Club Villas, Villas at Wildnerness Lodge, Old Key West, and the Boardwalk Villas.

 

[Tink100]

My little boy had a huge number of food allergies two years ago when we took him to WDW. He was three at the time, and was allergic to wheat, dairy, eggs, strawberries, bananas, peanuts, apples, tree nuts, grapes, and lots of other stuff that I can't even remember now. We stayed on-property at POR. I made sit down dining PS for every single meal; when you do this, tell the CM that you have a child with severe food allergies and that you need to make arrangements for a special meal for them. The dining CM will give you a special telephone # for each restaurant, and you call them and tell the chef what your child is allergic to. The chef will talk to you about suggestions that they can make for your child, and you can set his menu up right then. The chef's can tell you each ingredient in all their food items. Then when you actually go to that restaurant, tell your server that you have called ahead to make special arrangements for you child. The server will tell the kitchen and the chef will come out and talk to you to verify what the child is allergic to. Even the buffets and preplated meal restaurants will do this for you. Everything came off like clockwork when we ate at the restaurants. We had all our breakfasts set up at Boatwright's in POR, and they even ordered special rice cereal and soy milk for my little boy. It's easier if you have 2 or 3 meals set up at each restaurant; that way it reduces how many restaurants you have to talk to. While this way was more expensive since we didn't eat any counter service, we did get to enjoy many nice restaurants, and the chefs couldn't have been any nicer and more accomodating. I think there may be some information on food allergies at WDW on the disAbilities forum too. Really, I can sympathize because I know how difficult it is to arrange food for your little one when they have a lot of food allergies. I felt like Disney did a wonderful job of accomodating this issue and taking care of my little guy. And it is easier than bringing along your own food. You might want to rent a little refrigerator for your room in case your little one has leftovers that you might want to save.

Good luck! (and by the way, under our allergist's direction, we successfully have done food challenges on all the things my little boy was once allergic to, and he can eat everything now! They grow out of some of those things, although some children don't lose all of their food allergies. My guy last week had his very last food challenge in the allergist's office--he ate a peanut butter sandwich and had no reaction!) It really can get better eventually!

 

[DeeCeeSW]

My DS (18-months old) also has food allergies; specifically, barley, wheat, eggs and peanuts. We will be staying onsite as well and had wondered how we would find appropriate meals for him. The information I have read on this thread has helped a great deal. When we vacation with our DS we usually bring along a box of Gerber oatmeal and rice cereal, some rice cakes, applesauce and juice boxes. Luckily, he is not allergic to dairy or fruit, so we purchase milk, cheese and assorted fruits at stores nearby. He mainly eats meat, chicken, vegetables and cheese (sounds like he's on the Atkins Diet...). We are looking forward to our dinner at 'Ohana since it appears as though they serve food that our DS can eat (with the exception of anything made with soy sauce--it has wheat!). I am taking DS to see his allergist two months prior to our trip to start food challenges.

Being allergic to milk, eggs and wheat is TOUGH. I know how hard it is for you to find foods for your child. I assume that you are purchasing wheat-free/dairy-free products at your local health food store? There are great pastas, breads, biscuits, cake mixes, etc., for those with severe allergies.

Good luck (to us both!). I'm sure our trips will be successful!

 

[MHopkins2]

DeeCeeSW - you might want to call ahead to Ohana before your trip... IIRC from our last visit, all the "main courses" (turkey, steak, shrimp, pork, what else??) tasted like they were marinated in the same stuff, with a teriyaki flavor. So the soy sauce might be a deal-breaker! I'm sure if you call ahead, though, they could make your DS a portion without that marinade.

 

[ducklite]

I'm allergic to tree nuts, a frequent travelling companion is allergic to wheat, and is lactose intolerant.

We have had incredibly good experiences at WDW restaurants. The only times we've "called ahead" are to the Italian places for rice pasta (48 hours notice) and Hoop De Doo Review (they made my friend the same meal only without sauces, and served her a GIANT fresh fruit paltter in lieu of the shortcake for dessert.

I always tell the server as soon as I sit down that I have food allergies and need to speak to the chef, and then verify that my selections are nut free, nuy oil free, and not made on equipment that proceeses food that contains nuts. (big problem for me!)

I have never had any probelms, and they've gone out of their way to make substitutions as needed, including putting together combinations not offered on the menu and cooking things differently or without sauces.

Just as an FYI, all foods that are cooked in oils at WDW are cooked in canola oil unless specified differently on the menu. The baking powder bisquits served at many of the restaurants at breakfast are made by Pillsbury and shippe din frozen, and are nut free.

Back to your original question. Toaster ovens are a fire hazard in hotel rooms. There is not a safe place to put one to use it (heat resistant counter top, etc.) If you really want to go the "cook it yourself" route, then the home away from hoems are your best option. You might want to think about renting points from a DVC member, it will save you a bundle.

Anne

 

[DeeCeeSW]

MHopkins-I called 'Ohana as well as HDDR, 1900 Park Fare and Chefs De France with numbers I obtained from WDW-DINE. I'm waiting to hear back from Ohana--both soy and teriyaki sauce have wheat, I don't know why I didn't think about that. A very nice woman at HDDR told me to call back 9 days prior to our trip. She says DS will be most likely be served grilled chicken, french fries, corn, green beans and a nice fruit plate. The chef at the GF was also quite nice and accomodating and said I should try to think of something special that my DS might like (like a dessert) since they would have more than enough time to make it up for him.

 

[Kimkimba]

Don't know about the hotels.

On the positive end, he may grow out of many of these. While both my dd (13) and ds (4) had milk and soy allergies, they have both grown out them. My mother gave my ds peanut butter when he was about 2, and he had a severe allergic reaction. While I've always carried an Epipen since then, my pediatrician said most kids develop their food allergies (and outgrow many of them) by about age 5 and my ds wasn't tested until a few months ago (age 4 1/2). The severe allergies right now: Peanuts, nuts, eggs, trees, dustmites (he also has asthma which Flovent and Albuterol inhalers have provided immense relief), and cats. We still have the cat - keep him out of the bedrooms and am getting ready to order stuff for his dander. I would have never known about the cat or the eggs and the allergist said his egg reaction was severe, but some of this is often broke down when cooked in things (cakes, cookies). They only tested about 20 things and he HATED it! My son pretty much knows what he can and cannot eat. It's never been a big deal to him but then again food is not on his priority list. If he's not sure, he asks (we've drilled it in him that it will make him very very sick). I've always just carried Benydryl and an EpiPen (double packs with the trainer are cheaper on prescription plans - I always have several around) and made sure wherever he is they know. We're careful, but we've made it a way of life for him and he has never deprived (my 13 dd can't understand this as she loves food).

 

[daveinmaryland]

Thanks for your inputs. My wife will be thrilled to read your inputs. I have been criticized (playfully) as the fun loving one in our relationship. She, the realist, is the one who keeps us in check. For those grappling with food allergies, God bless you. Our son has wheat, egg, milk, nut allergies. It's tough serving his other two brothers pizza and serve him "garbage". Your comments on the "user friendliness" of Disney only enforces my desire to go back. Disney's "serve the customer's needs" mentality is a model for many companies.
Thanks

 

[CanBeGrumpy]

My son is allergic to peanuts, but since that is his only (known) food allergy, he isn't as restricted as your child will be, so he has eaten a lot of different things at WDW without incident. When you call to make any PS, inform the CM of your child's allergies. They should then give you a phone number that is direct to the restaurant. From there, I assume you can work it out with the restaurant (I have never done this, although I am going to soon as I want to eat dinner at Boma and I'm afraid there might be peanuts in the African food.) Even with everyone's best efforts, accidents can still happen, so make sure you have at least 2 Epi-pens with you at all times. I'm sure it would take a few minutes to get someone from the MK to the emergency room if necessary, so you want to be as prepared as you can! WDW will probably be very accomodating of your situation!!! I hope you have a wonderful vacation!!

 

[MHopkins2]

Kimkimba - This is OT, but you might try Allerpet for the cat dander - I am *very* allergic to cats (and dogs and hamsters and everything else with fur!), and a weekly rubdown with Allerpet lets me cuddle my kitty right on my face with no problems. It's also relatively inexpensive - about $7 for a bottle that lasts two or three months.

 

[ElaineMarch]

I have taken my nephew with nut allergies to WDW three times and have always had his allergy noted on any ps. I tell the server when we get there and the chef comes out to talk about the food offerings. They made him a special sundae at the Ice Cream Social at epcot. The servers have always been very friendly and accomodating.
Has anyone had experience using the Neverland Club for a child with an allergy/epi pen? I think he would love this (many video games), but I want to be sure he is safe.
Elaine

 

[Kimkimba]

MHopkins2,

Where is a good place to buy Allerpet? Do most pet stores have it? I just read a little about it on the internet, and it sounds pretty good for the price. I appreciate the advice - my son only had the allergy testing done about 2 or 3 months ago so the cat thing really hasn't sunk in. My son doesn't seem any worse around the cat than he is the rest of the time, so I don't know if it's the cat, the dust mites, his asthma acting up, or what. He's not real bad; before he would cough a lot of the night. Now with the daily Flovent inhaler, he rarely coughs. It's like night and day. He sleeps all night. Of course if I had to get rid of the cat, I would, but he's just such a wonderful cat that I'd like to keep him if possible. I'll get some of this Allerpet this weekend and let you know how it does for us. Thanks!

 

[Gretchen]

My DD was alergic to eggs/dust/dustmites/dogs. The chef at Cinderella's Royal Table came to our table to talk about it with us. We had called and checked at the podium the day before. Also I called before we left and was assured they could do something for her. They made an egg free mickey pancake for her. She was thrilled. It's nice to know there will be something for your child to eat! Off topic, my DD has been using an Advair inhaler for a year now, it's been great. Combination fastacting and longacting med for asthma. Also, Walmart sells a alergen spray-works for the carpets.
Good luck and have fun!

 

[Twinsplus1]

My son is 6 and is allergic to natural rubber latex. He developed the allergy at 15 months after hernia surgery. He is also asthmatic and had early exposure to latex prior to the surgery. Unfortunately, he has most of the food allergies that can be associated with a latex allergy ie: banannas, kiwi, chestnut, hazelnut, mango, papaya, cherry, plum, etc. Our main concern in restaurants is food that is prepared by someone wearing latex gloves.

This morning, one of the Chefs from Chef Mickey's called me to discuss his allergy! I CAN NOT tell you how wonderful and accomidating this wonder man was. His name was David and he really was great! He said that all of WDW uses vinyl gloves in the kitchen although of course he could not speak for the contract restaurants. He said that a chef will meet us at the podium and walk through the buffet with us and if that was not acceptable they would gladly make Cole his own plate with what ever he wanted in the kitchen! I'm sure the buffet will be fine and I am so relieved to hear about the gloves. At his suggestion, I also spoke with the chef from CRT and he was also very helpful.

We have always been very careful with what Cole comes in contact with and been nervous about taking him places that could be a problem. Obviously, the Disney magic will make our stay as carefree as possible!

Robyn

* You are probably aware of this organization but thought I'd mention it....The Food Allergy Network is extremely helpful and just has hordes of information.