Food allergies...a few questions

[SpartansFan]

My nine year old daughter was diagnosed with a food allergy in the early fall of 2012. She is severely allergic to tree nuts and has had two anaphylactic reactions. Fortunately, this has had little effect on her life and she simply avoids certain foods. She is very responsible about her condition which means that there we don't think much about it on a day to day basis.

We are traveling to WDW in Februrary and this will be our first trip since her allergy was discovered. We did not purchase a meal plan, so there is no notificiation that would be done with that, but we are staying club level at the Beach Club. Should we mention this to them to clear the foods in the lounge or do you think that they wouldn't have much to offer?

Also, we have have never had to use epi pens (thankfully), but we will be carrying several with us as we go about our park visit. If we had to use them, she would then need to be seen by a doctor very shortly after. Does anyone have an idea about how medical services are at the various parks. In other words, is Disney known for having good protocol in place in the event of an emergency? The lawyer in me says that they would have to be on top of things, but the mom in me is freaked out.

Thank you in advance.

 

[TheoDawg]

When you go to any Dining place just mention it to the check-in person, or if it's a walk up dining location just ask the cashier before ordering and they can answer of call a chef forward to help you out.

All cast members carry radios to call for emergency help and it's may take a few minutes but help does come.

Mom has shellfish allergy and has been to WDW 3 times and eaten at 2 seafood places and many buffets without an issue. We just had to remember to wash faces and hands before we touched and brush teeth before any kisses.

 

[disfan07]

I have been to WDW 3 times since I was diagnosed.

In 2008 and 2010---peanuts, shellfish, eggs (all 3 anaphylaxis)
In 2012- peanuts, eggs, shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, oats, sesame, coconut, broccoli, soy

All I need was mark my allergies when we made reservations. At park QS I mentioned it when ordering and I talked to the manager and/or chef.

At POP, where we stayed, I always talked to the chef to place my order.

IMHO, tree nuts should be fairly easy to avoid. And disney is great with allergies.

But I do have a question....if she's had 2 anaphylactic reactions, how have you never had to use her epi pens before?

I've had a total of about 8 anaphylactic reactions (I think 8...ive lost track) and ive always used my epi pens.

But Disney will be very on top of it. And I'm assuming you know to have more than 1 with you (my allergist advises me to carry 4...just in case...we've had one jam before) and that if symptoms dont get better after 5 minutes you give a second injection. (sorry if you already know all of this...its just my PSA everytime someone talks about anaphylaxis and epi pens)

 

[Schmeck]

We are traveling to WDW in Februrary and this will be our first trip since her allergy was discovered. We did not purchase a meal plan, so there is no notificiation that would be done with that, but we are staying club level at the Beach Club. Should we mention this to them to clear the foods in the lounge or do you think that they wouldn't have much to offer?

I'm not sure what you mean by 'clear the foods' in the lounge? I do not think they will remove any foods they regularly serve, if that is what you mean. They will point out what is safe, but anything buffet style has a great chance of cross-contamination. I do believe that they may serve your daughter something straight from the prep area to limit this.

 

[hildarumpole]

We've stayed club level at the Beach Club twice with our peanut, tree nut, and shellfish allergic kids. They aren't very helpful. We were instructed by IPO to let Special Diets know about the allergies. Special Diets emailed a form that was forwarded to the IPO. When we checked in, we talked to a chef on the phone. They were different chefs each stay, but neither was really helpful. They recited a list of possible items that could be served each day, and in fact, both chefs got it wrong on our first day, so we weren't very confident in their ability to handle allergies. We were able to find out that the breads, crackers and cereals were all o.k., so that was a relief. The CL CM told us we could order a plate of hot items to avoid cross-contamination as long as we did it by noon on any given day, but admitted they had no idea what would be served each day, so it was pointless. Breakfast was the least problematic time. The kids were able to get fresh fruit, cereals and bagels. Snacks were iffy, because people are really sloppy and lazy and will use the same utensils, or their hands in all the jars. They serve a trail mix with mixed nuts in the afternoons. The kids steered clear of hot items since no one seemed to know exactly what was in some of them and utensil sharing. Salads frequently had tree nuts in them. Cheese, crackers, bread and crudites were all safe. All desserts were off-limits. We liked the convenience of breakfast, drinks, and a light snack before dinner, and will probably stay CL again, but don't expect them to be accomodating in the same manner as the restaurants are.

Make sure you note the allergy on any ADRs you make and mention it when you eat at QS restaurants. Fortunately, we've never experienced an allergic reaction at WDW. We've witnessed a few medical emergencies in the parks (fainting, bad falls). The CMs appear to be well-trained and EMTs arrived quickly. Have a lovely trip!