Food allergy

[juxtapose]

My son has a random food allergy to cinnamon. For dinner, I'll just tell the server but does anyone know how we figure out what is in food on the buffet or quick service locations on the cruise? Since it is so uncommon, we've struggled with servers knowing what it is in, especially breakfast items and desserts, are they pretty good about knowing what's in each dish?

 

[HeatherLassell]

My son has a random food allergy to cinnamon. For dinner, I'll just tell the server but does anyone know how we figure out what is in food on the buffet or quick service locations on the cruise? Since it is so uncommon, we've struggled with servers knowing what it is in, especially breakfast items and desserts, are they pretty good about knowing what's in each dish?

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/guest-services/special-dietary-requests/
I don't see cinnamon is covered in this. But I would def bring it up to the head server. Is it a really bad reaction he gets?

 

[cmph]

First thing to do: you can submit the food allergy info in advance - https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/special-services-information-form/. Scroll down to the food allergy part (it's near the end).

For quick service or buffet, ask to speak to a chef. I doubt there is an issue with burgers and pizza, for example, but they might share an out-of-view prep area for some ingredients. When my husband (who has celiac) has had specially-prepared burgers, they prep and cook kind of away from the others and make some notes in a computer system. I have no idea if they are looking up your info or logging a special order on your record or what. For the buffet, he's been walked through to discuss what is safe but honestly, buffets are so sketchy for gluten. Aside from carved meats, he's likely to stick to whole fruit, sealed yogurt, and the like.

 

[juxtapose]

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/guest-services/special-dietary-requests/
I don't see cinnamon is covered in this. But I would def bring it up to the head server. Is it a really bad reaction he gets?

He thankfully does not have an anaphylactic reaction but it causes vomiting and diarrhea.

 

[Drfate102]

My Wife has a food allergy. Send the notification through Special Services, that will clear the MDR right there, after the first night, they will start to take his order for the following night and have better options. They even took my wife's order for Castaway. As for Cabana's and the quick service, it becomes a little bit more challenging. When you go to one, you talk to one of the servers and they will make arrangements for his food. They take it very seriously and will prepare special plates for him. My wife finds it easier to just go the the MDRs for all three meals.

 

[HeatherLassell]

He thankfully does not have an anaphylactic reaction but it causes vomiting and diarrhea.

I mean that sounds pretty awful too! Like I said, Def mention it to DCL. Tell your servers and the head server. They will do their best to make sure he doesn't order anything with cinnamon!

 

[Anna131517]

We didn’t have any problems with food allergies when we cruised with Disney before the pandemic. My daughter is allergic to eggs and milk. At the buffet, fruit, eggs, and rice should be safe. The rest just ask about. I have known several people whose children get sick from cinnamon so you’re not the only one!

 

[Dancing Mickey's]

I have a severe allergy to mushrooms and truffle so I totally understand the question because it is so unique. Here are my tips:
1) If you booked with a travel agent make sure the allergy is noted on your reservation. If you booked on your own, contact Disney Cruise Line directly (sorry probably a long wait) and have them note it on your reservation.
2) On the first day you board they will direct you to the buffet or quick service options. I just ask for the head server, they will come out ask about the allergy, then take his order of whatever he wants and will make it for him in a sterile area of the kitchen. Any time I go to the buffet I do this and my food is always nice and fresh and just what I want. Normally more than I want too;-) If you want more they will always make more too.
3) FYI...back in the day they used to allow you to take a tour of the kitchen gally. They showed us the area where all allergy meals are prepared. I got really excited about it and then noticed a bright pink piece of paper with my name and my allergies and options to suggest. My husband prefers Disney because of how serious and personal they take it.
4) Your head server and assistant server should already know about the allergy before you board but will talk to you about it the first night you dine with them. This is another reason to make sure you list the allergy on your reservation. Let them know your concerns and what you would like as your experience and they will make sure you are comfortable and happy. Even days I did not pre-order they have always been able to help me.
5) Self serve stations/quick food. All these areas have ingredient sheets or you can always ask the cast members to check what the ingredients are. After a few times they will even remember and help.
6) As others have said, at the end of your meal they will bring out the next nights menu for you to look at and choose what you would like to order for tomorrow night. Sometimes you will arrive the next day and want something else. That is okay. You might have to wait just a little longer. However, when I would sit down I would always ask...what did I order??
7) Pack extra zyrtec, stomach medicine that helps, and anti-diarrhea medication. They will also give or deliver crackers, sprite, etc if his stomach gets upset. You can ask room service to bring it to you.

Hope that helps and have a wonderful vacation.