Food on cruise - for kids' w/ allergies

[MMG]

Hi there - My husband, my 2 boys (ages 4 and 2), and I will be going on the Disney Magic to the Mexican Riviera this July 2, 2005. I wanted to get tips on the kind of food that my 2 year old can eat on the ship. He is allergic to peanuts, cow's milk, eggs, and oat. Can they make any special dishes for him? I've already checked out the menus on the cruise, but not sure if he can eat some of the food there. We will probably have to bring our own milk (he drinks soy milk). Any tips / advice is appreciated!

Thanks!!!

 

[snusnu]

Boy, and I thought I was alone. There were two recent discussions about this, so do a quick search on this board and you'll find them. Disney is very accomodating and will make sure your son is just fine.

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

Dear MMG,

They have soy milk, and rice milk, on the ship. My grandkids drink it.
Please tell the cruise lines ahead of time about the allergies and they will work with you about the food they will get. especially let them know about the peanut allergy so they don't get the wrong food. Then on the first nights meal, please ask your server if he was informed of the special dietary needs, just to make sure. They are great about working with people with problems. Kids clubs don't usually give snacks, but if you dont take your kids out by meal time they will take them to the buffet. If this is go ing to happen, be sure they know about the allergies too.
The buffets have fresh fruit, jello, chicken strips, pizza, mac and cheese, typical kids foods. On the other side they have more adult foods, but kids can have food from both sides... You can request through your server to have soy milk available upon request at breakfast and lunch buffets too. but it wont be out in plain site, you'll have to ask for it.
Your servers will work with you every step of the way. You can have all 3 meals in the restaurants if you wish, then you know they'll get it right for them. We have several special dietary needs and they have always given 110% to help us. Have a great cruise.
mom x4,grandma x4

 

[MMG]

Oh Thank you so much for the great advice! I didn't realize they had soy and rice milk on the cruise. That's great! Now we won't have to bring our own.....whew! I just called the cruise line and they said that I just need to have the doctor complete a special diet form and they can accomodate us.

Thanks again! I'm glad I found this forum, it helps a lot to get all this good advice.

 

[CamColt]

Welcome to the Dis, MMG!

Did DCL say how far in advance to send in that form? DCL faxed us one, due to DS's peanut allergy. He had a doctors appointment last week so I had the doctor fill it out then. Now I have it and I realized I never checked how soon I should send it in. I dont want to do it too soon in case they dont want it real early(we sail Aug 13), but I dont want to wait to the last minute either. Thanks for any advice.

And FWIW, we sailed before, but didnt fill out the form(didnt know about it). We simply told our servers when we got to the dining room and they went above and beyond the call of duty for us. Of course, with just a peanut allergy its easier than your situation, but as far as the peanuts are concerned I can tell you DS wasnt limited much.

Good luck!

 

[MMG]

Hi CamColt! You know, DCL didn't really say how soon to send in the form. But sent the form to my doctor today so that it can be faxed right away. Didn't want to take any chances (in case I forget). Maybe when our cruise gets closer I'll check with them to make sure they received it. And I'll also bring along the copy on the ship just in case. By the way, we will have to carry the EpiPen Jr for my son (because of his peanut allergy). Do you know if the airlines will allow it? I guess I can always call them to make sure. I'll make sure to get a doctor's note so that we can carry it along.

I can't wait for the cruise. I've been on a few cruises before, but never on Disney. I know my 2 boys will love it! My husband and I will also be celebrating our 5 year anniversary on one of the days so the cruise will be extra special for all of us.

 

[CamColt]

Weve never had a problem with the epi pen on planes. Of course we bring it in our carry on just in case, and we have never so much as been questioned about it. I was worried our first time flying with it too, but I guess they must see that a lot as it really is necessary to carry on.

 

[tvguy]

First question our of our servers mouth after greeting us and introducing himself was, "any food allergies here?".

They are pretty thorough on board.

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

We sent the medical form in immediately after Dr. signed it. We faxed it so we had the original copy with us in case there was any problem with them loosing the information. Then about a week before the cruise we called the cruise line and confirmed the medical information had been received and put on our information sheet. That way we had peace of mind. The dr. on board receives this information too, which could be very important in case of any problems that could occur.
If you decide to mail it make sure you make a photocopy for yourself, just in case it gets lost in the mail and you have to send it again. Always call to confirm just before your trip and you'll have peace of mind like us.
mom x4,grandma x4

 

[CamColt]

Good idea X4 grandma x4! Thanks!