Food sensitivities/allergies; both TS & CS

[Moonmom]

I'm not new to traveling to Disney... and I've had some great meals there; but I've also had the unfortunate experience of eating what I thought..(or was told by a server was free of items that make me sick; (ranging from nausea, hives or a 2/3 day migraine that keeps me confined to the bathroom/
bedroom..not fun! Even the nice Disney Doc when my meds don't work coming to my hotel just makes me feel more miserable that I'm missing "fun" days again!
I try to be really careful... Knowing I can't have artificial sweeteners I avoid the "light" lemonade and the diet drinks...and soy sauce is pretty obvious in China or Japan's restaurants. And after a very unpleasant reaction at AK's Boma's..well..I suspect soy sauce was lurking in there too. MSG is a big, big no-no for me.. and though I've been told numerous times over the years that "WDW restaurants do not use MSG in any of their foods," last year during the Food and Wine Festival when I ordered it at LeCellier I was told that because of the big vats of it being made for the food booths it did, indeed, have MSG added during that time. And whatever that stuff is they spray on fresh lettuce; (to keep it crisp when it's exposed to air)..well..."hello, tight, closing throat!"
We've made some ADR's for our next trip..one includes the Hoop De Doo Revue which is a set menu...and Liberty Tree Tavern..another set menu. I've read that I should speak to the hostess when I arrive for my ADR at any restaurant...but... well.. is that enough time? What'll happen? Will I be stuck with one or two choices? I have this vision of DH gloriously chowing down while I'm eating yet another "broiled; (no sauce=no taste) piece of fish and a plain baked potato and drinking a bottle of water?
And what about counter service? I'd surmise that there must be a list at each of them of ingredients of each item...but... that also means waiting in line...asking for a list...then IF there's something I can and want to eat..only then can I finally order. Sure seems like it'd be nice to have that info available more readily...I could get in line for lunch at noon and finally sit down at 1:30!
So, is there a solution? Or, should I just forget about meals out and cancel the DDP and do what I am trying to escape from on vacation...that is.. cook meals in our villa?

 

[mechurchlady]

I am not sure what your sensitivities are. soory.

Make a card with your name and contact info such as room. Put on it each item you are sensitive or allergic to. "Semsitive to MSG. Cannot have MSG or anything containing MSG touching utentils, pots, plates or food." or "Sensitive to eggs, no eggs added to any food or drinks." Hand the card to a server and they can take that back to the chef to see what your diet is.

Things change and accidents happen. I am gluten, soy, egg, dairy, chocolate, lysol, and some aerosol and odors. If someone took me to WDW right now I would pig out and eat around the parks. I have only gone hungry in McDonalds and church pot lucks.

First you need read facts at Disabilites boards for great dining info. You will have to contact the restaurants and tell them you dietary restrictions. At the restaurant you need to tell the hostess that you have a reservation and called about your dietary restrictions. If you have preprinted cards that will prevent the confusion that can happen when a person has multiple restrictions or has severe reactions. The staff will make wonderful meals for you and walk you throught the rough spot and answer questions. Sit down tend to have fixed staff who are more knowledged but even counter service will try hard to make your meal the best possible.

I have decorated bushes after meals in DownDisney in California and SeaWorld but went right back and ate at the restaurants again at a later date. In Chicago I had a pork chop dinner with potatos that was to die for, in Moline it was gluten free pizza and my favourite was the hotel at Disneyland where they served meat with a gravy made from veal reduction.

 

[WeNeedKetchup]

We went to Disney two years ago with our 1 year old daughter who was allergic to eggs, dairy, nuts, and sesame. When we made our ADRs they noted it on our reservations. When we arrived at Chef Mickeys for our first meal, the chef came to our table & walked me through the buffet without me saying a word to anyone. I was amazed. He also offered to make many of the items that she couldn't have in the buffet differently so that she could have it. We had the same treatment at every ADR. Counter service were a little tougher. I had to wait until we got there and then read the ingredients of the items myself before ordering.

 

[livndisney]

We go to WDW often, both DD and I have various food allergies/sensitivites. With only one exception the chefs at the Table Service places have been outstanding! I ALWAYS note on the ADR we have food allergies and the chef comes out and speaks to me. They are wonderful! I also speak to the chef's at the counter service places at the hotel. I tend to be very careful at the counter service places and stick to basic food. The ingredient books are not always up to date. I just printed out an allergy card listing the things my food cannot come in contact with. I expect this to help explain what we can and can't have.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Make sure all your reservations state that you have severe food allergies. When you check in at the restaurants remind them of this at the podium.

Normally a chef should come out to assist you and they will go out of their way to make sure you get food that you can safely eat.

At counter service locations you can ask to speak to a manager; they are aware of ingredients. Also they have, at each location, a detailed book with complete ingredient lists for every product they sell there.

And the allergy card is a good thing to have.

Also, for the "artificial sweeteners", there are several different type. If there are specific types you may want to list them.

 

[LisaFB]

We're leaving in 1 1/2 days and are taking our kids on their first trip. DS has severe multiple food allergies; last year he was allergic to 40 foods and this year it's down to 20. WE contacted Brenda Bennett and heard back from her right away. Once we made our ADRs, we sent the info to her along with a list of all of DS' allergies. We were contacted by phone or e-mail by just about every chef for every restaurant to discuss his allergies and a menu for him for each meal. We had to plan which counter services we'll be going to and at what time as well so they can plan meals for him in advance. When we get to each place, we were told to tell our server about the allergies and ask to speak with a chef. At the few buffets we're going to, they are making a special meal for DS since he has severe issues with cross contamination as well.

When we first booked this trip about found out about his allergies around the same time, I was petrified. Now I'm not nervous at all and can't wait!

BTW, among quite a few other things, he's allergic to: all forms of dairy, eggs, wheat, anything with seeds, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, some fruits. So you can see why it's not always easy for us to eat outside of the house.

 

[Moonmom]

We're leaving in 1 1/2 days and are taking our kids on their first trip. DS has severe multiple food allergies; last year he was allergic to 40 foods and this year it's down to 20. WE contacted Brenda Bennett and heard back from her right away. Once we made our ADRs, we sent the info to her along with a list of all of DS' allergies. We were contacted by phone or e-mail by just about every chef for every restaurant to discuss his allergies and a menu for him for each meal. We had to plan which counter services we'll be going to and at what time as well so they can plan meals for him in advance. When we get to each place, we were told to tell our server about the allergies and ask to speak with a chef. At the few buffets we're going to, they are making a special meal for DS since he has severe issues with cross contamination as well.

When we first booked this trip about found out about his allergies around the same time, I was petrified. Now I'm not nervous at all and can't wait!

BTW, among quite a few other things, he's allergic to: all forms of dairy, eggs, wheat, anything with seeds, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, some fruits. So you can see why it's not always easy for us to eat outside of the house.

WOW... your son sure does have a number of food allergens! My friend's son is allergic to peanuts and apples; and is so diligent about asking..."what's in this? Can I see the recipe?" that we've always joked he should be our "food cop."
Who is "Brenda Bennett?" And how do I contact her? While the suggestion of carrying an "allergy card" and showing it to the staff at each place I go to eat is an option..it's also, IMO, kind of "at the moment" thing. For example..we're supposed to meet friends at the Hoop De Doo.. which is a prepared menu; it seems like the only thing it might do at that time is tell me what I can't eat.."oh,,,no chicken or dessert for you..but you can have the corn and the rolls...enjoy!"
BTW...I empathize with the "not eating outside the house!"... sometimes I so envious of those that can just stop & grab something quick somewhere on the run without having to worry what the reaction will be afteward!
Have a wonderful trip!..and thanks for your help.

 

[mechurchlady]

Actually the reason behind the card is so that the staff can take it to the chef and manager to show exactly what the restrictions are. The problem I have is when someone forgets what I said or misunderstands me. The card clearly shows what I cannot eat.

FAQs for this board
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713

Diets for allergies and other special needs
You can contact Brenda.Bennett@disney.com for diet information.

Again as we have said talk to her and the restaurants. ALL sit down dinners such as Ohana, Whoop Dee Du Review (spell check, lol), Character meals, Cinderella's Royal Buffet, and restaurants are included in the restaurants that you can get a special meal. Stop saying that all you will eat is corn and nothing is there for you. I have five sensitivities and have seen kids with double that eat there with no problems. Today mild reaction to salad dressing but I ate a meal with no problems because at Rosewood they know my diet. I have eaten all over this country and rarely had reactions.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=818591
This is proof of how much WDW staff works with people with restricted diets.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1339905

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=806868

 

[LisaFB]

If you contact Brenda in advance, you'll be able to eat almost anywhere w/o problems, so I've been told! We didn't make an allergy card for DS, but we're used to eating out with him even in local restaurants that we call only a few hours before. I guess it's mostly because we know everything he's allergic to and we already wrote it all down and sent it to Brenda, then called each restaurant. By arranging in advance where and what time you'll eat at WDW, you won't have any problems since they'll have it all ready for you when you get there, including at counter service.

We used to be terrified of leaving the house with DS since it was very hard at first. Then we got used to it and figured out a safe way to eat out with him and he loves it! Especially now that we can order food for him and don't have to bring it anymore.

Good luck! You'll do fine!