Frozen Bananas - I'm so upset

[clanmcculloch]

I just got my allergy lists from Brenda. The frozen bananas have milk. Why is it necessary to reformulate these types of things? These were a lifesaver in February because DD11 and I could eat these when my husband and other daughter would get ice cream (before DD9 was diagnosed as allergic to milk as well). She's going to be so upset. Heck, I'm upset and I'm a grown-up.

OK, I'm also depressed because I'm just now realizing that the brownies and cookies that she loved so much on our past trips are now off limits too due to her recent egg allergy diagnosis. I'm waiting to hear back from Brenda regarding which places carry the Enjoy Life products. At least those are safe, though they're something she gets today at home so it'll be a bit of a downer not being able to get special things like she has in the past at WDW.

At least the popcorn's still safe.

I see that they're now carrying some Kinnikinnick products which is great. Not so much for us since the donuts and muffins and bagels (the items they're carrying) are off limits for us due to other ingredients, but it's great news for many people who are GFCF since these are amazing products.

OMG, they have Follow Your Heart cheese. That stuff is SOOOO good!!! I wonder if the Ener-G rice pizza crusts have yeast? Boy would my kids LOVE to have pizzas.

I think I need to ask a few chefs how hard it would be to request Namaste baked goods (they're on the list but as something to request ahead of time). I bet they'd be good using Ener-G egg replacer (something else on the allergy list). Wish me luck!!

This seems to get more complicated every year rather than simpler. Stupid allergies and stupid reformulated products. Yes, I'm extremely grateful to WDW. I'm having a head spinning feeling overwhelmed moment. Yeah, yeah, I know. I think I'm done whining for now so be gentle with me.

 

[clanmcculloch]

Update: According to Brenda, the bananas have always had whey. I just checked my emails from our February trip (I keep this kind of stuff for reference) and I found the email where she clearly stated that they were safe for milk allergies. I was pretty sure during the trip that there was something that she was reacting to but some of her intollerances don't really result in many physical reaction (some moderate headaches that are treatable with Tylenol and some bloating which she was having anyway because we hadn't figured out all of her intollerances) but her behaviour/mood was affected. This is her worst reaction typically and in hindsight I do think that the meltdowns she had were on days where she had a frozen banana but I hadn't connected this before. There was always some other trigger but it was surprising that the trigger would set her off as muc as it did. Her reaction to milk is usually primarily behavioural (it's an autism thing). UGH!!!!

On the bright side, Brenda did say that if I add the request about the Namaste and Bob's Red Mill baked goods to my allergy info sheet that she'd send that to all the chefs at restaurants where we have ADRs. She said that usually they try to bake these things with egg and milk alternatives but just to be sure that they have them on hand to make a note on our form. She also said that TS restaurants should all have the Enjoy Life products at this point. YAY!!!!

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

No harsh comments from me. I know how difficult it can be when a beloved food item now becomes off limits. Especially at a place like WDW, where everywhere you look there seems to be a gazillion people running around with cookies, icecream etc. , I can SO imagine it must be frustrating at moments. Heck, I'm already frustrated at moments that I have to very carefully select my clothes because of allergies.

Do talk to the chefs, indeed! They are great. Don't ask me how (nobody could find out!), but somehow all our ADR's were labeled as food allergie person at the table. We never even mentioned the allergy word? Anyway, we would have the chef at our table multiple times before we could even clear up the mess. Also seen them work with others that did have food allergies. They'll do their best to work with you and get DD something she loves and can have safely.

Besides all of this, maybe bring along some snacks that she loves yet are safe for her to have? Best would be those you wont allow her to have at home, of course. That way, not all foods that make her do are off limits, and you wont have to do a snack-chase each time she simply wants a snack.

Good luck with getting it all lined up!

 

[nfceagles]

I won't be hard on you. I understand those days when food allergies run you into the ground. Can your daughter have Divvies. I hear they carry these many places now. They are milk, egg, and nut free. There's also supposed to be some non-dairy ice cream available around the park, but we're just in the planning stages. I haven't actually been yet.

 

[ssawka]

How about Dole Whips? I don't think they have milk, or do they? Unfortunately this would only help in MK.

 

[clanmcculloch]

Thanks everyone. You're making me feel better. I have been email back and forth a bit with Brenda this afternoon and she's helped a lot. It's just overwhelming having to go over the list with a fine tooth comb AGAIN and this time for even more foods than last time (it's been hard enough eliminating eggs from DD11's already limitted diet over the past few months as it is and I hadn't considered until today that I have to remember eggs are now added to our WDW list too, in addition to DD9 also being diagnosed with her own allergies since our last trip).

Divvies will be fine for DD9 but not DD11. DD11 is also gluten free and they're made with wheat flour. DD9 has plenty more options that DD11. DD9 can even eat the Tofutti Cuties (soy ice cream sandwiches) but DD11 can't.

Last time I checked, Dole Whips have milk. I heard that at one time they were dairy free, but they haven't been for a couple of years. I had been looking forward to trying these before our first trip post-allergy diagnosis but that's when I found out that the info on message boards isn't always up to day.

They do have dairy free ice cream at many places. Every TS restaurant and resort have it and I've got a list of where I can find it at each park. We always get cups of ice cream for at least a few snacks and it's a frequent dessert as well.

I definitely do know just how great the chefs are. I know we'll be taken care of really well. This is one of the main reasons we keep going back. I'm just overwhelmed for the moment. I'm starting to come out of it. I'm stepping away from my TGM planning (I was just getting ready to begin detailed touring plans) and switching gears to going through all the food lists and updating my spreadsheets.

I am thrilled to see just how many items they've added to the list of special allergy foods. Disney really does keep going well above and beyond. We'll be Disney fans for life!!

Thanks again!!

 

[TiggerCate]

They carry some Enjoy Life products at WDW? I will need to check to see if they do at DL.

Sorry about the bananas. My personal fav, too.

 

[clanmcculloch]

Somebody else had recently posted about getting Enjoy Life products at Tusker House. I already had an ADR set for there so I was really excited. According to Brenda, the TS restaurants should all have them at this point. YAY!!!! Well, I'm assuming that the Disney owned restaurants will carry them anyway.

If you hear anything about DL, let me know. I'm planning on going for a few days in late April. I'm kind of nervous about how different the dining options are there but I'm trying to not even think about that at the moment since I've got enough to figure out with only 71 more days until my trip (LOL - TGM has a countdown; I'm not obsessing THAT much).

 

[MrsPook]

Another parent chiming of a food allergy kid chiming in. Sorry about the bananas. DS (5) is allergic to eggs, milk, wheat, peanuts, and oats so I feel your pain.

You mentioned that the popcorn was safe. It has no butter on it? Like the ones you can buy at the park in the plastic bucket?

Last trip DS lived on the raspberry sorbet, frozen lemonade, and big I popsicle for desserts. I have never tried any of those other things to see if they were wheat free and might work for him?

 

[clanmcculloch]

Another parent chiming of a food allergy kid chiming in. Sorry about the bananas. DS (5) is allergic to eggs, milk, wheat, peanuts, and oats so I feel your pain.

You mentioned that the popcorn was safe. It has no butter on it? Like the ones you can buy at the park in the plastic bucket?

Last trip DS lived on the raspberry sorbet, frozen lemonade, and big I popsicle for desserts. I have never tried any of those other things to see if they were wheat free and might work for him?

The popcorn at the popcorn stands all over the parks is completely milk free. The oil is primarily palm oil and is safe. It's SOOO yummy. We got quite our fair share of popcorn on our last couple of trips.

The popsicles and lemonade have citrus fruits in them. My kids are both intollerant to citrus fruits so those are out for them both (thank goodness they can at least handle citric acid though really that's usually a corn derrivative anyway rather than citrus fruit so maybe that's why). The Tofutti ice cream is wonderful though. Your son should be able to eat that if you go again. My kids in the past haven't liked fruity sorbets, but in the past 6 months or so they've developed a taste for italian ice so maybe they'll give the sorbets a try? We'll have to see. They wouldn't try the strawberry popsicles, though that might have had to do with the chunks of real fruit (texture issue) rather than flavour. Oh the joys of co-existing problems.

I am feeling better and better as the day goes on. "Talking" this through with people who understand and going over the food lists a few times has helped. You're all the BEST!

 

[MrsPook]

Thanks for the popcorn info! Don't know why I never looked into that before! DS will be THRILLED! DS is soy intolerant (can handle soy extract in vegetable oil, etc but not straight soy milk so not sure he could handle the Toffuti?). From your ticker, looks like we will be in the World right before you. Our trip is Dec 8-13. Anything you want to discuss food wise, I would love to. What ADRs do you have planned? Any TS or CS experiences to share?

 

[clanmcculloch]

Thanks for the popcorn info! Don't know why I never looked into that before! DS will be THRILLED! DS is soy intolerant (can handle soy extract in vegetable oil, etc but not straight soy milk so not sure he could handle the Toffuti?). From your ticker, looks like we will be in the World right before you. Our trip is Dec 8-13. Anything you want to discuss food wise, I would love to. What ADRs do you have planned? Any TS or CS experiences to share?

Here's what's on the info sheet regarding the popcorn:
Popcorn: Orville Redenbacher’s
Popcorn Oil: Contains coconut, corn, and canola blend (produced in a plant that produces peanut oil)

The Tofutti won't work for him, but the Rice Dream might. My kids seem to get stomach aches from Rice Dream ice cream. I know it's supposed to be gluten free but I don't trust it and it doesn't sit well anyway. Everywhere that carries Tofutti seems to carry Rice Dream as well. According to my info sheet, it can be found at AK: Restaurantosaurus, DHS: Hollywood Scoops, Epcot: Sunshine Seasons, Fountain View, MK: The Cone Shop, Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

I need to head off right now, but I'd love to share info. I'll post my info when I get a chance. Where are you eating?

 

[MrsPook]

He tried the Rice Dream ice cream a year ago and did not care for the way it tasted but I am willing to try again. He drinks Rice Dream milk all the time at home. I think it was just different to him and 4 year olds have a thing about different! lol I emailed Brenda to check on the popcorn so we shall see what she says!

So who has allergies and to what in your family? I am pretty lucky that despite his allergies, he is not a picky eater for what he can eat. All meat, fruits, and veggies he enjoys. Rice pasta, white rice, fries, and potato chips too.

Our current ADR's for this trip are:
WCC lunch, H+V lunch, Plaza dinner, Teppan Edo lunch, Wolfgang Puck Cafe dinner, O'Hana breakfast, and Mama Melrose or Sci-Fi lunch. And of course plenty of CS meals. This is our first time trying the DP but for free, what the heck right?

Looking forward to chatting more!

 

[02AggieGirl]

The popcorn at the popcorn stands all over the parks is completely milk free. The oil is primarily palm oil and is safe. It's SOOO yummy. We got quite our fair share of popcorn on our last couple of trips.

This is so great to hear! I always assumed it had butter on it!! I'm definitely getting some next time!

 

[clanmcculloch]

I don't trust Rice Dream milk. They had barley in the form of malt flavouring for the longest time but claimed to be gluten free anyway. The ice cream I don't think ever had it but I don't trust it none-the-less. My girls don't like the flavour anyway.

We're eating at the following restaurants. All of them are dinner reservatios except for Tusker House which is the Finding Nemo lunch deal. Spirit of Aloha, Tokyo Dining, Tusker House, Hoop-Dee-Doo, Chef Mickey, Akurshus, Boatwrights, CRT, Mama Melrose, Le Cellier. Mama Melrose is the Fantasmic package. These are all new ones to us except for Akershus which we just loved so much in the past. The food at the CRT dinner sounds more like us and easier to modify for allergies but the princesses aren't at dinner so we'll get the princesses at Akershus. I can't believe we got every single one of our first choices. Boatwrights was a last minute addition to our list for our non-park day in the middle of our trip (we're staying at POFQ). We really like to stick with only Disney owned restaurants. I just realized that I'm not sure if Tokyo Dining is Disney owned and I know DD11 really wants sushi. I hope she can get that. I need to update my dining form to indicate this and ask Brenda if it's possible. The fixed menu places like CRT do make me nervous as well. That one in particular doesn't have the greatest reputation for accomodations but at least the dinner menu has items that are to their liking and sound extremely easy to modify to be safe. I already spoke with a chef at HDDR and I know my girls will be very happy with all you can eat grilled drumsticks and wings and sauceless ribs (this is how they like them so the fact that it's how they were offered was perfect) plus ice cream. They do have Ener-G buns but those have yeast so they're off limits to us.

DD11 can't have gluten, milk, eggs, yeast, citrus, artificial sweeteners or MSG. We also have to watch her total carb intake due to a pancreatic insufficiency but her digestive enzymes help with that (though we still have to watch moderation).

DD9 can't have milk, citrus, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, sesame, blueberries, cranberries or raw fruits with skins.

I can't have gluten, milk, sesame, beef, pork, artificial sweeteners or MSG and I have to watch my carb intake even more carefully than DD11 though at Disney I do take my daughter's enzymes so I can indulge much more than at home (normally I just do the dietary restriction but it is Disney after all).

DH is a T2 diabetic who has to watch his dairy and artificial sweeteners and MSG but in moderation he's ok (I'd prefer he eat less of these because they do affect him but he's willing to deal with the effects. He watches his overall carb intake but he has a bit of give and take as he has his blood sugar pretty well under control. We actually figured out his diabetes after our August 2008 WDW trip after he spent several days repeatedly obsessively searching for Mickey ice creams and then crashing.

My poor kids were doomed to these types of problems.

 

[pudge the fish]

I just realized that I'm not sure if Tokyo Dining is Disney owned and I know DD11 really wants sushi. I hope she can get that. I need to update my dining form to indicate this and ask Brenda if it's possible. .

I have eaten at Toyko Dining many, many times and have not been able to eat the sushi- They are wonderful about food allergies though- I normally get grilled chicken and rice with grilled veggies. fruit for dessert
With advanced notice they may be able to do something with Sushi for her.
(I hope they can!)

 

[clanmcculloch]

We go back to the resort to rest mid-day most days so we tend to eat a lot of our CS meals at our resort. This IMO is SO much easier. Resort food courts have a much better variety of allergy foods than the CS locations at parks (at least value and mods; we passed on a deal at Yacht Club because their options were limitted and I didn't want to have to buy hoppers just to get food at Epcot every day). Sunshine Seasons at Epcot is the exception and carries plenty of allergy foods. I was glad to see just how many more places are carrying the allergy chicken nuggets. DD11 tried them last year and they were ok, but nowhere near as good as the chicken strips made by chefs (TS restaurants and resort CS locations). They were definitely processed tasting unlike the fresh ones.

I carry a list of what foods I can find where. I have a separate list per park. This year I need to laminate them so they don't get torn up. I'm still in the process of updating my previous lists.

You can always get fresh fruit or Lays potato chips or popcorn if kids are REALLY wanting something to eat NOW. These can be found all over the parks. My kids are big water drinkers so we always carry a bottle of water that we refill through the day. They also like their misting fans so they tend to drink from those too. I know that they're not necessary in December but the kids have so much fun with them. It really passes the time listening to them sing into the moving blades (the blades are foam so no way to get hurt by them). Whatever works. LOL

 

[clanmcculloch]

I have eaten at Toyko Dining many, many times and have not been able to eat the sushi- They are wonderful about food allergies though- I normally get grilled chicken and rice with grilled veggies. fruit for dessert
With advanced notice they may be able to do something with Sushi for her.
(I hope they can!)

Thanks for the heads up. I'd better check really quickly. If all she can get is grilled chicken I'll have to change that ADR or we'll end up with a meltdown. She'll also be happy with some kind of Japanese rice noodle dish but it really does need to be some kind of VERY Japanese style meal. Her area of obsession (something common for autistic kids) is Japanese culture.

 

[MrsPook]

WOW that is a lot to deal with! DS has a true wheat allergy so not sure how the barley in rice dream fits in but it must not bother him!

Forgive me because I am kind of new but CRT is Cinderella's Castle correct? We ate there on our trip in April 2008 and the Chef was wonderful with Ryan! Brought him all kinds of raw veggies and fresh fruit as an appetizer, then made grilled chicken strips and steamed brocoli and laid it on the plate to shape like Mikey if you can kind of picture that. Brought him the Ener-G rolls which he had never had before and at least tried them. lol And he LOVES the raspberry sorbet and gobbled it up.

I think Teppan Edo at Japan in Epcot is not Disney owned (correct me someone if I am wrong?) and we ate there in May and they were fabulous! They cooked Ryan's food in the back seperately and made him plain chicken with no teriyaki or soy sauce, steamed white rice, and even got him some fresh steamed brocoli and carrots from somewhere else.He devoured it! Only complaint was they had nothing for him to eat for dessert but I just asked for a bowl of those cherries on a stem from the bar and he was in heaven! lol

We did Tusker House breakfast and Chef Mickeys breakfast before too so any questions, just ask! I really want to try Tony's or Mama Melrose since I only just learned they could do rice pasta with meat sauce for him (one of his fav meals!). Keep trying for a darned Fantasmic package but no luck so far.

Sounds like a great trip planned for you and your family. Hopefully I can come back and reposrt anything to you before you leave!

 

[clanmcculloch]

If he's fine with gluten then Rice Dream should be same. Barley is only a problem for those with gluten issues, not wheat issues. I missed that earlier.

I'll check with Brenda on Tokyo Japan. I'm hoping that with advanced notice they can make a sushi platter. I've got one more TS meal planned than I have DDP credit for our trip so if I have to pay OOP for her meal there then that's totally fine with me. We still won't waste credits.

We did do Tusker House for breakfast before. While the food was good, she started her day horribly and was in meltdown mode before we even got to the park. She wouldn't even pose for the photopass pictures outside of the park or for the pictures before entering the restaurant. Add to that the noise in the restaurant and it just didn't go well. I don't hold that against the restaurant obviously. I think lunch is a totally different experience though with very different food.

I've also heard great things about Chef Mickey. The only thing I'm nervous about there is how loud it is with the monorail going by. We're going there for dinner after a day that I've got scheduled as a morning only so hopefully after a nice mid-day swim they'll be able to handle it.

DD11 has become a very adventurous eater so I'm not worrying about her trying things. Now DD9 on the other hand is very much into kid foods so it should be interesting.

I've got an AMAZING Travel Agent who got us every one of our hard to get ADRs. I was so impressed. Even though I'm an obsessive planner, I love letting him take care of my ADRs and dealing with Disney reservations. He's the best!!