frustrated with special diets response-need suggestions

[BusyMom2Three]

I emailed special diets a few days ago to verify that they discontinued Divvies products (so I can be sure to bring my own) and they sent me a form letter instead. I emailed them back and asked if they would be able to answer that question, and I also asked if Flame Tree BBQ offers a soy yogurt substitute on their fruit plate (since I know they offer soy yogurt at many locations). I said I would be willing to call myself if they could provide a number.

The response I got was that all they could do was provide me with the allergy reference sheet (which is not current) and that I have to ask chefs what is available when I get there. I thought asking if there was a soy yogurt substitution was a pretty easy and reasonable request, and the reason I wanted to know in advance is that I hoped that if Flame Tree didn't have any that they could get some from another location during our trip (I know this is done sometimes).

But I am getting nowhere. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? The fruit and yogurt platter is the only QS option for my DD at AK, which is why it's important to me, so I'd really like her to be able to have the yogurt on it vs plain fruit (I was going to pair it with a soft pretzel and fresh veggies from the market).

 

[BusyMom2Three]

Well, looks like my wonderful TA is going to help me out! She's going to be at Disney soon and is going to check in person for me.

 

[nfceagles]

I know you don't need an answer anymore and I really don't have one for you either, but I wanted to let you know I share your frustration. I sent them an email asking for the latest reference sheet AND a couple simple questions. I asked if it was true that Divvies were gone and was there a any alternative and if the chicken tenders were still generally available at the same places on the reference sheet, especially the Contempo Cafe, our resport QS place.

They let me know that the reference sheet wasn't updated since the copy they sent me a couple months ago. Other than that they completely ignored my other questions.

What are your DDs allergies that she can't have anything else at AK. Does she not eat meat? We always have a lot of luck with BBQ type places for my milk, egg, and nut allergic DS.

 

[BusyMom2Three]

I know you don't need an answer anymore and I really don't have one for you either, but I wanted to let you know I share your frustration. I sent them an email asking for the latest reference sheet AND a couple simple questions. I asked if it was true that Divvies were gone and was there a any alternative and if the chicken tenders were still generally available at the same places on the reference sheet, especially the Contempo Cafe, our resport QS place.

They let me know that the reference sheet wasn't updated since the copy they sent me a couple months ago. Other than that they completely ignored my other questions.

What are your DDs allergies that she can't have anything else at AK. Does she not eat meat? We always have a lot of luck with BBQ type places for my milk, egg, and nut allergic DS.

I wonder if this is just an issue because so many changes are taking place, or if special diets has gone downhill because they were much more helpful for me in the past. The reference sheet they gave me was last updated June 2011. Nope, my DD does not eat meat and is allergic to dairy.

 

[Alexander]

I think part of the problem lies in the fact that WDW is such a massive resort. There are 139 restaurants that all serve different things. There doesn't seem to be much consistency from one restaurant to another as far as their ability to handle special diets.

DS has Celiac and cannot eat anything with gluten. We have had such different service at the different restaurants it is almost laughable. Some CMs don't even know what you are talking about unless you use the word "allergy" and then they get someone else to help you.

I think in general that WDW does a great job with special diets considering how many people they feed every single day. It has to be difficult for them to track every single ingredient in every single item they sell.

I think the information the OP is looking for is too specific for special diets to try and answer. Getting in touch with the restaurant directly would be the only way to get an accurate answer, and even then, how long would it be accurate, as menus and supplies change all of the time.

 

[BusyMom2Three]

I think part of the problem lies in the fact that WDW is such a massive resort. There are 139 restaurants that all serve different things. There doesn't seem to be much consistency from one restaurant to another as far as their ability to handle special diets.

DS has Celiac and cannot eat anything with gluten. We have had such different service at the different restaurants it is almost laughable. Some CMs don't even know what you are talking about unless you use the word "allergy" and then they get someone else to help you.

I think in general that WDW does a great job with special diets considering how many people they feed every single day. It has to be difficult for them to track every single ingredient in every single item they sell.

I think the information the OP is looking for is too specific for special diets to try and answer. Getting in touch with the restaurant directly would be the only way to get an accurate answer, and even then, how long would it be accurate, as menus and supplies change all of the time.

Actually, most places we ate at (TS & QS) had Divvies as their standard allergy-free dessert, so they would have that info as it is one of the common items listed on the Allergy Reference Sheet special diets email to guests.

I agree that my question about subbing soy yogurt for dairy was specific, but I volunteered to call the restaurant myself if they could provide a contact number, but they said I just had to ask when I got there and didn't provide a contact number so I could confirm myself. Ah, well. I did get it sorted out in the end. But I feel for those having trouble preparing for their trips during all these supplier changes, especially those with life-threatening allergies.