Here Now : & Very Upset, advice please

[DISNEYSQUIRRELS]

@Lynn CC, so terribly sorry this happened to your family.
I’m glad to hear your grandkids will be ok. I really feel for you & hope everything works out.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Yes we all have epi pens my son carries different ones with him for each of the 3 boys. I have mine at all times as well. They were administered. We found out the hard way that one shot is not enough, that’s how severe their allergies are.

I know it must be a difficult time, but after things settle down, you might ask your son to talk to their allergist. Ours insisted a few years ago that we start carrying two autoinjectors at all times for DD11 and to use both in the event of a reaction in conjunction with Zyrtec (supposedly works more quickly than Benadryl). I know the dual injectors was in response to some recommendations made by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). So, it basically doubled the number of packs of injectors we need each year. Obviously, I'm no doctor, but it can't hurt to ask.

 

[DisneyOma]

Yes, DH & I stayed at POR for 2 nights, then joined my son’s family at Melia for 5 nights. Now we are at the yacht club.
Yes feeling sad that this happened. I haven’t talked to anyone about it just DH & I.
We are going to YS this evening & enjoying our last night together. I just feel sad I didn’t get to spend the full vacation with my grandchildren, son & wife. We were all planning for so long.

Our last trip to WDW was not the one I had hoped for, so I know how you feel. Now I can joke and say I went on two new rides at WDW that I never want to do ever again - the shuttle to urgent care, and the ambulance to the ER. Has anyone at WDW contacted you? We were staying onsite, so maybe that makes the difference, but I was contacted 3 times after my little "adventure" and was given some extra pixie dust when my situation was no fault of WDW. One good thing to know - there's no charge from Disney to use one of their ambulances, they are free. My ER visit was a few hundred dollars out of pocket, but I have really good insurance.

Not sure what Disney can do for you, as you were not the one going by ambulance, etc, but I'm guessing they will be in contact with your son. (((hugs)))

 

[maxiesmom]

I don't understand how people are saying this is not totally Disney's fault. They are known for accommodating allergies, guests communicated their need, and the chef admitted his mistake. I'm sure it was an innocent mistake but still. Short of only eating at home and hoping the factory didn't cross contaminate, they have to trust if a restaurant says they can provide safe food, that it is truly safe.

This isn't an oops, we lost your dinner reservation mistake, this was a life threatening incident. Thankfully both boys will be ok but the recent death of the girl due to the cookie show that an epi pen does not necessarily mean automatic survival.

OP I'm so sorry your trip ended on such a sad note. I hope Disney makes it right.

I may have missed it, but was it mentioned what exactly caused the reaction? Could it be a new allergy the family had no knowledge of?

 

[Hikergirl]

I may have missed it, but was it mentioned what exactly caused the reaction? Could it be a new allergy the family had no knowledge of?

I was wondering what the allergen was too. There can’t be too many ingredients in Mickey waffles so if it is a new one hopefully not to hard to figure it out.

Op I’m so sorry that this happened to your family, I know how terrifying food allergies can be. I’m sure Disney will contact your son and try to do something for them.

 

[Klayfish]

I don't understand how people are saying this is not totally Disney's fault. They are known for accommodating allergies, guests communicated their need, and the chef admitted his mistake. I'm sure it was an innocent mistake but still. Short of only eating at home and hoping the factory didn't cross contaminate, they have to trust if a restaurant says they can provide safe food, that it is truly safe.

This isn't an oops, we lost your dinner reservation mistake, this was a life threatening incident. Thankfully both boys will be ok but the recent death of the girl due to the cookie show that an epi pen does not necessarily mean automatic survival.

This can get really, really, really grey. It's a "general liability" incident/claim. So many factors can go into the liability aspect of this. Sometimes it is pretty black and white, but typically it isn't.

OP, glad your grandson is doing OK. General liability (and auto) claims are how I make my living, including incidents identical to this. I work on the insurance side by the way, I'm NOT a plaintiff lawyer (ugh). If I can offer any help, just let me know. There is insurance they would carry, though I'm pretty sure they're self insured, that covers medical bills regardless of liability. It's called MEDPAY. Beyond that, I'm sure this is a situation they've dealt with many times and want to help "make it right".

 

[DLgal]

I was wondering what the allergen was too. There can’t be too many ingredients in Mickey waffles so if it is a new one hopefully not to hard to figure it out.

Op I’m so sorry that this happened to your family, I know how terrifying food allergies can be. I’m sure Disney will contact your son and try to do something for them.

The mickey waffles contain wheat flour, barley (malt), eggs, and milk. Those are the only ingredients that can cause an allergic response. Disney has "allergy friendly" waffles that are egg and wheat free. So, who knows? Unless it was a situation where the family requested the allergy waffles and got regular ones by mistake.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

This can get really, really, really grey. It's a "general liability" incident/claim. So many factors can go into the liability aspect of this. Sometimes it is pretty black and white, but typically it isn't.

OP, glad your grandson is doing OK. General liability (and auto) claims are how I make my living, including incidents identical to this. I work on the insurance side by the way, I'm NOT a plaintiff lawyer (ugh). If I can offer any help, just let me know. There is insurance they would carry, though I'm pretty sure they're self insured, that covers medical bills regardless of liability. It's called MEDPAY. Beyond that, I'm sure this is a situation they've dealt with many times and want to help "make it right".

Exactly.

Like you, I'm not an attorney.

BUT, I am looking at this from a legal standpoint. Disney, like all restaurants puts that legal disclaimer on their menu. They do it to protect themselves, not the allergic person, from being sued or hurt.

I will say, that if I had an allergy severe enough to kill me, I would have a very hard time ever eating our.

 

[Klayfish]

Exactly.

Like you, I'm not an attorney.

BUT, I am looking at this from a legal standpoint. Disney, like all restaurants puts that legal disclaimer on their menu. They do it to protect themselves, not the allergic person, from being sued or hurt.

I will say, that if I had an allergy severe enough to kill me, I would have a very hard time ever eating our.

Actually, believe it or not, the "legal disclaimer" they put on their menu isn't a solid defense from a legal liability standpoint. It's there more as a deterrent, and just as a Captain Obvious reminder. It can come into play, but definitely is very far from iron clad.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Actually, believe it or not, the "legal disclaimer" they put on their menu isn't a solid defense from a legal liability standpoint. It's there more as a deterrent, and just as a Captain Obvious reminder. It can come into play, but definitely is very far from iron clad.

Of course not, but it can help them, or as you said, come into play.

And regardless, I don't believe that Disney would be dealing with the grandmother. They would deal directly with the guardians. Anything that they offer, or don't would be through them.

 

[msjprincess]

I was wondering what the allergen was too. There can’t be too many ingredients in Mickey waffles so if it is a new one hopefully not to hard to figure it out.

Op I’m so sorry that this happened to your family, I know how terrifying food allergies can be. I’m sure Disney will contact your son and try to do something for them.

I may be wrong but it doesn't sound like it's a new allergy or the chef wouldn't say it was his fault. If they said the allergies were XYZ and he served them waffles without XYZ and they had a reaction that wouldn't be his fault. It sounds to me like he served them something that he knew they were allergic to. Of course that's just speculation since I don't know the allergy or what they were served.

 

[Cubbiecakes]

As the OP is non-custodial for the minors, I doubt highly that Disney would provide anything more than token compensation for the OP. The parents are another story.

 

[Lynn CC]

The mickey waffles contain wheat flour, barley (malt), eggs, and milk. Those are the only ingredients that can cause an allergic response. Disney has "allergy friendly" waffles that are egg and wheat free. So, who knows? Unless it was a situation where the family requested the allergy waffles and got regular ones by mistake.

Yes that is exactly what happened. Both boys are allergic to wheat, barley, oats & milk. The oldest took one bite of the Mickey waffle & had a reaction, the youngest ate almost a whole Mickey waffle.
The chef talked to my son before bringing their meal, just like previous character breakfast where the boys ate the Mickey waffles successfully at other character breakfasts.
This day however, they were served the wrong waffles with the ingredients they are allergic to. I hated to see them go through all that, it was heartbreaking and we were all scared to tears. Especially for my oldest grandson who was having trouble breathing, It will be many days before he’s back to his energetic self.

 

[Reese'smom]

OP- so sorry this happened. My son has a peanut allergy and what you described is pretty much my worst fear. It sounds like you did exactly as you should- spoke to chef about allergies. Whatever you do- do not feel guilty. You did nothing wrong. It’s ridiculous for people to suggest that people with food allergies never eat out. It’s just not possible. I don’t know how Disney will respond but they for sure owe something to those boys. I hope they recover very quickly.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I totally get why you are upset. It sounds like Disney management is already aware of what happened. I’m not sure what talking to management at the hotel is going to do for you now. They can’t give you the time back with your family. They aren’t going to give you enough compensation to have a do over trip, especially since you weren’t staying on property part of the time. I think you need to work on moving forward and helping the kids move forward from this scary experience.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Feeling sad in the happiest place on earth

Sorry for your grandsons' medical emergencies and the family's aborted vacation, but just a reminder th a Salt Disney World is The Most Magical Place on Earth.

 

[smokeyblue]

I think it's funny that everyone thinks Disney is so wonderful and that they will "make it right", Disney's only goal is to make it go away. Most stories I've ever heard about Disney doing good by someone is when it is not their fault. If you're looking for apologies, they aren't going to come from Disney because they are not going to admit fault.

At this point if you really "want something" from this, your son will be the one who would need to take it up himself. Disney will probably throw them a few thousand dollars if they sign a statement holding them harmless. Otherwise, the only recourse is a lawsuit.

OP, I know this was scary and awful and just shouldn't have happened. It's so raw and real right now that you just want some answers and comfort. As with most traumatic things, you are just going to have to feel and work through these emotions for things to feel better. I hope this comes quickly for you.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I totally get why you are upset. It sounds like Disney management is already aware of what happened. I’m not sure what talking to management at the hotel is going to do for you now. They can’t give you the time back with your family. They aren’t going to give you enough compensation to have a do over trip, especially since you weren’t staying on property part of the time. I think you need to work on moving forward and helping the kids move forward from this scary experience.

I think this is good advice.

Lynn, I totally get all the emotions you're feeling - the sadness, the anger, the frustration, etc. They are justified. But I think what you will probably see as time moves on is that you were all very fortunate that there wasn't a greater tragedy than loss of vacation time, and it's something to be thankful for that both of your grandsons are alive and recovering. Vacations can be redone.

We've had enough stuff go on in our family that we now have a saying. "As long as everyone's alive and healthy, we can get through anything." It helps us keep things in perspective.

I imagine the chef is probably feeling pretty awful about this. If you have it in your hearts to reach out to him to let him know the boys are doing ok now, it might mean a lot to him. It sounds like it was a mistake.

I hope your family gets some sort of satisfaction from Disney if that's what will help you feel better about the situation. It does only seem fair. But I also agree they will likely not be dealing with you, as grandparents; they'll deal with the parents. (Imagine if they had to deal with everyone's extended families every time something happens?)

Wishing you all well, and still want to hear what you thought of Melia sometime, aside from this happening. Sending love and prayers to your grandchildren for their continued recovery.

to make a very long story short my 2 grandsons had to be taken by ambulance to our the hospital after given the wrong food at Tusker. They had a severe reaction after speaking to the chef about the seriousness of their allergies. They spent the day in the emergency room & because of the steroids they have to stay on for a week now are not feeling good. It was a scary incident for all of us to see my older grandson struggle to breathe. Needless to say our vacation was ruined.
They left for home after feeling the boys were stable enough.
DH & I are at Yacht Club till tomorrow afternoon.
I’m wondering if anyone knows of a person I can talk to about this situation. I only get to see my family once/ twice a year, we live in CA they in Austin.
I feel awful for so many reasons but mostly because the boys were looking forward to fun time with Nana & Opa & now that has been taken away.

I’m so happy they will recover but at one point the 5 yo oxygen level was so low he was in serious trouble. I thought my son was going to pass out with fear. I had to be the strong one for everyone, until I broke down after they were taken to the hospital.
There must be someone here I can sit down & talk to about this.
On a cute note my 2 yo grandson said ... I don’t want to eat Mickey waffles anymore

Feeling sad in the happiest place on earth

 

[maxiesmom]

I think it's funny that everyone thinks Disney is so wonderful and that they will "make it right", Disney's only goal is to make it go away. Most stories I've ever heard about Disney doing good by someone is when it is not their fault. If you're looking for apologies, they aren't going to come from Disney because they are not going to admit fault.

At this point if you really "want something" from this, your son will be the one who would need to take it up himself. Disney will probably throw them a few thousand dollars if they sign a statement holding them harmless. Otherwise, the only recourse is a lawsuit.

It would be ridiculous of anyone at Disney to admit fault, at least publicly. When something bad happens they have to let the legal team handle it. Just like any business, if they didn't, they would be fending off lawsuit after lawsuit. Because people who really didn't suffer what the OP's family did would claim that they had.

Doesn't make it feel nice, and I hope someone from Disney does reach out to this family. But it it totally understandable why they haven't heard anything yet. Lawyers.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I think it's funny that everyone thinks Disney is so wonderful and that they will "make it right", Disney's only goal is to make it go away. Most stories I've ever heard about Disney doing good by someone is when it is not their fault. If you're looking for apologies, they aren't going to come from Disney because they are not going to admit fault.

I don't totally disagree. I've certainly read enough stories on here. But as one of the world's top vacation destinations, there's a lot they have to sort through and deal with. Some things are legit and some things aren't, we all know that.

I've had a couple of experiences (well, actually our family and close friends of ours) where I feel pretty confident that they at least are listening and know what's going on. And yes, they are probably pretty discerning and absolutely have legalities and other things to deal with, of course. But even if it was from solely a business perspective, they, in our cases, at least, reached out, when really, they didn't have to. There are probably a lot of factors that determine whether they will or not. Demanding they do, or fear of litigation, may cause them to put the brakes on, idk.