Huge food allergy issue!!

[goofy4tink]

I'm hoping you guys can give me some imput here. My dd is planning a graduation trip to WDW in a little over a year. One of the trio has extremely bad food issues. She can basically eat fresh vegetables (but not all) and rice. She has some kind of immune issues. Okay...she will be almost 18 at this point and looking at going off to college that fall. So, she should be ready to take care of herself.
But...my question is thus....has anyone here dealt with this issue before?? I'm meeting with this young lady's parents and want to make them feel comfortable that Disney will be able to handle any issues that 'could' arise. I guess I could give my dd the phone numbers of a few CMs I know down there...just in case.
Any thoughts as to how to handle her eating issues?? They will be in a studio villa so will have a fridge and microwave which will help. I'm going to suggest that they have a grocery delivery for her foods.
Any other thoughts??? Thanks a ton.

 

[brat]

Not at Disney but many other places with my kids and their friends. First off most colleges(and all public schools for younger ones) have someone in food services that will work with speical diets. Many food service places can work with you if you call them soon enough.

You may want to get a letter from her parents giving an Ok for medical care and her health insurance info just in case she has an issue come-up while traveling with you.

 

[SueM in MN]

To add to what is already posted, check out post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. It has information about special dietary needs and who to contact - just scroll around a bit in that post to find what you need.

 

[sunshine1178]

This might sound heartless, but I would expect this young woman and her family to figure it out for themselves. My son is 5, and I never ask anyone else to he responsible for his food allergies. If he's not with me, he has a safe snack/meal along, or he will wait to eat. Surely St 17, this girl can figure out how to feed herself safely.

 

[Fl Dis Mom of 3]

My DS and DH have food allergy's. All we do for them is let our server know that they have allergy's and they will send out the chef to talk to us. All of the chef's we have talked to have been very helpful. They will let her know what she can eat off the menu or some times offer to make something for you if there is not a good fit on there menu for your needs.

 

[Mary976]

As far as if an emergency occurs, the First Aid stations in the parks are staffed by nurses and are very professional. Also, there are fire/paramedic stations on WDW property so quick response time there, and it is not a long distance to the local hospital.

For dining, you have separate issues depending on the type of place. CS places have limited menus...they can inform you of ingredients but cannot really prepare special meals (what with having limited ingredients). Most TS places can make special meals, but there is a procedure for notifying WDW of your needs in advance (see the sticky for the latest details). I would check out allears.net or somewhere else that has menus posted so that you can get a general idea of what the restaurants serve.

Now, if her condition is such that she can only eat food she prepares herself, then you would want to do grocery delivery and have her pack meals each day and take them to the park with her. Maybe the others can then get CS meals so they can all eat together?

Good luck!
Mary

 

[mickey&minniealways]

If they are making ADR's for any meals it should be noted in the reservation. Disney may call her for specifics. There was a very good chef at the Poly who has since moved to the GF. Many people with allergies have said wonderful things about him. Check out the resteraunt boards also. Her parents can also get a guide book called Open Mouse. It is for Disney with disABILTIES. There is alot of good info in there.

 

[dclfun]

Gosh...if she can only eat veggies and rice, how does she get enough protein, or calcium? I'm sure she does, I am just wondering how. At any rate, she may want to check out the CS locations that serve rice- I know we've gotten plain sticky rice at the Japan CS in Epcot. Thankfully with a studio villa she should be able to prepare some of her own food and at TS locations the chefs will work with her. I hope they all have a great trip!---Kathy

 

[hildarumpole]

Most TS restaurants should be able to accomodate your daughter's friend's dietary restrictions if they know in advance what ingredients to have on hand. Disney-owned restaurants tend to a better job than the non-Disney places. CS probably should be avoided, since they aren't terribly flexible and are limited in menu selections. Definitely contact Special Diets and have them email you the allergy form as soon as plans have been made, so ADRs and dietary restrictions can be forwarded to chefs. It's wise that a villa has been reserved, so she doesn't have to rely solely on restaurant dining, but I'm sure the friends would enjoy a few nights out. My kids allergies aren't nearly as restrictive has your DD's friend's, but we've found Disney chefs to be tremendously helpful and concerned about preparing and serving them safe foods.