IBS-Need Restaurant Advice!

[ericafny]

I have just been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and have to follow a special diet and can only eat certain foods. This wasn't really the case last time we went although I did watch what I ate. My DBF and I were planning out which restaurants we want to eat in and then it dawned on me that I have to be extra careful with the foods I eat. I try to eat only organic (I know its hard!) and I also can't eat any red meat. I can eat chicken however it needs to be grilled not fried...etc, etc...you get my point.

We were thinking of some places and if anyone knows of any restaurants that have been really accomodating with special menus and altering of dishes could you please share! I have begun to think I must be a pain to the waitstaff at a restaurant now when I go out and alter dishes on the menu...

 

[Cheshire Figment]

You have hit the best place to go.

When you make reservations at any sit-down (table service or buffet) just let them know you have food restrictions. Mention it again when you get to the podium to check in. Normally shortly after you are seated the chef will come out to talk to you and will either point out what you can or cannot eat at that location or will even offer to make a special dish for you.

Similarly, at any Counter Service location ask for a manager, explain your restricitons, and you will be told what is OK for you, or what they can do to modify anything on the menu so you may eat it,

WDW is probably the best place anywhere for people with any disability; the restaurant staff do not consider it a pain but part of their job.

 

[jeancbpugh]

Most wdw restaurants are very accommodating, especially with advance notice. Cape May Cafe is the least flexible of all those we've tried.

 

[ericafny]

Thanks for the responses! I will probably let the CM know when I make my ADR's that I have special dietary needs, maybe it gets noted on the ADR? If not I always let my server know. I'm wondering why Cape May Cafe is so inflexible. Too bad because we are staying at the Dolphin and wouldn't mind walking over to the BC to explore...guess we won't be eating there

 

[heatherfeather24]

You may also have fewer restrictions by the time you go to WDW. I, too, have IBS and was originally placed on a pretty restrictive diet, but as I added foods back in, I was able to figure out what most of my "trigger" foods are -- my diet is much less strict than it used to be.

I also try to eat organic, but not because of my IBS -- I don't actually notice any diffference between organic and not organic as far as IBS is concerned.

Regardless, the restaurants are VERY accommodating about what they can do for you. Unless you are dealing with the types of triggers that are pervasive (e.g. no dairy at all, or no nut products at all), you probably won't even need to give advance notice at most places.

 

[Gurlie_16]

I have IBS too and Im 16 and i eat anything i want...i dont care....if i have to go to the bathroom, i ll go../

 

[Schmeck]

Isn't there a website that has all the menus, with updates, from WDW? I think it's at AllEars, or somesuch...

I don't know if WDW will be able to give you all organic products, but most sitdown restaurants will be able to fix the food the way you need it cooked. Counter service will probably be a bit more limited, as most of that food seems to be ready-made, or a bit more pre-packaged.

 

[ericafny]

I have IBS too and Im 16 and i eat anything i want...i dont care....if i have to go to the bathroom, i ll go../

HA! I used to be like that but my symptoms have gotten worse You are young, try to take care of yourself now so it doesn't get really bad!

 

[mamaminnie]

Isn't there a website that has all the menus, with updates, from WDW? I think it's at AllEars, or somesuch...

.

Yes, www.allearsnet.com has all the menus and it is frequently updated. I have crohn's disease and have trigger foods as well and I've never had a problem at WDW. You can look at the menus for counter service restaurants and decide where you want to eat but any table service should be able to accomodate your needs.