If unable to eat at buffets/immunocompromised...

[Runnsally]

Hi, all. We have several buffets scheduled for our upcoming trip (Tusker, Biergarten). Due to chemo/lymphoma my wife is unable to eat at buffets. Anyone have any experience with this? Will the kitchen bring out a plate of food for her? Thanks!

 

[AngiTN]

I very curious to learn the official answer. I have to think they'll work with you to get her a plate of food. But that's just my guess based on how willing they are to be helpful for dietary needs.

I assume she can eat the items from the buffet just can't eat from dishes others have served from

 

[Lesverts]

No experience, but if you contact the special diet department you should have some luck. I cannot imagine Disney denying such a request. Wishing your wife well with treatment and recovery.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/special-dietary-requests/

 

[JZCubed]

I very curious to learn the official answer. I have to think they'll work with you to get her a plate of food. But that's just my guess based on how willing they are to be helpful for dietary needs.

I assume she can eat the items from the buffet just can't eat from dishes others have served from

Utensils are the primary concern. Let's just say everyone's hands are not as clean.

Then food on a buffet should always be at proper temperatures. But that science is not always perfect either.

I have a family member that is 'marginally' immune compromised and we simply avoid buffets when traveling together.

 

[Gorechick]

You may want to post this in the DISabilities sub forum. There might be more information there.

 

[DeanDoug]

First- I am sorry that your wife and family has to manage this, and wishing all of you well. I am confident that the restaurants will work with you. I would call Disney Dining and also check upon arrival. This doesn't seem much different from a person with a food allergy (fear of cross-contamination) so I am sure they will do their best to make this a great experience. Enjoy.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

I would be surprised if they don't help out in some way.

They are willing to get food from the back for me. I have Celiac and can't have gluten. If the food isn't fresh there is a chance that it has been contaminated with wheat. Especially if it is next to something that I can't have. The chefs have always been willing to help out.

 

[Canooknic]

Maybe call them just to check? Safer than turning up and finding out there is no option for plated food

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I would imagine they would handle this the same way they would handle someone with food allergies, which is to make a plate up in the kitchen and bring it out to her. But I would get in touch with the Special Diets department to make sure.

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

I'm also curious about how they'll handle it. I never thought about him not being able to eat at buffets, but my brother is also immunocompromised (he has severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia, has been on chemo for it, and just had his spleen removed). I honestly don't know if he's even considered it.
I hope everything works out well for you and your wife. Have a wonderful vacation.

 

[mco65]

My daughter has a severe tree nut allergy and on several occasions the chef (at a buffet) would make her something unique and bring it to the table.. I would think they would/could do the same for your wife.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I have a comprimised immune system also. I don't often go to buffets. When we do I don't take any food from the shared section. The chefs bring out fresh items for me no issue. They also exchange my refillable mug after a few days for a new one at the resort. I use disposble cutlery everywgere.

 

[Nancyg56]

I agree that you will have more information from the folks on the DISabilities FOrum, but also agree that Disney Chefs will try very hard to provide safe food for your wife. When you check in uyou wil be asked about allergies, or concerns, and again when your server arrives. The Chef will speak to your wife and if at all possible will help.

My DGD had a dairy and egg allergy sp when we were at Cape May for dinner the CHef walked through the buffet to show my DSIL what was safe for her, however there were no items on teh dessert table she could have. No problem, she rarely had anything other than sorbet ot tofuttie, and we sould get her something later if she wanted a sweet. The Chef showed up at our table during dessert with treats, including cooKids and those crazy popsbcle things the kids enjoy. Now I know your wife's concerns are much more serious than Kady's, but if they accomodate a child who really was okay without a dessert, I cannot imagine that your wife's meal would be neglected.

 

[anniemae]

I have a comprimised immune system also. I don't often go to buffets. When we do I don't take any food from the shared section. The chefs bring out fresh items for me no issue. They also exchange my refillable mug after a few days for a new one at the resort. I use disposble cutlery everywgere.

I was going to suggest this to OP. Bring some plastic cutlery from home, pack in your checked luggage and bring them in a baggie when you go to restaurants.

 

[laurabelle]

Hi, all. We have several buffets scheduled for our upcoming trip (Tusker, Biergarten). Due to chemo/lymphoma my wife is unable to eat at buffets. Anyone have any experience with this? Will the kitchen bring out a plate of food for her? Thanks!

In our experience, yes they will. Simply ask to speak with the chef. It will take a bit more time, so plan accordingly.

 

[Julie in PA]

Good info - I am also on chemo and am told not to eat at buffets. We love character meals and always go to Crystal Palace and Chef Mickeys. We have a 12yo DD, so we cannot deny her that. We will only do one buffet but its good to know there is a good chance they will accommodate me. Good luck to your wife - my prayers are with her.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I was going to suggest this to OP. Bring some plastic cutlery from home, pack in your checked luggage and bring them in a baggie when you go to restaurants.

I even managed to find some in silver in costco! Nobody noticed in BOG..

 

[Dis703]

Hi, all. We have several buffets scheduled for our upcoming trip (Tusker, Biergarten). Due to chemo/lymphoma my wife is unable to eat at buffets. Anyone have any experience with this? Will the kitchen bring out a plate of food for her? Thanks!

As someone who has all of my children's food brought out from the kitchen at all buffets, for worries about allergies and cross contamination, I'm confident that they wouldn't have an issue with providing her meals from the kitchen as well. Biergarten also happens to be one of the restaurants we've had the best experiences with as for going the extra mile to meet our needs. Tusker House has always been good as well. Alert your server that you'll need to speak to the chef and just explain the situation.

 

[Runnsally]

Super helpful. Thanks everyone for your thoughtful replies.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

Not only will they bring food out fresh from the kitchen, they are very careful about cross contamination. You really should have no more issues at the buffets then you would at any other TS restaurant. You should make a special dietary request upon making the reservation.

My daughter is gluten and dairy free. At the buffets, they brought her a plate from the kitchen, and more often than not, her food was much better than anything on the buffet! They always claim they will provide a second plate, but we've never tested it as the platter they provide is amazingly generous.