Lifestyle Diets - inform at podium?

[cantwait2008]

Hi all!

I have mostly been a lurker on the boards, but as the trip gets closer (only 10 days to go!!!), I have more and more questions.

I have made reservations for both Whispering Canyon and Chef Mickey's (both for breakfast). While making my reservations I informed the CM that I am a vegan (I am the only one in a party of 8), she informed me that since a vegan diet (no animal products) is a lifestyle choice that all I need to do is inform the CM at the podium when I arrive and they will inform me of what is available for me to eat. At first, this sounded reasonable enough.

I continued to research on the web and read Vegetarian WDW cover to cover. Everywhere, I read that I should call in advance to talk with each restaraunt to ensure that there would be something suitable to eat. I proceeded to call again and check in on my reservations, the CM again ensured me that there would be something suitable to eat at each meal, but was unable to give me an idea of exactly what it would be. Because my diet is so restrictive, I rarely eat out, so I am nervous about what Disney considers a suitable breakfast (I hate oatmeal and I could not survive the day on fruit alone)...

Is there a way for me to contact the restaurants directly? The CM I spoke to said she could not connect me, nor did she have a list of their direct numbers. Or, has someone else, with what disney now refers to as a lifestyle diet, had a good experience they can relate to alleviate my fears...

TIA!!!

 

[maddhatir]

Hi cantwait2008!

I am a vegetarian- and i would have to say that Disney is one of the most accomodating places when it comes to requests. i know how you feel, sometimes when you go places they dont have a clue why you are telling them- if it comes with a side of "some kind of meat" please dont even put it on my plate--- give me a seperate one and hubby will eat it!

I know being a vegan you much less choices, but i dont think you should have a problem.

I found the following on allearsnet.com they have a nice section on vegatarian and special diet needs. Go to dining and then on the left side you can choose what you would like to look at.

If you're a vegan or on a strict low-fat diet--or would simply like an extra-special vegetarian meal--call the Walt Disney World main switchboard (407) 824-2222 and ask to be transferred to the restaurant of your choice. Once connected, ask to speak directly with a chef, and explain your dietary needs. Have fun brainstorming with the chefs about your special meal. If you give them enough advance notice (usually a week will do), most Disney chefs are more than happy to purchase special items like rice milk, kamut or seitan to make your meal memorable. Remember to get your chef's full name and to let him or her know the date and time of your visit.

good luck!

maddhatir

 

[momsgoofy]

I would say to call back again and ask to be connected. Or here is a phone number that I used to pre-order a Slipper Dessert...I think it was one of the main WDW numbers and I asked to be connnected to CRT. Hope it helps!

407-824-2222

 

[momandseandodisney]

I know at liberty tree tavern they had a "entertainment price" of a about $5 that you could pay if you did not eat (my friend is a vegan and she did this.) Why not try to see if that is posisble at chef mickeys., and then just make/eat your own meal/before or after. I know my friend as a vegan had quite a hard time places, with people not understanding what it was. One time a CM said well, we have eggs, buttermilk pankcakes etc . . .as a vegan how are you going to eat that lol

Some people just dont understand, like I said maybe go with your group but choose not to dine. ????

 

[hulagirl87]

I am vegetarian and lactose intollerant and I have always found the Disney restaurants very accomodating. I remember going to Tony's Town Square for dinner one night and the chef actually came out and talked to me to find out what he could make so that I could eat it. So nice and helpful! Try to read through some of the menus for the restaurants in advance to get an idea of what they serve. Talk to your server and let them know of your diet and they can work with you. There are a ton of restaurants to choose from. yum!! Have a great trip!!

 

[maddhatir]

I know at liberty tree tavern they had a "entertainment price" of a about $5 that you could pay if you did not eat (my friend is a vegan and she did this.) Why not try to see if that is posisble at chef mickeys., and then just make/eat your own meal/before or after. I know my friend as a vegan had quite a hard time places, with people not understanding what it was. One time a CM said well, we have eggs, buttermilk pankcakes etc . . .as a vegan how are you going to eat that lol

Some people just dont understand, like I said maybe go with your group but choose not to dine. ????

Thank stinks-- you have to pay for people's ignorance!!!

maddhatir

 

[Amyrlin]

My partner has a strange allergy; garlic, it is sooo many things it makes things difficult, but we had them note it in the reservation and we called resturants before we left, some gave us the brush off at that stage and said tell us when you get here, other were very helpful. However, everywhere was very accomodating, I do not think you will have a problem, but I do think you will nee to call the resturants.

 

[MAGGIED]

When I made our ADR's for our April trip I informed the CM that my DD(16) is a vegetarian and is allergic to nuts. They said they noted it and gave me the phone numbers to eat rest. so that I could call them earlier in the day to remind them. Lets see what happens when we arrive.