Need help to have Disney understand allergies

[Schmeck]

Also, I'd want to avoid the motor stunt show at MGM - auto tires are latex, and the way the vehicles are driven in that show could release a lot of latex into the air. Also, the bus drop-off/pick-up areas could be dangerous since the buses weigh so much and have a lot of friction, and a lot of traffic.

 

[rhiannonwales]

I'd like to clear up some misinformation here, and put in some info about mylar balloons.

First off latex is not more dangerous to the enviroment: latex (rubber) balloons are biodegradable. In fact, a latex balloon will break down in the environment as quickly as an oak leaf. Mylar, however, is not biodegradable.
Latex is a 100 per cent natural substance that breaks down both in sunlight and water and should never be confused with plastic. The degradation process begins almost immediately after a balloon is manufactured. Oxidation, the "frosting" that makes latex balloons look as if they are losing their colour, is one of the first signs of the process. Exposure to sunlight quickens the process, but natural microorganisms attack natural rubber, even in the dark.

Research shows that under similar environmental conditions, latex balloons will biodegrade at about the same rate as a leaf from an oak tree. The actual total degradation time will vary depending on the precise conditions.

And mylar balloons are not only non biodegradeable they are an electrical hazard as well.Mylar balloons are made from a metallic coating over a plastic type material.Mylar balloons can be dangerous when released into the air. Because they are metallic, mylar balloons that come into contact with power lines can cause power outages.
Whenever possible, please enjoy these balloons indoors. If they must be displayed outdoors, be sure they are well secured and never release them into the sky.
This also means that they can potentially draw lightning - so they are not safer in any ways shape or form.They are also just as much of a choking hazard as latex balloons because if a child bites at the mylar ballon, small pieces of a the balloon, which has a texture similar to saran wrap could get stuck in a childs airway.Im not trying to scare anyone - i have bought mylar balloons myself.But i think that twisting the facts to make your position more likeable is wrong.

The fact is if they eliminated all the substances that people can be commonly allergic to it would not be a very happy place.Each of us is responsible for our own health and well being and that means not putting oneself in a position where harm is likely.Now if you were told (for example) that Disney was latex free, and encountered latex and became severely ill THEN you would have a legitimate complaint. But forcing 90% of Disney vistors to be denied the SAFER, more ENVIROMENTALLY FRIENDLY balloons because of 1-6% of the population is allergic is unfair.

 

[Nanajo1]

Last fall we became friendly with a family that included a young man who had several physical problems. He also used an ECV like I do. So it would not be easy to get off in a hurry. We would wait together to board the bus. One time after we boarded a famiy got on with latex balloons. The young man is allergic. His mother got very upset when the balloon carrying child headed towards the back of the bus. I simply told the mother of the ballon child that there was someone with an allergy sitting towards the back and would they please stay up front. They did and in fact they placed the balloons inside a big shopping bag.Peolpe want to be helpful. But I wondered after that if a mask would have helped the young man. I mean if he had one to put on if he was exposed. I didn't think to ask.

 

[Cass]

I feel for you and understand the severity of your allergy and hope that you are able to get in contact with someone at Disney about your situation. However, don't expect much sympathy from posters here.

Aren't you the one who wanted Disney to change their peanut policy on the pirate cruise? even though they already did it once before for you?

To the OP, it must be horrible to have a deadly allergy, how do you survive normally with places you go? like shopping, or to the movies, a friends house, an airplane? How do you make it safe?

 

[mattsdragon]

I feel for you and understand the severity of your allergy and hope that you are able to get in contact with someone at Disney about your situation. However, don't expect much sympathy from posters here. I learned the hard way that ignorance is bliss as it appears that a good number of people who post here have trouble seeing the big picture and only care about what affects them. My DS has a severe peanut allergy and from my past experience posting here about it, I realize that there is still a large number of people who do not take allergies such as the ones we are dealing with seriously/care/realize/or understand how exposure can lead to death. I hate to say it, but it appears as though it's every man for himself--at least on these boards. So please put your flame-retardant suit on, because I'm sure the flames will be coming---for both of us.

I remember your tirade about peanut butter on the pirate cruise. The highlighted portion of your post could be used as a textbook definition of irony. Who is more narrowminded and selfish, the person wanting to change things at the expense of the majority, or the person being affected speaking in defense of themselves?

Now, apart from this, I think the OP has gotten some good advice on some strategies. The best of which is just using your own vehicle rather than Disney transportation. A lot of restuarants have outdoor seating as well. Make reservations and make note that you would prefer outdoor seating when possible. You are probably SOL with regards to the resort. What people do behind closed doors at a hotel is hard to control (if you ever saw the 60 minutes thing where they blacklighted the hotel linens. . .gross). You just need to have your auto-injector close at hand and think of a few wonderful thoughts.

Finally, don't go nuts with the thought that you are going to turn a corner and die. Don't be maudlin, your grandkids will sense something is wrong if you worry too much about it. I doubt they'll change their policy. So just enjoy yourself and carry your meds. Don't set yourself upu for failure. Enjoy

 

[SammieG]

aren't crocs shoes Latex too!?

Im sorry, but they are all over the place in Disney.. Im not sure that its something you can avoid.


Whilst I too am extremely sympathetic to your condition, I too think that youre best solution is to avoid the balloons and probably the entire vacation if you think you cant avoid them.

 

[babiesX2]

Other things with latex at WDW that you need to avoid - koosh ball toys in the gift shops (and the areas around them, since kids play with them and touch other stuff) and the baby changing areas in the restrooms, since diapers contain latex in the lining's elastic (and the rubber pants some kids wear are latex too!) and there could be cross contamination. Also, beware of any of the computer areas, as mousepads are usually latex-backed, so any CMs using a computer could have latex on their hands (some pens have latex soft-grips too, so be careful at the cash registers if you are handed a pen)

Watch out for worn carpet on the attractions, and in the resorts and restaurants, as the carpet could have a latex backing, and the wear and tear could get the particles airborne.

I'm not sure about the audio-animatronics - the skins used to be latex, didn't they? Not sure if they are now, but with them being in constant motion, latex particles could also be released.

Very good advice, Schmeck. Those are hazards for someone with a severe latex allergy to be on the lookout for.

*OP, please visit your primary physician and ask for a Rx for an Epi-Pen. Once you have it, please carry it with you at all times (not just at WDW). I am also urging you to wear a medic alert bracelet. A PP also suggested wearing a mask to protect against breathing in airborne particles which I also think is good advice. Can your family spare the extra money for a rental car while at Disney? This would eliminate the hazard of latex balloon exposure for you while in transit.

 

[Schmeck]

I don't think Crocs are latex-based. I've gone online to check it out before, and I think they use all synthetic "ingredients".

Also, bananas and avocado have a similar protein to latex in them that can cause a reaction. So, be careful in restaurants!

 

[Selket]

I don't think the OP is looking for help identifying what latex products are around at WDW. It sounds like she is concerned about the balloons specifically and does not have issues with the other sources of latex. My son is severely peanut allergic so I can understand how one source of an allergen can create more problems than other sources. So controlling that one source (in this case the latex balloons) can make a huge difference for someone with this allergy - that is what it sounds like to me. Talking about tires or mouse pads or shoes is beside the point. It sounds like those things do not pose the same risk for triggering a touch or airborne reaction (by putting particles in the air/leaving particles on other items).

Disney is a business and can do whatever they want about latex or peanuts, etc. I would be happy to write to Disney to encourage them to always make the choices and easy changes that allow their parks to be enjoyed by everyone.

 

[Schmeck]

So, are you saying the OP shouldn't be concerned about other possible sources of latex contact? I don't think just eliminating latex balloons makes WDW a safe, latex-free environment. Yes, latex balloons can cause an allergic reaction, but so can many other latex products. Snapping a rubber band near a person with a latex allergy could also cause a reaction. That's what I was trying to point out so the OP could have a safe trip.

 

[Quinn222]

I have the same allergy and am appalled to hear they are selling these. It was such a relief to know I was safe from them there.

 

[Quinn222]

I don't think Crocs are latex-based. I've gone online to check it out before, and I think they use all synthetic "ingredients".

Crocs have no latex, I wrote to the company before buying mine to be sure.

 

[NYDisGuy]

I dont understand how people are comparing a dairy allergy to a latex allergy. I believe her main concern (because she isnt posting much) is that she doesnt want to come in contact with it at the parks, and if youve been to Magic Kingdom which im sure everyone has you know the traffic and the amount of contact you come with people. Now I agree Disney cannot shut down everything latex but dont just write off her allergy and say oh well im allergic to milk and its the same thing.

To the op, contact your physician and see if you can get any meds for your trip or anything that might decrease the severity of the reaction. Just be careful in the parks and try to rent a car to prevent latex.

 

[TinkerbellMama]

I'd like to clear up some misinformation here, and put in some info about mylar balloons.

First off latex is not more dangerous to the enviroment: latex (rubber) balloons are biodegradable. In fact, a latex balloon will break down in the environment as quickly as an oak leaf. Mylar, however, is not biodegradable.
Latex is a 100 per cent natural substance that breaks down both in sunlight and water and should never be confused with plastic. The degradation process begins almost immediately after a balloon is manufactured. Oxidation, the "frosting" that makes latex balloons look as if they are losing their colour, is one of the first signs of the process. Exposure to sunlight quickens the process, but natural microorganisms attack natural rubber, even in the dark.

Research shows that under similar environmental conditions, latex balloons will biodegrade at about the same rate as a leaf from an oak tree. The actual total degradation time will vary depending on the precise conditions.

And mylar balloons are not only non biodegradeable they are an electrical hazard as well.Mylar balloons are made from a metallic coating over a plastic type material.Mylar balloons can be dangerous when released into the air. Because they are metallic, mylar balloons that come into contact with power lines can cause power outages.
Whenever possible, please enjoy these balloons indoors. If they must be displayed outdoors, be sure they are well secured and never release them into the sky.
This also means that they can potentially draw lightning - so they are not safer in any ways shape or form.They are also just as much of a choking hazard as latex balloons because if a child bites at the mylar ballon, small pieces of a the balloon, which has a texture similar to saran wrap could get stuck in a childs airway.Im not trying to scare anyone - i have bought mylar balloons myself.But i think that twisting the facts to make your position more likeable is wrong.

The fact is if they eliminated all the substances that people can be commonly allergic to it would not be a very happy place.Each of us is responsible for our own health and well being and that means not putting oneself in a position where harm is likely.Now if you were told (for example) that Disney was latex free, and encountered latex and became severely ill THEN you would have a legitimate complaint. But forcing 90% of Disney vistors to be denied the SAFER, more ENVIROMENTALLY FRIENDLY balloons because of 1-6% of the population is allergic is unfair.

I won't argue with you about this. Feel free to do a search and find out for yourselves the dangers of latex vs. mylar balloons (yes, I am aware of the biodegradability issue, but that is not the only one by a longshot). You might be surprised at what you find out. I didn't twist any facts whatsoever, and it was not my position I was trying to "make more likeable". I am not allergic to latex, nor do I care personally if WDW sells latex balloons. I simply won't buy them.

 

[mdhkitten]

I've read people's posts about AKL and no balloons, and this is true to some extent from my research. I've heard that you CAN bring balloons to the hotel, but they must be check at bell services for the duration of your stay. Therefore, there is no way to say that you won't come into contact with latex there, either. I've read that one these boards of people who have had to check their balloons, and it's in the following article off of allearsnet, at the bottom of the page under "What Else Do I Want To Know?". Here's the link:

http://allearsnet.com/acc/faq_akl.htm

 

[GEM]

I just wanted to say the same thing about AKL. We've stayed there a few times and you definately CAN bring your balloons on the bus back to the resort with you. You just check them with the luggage people when you go into the resort.

 

[rhiannonwales]

Tinkerbellmama, you said this:

(yes, I am aware of the biodegradability issue, but that is not the only one by a longshot)

But in your previous post you stated this:

I think the latex balloons are a bad idea for several reasons:They are worse for the environment than mylar balloons

So which is it?
Mylar balloons are made from a metallic coated plastic.Plastic is a petroleum product.Plastics, like all other petroleum products, can leach dangerous toxins in the groundwater and soil.Latex rubber, (which comes from a tree) will decay and not impact the ground and water at all.

I realise that latex ballons pose a choking hazard, but mylar is only SAFER (not safe completely).And if you really want to be technical about it the ribbons ALL balloons are strung on are a HUGE choking hazard.Add to that the fact that they are dangerous around electricity, and i personally think that the risk/benefit balances out.

If WDW has no obligation to eliminate the latex balloons (or peanuts, or whatever else happens to threaten a person's life), which I believe 100%, then neither does anyone else have the RIGHT to purchase latex balloons or peanut butter sandwiches at WDW.

Tell me you're joking right?Hey my DH is a severe asthmatic, and has reactions to strong odors of almost any kind.Does that mean we can ban smoking,perfume,hot peppers(when they are heated they release into the air) and oh yeah people with really strong B.O.?All these thing have sent DH into the hospital.

There is no way to please everyone and accomodate every allergy/disablity out there. Hey-what if an autistic child has a fixation for latex balloons and needs to have them as a calming effect? Now you're infringing on their ability to enjoy the parks.See no one wins.

I realize that it makes life more difficult for you.It makes my DH's life more difficult when we are at DW and people dont adhere to the smoking areas, or people smoke in a non smoking room.And dont try to tell me its not the same either - when he encounters a trigger, his throat closes up and he cant breathe, and if he doesnt get oxygen and a breathing treatment fast, yeah he could die.But we work with it.I am his eyes and nose in the parks, and we always carry his meds and a mask in case it happens.We avoid close places where it would be hard to escape from a trigger - parade lines, and fireworks areas.We request a special cleaning for the room and i go in before him to make sure that the air is clean.

In other words we take responsibility for our own needs and dont expect Disney to change any policies just for us.No one is suggesting that the OP doesnt have legitimate concerns - and we offered her ways to try to work around them.But what i am hearing from her OP (since she hasnt bothered to respond since then) is that she just wants everyone else to compromise for her, without making any compromises herself.

BTW i'm a snoop, an uncontrollable one.When the OP stopped responding i looked her up.This isnt the first time shes been upset with Disney for not bending over backwards for her.

post

We stayed at POP last month and will never return. My issue was not the resort, it was clean, rooms nice, even the noise level was not too bad, could have put up with it without complaining. When i made our ressies requested a centrally located room in the 70's or would pay for the 60's due to health reasons, severe asthma, difficulty with SOB even for short walks. Was told that the request is usually granted so did not pay for 60's building. Upon checkin I asked the girl where we are and explained my health problems, and she snapped"your right out there" so I assumed a close room. Well upon walking quite a stretch, for me it was extremely hard, wheezing and using inhalers, I called the front desk and requested to pay extra for a centrally located room due to health problems, told not able to resort fullly booked. I again called for 2 days and told same thing. I realize not everyones request can be given and I wish I did not need this request, it was made due to health problems. I too rent a scooter due to not being able to walk without wheezing and SOB. I can stand for awhile without diffiulty, nowhere near a 80 minute wait. I wish I didn't need the scooter and didn't need the room request but it is what is needed. I don't feel the need to explain why I am using a scooter, but I do need to say that the front desk staff that I spoke to could care less about you and your request, even for health reasons. Will keep going back to the boardwalk even if it means less trips because of cost, staff is more efficient and with such a smaller resort will help you with health issues even if it takes a day to give u what u need, if walking is an issue. I find it hard in a resort of 2800 rooms that one room was not available for us to be placed even if it cost more. Again the resort was very nice, no complaints about the room, bus service was poor, use our car for most trips but felt the front desk staff very short and not willing to listen to things that are important.

So how do you manage that RENTED scooter(which is gotta be covered in latex) without dying?

 

[Cass]

Good Detective work, there rhiannonwales

Funny how the OP never mentioned Latex in that POP rant.

 

[Lisa_Belle]

Uh, yes. If I had an allergy as severe as you describe, I would not take a chance. I would get off the bus or leave the restaurant. What else could you do? Ask the other people with the balloon to leave?

Making mental note not to buy latex balloon for my child just in case. But if she had one and we were seated in a restaurant or on a bus with someone who was allergic, I would not mind if they explained the situation to me. I would be more than happy to let the balloon go. Unfortunately, you have to protect your family, and that may mean having to stay at AKL, taking a taxi and doing your best to avoid balloons.

BTW - if you can't take them on the rides, why do they even bother selling them - latex or mylar? Basically you wouldn't be able to carry one until you were on your way out of the park anyway.

Personally I have hated balloons ever since DD got one at age 2 and set it lose in her room when the ceiling fan was on. The string was wound around the motor so tight, it stopped working. It cost me $75 for an electrician to extract that thing out.

 

[going2disney]

Tinkerbellmama, you said this:


But in your previous post you stated this:


So which is it?
Mylar balloons are made from a metallic coated plastic.Plastic is a petroleum product.Plastics, like all other petroleum products, can leach dangerous toxins in the groundwater and soil.Latex rubber, (which comes from a tree) will decay and not impact the ground and water at all.

I realise that latex ballons pose a choking hazard, but mylar is only SAFER (not safe completely).And if you really want to be technical about it the ribbons ALL balloons are strung on are a HUGE choking hazard.Add to that the fact that they are dangerous around electricity, and i personally think that the risk/benefit balances out.



Tell me you're joking right?Hey my DH is a severe asthmatic, and has reactions to strong odors of almost any kind.Does that mean we can ban smoking,perfume,hot peppers(when they are heated they release into the air) and oh yeah people with really strong B.O.?All these thing have sent DH into the hospital.

There is no way to please everyone and accomodate every allergy/disablity out there. Hey-what if an autistic child has a fixation for latex balloons and needs to have them as a calming effect? Now you're infringing on their ability to enjoy the parks.See no one wins.

Iaround them.But what i am hearing from her OP (since she hasnt bothered to respond since then) is that she just wants everyone else to compromise for her, without making any compromises herself.
realize that it makes life more difficult for you.It makes my DH's life more difficult when we are at DW and people dont adhere to the smoking areas, or people smoke in a non smoking room.And dont try to tell me its not the same either - when he encounters a trigger, his throat closes up and he cant breathe, and if he doesnt get oxygen and a breathing treatment fast, yeah he could die.But we work with it.I am his eyes and nose in the parks, and we always carry his meds and a mask in case it happens.We avoid close places where it would be hard to escape from a trigger - parade lines, and fireworks areas.We request a special cleaning for the room and i go in before him to make sure that the air is clean.

In other words we take responsibility for our own needs and dont expect Disney to change any policies just for us.No one is suggesting that the OP doesnt have legitimate concerns - and we offered her ways to try to work
BTW i'm a snoop, an uncontrollable one.When the OP stopped responding i looked her up.This isnt the first time shes been upset with Disney for not bending over backwards for her.

post


So how do you manage that RENTED scooter(which is gotta be covered in latex) without dying?

Okay, I have bitten my tongue long enough- you have a lot of nerve with your comments. First of all just because the OP has not responded doesn't mean she wants everyone to conform to her needs, not everyone gets to visit theses boards continuously. As far as the severity of allergies living with a latex allergy we are very aware of these risks, we to are our eyes, nose, carry meds and portable nebulizer machine to counteract attacks. We too need to request a special cleaning, yes we know the triggers and we avoid them as best as possible, sure we know that on a daily basis we are encountering natural rubber latex, we are all to well aware of this reality because it has changed our families lifestyle dramatically in the past 10 years. We barely eat out, don't go to a move theater, shop caustiously at grocery store and many other stores, avoid new areas with recent carpet, places with dense rubber rugs. And most terrifying have had several anaphylactic reactions requiring emergency care, and that means going to the hospital- which is one of the worst places for us with a latex allergy, but at that time the only place that can save us from dying. We are well infomed about our condition and take all the precautions that we can. As far as the latex balloons thousands of hospitals and school districts have also made it their policy to not allow latex balloons for the safety of people with this allergy, yes you may not be the 1-6% of the population but obviously other places recognize the importance also.

And as far as your DH severe allergy to smoke, many public places across the grand United States have banned or limited this practice not just for allergy suffers but for the general better health of everyone, I am sure you must be grateful for this cut back in smoking in public areas, it sure helps your DH in some way.

Yes everyone is entitled to their opinion but it seems as though many of you need conflict and it is in your personality, thats what you get for as what you describe as being snoopy. Maybe you should take some of the time you spend looking into other peoples buisness and concentrate on your own.