Ohana and Peanut Allergy

[Cindy's Mom]

DD has life threatening peanut allergies. We have never been to Ohana for that very reason.

I'm asking if others with peanut allergies have gone to Ohana and what was your experience there.

I'm thinking its just not worth it, but I want make sure.

 

[DeeCeeSW]

DS10 has a peanut allergy and we take him to 'Ohana on every trip. We have never had an issue. Make sure the allergy is mentioned when you make your ADR, then mention it again when your server comes to the table. He/she will have the chef come to your table. Make sure you remind them to not put the peanut dipping sauce on the table. Your DD will be able to eat just about everything there. My DS is also egg-allergic so he is a little more limited but he always eats well!

 

[Cindy's Mom]

DeeCeeSW - thanks for the info. Did you have the EPI on the table though?

Sometimes (or most of the time) I'm so lax with it, but when I see a menu in which peanuts are such a big part of, I freak a bit.

Were you concerned about cross-contamination? That's where my worries lie.

And also, I tip my hat to you on being a Survivor

 

[hannahdrewmom]

While I love Ohana it is not a place that I will risk it. The chef's are very good with allergies and I have heard awesome things about the place but if it's a matter of it being around peanuts there is A LOT of stuff at Ohana. If a waitress spilled something or if something wasn't wiped completely clean. I'd also worry about the number of grimy little hands that might have touched a chair and not been noticed. I know that it might be overkill.... but for us (being super sensitive) it's not worth the risk.

 

[Christiekate]

As an adult who has lived my whole life with this very serious allergy - I am sad that I will miss Ohana as I've read and heard such wonderful things about it...but...some things are just not worth it. I put a restaurant that has a lot of peanuts in the menu on that list. Not only for the food issue, but as the pp said, the general contamination issues. I will likely not die from getting peanuts on my skin, but it will definitely ruin my family's day when may face swells up and I'm covered in hives and have to be on meds for the rest of the trip. I have no desire to get to know the Florida health care system, as wonderful as I'm sure it is!

 

[OhThePain]

My girlfriend has a pretty bad peanut allergy, which I note on all of our ADR's. At 'Ohana the Chef came to our table and talked to her about what to avoid and what options she had. They brought out the peanut sauce seperately than the rest of the food and gave it directly to me so that I was still able to try some. She was advised to skip the bread pudding desert and just had some vanilla ice cream instead.

At the end of the meal she said that in general it just wasn't worth it, and I have to agree. It is a totally overrated restaurant with pretty bad food and awful service. IMO, if you are questioning it, just skip it.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Thanks for all that replied. We are going to skip it. She doesn't even know that this exists, so what you don't know, won't hurt ya

 

[DeeCeeSW]

Where exactly are you seeing "lots of peanuts" on the 'Ohana menu? There is a peanut dipping sauce. What am I missing?

As far as cross-contamination goes, the chefs I have dealt with during my last 14 trips have all prepared my DS's plates in the kitchen. They are equipped to deal with all sorts of allergies.

If you don't feel comfortable, don't do it. However, I am telling you from personal experience that I have NEVER had an issue at 'Ohana in the 15-20 times we've been there.

There are no guarantees ANYWHERE. You can't live in a bubble. Who is to say that there isn't peanut residue on EVERY surface you touch at WDW?

Apparently, I'm in the minority here who believes that 'Ohana is VERY worth eating at. To each his own! More open ressies for me!

PS. The Epipen was not on top of the table with us, however, we carry 2 pens as well as Children's Benadryl with us wherever we go....

 

[DeeCeeSW]

And also, I tip my hat to you on being a Survivor

Thank you! 3 years this April!

 

[Christiekate]

Wow, I'm not sure if you meant that to have a hostile tone, so I'll assume you didn't.

I don't endorse lining in a bubble. In fact, I do more and eat out more than most people I know with my conditions (serious allergies and a new diagnosis of celiac disease).

I think I'm the only one who posted who actually has the allergy. Having been hospitalized 3 times last year due to anaphylaxis, having been in intensive care, being able to remember losing consciousness and knowing I was dying, I think I can speak about the need for sensitivity. Having an allergy attack feels terrible. Aside from the fear factor (I hope this isn't the one that kills me) it physically feels just awful. And it takes a while to recover from. (and btw these all happened despite two doses of my epipen. Epipens are no guarantee)

However, I may be much more sensitive than most. For example, no one in my family orders anything with peanuts in it if I am with them, and most of the time they won't even if I'm not with them.

Yes, contamination happens all.the.time. Grocery carts, restaurant tables, etc. It's no fun either. So, no, I wouldn't choose to go to a restaurant where peanut sauce is being served frequently. But you're right. I've never been there so I don't know for sure. I don't feel like risking it.

Enjoy the reservation I have opened up for you.

 

[autismmom1]

If you're looking to do the character breakfast (ds is a huge Stitch fan), I'd say it isn't as risky...the chef did come out and talk to us, but we felt safer just asking for cereal and our son had a fantastic time! Any restaurant at Disney, if given advance notice (notation when making ADRs and filling out the allergy form and faxing it back to Disney prior to your trip) will take great pains to provide you with anything they can. At Tusker House the chef even prepared a turkey sandwich for our son that wasn't on the menu and brought out extra cookies that were safe for him. I say go for it, but I ALWAYS have the Epi at the ready because nothing is guaranteed!

 

[DeeCeeSW]

Wow, I'm not sure if you meant that to have a hostile tone, so I'll assume you didn't.

Nope, no hostility here. In fact, it's the opposite. I feel bad that you will not experience our favorite place to eat at WDW. 'Ohana is always our first night dinner. Peanut-, egg-, shellfish-allergic DS (10) looks forward to eating there the most. He loves the salad, the wings, veggies and all the meats. He cannot eat the dumplings, noodles or bananas foster dessert because of his egg allergy or the shrimp, of course, but he could care less. The chefs have always prepared a wonderful dessert for him that 9 times out of 10 warrants taking a picture of it (they are that impressive).

I do understand not wanting to risk hospitalization, etc. DS was allergic to wheat, gluten and barley as a baby (not celiac). Luckily, he outgrew THOSE allergies, but not before being hospitalized at 8 months from an allergic reaction to cereal. Seeing my 8-month-old with an IV in his head because the veins in his arms were not viable was an awful sight. We have also been to the ER on several occasions for exposure to peanuts (knock on wood, this has not happened in the last 4 years) at a Friendly's and at Six Flags Great Adventure.

We do not have any peanut products in our home, in fact, we have had to give up peanuts completely. Can't risk touching or kissing DS with peanut residue. However, we DO eat eggs and shellfish with him present and have never had a problem.

Disney is the ONLY place we feel 99.9% confident that his allergies will be taken seriously and that his meals will be prepared with care.

If you don't want to risk it, I get it. I'm just putting it out there that we have never had an issue at 'Ohana. There are plenty of options out there for you, so wherever you decide to eat, I'm sure you'll be happy.

 

[sweetdana]

My DH has a Shellfish allergy.

Disney is FANTASTIC with it. I note it in Ressie, I am never disappointed. Even at Teppon Epo they have a grill they will not cook shell fish on ALL day, just for shell fish allergy people. Now Yak and Yeti, chef came to the table and stated that all sauces could be cross contaimated by the cook ware, but they had a grill for allergies.. he ended up with a burger, but they told him and they new it was possible. He enjoyed it as much as you could enjoy a burger at Yak and Yeti.. but the point was I feel with the precautions they always do it is safe. I think Disney is aware.

I would feel safe with my DH Shellfish allergy everywhere (with noting things) at DW. ....but if you will not enjoy yourself in fear there are tons of other places. You are on vacation and should enjoy food. Pick a place you feel warm and fuzzy with. After a few chefs tell you a few things at diff ressies, I think it will feel better.
GL!

 

[Ninnygunk]

My son also has a life-threatening nut allergy (all nuts!). We've done Lilo & Stitch breakfast multiple times and tried Ohana dinner for the first time last year. I was REALLY NERVOUS about it but spoke to the chef personally & was very detailed with our server. I also take wipes with me & cleaned that whole table like the Queen of England was eating on it My sister had them bring her the peanut sauce on the other side of the table and all was well. My son ate everything they brought out and loved it (except for the dessert - which they supplemented with a brownie & he loves those). The bottom line is that it's just a very personal decision & depends on your comfort zone. I am the ultra-paranoid mom & it was hard for me. I watched him like a hawk but also had 2 epi-pens & benadryl with me. Thankfully we did fine & had a lovely dining experience. Best of luck on your decision.

 

[raider97]

My daughter has a very severe peanut as well as a moderate egg and milk allergy. We have been to Ohana twice and have been very happy with the meal. It is a must do meal for us! We don't have them bring the peanut sauce and we always note it on our ADR and then speak to the chef when we get there. Her meals are always prepared in the kitchen and then brought out. We always have her epi pen on hand, but we do that where ever we are.

And I know first hand how very scary this allergy can be. She has been exposed twice with very serious reactions. Disney is one of the best places at addressing food allergies though.

Good luck!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

*** DANGER WILL ROBINSON *** DANGER WILL ROBINSON ***


1) There are peanut allergies and there are peanut allergies.
2) Before making a decision, know type/severity of the allergic reaction
2) If injestion is the problem - you should be OK at Ohana
. . . they do have a grill they use for contamination protection
. . . they can keep physical contact separate
3) If injestion is not necessary for histamine production is the problem - you MAY have a serious problem
. . . there are too many peanut formulations at Ohana to halt airborne's
. . . being in the same area is almost a forgone conclusion
. . . they CANNOT control airborne histamines

 

[disfan07]

1) There are peanut allergies and there are peanut allergies.
2) Before making a decision, know type/severity of the allergic reaction
2) If injestion is the problem - you should be OK at Ohana
. . . they do have a grill they use for contamination protection
. . . they can keep physical contact separate
3) If injestion is not necessary for histamine production is the problem - you MAY have a serious problem
. . . there are too many peanut formulations at Ohana to halt airborne's
. . . being in the same area is almost a forgone conclusion
. . . they CANNOT control airborne histamines

I agree with this. Just because someone with a peanut allergy could eat there doesnt mean that someone else with a peanut allergy would be okay with eating there also.


It's just like with every other medical condition. Just because something is okay for one person does not mean it is okay for another person with the same condition.

I have a severe peanut allergy. My doctor said that my reaction is the most severe she has ever seen. She took my blood test results and a picture of the skin reaction into the ped. allergy class she teaches at a medical school because she was, in her words..."highly impressed" with the reaction. We dont bring peanut products into the house. We dont even bring anything with a may contain or made in the same facility warning into the house.

She has been to WDW and has actually been to Ohana with her family and when I mentioned our trip to her, she mentioned that restaurant specifically as one not to go near. As she acknowledged, yes, cross contamination can happen anywhere but she would not risk it at a place where something like peanut sauce is actually on the menu and she advised me to stay away because the risk is just too great in her opinion. I agree.

But, my allergies are continuously getting worse. I will never grow out of my allergies and she is extremely worried about mine getting any worse without us knowing. SHE gets concerned everytime I tell her I am going to fly but that is something I wont give up.

Some people are more willing to take the chance then other people. I personally will not take such a risk just to eat at a restaurant.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . SHE gets concerned everytime I tell her I am going to fly but that is something I wont give up . . .

1) Under ADA, you have the right to demand no peanuts on the plane.
2) You are guaranteed, by law, as clean an environment as possible.
. . . you inform the gate attendant of your allergy
. . . a photocopy spare doctor note is good to have
. . . they MUST tell the flight crew to not serve nuts
. . . the crew MUST also announce to fliers to not eat nut candy bars
. . . even candy bars bought before boarding the plane
. . . violations of either carry SEVERE criminal and civil penalties

NOTE: This rule works with airborne issues, not injestion issues.

 

[disfan07]

1) Under ADA, you have the right to demand no peanuts on the plane.
2) You are guaranteed, by law, as clean an environment as possible.
. . . you inform the gate attendant of your allergy
. . . a photocopy spare doctor note is good to have
. . . they MUST tell the flight crew to not serve nuts
. . . the crew MUST also announce to fliers to not eat nut candy bars
. . . even candy bars bought before boarding the plane
. . . violations of either carry SEVERE criminal and civil penalties

NOTE: This rule works with airborne issues, not injestion issues.

Yup...I already do that. We ONLY fly southwest, virgina america adn jetblue becasue of their policies. BUT, they do let you know that they can make an anouncement but they cannot be 100% sure that s flight will be peanut free. We have had a problem twice. Luckily, both times, a benedryl took care of the issue so no harm no foul but I see my allergist cringe everytime I tell her we are flying across the country.( but she gets concerned over a lot of things with me) But this is why for a 5 hour flight, I carry 8 epipens with me...1 for every 15 minutes, so enough to cover 2 hours...

 

[CathieArms]

DD has life threatening peanut allergies. We have never been to Ohana for that very reason.

I'm asking if others with peanut allergies have gone to Ohana and what was your experience there.

I'm thinking its just not worth it, but I want make sure.

I have a VERY mild macadamia nut allergy, and I noted it on my reservation. To my surprise, the chef came out and spoke to me at length and was VERY well-versed in nut allergies and was VERY cautious regarding what I should and shouldn't eat. In the end, the only thing he recommended I not eat was the dessert, and even that was an extreme recommendation. I kept telling him my allergy was mild and he said was insistent that there might be some cross-contamination and that I shouldn't eat the dessert (even though I insisted that the cross-contamination would be fine, just not the actual WHOLE nut!) and was insistent that he'd make me something different for dessert. He was really quite sweet and *very* concerned about the allergy...way more concerned that I was.

I'd say it was an awesome experience and I think that you should give it a shot. I think they'll really work with you and I think you'll be okay.