Peanut Allergies

[jlac762]

I know this has been addressed many times, but i can't seem to "search" through all the posts.

Who do I contact about my nephew's peanut allergy? And how far in advance should I call them?

Thank you!

 

[figment52]

If you want to talk to someone to put your mind to rest contact DCL or you travel agent now. They could probably give you a heads up right now on some of the items you need to avoid. I suspect that there are even people on this board that can advise you.

Otherwise, around final payment time make sure it is noted on your reservation. Once you get on board the ship contact the Dining Room Manager, your Head Waiter and your Server and let them all know specifically who at the table is effected by the allergy. I am sure that dealing with food allergies is fairly routine for them (and peanut allergies are more common that you may think).

 

[MNmom]

We are leaving in 9 days for the Magic with my DS(3) who is a severe peanut, milk and egg allergy kid.

I got a Medical Information Form from DCL and faxed it in about 2 weeks ago. The Special Services Coordinator called me the same day and was fantastic. I had asked for ingredient lists for a few items(hot dogs/chicken strips/bagels) and she was not able to give those to me...as vendors may change and then ingredients change. I understood this and we spoke about how they handle these allergies on every cruise. These are the most common allergies and the staff is very competent in providing safe food. She recommended that I speak with the head server during the time to make dining changes on the first day. They would then put me in contact with the head chef and he could get me all the information that I would like

My concerns are not with the dining room but with room service, Plutos, and the buffets. I have looked over the menus and there is not one dessert that is safe for my son She told me that they would provide us with some safe treats that are not on the menu!!!

Have a great cruise....Disney will take care of you!!!

 

[kcashner]

I asked about this on our last cruise because we plan to travel with friends who have major allergies. One of the children is allergic to peanuts.

First, notify DCL at the time of your reservation. If it is "only" a peanut issue, they are used to this and won't need to bring any special food on board. They are willing to stock special food for a guest and cook it individually if required, but need a 30 day notice.

If it is noted at the time of your reservation, room service and your serving staff should already be aware. However, on the first night of the cruise, your server should ask everyone at your table about any allergies or dietary concerns that they should be aware of. They will then be sure that your orders and what is served are "ok" with the allergy situation.

The biggest concern is that you are "on your own" at the buffets, although the head servers are very knowledgeable and will guide you. There are peanuts at the ice cream station on deck 9.

If needed, they will seat you at a "peanut free" table, where no one at the table will be able to order anything cooked in peanut oil or using any nut products. They generally handle this by seating your family at an individual table and then leaving things up to the mom.

I was really quite satisfied with the explanations I received, and the answers convinced my friend that doing a cruise with her family was possible and safe.

 

[Cruisin]

jlac762, welcome to the DISboards.

My peanut allergic son has gone on two Disney Cruises. We did not have a problem with either.

As posted we filled out the medical form. When we went to our first dinner in the dining room the servers already knew who our son was and what his allergies were. They were very knowledgable and helpful.

They did a good job of making sure that he only got foods that he could safely eat. One evening he asked for strawberries and whipped cream for dessert. They were not on the menu but they promptly showed up in front of him.

We were very impressed with how they handled things and he would not hesitate to go again.

 

[jlac762]

Thank you all SO much.

Lisa

 

[PiperG]

Originally posted by kcashner
There are peanuts at the ice cream station on deck 9.

I thought this was soft serve ice cream without peanuts. Is it now hand scooped and at risk of some cross contamination?

 

[4nana]

If you are flying you might also consider contacting the airlines you are using, as a lot of airlines serve 'peanut' snacks. Our 2yo DGS has a peanut allergy also. After purchsing our tickets, we filed a medical form w/SW and also called confirming before our flight. They were more than happy to help. They request a dr. form to be shown at ck in. also and asssured us when notified they try to disinfected planes more thoroughly and other snacks are provided. Best of luck and have fun. Thankfully, we had no problems.

~ Sandie

 

[CamColt]

We cruised before we knew about this medical form we were supposed to fill out. We just went in and when DS was eating his first meal we mentioned it to the servers. They went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure everything was peanut free. They were more concerned about it than we were, LOL! Needless to say we had no problem with any reactions.
Good luck!

 

[kcashner]

In the ice cream bar (Scoops) the ice cream is soft serve. It is served by a cast member, who also puts on any toppings you request. The toppings are served from open bowls in front of the cast member. Peanuts are one of the available toppings, as are sprinkles, chocolate sauce, etc.

Whether or not you allow a peanut allergic child to have any toppings is, of course, your choice. My friend's child has very severe reactions, sometimes even to peanut odor (from another child with a peanut butter sandwich sitting near him.) Thus, his mother would not allow him to have ANY toppings, given the risk that a peanut might have been transferred to the sprinkles container. Since this is an area where someone other than your regular server is working, it is more important to have parental supervision.

In my comment that "there are peanuts at the ice cream station," I meant that there were peanuts available as a topping, not that the ice cream contains peanuts (It does not.)
Sorry for any confusion
Kathryn

 

[PiperG]

Thanks so much for the clarification.

Our DS6 has is very allergic, but luckily its not airborne. He reacts upon touch or ingestion, but he is able to sit with someone eating peanuts (not that we allow this. . .no peanuts in our house and at school he does sit at a separate table).

Anyway, he can have the scoops ice cream without any toppings. There is to much risk for cross contamination with the serving utensil of the toppings for us to take a chance. Regardless, he probably would not eat any toppings anyway. As a method of self preservation, he is a very picky eater. I think he only had Mac and Cheese and Mickey waffles during the 7 day cruise! That is fine with us. He is health and growing (and I do get him to eat a few fruits and veggies at home)

Thanks again,