Peanut allergy - restaurant choices

[bookworm61]

Let me start by saying that we have been to WDW many times with my peanut allergic DS, but that we frequent restaurants that are favorites and that we know have menus that are friendly to my son's needs. However, on our next trip, we are going in a large family group and cannot control all the restaurant choices (even though I really, really want to!! No control issues here!! )Anyway, I am concerned that family members will suggest restaurants that aren't a good choice safety wise. I could use any feedback this board can offer regarding the following ( or any other restaurant that is a problem for peanut allergic kids.) These are the restaurants that concern me because I believe that they serve peanut foods or sauces : Boma, Kona Cafe, the Mexican restaurant. We won't be eating in Nine Dragons, I believe. I never take him to chinese restaurants for safety reasons. I have already taken him once to 'Ohana without a problem (speaking to chef, not having peanut sauce at table), but I can't tell 8 other people that they can't have that food on the table. Thanks for any help.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Especially since these are family members they should be made aware of the possible consequences of his being near certain foods. They should be willing to amke certain minor adjustments raather than putting him in a life-threatening situation. Just talk to them; they are family members.

 

[bookworm61]

My family has always been completely understanding and accommodating of my son's needs. However, I don't want to rule out a restaurant for everyone without information on whether it is a good choice or a bad choice for him. That is why I am asking for any past experiences from other DISers about these restaurants.

 

[Tosie]

You always have the option of speaking to the chef beforehand and having him/her make a safe meal for your son. Does he have an airborne allergy or is it just ingestion/contact? If it were me, and it was airborne, I would have my family sit at a separate table, close to the rest of the family if possible. That's too much of a chance to take. Or on the days when they want to eat in a place you're unsure of, have your family eat someplace "safe" and meet them later. We are lucky, dd's allergies (milk, peanuts & tree nuts) are not airborne.

Good luck with your decision, I hope you can work out a solution that makes everyone happy!

 

[DVCDawn]

If you end up, for whatever reason, eating at a place like Boma where you know there are peanuts present, I would absolutely make sure that the chef knew you were coming ahead of time. As you probably know, most WDW chefs are more than happy to accommodate food allergies. Also, if someone in your party orders a dish containing peanuts or nuts, make sure that your child's meal is brought out separately, eliminating the possibility of peanut or nut fragments falling on to his plate.

Also, with a party as large as yours, you're going to have to make ADRs for most of the restaurants mentioned. This way you, and the restaurant, can be prepared. Just make sure to mention the allergy when making the ADR.

Have a great trip,
DVCDawn

 

[bookworm61]

Thanks Dawn!

 

[bopper]

We just went to Jiko (also in Animal Kingdom Lodge) and when we checked in they asked if we had any allergies (we had not said anything about it before). I happen to have shellfish allergies, so I mentioned that. When we ordered, the chef came out and told me to avoid the shrimp dish (okay, that I know!! ) but also told me not to worry about cross contamination ...they don't cook the non-shell fish dishes on the same place as the shellfish.

 

[ceross]

When we went to Disney in May 2004, we ate at Boma with our PA daughter (then 3) and had absolutely no problems. The chef came out to speak with us and walked me through the buffet to let me know which dishes would be OK. They made her some grilled chicken skewers in a separate area to ensure that they were safe. We also ate at California Grill, Rainforest Cafe, Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace and several of the table service restaurants.

 

[dhluvsDisney]

My son has nut and fish allergies, and we have never had any problems at any of the restaurants. We've eaten twice at San Angel and also at Kona. We just politely indicate what the allergies are, and they are very accommodating.

Linda

 

[Ms.Mouse]

My daughter and grandson are allergic to peanuts. How we handled it???
When making the ADR's we let them know that we had peanut allergies. When the hostess/host greeted us, she/he would mention that there was a peanut allergy and would ask us (if it was a buffet) not to eat/order until the chef spoke to our group. Then the chef would come directly out and guide them as to what had peanuts/not on the buffet/menu. They also told my daughter which desserts were bought off disney and suggested not to eat it for her/his safety. Also suggested that other nut dishes not be eaten because of the possibility of peanuts being in.

 

[bertalander]

The one thing I've learned with a food allergy is that everyone has a different comfort zone. Obviously, parents of children with anaphylactic reactions tend to be a bit more careful... but even within the TN/PN allergies I see different levels of comfort.

I am usually comfortable with Mexican foods as long as I speak directly with the Chef, hoever in Epcot the Chef spoke hadrly any English and I was uneasy most of the meal. Especially when I was told 'no nuts' and given a look you'd give a crazy person, and then dessert comes out... topped with NUTS. So, no Mexican in Epcot for me again.

I am however, TOTALLY uncomfortable with Ohanas. I'm sure they don't wipe the tables down super (like Clorax wipes you know?) good after each meal. That is out of my comfort zone. Add in family members that may not wash up well and I get the weebee jeegies just thinking about it.


BUT I'm OK with trying Kona Cafe this go around. I called the restraunt and the chef actually took a moment to speak with me. He seem very well educated (asked if my child was contact reactive- he's not) and said they would prepare his food in a nut-free area of the kitchen.

So...

My suggestion is to go ahead and call these places family wants to go. Talk to Brenda (my Disney HERO) and get to where YOU are comfortable. If family insists on eating somewhere OUT of your comfort zone... well, if it were my family I would telling them we'd see them after Dinner.

I know that is harsh, but I have MANY family members that just don't get it. It's quite sad (IMO) that I can't trust them with my child's life regarding simple food choices?

Ok, quick story:

At Mama Melrose the Chef made me cry (in a god way) he sent out for a new container of icecream, gloved up and served my son himself. He was totally thorough with foods that were safe for my child. He even came back to the table with Fantastmic passes for us and Brenda's number (in case I needed to contact her in the park) He gave me a hug and said "Disney is about the magic and feeling safe, we'll take care of him!" We had JUST found out about Tommy's allergy about 2 weeks prior and I was still a bit gun shy of any foods I didn't make. See, I was the one that handed my three year old child 3 little pistachio nuts that resulted in an anaphylactic reaction. I'm sure you can understand why my nerves were a tad frayed!

Ok... done babbling...

Have a blast and emjoy the magic!

 

[Selket]

I think you've gotten good advice! Some of the ability to accomodate him and keep him safe does depend on his age and how allergic he is. My son is touch allergic to peanuts but some kids are not.

I suggest noting those restaurants you feel uncomfortable about to your family members and telling them why. It really is very few. If they really want to try them and you aren't comfortable then find a different activity for that night. Or perhaps bring in some food from elsewhere in the park for him to eat. I've had the chefs at some of the counter service places in our WDW hotel offer to make us a bagged meal for my son.

I think if you let everyone know beforehand that you don't want to take your son there then it will work out. Perhaps there could be a meal or two built into the schedule that is flexible for folks - some could go to the dinner and some to a place like Disney Quest, or to a park, etc. I know I wouldn't mind getting away from my family for a bit if we were all together - LOL!

I hope you or someone is making ADR's so the restaurants are picked beforehand - that should avoid some last minute issues and you can talk to the chefs and see what your comfort level is with any questionable places.

Good luck!

 

[SueM in MN]

I think you got some very good advice.
I would also let the others know which restaurants you don't feel comfortable with, but let the other family members know that if they want to eat there when you are not with them, it's perfectly fine with you. As was already noted, you actually have a pretty short list.