Peanut Allergy-What restaurants to avoid?

[liznboys]

My 3 yr old is allergic to peanuts, and can't have any nuts. What restaurants, counter service and snacks from food carts should we avoid? What ones have a higher risk of cross-contamination?

Thanks for any help.

 

[POOH&PIGLET]

I don't know the answer. However, if you go to a sit-down restaurant, you can speak to the chef to discuss any allergy.

 

[liznboys]

Thanks, yeah we plan to do that regardless. I just want to hear from those who've been there done that and have advice on places that we should avoid.

 

[NCDisneyMom]

Originally posted by liznboys
My 3 yr old is allergic to peanuts, and can't have any nuts. What restaurants, counter service and snacks from food carts should we avoid? What ones have a higher risk of cross-contamination?

Thanks for any help.

We've been twice now with our peanut/tree nut allergic son, including just getting back 2 weeks ago.

Most counter-service places are safe, that I know of. Many of them have separate friers for the fries, and their buns and meat are safe. A lot of them sell the PB&J Uncrustables, but they are sealed before they reach the restaurant, so the biggest risk there is that some kid may have gooped his sandwich on the table (which could happen even if they didn't sell it if someone brought it in from outside).

On this past trip, we ate at the All-Star food court, Pecos Bill, Chef Mickey's, Hot Dogs on the Boardwalk. I know there was more, but I can't think of them right now.

Avoid Kona Cafe at the Polynesian!!! We looked at the menu and notice LOTS of unsafe foods (we avoid shellfish as well, just in case).

Even at the counter-service restaurants, you can ask to speak with a manager, and they are all VERY aware of the allergies and will go out of their way to help you. They all have ingredient lists to show you if you need it.

We didn't really snack around too much...I brought some snacks in instead. The ice cream snacks are by Nestle, and while I was told that some of them are safe (like the Mickey Premium Bars), Nestle has so many "may contain" items in general, that they are out of my "comfort zone".

Hope this has helped some! Let me know if you have any specific questions!!

Diana

 

[liznboys]

Thanks Diana!! Yes, we avoid shellfish too as a precaution, so I hear ya! We're avoiding 'Ohana too since they use the peanut dipping sauce and serve the shrimp. (We ate there last time, before our son's allergy was discovered, and loved it!)

 

[kyirish25]

We have been to WDW twice with our peanut/tree nut allergic son. For me, Disney is the next safest place to eat besides my own home. They just go above and beyond to make sure you are taken care of and don't look at you like you have a 3rd eye when you bring up the allergy.

We did most all our meals as sit-down and can only recall grabbing hot dogs and turkey legs on the go.

I do know that the Mickey Ice Cream Sandwichs did say "may contain" but the Mickey Bars did not. We avoided the ice cream shops and bakerys since they were too high risk for us.

 

[Margie J]

I'd avoid Boma if you have a peanut allergy. Many items have peanuts in them (salads, rice, kofta, fish, etc.). Shellfish is a common item too. Since it's a buffet, the risk of cross contamination is possible also.

'Ohana of course has it's infamous peanut dipping sauce.

 

[CamColt]

MY DS has a peanut allergy and we have always felt very safe dining at WDW. The waitstaff and chefs go above and beyond the call of duty.
With that said I dont find any reason to avoid any restaurants. We have been to Ohana twice and Kona Cafe many times with no problems. The Chefs at both have spoke to us and told us exactly what was safe and what wasnt and even what they werent sure of (the bread at Ohana is made offsite so they told us to avoid it in case). They are also very cautious to avoid cross contamination. But you have to do what you feel safe with. Good luck!

 

[NCDisneyMom]

Originally posted by CamColt
With that said I dont find any reason to avoid any restaurants. We have been to Ohana twice and Kona Cafe many times with no problems. The Chefs at both have spoke to us and told us exactly what was safe and what wasnt and even what they werent sure of (the bread at Ohana is made offsite so they told us to avoid it in case). They are also very cautious to avoid cross contamination. But you have to do what you feel safe with. Good luck!

You make an extremely good point here...that everyone has to do what they feel is safe. We avoided the Nestle Ice Cream, and Kona's. I'm sure, at Kona's, had we spoken to the chef, we could have had a very safe meal for our son. However, I was concerned about what was on all the tables around us, etc. For some kids, just being in such close proximity to peanuts could send them into anaphylactic shock. But, we all have our comfort zones, and we have to do what makes us comfortable. I know that, in some ways, I am more lenient than other Peanut Allergy Moms, but in other ways I am much more paranoid, also. Do what you feel comfortable with!!!

Diana

 

[kaceyisme]

We eat at all restaurants with our son who has a peanut allergy. At O'hana, they just don't bring the peanut sauce to our table, and he doesn't eat the bread. We haven't had any problems anywhere (thank goodness). Usually we just don't let him have the breads, and we too avoid going into the bakery.

 

[liznboys]

Thanks everyone for your advice and thoughts. We're still trying to find our comfort zone with our son, so it helps to hear different perspectives.

So, the Mickey Bars have no warnings about nuts on them? I was bummed that he couldn't have that, but maybe he can? So do any of you buy the Mickey Bars for your PA child??

 

[CamColt]

Originally posted by liznboys
So, the Mickey Bars have no warnings about nuts on them? I was bummed that he couldn't have that, but maybe he can? So do any of you buy the Mickey Bars for your PA child??

Nope, no peanut warning on the Mickey Bars. DS has had quite a few over the years with no problem.
These kids miss out on so much, I hate to see them miss out on more if they dont have to.

 

[liznboys]

Originally posted by CamColt
Nope, no peanut warning on the Mickey Bars. DS has had quite a few over the years with no problem.
These kids miss out on so much, I hate to see them miss out on more if they dont have to.

OMG you don't know how happy I am to hear this!! Thanks a bunch!!!

 

[escapetodisney]

We have dined in Disney several times with our peanut and milk allergic DS. It is the safest place for us to go out to eat. We are a very cautious food allergy family. Boma's is the only restaurant that we really worried in. I had to really question the chef on duty that night and correct him on a food item. He thought the lentil balls were safe, but they looked like they had a nut coating crust to me. (They did.) There were also many dishes that contained nuts and peanut butter. Even wiping down the tables and chairs didn't make us feel that comfortable. We ended up giving DS some Benadryl and making a quick exit. To be fair, we had eaten breakfast there a few days prior and it was fine. Chef Eddie was very good and we had no food allergy incidences at Breakfast where there are much less nut containing foods.

We have found the food allergy information at counter service restaurants to be spotty. But if you keep asking nicely for someone who can answer your questions, you'll get the information you need. All counter service restaurants in MK had a binder that lists all the ingredients for the foods they serve. I also called this number for the food service in Magic Kingdom: 407-824-5967. The woman in charge was very helpful and e-mailed me a list of ingredients and safe counter service suggestsion. They could probably answer the question regarding the Mickey Bars (whether they are processed in a facility that processes peanuts and tree nuts). We avoided them due to the milk allergy. We've found that just because there's no lable does not necessarily mean its a safe food. Also allow extra time at counter service restaurants to get your questions answered.

Disney is a wonderful place to dine with food allergies. Have a great trip!

 

[liznboys]

escapetodisney-THANK YOU!! We were planning to eat at Boma (breakfast and dinner) and now we may have to rethink eating dinner there atleast. I REALLY appreciate your info.!!

 

[kyirish25]

I allow my DS to eat the Mickey Bars and haven't had any problems with them. I too agree with CamColt on the fact he misses out on so many other things that it was really a special treat for him to have.

 

[liznboys]

Originally posted by kyirish25
I allow my DS to eat the Mickey Bars and haven't had any problems with them. I too agree with CamColt on the fact he misses out on so many other things that it was really a special treat for him to have.

Thank you!! It's is just so wonderful to hear you guys say this. I had it in my mind that he couldn't have them, and it sounds like he can!

 

[patriciah2]

Just made a ps for Boma and then read these posts. I have a daughter allergic to peanuts, chocolate, milk among other things. She does not eat meat. She likes to try new and unusual foods despite her allergies. She is also allergic to seafoods but will eat some and can usually tell it she starts to get a mild reaction not to eat any more. There are some that she knows to avoid. She also carries an epe-pen just in case. She is not a child so is in charge of her own diet. Do you think it is a mistake to eat at Boma. She wants to eat there, but I don't think she realizes all the peanut products. (She can't touch peanuts). What can she eat there (loves fruits and vegetables)

 

[wineguy33]

My DS also has peanut/nut allergies. I just read on allears.net that you can indicate that you have a person with food allergies when you call in your PS. Here is an excerpt from the article.

When you decide on restaurants and want to make your priority seatings, call (407) 939-3463 (WDW-DINE). Inform the reservations staff that you have allergies as you book your requests. They will provide you with the direct number for the restaurants you have chosen. Twenty-four hours before your scheduled dining time, call to speak to the chef. If they feel comfortable that they can meet your needs with what they have on hand, they will tell you to speak to the chef on duty when you arrive. Yet the twenty-four hours notice will give them time to prepare if they need it. Remind your server of your needs as you are seated.

You can read the rest at:

http://www.allearsnet.com/din/guestfood.htm

 

[dalt01]

we go once or twice a year and have eaten at almost every on site restaurant and always ask the first time. we have yet to encounter a peanut problem. they do not use peanut oil anywhere for deep frying and that is the one that will sneak up on you, like at the eastern shore boardwalks where most frys are cooked in peanut oil, they didnt even mention it years ago at least now its posted. i would say your biggest worry should be hand dipped ice cream stands.