Question for those of you with food allergies who've stayed at POP

[stackyallred]

I posted this question in the POP Resort thread, but then I thought it might fit better here...

We are about to head to POP in a few weeks and I seem to remember someone mentioning that they were contacted by a chef at POP prior to their visit... Perhaps I am imagining things but maybe I did in fact read that some where? I turned in my Special Diets form about 3 weeks ago (5 weeks prior to actual trip) and if any of you did in fact hear from a chef, how soon before the trip was it? I am hoping to eat at least 4-5 meals at POP over our 12 day trip and would just like to know my options ahead of time if possible. I'd also like to try AoA but I have a lot of allergies to contend with (soy, dairy, gluten, egg, peanut and garlic) so I will be happy if at least one of them can offer me a tiny bit of a variety (and I am used to NO options eating out, so anything is variety to me! ).

Also, if you are blessed with the wonderful task of trying to eat allergy free , I have started a PTR and plan to really document my trip with pictures and food descriptions. Hoping I can help someone else out as so many have helped me in the planning process! PTR link is in my signature.

 

[Talking Hands]

Have not heard yet and I am heading there is less than 2 weeks

 

[stackyallred]

Have not heard yet and I am heading there is less than 2 weeks

Boo! Here's some pixie dust for both us! Hoping we hear something soon!

 

[marypopfan]

I stayed at POP last March and I was never contacted. I did have excellent service when I needed it though. I have a dairy, soy, egg and seafood allergy.

 

[jlr9882]

We stayed at Pop last Aug. We had the DP at a discounted price for CM's family. My son 4 at the time has over 20 food allergies. The chef (don't remember his name) contacted me several times before our trip. I believe he called a few weeks before we left, but I have heard that there has been so many changes with special diets that they may not do that anymore. From what I have heard is that you have to call. The chef ordered a watermelon to have that week for my son because that was something that he could have and liked to eat at that time. With all the allergies my son has, he can't not order any of the kid's meal items that are at almost every place. No pizza, hotdogs, hamburgers, mac n cheese, etc. He can not have pork, turkey, chicken, beef, and most of the top 8 along with other stuff. I did most of my son's CS credits there and picked up something for him to eat for lunch while waiting on the bus to the parks. The chef made his a nice serving of shrimp, watermelon, and my son got Divvies caramel popcorn as a dessert. Cape May's chef also called several times before our trip.

 

[stackyallred]

I stayed at POP last March and I was never contacted. I did have excellent service when I needed it though. I have a dairy, soy, egg and seafood allergy.

Thank you, with similar allergies, that is great to hear!

We stayed at Pop last Aug. We had the DP at a discounted price for CM's family. My son 4 at the time has over 20 food allergies. The chef (don't remember his name) contacted me several times before our trip. I believe he called a few weeks before we left, but I have heard that there has been so many changes with special diets that they may not do that anymore. From what I have heard is that you have to call. The chef ordered a watermelon to have that week for my son because that was something that he could have and liked to eat at that time. With all the allergies my son has, he can't not order any of the kid's meal items that are at almost every place. No pizza, hotdogs, hamburgers, mac n cheese, etc. He can not have pork, turkey, chicken, beef, and most of the top 8 along with other stuff. I did most of my son's CS credits there and picked up something for him to eat for lunch while waiting on the bus to the parks. The chef made his a nice serving of shrimp, watermelon, and my son got Divvies caramel popcorn as a dessert. Cape May's chef also called several times before our trip.

Wow, I listed 19 allergies on my form but only about half of them are hard to avoid- you most definitely are a good example of how great Disney can be with allergies! I have heard from several chefs because I have so many allergies so that is why I was surprised I hadn't heard anything from POP. I think I may just call Special Diets this week and see if they can help me get connected. I am sure I will be fine regardless, but it'll settle my mind a bit if I can talk to someone. Thanks for your info!

 

[clanmcculloch]

I specified in my initial email that I wanted to hear from a chef because 3 of us have laundry lists of allergies and I wanted to be sure of our options as I knew there were lots of changes. This time we stayed at AoA, not Pop, but it was the same chef who used to call us from Pop who called us at AoA (chef Dan is now over at AoA full time for those who know him).

I don't know what they still have at Pop since we didn't venture over there, but you plan to head over to AoA, you're going to love the create your own pasta station. I think they have 2 different shapes of rice pasta (we only got spaghetti shape so I'm not positive on that) and then you can choose from a few different proteins (shrimp, chicken, some kind of sausage and procutto the last 2 which I didn't ask about) plus a variety of veggies (mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, garlic, onion, sun dried tomatoes, green peppers, roasted red peppers, kalamata olives) which can then be tossed in a choice of sauces. The pesto and alfredo sauces are not safe but you can get it tossed in olive oil or in marinara sauce (you'll need to confirm that you can have the marinara as I would think it could have garlic in it). We got this meal a few times and really enjoyed it each time. They sautee the stuff up in a fresh pan. You choose only the items you want. Each time we ordered this we got something different which helps make it seem like you've got a lot more variety over there thank goodness.

If you like vinegrette dressings then the create your own salad is also a great option. One chef made me a really yummy citrus dressing one day and there's always oil and vinegar to go along with the many options.

I was even able to get a smoothie made for me. They couldn't use the regular smoothie mixture as it has yogurt in it but they used an Odwalla juice as a base and blended in fresh fruits to make it for me. If you're using a dining plan then this counts as a dessert option and not a drink. Chef Huy (another former Pop chef) made this for me back in the kitchen.

Unfortunately, there aren't going to be a lot more lunch and dinner options at AoA for you. My 14yo can't have milk, egg or gluten either (among other things) and because her options were this limitted (she doesn't eat vinegrette dressings so that left either bunless burgers or the pasta), chef Dan arranged for chicken tenders to be available during our stay but normally the allergy tenders aren't found there. Pop does always have the tenders.

Oh, can you eat Ener-G buns? They did have Ener-G rolls at AoA as well. My eggless DD can't eat those due to other ingredients but I know they're available because a chef put one on DD12's breakfast plate instead of an Udi's one. Good thing I know what the buns look like on site because neither of my kids can eat Ener-G rolls due to other ingredients.

The tandoori meats are off limits as everything is marinated in yogurt.

We haven't stayed at Pop in a couple years I think but back when we did stay there, they used to come up with a variety of different dishes for us. Basically, if they have the ingredients then they can make something for you with them. As much as we enjoyed AoA, I'm tempted to get 2 rooms at Pop instead of an AoA suite next time we stay value just because I liked the options in Pop's food court so much more than AoA (the chefs at AoA really did do a good job but they didn't have nearly as much to work with).

 

[stackyallred]

I specified in my initial email that I wanted to hear from a chef because 3 of us have laundry lists of allergies and I wanted to be sure of our options as I knew there were lots of changes. This time we stayed at AoA, not Pop, but it was the same chef who used to call us from Pop who called us at AoA (chef Dan is now over at AoA full time for those who know him).

I don't know what they still have at Pop since we didn't venture over there, but you plan to head over to AoA, you're going to love the create your own pasta station. I think they have 2 different shapes of rice pasta (we only got spaghetti shape so I'm not positive on that) and then you can choose from a few different proteins (shrimp, chicken, some kind of sausage and procutto the last 2 which I didn't ask about) plus a variety of veggies (mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, garlic, onion, sun dried tomatoes, green peppers, roasted red peppers, kalamata olives) which can then be tossed in a choice of sauces. The pesto and alfredo sauces are not safe but you can get it tossed in olive oil or in marinara sauce (you'll need to confirm that you can have the marinara as I would think it could have garlic in it). We got this meal a few times and really enjoyed it each time. They sautee the stuff up in a fresh pan. You choose only the items you want. Each time we ordered this we got something different which helps make it seem like you've got a lot more variety over there thank goodness.

If you like vinegrette dressings then the create your own salad is also a great option. One chef made me a really yummy citrus dressing one day and there's always oil and vinegar to go along with the many options.

I was even able to get a smoothie made for me. They couldn't use the regular smoothie mixture as it has yogurt in it but they used an Odwalla juice as a base and blended in fresh fruits to make it for me. If you're using a dining plan then this counts as a dessert option and not a drink. Chef Huy (another former Pop chef) made this for me back in the kitchen.

Unfortunately, there aren't going to be a lot more lunch and dinner options at AoA for you. My 14yo can't have milk, egg or gluten either (among other things) and because her options were this limitted (she doesn't eat vinegrette dressings so that left either bunless burgers or the pasta), chef Dan arranged for chicken tenders to be available during our stay but normally the allergy tenders aren't found there. Pop does always have the tenders.

Oh, can you eat Ener-G buns? They did have Ener-G rolls at AoA as well. My eggless DD can't eat those due to other ingredients but I know they're available because a chef put one on DD12's breakfast plate instead of an Udi's one. Good thing I know what the buns look like on site because neither of my kids can eat Ener-G rolls due to other ingredients.

The tandoori meats are off limits as everything is marinated in yogurt.

We haven't stayed at Pop in a couple years I think but back when we did stay there, they used to come up with a variety of different dishes for us. Basically, if they have the ingredients then they can make something for you with them. As much as we enjoyed AoA, I'm tempted to get 2 rooms at Pop instead of an AoA suite next time we stay value just because I liked the options in Pop's food court so much more than AoA (the chefs at AoA really did do a good job but they didn't have nearly as much to work with).

As always, you have such great, helpful information! Thank you so much! I think I am going to print out what you wrote just as a reference. I did make a note in my original email for a chef to contact me at their convenience and since some of the others (at other locations) contacted me within a few days, I was wondering if I needed to make another attempt at getting in touch with some one.

I am thrilled to hear about the pasta bar at AoA! One of my favorite meals lately (I am still somewhat new to actually knowing of all these allergies so I am still coming up with new options) is tinkyada pasta with olive oil sauteed' with onion, sea salt, oregano and basil. If I could get something similar to that with some chicken, tomatoes and peppers a time or two, I'd be thrilled! I also love that they made you a safe smoothie! I will definitely be looking into that. We are using the dining plan and I had figured I would have no fun dessert options, but that sounds yummy!

Thankfully, I am able to have Ener-G buns and I actually had planned on bringing an unopened package of their hamburger buns specifically so I can warm it in the toaster in Pop's food court and have a burger (I assumed POP still wasn't carrying them). However, if AoA has them, then I will just get a burger there. It sounds like between the two of them I will have more than just one option and as I am sure you know, to not have to cook for even one meal is a treat- let alone several. Just for the sake of trying, I think I am going to ask special diets again to please have the chef at POP contact me and maybe even the one at AoA since I do plan on eating there, too.

Again, thank you so much and if there is anything specific I can check on for you (since things are always changing) at POP since you may end up there again, let me know!

 

[clanmcculloch]

Hopefully they'll still have the Ener-G buns by the time you go. I would email special diets again asking to have somebody contact you as your long list of allergens has you concerned about just what options you'll have. Include your list in the email so they know you're not just talking about a few common ones.

FYI: The Babycakes cupcakes at AoA are delicious. Those also can be picked up as your dessert allotment or a snack credit on the dining plan. Also, if you ask, they do have Babycakes chocolate chip cookies and Enjoy Life cookies in the kitchen. I don't know why they don't put them out on the shelves but they don't (maybe saving their stock for people who can't have OMG? just a guess).

It'll likely be a while before we're back at Pop so by the time we go, I'm sure a lot more things will have changed, but thank you for the offer. We seem to really move around resorts these days and right now I've tentatively booked a couple POR trips. I really need to decide what I'm doing and cancel one of them. Or, decide to just take both trips. LOL

I should mention that one thing I was bummed about was that the sushi in the cooler was provided by Tokyo Japan, not a Disney kitchen. They use grain vinegar instead of rice vinegar. One of DD14's favourite foods is sushi. We got some at the Polynesian but it would have been nice to get her some at our resort.

 

[primrosea]

We stayed at Pop in January with a gluten allergy. I now it is small compared to the ones you must plan for, but I wanted to let you now we had a mazing experience with the chefs there who were always willing to listen. We did attempt to get there when it wasn't at busy (before rush-time usually) so they would not have the additional burden to dealing with us and the general public. The chefs were creative and we got to have foods we hadn't had in a very long time: stirfy, fried rice, pastas...

We also spoke to some of the chefs at Pop and found out they were leaving for AoA so you should find similar service there.

Have a great trip!!!!!

 

[clanmcculloch]

We also spoke to some of the chefs at Pop and found out they were leaving for AoA so you should find similar service there.

Chef Dan and Chef Huy from Pop are both at AoA now.

 

[stackyallred]

Hopefully they'll still have the Ener-G buns by the time you go. I would email special diets again asking to have somebody contact you as your long list of allergens has you concerned about just what options you'll have. Include your list in the email so they know you're not just talking about a few common ones.

FYI: The Babycakes cupcakes at AoA are delicious. Those also can be picked up as your dessert allotment or a snack credit on the dining plan. Also, if you ask, they do have Babycakes chocolate chip cookies and Enjoy Life cookies in the kitchen. I don't know why they don't put them out on the shelves but they don't (maybe saving their stock for people who can't have OMG? just a guess).

I called Special Diets and left a message on Monday... no response. So I emailed them again today and really tried to sound as sweet as possible while also reiterating that I'd REALLY like to hear from Pop's chef and even AoA's chef if at all possible. I feel pretty confident that I will be ok, but it is just always nice to know they are prepared for you!

I am very excited about Babycakes! I really hope I don't react to the products (negatively, that is... I am hoping to react with excitement lol ). According to my blood work allergy testing, I have a mild to moderate vanilla intolerance but I seem to have successfully added it back to my diet after months of avoiding it. I have plans to go to Babycakes our first night just to see what is available and try it out!

We stayed at Pop in January with a gluten allergy. I now it is small compared to the ones you must plan for, but I wanted to let you now we had a mazing experience with the chefs there who were always willing to listen. We did attempt to get there when it wasn't at busy (before rush-time usually) so they would not have the additional burden to dealing with us and the general public. The chefs were creative and we got to have foods we hadn't had in a very long time: stirfy, fried rice, pastas...

We also spoke to some of the chefs at Pop and found out they were leaving for AoA so you should find similar service there.

Have a great trip!!!!!

Thank you for sharing your experience! True, I do have a few more allergens to contend with, but gluten is one of my biggest allergens so it is always good to hear from someone that they can work around that! I am hoping to hear from at least one of the chefs before I go, but if not I am sure all will be great. I am glad you had a great time and that the chefs were easy to work with!

 

[jaimeadk]

Just a note about Babycakes. My DS 8 got donuts and cookies from there. He is milk and egg allergic and had a pretty significant reaction to the donuts one morning. I noticed the guy after us ordered a large cup of milk. It wouldn't have come into contact with our food but for those with life threatening allergies I just wanted to say I'm not sure how seriously they take cross contamination. Just a heads up to be prepared.

 

[I Love Pluto]

We had two experiences - complete opposites - at Pop involving food allergies. My adult daughter is highly allergic to shellfish. Pop serves delicious vegetable lo mein & shrimp lo mein.

First experience - They made my daughter a fresh batch using a new pan - because there was no way to tell if the spoon from the shrimp had touched the spoon from the vegetable lo mein. They were sooooo kind that I went to the lobby desk to compliment the young man who helped us.

Several days later, we decided to order the vegetable lo mein again. An older gentleman prepared it for us. We said thank you - then walked to our room to eat it. It was soooooooooo spicey - that we knew it had purposely been done. We were so disappointed that we were treated in this manner. The request was for an allergy, not because we wanted freshly made food.

We should have complained. We couldn't without tears. We drove to Perkins (off property) & ordered dinner there. It just wasn't right.

We HAVE returned to Pop. We just don't eat very often there. That is sad. One bad apple doesn't spoil the whole bunch, but it is hard to forget or trust.

 

[Random Ninja]

Just a note about Babycakes. My DS 8 got donuts and cookies from there. He is milk and egg allergic and had a pretty significant reaction to the donuts one morning. I noticed the guy after us ordered a large cup of milk. It wouldn't have come into contact with our food but for those with life threatening allergies I just wanted to say I'm not sure how seriously they take cross contamination. Just a heads up to be prepared.

I wasn't aware that Babycakes carried drinks at their counter. Where would they even keep drinks? The counter is very tiny. I'm not saying that your experience didn't happen, I'm just trying to figure out how it's possible. You might want to send them an email about your concerns because there shouldn't be cows milk anywhere in the Babycakes area of the restaurant. They usually go out of their way to warn about possible cross-contamination. I've spent quite a bit of time emailing and on the phone with them about the topic due to a tapioca allergy.

 

[jaimeadk]

It was just in a half gallon jug in the refrigerator. They just placed the glass on the counter and poured it just like you would at home. I was shocked that they kept cow's milk in the refrigerator. I know it wouldn't be a big deal to most. We are just SO allergic to milk that it was a big deal to me.

 

[clanmcculloch]

It just makes no sense. They're a vegan bakery. Why would they have ANYTHING that isn't vegan behind the counter? I don't get it. This was at the DTD location? At the Babycakes counter? I'm shocked!