Rude CM vent

[LoraJ]

Again, it was a "yes" and a "sigh". Hardly worth getting deflated over. And really not very vent worthy. Honestly when I opened this thread I expect to read something horrible. I can't imagine letting a sigh put a damper on your vacation.

She never said it put a damper on her vacation. She was just venting. She didn't sound sad, or bent out of shape over it. Just venting.

 

[DawnCt1]

I don't normally comment on threads that begin to take on a debating tone, but this is an issue my daughter and I deal with every day and have dealt with numerous times at WDW, so I'm going to weigh in here. The example given above of naproxen is really not applicable here, as it is highly unlikely that a chef will take medication while standing over food preparation areas. However, I would think that strawberries would be present in every full service restaurant's kitchen since they are used in desserts, fruit salads, sauces, as garnishes, etc. It is not micromanaging or overkill to do EVERYTHING possible to ensure that no cross-contamination takes place, especially when a severe reaction is likely to occur without that safety net. A reaction from cross-contamination does not have to be life-threatening to ruin the better part of a vacation - trust me, I know.

Each time I am going on a WDW trip, I e-mail Brenda Bennett - she deals with special dietary needs for WDW guests on a daily basis - to let her know our trip dates and what ADR's we have. She responds to me by e-mail, making sure our special dietary needs are noted on each ADR and attaching copies of what counter service foods are safe for my daughter and myself at each park and resort. When we arrive at each ADR, the server notifies the chef so that we can discuss the menu items available to us and what modifications can be made. By notifying them ahead of time, they are prepared for modifications or substitutions that they might not otherwise be able to make. This alleviates stress for us and them, and we always have a great meal without any negative physical reaction at all. In speaking with one of the more talkative chefs at Turf Club, he recently shared with us that he checks all ADR's AHEAD OF TIME so that he can see what dietary restrictions he needs to be prepared for - and that was straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak.

I can't comment on the rude CM aspect that the OP relayed in her original post since I didn't hear the conversation (and we all know that the way something is said is just as important as what is said) - I just wanted to say that noting dietary restrictions on ADR's is not micromanaging, overkill or WDW wanting to CYA - it is what the chefs themselves want us to do because it makes their jobs easier for them and our dining experiences safer for us.

I think that there is a big difference between what one needs to do for a child with severe food allergies, and what one does as an adult. If he, as an adult, notifies every restaurant and fast food facility of his strawberry allergy when he is at home, at work, on a business trip, then, he is at least 'being consistant' while at WDW. The presence of strawberries is also obvious, and a server can answer the question; "Are there strawberries in this entree. etc".? If one is talking about food additives, MSG, etc, those aren't obvious, and a prior inquiry and notation may be reasonable when a child is involved.

 

[LVSWL]

Well, I just know that I feel very blessed that my neither my kids nor my DH have any allergy that would require us to be concerned when eating out. I do know that if they did, I would make sure that I did everything I could to keep them from being exposed, especially if WDW offers that service. Seems to me if it is noted on the ADR's, then not only the chef might be aware of it, but also the the server, and there is less chance of a problem.
OP, I hope you have a wonderful vacation!

 

[koalababy]

Do you do this at every restaurant you go to? I have a food allergy as well. It won't kill me, but it would certainly ruin my night. I just don't order that food. If there's something that I think it might be in, I don't order that. Or I ask. I've actually made it through EVERY SINGLE MEAL I've ever had at a restaurant since I discovered this allergy years ago without ingesting it. Wow, 100% without notifying anyone.

And that statement from Disney is probably in response to someone who had a fit once over this and they're just trying to cover their bases. I mean really, what do you expect them to do before you even get to the restaurant? Do they have to completely rid the restaurant of strawberries 3 days before your arrival?

 

[phorsenuf]

Now children...play nice. Perhaps you need to go read this post and think about what you all have done.


http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1921549

 

[tigercat]

I can't have wheat and fish. Every time I go to Disney I make sure that my ADR's all have my wheat and fish allergy on it. When I get to Disney I phone the restaurants ahead of time and remind them. When I get to the podium I make sure that they have it on their sheet. I have had some fantastic meals at Disney. They have been great making sure that I get to have some different dishes. I have found though that some places are better than others. The plated places are the better places for it, although we ate at Boma's and the chef personally made my meal. It was great.
tigercat

 

[sha_lyn]

Just a thought to those who can't believe the measures that some go to to notify the WDW restaurants of allergies....
It is just a guess, but I have a feeling that being away from home, one's Dr, etc would make them more cautious. Get sick at a restaurant near home, go home or call the Dr (or go to your local hospital or urgent care that you are familiar with) take the next day off work if needed.
Get sick at WDW= trying to find a Dr, hospital, and often even transportation to one. Missing out on part of your vacation which you have often paid top $$ for etc.

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Do you seriously think that they aren't going to make an effort towards CYA in their written policies? but if you really think that notifying reservations is "effective", I am going to be sure to tell them that I cannot tolerate an naproxyn at all. SO, if the chef gets joint pain, make sure he doesn't drop any, accidentally, in my food. This isn't quite the same as a peanut allergy, where peanut butter is often added to chile and other foods for flavor and texture. This is about strawberries. A food that is not used that often and that the server, at the point of service can deal with. We are also talking about an adult here. Can we really envision that this couple does not eat out without informing the management that he is allergic to strawberries prior to their arrival? For an adult, this is overkill. I also think that it is an example of how many people totally overplan any trip to WDW. Perhaps she should tell the hotel which type of towel animals she would like.

Oh no! NOW you did it!!!

hmmm, I like the turtles!

and the frogs!

and the bunnies!

and .....(would that be room reservations or mousekeeping that I call??)

hehehehe

 

[Talking Hands]

Croos contamination, here is a whole article on it http://foodallergies.about.com/od/livingwithfoodallergies/ht/htxcontaminate.htm
He deals with it at the resturants, but i make the dining reservations. I was just annoyed at the CM for being rude. At Disney, the chef comes out and speaks to the person with the allergies, what they have dont have etc...what is "safe" what is not, what could be contaminated. Thats why it is important to note on the reservation.

Your husband will need to judge what might get contaminated at any buffet meals. IE if something is sitting to the front or side of the shrimp or other shellfish I will leave it alone or ask for a fresh serving from the chef. I won't risk contamination. Disney is great about allergies. I wanted Tofutti at the ice cream place on Main Street. The manager came out spoke with me and took my order and then explained that it would be prepared in the back with clean utensils that were separate from the ones used for regular ice cream. It was then brought out to me in a cup. Noting it on the reservation is ok but direct communication with the chef is better and even then some are clueless and you have to ignore them. One tried to serve a Rice Crispy Treat for dessert knowing I am diabetic. I refused it. His reasoning was a diabetic relative of his eats them.

 

[wowsmom]

Do you do this at every restaurant you go to? I have a food allergy as well. It won't kill me, but it would certainly ruin my night. I just don't order that food. If there's something that I think it might be in, I don't order that. Or I ask. I've actually made it through EVERY SINGLE MEAL I've ever had at a restaurant since I discovered this allergy years ago without ingesting it. Wow, 100% without notifying anyone.

You should consider yourself lucky. I developed a shellfish allergy when I was about 18. I'm now 44 and can't even tell you how many times I've had reactions due to cross contamination. I do remember some more than others - like the time I had chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy and my throat started to swell shut. (The restaurant had clam chowder on the menu, so I'm guessing somebody in the kitchen used the same spoon to stir both.) Luckily, I had Benadryl in my younger son's diaper bag, due to his strawberry allergy.

I've actually stopped eating certain foods due to cross contamination issues - Chinese, sushi, won't order any cream soup if there is clam chowder on the menu, etc. Definitely not fun having allergies.....

 

[Aimeedyan]

Now children...play nice. Perhaps you need to go read this post and think about what you all have done.


http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1921549

I was just fixing to come link that thread! Is this thread part of the "kinder, gentler Dis" that is part of the "friendliest board on the web"?

OP - I'm sorry you got a snarky CM. If you want my theory on why you got snark, feel free to PM me. Still not right to do but might be a possible explanation. I think you were right to confirm that it was on there, if that is what Disney asks you to do.

 

[rie'smom]

Now children...play nice. Perhaps you need to go read this post and think about what you all have done.


http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1921549

Gee mom, !

 

[sha_lyn]

You should consider yourself lucky. I developed a shellfish allergy when I was about 18. I'm now 44 and can't even tell you how many times I've had reactions due to cross contamination. I do remember some more than others - like the time I had chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy and my throat started to swell shut. (The restaurant had clam chowder on the menu, so I'm guessing somebody in the kitchen used the same spoon to stir both.) Luckily, I had Benadryl in my younger son's diaper bag, due to his strawberry allergy.

I've actually stopped eating certain foods due to cross contamination issues - Chinese, sushi, won't order any cream soup if there is clam chowder on the menu, etc. Definitely not fun having allergies.....

I can't remember how it came up in conversation, but I know the restaurant DS works at is very diligent about cross contamination when someone notifies them of an allergy. I absolutely don't blame you for just avoiding any possible exposure. Just wanted to point out there they are places that do take it seriously.

 

[Loverly]

To the OP-I'm curious. When dining at your local fine food restaurant, do you call ahead to 'warn' the staff?

I would think, simply mentioning it to the Waiter is all you need to do.

 

[Lintasare]

I am going to chime in on this one. I used to work as a CM in a Disney restaurant and I can tell you this about food allergies. It doesn't matter what kind of food allergy, how severe or the age of the person with the allergy, Disney wants to know about it in advance. As a CM who worked the podium and seated guests at the beginning of each shift I would print out a list of those with allergies noted on their reservations and give it to the sous chef. They ALWAYS wanted to know when someone with an allergy was coming in.

When the party arrived we would seat them and then we the CM would notify the server and the chef. The guests would also tell the server but it is always good to remind them because if it is busy they can forget. The chef would always come out to the table to let the guest know what foods are safe and what are not. And they were always willing to cook up a special dish.

This was done at least in my restaurant for everyone with an allergy.

The OP was right to double check that the allergy was on her reservations.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

We are leaving in 9 days for our trip DH has a food allergy to strawberries and for some reason last year it did not show up on our ressie and we almost had a problem at a resturant. So to make sure it didnt happen this year, I made sure to call and confirm that the allergy was listed on all of our ressies. The CM was so rude . I told her I wanted to check and see if DH's allergy was listed. Very rudely she said "yes" . I then replied, its on all of them correct. She answered rudely again "yes" then sighed. I replied thank you and hung up.
Im sorry I wasted her time making sure DH wouldnt have a allergic reaction while we are on vacation.

OK Vent over.....anyone else needs to vent feel free

ETA...This was DINING reservations, not room reservation.

As a CM, I would like to apologize for their behavior. It is frustrating to hear of negative interactions with other CMs because most of us care greatly for the high standards of guest service Disney is known for. I apologize if this has been asked, but do you happen to know her name or the time? This is definitely something to write Guest Relations about. Most of our dining people are absolutely amazing at accommodating food allergies or special needs (at least in my experience). It is a safety issue, so you need to be confident that the person is doing their job. Again, I apologize for the rudeness of a fellow CM.

 

[wowsmom]

I can't remember how it came up in conversation, but I know the restaurant DS works at is very diligent about cross contamination when someone notifies them of an allergy. I absolutely don't blame you for just avoiding any possible exposure. Just wanted to point out there they are places that do take it seriously.

That's good to know that some places are more diligent about it.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Notifying the reservationist is beyond "overkill". DS#1 had a huge, expansive rash from eating strawberries when he was little. He was covered with a rash from head to toe and itched for 5 days, even with Benedryl. The allergist told me that everyone reacts to strawberries if they eat enough. I guess he ate a lot. Since then, he has eaten strawberries and has not had a reaction. Clearly, DSs reaction was "dose related". That said, don't assume that the line cook in any restaurant is going to respond to a notation on a reservation. An adult can handle this with the server at the point of service. Anything more, seems like a serious case of "micromanaging".

Dawn: this is actually the recommended course of action at Disney. As others have said, the chef actually comes out beforehand to talk to you to make sure. They prefer to have advanced notice (as in on all the reservations) and for more severe allergies will even assign a coordinator of sorts. They have been known to have a chef deliver ingredients to the different restaurant so that the person can eat. WDW is much more accommodating than most places for food allergies and special needs. While they can and will accommodate on the spot, they really do prefer to have advanced notice.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I cannot speak for the OP, but I know that I frequently see guest letters that say that they have never been able to eat out or take a family vacation because of the food allergy issue until they came to Disney precisely because we are so diligent. Most local restaurants and chains do not have advance notice policies in place and are probably unlikely to make the same kinds of accommodations that WDW as one large system can make. Like I said, I have know chefs to shop for ingeredients for families and then hand deliver them to each restaurant so that they do not have a reaction. I doubt a local restaurant would do this.

Disney requires that you note it at least 72 hours in advance. If you do not they cannot guarantee that they can accommodate you. I don't understand why the OP is getting so much flak for being responsible for their situation and double checking instead of leaving it to chance, especially because they had a problem the last time.

 

[sha_lyn]

I cannot speak for the OP, but I know that I frequently see guest letters that say that they have never been able to eat out or take a family vacation because of the food allergy issue until they came to Disney precisely because we are so diligent. Most local restaurants and chains do not have advance notice policies in place and are probably unlikely to make the same kinds of accommodations that WDW as one large system can make. Like I said, I have know chefs to shop for ingeredients for families and then hand deliver them to each restaurant so that they do not have a reaction. I doubt a local restaurant would do this.

Disney requires that you note it at least 72 hours in advance. If you do not they cannot guarantee that they can accommodate you. I don't understand why the OP is getting so much flak for being responsible for their situation and double checking instead of leaving it to chance, especially because they had a problem the last time.

ITA...
The OP was following proper procedures by notifying in the first place. She double checked because on their last trip the allergy was note noted on their reservations (dining reservations not room reservation ).

She came here to vent because she felt the CM was rude to her on the phone. No one here can say that the CM wasn't unless they were listening in on the conversation.

However instead of even just saying something about the CM, some posters want to attack to OP for following WDW policy and for double checking because of a previous error.

IMHO that just proves that some are so blinded by pixie dust that they jump to "defend" anything Disney, even when it doesn't need defending.