Sea World and food allergies

[fisherm3]

My 2 year old son has food allergies (eggs, nuts, milk and soy). I've been able to find quite a bit of information on how Disney handles special diets, who to contact, etc. Does anyone know if Sea World provides similar services? We're planning a trip there for May 31st - June 3rd. I may just plan to carry his meals/snacks to the park. We made reservations for Dine with Shamu and I noted his allergies on the reservation notes, but I'm wondering if I should follow up with a call before going.

I'm a huge Sea World fan and haven't been able to visit since 1996. I can't wait for my kids to experience it.

 

[Dashzap]

I was thinking about the same question. DS is anaphylactic to peanuts, nuts, and melons. I'd like to take him to Seaworld, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove. Ultimately I think we have to talk directly with Sea World. I've just sent them an email about food allergies and their restaurants. I will post any response.

SeaWorld Orlando
7007 SeaWorld Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
Phone: (800) 327-2424 (407) 351-3600
*Please allow 2–3 days from receipt of your letter to respond. Please include your phone number in your correspondence to expedite our response time.

From Seaworld.com FAQs
Dining, Food, and Beverage Policy
Restaurants and concession stands are located conveniently throughout the park. Large hard or soft coolers, glass containers, food, drinks and picnic lunches may not be taken into the park. Guests with special diets, baby formula or baby food may bring their items into the park.


From the Discovery Cove 1-877-4DISCOVERY (1-877-434-7268) website:
Dietary Needs
The Culinary Operations Team at Discovery Cove recognizes the importance of all aspects of food safety – especially those challenges our guests with food allergies encounter when dining out. On the day of your visit, you are welcome to visit the Laguna Grill early in the day to discuss their personal needs with one of our chefs. Our Culinary Team, like everyone else at Discovery Cove would like to provide you with piece of mind that your day will be as enjoyable, and safe, as possible.
Discovery Cove does provide Kosher meals. In order to ensure they are prepared to order, we ask guests to visit Laguna Grill 45 minutes prior to their anticipated lunch time.
Discovery Cove does provide Vegetarian options for our guests.

I can't find any specific dietary needs information on the Aquatica website, so I have emailed them.
Aquatica
5800 Water Play Way, Orlando, Florida 32821
1-888-800-5447 or 407-351-3600
APO-GuestRelations@Seaworld.com



Anecdotal information:

• Scroll down to more recent, Orlando information http://www.peanutallergy.com/boards...&Words=Seaworld&topic=0&Search=true#Post75177
  
• A specific report http://allergicliving.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3033
  
• You could post your question on the peanutallergy.com travel board: http://www.peanutallergy.com/boards/ubbthreads.php/ubb/postlist/Board/20/page/1

 

[Dashzap]

oh and other DIS threads on the subject:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1430520

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1749601

 

[fisherm3]

Thank you for your response and the contact information. Sea World's website isn't the easiest to navigate.

My son is not anaphylactic that I know of. He's never been exposed to nuts or eggs (except during the first couple months through breastmilk), he had a positive skin and RAST test to them at 11 mos and 24 mos. I don't want to take the chance of his first exposure to nuts or eggs being on vacation and him having a bad reaction. The milk and soy reactions are more just bothersome skin/tummy/sleep issues which I wouldn't want him to suffer with on vacation either.

 

[Dashzap]

Thank you for your response and the contact information. Sea World's website isn't the easiest to navigate.

My son is not anaphylactic that I know of. He's never been exposed to nuts or eggs (except during the first couple months through breastmilk), he had a positive skin and RAST test to them at 11 mos and 24 mos. I don't want to take the chance of his first exposure to nuts or eggs being on vacation and him having a bad reaction. The milk and soy reactions are more just bothersome skin/tummy/sleep issues which I wouldn't want him to suffer with on vacation either.

My son is 9; he tested negative to peanut allergy (by RAST and by scratch) but flunked a food challenge.

Will you be staying at a home/condo where you can cook?

 

[fisherm3]

We're staying at the Renaissance Inn there at Sea World in a studio suite that will have a little kitchen. So I do plan to do some cooking, but it'd be nice if they did handle allergies as well as people say Disney does to not have to worry so much about it.

 

[livndisney]

We go to Sea World often. We have not done anything but counter service meals. In my experience, they do not do as well with allergies as Disney. The menus are very limited. The risk for cross contamination is high as food is mass produced. We usually bring in our own food, it is just easier for us.

Having said that- the folks at the First Aid in Happy Harbor are AWESOME!!!!! and very helpful!

 

[Dashzap]

Wow, I got a phone call today from the executive chef at Seaworld. He suggested once I know my trip dates, I contact them and we discuss what restaurants I might want to go to.

He recommends asking for the manager or chef at every place we eat, as the waiters/food service works may not understand food allergies. He also recommended giving the restaurant advance warning, so special meals can be prepared in advance.