Special diet report

[eeyore65]

Just got back from atrip with my MIL who has celiac disease - so no gluten.

What a pleasure! We stayed concierge and the concierge contacted each restaurant to tell them of her needs. When we arrived at every restaurant - they were expecting us and the chef would come out and discuss with MIL how they could modify the food to meet her needs.

'Ohana - made her special rice, wings and veggies with gluten free soy sauce.

CP breakfast - walked the buffet and made her special rolls.

CG - made a special gluten-free chicken dish.

Jiko - best of all - chef came and asked what she liked. Made her special bread and adapted a pork recipe to use potatoes instead of dumplings. Then sent out ice cream for dessert even though we didn't order anything.

Best of all they never made it seem like a bother and they were just soooo nice.

What a relief - I was so worried about this and I immediately had my concerns alleviated. Made for a fabulous vacation.

 

[songbert]

Happy stories like that are what we need more of

So glad that your trip was enhanced by the kindness and attention to details.

 

[travelbug]

We had the same positive experience in Feb., when I traveled with my sister who is on a gluten-free diet. We were so impressed with the friendly, accommodating chefs. My sister was so relieved and happy that she could eat so well while staying on her strict diet.

I'm so glad that all went so well for your MIL! Thanks for sharing your good news!

 

[Minniespal]

That's wonderful.

It is so nice to read positive stories.

 

[ducklite]

I agree-I have food allergies, and often travel with a riend who has Celiac disease, and if WDW does nothing right they handle food allergies well!

Anne

 

[disneycrazed139]

Wow!! That sounds wonderful for all the celiacs out there. (I am one!)
Glad you had a great time.

 

[LAWalz23]

Thanks for the great info! It is nice to know that WDW will adapt meals for special diets.

 

[BCV23]

What a great report! Happy to hear that your trip went so well.

 

[vicb]

Maybe you could send an email to Disney and tell upper management of your positive experience... nothing like a little positive reinforcement to let them know that kind of special attention is much appreciated!

 

[disneycrazed139]

Would you have to stay concierge level to be able to receive gluten-free meals? Who would be the appropriate person to contact? Resort staff? PS reservations? Just tell the restaurant when you arrive? Call ahead? Any experience with gluten-free meals in WDW outside of concierge staff assistance?

 

[eeyore65]

I don't think I received any special treatment because of the concierge. It just made it easier because they made all the PS's. I believe if you would note it when you make the PS and then inform them when you check in you would receive the same positive treatment we did. Also - we found many choices at the counter servic restaurants too and we had no PS.

 

[travelbug]

We didn't have concierge assistance when making arrangements for my sister's meals. We were staying at Beach Club. The CMs at the desk made our PS for us, and they gave us a number to call in order to talk with the head chef at WDW. My sister called and talked with the head chef, explained where we were going, and briefly what her dietary restrictions were. The head chef contacted the chef at each place we were going and then each chef called to talk directly with my sister. She said that they were extremely nice and very anxious to accommodate. When we arrived at each restaurant, the chef came out again and talked to her directly in order to finalize the food order. Very impressive, but also very low-key and easygoing. This seemed to be how the chefs were used to operating.

So if you're staying on property anywhere, not just in concierge accommodations, ask at the desk for a number to call to talk with the chef if you have dietary restrictions.

Supposedly, the counter service places stock a limited number of gluten-free items to have on hand if customers ask for them. My sister had no problem finding counter services choices that she was allowed to have, without having to ask for something else.

Hope that helps!

 

[disneycrazed139]

Wow! That sounds fantastic. I always try to be really low-key about the diet because I hate bothering people about it and don't really enjoy the special attention, but this sounds like it migiht be okay. Thanks for all your advice!