Thread for allergy foods updates

[disney fan4]

I'm extremely frustrated with the Special Diets department right now. Several chefs indicated that they weren't notified that we were coming.

Now that I have emailed special diets our allergy form, is there a way to know if it did get sent to all the restaurants where we will be eating? Do the chefs call/email you in advance?

 

[clanmcculloch]

Now that I have emailed special diets our allergy form, is there a way to know if it did get sent to all the restaurants where we will be eating? Do the chefs call/email you in advance?

We had 1 chef email us and didn't hear from any others. Luckily I've become friends with a chef to whom I emailed a copy of my form so she made sure that all the chefs at least at our resort (where she also works) had a copy and were ready for us for each of our meals.

In the past, if I've had specific questions about menus at restaurants then I've gotten calls from chefs at those restaurants but it's pretty rare these days that I've got any questions so I just don't hear from anybody any longer. I always did only hear from the chefs at restaurants where I had questions. What frustrates me is that chefs don't seem to be getting any notice at all besides the server going to tell them that they've got a guest at their table with allergies. And we're talking about laundry lists of allergies that do fall under the category of those who are asked to fill out the form and send in details.

Overall, I'm still very happy with the chefs and all that they do as well as the managers at CS locations (the few we ate at). It's the Special Diets department and the department that makes the decisions about products that have me extremely frustrated.

I'm hoping they have some of these things ironed out before our August trip because that trip will be mainly CS dining which is what worries me since there's so much less room for customization. This past trip was mostly TS so it was easy though very time consuming.

 

[aggordon2]

My wife and I have been very upset over the recent changes to allergy free food that we have been reading on this board. My wife wrote the following letter to specialdiets@disneyworld.com & WDW.Guest.Communications@disneyworld.com :

I am writing this letter is regards to a recent frustrating conversation I had while getting information about allergy free foods for my children. Although the woman at Specialdiets was as accommodating as possible it did not ally my fears concerning my family's upcoming trip to Disney World in August of this year. My family has enjoyed our yearly visits to Mickey Mouse's house for the past five seasons. This biggest reason why we keep coming back is because nowhere other than Disney World is feeding children with multiple allergies as well as being autistic a "NO PROBLEM SITUATION". All year I travel with food for my children, because I cannot depend on other places to feed them safely. But once a year Disney World has been able to relieve me of that burden and enables me to freely enjoy the experience and have fun... it has been a true vacation for ALL OF US.

Unfortunately, this year seems to be starting off on a most frustrating beginning. In the past I was able to fill in forms provided by specialdiets.com alerting the chefs of the restaurants we will make reservations as to the allergies my children suffer from. It also tells the chefs how old they are ahead of time so they can have the right foods waiting for them when we arrive. As we all know children can be picky and its the parents who know what their children will and will not eat. The last thing anyone wants are hungry cranky children walking from ride to ride or show to show. My husband and I also depended on the allergy free food lists to help plan our daily tour of the particular parks. There is a lot of walking involved and it gets very hot in August. Being able to find particular acceptable food and drink throughout the day is crucial especially when it comes to young and/or special needs children.

My last conversation with the people at Specialdiets (although polite) did not ally my fears. For the first time in five years in making our vacations plans I ended the conversation disappointed, angry and feeling foolish for all the years I have been telling other parents how wonderful Disney has been in making our vacation as worry free as possible, making special efforts in dealing with the hurtles of autism and food allergies. A far different approach then other theme parks such as Busch Gardens, Sea World and Universal Studios. The philosophy that has set Disney apart from all the others seems to shifting.. for the worse.

I do understand that because of the overwhelming demand for allergy free foods, vendors may have to change. However, your customers should still be able to get the information they need to be able to enjoy their time at your parks. Please don't wait for a complete list of everything to be settled in legal... send out partial lists. For my situation: I have a an autistic child that is gluten and dairy free, while his brother is dairy and egg free. So my concerns are all three. Why offer bread that is only gluten free? You would be surprised as to how many people have multiple allergies. My husband and I need to know where to feed our children lunch, dinner or snack (before we have a meltdown) while in the parks. As I said before there is a lot of walking involved and it gets quite hot in August. I myself am not that concerned with the prepackaged foods... but I need to feed them good solid refreshing foods including Rice Dream Frozen Dessert (Tofutti cannot guarantee that they are gluten free only dairy free). I need to carry the food lists with me throughout the day into the evening.

I know this letter is long.. it's because I really don't want to cancel my trip, but if food is going to be a problem My husband and I might have to rethink this year's vacation. We haven't told the kids of our plans yet.. we are hoping that you take this and others letter like this to heart and start coming out with allergy lists even if it is only a partial list.



Thank you taking to time to read.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I think that is a very well-written letter.

 

[mistysue]

I like your letter too. I have written a couple times but never that well. The last time I essentially just asked if there was any chance they could give me any information at all and that somebody please just write me a message that is not a form letter so I know they read my email... and got back a form letter I had received before.

How does it make sense to go from breads and treats that cater to the overwhelming majority of allergies to ONLY gluten and dairy free ones with no options for other allergies? I hate to say I sort of hope whoever made that decision gets fired, but I do.

 

[cinderella73]

Aggordon - Nicely written letter.

Did you also by any chance send a copy to guest services ?

Just from what I have seen here of all the letters sent in to special diets , my own included , I am thinking we might all have better luck going through a regular guest services email maybe ? Think I will compose one tonight myself. I am getting really frustrated with them also. And they just got that award from FAN !

Keep us posted if you get a response.

 

[wendow]

Aggordon, thanks for writing that letter

 

[ls15]

Good morning, everyone,

I was very worried when I started this thread. My trip was looming and I was sure that things were going to be terrible.

I'm mentioned a few times of what I did and, luckily, everything was really good.

I was very clear with special diets from the get-go that the chefs absolutely needed to call me. They mentioned that had I not heard from all of them within two weeks to call again. There were three I didn't hear from, and I called again. One of them was so helpful that he gave me his direct contact and said that if a few more days went by, to call him again and he would call them himself.

I'm returned from my trip now and I am going to do a full review soon. Let me assure you, things aren't as bad as they seem. I can only imagine it might be frustrating for someone who is really picky, but we had loads to choose from (and with multiple allergies/restrictions).

Both chefs and CS managers aren't fond of the Udi's switch because there aren't as many options for people. I heard that everywhere, even before addressing my own opinion.

One of the head managers of customer relations at our resort used to be the head of Food and Beverage for years. I told her my concerns and she said they are trying to fix the issue. She also said that, unfortunately, they are tied to many suppliers, and if those suppliers change, they have to go with what their suppliers give them (IE Kikkoman versus Silk soy milk, et cetera).

Before I went on my trip, every single chef contacted me and remembered me when I got to their restaurant. The only chef that did not contact me? Well, we cancelled that one (but also because we changed our mind in general).

We never had a problem at counter service. Since we stayed for 15 days, that is a lot of food we ate!

If anyone has specific questions about certain restaurants or any details before I get my full review up, please let me know. I'm more than happy to address what I discovered and tips to help make your trip better.

Laurie

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Good morning, everyone,

I was very worried when I started this thread. My trip was looming and I was sure that things were going to be terrible.

I'm mentioned a few times of what I did and, luckily, everything was really good.

I was very clear with special diets from the get-go that the chefs absolutely needed to call me. They mentioned that had I not heard from all of them within two weeks to call again. There were three I didn't hear from, and I called again. One of them was so helpful that he gave me his direct contact and said that if a few more days went by, to call him again and he would call them himself.

I'm returned from my trip now and I am going to do a full review soon. Let me assure you, things aren't as bad as they seem. I can only imagine it might be frustrating for someone who is really picky, but we had loads to choose from (and with multiple allergies/restrictions).

Both chefs and CS managers aren't fond of the Udi's switch because there aren't as many options for people. I heard that everywhere, even before addressing my own opinion.

One of the head managers of customer relations at our resort used to be the head of Food and Beverage for years. I told her my concerns and she said they are trying to fix the issue. She also said that, unfortunately, they are tied to many suppliers, and if those suppliers change, they have to go with what their suppliers give them (IE Kikkoman versus Silk soy milk, et cetera).

Before I went on my trip, every single chef contacted me and remembered me when I got to their restaurant. The only chef that did not contact me? Well, we cancelled that one (but also because we changed our mind in general).

We never had a problem at counter service. Since we stayed for 15 days, that is a lot of food we ate!

If anyone has specific questions about certain restaurants or any details before I get my full review up, please let me know. I'm more than happy to address what I discovered and tips to help make your trip better.

Laurie

Thank you for posting this and I am looking forward to your dining reviews!

I think people are nervous because of the lack of information being sent out. If special diets would just update their list, then we'd have something to work with at least. However, I think people are getting upset and worried and it sounds like it's not as dire as it truly seems. I am holding out hope because I can't imagine that Disney would knowingly throw away so much business from the food allergy community. Granted, the last time we went was Jan. 2011 but I was so impressed by how well they handled both mine and my DD12's multiple allergies.

As far as the change in bread, I think Udi's tastes better but that's just me. And if they were doing research and asking customers, then it means the majority of people asked preferred a certain product. So they went by that. Now if they get hoardes of complaints then I'd wager they'd switch back or try something else. I really think they are trying to accomodate massive amounts of people with many varied allergies. That's a huge task and one I appreciate as Disney is the only place I feel safe enough to eat at (apart from PF Chang's).

The change in filling out the forms, well I can understand that too. Imagine how many forms they must have received in just one day. By streamlining it for simple allergies (not multiple obviously) then they can cut down on the extra paperwork and plan to have stocked allergy food.

Anyway, as I said, I am really looking forward to hearing your reviews! What allergies do you have again?

 

[ls15]

3prettyprincesses:

I have celiac disease and a dairy allergy. I am also a vegan so I don't eat eggs.

My mom can't have gluten, dairy, eggs, or soy. (She's not a vegan).

 

[3prettyprincesses]

3prettyprincesses:

I have celiac disease and a dairy allergy. I am also a vegan so I don't eat eggs.

My mom can't have gluten, dairy, eggs, or soy. (She's not a vegan).

Duh! I remember now, I've clicked on your beautiful blog! So you're dairy free too then? Now I remember.

I too have celiac disease, a severe avocado allergy, anaphylactic watermelon allergy and several other intolerances (mustard, paprika and vinegar).

 

[aggordon2]

Aggordon, thanks for writing that letter

Aggordon - Nicely written letter.

Did you also by any chance send a copy to guest services ?

Just from what I have seen here of all the letters sent in to special diets , my own included , I am thinking we might all have better luck going through a regular guest services email maybe ? Think I will compose one tonight myself. I am getting really frustrated with them also. And they just got that award from FAN !

Keep us posted if you get a response.

I think that is a very well-written letter.

I like your letter too. I have written a couple times but never that well. The last time I essentially just asked if there was any chance they could give me any information at all and that somebody please just write me a message that is not a form letter so I know they read my email... and got back a form letter I had received before.

How does it make sense to go from breads and treats that cater to the overwhelming majority of allergies to ONLY gluten and dairy free ones with no options for other allergies? I hate to say I sort of hope whoever made that decision gets fired, but I do.

My dw was very happy to see the positive reactions to her letter (to Disney) generated by this community. She hopes her efforts prove effective and we will keep all of you posted on the outcome.

We did get the generic form letter from special diets, we are now waiting for the follow up email/conversation.

 

[HsvScrapGirl]

Following this thread much more closely now. I was happy and disappointed when we had to cancel our September trip. We are expecting our second baby in September, thus the cancellation. A few days ago, my husband told me to plan a trip for next February. So, that is what I am trying to do in between getting things ready for baby, home schooling our 6 year old, picking out curriculum for next year, etc. Our DS is allergic to milk and peanuts. Hate to hear of all the changes, but hopefully they will get all the problems ironed out in special diets soon.

 

[Offsides]

Does anybody know where we could get a good dairy free "milk"shake? Somebody on here posted about one that they got from 50s PT. I made a reservation there for my bf (severe dairy allergy), for his birthday (March 24). The problem is, we have very limited time at WDW and did not plan on going to HS at all, aside from having the lunch reservation. Something in Epcot or MK would be much better. My family has always been CS type people, so I don't know much at all about any TS restaurants OR eating at Disney with allergies. Thanks!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Does anybody know where we could get a good dairy free "milk"shake? Somebody on here posted about one that they got from 50s PT. I made a reservation there for my bf (severe dairy allergy), for his birthday (March 24). The problem is, we have very limited time at WDW and did not plan on going to HS at all, aside from having the lunch reservation. Something in Epcot or MK would be much better. My family has always been CS type people, so I don't know much at all about any TS restaurants OR eating at Disney with allergies. Thanks!

I've heard great things about DF milkshakes at Beaches & Cream at the Beach Club resort.

 

[sherriepaul]

I everyone, I will admit that I did not read this whole thread so please forgive me. Luckily my daughter has the treenut allergy and when we went for the first time with kids sept. 2011 the chefs always came out and were very attentive to us. Some walked us around the buffet and pointed out things, but for the most part it was the desserts that go her. And it was hard being there for her birthday and he twin brother got one thing and she couldn't but some chefs did try to make things special instead. Meals also took longer (but it gave us time to cool off)

At the beginning of the thread they mentioned a place called babycakes? I don't remember a place called this, could anyone tell me about this place for our next trip?
Thanks!

 

[livndisney]

I everyone, I will admit that I did not read this whole thread so please forgive me. Luckily my daughter has the treenut allergy and when we went for the first time with kids sept. 2011 the chefs always came out and were very attentive to us. Some walked us around the buffet and pointed out things, but for the most part it was the desserts that go her. And it was hard being there for her birthday and he twin brother got one thing and she couldn't but some chefs did try to make things special instead. Meals also took longer (but it gave us time to cool off)

At the beginning of the thread they mentioned a place called babycakes? I don't remember a place called this, could anyone tell me about this place for our next trip?
Thanks!

Babycakes is awesome! I was there a few hours ago! It is located in a corner of Pollo Campenero (old Mcdonalds building at Downtown Disney).

 

[clanmcculloch]

Does anybody know where we could get a good dairy free "milk"shake? Somebody on here posted about one that they got from 50s PT. I made a reservation there for my bf (severe dairy allergy), for his birthday (March 24). The problem is, we have very limited time at WDW and did not plan on going to HS at all, aside from having the lunch reservation. Something in Epcot or MK would be much better. My family has always been CS type people, so I don't know much at all about any TS restaurants OR eating at Disney with allergies. Thanks!

Very few places actually have dedicated milk free milkshake mixers. In all my asking around, the only place that does is 50s PTC. So basically you're dependent upon the chef or manager at the location to be vigilant about how well they clean and really think about just how severe the allergy is. Some people are fine with the machine being cleaned while others will be sick or even have an anaphylactic reaction from this even with the most thorough of cleaning. Your bf needs to decide for himself if the cleaning is enough based on his severity.

At MK, we've gotten milkshakes twice at the Plaza restaurant. Cousin Ken (the chef) has done a great job with the cleaning of the machine both times. None of us has had any problems at all from the milkshakes and they were DELICIOUS!!

At Epcot and AK we haven't tried getting milkshakes. I suppose you could ask at the ice cream parlour at Epcot but you'll be dealing with a manager rather than a chef and I'm not sure if a manager will be as thorough as a chef. You can certainly ask questions when you're there and your bf can decide on his own comfort level based on the answers given.

What resort are you staying at? We've gotten milk free milkshakes at both Pop Century and and POFQ. The chefs take care of our milkshakes and take responsibility for the cleaning of the machines at resort CS locations. We haven't asked at any other resort CS but I would think it would be the same at any value or moderate resort CS. Deluxe resorts will sometimes have managers handle allergy requests if they're simple allergies (meaning only one or two allergies that are gluten or top 8) so they've been given instructions on what to do). I'm not even sure that deluxe resort CS serve milkshakes since I've never looked.

I've heard great things about DF milkshakes at Beaches & Cream at the Beach Club resort.

I would strongly caution people AGAINST B&C for dairy free milkshakes. If I wasn't vigilant, my daughter would have been throwing up our whole way home. The CM taking our order clearly wasn't paying enough attention and only scooped my DD11's ice cream from the Tofutti and completely forgot that I was being very specific about which milk and which ice cream for the milkshake (we do Tofutti ice cream with rice milk because while DD11 isn't intollerant to soy, she does have an allergic reaction to every soy milk she's every tried and I knew she'd want a sip). It's a good thing that the regular vanilla has little black specks or else I would have handed it to DD14. Then when I saw the manager come to make a new one, I noticed that even though I was told by the same original person they have a dedicated allergy milk shake mixer (again, we had this long conversation so I don't know how she forgot) I saw the manager go over and start cleaning a machine and when I asked her about that she said that's how them make sure it's safe since they DON'T have a dedicated machine.

We'll never set foot in there ever again.

 

[SDSorority]

Nope-and I am asking almost weekly.

Same here...

 

[SDSorority]

I just emailed special diets again. We'll see if I get an updated allergen list. I asked for anything and everything they could possibly give me.