Thread for allergy foods updates

[ls15]

Hi everyone!


I am very glad that I started this thread when I first read this was happening.

I thought I would give an update of my progress of how I've been going about the situation. My trip is in two weeks, and I am staying for 15 days, so I'll also give a full-detailed report when I return.

To give a little more info, if you haven't read my other posts, I am gluten-free and dairy-free (but I'm also a vegan). My mom can't have gluten, dairy, eggs, or soy.

We have Table Service reservations every night. Some of the chefs we went to last year, so we're comfortable, but we're trying a lot of new things as well.

I was in contact with Special diets directly about my concerns (I noted this in a past post on the thread), and have been talking one on one with them. So far, all chefs except for 3 have called me. Pretty much, I've already ordered our dinners.

I only have a moment, but I wanted to express that all of the chefs I've spoken to think the situation is pretty bogus. They said it has been hard. I can give an update of those I've talked to and how they handled it, as well as their names, if anyone is interested.

I am going to post more later, but I just wanted to chime in. And if anyone wants me to check anything out while I'm away, I don't mind. Just let me know

We know counter service will be difficult because it already was last year, but we'll see how it goes.

 

[primrosea]

Were you able to request the waffles at the food court? We are staying at ASM and are hoping to get some of these.

YES! All we had to do was ask to speak to the chef and he gave us a list of options that he could make. It was much easier (and faster) to get a meal when it was not primetime for meals. I get up early so I would down ordering breakfast by 7am and bring it up to the room.

For dinner they could prepare almost anything we wanted at Pop. We had pizza (Amy's...yuck), lo mien, a rice and veggie stir-fry (amazing), chicken tenders, french fries, salads, milkshakes and pasta with sauce. I was really impressed. The chefs also gave me their business cards so they could send me the recipes at home.

We did take the time to thank the chefs for their time and effort. They were overwhelmed the first night we came in with 10 special orders at once. We saw a couple of guests speak very rudely to them, roll eyes and generally treat them badly when ordering food. We remained patient and honestly were very thankful at the time they spent keeping our family safe while providing us with great food.

 

[clanmcculloch]

We did take the time to thank the chefs for their time and effort. They were overwhelmed the first night we came in with 10 special orders at once. We saw a couple of guests speak very rudely to them, roll eyes and generally treat them badly when ordering food. We remained patient and honestly were very thankful at the time they spent keeping our family safe while providing us with great food.

We saw a family doing that with the club level chef at Poly. I really don't understand the attitude. You have chefs who are treating you better than you've ever been treated and you give them attitude? Seriously? That level of entitlement is what gives those of us with special needs a bad reputation with those who don't have such needs. Drives me nuts. The chefs go so far above and beyond what we have any right to expect and yet some people for some reason don't see it as enough and don't give them the respect and appreciation that they deserve. Even changes like the options available are not the fault of the chefs and I have full confidence that the chefs are going to continue to do their best with what they're given so why give them a hard time? That attitude and sense of entitlement makes things harder for everybody.

 

[dclfun]

We saw a family doing that with the club level chef at Poly. I really don't understand the attitude. You have chefs who are treating you better than you've ever been treated and you give them attitude? Seriously? That level of entitlement is what gives those of us with special needs a bad reputation with those who don't have such needs. Drives me nuts. The chefs go so far above and beyond what we have any right to expect and yet some people for some reason don't see it as enough and don't give them the respect and appreciation that they deserve. Even changes like the options available are not the fault of the chefs and I have full confidence that the chefs are going to continue to do their best with what they're given so why give them a hard time? That attitude and sense of entitlement makes things harder for everybody.

I fully agree about attitude and a sense of entitlement making it harder for everyone. I worry all the time about the level of services decreasing because for one, they don't *have* to prepare special diets. Then the excitement and joy the chef's once had to accommodate those who needed special foods would be severely compromised by those Guests who are demanding and who feel as though they deserve something that's not required. While I don't have dietary needs that would require assistance from a Disney chef, I do know plenty of people who do and for whom their trip has been made so much more special by the accommodations they've been given. As grateful as they are, it really peeves me to hear of those who aren't.

 

[mistysue]

Anybody have any newer updates about what may be coming in or going out at the parks?

I sent an email a couple weeks ago, pleading with whoever read it to please let me know anything they could, or even just tell me that they don't know but please don't send me a template response... just to ask if there are places in the parks where I might have the most luck and where we would be the easiest for the chefs to help us- and was given an identical email to when I wrote last year and was sent a form to fill out before we arrive.

So they aren't even reading their messages.
I'm worried about the changes because in addition to others, DS can't have dairy and eggs which the new items all seem to have... I don't want to run around feeding him bunless plain burgers for two weeks and I'm going to be pissed if we get a dining plan and they can't feed him! He's 3, sitting a plain salad in front of him just doesn't work out. This was so easy when he just had the peanut allergy.

 

[ls15]

Anybody have any newer updates about what may be coming in or going out at the parks?

I sent an email a couple weeks ago, pleading with whoever read it to please let me know anything they could, or even just tell me that they don't know but please don't send me a template response... just to ask if there are places in the parks where I might have the most luck and where we would be the easiest for the chefs to help us- and was given an identical email to when I wrote last year and was sent a form to fill out before we arrive.

So they aren't even reading their messages.
I'm worried about the changes because in addition to others, DS can't have dairy and eggs which the new items all seem to have... I don't want to run around feeding him bunless plain burgers for two weeks and I'm going to be pissed if we get a dining plan and they can't feed him! He's 3, sitting a plain salad in front of him just doesn't work out. This was so easy when he just had the peanut allergy.

Leading up to my trip, I've been in constant contact with Special Diets, a few women from the team, as well as the chefs. All my chefs have called me except for one, and I've all their contact info to follow-up during my trip. So far, so good. I'm feeling very confident.

I'm leaving in 1.5 hours for my flight and am very excited! I am staying for 15 days and have ADRs for each day. Each chef I have spoken to in depth regarding my stay, and a few of them have really gone out of their way already.

I'll be home on the 9th, but I will have my computer with me because I'm self-employed and have to get work done while I am gone. Please feel free to ask me about things while I am in the park, and I can definitely try to check them out for you!

I'm planning on giving a full report when I'm back similar to the one I gave last time. No stone left unturned!

If anyone wants more details (my ADRs, et cetera), let me know!

 

[2gr8DisneyKids]

Anybody have any newer updates about what may be coming in or going out at the parks?

I sent an email a couple weeks ago, pleading with whoever read it to please let me know anything they could, or even just tell me that they don't know but please don't send me a template response... just to ask if there are places in the parks where I might have the most luck and where we would be the easiest for the chefs to help us- and was given an identical email to when I wrote last year and was sent a form to fill out before we arrive.

So they aren't even reading their messages.
I'm worried about the changes because in addition to others, DS can't have dairy and eggs which the new items all seem to have... I don't want to run around feeding him bunless plain burgers for two weeks and I'm going to be pissed if we get a dining plan and they can't feed him! He's 3, sitting a plain salad in front of him just doesn't work out. This was so easy when he just had the peanut allergy.

We leave on March 4 for 9 nights (and then some nights at Disney's Vero Beach after that) I was really worried at first and then called all around. I called Special diets asking specifically about hot dogs and chicken nuggets/fingers since they are DD's favorites and then I called the chefs at POLY (the kids are trying the Neverland Club for a night) and POFQ where we are staying. I was in a much better place after that. DD is no dairy.

Special Diets seems to respond much better to specific food item questions compared to broad "where can my child eat" questions. If your DS has certain foods that he really likes call and ask for the ingredient list and call the restaurants where you have ADR's and call the resort where you are staying. Like the OP said calling seemed to work the best. It took a day or two for them to call back, but I am sure they are getting slammed.

 

[minnieandfamily]

Hi everyone!

We just got back from 8 days at WDW as a gluten free family and I wanted to let you know quickly some of the products we ran across.

We had Udis' buns, bread and bagels a couple of different places. We are Udi's fans so we were happy with the change and the chefs said they are tastier to prepare, but are not mutually loved by all the guests.

We had OMG brownies and cookies at the Pop Food Court and they were available at other resturants and used as dessert bases at many of the places we ate. Most chefs tries to dress them up fancy, but the Garden Grill did an amazing job warming them up and topping them with vanilla whipped cream.

We were also given Enjoy Life cookies and choclate bars at most of the quick service places we ate at. The only we got the chocolate was if we specifically asked for them at our resort, but the chefs at Pop said that not everywhere has them.

Pop uses Namaste and Bob's Red Mill as the base for their waffles...YUMMMM. We had them almost every morning.

If you have any specific questions I'll be happy to answer them and I'll try to do a full Gluten Free review early next week!

We are headed down in April, my first time there since I found out that I can no longer have gluten. Would love to read your review!

 

[PSMC]

I will be following this thread closely. The ability of Disney restaurants to accommodate my son's dietary needs will be the deciding factor in whether we bother to make reservations for dinners in the parks.

I emailed the Special Diets folks and was really disappointed by the response. I am hoping that some personal experiences might make me more hopeful.

He has kidney condition that requires his diet be extremely low in sodium. Certainly no salt added, no prepackaged food, no sauces, all natural food made from scratch. There is very little when it comes to bread products that would be acceptable as well because of the baking soda/baking powder element.

It can be pretty tough to accommodate outside of our home, but I am hoping that we can get in at least a character dining experience and a dinner at Coral Reef (my kids *love* fish and I am an aspiring marine biologist ).

 

[Plutos Mommy]

I am upset reading all the changes that are in the works. My DD22 has severe dairy allergies. We are doing our first WDW trip in June, and she was so excited to see that there were way more dining options available for her than at Disneyland. It is a huge struggle for her to find anything at DLR. I will be keeping an eye on this thread.

How soon before our trip should we contact special diets? Should my daughter contact them or should I since the ADRs are in my name?

 

[GAGirlInVA]

ls15:


I'm especially interested in what can be found at the quick service restaurants that are dairy, soy and egg free.

My son will be 3 on our trip, but if we have to buy him a kid's meal on the meal plan and then buy an adult meal and swap meals around to get safe food for him (if no kids options are available) that is what we will do.

I just want him to enjoy himself. He's been through so much already this year (8 days hopitalized- 4 in one hospital and 4 out of state, another ER visit, a bout with cdifficle and now either another round with cdiff or small intestine bacterial overgrowth) and our trip next year is the one little ray of sunshine that keeps me trucking along at this point.

 

[ls15]

ls15:


I'm especially interested in what can be found at the quick service restaurants that are dairy, soy and egg free.

My son will be 3 on our trip, but if we have to buy him a kid's meal on the meal plan and then buy an adult meal and swap meals around to get safe food for him (if no kids options are available) that is what we will do.

I just want him to enjoy himself. He's been through so much already this year (8 days hopitalized- 4 in one hospital and 4 out of state, another ER visit, a bout with cdifficle and now either another round with cdiff or small intestine bacterial overgrowth) and our trip next year is the one little ray of sunshine that keeps me trucking along at this point.

We are on day three here (of 15) but haven't been to the parks yet. I'm doing the race this morning (we leave at 3am, and it's 1:23am right now!) so we don't do our parks til after this. I'm at POFQ and thing are amazing so far. The chefs are fab and I'm going to do a full review when I get back. But so far, everything is great and there are tons of options. Where will you be staying?

 

[BusyMom2Three]

ls15: My son will be 3 on our trip, but if we have to buy him a kid's meal on the meal plan and then buy an adult meal and swap meals around to get safe food for him (if no kids options are available) that is what we will do

Are you on the dining plan? If so, you won't have to do that. If there is not a kid's meal he can have but there is an adult option, they will give him an adult option (sometimes a scaled-down version) and count it as a kid's meal. We have had to do this a few times. We have done so at Cosmic Ray's, Tortuga Tavern, Sunshine Seasons, and Backlot Express, that I can think of. A couple of times, the CMs ringing up orders have said they can't do it, in which case you just need to ask for a manager, and they have always said no problem. I think if you aren't on the dining plan, you would have to pay for the adult meal, however.

 

[BusyMom2Three]

Leading up to my trip, I've been in constant contact with Special Diets, a few women from the team, as well as the chefs. All my chefs have called me except for one, and I've all their contact info to follow-up during my trip. So far, so good. I'm feeling very confident.

I'm leaving in 1.5 hours for my flight and am very excited! I am staying for 15 days and have ADRs for each day. Each chef I have spoken to in depth regarding my stay, and a few of them have really gone out of their way already.

I'll be home on the 9th, but I will have my computer with me because I'm self-employed and have to get work done while I am gone. Please feel free to ask me about things while I am in the park, and I can definitely try to check them out for you!

I'm planning on giving a full report when I'm back similar to the one I gave last time. No stone left unturned!

If anyone wants more details (my ADRs, et cetera), let me know!

We leave for POR in 9 days. Do you notice any changes, positive or negative, to dairy-free, vegetarian options there (anything other than the pasta bar, any desserts)? Oh, and how's the gf pasta (only some of us need it)? Thanks so much!

 

[zumbergc]

How much notice do you have to give babycakes to order a cake thru them?
Or can you just pick up a birthday cake at the downtown disney location, and have them ice happy birthday xxxx?

The allergy chicken nuggets. Does anyone know if they are baked or fried? I can't digest fat very well, so its the difference between eating them or getting sick.
thanks

 

[disney fan4]

Hi, this is our first trip to WDW. We are goin the last week of March. My Ds8 has gluten, dairy and peanut allergies. I have wheat, corn and peanut allergies. I just got my dining reservations from my travel agent and am going to be e-mailing special diets. We have the dining plan. I have been told they will accomodate my son even if it is not typically on the kids menu for no extra charge because of his allergies. Is that correct?
And can anyone with similar allergies recommend some quick service meals or good snacks covered by our dining plan? I am nervous hearing about all the changes and afraid he is going to end up with a bowl of fruit for dessert while my non-allergic Dd5 eats ice cream and brownies!

 

[livndisney]

Hi, this is our first trip to WDW. We are goin the last week of March. My Ds8 has gluten, dairy and peanut allergies. I have wheat, corn and peanut allergies. I just got my dining reservations from my travel agent and am going to be e-mailing special diets. We have the dining plan. I have been told they will accomodate my son even if it is not typically on the kids menu for no extra charge because of his allergies. Is that correct?
And can anyone with similar allergies recommend some quick service meals or good snacks covered by our dining plan? I am nervous hearing about all the changes and afraid he is going to end up with a bowl of fruit for dessert while my non-allergic Dd5 eats ice cream and brownies!

Most places should have dairy free ice cream.

 

[ls15]

BusyMom2Three - we are at French Quarter but I know that Riverside has Tinkyada pasta, which is the best gluten-free pasta option.

zumbergc - last year my mom got gf chicken fingers at Columbia Harbour House and I've read they still have those. Hers were baked because she can't have soy, and they would have been fried in the same oil as the fries (which have soy). I am sure you can ask for them baked. It did take much longer but obviously if that is what you need it's fine!

disney fan - I will update my whole trip by then. We get back the 9th. From your allergies, though, you can safely assume you might be eating a lot of whole, fresh foods as opposed to anything that they bring in that is gluten-free.

livndisney - If you are at a table service and there is dessert, 99% of the time they have sorbet. I never, ever will eat Tofutti, so I've been eating Rice Dream (which doesn't have hidden barley like their nondairy milk does), though I am not sure that your son could have that (peanut-wise). But we have never not been offered sorbet. You might not be as lucky at quick service, though, but perhaps you could save that sort of treat for a table service and both your sons could have something else so he won't be left out? HEre is the Rice Dream ingredient list: http://www.tastethedream.com/products/product/1483/204.php

 

[2gr8DisneyKids]

How much notice do you have to give babycakes to order a cake thru them?
Or can you just pick up a birthday cake at the downtown disney location, and have them ice happy birthday xxxx?

The allergy chicken nuggets. Does anyone know if they are baked or fried? I can't digest fat very well, so its the difference between eating them or getting sick.
thanks

If you want a specific cake and frosting combo you need to call 48 hours or more ahead. Also, they can deliver to your hotel on Disney property or to a Disney restaurant as they are now a Disney baker!

They might also have some in the case, but not always. They do always have cupcakes and can write happy birthday on them as well.

The last time DD had the allergy chicken strips was more than a year ago and I think they were fried, but did not try them myself.

I will be there on March 4th and can let you know what they are like now.

 

[livndisney]

BusyMom2Three - we are at French Quarter but I know that Riverside has Tinkyada pasta, which is the best gluten-free pasta option.

zumbergc - last year my mom got gf chicken fingers at Columbia Harbour House and I've read they still have those. Hers were baked because she can't have soy, and they would have been fried in the same oil as the fries (which have soy). I am sure you can ask for them baked. It did take much longer but obviously if that is what you need it's fine!

disney fan - I will update my whole trip by then. We get back the 9th. From your allergies, though, you can safely assume you might be eating a lot of whole, fresh foods as opposed to anything that they bring in that is gluten-free.

livndisney - If you are at a table service and there is dessert, 99% of the time they have sorbet. I never, ever will eat Tofutti, so I've been eating Rice Dream (which doesn't have hidden barley like their nondairy milk does), though I am not sure that your son could have that (peanut-wise). But we have never not been offered sorbet. You might not be as lucky at quick service, though, but perhaps you could save that sort of treat for a table service and both your sons could have something else so he won't be left out? HEre is the Rice Dream ingredient list: http://www.tastethedream.com/products/product/1483/204.php

In our experience (living near the park), we have ALWAYS been offered diary free ice cream at table service places. There are also several CS locations that offer dairy free ice cream. Not once have we been offered sorbet. DD rather enjoys eating "ice cream" like everyone else-in fact I think one of the happiest moments of her life was eating "ice cream/tofutti" on Main Street (from the ice cream shop) for the first time.