Thread for allergy foods updates

[dclfun]

Ugh, I am so terribly sorry for those of you who are struggling. We found Disney so amazingly wonderful for our trips just last year... I have to wonder what happened? We've gotten a rhythm now, so we know where and what is safe, as well as a much better grasp on allergies, but I can't imagine trying a trip without the assistance we got just last year.

Disney is supposed to be an industry model... what has fallen apart here?!

Seems to me like there have been increasing amounts of guests requesting allergy meals with varying allergies and combinations of allergies. Costs for products to accommodate those requests has gone up and Disney went to different vendors to lower their costs ( just speculating- I have no idea what happened, but it's usually something to do with profits). Unfortunately there isn't a "one size fits all" with these products and guests who once had more choices are now limited or even unable to find something that's safe.

 

[Elinor Dashwood]

Seems to me like there have been increasing amounts of guests requesting allergy meals with varying allergies and combinations of allergies. Costs for products to accommodate those requests has gone up and Disney went to different vendors to lower their costs ( just speculating- I have no idea what happened, but it's usually something to do with profits). Unfortunately there isn't a "one size fits all" with these products and guests who once had more choices are now limited or even unable to find something that's safe.

I'm sure those costs do add up, eating gluten free at home can get quite expensive!

But if Disney were smart, they'd be very careful in alienating people with food allergies. If they are truly making cut backs due to cost, then my guess is that they'll lose business from the allergy community.

All I'm asking is for them to give me something to work with. Being gluten free means reading labels, calling manufactures and checking websites. If we had some sort of list, then we could figure out what we'll be able to eat. I don't want to show up at Disney, eat at Chef Mickey's for over $50 a plate and find out that all I can have is plain grilled chicken and rice.

 

[EEyorelover22]

They have lost 50% of our business for our winter trip and for the next trip where it's just DH and I, they have lost 100% of our business.

I already bought a George Foreman grill to bring along. I'm set.
I booked the 1br value at AKV so we'll have a kitchen for the other items I'll need.

 

[BearcatsFan]

Has anyone had any luck at all getting lists of GF safe foods? I emailed Special Diets and got the same form letter I've seen in this thread many times.

DH is in the process of being tested (got bloodwork done yesterday), but our doctor feels sure that's what is going on. I was trying to get prepared for our upcoming trip, but now I'm worried because I have nothing to go on. DH is concerned because this will be all new for him.

I have ressies already at LTT, Biergarten, Rainforest Cafe, and The Plaza. The rest of our meals will be QS (WPE, Sassagoulas/Riverside Mill, Sunshine Seasons, EoS). Anyone have recent experience with these places?

The meal I'm most concerned about is our lunch at CHH with our KTTK tour. We have to fill out the meal forms in the morning with the tour guide - how am I going to know what is available there that is GF so we can request it on the form? Should I stop in there the day before and talk to the manager and maybe get our meal requests filled out ahead of time (I'm diabetic so I need to figure out what I can eat here too!)?

ARGHHHH!

 

[EEyorelover22]

I read recently that CHH had some good gluten free options.

I know I just did a search and starting reading a random thread. I wish I could remember which one though and I don't. As I recall it was part of their menu all the time.

Love that tour!

 

[mistysue]

CHH is the one everybody keeps saying has the allergy chicken tenders.

In my last message I very clearly explained that I need to have some ideas of who they at least expect to try to stock so I can look into whether those brands are safe.

This is the helpful part of the response:
" However, we are currently providing bakery items from the Enjoy Life, Udi's, and OMG Manufacturers along with Rocky Mountain Popcorn, and Surf Sweets Jelly Beans throughout our Parks and Resorts."

All of those brands are completely gluten free- so those of you watching gluten are in luck. From reviews I would say it's clear they have full meals and desserts for you EVERYWHERE, as Gluten-free seems to be what they are trying to cater to.

Now for my DS
Udi's=nothing safe (well, granola, but they don't have that one)
OMG=nothing safe
Enjoy life= anything
Rocky Mountain= some contain dairy, no ingredient lists online
Surf sweets= all ok (Random Ninja-these are based on tapioca!)

I feel bad for my son, At this point I'm counting on getting there and him not being able to get a dessert anywhere. When in a pinch his snack option will likely be jelly beans. There seem to be random enjoy life sightings, but they haven't been showing up in the TS reports so much anymore.
I wanted to get a trip without having the schedule 3 ADR's per day, but I'm worried if I don't he won't eat unless I pack for him.

At least there is Babycakes now!

 

[BearcatsFan]

This was the form letter I got ... bolding is mine:

Good afternoon!

Thank you for inquiring about how Walt Disney Parks and Resorts handles special dietary requests.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Food & Beverage team is committed to offering a wide range of options to accommodate Guests with food allergies or intolerances. When booking your dining reservations, please be sure to advise the Cast Member of your special dietary restrictions. If you book online, please make sure you include your dietary restrictions on each reservation. If you have already booked your reservations and you are not sure you included the restrictions, please contact our Disney Reservation Center at 407-WDW-Dine or 407-939-3463. Guests are also welcome to speak to a chef or a manager on duty when arriving at the dining location.

Whether dining at a table-service or quick-service restaurant, Guest food allergy or intolerance requirements will be addressed when brought to our attention. Due to the large volume of meals we serve, vendors and suppliers occasionally swap out product. Therefore, menu items and preparation is often updated.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will use reasonable efforts to prevent the introduction of the allergen of concern into the food through close attention during our sourcing, preparation and handling processes. However, it is ultimately up to the Guest to use his or her individual discretion to make an informed choice regarding whether to order any particular items. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts cannot guarantee that allergens may not have been introduced during another stage of the food chain process or, even inadvertently, during preparation. We do not have separate kitchens to prepare allergen-free items or separate dining areas for Guests with allergies or intolerances.

Most restaurants offer no sugar added, low fat, low sodium, vegetarian or vegan options. Advance arrangements are not necessary for guests with
lifestyle dietary requests. Guests can discuss this with their server upon arrival at the restaurant.

Most Walt Disney Parks and Resorts table service restaurants that accept reservations can accommodate Kosher meals if requested at least three
days in advance by calling 407-939-3463.

Table-service restaurants that accept reservations at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts can accommodate most food allergies or intolerances.

Most Table-Service locations and Quick-Service locations in the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts offer no-gluten added products for the main menu items with or without prior notice. For instance, if a location has waffles as the main menu item, they will generally offer gluten-free waffles as well.

Most Quick-Service locations in the Walt Disney Resorts are able to accommodate special dietary needs and provide menu items and ingredients
upon request.

For prepackaged items, we recommend that Guests read the ingredient list on the label before purchasing any product.

All our Chefs in our Theme Parks and Resorts are trained to handle allergies and take every precaution against any cross contact. As mentioned previously, due to the large volume of meals we serve, vendors and suppliers occasionally swap out product. Therefore, menu items and preparation are often updated. We stress that you ask to speak to a Chef or Manager when you arrive at each location. They will be happy to assist with your selection and provide product labels and ingredients for menu items.

The restaurants will do their best to accommodate Guest dietary requirements, but cannot guarantee they will be able to meet all requests. For additional information, we encourage you to visit our website http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/dining/

I hope your visit is enjoyable.

Sincerely,

Rachel Novak
Special Diets Team
Guest Experience Services
Walt Disney World Resort

This was what I received when I asked for a list of GF items that were available from CS restaurants, specifically CHH for the tour.

 

[Elinor Dashwood]

This was the form letter I got ... bolding is mine:

This was what I received when I asked for a list of GF items that were available from CS restaurants, specifically CHH for the tour.

This is the same letter I received in my email when I specifically asked gluten free and tree nut questions. Not very helpful was it.

 

[BearcatsFan]

This is the same letter I received in my email when I specifically asked gluten free and tree nut questions. Not very helpful was it.

No. In fact, it made me angry more than anything else. I'm not sure if calling will do me much more good, but I may try that closer to our trip. I'll be following this thread as well.

 

[AEPaul]

We just finished another week-long trip with 3 food-allergic children (no gluten-intolerance, but I think it's safe to assume they're the same for the sake of this conversation). We had another great experience. All but one of our meals worked out great (Norway was the weak one) - that includes sit down, quick serve, and kiosks. Further as AllergyEats Disney World has grown in usage, I'm not seeing any kind of dramatic fall-off in how they accommodate our community. Please check the restaurants you're planning to dine at on our site (allergyeats.com/disney) and maybe consider others that are highly-rated.

Good luck! Enjoy your trip! (And if you don't mind rating your experiences on AllergyEats Disney World afterwards, our growing community would be very grateful!)

 

[BearcatsFan]

We just finished another week-long trip with 3 food-allergic children (no gluten-intolerance, but I think it's safe to assume they're the same for the sake of this conversation). We had another great experience. All but one of our meals worked out great (Norway was the weak one) - that includes sit down, quick serve, and kiosks. Further as AllergyEats Disney World has grown in usage, I'm not seeing any kind of dramatic fall-off in how they accommodate our community. Please check the restaurants you're planning to dine at on our site (allergyeats.com/disney) and maybe consider others that are highly-rated.

Good luck! Enjoy your trip! (And if you don't mind rating your experiences on AllergyEats Disney World afterwards, our growing community would be very grateful!)

Perhaps you could provide the experiences you had HERE as opposed to promoting your own website and attempting to drive people THERE.

 

[MedicGoofy]

I find this thread rather frustrating, on many levels.

I feel for Disney. I truely do. In a world where almost everyone has an 'allergy', they have tried for how long to accomodate people. And they don't have to. They really don't. How many other places do? I know my SIL, can NOT go into a restaurant and eat a meal. When she tells restaurants of her allergies, she is actually refused to be served, for legal reasons. I think Disney has gone above what others have ever done. And now that they have made changes that some are not happy with, it is no longer the 'happiest place on earth'. I wish my sister in law could eat as well as most there. She still can't.

This thread is so heavy on just a couple of allergies you don't even begin to touch on anything else. People are so worried about just the gluten, dairy and egg. Because Disney has changed the gluten free/dairy free to just gluten free....it's the end of the world. Because a new product might not be as good as the prior product, people are up in arms.

I wish that my SIL ended up having the options that the rest of you had. While she is not gluten free or dairy free....she has many other allergies. Some in this so called top 8 (don't know why that is so important). And many many others that aren't. The ones that aren't, are the ones that make it near impossible for her to eat out.

Im not sure how we are going to make out on our trip. But it certainly won't stop us from going. We will make the best of it. It's her first time going to Disney. And she is beyond excited. A little nervous of the food. Actually, a lot nervous. BUT, we're going to see what they can do for her. She doesn't have high expectations. Because of how we live at home. If Disney can come through for her, than fantastic. If not, it will be no different than everyday life. We will be ready though to go out and get food. It will NOT spoil a vacation, and we wouldn't think of cancelling it.

I would love any suggestions on how she can eat. She has a severe anaphylatic reaction to the following: peanuts and any other kind of nut. ALL fruit with the exception of pineapple, banana, oranges and watermelon. Yes, ALL others. No carrots. No sweet potatoes. No coconut or coconut oil. No radishs. No sunflower seeds/oil. No pesto. And some seasoning; cajun, nutmeg and all spice.

Seeing this, those that get the fun of treats that are special, she gets none of. There are no treats at Disney she can have. Mickey Waffles? Probably not. No ice cream treats. So while some complain that all they might get to eat is a bowl of fresh fruit, I wouldn't complain so much of that....at least you get that. She can't have it. And she would love it.

While I understand that change sucks immensely, sometimes, when you still have some options, it's better than absolutely nothing.

 

[mistysue]

Getting the brands took me a number of emails- I opened with "A TEMPLATE RESPONSE DOES NOT ADDRESS MY QUESTIONS. THANK YOU."


MedicGoofy- I get that you SIL's situation sucks. That doesn't mean everybody has to completely throw their arms up a give up altogether. The reason Disney's situation is different from a typical restaurant is they are advertising this great deal- you fly in, they cover all transportation and you basically live there for a week or two. It's not like I'm at the mall and I can drive 2 miles back home to pick up food. I am not out of town with no car- so I try to plan for meals- and they say "oh, just do it after you are here" Well, I've heard they are also going to try to charge me more for the food, so I deserve to at least be able to find out what they are going to try to feed us.

The top 8 account for 90% of allergic reactions. If nearly 4% of adults have a food allergy- that means a little over 3% of the adults in Disney can't eat something in that top 8. Therefore- in what world would it NOT make sense to at the very least just have an option that is top 8 free? One roll- and you've now covered 90% of the people who come in with an allergy, as opposed to one that maybe covers half of those people? Part of me is just annoyed that they are working so hard to make it more complicated for themselves as well as others.

My main complaint is that Disney has been providing items that are safe, then the took them away. Now I get to take a 3 year old to a park surrounded by kids eating cookies, ice cream, brownies, cupcakes and trying to convince him to eat a stick of plain celery??? IF I can even find the cart that sells it? My kids remember the character meals, I want to be able to take them rather than cart around my own food in 90 degree weather. (which I don't have space to store staying at a value)

Sometimes people with multiple allergies do not have an option any more, let alone a first choice. That is why the complaining.

 

[mistysue]

PS- They didn't change the gluten/dairy free to gluten free- they changed the gluten/soy/dairy/egg free to just gluten free.

 

[Elinor Dashwood]

I find this thread rather frustrating, on many levels.

I feel for Disney. I truely do. In a world where almost everyone has an 'allergy', they have tried for how long to accomodate people. And they don't have to. They really don't. How many other places do? I know my SIL, can NOT go into a restaurant and eat a meal. When she tells restaurants of her allergies, she is actually refused to be served, for legal reasons. I think Disney has gone above what others have ever done. And now that they have made changes that some are not happy with, it is no longer the 'happiest place on earth'. I wish my sister in law could eat as well as most there. She still can't.

You feel for Disney? Well, they don't have to accommodate us "allergy" people. We in return do not have to go. It would be beyond ridiculous for Disney to approach it that way as they would lose a ton of business. As you stated, "in a world where almost everyone has an allergy, they have tried for how long to accommodate people." That's a lot of people, a lot who will not return to Disney if they or their children can't eat safely. So you can be upset for your SIL who can't eat out safely, but we allergy people cannot be upset over Disney and their new unhelpful attitude toward food allergies??

This thread is so heavy on just a couple of allergies you don't even begin to touch on anything else. People are so worried about just the gluten, dairy and egg. Because Disney has changed the gluten free/dairy free to just gluten free....it's the end of the world. Because a new product might not be as good as the prior product, people are up in arms.

Um, ya this is a problem for many. I don't get your point. Are you saying that we shouldn't complain or be upset by the changes because your SIL has a litany of food allergies and can't eat out?

I wish that my SIL ended up having the options that the rest of you had. While she is not gluten free or dairy free....she has many other allergies. Some in this so called top 8 (don't know why that is so important). And many many others that aren't. The ones that aren't, are the ones that make it near impossible for her to eat out.

It certainly sounds like your SIL is rather the exception and not the rule when it comes to dining at Disney. I do feel bad for her, that is a huge list to deal with and I can imagine being frustrated. But you're coming across like we have nothing to complain about because we don't have her huge list.

The top 8 are very important, as the previous poster already said above. Most food allergies fall into those 8. Also, it is legally required to label all of the top 8 allergens. See why it's important now?

Im not sure how we are going to make out on our trip. But it certainly won't stop us from going. We will make the best of it. It's her first time going to Disney. And she is beyond excited. A little nervous of the food. Actually, a lot nervous. BUT, we're going to see what they can do for her. She doesn't have high expectations. Because of how we live at home. If Disney can come through for her, than fantastic. If not, it will be no different than everyday life. We will be ready though to go out and get food. It will NOT spoil a vacation, and we wouldn't think of cancelling it.

So you're going to go to Disney with SIL and if Disney can't accommodate her, you'll just buy all of your own food? Are you staying offsite with a kitchen? How are you planning to cook this food?

I would love any suggestions on how she can eat. She has a severe anaphylatic reaction to the following: peanuts and any other kind of nut. ALL fruit with the exception of pineapple, banana, oranges and watermelon. Yes, ALL others. No carrots. No sweet potatoes. No coconut or coconut oil. No radishs. No sunflower seeds/oil. No pesto. And some seasoning; cajun, nutmeg and all spice.

This is ironic. You are asking us for suggestions when you basically insinuate that we shouldn't be complaining over the changes? What can you do for your SIL? Go ahead and email Special Diets and see. Then you'll understand why alot of us are frustrated. I'm serious.

Seeing this, those that get the fun of treats that are special, she gets none of. There are no treats at Disney she can have. Mickey Waffles? Probably not. No ice cream treats. So while some complain that all they might get to eat is a bowl of fresh fruit, I wouldn't complain so much of that....at least you get that. She can't have it. And she would love it.

Again, you're trying to make us feel bad for expressing our frustration on this thread because your SIL can't have special, fun treats?

While I understand that change sucks immensely, sometimes, when you still have some options, it's better than absolutely nothing.

Then how will your SIL eat at Disney, if there aren't any options as you say above. I'm planning a trip to Disney where we'll be spending a lot of money both to stay and eat there. I don't think it's unreasonable to want to know what I can eat beforehand, especially considering the prices Disney charges for food.

 

[dzorn]

Has anyone had any luck at all getting lists of GF safe foods? I emailed Special Diets and got the same form letter I've seen in this thread many times.

DH is in the process of being tested (got bloodwork done yesterday), but our doctor feels sure that's what is going on. I was trying to get prepared for our upcoming trip, but now I'm worried because I have nothing to go on. DH is concerned because this will be all new for him.

I have ressies already at LTT, Biergarten, Rainforest Cafe, and The Plaza. The rest of our meals will be QS (WPE, Sassagoulas/Riverside Mill, Sunshine Seasons, EoS). Anyone have recent experience with these places?

The meal I'm most concerned about is our lunch at CHH with our KTTK tour. We have to fill out the meal forms in the morning with the tour guide - how am I going to know what is available there that is GF so we can request it on the form? Should I stop in there the day before and talk to the manager and maybe get our meal requests filled out ahead of time (I'm diabetic so I need to figure out what I can eat here too!)?

ARGHHHH!

The turkey at LLT is GF. DD had that with carrot sticks(she also has textrue issues so we did not even find out the other options)

Denise in MI

 

[BearcatsFan]

The turkey at LLT is GF. DD had that with carrot sticks(she also has textrue issues so we did not even find out the other options)

Denise in MI

 

[Blueyed Girl]

PS- They didn't change the gluten/dairy free to gluten free- they changed the gluten/soy/dairy/egg free to just gluten free.

And in some of this "Gluten Free" foods they've switched to, they have subtracted the wheat flour and replaced it with pea flour or pea protien which my son is highly allergic to. I am still angry with all this attention to gluten free. If my son eats this, he will not be sick because he ate it...he could DIE. To me there is a HUGE difference. Mine is not an "over time" issue. It is a "right now" issue. It is not throwing off his system. It could literally kill him and others with serious food allergies.

 

[Elinor Dashwood]

And in some of this "Gluten Free" foods they've switched to, they have subtracted the wheat flour and replaced it with pea flour or pea protien which my son is highly allergic to. I am still angry with all this attention to gluten free. If my son eats this, he will not be sick because he ate it...he could DIE. To me there is a HUGE difference. Mine is not an "over time" issue. It is a "right now" issue. It is not throwing off his system. It could literally kill him and others with serious food allergies.

I understand what you're saying. My daughter has 2 of the top 8 allergens with her reactions being anaphylactic too. I carry multiple epi pens everywhere we go!

Last time we were there, some of the restaurants were using the "Namaste" mixes which are free of all top 8 allergens AND I don't recall there being any pea or pea protein added. Bob's Red Mill doesn't contain it either. I do know that the Kinnickinnik baked goods have it though and Disney offered their muffins and donuts. Of course that was over a year ago I visited and obviously things are changing.

 

[Blueyed Girl]

I understand what you're saying. My daughter has 2 of the top 8 allergens with her reactions being anaphylactic too. I carry multiple epi pens everywhere we go!

Last time we were there, some of the restaurants were using the "Namaste" mixes which are free of all top 8 allergens AND I don't recall there being any pea or pea protein added. Bob's Red Mill doesn't contain it either. I do know that the Kinnickinnik baked goods have it though and Disney offered their muffins and donuts. Of course that was over a year ago I visited and obviously things are changing.

I will have to look up all the brand's you listed just to research and TRY to be prepared. I know there are some bread products by UDI's that he can't have. He can't eat at Babycakes either. I learned that on our trip last summer....luckily their staff was very knowledgable and we found this out BEFORE he ate anything.