Thread for allergy foods updates

[lilsk8nmac]

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.

If you would like, you can PM me and we can talk further. She and I have ALOT Of the same allergies, I have been able to survive at DISNEY.

 

[EEyorelover22]

Do you know what kind of bar it was? I just looked at the three listed on their site and did not see corn listed. I did not even see corn listed as an ingredient in any of their items.

Corn does not have to be listed unfortunately

I was diagnosed with my corn allergy along with most of the other foods on the planet the last two years and I found a corn allergy site...I think maybe Live Corn Free and last September when I was trying to find some foods to eat the lady at the store recommend the Enjoy Life bars...it was the chocolate one that I believe had rice in it...anyway...I became extremely ill and when I was feeling better I was reading more on the website and it noted that people have reacted to Enjoy Life bars.

Corn is hidden in so many things and it's used to process many things too...vinegar, table salt, Silk milk products, Vit E can be corn based, coffee filters if biodegradable, toothpaste...the list is endless. I have a lot of trouble with bottled water too. The list of corn products is enormous.

Nasmaste mix I cannot eat either...I'm not sure if it's the arrowroot or the tapioca, but it didn't like me either. I'm glad I tried it before our trip this winter.

I was really hopeful I could eat while as Disney, but I've moved on. I don't blame them, but I am still very annoyed with their emails that they sent me.

my allergies: corn, dairy (& casein), eggs, wheat, oats, (gluten intolerant as well), beef, carrots, peas, several beans, cucumbers, all nuts and peanuts, fish, seafood, and strawberries.

 

[mistysue]

I am thankful every day we haven't seen a problem with corn. Aren't they making bottles, coffee cups, straws and carry out containers out of it now? I think if he turned up a corn allergy my DS would try to starve to death. (just about leaves steamed broccoli on the current list of what he will eat)

 

[Minnie]

.
Special diets refused to comment on where I may find rice dream ice cream. Basically said "find out when you are here."

I was just in WDW and Rice Dream was still available in the locations I've come to expect it - MK - Main Street Ice cream Parlor and Beaches N Creme (Beach Club). I've also found it before at several of the Disney owned resort hotels and restaurants (you need to ask for it).

Of course this all can change but since it was still available a couple weeks ago I have hope!

 

[livndisney]

Corn does not have to be listed unfortunately

I was diagnosed with my corn allergy along with most of the other foods on the planet the last two years and I found a corn allergy site...I think maybe Live Corn Free and last September when I was trying to find some foods to eat the lady at the store recommend the Enjoy Life bars...it was the chocolate one that I believe had rice in it...anyway...I became extremely ill and when I was feeling better I was reading more on the website and it noted that people have reacted to Enjoy Life bars.

Corn is hidden in so many things and it's used to process many things too...vinegar, table salt, Silk milk products, Vit E can be corn based, coffee filters if biodegradable, toothpaste...the list is endless. I have a lot of trouble with bottled water too. The list of corn products is enormous.

Nasmaste mix I cannot eat either...I'm not sure if it's the arrowroot or the tapioca, but it didn't like me either. I'm glad I tried it before our trip this winter.

I was really hopeful I could eat while as Disney, but I've moved on. I don't blame them, but I am still very annoyed with their emails that they sent me.

my allergies: corn, dairy (& casein), eggs, wheat, oats, (gluten intolerant as well), beef, carrots, peas, several beans, cucumbers, all nuts and peanuts, fish, seafood, and strawberries.

I must be confused. You are saying corn is an ingredient in an "allergy safe" food, but it is not listed as an ingredient?

 

[clanmcculloch]

Unfortunately, Enjoy Life is NOT corn free. I think if it's only the protein that you react to then you may be ok but each person with a corn allergy needs to understand their allergy and know what they react to and make an informed decision based on that knowledge.

From the Enjoy Life site:

http://enjoylifefoods.com/talk_to_us/faqs.php

Q: Are your products corn free?
A: Enjoy Life products do not claim to be corn-free. Having said that, we want Enjoy Life customers to have as much information as possible regarding our ingredients. The powdered evaporated cane juice in 2 of our Boom Choco Boom bars (Dairy-Free Rice Milk Bar and Dairy-Free Rice Milk with Crispy Rice Bar) contain less than 1% corn starch as a processing aid. This product is labeled “may contain traces of corn.”

Natural flavors are often derived from corn alcohol. Three of our natural flavors: vanilla, caramel and berry are derived from corn alcohol. Our supplier guarantees all corn protein is removed in the distillation process and considers them to be corn-free. Also, although the citric acid in our Very Berry Crunch Granola is derived from corn, the fermentation process removes the corn protein. We always encourage people to make a choice based on their own comfort level with these ingredients.​

http://enjoylifefoods.com/talk_to_us/ingredient_glossary.php#top

Citric Acid
We use citric acid to give our lemon cookies a bright, sour taste. It is found in high concentrations in citrus fruits – lemons, limes, grapefruits, oranges, etc. Like xanthan gum, it is produced when a specific bacteria is allowed to ferment on a corn sugar medium. Although it does not contain corn, it is derived from corn.

Vanilla
We buy our vanilla from Nielsen-Massey, one of the finest producers of vanilla extract in the United States. This extract comes from 100% vanilla beans grown in Madagascar, off the African coast. It is considered to be the highest quality vanilla available and adds a smooth and mellow sweetness to our cookies. It is not processed with any gluten-containing ingredients, making it totally safe for people with Celiac Disease to consume. While the vanilla is distilled with corn alcohol, all corn protein is removed in the distillation process. Thus, our vanilla contains no corn protein and is tolerated by most corn-free people. However, we certainly recognize the seriousness of food allergies and encourage you to make your own decision (or consult your doctor) regarding whether or not you feel comfortable eating this ingredient.

Xanthan gum
Gums help to prevent our goodies from crumbling, a job normally performed by gluten in mainstream foods. It is a necessity in gluten-free baking. Xanthan comes from the dried cell coat of a microorganism called Zanthomonas campestris. Though it sounds chemical, it is actually an all-natural ingredient. Xanthan gum is derived from the fermentation of corn sugars; however, all corn sugars are removed in the processing of xanthan gum. Xanthan gum contains no corn protein and is tolerated by most corn-free people. However, we certainly recognize the seriousness of food allergies and encourage you to make your own decision (or consult your doctor) regarding whether or not you feel comfortable eating this ingredient.​

 

[livndisney]

Unfortunately, Enjoy Life is NOT corn free. I think if it's only the protein that you react to then you may be ok but each person with a corn allergy needs to understand their allergy and know what they react to and make an informed decision based on that knowledge.

From the Enjoy Life site:

http://enjoylifefoods.com/talk_to_us/faqs.php

Q: Are your products corn free?
A: Enjoy Life products do not claim to be corn-free. Having said that, we want Enjoy Life customers to have as much information as possible regarding our ingredients. The powdered evaporated cane juice in 2 of our Boom Choco Boom bars (Dairy-Free Rice Milk Bar and Dairy-Free Rice Milk with Crispy Rice Bar) contain less than 1% corn starch as a processing aid. This product is labeled “may contain traces of corn.”

Natural flavors are often derived from corn alcohol. Three of our natural flavors: vanilla, caramel and berry are derived from corn alcohol. Our supplier guarantees all corn protein is removed in the distillation process and considers them to be corn-free. Also, although the citric acid in our Very Berry Crunch Granola is derived from corn, the fermentation process removes the corn protein. We always encourage people to make a choice based on their own comfort level with these ingredients.​

http://enjoylifefoods.com/talk_to_us/ingredient_glossary.php#top

Citric Acid
We use citric acid to give our lemon cookies a bright, sour taste. It is found in high concentrations in citrus fruits – lemons, limes, grapefruits, oranges, etc. Like xanthan gum, it is produced when a specific bacteria is allowed to ferment on a corn sugar medium. Although it does not contain corn, it is derived from corn.

Vanilla
We buy our vanilla from Nielsen-Massey, one of the finest producers of vanilla extract in the United States. This extract comes from 100% vanilla beans grown in Madagascar, off the African coast. It is considered to be the highest quality vanilla available and adds a smooth and mellow sweetness to our cookies. It is not processed with any gluten-containing ingredients, making it totally safe for people with Celiac Disease to consume. While the vanilla is distilled with corn alcohol, all corn protein is removed in the distillation process. Thus, our vanilla contains no corn protein and is tolerated by most corn-free people. However, we certainly recognize the seriousness of food allergies and encourage you to make your own decision (or consult your doctor) regarding whether or not you feel comfortable eating this ingredient.

Xanthan gum
Gums help to prevent our goodies from crumbling, a job normally performed by gluten in mainstream foods. It is a necessity in gluten-free baking. Xanthan comes from the dried cell coat of a microorganism called Zanthomonas campestris. Though it sounds chemical, it is actually an all-natural ingredient. Xanthan gum is derived from the fermentation of corn sugars; however, all corn sugars are removed in the processing of xanthan gum. Xanthan gum contains no corn protein and is tolerated by most corn-free people. However, we certainly recognize the seriousness of food allergies and encourage you to make your own decision (or consult your doctor) regarding whether or not you feel comfortable eating this ingredient.​

We don't have a problem with corn, and a lot of the "Enjoy Life" stuff is off limits due to apple and other things they use. My question was more about an allergy free food not providing info on all the ingredients used.

 

[clanmcculloch]

Oh, I knew what you meant. I was sharing this for others who may have assumed that Enjoy Life products were corn free because they're top 8 free.

I don't recall checking on the bars themselves (we're not corn free so it wouldn't stand out in my memory) but it says in the FAQ that the chocolate bars state on the package that they may contain traces of corn. I think that sometimes people don't do their due dilligance 100% of the time when we're talking about "allergy safe products" (I know I'm guilty of this myself sometimes with items that are top 8 free which is a huge mistake for my family) so I wonder if that's what happened with PP.

 

[MedicGoofy]

Wow.

So we have been going to Disney with a lengthy list of "non top 8 allergies" for years. We have had great experiences and scrimp and save to borrow and steal to go on our Disney trips since my son CAN eat here.

So when you go on this trip and it's awesome and your sister in law is thrilled that she was able to eat out and then they change vendors again and she can no longer have something that she could the 1st trip.

Then come back to this thread.

Otherwise, use the information that has been provided for vendors to research which manufactors use what in their natural flavorings. These are the things, like nutmeg, that people are not legally required to list. The top 8 that you don't know anything about are the ones that they are required to list.

Again, you can't really make those calls when you get to the counter to order so it's essential to have this information ahead of time.

As far as what your sister can eat, I anticipate that she will be able to eat well despite her list.

OK. Half the stuff that you just spewed out. I have no idea what you are talking about.

Where did I ever say that I know nothing about the 'top 8' allergies. My sister in law, in fact, DOES have some of the top 8 allergies. Which I know LOTS about. Thank you. Reread the post. Just because I, MYSELF, am not affected, does not mean I know nothing about it. I work in the emergency medical field. I have treated DOZENS of people with anaphylatic allergies and have studied extensively about allergies. For educational reason, for personal reasons. I have treated people with more allergies outside that 'top 8' -minus the peanut allergies, than people inside it. I have yet to see a person needing treatment for gluten reaction as compared to more and more fruit allergies.

I know extensively of the gluten/dairy/egg...whatever free products Disney uses as they sell them in my local health food store. The problem with these foods for MY sister in law, most times, they use applesauces in them. So for her, they are out. They have natural flavorings. Can't eat them. I get the products they have. Enjoy life. Udis. OMG. Read the lists. It's not just nutmeg. Or spices. It's a multitude of things that contribute. Sunflower oil. Coconut oil. These are used extensively in the products.

I don't doubt eating at a table service restaurant won't happen. She can have the basics. But I am talking about the fun foods. One previous poster stated their child just ended up having jelly beans. My sister in law woulnd't even get those. Fruit juice in them. Natural flavoring. Can't have them. Get a bowl of fruit. Can't have it. Unless it was JUST pineapple. Can't have anything else. Waffle mix. Mixes applesauce with it. Can't have it. Chicken tenders...have spices. What spices. Don't list exact ones. Can't have it. I don't doubt we won't find food. Disney's potato chips. Oil fried in, can't have it. Done the homework. We know there aren't many treats she can have. Which is the fun part of Disney. Mickey ears are out too. But that will not stop us from having a great time. We will bring food from home so that she doesn't have an issue. Food she knows is safe.

And you can't make what calls when you get to the counter? If they give you a book with listed ingredients? Know where there products are from...what is the issue?

 

[mistysue]

An adult getting there, making a call at the counter and having to wait 20 minutes for them to cook something than taking a 3 year old.
So yes when I mention my son just having jelly beans- it is a problem because he is a little kid and it's totally different than a full grown adult not being able to have a cookie. If I can't have something, I understand that I can eat lettuce while other people have cake- it doesn't work that way for little kids.

As a result, it would be nice to be able to plan. When zero information is given, nobody can plan. Again, I'm sorry for your SIL's situation, that doesn't mean that Disney should go out of their way to just screw everybody over because she can't eat much.

You did make quite clear that you didn't understand the top 8 in your previous post. I still feel that if being top 8 free covers 90% of allergens, they should offer a top 8 free rather than some random foods that cover one or two allergies each. Your exact words were "Some in this so called top 8 (don't know why that is so important)." It really doesn't take much time learning about allergies to know why the top 8 are significant. Nobody said it covers all allergies, but it's still important.

 

[kck182]

OK. Half the stuff that you just spewed out. I have no idea what you are talking about.

Where did I ever say that I know nothing about the 'top 8' allergies. My sister in law, in fact, DOES have some of the top 8 allergies. Which I know LOTS about. Thank you. Reread the post. Just because I, MYSELF, am not affected, does not mean I know nothing about it. I work in the emergency medical field. I have treated DOZENS of people with anaphylatic allergies and have studied extensively about allergies. For educational reason, for personal reasons. I have treated people with more allergies outside that 'top 8' -minus the peanut allergies, than people inside it. I have yet to see a person needing treatment for gluten reaction as compared to more and more fruit allergies.

I know extensively of the gluten/dairy/egg...whatever free products Disney uses as they sell them in my local health food store. The problem with these foods for MY sister in law, most times, they use applesauces in them. So for her, they are out. They have natural flavorings. Can't eat them. I get the products they have. Enjoy life. Udis. OMG. Read the lists. It's not just nutmeg. Or spices. It's a multitude of things that contribute. Sunflower oil. Coconut oil. These are used extensively in the products.

I don't doubt eating at a table service restaurant won't happen. She can have the basics. But I am talking about the fun foods. One previous poster stated their child just ended up having jelly beans. My sister in law woulnd't even get those. Fruit juice in them. Natural flavoring. Can't have them. Get a bowl of fruit. Can't have it. Unless it was JUST pineapple. Can't have anything else. Waffle mix. Mixes applesauce with it. Can't have it. Chicken tenders...have spices. What spices. Don't list exact ones. Can't have it. I don't doubt we won't find food. Disney's potato chips. Oil fried in, can't have it. Done the homework. We know there aren't many treats she can have. Which is the fun part of Disney. Mickey ears are out too. But that will not stop us from having a great time. We will bring food from home so that she doesn't have an issue. Food she knows is safe.

And you can't make what calls when you get to the counter? If they give you a book with listed ingredients? Know where there products are from...what is the issue?

So I was thinking about this post and want to apoligize for being snarky, it really wasn't intended. But just like we must of hit a nerve with you with this post. You hit a nerve with me.

We, as in people who have previously gone to Disney with the dietary reference sheets, are frustrated right now because of exactely what you just described. The never ending search for things that match your allergy set.

So when you find something and then it changes. It is very frustrating. And as much as I would like to say, "Yay for the people that this benefits, I'm so happy for you, I know how hard it is." Right now I just need to know that my son isn't excluded and I don't want him to feel left out. What I spend everyday trying not to do.

Then I can be happy for everyone else.

When you are a grown up this is a bummer, you have been living this lifestyle for awhile you realize that this happens. When you are a child and having a tapioca roll with olive oil at dinner is one of your number one things about going on this trip it is devastating for a little kid. So if I know that the switch has been made, I can bring my own rolls and life goes on. No biggy.

If I don't know what they have until I get there, how do I know what to bring? The main reason I go here is to go out to eat. I think it's reasonable to be prepared before I leave home.

The calls that I am referring to is when you contact the manufactor to sweet talk them into disclosing what items are in their natural flavorings, spices etc. The things that they are not required to list.

I would be frustrated if all week I told my son he couldn't have something. Come to find out with a simple phone call I could of found out if that product was in my comfort zone to let him eat it. Again, it's difficult to do while on vacation. Sure, not impossible but extremely difficult.

Waffle mix, can be made without applesauce...I don't have the ingrediants in front of me for the mix you would have to check that. However, we have had mickey waffles made without the mix lots. Just flour, whatever milk is okay or water, egg replacer or the baking powder and oil mixture. The chicken tenders, are made from a manufactor that is sensitive to allergies. They may tell you the spices that are in their recipe. If I needed to know I would call to give it a shot. Sometimes they don't tell you, sometimes they do.

Wouldn't be nice to know who to call?

See if you know the tricks and the products and manufactors there are probably more treats that she can have than you realize.

We just want to know the tricks before we get there.

 

[EEyorelover22]

I must be confused. You are saying corn is an ingredient in an "allergy safe" food, but it is not listed as an ingredient?

see post 266
I am EXTREMELY sensitive to corn.
no baking powder, salt...anything processed with corn. Silk Milk is out too.

Corn is not one of the top allergens so it does not have to be listed.

Rice Chex has corn in it...the Vit E...it's not listed on the label. I called the company and it is made with corn....processed somehow with it.

I had the Enjoy Life Bars at the beginning of September before I knew about my corn allergy too. Even simply lemonaide which says "natural flavorings" must be made with corn. I went back and looked at several items I ate last summer before the dx of the corn allergy and I finally figured out why I was getting sick from them...most of them it was baking soda, salt, or vanilla.

 

[livndisney]

An adult getting there, making a call at the counter and having to wait 20 minutes for them to cook something than taking a 3 year old.
So yes when I mention my son just having jelly beans- it is a problem because he is a little kid and it's totally different than a full grown adult not being able to have a cookie. If I can't have something, I understand that I can eat lettuce while other people have cake- it doesn't work that way for little kids.

As a result, it would be nice to be able to plan. When zero information is given, nobody can plan. Again, I'm sorry for your SIL's situation, that doesn't mean that Disney should go out of their way to just screw everybody over because she can't eat much.

You did make quite clear that you didn't understand the top 8 in your previous post. I still feel that if being top 8 free covers 90% of allergens, they should offer a top 8 free rather than some random foods that cover one or two allergies each. Your exact words were "Some in this so called top 8 (don't know why that is so important)." It really doesn't take much time learning about allergies to know why the top 8 are significant. Nobody said it covers all allergies, but it's still important.

Oh I don't know, I am an adult(according to my Drivers License LOL) and I might throw a fit if I have to eat lettuce when everyone else gets cake

 

[EEyorelover22]

An adult getting there, making a call at the counter and having to wait 20 minutes for them to cook something than taking a 3 year old.
So yes when I mention my son just having jelly beans- it is a problem because he is a little kid and it's totally different than a full grown adult not being able to have a cookie. If I can't have something, I understand that I can eat lettuce while other people have cake- it doesn't work that way for little kids.

As a result, it would be nice to be able to plan. When zero information is given, nobody can plan. Again, I'm sorry for your SIL's situation, that doesn't mean that Disney should go out of their way to just screw everybody over because she can't eat much.

You did make quite clear that you didn't understand the top 8 in your previous post. I still feel that if being top 8 free covers 90% of allergens, they should offer a top 8 free rather than some random foods that cover one or two allergies each. Your exact words were "Some in this so called top 8 (don't know why that is so important)." It really doesn't take much time learning about allergies to know why the top 8 are significant. Nobody said it covers all allergies, but it's still important.

I agree with you that dealing with this in a child would be a nightmare.
I would especially be annoyed if I wanted them to enjoy a character meal and had to pay full price and couldn't eat anything because of the entertainment factor coming into play. I guess at least if they were younger it wouldn't be as much.

I really feel for all the parents on this thread.

Bringing food along sounds really easy too, but it requires a lot of planning. I've had to do it this entire year with visiting my kids at college and staying in hotels, etc. I am concerned about this at WDW because of the distances from the parks to the resort, but we'll see how it goes.

I do know that the chefs do a wonderful job and did in 2010 when we were in WDW and 2011 in DL. However, sometimes it's not possible and that's where I am. We'll see what happens when I get there. It will be over the holidays and they will be very busy too so that could be an issue as well.

I found that filling out the form with special diets didn't really help. I had my allergies listed on a sheet of bright colored index card cut small that I handed the server so the chef could see it. This really seemed to help. I made several and kept them in my wallet.

I have gained a lot of information from this thread. I thought BabyCakes would be somewhere I could find something, but I know now that's not going to be the case and like I said the pancake mix as well is out.

 

[livndisney]

see post 266
I am EXTREMELY sensitive to corn.
no baking powder, salt...anything processed with corn. Silk Milk is out too.

Corn is not one of the top allergens so it does not have to be listed.

Rice Chex has corn in it...the Vit E...it's not listed on the label. I called the company and it is made with corn....processed somehow with it.

I had the Enjoy Life Bars at the beginning of September before I knew about my corn allergy too. Even simply lemonaide which says "natural flavorings" must be made with corn. I went back and looked at several items I ate last summer before the dx of the corn allergy and I finally figured out why I was getting sick from them...most of them is was baking soda, salt, or vanilla.

You may have missed where I replied in 267.

 

[livndisney]

I agree with you that dealing with this in a child would be a nightmare.
I would especially be annoyed if I wanted them to enjoy a character meal and had to pay full price and couldn't eat anything because of the entertainment factor coming into play. I guess at least if they were younger it wouldn't be as much.

I really feel for all the parents on this thread.

Bringing food along sounds really easy too, but it requires a lot of planning. I've had to do it this entire year with visiting my kids at college and staying in hotels, etc. I am concerned about this at WDW because of the distances from the parks to the resort, but we'll see how it goes.

I do know that the chefs do a wonderful job and did in 2010 when we were in WDW and 2011 in DL. However, sometimes it's not possible and that's where I am. We'll see what happens when I get there. It will be over the holidays and they will be very busy too so that could be an issue as well.

I have gained a lot of information from this thread. I thought BabyCakes would be somewhere I could find something, but I know now that's not going to be the case and like I said the pancake mix as well is out.

Don't know if this helps, but we bring our food in all the time. Both on day trips and when we stay on the resort. In some ways it is much easier than ordering at the CS places at WDW. Like dd pointed out the other day as her friend had to wait in line, we had our food, knew it was safe and could enjoy it while her friend waited and waited.

I bought myself a soft sided Vera Bradley cooler, and some frozen gel containers and take in almost anything I want.

 

[EEyorelover22]

You may have missed where I replied in 267.

I did

 

[EEyorelover22]

Don't know if this helps, but we bring our food in all the time. Both on day trips and when we stay on the resort. In some ways it is much easier than ordering at the CS places at WDW. Like dd pointed out the other day as her friend had to wait in line, we had our food, knew it was safe and could enjoy it while her friend waited and waited.

I bought myself a soft sided Vera Bradley cooler, and some frozen gel containers and take in almost anything I want.

That is what I am planning. I actually have an insulated Disney backpack of smaller size.

Do they say anything when you come into the parks or do they just check it like the other bags?

Also...if anyone knows where the lockers are...I've never noticed...but I plan on storing it in there...maybe. I haven't decided yet for sure.

I am most concerned about water believe it or not and whether I'll have enough for the day. I cannot drink bottled water and cannot have it out of the fountain machines (corn syrup from the pop). I drink my water double filtered here at home. I plan on bringing a Brita pitcher.

 

[livndisney]

That is what I am planning. I actually have an insulated Disney backpack of smaller size.

Do they say anything when you come into the parks or do they just check it like the other bags?

Also...if anyone knows where the lockers are...I've never noticed...but I plan on storing it in there...maybe. I haven't decided yet for sure.

I am most concerned about water believe it or not and whether I'll have enough for the day. I cannot drink bottled water and cannot have it out of the fountain machines (corn syrup from the pop). I drink my water double filtered here at home. I plan on bringing a Brita pitcher.

Yep they have lockers!

At MGM there are some right at the bus stop.
Epcot right of the golf ball just after the shop.
Mk under the train station at the entrance.
Ak left of the entrance just past GS.

No problem going through bag check. They will look. They may ask what time lunch is LOL. If they question (which I doubt) you can simply say "allergy safe food". (You can't bring in glass).

We love our brita pitcher! Do you have the individual bottle with the filter? Then you can refil as needed.

 

[mistysue]

Yes- if you don't have the bottle with a filter- you should see if that would work for you! We love those.

I'm sorry if I've been coming across as a jerk in some of these- we never get to go anywhere anymore and I'm having a really hard time not being able to figure out what I need to do. I don't want to pack food. I want to just go out to eat... it seems like I should be able to plan to do that, but when I try it seems like there are all these barriers just barely in my way.
At this point it would almost be easier if they just came out and said "we will not serve your son food" - but that would totally suck too. I spend too much of my daily life preparing food as it is, I just want a vacation away from it.