Food Allergy Support

Discussion Boards => Traveling & Restaurants => Topic started by: Macabre on May 14, 2013, 12:10:48 AM

FAS has upgraded our forum security. Some members may need to log in again. If you are unable to remember your login information, please email food.allergy.supt@flash.net and we will help you get back in. Thanks for your patience!

Title: Disney Threads
Post by: Macabre on May 14, 2013, 12:10:48 AM
I plan to sticky this and build this list up over the next few days.


Disney Food Allergy Travel Agent

Disney World Counter Service

Places we ate in Disney 2012

The Disney Dining Plan - worth the money?

Disney Character Meals

Disney Cruise - Specific Foods You Ate?

Disney Cruise - Ana. Reaction

Disney World-Help, Over-whelmed

Disney Discontinuing Divvies

Planning Disney Vacation

City Walk, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Orlando


Older threads at our old site (there are many others):

Disney World (where we stayed and ate)

Walt Disney World (how do you plan?)

Disney Cruise

Walt Disney World (Quick Service/Table Service)




Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: HJK on May 14, 2013, 01:05:21 PM
Great idea!

Thank you for pulling this all together.
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: spacecanada on January 02, 2015, 10:00:03 PM
Some reviews from our Disney Cruise and Walt Disney World trip in November 2014 can be found at the Allergy Free Mouse website.

Cruise:
http://www.allergyfreemouse.com/2014/12/disney-dream-cruise-food-allergies/
Other than the food on Castaway Cay being plain, the rest of it was quite good, especially Palo!

WDW:
http://www.allergyfreemouse.com/2014/12/disney-world-with-multiple-food-allergies-and-intolerance/
Nothing can top our experience with Chef TJ, but every meal here was good.  Dinner at the top of California Grill during the fireworks was very magical, and the food was pretty amazing too.  The only concern we had on this trip was with a frozen dessert that I hadn't heard of before and didn't want to eat because the label had a cautionary label I had never seen before.  I wasn't up to trying any new foods this trip, as eating out every meal was challenging enough due to my PTSD.  My husband was more than happy to eat it, and the chef went off to make me something else (which was far better than the first dessert, I have to say.)
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: spacecanada on August 12, 2015, 08:53:57 PM
We're headed to Walt Disney World again in October.  We booked the trip through Pixie Lizzie: Disney allergy travel agent, booked a bowling party (sponsored by Premium Chocolatiers) through the Food Allergy and Celiac Conference, and already arranged a few meals and some surfing lessons.  Cannot wait.  Let me know if anyone has any questions or items for me to investigate whilst there.

But the big news for this post is here:
http://www.myallergykingdom.com
Disney and Mylan have partnered up, having EpiPens available at all their parks, their cruise ships, and even on Castaway Cay (Disney's private island in the Bahamas).  They also developed this site, which has many resources for general anaphylaxis information, recipes, tips, etc. but also Disney-related food allergy information. 
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: joanna5 on September 14, 2015, 04:16:07 PM
We are going in April (milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, and mustard for my guys and celiac for my SIL).  We are super excited.  We also used Pixie Lizzie- she seems lovely.  The biggest challenge for us will be the bread for my two carb-aholics, as well as the ever present "spices" with mustard.

Have a great trip! 
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: spacecanada on September 15, 2015, 09:34:07 AM
Pixie Lizzie told me, and I have confirmed, that the Magic Kingdom has have removed the vanilla Dole Whip flavour (contained dairy), which created a cross-contact risk for dairy allergies with the pineapple flavour (no dairy).  Now, people with dairy allergy can enjoy pineapple Dole Whips in Magic Kingdom.  Hooray!  (I'm not sure about traces up the line from the manufacturer, however, but I've been told it's safe.  You may want to double check.)

I have learnt not to eat bread outside of home, and Disney is no different.  It's just too high risk of an item.  If there is a particular brand your kid(s) can eat you may want to check if they have it at any of the restaurants you are going to or bring some of your own form home.  Some places have Kinnikinnick doughnuts (my contain some allergens), others will have Udi's bread products (contain egg), and some will have Namaste mixes to make safe waffles or cakes for top-11 (and more).  Ask Pixie Lizzie for the list of who has what.  We'll be hunting down safe waffles for breakfast... (Our hotel only has Bob's Red Mill mix.)
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: MaryM on March 26, 2018, 08:30:21 AM
Does anyone know if Disney still uses Namaste mix for their allergy waffles?  Last time we were there some places used Bob's Red Mill and we avoid that bc of tree nut allergies.  Have been looking into a trip in late August or the weekend after Labor Day but my kids will want those waffles....
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: spacecanada on March 26, 2018, 09:07:26 AM
Yes, some places still have Namaste.  Some are also using Golden Malted gluten-free mix, which is PN-TN free but may contain every other priority allergen including wheat (it is stupid, I know.). Actually, the regular Golden Malted waffles are May contain for everything but PN/TN Too.

Give special diets a call before you go to see which locations are most likely to have Namaste - or request it to be at the location you have a reservation.  1900 Park Fare has it, but I don't know where else at the moment.
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: MaryM on March 26, 2018, 09:31:29 AM
Thanks space.  So, I guess the waffle irons are cross contaminated....very frustrating. 
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: spacecanada on March 26, 2018, 10:47:21 AM
No, in most places they have different waffle irons for each mix!  If you call ahead and request Namaste mix and a dedicated waffle maker it may just happen.  (And often does.)  The lower end restaurants have the Bob's mix, but the more upscal restaurants have more options.  Definitely call.
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: MaryM on March 26, 2018, 10:55:52 AM
Thanks space!  I would call special diets?  They had it at Port Orleans FQ last year.  We ate breakfast there a lot.  Debating between 4 nights at Contempirary after Labor Day or 5/6 nights at Art of Animation.
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: spacecanada on March 26, 2018, 11:27:24 AM
Art of Animation won't have the Namaste mix, guaranteed.  Contemporary usually does, as does Port Orleans.  (But it changes so often I couldn't guarantee either.)
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: MaryM on March 27, 2018, 07:07:26 AM
Someone on FB told me Contemporary didn't have it recently.  Such a bummer.  The waffles were always a big treat for the kids.  DS could eat the Golden Malted but not DD.  As long as I prepare them ahead of time, they will handle it.  Still not sure if we will even go but I am dreaming about it.  Its a real vacation for me bc I don't have to cook or pre cook for the entire trip.
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: spacecanada on September 18, 2018, 02:03:11 PM
CAUTION: Walt Disney World has introduced mobile ordering for special diets and allergy menus and it's a HUGE red flag for me.  HUGE.  These menus do not take cross contact, traces, or multiple allergens into consideration.  For everyone here, please DO NOT use mobile ordering - or order from the regular 'allergy' menus if you have a (severe) food allergy!!  Always speak with a chef.  ALWAYS!

There, my PSA is over for the day.  Oh my goodness, this is frightening.  I know most of you here know better, but I feel the need to share the finer details, because they aren't so obvious. 

A few years back, I spoke with one of the Disneyland chefs who helped develop the food allergy menus in the first place and he was terrified that someone with a severe allergy would casually order from the allergy menu, not mention their allergy, and their meal end up with traces, or a mix up that caused a reaction.  Even he didn't agree that the allergy menus should be handled by patrons without a chef consultation.  They are guidelines, not guarantees. 

I posted some photos of the app, and Disney's allergy notice (which says to speak with a chef), on my work FB page, for those that follow it.
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: spacecanada on October 08, 2018, 12:04:08 PM
Phooey, I went to book some tours for our upcoming trip and was told they are not recommended for people with peanut allergies.   :pout:  They only list hay, dust, and stinging insects on their website as potential allergens, but two people over the phone have mentioned peanuts.

No 'Caring for Elephants' or 'Up Close with Rhinos' tours for us.

We normally pick one or two additional tours/activities when we visit Disney.  This time it will be runDisney, but I was hoping to add these as well.  Time to think of something else. 
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: spacecanada on January 25, 2019, 04:45:18 PM
We're headed to Disney next month, and so I submitted my special diets form this week.  I've had seven Disney chefs call or email me to discuss menu options and ingredients ahead of my visit.  One chef even offered to put a small pot of oil on so I could have fried falafel, free from cross contact with potatoes in their regular fryer.  I literally cried; fried food is normally forbidden for me.  Another chef emailed me the list of ingredient brands they use in a dish so I can research them ahead of time to feel more comfortable.  This is why we go to Disney - the chefs get it and want to make meals special and safe. 
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: hezzier on January 26, 2019, 08:02:29 AM
That’s awesome
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: rebekahc on January 26, 2019, 04:52:10 PM
 :heart:
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: spacecanada on February 01, 2019, 01:31:04 PM
More praise for Disney.  I submitted a special needs form since my PTSD is really messing me up lately with lights, sounds, and crowds, among other things.  They sent me many resources they have for various disabilities, told me where I can find quiet rooms to calm down, and even had a representative form runDisney call me to discuss the race events and both what to expect and what to do if things aren't going so well.  I was even forewarned the half marathon route goes past a fire station that often has the truck lights on - which is going to be an issue, but at least I know where and when to expect it, which is an advantage.  Hopefully it will be daylight by then so the lights won't be so irritating for me.

There's a reason why we vacation with Disney almost exclusively - and this is it.
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: spacecanada on March 05, 2019, 01:56:48 PM
Another successful Disney trip is in the books.  For two weeks, we ate safely everywhere we went and only had one poor experience (though eventually/ultimately a safe meal).  We found two new favourite chefs and a few more restaurants that will be on the 'must visit' list for next time.  One chef that was in touch with me before the trip wasn't working on the day we were at his restaurant and pre-made parts of my meal the day before, sent me an email update, and then followed up after our meal to make sure I had a great meal -- and I did.  That chef was truly amazing, the food was incredible, and Citricos is now my favourite Disney restaurant; and Chef Ben is my favourite chef.  (He was notable on our last visit as well.)

I learnt more about the allergy food prep this trip as well, and that the chef themselves make each allergy meal in a segregated area of the kitchen with dedicated utensils and tools to ensure no cross contact, and the area and all tools are sanitised between uses.  At least this was the case in at least three table service restaurants we went to.  We didn't visit any quick service locations because my allergy set is a bit of a nightmare when nearly everywhere serves potato fries that make my eyes itch just walking in the door.

Now, I have to email a chef to ask which brand of papadum they use so I can see if I can order it at home.  I was shown the box, so I know they were not house made from scratch. 

I'm happy to answer any questions anyone has! 
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: MaryM on March 26, 2019, 09:06:51 AM
Trying to convince DH to do four nights at Disney end of June.  He wants to do something different. Suggested a cruise...there is one 4 night Disney cruise that fits our timetable and is is over 7k.  4 nights at contemporary outer building with 2 day hoppers and dining plan is less than 5.  I want a vacation where I don’t  have to cook.  That’s Disney.  I dint want to spend 7-8 thousand.  He doesn’t get it that other vacations are not vacations for me.  We haven’t taken a vacation in over 2 years.  I really need something.  Last summer was rough with my dad in rehab and I’ll be living with my folks for 5 weeks while DD does her summer conservatory which will be very hard as my dad’s declining health is so upsetting.  It’d be nice to arrive there refreshed from some magic.
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: hezzier on March 27, 2019, 05:38:58 AM
What about trying the other disney property in FL? 
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: spacecanada on March 27, 2019, 11:26:51 AM
What about trying the other disney property in FL?
Very Beach is great, and there are potential baby turtle hatchlings in August.  The only catch is there is only one restaurant, which can get repetitive if you don't want to cook your own meals -- but it has Disney chefs! 
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: MaryM on March 27, 2019, 01:20:20 PM
Had a great chat with space today about our options!  I think we may be leaning towards the parks in late June since DH forgot that we haven't seen Avatar and space reminded me that we haven't seen Toy Story Land.  Thinking I may want to save the cruise for one when we can go for more than 4 nights and have a bigger budget....Lots to discuss with DH tonight.  Thinking that if we go we may split our time with a few nights at a value or moderate and then 2 nights at a deluxe....decisions, decisions....kids always ant to stay at The Contemporary BUT Animal Kingdom looks so cool. 
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: spacecanada on March 27, 2019, 05:20:14 PM
The Contemporary is a really interesting resort, and it has a great pool with a big waterslide, too!  Plus, the monorail makes it easy to hop around to other hotels or parks. 

We enjoyed our stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge a few weeks ago:
(https://scontent.fcxh3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/54350222_1222042611300149_2805700271013888000_o.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_ht=scontent.fcxh3-1.fna&oh=78230bb796e281f59fbf4117cb875e07&oe=5D0F09CA)

(https://scontent.fcxh3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/54519499_1222042694633474_5624093239834312704_o.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_ht=scontent.fcxh3-1.fna&oh=ccbc01897e59060668d7ac98d6c7aa9c&oe=5D05A20A)

The best part - you can visit ALL of the fun resorts and enjoy activities and views from each.  We only go to the Grand Floridian to eat, because they have some of my favourite chefs, but I'm not sure I'd ever want to stay there.
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: MaryM on March 27, 2019, 05:53:59 PM
Beautiful pictures! AK Lodge looks incredible!   I am so all over the place. When I was searching cruises I must have only looked at 4 or 5 nights.  I see some 7 night ones that I would consider depending on DS's performance schedule.  4 nights seems so short...anyway DH and I have lots to discuss. 
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: MaryM on March 28, 2019, 12:51:45 PM
7 night cruise in August! I’m so excited!  We aren’t telling the kids although I may not be able to keep it a secret!!!!!  DS may  miss out on some performances but the price was best the last week in August!  I never thought we’d cruise bc of our allergies.  I cannot wait!!!!!
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: hezzier on March 28, 2019, 03:39:37 PM
Woohoo!
Title: Re: Disney Threads
Post by: spacecanada on March 28, 2019, 07:50:28 PM
I am so excited for your family!!!