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Disney Destinations and Dietary Needs
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Disney Destinations and Dietary Needs

Disney News, Disney with Special Needs, Walt Disney World News

Disney Destinations and Dietary Needs

By Magic Maker® Melissa Ludwig

Vacations are a way of escaping from everyday life, leaving stress behind, and spending quality time with those you care about. However, there are many points during the planning process that can cause stress, and your Magic Maker® is here to take that off your shoulders. One of the common causes of stress for traveling families is in accommodating special dietary needs. Disney Destinations, as usual, have pulled out all the stops to make sure that you do not have to worry about what you will be eating during your magical getaway.

Whether it is a dairy intolerance, sensitivity to gluten, or a specific food such as almonds that you must avoid in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, Disney Destinations will to their best to cater to any special requests. When you and your Magic Maker® are ready to make advance dining reservations, notify your Magic Maker® of your special dietary needs and they will make sure to include this in your reservations. Often, chefs can substitute different ingredients in meals, so that you don’t even have to choose an alternate meal, but actually have the one you want! The following is a list of common allergies that most Disney Parks restaurants can accommodate/substitute:

Gluten or wheat
Lactose or dairy
Peanuts and tree nuts
Shellfish
Soy
Fish
Eggs
Corn

When you arrive at a Disney Park restaurant, it is always a good idea to remind your server of your dietary needs as well (though the server will often check with you first, since it will be in your reservation notes). If you have a metabolic disorder or multiple allergies, you will want to be sure to notify your Magic Maker® so that it can be factored in to all dining arrangements.

For many people, food allergies are not necessarily a worry, but some may still have strong preferences about what to include or not include in a daily diet. Many Disney Park restaurants will offer no-sugar-added, low-fat, low-sodium, Kosher and vegetarian options for meals to take care of these dietary needs as well.

Vacation time means time to relax and unwind. A large part of that is being able to enjoy your dining experiences while away… especially at Disney Destinations, where food is extra-fun! What you are going to eat on your trip should never be a worry, and your Magic Maker® will help to ensure that you will have all of the dining information that you need before you even pack your bags.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:21:29-05:00November 7th, 2014|Categories: Disney News, Disney with Special Needs, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Disney Dietary needs|0 Comments

Traveling On Disney Cruise Line With An Autistic Child

In honor of Autistic Awareness Month, one of our top Magic Makers®, Traci Elswick, writes of her experiences traveling to the Disney Destinations with her son with autism. For her article on traveling to the Walt Disney World® Resort, please click here.

Is it possible to have a magical vacation on Disney Cruise Line® with child that has autism? Yes, with proper planning by one of our Magic Makers® here at Off to Neverland Travel®. I have just returned from our first cruise with my 14 year old son with autism and had a wonderful time. I would like to share what I have learned and make it a magical trip for all who are traveling with an autistic child.

First when making your reservation let your Magic Maker® know your special needs so it can be brought to the attention of the Disney Cast Members. Also, if your child is on a special diet the cast members need to know to accommodate you better. I noticed on our vacation, like at the Disney Parks, my son seems to be more verbal and “living in the moment” unlike in the “real world”. My son is very hypersensitive to sounds so the music from the deck and shows seem to bother him quite a bit. My recommendation for children sensitive to sound is to bring ear phones to block out some of the noise. My 15 year old typical son wore them when listening to music so it won’t make your child stand out.

My son really loves all the character interaction. Your Personal Navigator (the daily cruise itinerary left in your cabin each night) details out which characters are appearing each day, where to find them, and what time they will be available. Plan to be in line about 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time so you can avoid long lines. The characters seem to be trained on knowing how to approach a special needs child and are very patient and kind with them. I never had any problems with the character interaction.

Traveling to Disney with an Autistic Child

Take lots of breaks during the day. I would suggest doing one of the 4-night itineraries so you don’t feel so rushed to see it all. Remember its a leisurely cruise, not a Walt Disney World® marathon!

My son enjoyed watching the movies playing on board. Disney Cruise Line® even offers 3D and first run movies. There is variety of Disney movies playing on the Ariel Vision Screen at the Goofy Pool and in your staterooms. The live, Broadway quality shows were a bit loud and overstimulating at times for my son. Sit on the end of the aisle in case you might have to leave with your child. Don’t forget the headphones for the shows if your child is hypersensitive to loud noises.

The kids clubs are excellent on Disney Cruise Line®. With a visitor’s pass, my son and I would check out the kids club together for a short time each day. They even offered for him to stay by himself. I know the limitations of my son and knew if wasn’t a good idea for us; but if your child could handle it they will be in great hands.

We had a bit of pixie dust sprinkled on us during our trip which is why I feel the Disney Destinations are the best choice for our family vacations due to the special care they take to accommodate the special needs traveler. The youth counselors left a bag full of goodies for my son on the 2nd night of our cruise. They knew how much he loves Toy Story and made him picture of Woody and Buzz with a Toy Story calendar and a bag full of goodies. The gift bought tears to my eyes. That is the Disney Difference. That is why when I pick a vacation for my son with autism I always come back to the Disney Parks or Disney Cruise Line®. From the theme parks to the cruise ships, the Cast Members know how to treat the special needs traveler.

So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to set sail with your child on board the Disney Wonder®, the Disney Magic®, the Disney Dream™, or on the Disney Fantasy™ (maiden voyage March 2012)!

The Disney Destinations are one of the top destinations in accommodating all types of special needs from autism to mobility issues to special dietary concerns.
What experiences do you have in traveling with an individual with special needs?

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:57-05:00April 14th, 2011|Categories: Disney Cruise Line News, Disney News, Disney with Special Needs|Tags: Disney Cruise Autism, Disney Cruise Autistic Child, Disney Cruise Special Needs|2 Comments

Walt Disney World with Severe Food Allergies

From Magic Maker® Jeff Williams
If you’ve ever watched your child go into anaphylactic shock from a severe allergic reaction to food, you get a little hesitant to eat out at restaurants and do a lot of traveling. When we booked our first Walt Disney World® vacation when my son was 4, I was very nervous about being able to find something for him to eat at the restaurants. Well, let me tell you, I need not have worried. When I called to make our advanced dining reservations, I was asked if anyone in our group had dietary concerns or food allergies. I explained that my son had life threatening allergies to Milk, Eggs and Peanuts. They made a note of his situation on all of our reservations. I was still sure that I would need to be very vigilant while at the Resort.

When we arrived and went to our first counter service eatery, I was pleasantly surprised to see that all of the places offered soy milk. The Cast Members were very knowledgeable and helped determine what my son could safely eat. So far, so good. The next hurdle was going to be the table service restaurants and their endless buffet lines. They all have incredible food to be sure, but how would we know what he could and couldn’t eat?

To my surprise upon check in at our first table service restaurant, the chef came out and took us through the entire buffet line and explained exactly what ingredients were in each dish and which items to avoid. I was flabbergasted that a simple note on a table reservation made it all the way through the chain of communication to a chef that cared enough to spend that kind of time making sure that my family could enjoy our meal safely. THAT is just one of the many “Disney Touches” that keeps me coming back year after year.

Contact your Magic Maker™ to help make your dining arrangements and discuss with them any special dietary needs or concerns you may have.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:19-05:00October 14th, 2010|Categories: Disney News, Disney with Special Needs, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Dietary Restricts Disney World, Disney Dining, Disney World Food Allergies, Special Diet in Disney World|2 Comments

Handheld Device Will Offer Detailed Descriptions at Disney Parks

Assistive Technology Device

The Disney Parks are always looking for new ways to make attractions and experiences more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Check out this first-of-its-kind technology that will change the way some guests with disabilities experience Disney parks.

Disney engineers have plussed up their Assistive Technology Device to provide detailed descriptions of outdoor areas for visually impaired guests. Using an interactive audio menu, guests can choose the type of information they’d like to receive, from architectural elements to the location of the nearest restroom. It works using wireless technology to pinpoint its location and take pre-programmed actions. Best of all, it fits in the palm of your hand.

The Disney engineers said the device already combines many other features, including detailed audio description for more than 50 attractions; amplified audio for guests with mild to moderate hearing loss; handheld captioning that lets guests read captions while enjoying specific rides; and activation of closed captioning on television displays in pre-show areas.

Disney has already patented and licensed the technology for the handheld device, which could serve a wide variety of retail, commercial and industrial applications. And industry insiders and techies are already taking notice. The National Society of Professional Engineers just lauded the device as the new product of the year.

The Handheld Assistive Technology Device will be available starting June 27 for guests at Walt Disney World Resort and in 2011 in Disneyland Resort, for no additional cost.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:35-05:00June 30th, 2010|Categories: Disney News, Disney with Special Needs, Disneyland News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Disney Assistive Listening Device, Disney World Hearing Impaired, Disney World Special Needs, Disney World Visually Impaired|0 Comments

Sign Language Intrepretation Services at Disneyland Resort

The Disneyland® Resort is always looking at ways to make every guest’s experience as magical as possible. This week, they began offering regularly scheduled sign language interpretation at many shows and attractions at the Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure™ Park. Guests have access to a schedule of offerings that are interpreted without having to make prior arrangements.

The new service is available every Monday and Saturday at Disneyland® park and every Sunday and Friday at Disney California Adventure™ park. No advance arrangements are necessary, however, it is recommended that guests request a schedule confirmation at least one week in advance. Guests who request confirmation are contacted prior to their visit and provided a current schedule complete with a list of attractions, dates and times of interpreted offerings. Interpretation service for special events and shows can be requested with two weeks notice. Contact your Magic Maker® for more information.

The new sign language interpretation service is offered at the following locations: Guest Relations at both theme parks, Jungle Cruise, Jedi Training Academy, Storybook Land Canal Boats, “Celebrate! A Street Party,” “Billy Hill & The Hillbillies,” “Turtle Talk with Crush” and “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.” It will soon be offered at “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” as well.

In addition to complimentary sign language interpretation, the Resort also has available assistive listening and handheld captioning devices for guests with hearing disabilities.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:38-05:00June 23rd, 2010|Categories: Disney News, Disney with Special Needs, Disneyland News|Tags: Disneyland Sign Language Interpretation|0 Comments

Traveling To The Walt Disney World Resort with an Autistic Child

Autistic Child in Disney World From Magic Maker® Traci Elswick
Is it possible to have a magical Walt Disney World® vacation with an autistic child? With a lot of planning, and a bit of pixie dust thrown in by our Dream Makers, it is. I have planned eight magical vacations to the Walt Disney World® Resort for my 13-year-old autistic son. I have seen vast improvements with my son while at the Walt Disney World® Resort. His language skills seem to improve. He copes well with the large crowds and loud noises, and he actually “lives in the moment.” In fact, I’m certain that our yearly pilgrimage to the Walt Disney World® Resort is something my son looks forward to every year.

First you need to consider where you want to stay onsite or off. If your budget allows, I suggest you stay onsite, preferably at one of the Disney resorts that are on the Monorail line or one of Disney’s Boardwalk resorts. The Monorail resorts give you easy access to the Magic Kingdom® Park and EPCOT®. The resorts along Disney’s Boardwalk give you boat access to EPCOT® and Disney Hollywood Studios™. If your child has trouble waiting in long lines or traveling on crowded buses, the Monorail or Disney’s Boardwalk resorts will make traveling between parks much easier for you. If you are looking for value, try to stay at the Disney’s Pop Century Resort. This resort is separate from the other value resorts and has its own bus line. Also, request a room close to the bus stop. If possible, try to avoid Disney’s All-Star Resorts. They share a common bus routes, have long wait times, and are often overcrowded.

Before you depart for your Walt Disney World® Resort vacation, obtain a signed note from your child’s pediatrician or psychiatrist stating your child’s disability and further stating that your child cannot wait in lines. When you arrive at the park, go directly to Guest Services in order to obtain your Guest Assistance Card. A Guest Assistance Card can be used for your entire party, and will dramatically shorten your party’s wait in lines.

How long should you spend in the parks every day? Nobody knows your child better than you. I suggest that all families who stay in a Walt Disney World® Resort Hotel take an afternoon break. That way your child can take a nap or a swim and you can have a relaxing family dinner. You can book your dining up to 180 days before your trip, and it is advisable to book your dining early because many of most popular restaurants fill up quickly. After dinner, you can do Extra Magic Hours. Extra Magic Hours are available for individuals who stay at a Walt Disney World® Resort Hotel and generally allow you to remain in the park for a number of hours after the park closes to the general public.

So what are you waiting for? You’ve waited so long to experience the magic of a Walt Disney World® Resort vacation with your child!

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:25:04-05:00November 19th, 2009|Categories: Disney News, Disney with Special Needs|Tags: Autism Disney World, Autistic Child in Disney World, Disney World Special Needs|0 Comments

Disney World Dining Caters to Everyone – Special Needs Dining

Disney World Vacation - Infant Looking at Menu From Magic Maker® Kip Dennis
Anyone who has visited the Walt Disney World® Resort in the past can tell you about their excellent dining options. From the ethnic restaurants in the World Showcase at EPCOT®, to the class act dinner theater like Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, and the one-of-a kind restaurants like 50’s Prime Time Café, there is something for everyone. But when you have a dietary restriction, you may think that you choices are limited. With the MAGIC of Disney it is actually quite the opposite.

While recently traveling with someone with a food allergy, I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of service provided. When placing my advance dining reservations (ADRs), I notified the cast member of the allergy. All of my reservations were noted to alert the staff of the extra care needed. Just let your personal Magic Maker know of your special needs and they will communicate those to Disney. They can also provide you with additional information relating to your restrictions including suggested restaurants that will be able to best meet your needs.

At our table service meals, our waiter/waitress told us that their chef would be out to talk about our particular dietary need. Each chef went to great lengths to ensure a meal was made without any allergen contamination. If it was a buffet meal, the chef escorted him around to identify “safe” foods.

For counter service, we just notified the cast member at the order podium of our restriction. They once again notified a manager to come and consult us on what our available options were.

The Special Dietary program at Disney is just another example of how Disney continues to provide great service to their guests.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:25:05-05:00November 5th, 2009|Categories: Disney News, Disney with Special Needs, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Disney World Special Needs, Special Dietary Program Disney World, Walt Disney World dining, walt disney world with special needs|0 Comments

Diz-Abled.com and Off to Neverland Travel® Join forces to Support Travelers With Special Needs

Planning a trip to Disney World with health conditions can be complex and time consuming. To simplify the process, two companies that specialize in supporting travelers with special needs have come together. Stephen Ashley, author of Walt Disney World with Disabilities and head writer of the Walt Disney World with Health Conditions® website (Diz-Abled.com) had been looking for a travel agency that would cater to his readers for nearly a year. “I was so excited to learn about Off to Neverland Travel®. After chatting with the owner, Chet McDoniel, I realized that they have the knowledge to help plan a smooth vacation, but perhaps more importantly, they have the heart to bend over backwards for their clients who have extra needs.”

Chet McDoniel was excited to find Walt Disney World with Health Conditions®. “We felt that the resources on Diz-Abled.com and the Walt Disney World with Disabilities guide book are a perfect complement to our services. We plan to make the book available to our clients and to send them to Diz-Abled.com, which is full of very helpful free resources and articles,” said McDoniel.

Chet McDoniel is uniquely experienced in dealing with health issues while visiting World. McDoniel has no arms and he must ride an electric wheelchair when long distances are involved, such as in the Disney parks. Stephen Ashley said “I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Chet, and I’ve been so impressed. Despite his physical challenges, he is a person who has a busy, normal life. He doesn’t seem to let his physical challenges get in the way of living life to the fullest. His friendly, upbeat personality makes you feel comfortable right away.” Concerning his agency’s services, Ashley said “It seems they’ll go far beyond what most other travel agencies will do to help their special needs clients plan a dream trip.

Some of the services Off to Neverland Travel® offers include:

Advice and planning assistance with details regarding air transportation
Advice and planning assistance with choosing the right resort for your special needs
Park touring details and advice when visiting with special needs
Dining reservations and advice for guests with special dietary needs
Overall vacation planning assistance with special needs being the focus

Ashley’s book, Walt Disney World® with Disabilities has extensive information on the services Disney offers it’s guests with health needs, how to get your needs met in the parks, resorts & restaurants, details on handling medication & medical equipment, dietary needs, transportation, wheelchair use and suggestions for dealing with specific conditions in the parks & resorts, and much more. It also has in-depth descriptions of the physical and emotional feel and experience of Disney rides and attractions. The book is written to support guests with “minor” to major health and emotional issues, and is available on the web through the official website: www.Diz-Abled.com. It can also be purchased on Amazon.com. For bulk purchase and group discounts contact the publisher at (954) 432-1274.

www.Diz-Abled.com includes free content to complement the book such as Disney World restaurant menus, the special dietary needs policies of each restaurant and a variety of articles designed to help travelers with health and emotional issues plan for Disney.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:25:11-05:00November 18th, 2008|Categories: Disney News, Disney with Special Needs, Off to Neverland News|Tags: disabilities, disney world disabilities, Disney World with special needs, walt disney world with special needs|0 Comments