18 million Americans have some sort of food allergy according to FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education). Over 6 million kids have been diagnosed with food allergies. That's one out of every 13 children. When you consider Walt Disney World welcomes over 130 million visitors every year, there will be visitors who must avoid certain foods.
Allergy triggers for younger kids are usually milk, eggs and soy. Often kids will out grow these sensitivities. Tree nuts, peanuts, milk, fish and shellfish are the most common allergies seen in older children and adults. People who suffer from allergies need to avoid trigger foods. It can be a challenge when dining out in restaurants. How do you know if those french fries were cooked in peanut oil?
Food Allergies are no joke! An allergic reaction to food can cause irritation of the skin or upset the gastrointestinal tract. The most serious allergic reactions cause anaphylaxis which involves the respiratory and cardiovascular system and can lead to death.
Anaphylaxis is a life threatening condition that occurs in people with allergies. Of course, one can be allergic to just about anything but some it is estimated by FARE, (Food Allergy Research & Education) that there are 18 million Americans who have some sort of food allergy. 6 million children have been diagnosed with food allergies. The triggers for younger kids are milk, eggs and soy. Often kids will outgrown these sensitivities. Tree nuts, peanuts, milk, gluten, fish and shellfish are the most common allergies in older children and adults. Each person's level of allergic reastion can vary. Some people will become slightly uncomfortable. Other people can experience life threatening symptoms simply by cross contamination of food prep utensils.
In 2015 Disney took there care of guests with allergies to the next step. Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts introduced new allergy-friendly menus at approximately 120 quick-service and table-service locations.These new allergy-friendly menus provide allergen content for each menu item, making informed choices easier. Menu selection includes appetizers (where applicable), entrées, side items, desserts and kids’ meals, and focuses on the most common allergens: gluten/wheat, milk, peanut, tree nut and fish
In addition, any park, resort or restaurant guests can still alert a castmember (staff) at any Disney dining venue about their allergies. The chef of that restaurant will come out an speak directly with that parent or guest to answer any questions, provide clarification or even custom prepare an allergy friendly dish for that guest.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts have also been the recipient of a FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) Award for dedication to providing a safe and enjoyable dining experience for vacationing families and our chefs have been recognized for their commitment to food allergy awareness, education and management.
And it's not just food allergies...Disney resorts offers allergy friendly rooms and specialty cleaning to help guests who suffer from asthma and other types of allergies. Your Vacationkids travel agents can help you with advanced dining questions, reservations and room preparations for peace of mind on your next family vacation to Disney.
