Victory on the High Seas: Dining with Food Allergies on the Disney Dream

When you have an immense number of friends who have sailed on the Disney Cruise Line and perpetually share their magical adventures aboard one of the four ships in the fleet (recent news says there are more ships being added over the next few years!), the desire within to join the club kind of grows day by day (reminds me of kudzu in South Carolina, but in a good way).

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GETTING OVER THE FEAR TO CRUISE

I have to admit, though, that I’m one of those moms with one particular paralyzing fear that has prevented her from taking that next step of booking that family vacation on the high seas (and I know I’m not alone).  Sure – I’m nervous about becoming seasick (yeah, me) and admit to having had Titanic type nightmares from time to time (yeah, I know, icebergs in the Caribbean not a likely probability), but the most crippling fear I have involves my son’s severe, life-threatening food allergies.  The thought of and potential for watching him go anaphylactic while sailing in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean has been the primary reason I have not booked our first family cruise….

Until now….

Last year, just prior to entering his senior year of high school, our oldest asked us to consider a cruise as his graduation gift.  Seems far fetched, yes ~ but at least he was asking to go with family and not friends, right?  We told him we would take it into consideration, perhaps replacing this for the standard annual family vacation; however, I did tell him that there was only one cruise line I would even consider ~ the Disney Cruise Line (DCL).

Why?  Well…because…

1) I love Disney (if you know me, this is a no-brainer) and…

2) They are the only ones who have any kind of positive reputation when it comes to handling guests with life-threatening food allergies (to my knowledge, but it would be otherwise hard to convince me anyway).

He was agreeable and I began reading blog posts, asking questions, doing research (namely with the Disney Parks Moms Panel) and chatting with hubby about making this “wish come true” for our soon-to-be graduate.  Because of my fears (and a few other issues), this never really came together, however, until about two months before our oldest finally walked across that stage to receive his diploma.  Nonetheless, before we knew it, we were booked and preparing for our three day adventure on the Disney Dream!

PREPARING FOR THE ADVENTURE

As a nervous nilly of a mom, I took as many precautions as I could.  First and foremost, I noted to our travel agent (Karen, My Path Unwinding) what allergies our 11-year old son has and how severe they actually are.  I then sent an email through the DCL website and connected with someone in Dining Services to ensure his allergies were noted.  I also made certain that all of our epinephrine injectors were up to date, we had enough injectors and Benadryl and that we had packed some sealed packages of safe foods just in case there was nothing for him to eat as a snack during the day.   His two older brothers had vowed to eat their way through the cruise .

Needless to say, I also found myself calling DCL just a week before the trip to ensure everything was situated and to make one last attempt at gaining peace of mind.  It was at that time that the fabulous Cast Member on the phone mentioned that I should attend one of the “meetings” held on the ship after 1 PM on embarkation day to talk to the dining services specifically.  Shortly after that call, I consulted with a Facebook friend of mine, as well as the blog Allergy Free Mouse, to find out any last minute tips.  Both my friend and the blog actually reiterated attending this meeting and it then found its way onto my priority “to-do” list.

DAY OF EMBARKATION

Getting onto the ship was a “breeze” and we were able to find our stateroom quickly; however, we were unable to get into our room at that point of the day, so we decided to do a little touring of the ship and make our way to Cabana’s for lunch ~ the Dream’s eighteen station buffet located on Deck 11.

This would be our first encounter with food on the ship.

I admit, I was a tiny bit nervous, but I wasn’t too afraid to ask someone for help.  Logan and I approached a Crew Member who was more than willing to assist.  Rushawn, from Jamaica, took out a pink slip, asked our stateroom, our son’s name, his allergies and then asked us to tour the buffet to see what he would like to eat.  We did just that and came back with an order.  Rushawn asked where we were seated and then promised he would bring this out to us promptly.

It wasn’t too long before Logan’s meal of lamb, honey-glazed carrots and steak fries were delivered to him hot and SAFE!  A few minutes later, Rushawn returned to deliver an extra special dessert just for Logan – egg-free, peanut-free and tree nut-free.  I think I felt a tear leave the corner of my eye and a smile come across my face at that moment.  Things were looking really good.

PEOPLE YOU MUST MEET

A short while later, after having been able to drop our carry-on stuff off in our room, we “bumped” into the dining staff at Royal Palace, where these dining sessions that had been mentioned to me were being held.   There was no line and we were immediately invited to sit down with two very professional Crew Members who had their computers fired up and ready to go.

The Crew Members asked for our stateroom number, our son’s name and confirmed that his allergies were listed.  At that point, they noticed that we had been seated at a table with another family of three.  I could see concern on their faces for a moment.  They then decided to make some “magic happen,” placing us at a table that seated just the five of us.  They did this in an effort to prevent cross contamination from those who may not understand the situation.

That gave this momma another HUGE sigh of relief. 

While one worked on the seating arrangements, another provided Logan with a menu so that he could pre-order his meal for that evening.  We found out our dining rotation for the trip would be Royal Palace, Animator’s Palate and then Enchanted Garden for the final night.  Rotational dining is phenomenal!!  I love it!!  We also knew ahead of time that our two servers would follow us for all three dinners, thus building up more of a trust with regard to our son’s allergy situation.   I could not have asked for a better situation…….

Until dinnertime came around…

TABLE SERVICE ON THE CRUISE

We had been asked by the Crew Members earlier to arrive at The Royal Palace and ask for Ivo, who would then provide us with the new table number.  Again, this was another seamless process and we were cordially escorted to our elegant round table for five near a beautiful Snow White portrait.  We were situated around the perimeter of the room at Table #29, where we could see out the window at those walking by, yet we didn’t feel as if our meal was violated by onlookers or the like.  It was a rather majestic room, as a matter of fact, told to us to be modeled after the theme for Beauty and the Beast, though the other Disney princesses were highlighted in various portraits around the room.

MEETING OUR SERVERS

Our server, Samsara (Sam), immediately introduced himself to us.  He was a very bright, bubbly young man from Indonesia with a beautiful accent and a tremendous smile.  He was patient, understanding and proved himself knowledgeable of who we were, identifying each of us correctly by name.  After the introductions, Sam shared with us how he would be with us each night for our 8:15 PM meals.  At that point, we then discussed Logan’s food allergies, how his pre-order had already been placed and how his meals would be managed throughout the cruise.  I really had no worries.  I felt comfortable trusting my son’s life with our servers.

PLATES DELIVERED

It came time for meals to be delivered.  Alberto, our assistant server (another bubbly young man with a beautiful accent, this one from the Dominican Republic), approached our table with plates in hand and proceeded to first deliver Logan’s lamb chops.  I stopped him before he could place the plate on the table and asked why Logan’s allergy plate had not been delivered separately.

Alberto was not sure how to answer my question and I proceeded to share how the potential for cross contamination grows when the server has his hands on several plates, some of which could have severe allergens on them.  He tried to assure me that things were safe and that Disney takes great care in safely providing meals for those with food allergies and I assured him that I was well aware of that, but that I was also a mother of a child who had suffered the consequences of cross contamination such as this in the past.  I was not about to see it happen again….not on a cruise ship and not on the first night.

ENTER MAVIS JOYCE….

This caught the ears of the Head Server, Mavis Joyce (from St. Vincent).  At the time, I had no idea she served in that capacity, but she overheard our pleasant and calm conversation and immediately jumped in to calm the waters.

She put me at ease (I really wasn’t that stressed, to be honest, just direct and informative) and took on the role herself of being Logan’s private server for the rest of the cruise.  I was floored and relieved.  She took Logan’s plate so she could replace it.  When she returned, she then told us she would personally deliver his plates each meal, take his orders every night for the next day, plan a delicious dessert for him after each dinner and ensure that his safety was of utmost priority. 

I was humbled…excited…..and relieved! 

It was as if Logan had been pixie-dusted and that my prayers were being answered.

I then remembered having been told to ask our server(s) where they would be working for breakfast and lunch and to simply follow them there so that our son’s food allergies were already known and noted, alleviating the need to reiterate the severity of his condition over and over again.  So, I asked Mavis Joyce where she would be and if she would mind if we followed her service for breakfast and lunch for the rest of the cruise.  She welcomed the idea and it was set.

Another sigh of relief escapes…

WHAT ABOUT CASTAWAY CAY?

One exception to the above was the day we were at Castaway Cay.  On this day, the chefs cook up a tremendous and hearty BBQ at Cookie’s and Cookie’s 2 on the island.  There are hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, corn cobs and more for everyone to enjoy.  You can eat until your heart is content, if you have that kind of appetite in the extreme heat!  I’ll tell ya ~ it was a scorcher the day we went!

For guests in Logan’s situation, the chefs prepare special meals that are waiting for them as soon as they are ready to eat.  Mavis Joyce recommended that we show up between 11:45 and 12.  This would give the staff enough time to get into the swing of things, but not  be too far into the lunch crowd for things to get crazy.  We did just that.  Logan had a burger with lettuce and tomato, fries and fruit ready for him.  He also had his very own container of raspberry sorbet!! 

We are talking an entire pint of Haagen-Dazs raspberry sorbet!!!

Unfortunately, the heat was a little much and he had a difficult time finishing his meal.  He was, however, all about taking that sorbet with him back to the beach to finish.  Just to know, though, that there was no chance of him going hungry while on the island made us happy.  AND – once again…..no reactions!

OVERVIEW OF ALLERGY-SAFE MEALS

Here’s a quick rundown of what Logan’s meals looked like for the cruise:

Lunch at Cabana’s: Lamb, steak fries, honey-glazed carrots and brownie with chocolate chip cookies on top (picture shown above).

The Royal Palace: His own basket of allergy-free rolls, duck confit (appetizer), roasted rack of lamb medium, ice cream sundae

Breakfast at Cabana’s: Mickey waffles (egg-free, peanut-free and tree nut-free), bacon, sausage and watermelon (no photo)

Lunch at Cabana’s: Steak, fries and strawberries. (no photo)

Animator’s Palate: Baked potato and cheddar cheese soup, ginger-teriyaki dusted angus beef tenderloin, chocolate lava cake

Breakfast at Enchanted Garden: Mickey waffles (egg-free, peanut-free and tree nut-free), bacon, sausage and watermelon

Lunch at Cookie’s: Hamburger with lettuce / tomato, fries and raspberry sorbet (no photos)

Enchanted Garden: Romaine wedge with Italian dressing (vs Romano dressing), slow roasted prime rib and Mickey Bar (as well as the chocolate lava cake!)

Breakfast at Enchanted Garden: (you eat your last breakfast at the restaurant where you had your last dining rotation) Nature’s Path waffles, sausage, bacon and fruit

SAYING THANK YOU

On the final night, we dined at the Enchanted Garden.  It was also the night we took opportunity to thank Mavis Joyce (as well as Sam and Alberto) personally.  They had so impressed us with their outstanding hospitality, kindness, patience and compassion.  We could not believe the first rate assistance with ensuring that our meals were uneventful and safe for our son.

Logan, at that moment, made me a very proud mom.  He wanted the responsibility of thanking Mavis Joyce, his new personal friend, for providing him a relaxing, comfortable, amazing and reaction-free experience.  I was touched.  She was touched.  The hugs they shared throughout the cruise were priceless.

She truly made his experience more magical than we could have hoped. 

Sure – there are stories out there about Mickey bars and bags of allergen-safe treats showing up in staterooms….but that’s not what we needed.  We needed the personal connection, the reliable service and true compassion when it came to this part of our cruise.  Mavis Joyce did just that and I do not believe I will ever be able to thank her enough.

Now, you’ve heard me talk a lot about one particular server, the head server for our dining team.  This is not to discount the two who took care of the rest of us during our meals.  Sam and Alberto were tremendous and I look forward to talking about them more in future posts about the cruise.   Stay tuned…

HUGE FAVOR TO ASK

I have a favor to ask of you.  If you would, please SHARE this post.  Why?  I’m not asking for my benefit.  No.  My reason is because posts like this became the encouragement and reassuring I, as a food allergy parent, needed.  Without them, I would have not been able to say our family (or rather I) was ready for a cruise.

I still don’t personally trust any other cruise line.  However, I do eagerly look forward to booking that next sea adventure with DCL.  Should you know parents struggling with the same fear I did, please share this with them.  Perhaps this particular post may give them peace that there is one cruise line who does take this seriously.  There is a crew who desires to provide you and your child as safe and worry-free an experience as possible while traveling with them.

Thank you, Disney Cruise Line, and thank you, Mavis Joyce.  You made our trip extremely magical.  We are now hooked on sailing the high seas with Mickey!

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