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Old 01-26-2017, 01:15 PM   #1
lucretziathevagabond
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Disappointed with Disney Special Diets

I have just been involved in an email exchange with Disney Special Diets that has left me a bit disappointed. I have heard over and over how wonderful and accommodating Disney is with working with those with special dietary needs.

As a Type 2 diabetic I have been pretty bad about managing my disease at Disney. However, this year I joined Weight Watchers and am working hard on dealing with my diet. I emailed the Special Diets department to ask for nutritional information to help me make better choices and specifically mentioned the diabetic diet.

The response indicated that I could go tot he restaurant and then look at the special menu there. This does me no good when I am trying to decide where to go, particularly when ADR's have to be made so far in advance. They do not give nutritional information. They do not give carb exchanges.

While I am sure Disney would be receptive to modifying , I hate to be a pain. I would rather not feel like an inconvenience and just be able to decide what places to go. As millions of people have diabetes in this country I am absolutely floored that they have no real way of identifying items so people can make better choices as they do their planning.

So I am off to All Ears to try to examine menus and work something out. I am just really disappointed in Disney today. Does anyone know of a site where someone has nutritional info I can use??
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Old 01-26-2017, 03:42 PM   #2
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Nutrional information for Disney menus is very illusive! And typically the allergy menus are for those who can't eat wheat, nuts, eggs, milk, etc. The only sugar-free items I've seen are dessert items. But I know that doesn't help much when you're looking for amount of carbs in a meal. Too bad they weren't more helpful.
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Old 01-26-2017, 03:47 PM   #3
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I am a type II diabetic. I have had no trouble eating at WDW. It, to me, is a matter of knowing what I can or cannot eat.

There are a couple of phone apps out there that can help you. The one I use for my Iphone is 'Icarb'.

At any food location you can ask to speak to the chef for substitution of high carb items, but I don't think they are going to have 'WW' exchange numbers.
Good luck
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Old 01-26-2017, 07:07 PM   #4
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Also diabetic and can eat just about anywhere. Some things are pretty standard as to carbs.

I tend to look for a protein I enjoy and make sure I have adequate veggies. For sweets, I eat fruit.

If you are used to counting carbs at home, you should be able to do it on vacation,
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Old 01-26-2017, 07:33 PM   #5
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I didn't expect Weight Watchers points. However, using the diabetic diet keeps the points low as it is more protein based. What did you find that you like? I am a bit of a carb addict so I am a bit worried
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Old 01-26-2017, 07:58 PM   #6
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One other suggestion.

Enjoy the salad bars and in the food court the containers of FRESH fruit. Don't get any fruit in juice/light/other syrup. The fluids are full of sugars.

Don't select a meal plan including dessert. If you go during a birthday (wearing a birthday button) be careful as they will want to ply you with extra treats.
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Old 01-26-2017, 08:21 PM   #7
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Not a diabetic, but I try to avoid all carbs. I just ask for double veggies instead of rice/potatoes. They never question it - everyone is always accommodating. And if I order a burger (rarely), I just don't eat the bun. I don't think its that hard to eat low carb at WDW, My carb exception is Mickey waffles!
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Old 01-26-2017, 08:22 PM   #8
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My husband has been diagnosed with Diabetes and when we go to Disney, we typically eat at buffets. There we can load up on meats and veggies and have just a little bit of the other stuff we should have - rolls or desserts. I agree if you know how to eat at home (proteins, not carbs, small portion sizes, etc), you should be able to do it on vacation. I forget where we ate but Lenny, IIRC, ordered a burger and to keep the carb count low ate only half the roll - I've even heard of people ordering burgers without the rolls.

I guess the one big thing that I can advise you is please do not think you're a pain or an inconvenience for wanting to talk to a chef. It's your health and you need to do what's right for you. Disney is there to help you. Years ago we never saw chefs come out into the dining room to talk to people but now we see them so often it's commonplace - it's what they do. There were a few years I myself had to talk to chefs because I was having some problems. They were very helpful and I would never hesitate to talk to them or encourage others to talk to them.
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Old 01-26-2017, 09:31 PM   #9
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I eat gluten free and often order a burger with no roll. Most restaurants have GF rolls, but I just prefer it without.
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Old 01-26-2017, 11:47 PM   #10
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I agree with not thinking you're a pain or an inconvenience. If it helps look at it the same way you would someone you hired to do work in your home. You wouldn't let someone you hired to install laminate flooring in your livingroom install tile in your bedroom instead. In the case of eating at a restaurant you're hiring the restaurant's staff to prepare a meal for you. Now obviously they can't prepare and serve you what they don't have but asking to talk the chef or for no sauce on your chicken or to substitute extra vegetables for the rice etc. is not unreasonable and it's your meal that you'll eat that you're ultimately paying them to prepare for you. I've found that as long as you're polite, it's something they can do and is reasonable that the vast majority of the time you'll get what you want and/or need by simply asking both at DW and elsewhere. Having said that being rude, abusive, demanding in that makes the people around cringe way or just a plain pain in the staff's collective side is not what I'm recommending nor is it what I do.
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Old 01-27-2017, 04:51 PM   #11
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This is my second try. I could not post this morning. If you are comfortable with your diabetic eating lifestyle (not really a diet). doing it at WDW is pretty easy.

I think you've got some excellent suggestions here. Basically, you need to know carb portion size and then limit your carbs. My usual meals are protein and veggies. I find eating traditional Italian is hardest. One portion of pasta is 1 C, which is probably 1/4 of what you get at a restaurant. so if you are having pasta (even as a side) leave the bread and dessert alone.

With breakfast, cereal is a good option as are eggs. You don't need the waffles or pancakes or toast.

For dessert, have fruit or an occasional ice cream (once or twice per trip).

I always carry small bags of nuts with me for a high protein snack. One thing one of my docs said he didn't like about WW is how they count nuts-they are a good heart healthy snack.

Depending on the weather cheese sticks work and there are many places you can pick up yogurt.

It's pretty easy and you need to relax.
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Old 01-28-2017, 12:28 AM   #12
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We just got back and the only problem I had was going low. Just be sure to test so you know where your numbers are before meals. I would test, estimate the carb count and then cover the carb. With all the walking we did it seemed like I really didn't need to worry so much. type 2 using insulin. And yes I tested and injected at the table.

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Old 01-28-2017, 10:11 AM   #13
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Glad it went well.

I carry my test kit with me in a fanny pack. Your walking will be more than you expect. On one off my first WDW trips I wore a pedometer. I did not turn it on until I got off the bus at the parks. SHORTEST day was 11.5 miles

Your doctor will be proud! Exercise is important for you sugar control.
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Old 01-28-2017, 08:45 PM   #14
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I don't have diabetes but I am trying to control my weight and being on vacation doesn't change that for..even at WDW. (I joined WW back in 2014 but stopped going but I hope to get back once I get back to a regular workout and better eating too)

I am one of those guests that orders a burger without the bun...but just like Duck Addict said, walking! OMG I walk way more at WDW then any other time at home. In fact I lose weight and drink way more water!

I do treat myself...but not overboard and I am anemic and have to watch my sugar level...and I rarely get dessert if I do a sit-down meal.... and if it is a buffet (which I don't really like those except at Boma & Trail's End- I limit those desserts as well)... I find my way to the salads, meats, and veggies....

I have always heard that Disney is so accommodating to guests that have food issues....and thinking that it is far more easier there than here at home... unless you cook EVERY night... (which I cannot, need a break).

I am sure knowing what you know now... you will have the Most Magical Trip....
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Old 01-29-2017, 10:14 AM   #15
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With as many different restaurants and foods they have, I can't imagine them having or sending someone a list of every single item's nutritional information. It would be a book. By now you should have a good idea what you can and can not eat to be able to pick and choose your food. You know what has carbs, fats , etc. As others have said there are apps that can help you with that kind of stuff too.
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