Disappointed with Disney Special Diets - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
PassPorter.com
Award-winning travel guidebooks

   guidebooks   |   news   |   podcasts   |   boards   |   blog   |   worksheets   |   photos   |   articles   |   updates   |   register   |   follow us on


Forums Closed
As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.

So it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our long-running forums. They came online in 2000 and brought together so many wonderful Disney fans. We had friendships form, careers launch, couples marry, children born ... all because of this amazing community.

Thank you to each of you who were a part of this community. You made it possible.

And a very special thank you to our Guides (moderators), past and present, who kept our forums a happy place to be. You are the glue that held everything together, and we are forever grateful to you. Thank you aliceinwdw, Caldercup, MrsM, WillCAD, Fortissimo, GingerJ, HiddenMickey, CRCrazy, Eeyoresmom, disneyknut, disneydani, Cam22, chezp, WDWfan, Luvsun, KMB733, rescuesk, OhToodles!, Colexis Mom, lfredsbo, HiddenMickey, DrDolphin, DopeyGirl, duck addict, Disneybine, PixieMichele, Sandra Bostwick, Eeyore Tattoo, DyanKJ130, Suzy Q'Disney, LilMarcieMouse, AllisonG, Belle*, Chrissi, Brant, DawnDenise, Crystalloubear, Disneymom9092, FanOfMickey, Goofy4Goofy, GoofyMom, Home4us123, iamgrumpy, ilovedisney247, Jennifer2003, Jenny Pooh, KrisLuvsDisney, Ladyt, Laughaholic88, LauraBelle Hime, Lilianna, LizardCop, Loobyoxlip, lukeandbrooksmom, marisag, michnash, MickeyMAC, OffKilter_Lynn, PamelaK, Poor_Eeyore, ripkensnana, RobDVC, SHEANA1226, Shell of the South, snoozin, Statelady01, Tara O'Hara, tigger22, Tink and Co., Tinkerbelz, WDWJAMBA, wdwlovers, Wendyismyname, whoSEZ, WildforWD, and WvuGrrrl. You made the magic.

We want to personally thank Sara Varney, who coordinated our community for many years (among so many other things she did for us), and Cheryl Pendry, our Message Board Manager who helped train our Guides, and Ginger Jabour, who helped us with the PassPorter-specific forums and Live! Guides. Thank you for your time, energy, and enthusiasm​. You made it all happen.

There are other changes as well.

Why? Well, the world has changed. And change with it, we must. The lyrics to "We Go On" for IllumiNations say it best:

We go on to the joy and through the tears
We go on to discover new frontiers
Moving on with the current of the years.
We go on
Moving forward now as one
Moving on with a spirit born to run
Ever on with each rising sun.
To a new day, we go on.

It's time to move on and move forward.

PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.

But eventually, we must move on and move forward. It is the right thing to do.

So we are retiring this newsletter, as we simply cannot keep up with it. Many thanks to Mouse Fan Travel who supported it all these years, to All Ears and MousePlanet who helped us with news, to our many article contributors, and -- most importantly -- to Sara Varney who edited our newsletter so wonderfully for years and years.

And we are no longer charging for the Live Guides. If you have a subscription, it's yours to keep for the lifetime of the Live Guides at no additional cost. The Live Guides will stay online, barring server issues and technical problems, for all of 2019.

That said, PassPorter is not going away. Most of the resources will remain online for as long as we can support them, and after that we will find ways to make whatever we can available. PassPorter means a great deal to us, and to many of you, and we will do our best to keep it alive in whatever way we can. Our server costs are high, and they'll need to come out of our pockets, so in the future you can expect some changes so we can bring those costs down.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your amazing support over the years. Without you, there's no way us little guys could have made something like this happen and given the "big guys" a run for their money. PassPorter was consistently the #3 guidebook after the Unofficial and Official guides, which was really unheard of for such a small company to do. We ROCKED it thanks to you and your support and love!

If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.

So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!

Best wishes for a wonderful and magical new year!

Go Back   PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums > PassPorter's Walt Disney World Resort (Florida) > Feasting and Snacking: The Eateries at Walt Disney World
Register


Welcome! We're happy you've found the PassPorter Community -- the friendliest place to plan your vacation to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and the world in general! You are now viewing the PassPorter Message Board Community as a guest, which gives you limited access. As our guest, feel free to browse our messages by selecting the forum you want to visit from the list below.

To post messages and ask questions, join our FREE community today and you'll get access to tools and resources not available to guests, such as our vacation countown timers, "living" avatars, private messaging system, database searches, downloads, and a special PassPorter discount code. Registration is fast, simple, and completely free. Just click the Join Our Community link.

If you think you've already joined, log in below now. If you don't remember your member name or password, please visit our Member Name and Password Recovery page. You are also welcome to contact us.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 01-26-2017, 01:15 PM   #1
lucretziathevagabond
Community Rank: Wayfarer
 
lucretziathevagabond's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 108

Post Thanks / Like
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??
__________________
May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.-Nelson Mandela
My Countdown Counting down to: Flowers and Fun on Spring Break!!!
Find me at the Flower and Garden Fest!
My Previous Trips2002-Disneyland, 2003-Disneyland Paris, WDW 2005-Pop Century, Port Orleans-FQ, 2008- Port Orleans FQ, Grand Floridian. 2009-Grand Floridian, 2011-POR x2, 2012-ASMu, Pop, 2013-Pop, 2014: Pop, 2015: Riverside, 2016-17: Pop, POFQ
lucretziathevagabond is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2017, 03:42 PM   #2
DMA
Community Rank: Explorer
 
DMA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Western NY
Concierge Level: 4
Posts: 8,018

Post Thanks / Like
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.
__________________
My Previous Trips1976 - off site, 1991 - PO, 1994 - off site, 2004 - POR, 2008 - ASM, 2009 - POFQ, 2010 - POFQ, 2011 - POR, 2012 - BLT, 2013 - BCV, 2015 - BWV, 2016 - BWV, 2017-BLT, 2018-OKW
DMA is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2017, 03:47 PM   #3
duck addict
Uncle Duck
PassPorter's Club Passholder


What's this?

PassPorter Guide

Community Rank: Legend
 
duck addict's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Paradise, CA
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 18,048

Post Thanks / Like
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
__________________
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsFirst trip to DL 1962; Many subsequent trips to DL (including on the 50th in 2005) 1990 offsite;2002-ASMovies ;2005-POFQ;2006-POP & Mousefest;2007 Disney Wonder POR and Mousefest, 2008 Disney Wonder and Carribbean Beach; 2009 Disney Magic (Western Caribbean) and POP.
duck addict is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2017, 07:07 PM   #4
Huntermom
Community Rank: Explorer
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Northern New England
Posts: 12,249

Post Thanks / Like
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,
__________________

Charlie
Huntermom is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2017, 07:33 PM   #5
lucretziathevagabond
Community Rank: Wayfarer
 
lucretziathevagabond's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 108

Post Thanks / Like
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
__________________
May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.-Nelson Mandela
My Countdown Counting down to: Flowers and Fun on Spring Break!!!
Find me at the Flower and Garden Fest!
My Previous Trips2002-Disneyland, 2003-Disneyland Paris, WDW 2005-Pop Century, Port Orleans-FQ, 2008- Port Orleans FQ, Grand Floridian. 2009-Grand Floridian, 2011-POR x2, 2012-ASMu, Pop, 2013-Pop, 2014: Pop, 2015: Riverside, 2016-17: Pop, POFQ
lucretziathevagabond is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2017, 07:58 PM   #6
duck addict
Uncle Duck
PassPorter's Club Passholder


What's this?

PassPorter Guide

Community Rank: Legend
 
duck addict's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Paradise, CA
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 18,048

Post Thanks / Like
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.
__________________
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsFirst trip to DL 1962; Many subsequent trips to DL (including on the 50th in 2005) 1990 offsite;2002-ASMovies ;2005-POFQ;2006-POP & Mousefest;2007 Disney Wonder POR and Mousefest, 2008 Disney Wonder and Carribbean Beach; 2009 Disney Magic (Western Caribbean) and POP.
duck addict is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2017, 08:21 PM   #7
dolphin041599
Community Rank: Globetrotter
 
dolphin041599's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Columbus, OH
Posts: 3,198

Post Thanks / Like
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!
__________________
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsSeptember 26, 2004 - CBR/Disney Wonder (Land and Sea Package); March 28- April 4, 2009 - POP Century/WDW - Celebrating Munchkin's 10th Birthday; October 8 - 12, 2010 - Howard Johnson Disneyland, CA; June 5 - 12, 2013 - Beach Club/WDW; December 19 - 26, 2015 - Coronado Springs; March 29 - April 2, 2016 - Port Orleans - Riverside - Royal Room; March 15 - 26, 2017 - Port Orleans French Quarter, Disney Fantasy Cruise and Polynesian; December 16 - 20, 2017 - Disneyland, Paradise Pier
dolphin041599 is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2017, 08:22 PM   #8
CinderAbby
Community Rank: Legend
 
CinderAbby's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
Concierge Level: 3
Posts: 19,490

Post Thanks / Like
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.
__________________
Disney 2018 TR COMPLETED 10-20-18 POSTS 266 - 273
Looking for my previous TR's? Here they are
My Previous TripsAll WDW - July 1980 off property - July 1981 FW - July 1983 FW - July 1985 FW - August 1987 FW - July 1988 Treehouse Villas - July 1990 Treehouse Villas - July 1997 FW - August 2006 AS Sports, 1st time with DH and DD - August 2008 AS Sports - August 2009 AS Sports - August 2010 AS Sports - July 2011 AS Sports - August 2013 AS Music - August 2014 AS Music - August 2015 AS Music - August 2016 AS Music - August 2018 AS Music, Kate (lovewdw2) joined us for the weekend
CinderAbby is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2017, 09:31 PM   #9
DMA
Community Rank: Explorer
 
DMA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Western NY
Concierge Level: 4
Posts: 8,018

Post Thanks / Like
I eat gluten free and often order a burger with no roll. Most restaurants have GF rolls, but I just prefer it without.
__________________
My Previous Trips1976 - off site, 1991 - PO, 1994 - off site, 2004 - POR, 2008 - ASM, 2009 - POFQ, 2010 - POFQ, 2011 - POR, 2012 - BLT, 2013 - BCV, 2015 - BWV, 2016 - BWV, 2017-BLT, 2018-OKW
DMA is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2017, 11:47 PM   #10
revral
Community Rank: Scout
 
revral's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Seattle, Washington
Posts: 4,639

Post Thanks / Like
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.
__________________
I've created a new home for us at
https://www.pixiedustlane.com/
My Previous TripsDL not sure probably 20+ DW ASMu December 07-17, 2007 ASMu January 26-February 03, 2009 POR February 01-09, 2010
revral is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2017, 04:51 PM   #11
Huntermom
Community Rank: Explorer
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Northern New England
Posts: 12,249

Post Thanks / Like
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.
__________________

Charlie
Huntermom is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2017, 12:28 AM   #12
dunbawn
Community Rank: Day-Tripper
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 7

Post Thanks / Like
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.

eileen
dunbawn is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2017, 10:11 AM   #13
duck addict
Uncle Duck
PassPorter's Club Passholder


What's this?

PassPorter Guide

Community Rank: Legend
 
duck addict's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Paradise, CA
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 18,048

Post Thanks / Like
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.
__________________
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsFirst trip to DL 1962; Many subsequent trips to DL (including on the 50th in 2005) 1990 offsite;2002-ASMovies ;2005-POFQ;2006-POP & Mousefest;2007 Disney Wonder POR and Mousefest, 2008 Disney Wonder and Carribbean Beach; 2009 Disney Magic (Western Caribbean) and POP.
duck addict is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2017, 08:45 PM   #14
lovewdw2
Community Rank: Jetsetter
 
lovewdw2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Pa
Posts: 2,557

Post Thanks / Like
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....
__________________
Kate in PA
All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them- Walt Disney
My Countdown Counting down to: Disney + Birthday = Can't Wait!
Let the Fun begin!
My Previous Trips1994 Dixie Landings, 1998 All Star Music, 2000 All Star Movies, 2002 Contemporary, 2003 Caribbean Beach, 2004 Outside WDW, 2005 Caribbean Beach, 2006 All Star Sports, 2007 Coronado Springs, 2008 Beach Club, 2012 Wilderness Lodge, 2013 Port Orleans Riverside, 2014 Caribbean Beach, 2015 Boardwalk Inn, 2015 Pop Century, 2016 Disneyland, 2017 Port Orleans French Quarter, 2018 Boardwalk Inn, 2018 All Star Music!
lovewdw2 is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 01-29-2017, 10:14 AM   #15
feonag
Community Rank: Jetsetter
 
feonag's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,542

Post Thanks / Like
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.
feonag is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Reply




Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump














Please login or register to hide these ads -- it's free and easy!

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:36 AM.

-->

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Feedback Buttons provided by Advanced Post Thanks / Like v3.4.0 Patch Level 1 (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
(c) 1998-2017 PassPorter Travel Press/MediaMarx, Inc.
Celebrating 19 Years of Making Dreams Come True
Ad Management plugin by RedTyger