As a mom to a child with multiple food allergies, dining out while on vacation is usually a struggle. DD9 is allergic to wheat, dairy, eggs, peanut, and mildly allergic to soy (she can have it in moderation). In addition to that, she’s also on a rotation diet that requires her to not eat the same food until four days have passed, i.e. if she has rice on Monday, she can’t have it again until Friday. She has to do this to limit her chances of developing additional allergies, which would make eating nearly impossible for her. This requires us to meticulously plan all meals to make sure there’s something available for her to eat. It also means people tend to think we are somewhat crazy when they hear DD say “no, I can’t eat that, it’s not a rice day. Today is a corn day”. DD has had these allergies since she was a baby, so she’s used to not eating the same things as other children. It’s caused a few small problems through the years, but for the most part, she handles it like a champ. While Disney has always been accommodating in meeting her special dietary needs and we always feel confident that she is safe eating what she’s served on Disney property, the options are usually somewhat limited. While the Disney chef’s are accommodating, most of them simply prepare an average plate of food: plain grilled chicken or fish, potatoes, vegetables, fruit and the occasional piece of bread. No frills, nothing fun, and definitely nothing “Disney” or Mickey shaped. If you know me in real life, you know I’m a huge proponent of healthy eating, so these limited options are usually fine but I do think kids should get to enjoy a special treat every once in a while, especially on vacation. DD is such a big girl about it and never complains about her limited options, but I see her watching the other children with a hint of jealousy. It breaks my heart to see her eye the children’s buffet at isney restaurants and see the other kiddos pick sweet Mickey shaped treats from the dessert bar. There’s one Disney chef in particular who goes out of his way to make DD feel special: Chef Tjetjep (or Chef TJ, for short) who is currently at 1900 Park Fare. I’ve blogged about my love of this restaurant before and Chef TJ is yet another reason I think it’s a fantastic dining choice. This guy is truly AMAZING. He always takes the time to speak directly to DD and ask her what she would like, not just giving her the usual options. He takes extra care in making sure that she doesn’t feel different and has plenty of delicious options to choose from. On top of that, he really seems to take pleasure in making her happy. During our last visit there, he prepared a standard salad for her, but hand carved her dinner roll into the shape of a Mickey head!
This may seem so silly to some, but to DD, it was HUGE. For the main course, he brought her a delicious fresh plate of meat and veggies, prepared exactly as she requested. DH and I were thrilled watching DD happily chomp away on her dinner. Everything was going great, DD was happy, but I knew the dreaded dessert course was coming up as the child at the table next to us had just sat down with a huge plate of brownies and cookies. An allergy free dessert at Disney is typically Rice Dream ice cream, sorbet or an allergy free cupcake. We’ve had them all and while they’re edible, they certainly aren’t anything special. It’s the same desserts we eat at home for birthday parties and other special events. Chef TJ came out and asked DD what she wanted for dessert to which she responded “I guess I’ll just have a scoop of Rice Dream ice cream”. He looked at her and smiled and said to give him a few minutes and he would have something special for her. Then, he came out with THIS.
You can tell by the look on her face that she was beyond thrilled. The little boy at the table next to ours put down his cookie and asked his dad “how can I get one of those?”. Now, I would certainly never encourage DD to flaunt having something that other’s don’t, but I can’t tell you how nice it was for her to just once have something special prepared for her that was above and beyond what’s available to other diners. Chef TJ must carry an extra dose of pixie dust in his pocket to make DD feel so special! This experience makes 1900 Park Fare one of our favorite Walt Disney World restaurants and I would highly recommend it to everyone. Thanks Chef TJ!
Like many Walt Disney World restaurants, reservations at 1900 Park Fare can fill up quickly so book online or call (407) WDW-DINE up to 180 days prior to your visit.
Tiffany G. is a mom, wife and attorney. When she’s not practicing law, she can be found daydreaming with her family of vacations past or planning their next trip to see the Mouse. You can find her on Twitter @TTownTiffany and at http://ttowntiffany.blogspot.com.
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That’s a wonderful story! I love that extra pixie dust that cast members spread
What did he serve her for dessert? It looks fabulous!
Love that Cast Member Magic!! Thanks for spreading the word that Disney is so wonderfully accommodating for those on special diets!
Great post! Disney really is quite amazing with how they accomodate food allergies. I have a few allergies as well and the chef has frequently come out to the table to check in.
I ate at 1900 Park Fare in October and yes!!! Chef TJ made me that dessert as well. I am allergic to grains (including rice, so no Rice Dream for me) and get tired of being offered sorbet.
Chef TJ is awesome. Also if you do a fancier meal, Chef Jamal at The Wave is terrific as well.
If your daughter can eat almonds, a great cookbook is The Everyday Grainfree Gourmet. It has really opened up food for me again.