Today, I’m thrilled to have my client, Linda McNamara, write about her family’s experiences at Disney, dealing with the special food needs/ attention when a member of the family is a diabetic. Enjoy Linda’s great post!
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In May 2011, my family and I spent 8 glorious days in Disney World. We wanted the perfect vacation, and thanks to Sheila Gallant-Halloran, we got it!
Sheila had a tough job. This was our first big family vacation. To make it more complicated, my 7 year old son, Dean,was diabetic. This would be our first family vacation outside the country since the diagnosis.
Needless to say I was a bit nervous. Sheila helped us find flights that would work with Dean’s strict schedule. She also recommended that I call Disney directly, and inform them of my son’s condition.
I spoke to Guest Services a few months before our trip. I told them that I would be travelling with syringes and insulin. They assured me that that would not be a problem. They confirmed that I would have a fridge in my room to store the insulin, and a sharps container to dispose of used syringes. They did mention that upon entry to all parks, my bags would be searched, and that I might be asked to explain the supplies. We were asked a few times, but employees were professional and understanding. We were never delayed entry to the parks due to our supplies.
Guest Services also handled my son’s special dietary requirements. With Sheila’s help, they identified our special requirement on all our reservations, so that staff at the restaurants were aware. In fact, at many restaurants, they were prepared to alter menu items for Dean. Often we didn’t have to, because there was always something there to please our kids. There were even sugar free deserts!!
Our best experience was at Whispering Canyons at Wilderness Lodge. That restaurant and its atmosphere in general were great. But what made it better was that the Chef came out to talk specifically to Dean. He chatted him up about having sisters and having to deal with them all the time. Then he asked Dean what he wanted for dinner. There was pasta on the menu, so that easy. He asked Dean if there was anything extra he wanted. There was a special that night for milkshakes. Of course, my daughter was having one, but because of his diabetes, that wasn’t an option for Dean. He told the Chef that he’d love a milkshake. The Chef was sure he could whip something up for him. He ran his idea by us then took off to the kitchen. A few minutes, later he came back with a sugar-free chocolate milkshake! To see the look on my son’s face was priceless. The personal touch of having the Chef come out and speak to him, and to make him a special milkshake was not lost on my son. He still speaks of it.We really appreciated the extra effort everyone at Disney made for us to ensure we enjoyed our trip, and that everything ran smoothly.
We only had one episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in Disney. That was on our first night after a long day of travelling and excitement. After that, the exercise Dean got from walking (and running) everywhere, and the healthy food options, helped Dean have some of the best numbers (blood sugar readings) he’s ever had.
For those who may be concerned about travelling to Disney with a child who has diabetes, don’t worry. If you plan your days and snacks (like you do at home), you’ll be fine in Disney.