Will the new Disney Parks focus of serving those with life threatening allergies actually impact our food allergy world? What could be the big picture impact of this action? This last year, we’ve watched the Disney Parks nationwide take big strides to support people with life threatening allergies. At Walt Disney World Resort, in Florida, and Disneyland in California, EpiPen® Epinephrine Auto-Injectors are stocked in their first aid centers, in addition to links to guiding visitors with special diets through their park visit, including the option to bring in your own safe foods. A new allergen friendly menu program was rolled out and The Disney Parks official blog posted, “New Allergy-Friendly Menus at DisneyLand and Walt Disney World Resorts,” providing details of their efforts.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words. When a mainstream multi-million dollar business takes notice of the food allergy community this sends a message to other companies. I hope they hear, “hey these folks have needs for products and services that we’re not addressing”. I’m hoping that other theme parks, theaters, sports arenas and restaurants all take notice to this developing market of people with life threatening food allergies and start producing items we can enjoy and support. Personally, I keep mentioning to restaurants, etc. how Disney has taken interest in people with food allergies, which tells me that our food allergy community is a growing market.
Perfect World. If I could wave my magic wand, I would love for all children to have so many more experiences. I’m personally not a fan of the princess thing, but it gives me such joy to watch the little ones having so much fun when they meet up with a princess at the Castle! It would be wonderful if other businesses realize the potential of the food allergic market to be as important as the gluten free crowd and to go to same extent to create safe foods and experiences.
Hope. I’m hoping the influence of Disney will be a positive one and that one day, we’ll see epinephrine auto-injectors in businesses everywhere, along side great food service allergen training and menus and awareness! This is my Polly Anna side shining through, but to be honest, we’ve come so very far in such a short time since my son was diagnosed almost fifteen years ago I am actually really inspired by the changes.
I am looking forward to seeing how Mickie and Minnie will raise food allergy awareness!
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One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..
Well said! I agree that things have come so much further than when our kids were young and newly diagnosed. I am honored to fight the fight alongside of you and the others to keep everybody safe.
Amen Nutrimom! This is a fight that we are all in together and we play such different roles. Some loud, some quiet, some behind the scenes. God knows that I pray we are all together celebrating a cure on day! Until, we must keep on moving forward!
Disney hides behind its disclaimer and their allergy friendly menus aren’t free but in the parts per million. They ask their chefs to recommend items even for anafalatic shock cases. As a supervisor I pushed for more safety and was greeted with resistance. I couldn’t morally recommend these items. Disney is a smokin mirrors company that hides like most corporate America companies just doing enough. Very disappointing to see the brand Walt created more into profit. They also price gouge the American and international people by pricing menus way over the standards that are morally created and expected to follow in the hospitality industry.
Caroline thanks for taking the time to write about this new venture Disney is taking on. I too truly hope this has a ripple effect outward opening up many more experiences, or simply making it easier, for our kiddos to participate! Have a great weekend!
It’s been interesting when I mention the work Disney is putting into accommodating guests with life threatening allergies. People start paying attention. I truly hope this is the tip of a new trend.