Our 2nd in the series from guest blogger and Disney guru, Claire, is about allergies, gtube and breastfeeding at the happiest place on Earth!
Photo used with permission from www.adrienneshouse.com
My child has food allergies or restrictions. Can they eat anything at Disney?
Thankfully, Disney can accommodate almost every food allergy there is. If you are making dining reservations then make sure to let them know ahead of time about dietary restrictions as well as allergies. You can also check out information on Disney’s Website all about what they can do to help you have a magical dining experience!
And if you forget your Epi Pen then do not fret. Disney now has locations throughout the parks with available Epi Pen and Epi Pen Jr’s. You can view the map as well as find out more information.
G Tube Feeding
If your child is on a G Tube fed diet, DO NOT PANIC! If you are staying in the parks in a Disney Resort, like I suggested in an earlier article, then there is a 99.9% chance that your room has a mini fridge. Also, if you book a Family Suite, then you will more than likely have a microwave, kitchen sink and counter space. You cannot bring a microwave with you to a Disney Resort so plan ahead and make sure you get a room with a microwave. Bring your blender or bring the food pre-blended. You can refrigerate formula as well as warm it up. If you are worried about your child’s pump battery running out while you are in the parks then you have 2 options. 1. Go back to the room to recharge/feed or option 2. head to a Baby Care Center (information below). You can also gravity feed while in the parks and not worry about a pump and batteries at all. Here is a gravity bag conversion chart :
Gravity Feeding chart
If you have a G Tube Fed child ages 3 or older then the Disney Dining plan is not a good idea unless you plan to do all quick service meals, bring it back to the room and blend it yourself. Disney will not blend food for G Tube feeds, there are not liquid food options that can sustain a G Tube Fed child and the dining plan would be a complete waste of money. But if your child is still able to eat by mouth along with G Tube feeds to increase caloric intake then I highly suggest that you take a look at the menu’s at each location and plan ahead which places has food that your child can eat.
Breastfeeding
The bad news: Disney World does not have many places to sit. The good news: there is a special place for breastfeeding mommas to feed their baby in a comfortable and quiet environment. The Baby Care Center has a room with comfortable rocking chairs, air conditioning, and dimmer lights so that Momma can feed her baby in a calm and comfortable environment. You can even charge your phone while you feed your child! There is one baby care center per park.
There are even less places to sit with shade. The hot Florida sun can get intense very quickly. While I suggest that everyone takes a mid day break, heads back to the room for a nap or a rest, you cannot always head back to a room when you breastfeed on demand! Since there is only 1 baby care center per park, you cannot always hike across the park to breastfeed in the quiet comfort of the Baby Care Center. I highly suggest you bringing a sling to help your tired arms support your child while breastfeeding and a light weight cover to shield your baby from the hot sun if they’re not wearing a hat/sunglasses.
Another option is to breast feed while on a ride or an attraction. Not only will you be seated comfortably, in a dimmed area, air conditioned, but the gentle movement of the ride may help lull baby to sleep. Make sure you check with a Cast Member before boarding the ride to make sure that you can hold your child and check how long you will be in the ride so that you do not have to stop mid feed to disembark the ride. See how long each ride is HERE!
And finally if you pump your breast milk, you do not have to carry your pump around Disney with you all day. Disney considers a Pump a medical device. The first Aid stations will store your pump for you while you are out enjoying the parks! The first Aid station is conveniently located next door to the baby care center so when it is time to pump, you can go next door and sit in the feeding room and pump in comfort! Just don’t forget to pack a cooler and storage bags to keep your milk fresh and remember to pick your pump up as you leave the park for the day!
What is the Baby Care Center?
I am so glad you asked!! The Baby Care Center is a special place in each Disney World Park that provides a host of things for parents and children!
The Baby Care Centers include the following:
- Several large diaper changing tables.
- A bathroom with a small, toddler-sized flush toilet.
- An area reserved for the use of nursing mothers.
- Basic food prep equipment including: microwave, ice, plastic spoons, and sink.
- High chairs.
- A seating area for other family members.
- Items for sale including: diapers, training pants (like Pull-Ups, but a different brand), wipes, baby food, formula, juice, pacifiers, baby lotion, diaper ointment, adult comfort items (deodorant, feminine hygiene supplies, over the counter medications), basic infant clothing, sippy cups, bottles, Purell, Pedialyte, child formulations of standard over the counter medications.
For more information on the Baby Care Centers, their locations inside of the parks and photos of what to expect, check HERE!
Please share your secrets to food and Disney in the comments… and stay tuned! Next week is all about Inside the Parks: How the Disability Pass Works, Wheelchairs, Strollers and Rides!
I agree that running to baby care centers is not always practical. My favorite spot to BF at the Magic Kingdom was the train! It takes you all over the park, is covered from the sun, AND you never have to get off. When you are done you can just call your family/friends to see where they are and get off at the closest station! So relaxing. Also, the shows in the other parks are a great place to bf. They are usually dimly lit, many with a/c or at least a covering. And you don’t need to miss out on the fun!
Thanks for the train tip! That also sounds like a great way to wind down and take a break from all of the walking that you do in the parks!!!
Claire recently posted…Streetcar Named Desire Earrings by Miaclaire
Absolutely! I didn’t want to get off the train 🙂 Only opportunity to relax!
I think it’s so great how inclusive Disney is! It’s so great that they’ll hold your pump for you.
Jennifer recently posted…Helping Others – Give Yourself the Green Light #SummerOfJoy Ice Cream Sweepstakes
I had no idea Disney offered theses things. So helpful, thank you for sharing.
I love that Disney has the Baby Care Centers. What a family friendly place to be able to fun with little ones.
Kelly Hutchinson recently posted…Cheesy Meat Lovers Pull Apart Breakfast Bread
It’s good to know you can still enjoy Disney parks under these circumstances. Those day care centers really have everything!
Liz Mays recently posted…Balsam Mountain Inn – Turn of the Century Charm in the NC Mountains
I am amazed at how accommodating Disney truly is! I can’t wait to visit someday with my family.
Amy recently posted…How to Make Milk Kefir and a Fruit Smoothie Recipe
Wow, you learn something new every day. I had no idea that Disney offered such great services for parents.
Dee Mauser recently posted…Toddler Bed Sheets – Trains, Planes & Trucks
I like how Disney has nursing moms rooms. I just wish that they had more locations throughout the parks since the parks are so big!
Wow, I had no idea Disney had all of this. I have never stayed at a Disney resort but I have visited while nursing and had no issues doing so 🙂
Wow I learned lots of new info here on this post! I am glad you are sharing more information and getting that out there, for many of us have no clue about food allergies or anything like that !
Brandy recently posted…Ovations Restaurant inside Killington Resort Grand Hotel #KillingtonMoms #Beast365
Wow, these things are at the very top of the list of what you NEED to know, but I bet a lot of people don’t think about them. As a breastfeeding mom, I appreciate your attention to such important details!
Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas recently posted…NOW Foods Wants Me To Tell You Something #NOWWellness
I bet it is sort of inconvenient for you at a major theme park like Disney World. Not everything is handy. I am glad to see you have found a way to make it all work.
We always make sure to bring our food when we go to Disney parks! It’s so expensive to buy it there!
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert recently posted…Greek Rainbow Vegetable Salad
what great information! I had no idea there were so many helpful options at Disney for different feeding needs! It’s especially good to know about the breastfeeding options, with a new baby on the way.
Amber Edwards recently posted…Feeling Flirty with Karina Dresses #frockstar
You would think Disney would be set up better for breast feeding Moms. I hope that is something they change very soon.
I would definitely stay on site if we went to Disney. They have great suites for family’s with all the amenities.
Tammy Roy recently posted…Clam Digging in Prince Edward Island
This is such amazing information. Planning is key and is great to know that Disney has several options for all these feeding needs.
Vera Sweeney recently posted…Twitter Party Alert: July 8th At 1PM EST #BubulaDiaperPail
Thank Vera! And thank you for the amazing video on packing for Disney! Love to send shout outs to friends when I can and linked to it in the first weeks post!
https://aisforadelaide.com/2015/06/29/planning-for-a-trip-to-disney-with-your-special-needs-child-what-you-need-to-know/
Claire recently posted…Streetcar Named Desire Earrings by Miaclaire
That sounds like it would be a difficult trip. So glad for your tips.
Aubrey recently posted…Multitasking Tips for Busy Moms #SisterhoodUnite #ad
Thanks so much for the share. its something because i never been to Disney….but if I did ever go I would like to stay there.
This is great info to have! Navigating Disney is stressful at times, so it’s great to go into it fully prepared and knowledgeable.
Sarah Marturano recently posted…Light & Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe
I always say where there is a will, there’s a way. Great post!
I have never heard of g tube feeding until now. I know some parents have to jump through lots of hoops when they have kids with Allergies, its good to know that Disney attempts to help some moms out as best they can.
Heather recently posted…Fixing Cosmetic Damage To Wood
I appreciate train suggestion! That additionally sounds like a terrific way to wind straight down and have a break through all of the strolling that you do within the parks!!!
Farque Ahmed recently posted…Health Benefits of Riding Balance Bike
Gotta go to Disney now, I didn’t know that Disney has a baby center care, thank you 🙂
Enjoy!!!