Club level and allergy accommodations?

[CloverBay]

Hi,

We are planning a March or April trip to Disney and I have a few questions for those who may know. We have gone twice before, once to the Polynesian with club level service, and once to the Beach Club (without club level service). My daughter really preferred the Polynesian with her castle view at night. BUT, because the main pool may not be finished yet, we are thinking Grand Floridian so she still gets her castle view AND the kids can swim.

My son has life threatening food allergies. We loved club level service when we had that, but he was an infant at the time and the only thing we requested was soy milk which they brought to us daily. This time he will certainly want to eat too, but his food must be dairy and nut free. (I also eat gluten free by choice). Will they accommodate such requests in the lounge?

Also, is there enough served in the lounge to forego the meal plan? We often feel controlled by dining reservations so I was thinking of doing club level and using that for up to two meals a day plus snacks to give us more flexibility during the day. (none of us has huge appetites). Plus if the accommodate his allergies it is maybe quicker service than tracking down a chef and having something specially made at quick-service locations, which can sometimes take a while.

Thanks!! Advice much appreciated.

 

[KeithVH]

Most importantly, I'm not really sure club level is something where that would be your only meal service (or am I misreading the question). Its great for breakfast if you don't mind the same offerings pretty much every day (the oatmeal is VERY good though). But lots of baked goods. Lunch is usually a very light offering, more of a snack than a meal. I would really say the same for dinner - more like appetizers than entrees. Some evenings are better than others. Compared to Hawaii, I would put the GF in second place for food but first place for service.

All that being said, I'm sure they would do their best to accommodate you. Letting them know BEFORE you get there and discussing with them about is and isn't possible is your best option. I'm not sure how well they're set up to fully handle your specific needs but they've dealt with this type of thing before and can best guide you on what they can do for you.

 

[CloverBay]

Thanks. I wouldn't rely on it as our only meals, I was thinking more like we forego the meal plan and instead use the club level as breakfast, maybe lunch as well, and then have a reservation for dinner that we pay for out of pocket.

 

[KeithVH]

That's almost what we do. Except we have our big meal as lunch. That's always a less expensive proposition that paying for dinner, in a large number of places for the same plate of food. Then you can focus on the proteins they serve at the evening offering for less cost.

 

[Tuvalu]

I would not plan to eat lunch at any club, unless you can make a meal of cookies, goldfish and trail mix. Real food (heavy appetizers) is not put out until 5 p.m.

 

[Polydweller]

I would not plan to eat lunch at any club, unless you can make a meal of cookies, goldfish and trail mix. Real food (heavy appetizers) is not put out until 5 p.m.

There are no lunch time foods other than what Tuvalu says. Most people are in the parks by then and little need for a lunch time service.

Our experience is you can make a breakfast easily but not lunch and dinner. Evening service is a couple of appetizer size dishes (usually really tasty) cheese and fruit plates, and free beer and wine. It's good but not a meal.

As for allergies, I know the Club level manager at the Poly. Let them know via the itinerary planning office document about the special dietary needs and they will work with you prior to arrival to accommodate (and they will during your stay as well). Also, at dinner service Chef Gene is standing visible behind the service area and immediately available to help. They have a sous chef on his nights off. Disney is very good at accommodating health needs.