We spent a week in Orlando and so many mental notes were taken for this purpose. Well, it was nearly a month ago and my mind is like an Etch-a-Sketch lately...I lost a lot of my notes. The main thing I noticed while there (and since returning) is how much our culture is focused on FOOD. We couldn't walk 10 feet without some form of food vendor slapping us in the face with their dairy infested menu! And the "tourist capital of the world" (Really? Orlando, FL?) is NOT food allergy friendly. They're not even food allergy aware! We played mini golf at a place that also sells Popsicles - cross contamination of dairy. I asked if there was vegan or dairy free alternative nearby. The woman had no clue what I was saying, I may as well have spoken a different language. Even the grocery store was lacking in some of our favorite alternative foods found back home.
We made the best of it, we just couldn't stop and snack at the theme parks like most vacationers. Thankfully, we were able to bring our own snacks and foods with us. I will say, T-Rex Cafe, which is part of the Rainforest Cafe, was AMAZING! We visited this restaurant while at Downtown Disney (FYI - MORE FOOD and stores) and when I asked about an allergen menu I was told to tell the server who will assist us in our safe options. We did. We were almost immediately greeted by the Chef, who knew exactly what was dairy free and even offered dessert options. Prepared by him to ensure no cross contamination and quickly delivered to our Moose. That was awesome, and Moose's first time ordering a dessert off the menu! Ahhh, the little things.
Our airline was a bit confusing for us. First I was told everything was noted and would be handled efficiently. Not so. The hold up we created with the medicine bag at security - oh well! Sorry fellow travelers. Then we were told we could board early to clean the area around his seat. Never happened. We then inquired in Baltimore at our layover - no problem, got right on, got seats together, and wiped down EVERYTHING. Leaving Orlando we inquired again. They told Tony it's not necessary because they don't serve any dairy on their flights. Well, they serve coffee with cream, and then they handed out small packets of Cheez-its! It's bad enough they serve peanuts still- knowing the high numbers in that category. I quickly refused and told the attendant my son is severely allergic. That's frustrating. We cleaned high and low and washed our hands when we realized that. Our other flights were pretzels and peanuts...
Also had a bit of a fight with our hotel. Mainly because they didn't have our room when we arrived - they overbooked and sent us elsewhere for the night. I couldn't have been more clear about our need for a refrigerator and microwave since our son has a life threatening allergy...they finally "upgraded" us but kept trying to correct the situation with a food credit. After 3 offers and 3 declines, I finally told the young manager that, at this point, his "food credit is a slap in the face". He still offered it the next day - at our re-check in. We traded it in for a game room credit. It worked. Killian couldn't even eat their hot dogs so it would be stupid for us to accept it. We go grocery shopping and load up in the tiny fridge. Side note: I called and confirmed our reservation and appliance request the day before.
Our hotel is located on International Drive, where it appears Central Ave threw up on Times Square. We walked and drove for miles to see what Killian could have. IHOP's turkey bacon and fruit bowl, and Chili's fajitas, no sides. That was IT. Since we were there for Killian's birthday, I frantically searched for a vegan bakery. It was about a half hour away, in a sketchy part of town, but it made his day extra special when we told him what we were there for! We got an extra cupcake and surprised him at dinner (at Chili's) when the staff came out with his special cupcake and sang to him. Little things we take for granted or are so embarrassed by, he LOVED it! Again, he can't order dessert off the menu.
All in all, it was a nice vacation and we're glad to have gotten away from the snow for a week!
I should probably mention how well Killian did while we were in Florida!! The week leading up to our departure from NY, he was experiencing breathing problems. I had him on 3 treatments of the nebulizer up until the day before we left. The entire week we were in Florida he did not have a single dose of ANYTHING. Nebulizer steroids, albuterol, Zyrtec, Nasonex - NOTHING!!! It was amazing, beyond amazing! He's been on those meds every single day since June. My first thought was obviously "we need to move!". I wouldn't move to Florida, but definitely something in the NY climate (cold) keeps him sick all winter. My second thought was "What if he developed allergies to the different trees, like the ones here?". It would make sense to move to a dessert then, right? Dry heat, no plants/pollen. I've read that living near a beach is helpful with allergies too - the wind and water keep pollen moving away. I've done loads of research and all roads point to:
The day after we returned, so did his cough. Just yesterday we paid a visit to the Pediatrician. Ear infection. Triggered by allergies. Right on time - tree pollen is making it's debut!
It's good to get back in the swing of things! Thanks for reading!
UPDATE: Our semi-annual pub crawl is coming up! Friday, May 3rd starting at Pearl St. Pub $15 p/p, $25 per couple. As always, all proceeds go to FARE
https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/197810213676317/ for details!
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