Making Vacations Magical for Kids with Food Allergies & Special Needs

Traveling with children can be daunting for any parent but taking a vacation with a child with special needs or multiple food allergies can be especially challenging. As a mom to a child with several food allergies and Sensory Processing Disorder, I know all too well how difficult it can be to even consider taking a family vacation let alone plan one all on your own. That’s why I decided to start a travel agency dedicated to helping families like my own.

Mickey's Dream Vacations is a travel agency specializing in Disney and other family vacations. We help families who have food allergies, special needs (including autism, sensory disorders, feeding disorders, or cognitive delays) or those who just want a Professional Travel Agent who is all about the details and can produce a memorable experience.

​Disney is one of many destinations that are amazing for children with food allergies and other medical conditions or special needs. Their chefs take rigorous training to learn how to safely handle food allergies. My son had never been able to order dessert in a restaurant until we took him to Disney World. Seeing him eating a cupcake and ice cream that are free of ALL his allergens brought tears to my eyes. For the first time in his life, my son had the chance to do what average kids experience all the time…eat his favorite foods IN a restaurant.  We now visit Disney World every year, and each time we go I am overjoyed that my son will get to be a “normal kid” for a week.

Mickey's Dream Vacations is dedicated to helping other families with food allergies, feeding disorders, or special needs experience the same magic of Disney. 

We have clients whose children are handicapped, have sensory processing disorder, ADHD, autism, and other conditions that can make traveling difficult. Disney offers support for these families with their Disability Access Service pass to help guests who can’t wait in long lines. There are special areas in each park that are quiet and offer a place for guests to get a sensory reprieve from all the sights, sounds, and crowds. Disney even publishes a guide for guests that lists all attractions and shows that may be too visually stimulating, noisy or scary.

As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, we offer tips on navigating all the details of your vacation. The best part is we can get you the same discounts and price because we book directly with Disney. 

Our family has traveled to Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani in Hawaii, and have sailed on all of the Disney ships with our son. Thankfully, we have never had an issue. I contribute that to the dedication of the special diets team in each destination  and their staff. 

We also offer our concierge level service on other destinations. Thinking of an all-inclusive beach vacation, cruise, Europe or other trip but not sure how to navigate that with food allergies and special needs? We have specialists on our team that are Certified Special Needs Travel Agents in destinations around the world. 

Below are some of our other favorite destinations that are also amazing with special needs:

Universal Orlando-similar to Disney, Universal Orlando handles food allergies like a pro. Their kitchen staff is fully trained, they offer tons of alternative options, and go above and beyond to make sure you are safe and have something that will  accommodate every taste.  Universal offers an entire team dedicated to food allergies, they are just an email away to answer any questions you might have. 

Royal Caribbean-Food allergies are taken very seriously on all of the Royal Caribbean ships. The kitchen has a separate preparation area away from the main production to prepare meals for guests with allergies. The Food and Beverage Staff attend recurring training programs regarding allergy protocols.  There is an entire special diets team that you can be in contact with before your cruise. 

AMResorts-Dreams and Secrets- in Mexico and the Caribbean have a fully trained kitchen staff that go above and beyond to "WOW" you with their allergy accommodations.  They truly go above and beyond to make sure you are safe. 

Sandals/Beaches Resorts-both the Sandals and Beaches brands are known for a high level of service and that doesn't stop in the kitchen. Many families consider Beaches the "Disney" of the Caribbean and we wholeheartedly agree. Every resort has a culinary concierge where guests can meet directly with staff to discuss food allergies and nutritional concerns. There is a separate area in the kitchen where they prepare your items to prevent cross-contamination. 

Karisma Resorts-The Karisma brand is "Gourmet Inclusive" and they believe in crafting food to perfection. They will make your experience the best possible. Anyone with a food allergy or special dietary need is catered to with special menus and a kitchen staff that is top-notch.

Navigating travel with allergies does require some pre-planning and organization. There are some must-have products that I feel are essential to traveling safely with our son.

1. This FRIO cooling wallet holds two epi-pens and insulin if needed. I love that it keeps everything the perfect temperature without needed icepacks. This is perfect for a trip during the summer months. 
   
2. Chewable Benadryl is another must-have when you travel. Who wants to deal with a messy liquid and carrying that big bottle around? These are easy to throw in your purse or bag and have ready to go if needed. 
   
3. For those international trips this Translation Card gives you peace of mind knowing that your allergy is understood and noted. ​
4. For little ones, a wristband that notes the allergy can come in handy when you check them into kids clubs on vacation. 

It can be scary to travel to an unknown place with food allergies and special needs but it can be done. Let us help you show you how much fun and rewarding travel can be!!

Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning.