#3: Disney with Food Allergies + the Driessen Family’s Story

Let's Talk Food AllergiesDisney World
Written By Lisa Woodruff, RDN

On this episode I am talking with Katie Driessens, fellow dietitian and food allergy mom. Katie’s son was diagnosed with egg, milk, and tree nut allergies before he turned one.

In addition to sharing her family’s journey with food allergies, Katie offers suggestions and resources for parents and individuals that want to to travel or visit Disney World. And now, let’s talk food allergies!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Food Allergies:

  • It is okay to switch allergists if you aren’t jiving with your current one. You have to be diligent in working with healthcare providers and it is okay to get a second opinion or push to find an allergist that you really trust and feel comfortable with.

  • If possible, bring two adults to allergy appointments. This allows for two sets of ears to listen to the physician as well as two sets of voices to ask questions in the moment. Additionally, one adult can help manage a squirmy child if needed while the other dedicates their complete attention to the medical appointment.

  • Katie shares her son’s experience with a severe allergic reaction, their time in the emergency department, and how that experience changed their outlook on navigating food allergies. She also explains what she would have done differently in hindsight.

  • Don’t just own an Epi pen or epinephrine auto-injector - make a point to bring it out and practice with it! Play with the trainer, show it to family members, and always keep it with you. And most importantly, explain to young children what it is and why they have it, using age-appropriate language.

  • Katie’s suggestions for traveling and visiting Disney World with food allergies:

    • Before your trip, look through the Disney Experience App to plan in advance safe food options to order at the different parks. You can also use the app to mobile order in advance; all the major allergens are identified.

    • Bring your own safe food to have on hand while traveling; airports can be difficult to quickly navigate allergy-friendly food choices.

    • Remember to bring your actual prescription with the prescribing physician’s name in addition to your epinephrine auto-injector when traveling.

    • Come up with a tentative plan each morning for where you will eat during your time at one of the parks. It’s okay to be flexible, but at least have an idea for how to feed your family member with food allergies.

Connect with Katie:

Read more about Katie’s experience at Disney World with a food allergy child on her blog, Dietetics with Driessens.

Food Allergy Resources mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Lisa:

Lisa’s first children’s book, Be a Food Allergy Helper! is available online wherever books are sold. Learn more at lisawoodruffnutrition.com/books.

Disclaimer: This conversation, and podcast in general, is provided for general information purposes only; it is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. As always, individuals with food allergies should consult with their healthcare team to create an individualized Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan.

Special thanks for assistance with this podcast:


Copyright (C) 2022 Lisa Woodruff Nutrition

Lisa Woodruff, RDN

Lisa is a FARE-trained registered dietitian and food allergy mom. She helps families and individuals learn how to confidently manage food allergies while nurturing a healthy relationship with food. Lisa is a food allergy dietitian licensed to practice in Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska. She also wrote the children’s book Be a Food Allergy Helper! and hosts the podcast Let’s Talk Food Allergies.

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#2: Advocating for Food Allergies + the Holl Family’s Story