Talking Allergies

We just did a trip to Discovery Cove (part of Sea World) which pleasantly surprised me with all aspects of the park. I was initially nervous because they do not want anyone to bring in food or drinks since it is all-inclusive. I went to the dining area before peak time at lunch and spoke to a supervisor. She was great and told me everything I could or couldn't eat there. She told me I couldn't have the desserts, but then went to get me two different snack packs called "Rebecca & Devyn's To Go" packs which were filled with all kinds of snacks that were free of the top 8 allergens. There are various stations where you can pick up free snacks during the day. Unfortunately they do have snack packs with nuts there, and the Miss Vicki chips are processed on peanut containing lines. But there are also oranges, and she said I could come back to the main dining area for more safe snack packs at any time. She seemed well educated about cross contamination, saying that I could ask at the smoothie machine for them to open brand new sleeves for cups if I wanted, and to have my son use the machine in case messy hands touched the handles. All in all a very good experience, and the park itself was great: no crowds, great lazy river, and the kids loved the "swim with the dolphins" experience and snorkelling with the fish and stingrays.

I'm so glad your family had a great time!

Don't you find that while it can be very nerve-wrecking, when you experience places such as this, you have a sense of relief and optimism for the future. Your world opens a little and you see glimmers of future adventures beyond?

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Moderator
Daughter: asthma, allergies to egg, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, most legumes (not soy) & penicillin. Developing hayfever type allergies.
Husband: no allergies
Me: allergies to some tree that flowers in May
Cat: allergic to beef, pork and lamb

Absolutely Susan, I totally agree! You summed up my feelings perfectly.

Great to hear another success story. We'll be down that way in a few months and weren't sure if Discovery Cove would be an option for us. Glad to hear they were so accommodating!

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anaphylaxis to tree nuts and peanuts; asthmatic, dairy intolerant, vegan
other family members allergic to to dairy, egg, peanut, peach, banana, sesame, environmentals

I can't sit by and not say anything....just my way. Please look up Captain Paul Watson and Sea Shepard...and make up your mind after you check that out. Not judging anyone, but like people to make informed decisions.

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Myself - Seasonal, cats
dd-asthma (trigger - flu) anaphylactic to eggs, severe allergies to bugspray and penicilin,pulmicort
ds-Seasonal, cats and OAS
dh-allergy cats, bugspray and guava, outgrew egg allergy

Good point, Alberta Advocate. As a vegan, I'm all for animal rights as well and consider these things very carefully when visiting animal 'attractions'. There are many things I support (rehab facilities, sanctuaries, education, endangered animal preservation, etc.) and many I don't. I'm not one to judge either, and I didn't do any investigation into this place yet, so thanks for the heads up. I'll certainly do some reading.

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anaphylaxis to tree nuts and peanuts; asthmatic, dairy intolerant, vegan
other family members allergic to to dairy, egg, peanut, peach, banana, sesame, environmentals

Thank you. "The Cove" is an interesting documentary to watch...not for the young though. Adults and teens ok...but can be very disturbing to some.

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Myself - Seasonal, cats
dd-asthma (trigger - flu) anaphylactic to eggs, severe allergies to bugspray and penicilin,pulmicort
ds-Seasonal, cats and OAS
dh-allergy cats, bugspray and guava, outgrew egg allergy

You'll both be happy to know that Discovery Cove is part of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums is an international association representing marine life parks, aquariums, zoos, research facilities, and professional organizations dedicated to the highest standards of care for marine mammals and to their conservation in the wild through public education, scientific study, and wildlife presentations.
http://www.ammpa.org/

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Moderator
Daughter: asthma, allergies to egg, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, most legumes (not soy) & penicillin. Developing hayfever type allergies.
Husband: no allergies
Me: allergies to some tree that flowers in May
Cat: allergic to beef, pork and lamb

Thanks, Susan!

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anaphylaxis to tree nuts and peanuts; asthmatic, dairy intolerant, vegan
other family members allergic to to dairy, egg, peanut, peach, banana, sesame, environmentals