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I sit at my computer to check the park hours of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While I’m notating particulars about Extra Magic Hours for Disney resort guests, a pop-up box notifies me that I have received an e-mail from someone named Chef Patrick.

I open the letter to read a thoughtful note from the chef of The Hollywood Brown Derby.  He explains that he was contacted by Brenda about our family’s circumstances and is very interested in enabling us to visit the park.  He then requests an e-mail back specifying the items that my children cannot eat.

I am quick to put my current task aside.  After all, if our dietary dilemma does not get resolved, Extra Magic Hours will be meaningless anyway.  I feel much like Milo when he cohesively organized all his research in hopes of securing passage to the lost city of Atlantis, and I carefully begin construction on my dietary epistle to Chef Patrick.  Since the list of foods my children can eat is more brief and specific than the list of foods they cannot eat, I start my small e-book with this itemized list.  After that I give an abridged explanation of my children’s medical diet, the science behind it, and our current position in its progression.  This is all followed by explicit warnings of the potential physical, behavioral, and neurological consequences for my children if their food is not prepared within the set guidelines.

As I proofread my e-mail, which is probably worthy of publication in a medical journal, I wonder what Chef Patrick’s response will be.  The diet actually is a return to whole foods in a very restricted and pure form.  However, I am acutely aware that to most contemporary persons, the kids’ diet seems like a maniacal menu designed by The Swedish Chef and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew.

I expel a heavy sigh and acknowledge that the note cannot be helped.  If I am going to trust this man with the health of my children, I need to be sure that he understands the magnitude of our situation.  So with some reservation, I hit the “send” button, and my short novel takes off through cyberspace to an inbox somewhere in Orlando.

Several minutes have passed, and I’m back to searching the Disney website for details on height restrictions of attractions and recommended activities for toddlers.  Another pop-up box informs me that Chef Patrick has responded.  Already?  I know that Disney tries to be timely in responding to guests, but this is very impressive.  I open the new message and read, “May I call you right now?”

“Oh my!  Is this a good thing or a bad thing,” I wonder.  I oblige by sending Chef Patrick more specific contact information and wait for the phone to ring.

Over the last two years, our family has received a wide variety of reactions to our diet.  But the most common reaction is one of disbelief.  In spite of the evidence that my children’s recovery provides, most people seem unable to grasp that our extreme dietary measures have been completely necessary.  So – more often than I care to recall – I have been treated like a small child whose observations are received with an inattentive nod, vacant gaze, or condescending smile that communicates, “You are misinformed and misguided, but I’ll pretend to agree just to appease you.”  When Joel and I first encountered these responses, they were shocking.  Then they grew to be infuriating.  At this point, they are expected, but they have never become less painful.  So I brace myself for what I may confront in my next phone call.

The phone rings, so I pick up.  I’m greeted by a kind voice, “Hi. This is Chef Patrick from The Hollywood Brown Derby.”  I return the greeting.  Chef Patrick explains, “I’m sorry to bother you.  I received your e-mail and have looked it over.  With all my experience in dealing with dietary issues, I’ve never seen the likes of this.  I’m calling because I want to make sure that I fully understand it.  Is it alright if I ask you some questions?”  I take a big breath and agree to answer his questions even though most of these types of conversations turn into something resembling an interrogation.

We start off discussing the kids’ medical condition and its affect on their digestive system.  I explain that most likely the reason he is unfamiliar with their prescribed diet is because most individuals on it are unable to visit restaurants.  This is why we haven’t been in a restaurant as a family in two years.  Chef Patrick exclaims, “Two years!”  But rather than with disbelief, Chef Patrick treats my research and experience with a sense of respect and admiration.  He continues to ask very specific questions about ingredients and cooking processes.  His manner is one of genuine interest, and he asks me to occasionally pause so that he can catch up on his notes.  I find myself feeling slightly at ease with Chef Patrick.  He is very likeable, and even though I am neurotic, he seems to take me seriously.

After all the questions have been answered, I express my fear that the meals could accidentally be cross-contaminated due to the nature of a restaurant’s operation.  Chef Patrick very calmly addresses me, “I want to lay all your fears to rest.  Should you decide to come to my restaurant, your meals will be treated with the utmost care.  My restaurant is the only five-star restaurant within a Disney theme park.  For this reason, we have two kitchens – one that is rarely ever used.  If I’m on duty that day, not only will your meals be pulled off the main line and prepared in an entirely separate kitchen but I will also prepare them myself.  I want your family to eat in my restaurant.  You have been through so much.  Please allow me to serve you this way.  I truly want to feed your family.”

I nearly choke as my eyes tear up, and I struggle to catch my breath.  His words ring in my ears. I WANT to feed your family?  Of all the times I’ve witnessed reactions to our story, I’ve never encountered this.  I’ve seen arrogant condescension.  I’ve seen irritated tolerance.  At best, I’ve seen sympathetic compassion.  This is the first time though I’ve seen aggressive inclusion, and I am moved in a powerful way.

It is in this moment that I know I can place the safety of my family’s health in the hands of this incredible man.  He has succeeded where so many have failed by being humble and realizing there are some things that he can still learn in life (even from a Neurotic Disney Mom).  Because he has made himself teachable, he has also made himself trustworthy.  My defenses are coming down, and I smile as I imagine my family enjoying the luxury of a restaurant together for the first time since Elle’s birth.

Chef Patrick and I end our discussion with my promise to make a reservation and his promise to remain in touch.  He says that he plans to periodically check on our progress before we arrive, and once again I’m awestruck by his desire to be so “hands-on” with us.

I feel most of my apprehension melt away.  In its stead, the familiar feeling of Disney excitement grows.  Somehow this saintly man, disguised as a chef, has broken the curse of Disneyphobia that has tortured me for too long.  Upon recognizing this, I whisper a prayer of thanks for his entrance in my life.  He is the Genie in a lamp that I’ve been waiting to find, making my Disney wishes come true.

*Contact information for Walt Disney World special dietary requests:

(407) 824-5967

WDW.Special.Diets@disney.com

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/special-dietary-requests/

20 thoughts on “SAINT PATRICK

  1. Awww, I was getting teary-eyed with you! I’m beginning to understand your Disney obsession a bit better : ) What amazing service! Love ya!

  2. Awww, I was getting teary-eyed with you! I’m beginning to understand your Disney obsession a bit better : ) What amazing service! Love ya!

  3. Wow! I am a pediatric dietitian so I know many families with dietary restrictions. If a Disney vacation ever comes up in conversation with one of them I can tell them of your experience.
    What a great way to mix Disney talk into my work day!

  4. Wow! I am a pediatric dietitian so I know many families with dietary restrictions. If a Disney vacation ever comes up in conversation with one of them I can tell them of your experience.
    What a great way to mix Disney talk into my work day!

  5. I am so sorry you’ve had so many negative experiences. I cannot imagine what you go through on a daily basis regarding food but ss a mom I admire your attitude and determination to do what’s best for your children. They are very lucky! I cannot wait to see if you got to meet St. Patrick on your trip.

  6. I am so sorry you’ve had so many negative experiences. I cannot imagine what you go through on a daily basis regarding food but ss a mom I admire your attitude and determination to do what’s best for your children. They are very lucky! I cannot wait to see if you got to meet St. Patrick on your trip.

  7. WOW! That is awesome! Just one of the many reasons we love vacationing at Disney! You are really treated like royalty there! My mom has some dietary necessities, not severe like your kids, but a chef always comes to our table to chat with her for a little bit & usually ends up making her something that’s not even on their menu! Just love it! 🙂

  8. WOW! That is awesome! Just one of the many reasons we love vacationing at Disney! You are really treated like royalty there! My mom has some dietary necessities, not severe like your kids, but a chef always comes to our table to chat with her for a little bit & usually ends up making her something that’s not even on their menu! Just love it! 🙂

  9. My neice was impressed when chefs came out to talk to her about food restirctions for Migraines! Wait til I get her to read this! Keep up the excellent writing!

    You are such an inspiration to moms, I think all moms should know what you go thru on a daily basis, maybe they wouldn’t complain about cooking so much!

  10. My neice was impressed when chefs came out to talk to her about food restirctions for Migraines! Wait til I get her to read this! Keep up the excellent writing!

    You are such an inspiration to moms, I think all moms should know what you go thru on a daily basis, maybe they wouldn’t complain about cooking so much!

  11. Disney=(make a wish foundation). That is what it is about right? I am so glad to hear stories where Disney plays out there motto so fully. They should use this story for there advertising.

  12. Disney=(make a wish foundation). That is what it is about right? I am so glad to hear stories where Disney plays out there motto so fully. They should use this story for there advertising.

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