Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Hershey Park

Victoria6102

Recommended Posts

Victoria6102 Contributor
Victoria6102
Posted

Im going to Hershey park on Friday, so would greatly appreciate any replies you could give before then! Thanks!

It says on their website that they have trained their staff about CC and that they have separate utensils for the gluten free foods. There are 10 restaurants there that offer gluten-free menus and some have gluten-free pizzas desserts and buns. But do they have dedicated gluten-free kitchen space?

Can I trust this? I'm super careful like I'm supposed to be and have my own pans at home, if my food touches the counter I don't eat it, I use parchment paper on my pans to bake cookies, etc. So will their standards be safe for me? What are your experiences?

And also it says that you can't bring any of your own food in. I'm anemic and still sickly and need snacks to ward off nausea and lightheadedness every hour or two. And I'd like to bring my own lunch in case. I read online that you have to get a special disability band from guest services before you enter if you want to bring in your own food due to food allergies. I feel that that is absurd and wrong. I'll do of if I have to so I can eat safely but I don't want to have to wear a band all day that says I'm in need of special treatment. Ok sorry so any opinions?

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


pricklypear1971 Community Regular
pricklypear1971
Posted

Get the band - find out what you need to do to get it. You won't really know if the food is safe til you see what they do and talk to them.

BabsV Enthusiast
BabsV
Posted

Wow, nice that they offer the band option. I've seen other parks that say you can't bring food in, full stop.

I doubt anyone will be paying attention to the band other than those who have been trained to recognize it. And if you want the safety net of bringing in your own food it seems like a small price to pay.

modiddly16 Enthusiast
modiddly16
Posted

You can trust the food at Hersheypark. They have seperate spaces for the gluten free food. It takes a little longer because they make it when its ordered but it's worth it. If you have more questions, send me a personal message. I prefer not to post a lot of my personal stuff on this board but I'm 100% that you can trust it based on my experience. Also, if you don't want to get the band, you can re-enter the park with a hand stamp, so you can leave your food in your car and go back and get some if you want. I'm not sure why you feel like it's absurd and wrong to get a band to allow you to bring food in, a lot of places won't let you do that at all, no one knows what these bands are (guest wise), it's a way to look out for you.

Victoria6102 Contributor
Victoria6102
Posted
  • Author

Sorry I'm feeling more sane today, and your right the bands aren't that bad I guess. Just after all the research I was doing online and then when I called they couldn't give me any information. They were very unhelpful and almost rude. I was just upset I guess. :P sorry! Thanks :)

modiddly16 Enthusiast
modiddly16
Posted

Typically they're not ever rude or unhelpful, I'm sorry you had such a bad experience. The Park just opened for the summer, so they're training some new folks and maybe they're overwhelmed...which is no excuse however. I love the chicken tenders and the gluten free pizza, Minetown Restaurant is one of the better places to sit and eat and relax. Boardwalk fries are gluten free as are a lot of the ice cream places. Granted it's your choice on the level of your comfort if you choose to eat there or not but when the park is open, I eat there weekly and have never once gotten sick. They are very well trained (yes even for highschool and college students) and I've never been so willing to recommend something before. I don't know if you have other intolerences or anything and I certainly understand if you don't feel comfortable but they really do a decent job at making gluten free people feel like they have options!

Victoria6102 Contributor
Victoria6102
Posted
  • Author

Ok, I went to Hershey park on Saturday. I know it was only the second day it was open but their staff was not educated very much about celiac and gluten free. A stand said it had gluten free options but when I asked, the cashier said "what?" I said "gluten free" she continued asking what I meant and she said she had no idea what I was talking about.

Then I went to the mine town restaurant for lunch. When I asked about the gluten free menu, they had to go through 3 people to find someone who could help me. I asked for the gluten free fries and was asking about their process of cooking them, and they were laughing at me. I asked them to parchment paper on the pan cuz I dont share pans. They laughed but said they would do it. They were not very nice, hopefully as the season goes on they will become more educated and able to serve the customers better!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


modiddly16 Enthusiast
modiddly16
Posted

That's very odd. I eat there weekly and I've never had this experience. I've forwarded your post to the appropriate people.

Victoria6102 Contributor
Victoria6102
Posted
  • Author

Ok. Maybe it was just because they were new at the job and weren't educated about celiac yet. Glad you don't have any problems! I did not get sick so they prepared the food correctly but the service was the part that bothered me.

modiddly16 Enthusiast
modiddly16
Posted

They're all educated about food allergies and what products they have before they start on the job. You might've been the first person this season to ask them about it but nonetheless, they shouldn't have been doing anything that made you feel uncomfortable. I'm glad you didn't get sick, I would've been very surprised if you did. Please don't let that one experience drive you away from visiting the Park again, they really are usually very on top of things and very good!

ryebaby0 Enthusiast
ryebaby0
Posted

Huh. I came to the travel thread just to post about Hershey Park, bc my son was there on a class trip this week and had a great experience. Ate at Minetown and had hotdogs and cookies, which came wrapped up so he didn't worry about contamination (he did not eat the hotdog in a bun, although they offered). He brought food with him in his backpack and no one questioned it; he also did not have to wear any sort of band (which I agree is a dismal idea). The manager brought him his food and made sure it was to his liking. I'm hoping you got a weird untrained person, but usually they are more helpful.

lpellegr Collaborator
lpellegr
Posted

I hope it worked out for you. I had a great experience at Hershey, and the best gluten-free pizza I've ever had, including my homemade. If you're in the area, try Dorney Park as well. Not as many gluten-free options, but enough to survive on for the day, especially the fresh-cut french fries.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,024
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Maus14
    Newest Member
    Maus14
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      Celiac getting dentures

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Your experience is both shocking and critically important for the community to hear, underscoring the terrifying reality that cross-contamination can extend into the most unexpected and invasive medical devices. It is absolutely devastating that you had to endure six months of sickness and ultimately sustain permanent vision loss because a doctor dismissed your legitimate, life-altering condition. Your relentless research and advocacy, from discovering the gluten in MMA acrylic to finding a compassionate prosthodontist, is a testament to your strength in a system that often fails celiac patients. While the scientific and medical consensus is that gluten cannot be absorbed through the skin or eyes (as the molecules are too large to pass through these barriers), your story highlights a terrifying gray area: what about a substance *permanently implanted inside the body*, where it could potentially shed microparticles or cause a localized immune reaction? Your powerful warning about acrylic lenses and the drastic difference with the silicone alternative is invaluable information. Thank you for sharing your harrowing journey and the specific, severe neurological symptoms you endure; it is a stark reminder that celiac is a systemic disease, and your advocacy is undoubtedly saving others from similar trauma.
    • Scott Adams
      Dedicated gluten-free Restaurants in East Bay (near San Francisco):

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Those are driving distance from me--I will try to check them out, thanks for sharing!
    • Scott Adams
      Fighting for a name

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I am so sorry you're going through this bad experience--it's difficult when your own lived reality of cause and effect is dismissed by the very professionals meant to help you. You are absolutely right—your violent physical reactions are not "what you think," but undeniable data points, and it's a form of medical gaslighting to be told otherwise, especially when you have a positive HLA-DQ2 gene and a clear clinical picture. Since your current "celiac specialist" is not addressing the core issue or your related conditions like SIBO and chronic fatigue, it may be time for a strategic pivot. Instead of trying to "reprove" your celiac disease to unwilling ears, consider seeking out a new gastroenterologist or functional medicine doctor, and frame the conversation around managing the complications of a confirmed gluten-free diet for celiac disease. Go in and say, "I have celiac disease, am strictly gluten-free, but I am still suffering from these specific complications: SIBO, chronic fatigue, dermatological issues, and high blood pressure linked to pain. I need a partner to help me address these related conditions." This shifts the focus from a debate about your diagnosis to a collaborative plan for your current suffering, which is the help you truly need and deserve to work toward bouncing back.
    • NanCel
      Celiac getting dentures

      By NanCel · Posted

      Hello, no I had to have them re done and then used a liner over the top.  Many dentists are not aware of the celiac effects.  Best of luck.   There is other material, yet, very expensive.
    • sleuth
      Nicotine Gum For Gluten Symptoms.. Am I Crazy?

      By sleuth · Posted

      He is not just a psychiatrist.  He is also a neuroscientist.  And yes, I have already read those studies.   I agree with benfotiamine.  This is short term while glutened/inflammation occurs.  As I had already mentioned, these symptoms no longer exist when this phase passes.  And yes, I know that celiac is a disease of malnutrition.  We are working with a naturopath.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.