Did you know that Walt Disney World is one of the most accommodating vacation destinations for families with food allergies? With proper planning, you can eat just about anywhere and not have to worry.
Common food allergies such as gluten, wheat, lactose, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, soy, fish, eggs and corn can usually be accommodated at Table Service restaurants with at least 14 days advanced notice. Many of the other Walt Disney World restaurants can handle single-allergy/intolerance requests without prior notice, however it’s always best to notify them ahead of time. Even if you have called/emailed ahead, you should be sure to speak with the Chef or Manager at a restaurant upon arrival to make sure they are aware of your dietary needs.
Planning is everything! Disney Table-Service restaurants accept reservations 180 days in advance. That might sound extreme, but if you’ve ever tried to get a reservation to Cinderella’s Royal Table, or Be Our Guest restaurant you understand that even 180 days in advance, they can be pretty hard to get. Most table-service restaurants are able to accommodate allergy-friendly meal requests. When you or your travel agent make the reservation, you will be able to indicate any food allergies or special dietary needs. Disney also suggests that you contact the Special Diets team at Special.Diets@disneyworld.com or 407-824-5967 about 2-4 weeks in advance of your visit to go over any dietary concerns. When you check in at the restaurant with your reservation, make them aware of your allergies and they will usually send the chef out to your table to discuss the menu options and customizations to suit your needs.
If you are planning to dine at a buffet, you should ask to speak to the chef or manager upon arrival to discuss your food allergy. The chef should be available to walk with you through the buffet and let you know what foods you can eat based on your specific allergies, like Gluten-Free Mickey Waffles!
If you are going to be dining at a Quick-Service restaurant, many of them offer menu items that accommodate certain food allergies as well. They have a nutritional book that includes every menu item and all of its ingredients so that you can make the most informed choices when ordering your meal. Click HERE and look under the Activities tab to view a few handy guides for certain food allergies. The guides list what allergy specific items are available at what Walt Disney World Quick Service locations.
Almost all Quick-Service locations will go above and beyond to accommodate your requests. For example, if you have a nut allergy and are craving your favorite ice cream with sprinkles, I have seen them open brand new bags of sprinkles, just to avoid cross contamination. Also, at most locations, your allergy free food will come out on a different colored tray so that everyone who handles it is aware that it requires special handling. The Turkey Leg is a favorite “Allergy Safe” option.
Even the snack carts are able to provide you with the packages for foods they carry so that you may look at the list of ingredients yourself and determine if it is safe to eat.
Disney also allows guests to bring in their own food and beverages. You can pack a bag or small cooler (lunch tote, actual coolers are not permitted in the parks) with any snacks or meals that will be helpful. Please just make the security guards at bag check are aware of what you are bringing in. Some people have food items shipped to the resort before they arrive, making in-room breakfasts and snacks easier. Each Walt Disney World Resort room is equipped with a small refrigerator.
PLEASE NOTE: Walt Disney Parks and Resorts cannot guarantee that allergens may not have been introduced during another stage of the food chain process or, even inadvertently, during preparation. They do not maintain separate kitchens to prepare allergen-free items or separate dining areas for Guests with allergies or intolerances.
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Kristin Schombs is the owner of Magic Carpet Destinations, a travel agency that specializes in all things Disney. She can be reached at magicarpetdestinations@gmail.com
