Disney is known for its unique dining experiences and incredible guest service. So is it any surprise that they are the best at accommodating guests with special dietary needs?
I have several food allergies, and the Disney Parks are my absolute favorite places to dine. I never have to worry about finding something great to eat or missing out on the coolest restaurants. I don’t have to feel awkward about bringing up my restrictions with a waiter. I get to simply enjoy my meal, just like everyone else.
If you or someone in your family has food allergies, it can be intimidating to visit a place as large as Walt Disney World or board a Disney Cruise. But in fact, they’re known for their ability to make each and every guest feel taken care of. With a little preparation, your trip will be as seamless as anyone’s. Here is my guide to dining at Disney with food allergies.
Before You Go
Do Your Homework
Both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts offer dozens of restaurants with a wide variety of cuisines and themes. Before you start planning your vacation, review the dining options and see if there are already locations that will suit your tastes and dietary needs. Here are the lists of restaurants:
Next, get familiar with the menu items. You can find the menu to almost every restaurant on Disney’s website. Just click through to the dining location you’re interested in and search for the menu link. Note that menu items do change occasionally, so be sure to check again just before you travel (and of course, once you’re seated at your meal).
Note Allergies on Your Dining Reservations
Disney is set up to easily accommodate guests who have one or more of the top eight most common allergies:
- Gluten/Wheat
- Eggs
- Fish
- Milk/Lactose
- Peanuts/Tree Nuts
- Shellfish
- Soy
- Corn
If you or someone in your family has one or more of these allergies, all you’ll need to do is check off the appropriate boxes when making your advanced dining reservation. If you’re calling in your reservations, just tell the Cast Member that a member of your party has food allergies.
If you are working with a travel agent, be sure to inform them of your dietary needs at the start of the planning process so they can make dining recommendations. They’ll also be able to note it on all your reservations.
Contact the Special Diets Department
If your allergy is not listed above, or you have special concerns about dining during your trip, you can contact the Special Diets departments at both Disney World and Disneyland:
- Walt Disney World® Resort: special.diets@disneyworld.com
- Disneyland® Resort: special.diets@disneyland.com
Guests with the following situations should contact the Special Diets department at least 14 days before arrival:
- Allergies outside of the “Top 8”
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Metabolic Disorders
- Guests with 4 or more allergies/intolerances
Book the Right Room for Your Needs
All Disney Resorts rooms come with a mini-fridge, so plan on having some storage for snacks and drinks. If you’ll need more space due to dietary or medical needs you can request an additional mini-fridge for your room.
If you plan on preparing meals in your room to accommodate a member of your party, it may be worth considering booking a room with a kitchenette or full-sized kitchen.
At Disney World Resort, you can find rooms with kitchens at any of the Deluxe Villa Resorts or at the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Kitchenettes can also be found at the Deluxe Villas, as well as the family suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s All-Star Music Resort.
At Disneyland Resort, you can find rooms with a kitchenette at several off-site hotels. These include Homewood Suites, the Ayres Hotel, and the Dessert Palms Hotel & Suites.
Quick-Service Dining & Snacks
Go Straight to the Counter for Allergy Menus
Depending on your particular restrictions, most quick-service dining locations can accommodate food allergies. When you get to there, go straight to the counter (instead of waiting in line) and ask for the allergy menu. If they don’t have one, you can ask to see “the book” which includes the ingredients in all of their menu items.
Here are a few examples of a quick-service allergy menu:
- Columbia Harbour House (Magic Kingdom)
- Electric Umbrella (Epcot)
- Jolly Holiday Bakery (Disneyland)
Getting the menu before waiting in line will save you (and the Cast Members) a lot of time and hassle while you find items that meet your needs. Be sure to ask the Cast Members any questions you have.
One of my favorite treats is the pineapple Dole Whip at Magic Kingdom (or Disneyland). It is vegan and gluten-free, so it suits most allergies!
Look for Pre-Packaged Snacks and Sides
Sometimes it’s easier to find pre-packaged treats with the ingredients listed right on the wrapper. You’ll find chips, ice cream, and more located throughout the parks. You can also find fruit carts with a variety of fresh produce.
Table-Service Dining
Request an Allergy Menu and Inform Your Server
Table-service dining is where Disney shines brightest when it comes to handling food allergies. Even if you’ve noted allergies on your reservations, be sure to remind the Cast Member at the welcome desk (they’ll likely ask you before you think to bring it up anyway). Request an allergy menu from your server.
Here are some examples of table-service allergy friendly menus:
- Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom)
- Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room (Epcot)
- Blue Bayou (Disneyland)
Talk to the Chef
At most table-service dining locations you’ll have the opportunity to either speak with the chef or a specially-trained Cast Member about your dietary restrictions. The chef will help you navigate the menu and even suggest a special dish if none of the items meet your needs. If the recommended items don’t agree with your tastes, give the chef an idea of the meals you typically eat.
I really appreciate the chefs taking the time to speak with guests and make sure they feel accommodated. In my case I’ve usually been able to order off the main menu with a few modifications (i.e. “please leave this item off the plate”). One time I even had a head chef come visit a booth at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival to personally ensure a dish was served without mushroom sauce.
Get a Walk-Through of the Buffets
Buffets are very popular at the Disney Parks as many of them include Character Dining. If you have food allergies, ask to have the chef walk you through the buffet to show you which dishes are allergy-friendly. They can also bring out special items that will fit your needs if none are available otherwise.
Tips & Tricks
Here are a few ideas that have helped me throughout the years:
- When in doubt, pack some of your own snacks. You can store extras in a locker at the parks.
- Always carry your Epi-Pen (if you use one) and Benadryl.
- Always verify ingredients while ordering and check your meal once you get it (no one likes allergy surprises).
- Be sure to check out Erin McKenna’s Bakery in Disney Springs. They offer items such as allergen-free cupcakes and vegan cakes.
Finally, here are a few things to keep in mind while you’re planning your trip:
- A vacation planner can help you navigate the best options for your diet and make requests on your behalf.
- While Disney does their best to prevent cross-contamination, they do not have separate kitchens for allergen-free items.
- Disney can accommodate several lifestyle requests in addition to food allergies: vegan, vegetarian, low-fat, low-sodium, no-sugar-added, Kosher, and Halal.
- Disney offers the same level of quality guest service on their cruise line, so you can enjoy a stress-free trip at sea as well!
I hope this has given you an idea of what to expect when dining at the Disney Parks with food allergies. If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email at jtullino@themouseexperts.com.
Ready for your next Disney trip? Let me help design your dream Disney vacation! I offer stress-free vacation planning, personalized itineraries, 1-on-1 concierge services, and more at no cost to you. Request a free, no-obligation quote through my web form, email me at jtullino@themouseexperts.com, or call me at (321) 222-DSNY. I’d love to help your plan your most memorable vacation yet!
