How to navigate Walt Disney World with a food allergy
Let me ease your mind with some tips based on my experiences of traveling to Disney World with a food allergy in the family.
Now, when it comes to Disney World, we all know that it takes a bit of planning. You have to research resorts, attractions and then of course dining. When researching dining options, My Disney Experience is typically your “go to” for finding menus and ensuring restaurants have something you would enjoy.
In my experience, it seems that only some restaurants have their allergy menus available on My Disney Experience, while others can only be found in person. But do not let this deter from trying some place new. Disney is a step above the rest when it comes to handling food allergies and their chefs will work with you to find something you can enjoy in their establishment.
Quick Service locations, commonly known as counter service dining experiences, have started carrying allergy menus that lists items in categories such as “dairy free,” “peanut free,” “egg free” and so on.
Most of the time I found I needed to ask a cast member for an allergy menu, but on a few occasions, I was able to find the menu sitting on the counter.
(Prot tip: If you already know where you want to eat for the day, it doesn’t hurt to swing by early, take picture of the menu with your phone and have a look over it while walking around the park. This way if you have any questions when ordering you are prepared.)
I do want to note that your wait time might be a tad longer than normal as your food is being made to order with your specific allergy needs. Please know that you can always request to talk to the chef or manager if you need more information before ordering.
Table Service locations, your typical sit-down dining experience, are handled differently than quick service locations. To start, you can note your food allergies on your reservation while making it on My Disney Experience.
While reviewing your dining reservation there is a spot to list food allergies or special dietary needs. If your food allergy is not listed as one of the options you will want to check “other”, which will indicate the restaurant to talk to you upon arrival.
If you have major concerns after booking your dining arrangements, e-mail special.diets@disneyworld.com, no more than 14 days prior to your arrival with your concerns.
When you arrive and check-in for your dining experience the host will confirm the food allergies you listed while making your reservation and once seated, your server will confirm them for a second time. Like many quick-service locations, you will receive a food allergy menu with offerings for you to choose from. More often then not, the chef will come out and review the menu with you but if this does not happen organically, as always, feel free to request to speak to the chef. Disney wants to make sure you are comfortable before ordering.
Buffets had been treated very similar to table service dining experiences when dealing with food allergies. Though, we don’t know the future of buffets right now (whether you will serve yourself or will be served) always let servers know what allergies exist and ask them to walk you through the menu. When we have gone it usually was the head chef who comes out to talk with us, but on occasion, the manager has been the one to walk to the buffet with us. If something on the buffet looks good but isn’t safe for you to eat, just ask and most chefs are willing to work with you to make a similar dish that is safe.
No matter which dining experience you choose, Disney World remains one of the best theme parks when it comes to handling food allergies. From planning to enjoying the unique cuisine throughout the parks and resorts, you can expect that Disney has your safety and enjoyment as their top priorities. So, eat up and enjoy!
You can contact Libby Huff at libby@mousepros.com