Does someone in your Walt Disney World party have a food allergy?
Mr. Geek and I recently returned from our Thanksgiving Disney World trip. Mr. Geek is gluten free and dairy free. Although I was worried he would not have as many options to enjoy, the cast members at Walt Disney World proved us wrong!
Keep reading to find out what we learned about dining with food allergies in Walt Disney World.
Menus are available online and through the My Disney Experience App.
Researching restaurants before your trip is easier than ever! Menus are available on the Disney planning website and through the My Disney Experience app. It allows you select your dining experiences before your trip.
Make note of allergies in your party when you make your Advanced Dining Reservation.
Making note of allergies on your reservation allows the cast members to prepare accordingly with the special menu and recommendations before you arrive. If you are making your Advanced Dining Reservations through My Disney Experience, make sure you add in the “notes” by checking the accommodations that apply. If you are making your reservations over the phone, the amazing cast members will be sure to modify your reservation.
Quick Service Mobile Ordering doesn’t allow substitutions outside of the allergy friendly menus.
Mobile Ordering through the My Disney Experience app is a easy and convenient way to order at Quick Service restaurants. However, it may be a little tricky for those with multiple food allergies.
Mr. Geek needs gluten free AND dairy free. At this time, there is only gluten free menus and a separate dairy free menu. If someone in your party requires more substitutions, it is easier to make the special order at the counter to make sure you get exactly what you want.
Be prepared to wait a little longer for your meal.
If you are a Disney traveler that likes to have their days planned out ahead of time, be sure to factor in extra time to wait for your meal when making substitutions–especially if you are going at a busy time of year. Disney World is incredible at taking the utmost care in your food preparation, but it also requires some extra time to receive your food.
The wait may seem longer because you’re just itching to get back to park hopping!
Talk to your server and the chef during Table Service meals.
We were very impressed at how knowledgeable and accommodating the servers were with special dietary requests. Here are just some examples of service going above and beyond:
- I was able to get dinner reservations at Be Our Guest for the first time. This was a big must-do for me, but we were concerned about the prix fixe menu and how it would accommodate Mr. Geek. This was not a problem at all! They prepared his meal with olive oil instead of butter and substituted the dessert tray with raspberry sorbet. Mr. Geek said it was the best raspberry sorbet he has ever had!
- We had reservations for Thanksgiving dinner at The Coral Reef in Epcot. The chef prepared a roasted turkey dinner that was available with gluten free and dairy free substitutions. Mr. Geek was so happy he could enjoy his Thanksgiving dinner even though we were away from home.
- After drooling over the Mickey Waffles every morning, our server at Boma’s breakfast buffet told Mr. Geek the chef could make him gluten free and dairy free waffles. I loved seeing his eyes light up with excitement!
Overall, Walt Disney World makes it very easy to navigate their dining experiences for people with food allergies. We are so grateful to the cast members at Disney World that go above and beyond to make sure their customers enjoy their magical vacation!
Read more about our recent Disney World vacation:
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