Wondering if you can visit Disney and eat some of that delicious Dole Whip? Conquering food allergies and Disney may seem scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Disney can help with allergy-friendly trained Cast Members and a dedicated Special Diets department. While Disney cannot guarantee that all allergy-friendly requests can be made, as you’ll see below, they sure do a great job of trying to accommodate everyone. This includes gluten-free guests, dairy-free, and more. In addition, most table-service restaurants offer allergy-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
Disneyland & Walt Disney World
Restaurants at Walt Disney World provide a variety of safe foods for guests with food allergies. There are options available at most of the table service restaurants (e.g., Blue Bayou Restaurant) and at some of the more ‘fast food’ restaurants. Guests can request to speak with the chef or special Cast Members knowledgeable about various diets. These accommodations can be made on the spot without the need to call ahead of time.
Disney Cruise Lines
Similarly to Disneyland and Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Lines offers alternative food choices for guests with food allergies. Most alternative food options are available in the Main Dining and Adult-exclusive restaurants. Disney Cruise Lines does ask that guests fill out and submit a Special Requests application online if they have food allergies. Once on the ship, guests are asked to visit the Onboard Dining Session (available on Embarkation Day) and to always remind the dining team before ordering at a restaurant.
Online Menus
Conveniently, families can view restaurant menus (and allergy menus when available) before visiting Disney to get an idea of what foods and meals are offered. Looking over various menus will help plan out each day at Disney. It will also help you feel more prepared and less stressed, wondering if there will be enough allergy-friendly options available. Families can bring their own allergy-friendly foods if needed (more on that later).
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Food Allergen Lists
Before visiting Disney, know there is a common list of food allergies that Disney can easily accommodate at their table-service restaurants. Those who are allergic to one of the below ingredients should not have an issue receiving an alternative food choice:
- Eggs
- Fish
- Milk
- Peanuts
- Sesame
- Shellfish
- Soy
- Tree nuts
- Wheat
There is also a list of less common food allergies that Disney may or may not be able to accommodate as easily. For guests who need the below removed from their dish, Disney may be able to accommodate those requests:
- Gluten
- Lactose
- Corn
- Citrus
- Nightshades
- MSG
Contacting Disney In Advance
The only time it is suggested to contact Disney in advance regarding a food allergy is if someone has 4 or more food allergies. If this is the case, guests are asked to contact [email protected] to receive and fill out a Special Dietary Request Form. Guests should contact Disney at least 14 days before the estimated arrival date. This is a great resource for families who need assistance with dining at Disney.
Reservations
When making your reservation, it is best to notify the table-service restaurant that one or more guests have a food allergy. This gives the restaurant a heads-up and can help them prepare for your visit. Once you have arrived at the restaurant, go ahead and tell your Cast Member about your allergy-friendly request as well. This will help ensure your meal will be made properly and safely!
About the Kitchens
Disney does not have separate allergy-friendly kitchens. Therefore, they cannot guarantee cross-contamination will not happen. With that in mind, Disney takes precautions to deliver an allergy-friendly meal based on your food restrictions. It is not said whether there is a dedicated fryer for allergy-friendly foods.
Fast Food Kiosks
Since Disney’s fast food kiosks and carts cannot carry as much food, there aren’t as many allergy-friendly options available. If you’re unsure if you can safely eat what is offered, feel free to ask to see the product packaging for ingredients listed for small menu items (e.g., ice cream bars). You may be able to talk with a Cast Member about your specific food allergy, but it will increase your wait time. Guests are recommended to eat at table-service restaurants for the most allergy-friendly options.
Mobile Ordering
There are quick-service restaurants at Disney that offer mobile ordering. When guests want to mobile order, they can see what menu items are allergy-friendly right on their smartphones. This is the better option for guests who only have 1 food allergy. For guests with more than 1 food allergy, Disney suggests they wait to order until they are at the restaurant so that they can talk directly to a Cast Member.
Bringing Your Own Food
For guests who feel more comfortable bringing their own allergy-friendly food to Disneyland or Walt Disney World, that is acceptable per Disney’s guidelines. With that being said, guests cannot bring food and expect Cast Members to store, prepare, cook, or reheat them for them, as that is not allowed. Disney Cruise Lines also allows guests to bring their own food as long as they are non-perishable and follow the luggage rules.
Disney offers a few great options for guests who have food allergies, and as you can see, they are willing to do their best to accommodate all situations. Thankfully guests are allowed to bring their own food to a Disney theme park or on a Disney Cruise Line as long as rules are followed. This takes the stress out of planning your super fun family trip and gets everyone more excited for the big day! Food allergies and Disney doesn’t have to be difficult (or scary)!
Have you eaten at Disney while having a food allergy? We’d love to hear how your experience was below.
