Does someone in your family have food allergies or dietary restrictions? Check out this guide to food allergies at Disney World!
This post about food allergies at Disney World contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Food allergies at Disney World is not a super common problem for most people, but it’s a very common solution at Walt Disney World.
They are used to every possible food allergy you can throw at them and for years they have been one of the most trusted brands to provide alternative options and allergen-free meals for even the most obscure food allergies.
When gluten was just entering into the public conversation and gluten-free food was scarce and only found in niche segments, Disney World was offering gluten-free alternatives to guests including tapioca rolls and gluten-free Barilla pasta.
Disney World is an exceptional place to visit for virtually any diet, especially if that diet is based on food allergies.
If you or someone you know will be dealing with food allergies or are vegan at Disney World be assured that it will not be a problem.
In most cases, you or they will be able to enjoy your stay there just as much as everybody else without having to bend over backward or avoid fun dining options.
With that in mind here are just five helpful tips to help you get the most out of your Disney trip despite your food allergies.
1. Trip Planning for Food Allergies at Disney World
Deciding Where to Eat When You Have Food Allergies at Disney World
First of all, Walt Disney World has allergy menus for every restaurant. You can access online at Walt Disney World’s official website, just like any other menu.
Just hover over the “Things to Do” tab and click on the link for “All Restaurants.” You can search for restaurants based on budget, rating, cuisine, and even restaurant type.
You can also search for restaurants based on location, which is extremely helpful if you are filling in mealtimes for a particular day on your itinerary.
However you search, each restaurant includes a menu. If you scroll down past the main menu, you’ll find allergy menus as well.
Beginning Steamed Asian Dumplings from Le Cellier at Epcot at Walt Disney World. Photo credit: Walt Disney World
Making Reservations with Food Allergies at Disney World
If you decide on a restaurant you’d like to dine at, you need to make a reservation. Reservations not only secure a table for your party, but they are also essential for guests with allergies as a means of communicating their needs in advance.
You can make any dining reservation at Walt Disney World within 180 days of your trip. You may need to make your reservation as early as possible depending on the popularity of the restaurant.
The easiest way is to book online and leave a note that you have a food allergy, along with any other requests such as table location.
Then, it’s best to call and speak to a cast member in person. They may be able to even put the chef on who will be willing to discuss options including preparation and ingredients. They are great about taking the time to address questions and concerns.
2. Addressing Food Allergies on the Fly at Walt Disney World
The Best Places at Disney World for Guests with Food Allergies
Although Walt Disney World has a solid reputation for assisting guests with food allergies, there are a few noteworthy locations that are very popular among guests with special diets.
Raglan Road at Disney Springs tops a lot of lists, especially among the celiac crowd. Erin McKenna’s Bakery is also a very popular stop among guests with a variety of allergies.
The fine-dining restaurants are usually better choices for the best attention to detail. Other well-received places for allergies at Disney World include Yak and Yeti, and Sunshine Seasons as well as virtually any Disney World Buffet.
Wherever you go, make sure you ask for an allergy menu and the chef will come to your table to clear up any concerns you may have.
Buffet dining in Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World. Photo credit: Matt Stroshane
Addressing a Food Allergy at a Disney Buffet
While we don’t quite know the future of buffets at Disney World, we know that the Disney Cruise Line is discontinuing self-service at buffets.
This leads us to believe that while there will be changes, buffets are likely to remain at their current Disney World locations.
Buffets are great because you can pick and choose what goes on your plate. Just like other restaurants at Disney World, the chef will happily assist you in determining what is and isn’t appropriate for your dietary needs.
3. How to Be Prepared if You Have Food Allergies at Disney World
The best way to stay safe with food allergies is to bring along your own snacks to eat in a pinch. You can bring food and drinks into the park with you without a problem.
There are many easy ways to get groceries delivered at Disney World, so you can stock up an all your favorite allergy-friendly foods.
You are also permitted to bring certain medications you require as long as you inform the security guard of their medical necessity. Find more general policies and park rules here.
4. Emergency Response for Allergic Reactions at Disney World
First Aid at Disney World
In minor circumstances, it’s best to know where First Aid is located at your Park. It is usually in the front or middle.
You can find it on your MyDisneyExperience app, or on the park map as soon as you go in the gate. If you want to learn the layout of the parks beforehand, you can pick up maps at the hotel lobby as well.
Paramedics at Disney World
In the case of an emergency, find the nearest cast member and ask them to call 911. They will make the call and stay on the line for you until help arrives.
5. Restaurants to Avoid if You Have Food Allergies at Disney World
Although Disney strives to provide the best experience for all guests at its parks and resorts, not all restaurants are as reliable if you have food allergies.
The faster the food, the harder it is to make any special requests. A food cart will not be able to do many modifications.
Counter service restaurants can make some substitutions, but they are not as reliable as table service restaurants, which go above and beyond to give you great dining experience.
For that reason, it’s worth booking reservations ahead of time or even trying to get in at the last minute on a slow day.