Walt Disney World services millions of people from around the world each year so it should come as no surprise that they will accommodate those guests that may have dietary needs. Here are some of the most asked questions from people with special menu requests to help you prepare for your visit to The Most Magical Place on Earth Walt Disney World with food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Q: Does Walt Disney World cater to specific allergies?
A: Yes, Many Resort restaurants now offer allergy-friendly menus to address food intolerances.
By substituting different ingredients and approaches, most of the Disney chefs around Walt Disney World’s restaurants and quick-service locations can accommodate the following common food allergies:
- Gluten or wheat
- Lactose or milk
- Peanuts and tree nuts
- Shellfish
- Soy
- Fish
- Eggs
- Corn
Q: I don’t have a food allergy but need food prepared to a specific condition. Can Walt Disney World make special accommodations for me?
A: Yes, many locations are able to accommodate lifestyle requests such as low-fat, low-sodium, no-sugar-added and vegetarian options often with no advance arrangements.
Discuss your dietary requirements with your server upon arrival at the location before ordering. You will most likely be able to consult with a chef or Cast Member trained in special dietary needs before placing an order. Disney promises to use reasonable efforts in their food sourcing, preparation and handling procedures to avoid the introduction of the named allergen into your menu choices.
Q: Cross contamination is a concern for me, will Disney guarantee my food will not come in contact with or contain the ingredient I am allergic to?
A: No
Disney does not have a separate kitchen to prepare allergen-friendly items, or separate dining areas for guests with allergies or intolerances. Because of this fact, it is possible for an allergen to be introduced before the food is provided to them, or inadvertently during food preparation or handling.
Q: My dietary needs go beyond a simple food allergy, can I still be accommodated?
A: Yes, guests with Metabolic Disorders and Multiple Allergies can be accommodated but will require advanced notification to Disney
Guests with requests associated with the list below should contact Walt Disney World Resort’s Special Diets at Special.Diets@DisneyWorld.com after they have booked all their dining arrangements for their visit and at least 14 days prior to their arrival
- Any allergy or intolerance not listed under common food allergies
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Metabolic disorders
- A single guest with multiple allergies / intolerances or multiple Guests with allergies / intolerances within the same party
Disney restaurants will do their best to accommodate your dietary requirements but cannot guarantee that they will be able to meet all requests so it is vital you contact them if you needs go past a simple food allergy or lifestyle request.
Q: Do I have to wait until I get to the restaurant to let them know a person in our party has a special dietary need?
A: No
The sooner Disney knows the better. You can make a note of it when you make your Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs). ADRs can be made online at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/ or by phone at (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463. Just make sure you inform the Cast Member of your dietary requirements when making your dining reservation over the phone.
Q: What about buffets will they work with me?
A: Yes and a little bit no.
Guests should ask to speak with a chef or a manager upon arrival at a buffet dining location to discuss any food allergies or intolerances. Chefs are available to walk Guests through the buffet to explain what can be eaten based on specific dietary requirements. Chefs have been known to offer up items not found on the buffet that will accommodate the guest’s particular need and tastes but they cannot always guarantee they will be able to meet all dietary requests.
Q: I have been told by Disney or there is no way they can accommodate my needs does this mean me and my family can’t eat together in a restaurant?
A: No, it may come as a surprise to most guests but you can bring your own food in.
Guests with food allergies or intolerances are allowed to bring food into Walt Disney World theme parks and dining locations. When entering a park, simply inform the security Cast Member at bag check that someone in the party has a food allergy or intolerance.
Q: What about refrigerating and heating personal food Items
A: Some rooms accommodate this and some don’t.
Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel who have items that need to be refrigerated should ask the Front Desk to have a refrigerator placed in the room (subject to availability). Additional charges may also apply. Cast Members are prohibited from storing, preparing, cooking or reheating any food brought into the resorts or theme parks by guests. If you need to prepare your own food resorts that have Disney Vacation Club Villas can be booked with cash to non-members. All units other than the studio category have kitchens.
Q: Are Kosher meals available?
A: Yes
Kosher meals can be accommodated at table-service and select quick-service restaurants. Kosher meals should be requested 24 hours in advance by calling (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463.
Q: What about Halal meals?
A: Yes
Halal meals can be accommodated at select restaurants. Halal meals should be requested 24 hours in advance by calling (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463.
Q: I just wasted a ton of time reading this stupid blog post that didn’t answer my question, where can I get more information?
A: since I am answering your question by providing where to get information the blog post is now official helpful to you.
For other questions related to food allergies and other special dietary needs and requests, contact Walt Disney World Resort Special Diets at Special.Diets@DisneyWorld.com.
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