Having a food allergy or gluten sensitivity can often make it difficult for me to find things I truly enjoy when dining out at home. However, I never have a problem finding delicious and “normal” foods while visiting the Most Magical Place on Earth. There are so many options across all the eateries on property that it is almost like a vacation from my gluten sensitivity as well!
Walt Disney World takes food allergies seriously and strives to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions, including food allergies. The food service cast members have sometimes taken more precautions with my gluten sensitivity than I do at home. It is important to insert here that while I am sensitive or intolerant to gluten, I do not have celiac disease, and therefore am not as strict or sensitive to cross contamination as many people dealing with food allergies of all kinds. All of that being said, the resort provides various options for individuals with food allergies, making dining “like a regular person” a safer experience. Here are a few ways Walt Disney World Resort demonstrates the utmost safety and care for guests with food allergies and sensitivities like ME!
Allergy-friendly menus: Many restaurants across Walt Disney World Resort offer allergy-friendly menus or alternative menus specifically designed for guests with food allergies. These menus clearly list common allergens present in each dish, making it easier for guests to select suitable options. Guests are also welcome, even encouraged, to speak with a chef about accommodations, food prep techniques, ingredient lists, etc. to ensure the utmost care and safety.
Special dietary requests: Upon making a dining reservation or upon arrival at a restaurant, guests can inform the staff about their food allergies. Often without asking, the servers and chefs will have the allergy friendly menu ready, be prepared with suggestions and open to all questions or concerns guests may have.
Ingredient transparency: Walt Disney World chefs are trained to understand common food allergies and the ingredients used in their dishes. They can provide detailed information about the ingredients and potential allergens present in the food. If you have specific concerns about certain ingredients, it’s best to consult with the chef or a knowledgeable cast member. It is always a good idea to check the ingredients of each dish on each visit. Walt Disney World is not immune to the supply chain issues that have plagued so many industries across the country and will often have changes in suppliers which can impact the ingredients in a certain dish. Brand X of BBQ sauce may be completely safe but the new supplier with Brand Y contains gluten (or some other allergen). When in doubt, ask to see the ingredient book. Every dining location, including snack carts has a binder with every ingredient in every item they serve and they are usually more than happy to have you take a look for yourself.
Cross-contamination awareness: While Disney strives to prevent cross-contamination, it’s important to note that the risk cannot be completely eliminated. The kitchens and preparation areas in Walt Disney World restaurants are designed to minimize cross-contamination, and the staff is trained to follow specific protocols. However, due to the nature of restaurant operations, there is always a possibility of inadvertent cross-contamination. Food Service cast members are super careful with every “allergy” order, even to the point that only specifically trained cast members can hand food across the counter (this is the part I was talking about where cast members are more careful than I am). This can sometimes cause an allergy order to take a little longer to prepare or deliver, so be sure to pack those patient pants!
Allergy-friendly alternatives: In many cases, Walt Disney World restaurants can offer alternative ingredients or substitutions to accommodate specific dietary needs. For instance, they may provide gluten-free bread or dairy-free alternatives that may not be listed on the menu. Many times the chef will actually even tell me to be sure to look at the regular menu and not just the allergy menu because he or she can modify most of the offerings, not just what is listed. It is recommended to discuss your specific requirements with the restaurant staff before ordering to ensure they can meet your needs.
Advance planning: If you have severe food allergies, it’s advisable to plan your dining experiences in advance. You can make reservations at specific restaurants known for their allergy accommodations and communicate your dietary needs to Disney Dining or the restaurant directly. This proactive approach allows the restaurant staff to be better prepared for your arrival. It is also highly recommended for those with multiple allergies or very restrictive diets to reach out to Special.Diets@DisneyWorld.com no more than 14 days prior to your arrival to discuss your dining options.
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