Guest Author Sarah Norris: Visiting the Walt Disney World Resort with a Special Diet

When you have a special dietary need, the thought of traveling and eating out can be overwhelming. But when you visit the Walt Disney World Resort, you are transported to a wondrous place where guests with special dietary needs are treated like royalty. Disney is known throughout the world as one of the top locations for special diets vacationers, offering delicious treats like allergy friendly Mickey waffles, beignets and more. To add to this, Disney chefs and members of the culinary team go through rigorous food allergy and special diets training to ensure your meal is both magical and safe for all your dietary needs.  

Millions of people affected by special dietary needs flock to Disney World each year, and if you’re one of them, you’ll want to check out these tips and tricks to help make your experience more magical. To get into the Disney spirit, we’re channeling our favorite Disney characters to help us go through some of these tips and tricks.

Be like Belle and do some research! Before your vacation, check out Disney’s official website for information on the Disney Special Diets Department and even read menus from most table service locations on property. You can also find menus for both quick service and table service on comprehensive sites like Allears.net.  If you’re looking for special diet specific sites, check out: Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW, Allergy Free Mouse, Gluten Free in Orlando and more for reviews, tips, and tricks from those who have been to Disney World with special diets first-hand. You can also find lots of different blogs that post trip reports too.

Don’t be like the Mad Hatter and be late for important dates! You can book your advance dining reservations 180 days in advance. As a special diets diner, you’ll want to pay extra attention to this, particularly if you have specific restaurants in mind for your dietary needs. When you make your ADRs don’t forget to note your special dietary needs on your reservation, which you can do online, by phone or through the My Disney Experience app.

Listen to Scar and “Be prepared!” Sure, Scar isn’t the nicest Disney character, but he has a point. Being prepared is always a good thing when it comes to visiting Disney World with a special diet. This means packing safe snacks or ordering grocery delivery from a service like Orlando Theme Park Shoppers. Always have a snack on hand when you’re in the park! It will save you time, money, and added stress of trying to find a safe snack when you or your kiddos need one.

“You’ve got a friend” in Disney chefs and managers! When you arrive to any table service location, Disney chefs will assist you with your meal from start to finish. They will customize dishes to fit your special dietary needs and prepare your food in a designated area of the kitchen. They are on hand to answer any questions about options, cross contamination and more. If you dine at a quick service location, the restaurant manager will assist you with your meal from start to finish instead. Be sure to let a cast member at the cash register know you need assistance for your special dietary needs, and they will make sure a manager comes out to help you.

Explore a “Whole new world” like Aladdin and Jasmine! You’ll be amazed at how many special diets options are available at Disney World – including ones you’d never guess. Did you know that you can find gluten free and allergy friendly beignets at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort? Made in a dedicated fryer in a separate area of the restaurant, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the streets of New Orleans with these deep-fried beauties. Think buffets are completely off limits? At Disney, chefs will walk you through the buffet and even prepare dishes for you in the kitchen so that you can limit the risk of cross contamination. These are just a few examples of the “unbelievable sights” you’ll find in Disney restaurants.

Get ready to “Go the distance” like Hercules! With just a few tips, tricks, and tools, you’ll be well-equipped for your Disney World vacation with a special diet. Disney chefs will make you feel like you’ve gone from “zero to hero” with their amazing accommodations and handling of special dietary needs. You’ll be ready to conquer your day in the parks and eat your allergy Mickey waffles too!

Sarah Norris is the owner of Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW, where she chronicles her experiences visiting the Walt Disney World Resort gluten free, dairy free, and Crohn’s disease. You can frequently find her scouring the parks for the latest special diets Disney dining news and enjoying a safe and delicious meal.