Food Allergies in Walt Disney World

In our family, we define “vacation” as a break from school, our jobs, cooking, cleaning and other chores, and to whatever extent possible...a break from the worries of everyday life. There are many vacation destinations that can satisfy most of these criteria, but as a family traveling with food allergies, escaping the worries of eating out in an unfamiliar place is something so hard to feel comfortable with, a true “vacation”  is something almost unattainable.  And then there is Walt Disney World.  Disney staff members go through extensive training to understand food allergies and cross contamination. Disney chefs go above and beyond to make you feel at ease and not burdensome when dining in their restaurants. The chefs will come out to your table to discuss allergies, walk the buffets with you and make separate dishes or delicious desserts for your food allergic family member.. At table service restaurants, starting at 180 days out when you make your dining reservations, there is a place to note your allergy as a “Special Request”.  That special notation follows you to the day you arrive at your meal.  The host/hostess or waitress will address your allergy concerns and ask if you wish to speak to a chef.  My son loves speaking to the chef and walking buffets together!!! Every food allergy family has its own comfort level. If you want more specific information regarding the restaurants and your particular allergies prior to traveling, you can always email/call the Special Diets departments.I have done so in the past and been very pleased with the responses I’ve received.  When dining at quick service restaurants, each restaurant has an allergy menu available when ordering which is also available from the Special Diets department if you wanted to plan before traveling.  

Our family does not enjoy eating out while at home very often due to my son’s food allergy. We just can’t relax enough.  Even if the main course food is safe, who doesn’t want dessert after dinner?  That’s always a big concern.  We find that when we are eating out we are either worrying about food safety, staff member awareness or feeling guilty for not allowing our son to order something,  All things considered, we don’t feel it is worth the stress.  We are so thankful to be able to have our yearly Walt Disney World vacation.  We have traveled every year since 2009 and keep going back.  Disney’s knowledgeable and accommodating staff makes it possible for us all  to relax and enjoy a safe meal each day and night and truly feel like we are on vacation!!!!

For more information regarding traveling with food allergies or to book your next Walt Disney World vacation, reach out to Carolyn Kline at Carolyn@Starstufftravel.com