Special Diets at Walt Disney World

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For many people with special dietary needs, planning a vacation can be a stressful event requiring extra suitcases just for special foods. Disney World has extended their magic to make dining for all people regardless of diet, as easy and enjoyable as possible. With just a little extra planning, Disney guests can expect a wide variety of delicious and safely prepared food and caring, knowledgeable cast members. Disney cast members are well trained in allergies, celiac disease, diabetes, kosher, and vegan food prep. All dining locations has separate food prep areas to avoid cross contamination. 

Planning ahead is essential to any Disney vacation. Table service meals should be reserved in advance and all special dietary needs should be noted on the reservation. It is Disney policy to have a chef check in with you before you place your order. You can expect the chef to meet you at your table and advise you what is available to meet your needs and take you on a tour of the buffet if necessary. Often the chef arrives very quickly but do expect a small wait especially during the busy season. Your food will be delivered to your table separately from the rest of the order and will be on a special plate or noted by a flag . Again, they are very good about getting all food out at once but special food is cooked in a different area of the kitchen and prepared as ordered so expect a bit of a delay.

Quick service dining does not require reservations but does take a little extra planning. It is helpful to look at menus ahead of time to get an idea of what is offered at each location. Your travel agent can provide you with an updated list of foods to meet your allergy need. When you arrive you will get in line with everyone else and let the person taking orders know that you have an allergy. It is helpful to place the allergy order separately from others if possible. The cast member will call the manager in charge of allergies to help with the menu and place your order for you. Your order will be placed on its own tray when delivered.

Disney is of course the world of “all things possible” so do not be afraid to make a special request. Chefs love to make guests, especially the tiny ones, happy and will do everything they can to prepare whatever you are hoping for. We have eaten triple decker gluten and dairy free grilled cheese, gluten free fried chicken, and dairy fee milkshakes all because we asked. 

Disney's Wilderness Lodge and concierge Old Faithful Club

Be sure to Like our Facebook page to keep up on our Travel Blogs! Recently my family and I stayed at Disney's Wilderness Lodge and had a Standard View Club Level room.  Wow!!!  I am sure this one is on a lot of guest's bucket lists. This resort is inspired by National Parks and has a wonderful homey feel.  From the moment we stepped off the elevator on the 7th floor we were greeted by wonderful cast members welcoming us to our home away from home and to the Old Faithful Club. This by the way is only accessible by using your magic band.  Our room had a nice cabin feel with bunk beds that my daughter loved. When you stay club level you get nightly turn down service with chocolates on your pillow, and super comfy bathrobes. You also have access to the concierge desk from 7am-10pm if you need reservations or have questions.

Another service you get is almost 24/7 access to specially prepared food including continental breakfast, afternoon tea, desserts, candies, snacks, wines and cheese hours, beverages and more.  Our favorite breakfast item was the oatmeal. Some of our evening favorites included peanut butter and jelly shots, venison burgers, capris salad, and paietta with scallops, sausage and shrimp. We thought by staying here was a great splurge. We loved the fact that we could fuel our family because we were not on the dining plan. We took afternoon breaks to grab a drink , snack, and relax before heading back out to the parks. View of lobby from club level floor The overall experience of this resort was amazing. I would recommend it to everyone.

Dumbo, the Flying Elephant

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Since Walt Disney World opened in 1971, millions of people have ridden Dumbo the flying elephant but it still remains as one of those staple rides, that one ride you still go back to year after year even as an adult. In 2012 when Disney World expanded their Fantasyland area, Dumbo was actually moved to the Storybook Circus area of Fantasyland and it got a well needed facelift!

Earlier Dumbo Version

The renovated Dumbo ride included a more intricate and detailed center for the ride, and a brand new interactive queue area.

If you look closely you’ll notice that the story of Dumbo is pictured on the center of the ride itself. Around the bottom of the ride are water fountains that spill out over colored LED lights, you really should stop by this ride after sunset!

The other new feature of Dumbo is the amazing new interactive queue area! I wish every queue line could be this much fun! Disney gives you your very our pager (like that you would get in a restaurant) and you can let your kids run, climb, and slide to their hearts content in the (air conditioned) big top! They even have an area for parents to sit and a space specifically for very little ones.

Toddler Area

By Travel Time Agent Heather

Heather@traveltimetravel.com

Fantasyland at Disneyland!

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Are you going to be visiting Fantasyland for the first time?  Here are some basics!

At Disneyland you'll find many magical places, but Fantasyland is as Walt would say "dedicated to the young and young at heart," Step into a world of dreams come true.

In Fantasyland, you'll find attractions such as it's a small world, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, and King Arthur Carousel. Recently they added Frozen character meet and greet with Anna and Elsa. You can find them between Pinocchio's Daring Journey and Village Haus Resturant. To avoid a wait time, pay close attention to meet and greet times and arrive early. These two are in high demand! Other meet and greets in the area include Merida in Fairytale Garden and Tinker Bell in Pixie Hollow.

If you are looking for a bite to eat, you'll find Troubadour Tavern, Village Haus Restaurant, and Edelweiss Snacks. All of which are quick service.

Other attractions you'll find are Sleeping Beauty Castle, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Fairy Tale Treasures, and The Mad Hatter shop.

It has been said that Fantasyland was Walt's favorite land. When I visit for the first time in a month, I'm sure it will be mine as well!

Have a magical day!