Special Diets at Walt Disney World

 Be sure to Like our Facebook page to keep up on our Travel Blogs! 

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.