Read on to find out one of my very very VERY favorite things about Walt Disney World!!!
Having a special dietary issue or food allergy is TOUGH! Believe me, I know! When I was first diagnosed with Celiac Disease, I was afraid I would never travel again. And then to add insult to injury, lots of years later I discovered my body did not react well to most dairy. REALLY??!! It certainly makes eating a little harder, but not at Walt Disney World! I love going to Walt Disney World because I know I will not leave hungry! In fact, I usually leave so full I don’t feel the best. It’s all so good I gorge myself! Here are 5 ways to do Walt Disney World with special diets:
1. Do your research
If you have a special diet, do your research before you travel to Walt Disney World. You can be assured that every meal considered a table service meal will have accommodations for your special diet. However, some are better than others! This is the same for quick service meals. Not every quick service will have the same offerings, so take a quick second before you travel to map out some places to go. Also, research snack options in each park so you know where to go to use your snack credits. Some great ways to research are simply google “gluten free Magic Kingdom” or “dairy free Hollywood Studios” or “soy free food court at Pop Century”. Often times when you google your special diet, menus will come up in the search letting you know exactly what they have to offer. There are also great and informative groups on Facebook. One of my favorite is Gluten Free and Dairy Free at WDW.
2. Make a note on your dining reservation
If you or your travel agent is making dining reservations for your group on property at Walt Disney World, make a note with the dining reservation of your special diets or food allergy. If you have multiple food allergies, complex food intolerance’s or you are staying on a club level at a resort, contact special.diets@disneyworld.com and they can help you or go here.
3. Speak to a chef
The chefs are some of the Super Heros of Walt Disney World in my opinion! At table service meals they will come out and speak to you about your special diet to ensure they understand just what you need. I have had great experiences with them in food courts as well. They will often take your order personally and then deliver it back to you themselves!
4. Expect to wait
Let your travel group know that you may often have to wait longer for your specially prepared food, especially at quick service restaurants. It can be frustrating, but I promise it is a good thing. Your food is prepared especially for you with your specifications. That means it is freshly cooked and will always come out hot!
5. If all else fails, bring your own food
Unlike a lot of other amusement parks, you can bring your own food into the parks. Although Walt Disney World is amazing with special diets, there may be a reason why you just want to bring food you know is safe. And going even further you can book villas and cabins on the Walt Disney World property that have kitchens if cooking your own meal seems like a safer option.
There is no reason why food allergies or special diets should keep you from having a MAGICAL trip to Walt Disney World! I personally have food issues and have had amazing meals and snacks from all over the property! For more information go here or contact me to help plan a magical vacation that suits your dining needs!
