Eating Safely at Disney with Multiple Food Allergies: Our Family's Complete Guide

This guide reflects our experiences at Disney World twice (Mar. 2022 & Mar. 2025) & once at Disneyland (Feb. 2023).

Disney promises to be "the most magical place on earth." As a food allergy parent, so many questions came into mind when we started considering vacationing there: Would my child be able to eat safely for every meal? Do they provide allergy-friendly snacks? How many snacks would I have to pack him? Do we need to stay in an Airbnb, or hotel with a kitchen, so I can prepare his meals? I researched high and low on food allergies at Disney World and I can honestly say it truly is "The Most Magical Place On Earth."

After my extensive research on the allergy-friendly restaurant options and experiencing the service we were given, my husband says I was the most stress-free during our time at Disney World in 2022. It truly felt like a vacation for me, not just a trip. Disney does go above and beyond for food allergy families - but it requires preparation, communication, and realistic expectations. We didn’t experience any allergic reactions during our times at Disney. This guide shares everything we learned, what worked, what didn't, and how to plan a successful Disney trip when food allergies are part of your family's story.

Food allergies in 2022: dairy, soy, shellfish, sesame, wheat/gluten, tree nuts, peanuts, oats, flaxseed, and buckwheat

Food allergies in 2023: dairy, soy, shellfish, sesame, wheat/gluten, tree nuts, peanuts, oats, flaxseed, and buckwheat

Food allergies in 2025: wheat/gluten, tree nuts, peanuts, oats, flaxseed, and buckwheat

Disney's Food Allergy Reputation vs. Reality

What Disney's Policies State: “At Walt Disney World Resort, we take great pride in providing choice and variety for Guests with special diets requests, including meals made without common allergens or intolerances.“

However, Disney also clearly states: "While we take steps to prevent cross-contact, we do not have separate allergy-friendly kitchens and are unable to guarantee that a menu item is completely free of allergens".

Our Reality: Disney's reputation for food allergy accommodation is largely earned - they do go above and beyond what most restaurants offer. However, the level of accommodation varies significantly between restaurants, shifts, and individual cast members. Some experiences exceeded our expectations, while others required advocacy and patience.

**Note**Not all table service restaurants & quick service can accommodate food allergies. Meaning some restaurants do not have an allergy menu and the same for quick service. Do your research, or see below the places that I’ve researched that do have an allergy menu that my child safely ate at. By no means is this an exhaustive list of places to eat. There are more options to dine at. These are just the places we’ve been to.

If you look at their restaurants, there is always a menu online. If you scroll through the menu and see “allergy” sections, then you know that they are allergy-aware. Always confirm with the chef, don't rely solely on printed menus, or me. My kid has multiple food allergies, so it was trickier to navigate.

Before You Go: Essential Pre-Trip Planning Advance Dining Reservations Strategy

Book Early and Smart:

• Resort guests can book 60 days in advance (vs. 30 for day guests)

• Book allergy-friendly restaurants first, then fill in other meals

• Consider 2 table service reservations per day initially - you can always cancel one

💡 Pro Tip: Restaurant all booked based on your preferences? Try mousedining.com to get availability notifications on restaurants you want. Something always opens up!

When Booking Online:

• Always note food allergies in the special requests section

• Be specific about severity and cross-contamination concerns

What to Pack:

• FARE food allergy cards (laminated)

• Always pack emergency medications (EpiPens, antihistamines, etc.)

• Back-up safe snacks for each day

Understanding Disney's Allergy Process

How It Works

At Table Service Restaurants:

1. Inform your server immediately about food allergies

2. Server brings out the allergy menu

3. Chef or manager typically comes to your table

4. They discuss safe options and preparation methods

5. Allergy meals often come out separately with special marking

At Quick Service:

1. Ask to speak with a manager or chef

2. They have allergy information available (usually a binder or tablet)

3. Some locations can modify preparation

4. Limited options compared to table service

Staff Training Reality Check

What We Found:

• Servers are generally well-trained on the basic process

• Chefs and managers usually understand cross-contamination at table service restaurants and varied at quick service

• Knowledge varies significantly between shifts and locations

• Persistence and clear communication are essential

Disney Resort Hotel Dining Experiences

Animal Kingdom Lodge (Mar. 2022)

The view of the wildlife from our hotel room was awesome. We saw giraffes, zebras, & gazelles. I enjoyed sitting out on the balcony in the mornings with my cup of coffee and awaiting which animals I would see.

Boma - Flavors of Africa (Mar. 2022) - Buffet

Our first meal upon arrival from the airport. We took a redeye from Seattle & our hotel room was not ready yet. We walked around and felt hungry and saw this restaurant was available for breakfast. We also ate here on our last morning at the resort.

• What my child ordered: (the 1st visit) Mickey waffles with syrup, sausages, bacon, grapes, watermelon, & pineapples. (our 2nd visit) Mickey waffles with syrup, bacon, pineapples, & bananas.

• Chef interaction: We informed the server of his food allergies & showed her the FARE food allergy card. Our server explained their allergy menu & the chart of allergens listed. Chef Adam came to us and knowing that it was our first time at Disney World, he said he would make whatever he wanted. We told him had to try their famous Mickey waffles, if that was possible. He told us that yes, they have a recipe batter that can accommodate his allergens. He reassured us that even though it was a buffet restaurant, he won’t be grabbing anything from the buffet, but will make everything in a separate area for him. Chef brought out his food and after his first bite of the Mickey waffles, my kid had the biggest smile on his face. Priceless. Chef also came back and asked if he’d like anything else. He was pretty full by then. We thanked him, tearfully, for a wonderful start to our vacation. We didn’t get Chef Adam the 2nd time, but it was still a delicious and filling meal.

• Overall rating: 10/10

Jiko - The Cooking Place (Mar. 2022) - Table Service Restaurant

One night, we ate at Jiko.

• What my child ordered: Fresh grouper fillet with steamed green beans and roasted potatoes. For dessert, glazed donuts with fresh sorbet.

• Chef interaction: Chef Matt was amazing! He also asked him what he’d like to eat. My kid likes fish. So the Chef told him they had fresh grouper that came in that day. He could make that with some veggies and asked him what veggies he liked. He said green beans and potatoes. My kid devoured that meal quickly! Then came dessert time, my kid loved donuts (Kinnikinnick brand) that he was able to eat at another restaurant earlier that week. He asked if they had any. The chef said he wasn’t sure, but will go check the other restaurant on site. Chef Matt basically made him a one-of-a-kind dessert, a beautiful plate of glazed donuts with fresh sorbet, just for him! My kid’s eyes were so big and his smile was, again, priceless! My mama heart was so full that evening!

• Overall rating: 11/10

The Mara (Mar. 2022) - Quick Service

We had an afternoon flight and knowing that my kid may not have any options for food after breakfast until we returned home, I asked their quick service place whether they could accommodate.

• Safe options: They made him a turkey sandwich on a gluten-free burger bun with an apple & small water bottle.

• Staff knowledge: I had to ask a couple of staff members before they realized one of them understood what I was asking. That one staff member went to the back and brought forth slices of turkey & their gluten-free buns. He even gave me the buns to inspect the ingredients (It was Udi’s brand). He put on fresh gloves & started building his sandwich & his meal box.

• Overall rating: 7/10

Contemporary Resort

This place was the closest to the Magic Kingdom and that was where we were headed one day. We parked there, had breakfast at their famous character buffet, and took the resort monorail into the park. We also ate at a couple other restaurants for lunch and dinner.

California Grill (Mar. 2025) - Table Service Restaurant

This place was pricey, but it had the perfect view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks at night with the show’s music playing throughout the restaurant. So try to make a reservation for dinner to catch the show with food and without the crowd!

• What my child ordered: (Appetizer) Fresh fruit & Udi’s gluten-free dinner rolls, (Main entree) Grilled Steak with green beans, & brown rice, & (Dessert) Fresh sorbet.

• Chef interaction: We informed the server of his food allergies & showed her the FARE food allergy card. The chef came out and said she would prepare everything for him in separate pans.

• Overall rating: 10/10 My kid enjoyed his meal and the fireworks show! The chef was very sweet and our server was funny. But it was pricey.

Chef Mickey’s (Mar. 2022) - Character Buffet

This was the first time my kid saw the Mickey characters up close and personal. He was so happy. It was a busy restaurant full of people, music, and characters that danced around and took photos with you (if you want).

• What my child ordered: Mickey waffles (of course!), bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, & glazed donut

• Chef interaction: We informed the server of his food allergies & showed her the FARE food allergy card. The chef came out and told us what was safe for him. She said she would not grab anything from the buffet, but prepare everything fresh for him. She asked about dessert at the same time as the main course. Everything came out together because it was such a busy restaurant. My kid looked at the menu and saw donuts. Up until then, I didn’t know allergy-friendly donuts existed. I hesitated, but the chef told me she would bring out the brand’s box for me to look over. It happened to be Kinnikinnick, a brand I wasn’t aware of until coming to Disney World. It was safe and my kid still loves the brand today. Is it healthy? Of course not, but everything in moderation.

• Overall rating: 11/10 for introducing me to Kinnikinnick, for preparing a safe meal at a crazy busy restaurant, and for the one-of-a-kind joy on my child’s face seeing all those characters come to life!

Steakhouse 71 (Mar. 2022) - Table service restaurant

We went to breakfast here before heading to Kennedy Space Center that day. The chef not only made our kid breakfast, but prepared a box lunch for him to bring per our request. We assumed Kennedy Space Center wouldn’t be able to accommodate food allergies and would need food for him for lunch.

• What my child ordered: (Breakfast) Mickey waffles, bacon, fresh fruit, & donuts, again. (Lunch) Turkey sandwich with fresh fruit

• Chef interaction: We informed the server of his food allergies & showed him the FARE food allergy card. The chef came out and asked him what he’d like. Mickey waffles (of course!). The chef came out while we were eating to check on everything. I told him that we were headed to Kennedy Space Center and kindly asked if he’d be able to prepare him something for lunch. He said no problem and asked what he’d like for lunch. We mentioned a safe sandwich with a side of fruit would be great. Chef said no problem!

• Overall rating: 11/10 for being generous in making him an additional takeout meal for us!

Coronado Springs Resort

Toledo - Tapas, Steak, & Seafood (Mar. 2022) - Table Service Restaurant

We didn’t stay at this hotel, but we went to one of their restaurants for dinner our first day there. This restaurant has a wonderful view of Disney World. We even watched Epcot’s evening fireworks from our table.

• What my child ordered: Grilled steak with roasted brussel sprouts & fresh fruit. Dessert was fresh sorbet.

• Chef interaction: We informed the server of his food allergies & showed her the FARE food allergy card. Chef Chelsea came out. My kid ordered their grilled steak and when asked what vegetables he liked, he said brussel sprouts. So, even though brussel sprouts were not on the menu, the chef made them for him. For dessert, he wanted to try their sorbet and again, Chef Chelsea made a fresh batch just for him to avoid any cross contact. My kid was feeling spoiled by now and said the food was delicious!

• Overall rating: 11/10

Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

We did not stay here. It is connected to the Waldorf Astoria and guests at the Waldorf are able to use their lazy river pool area. Like Waldorf, this resort has complimentary shuttle service to their parks & early park entry, but it’s not operated by Disney. This hotel was definitely more crowded and louder than the Waldorf next door.

Harvest Bistro (Mar. 2025) - Table Service Restaurant

This was one of the closest restaurants to their pool. So we decided to try it for dinner, since our morning brunch at Oscar’s was successful.

• What my child ordered: Seared salmon, asparagus, & sweet potato fries

• Chef interaction: We informed the server of his food allergies & showed him the FARE food allergy card. The server got the chef. The chef informed us he would cook everything separately.

• Overall rating: 8/10 This was the last night at Disney World and compared to the other chefs, this one chef wasn’t as welcoming and happy as the other chefs we’ve met. But he still kept my son safe.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando (Mar. 2025)

This resort wasn’t an official Disney World hotel until 2019. It has some Disney perks, like complimentary shuttle service to their parks & early park entry, but it’s considered one of their gateway hotels in Bonnet Creek area and not operated by Disney, similar to the Disney Springs area. So there was hesitancy in eating at their restaurants. We did like that it was calmer, less crowded, and didn’t feel like we were in the hustle-bustle of Disney World.

Oscar’s Brasserie (Mar. 2025) - Buffet

We tried their brunch buffet one morning.

• What my child ordered: Pancakes, bacon, & fresh fruit

• Chef interaction: We informed the server of his food allergies & showed him the FARE food allergy card. The server got the chef. The chef came out and said he will take care of us and asked my kid what he would like. He said pancakes with chocolate chips, side of bacon, & pineapples. The chef did just that. The chef came out later and asked if he wanted anything else. My kid was pretty full from the big pancakes.

• Overall rating: 9/10. Almost 10/10, the chef did take awhile to bring out his food, but I was happy that he knew to cook things separately and made him a fresh batch of pancakes.

Wilderness Lodge

We did not stay here. Their huge rustic, log-cabin feel foyer was beautiful!

Whispering Canyon Cafe (Mar. 2022) - Table Service Restaurant

We came here for breakfast one morning and were disappointed.

• What my child ordered: Gluten-free double chocolate muffin (Udi’s brand)

• Chef interaction: We informed the server of his food allergies & showed him the FARE food allergy card. The server got the chef. The chef informed us that their kitchen was limited. They couldn’t make safe waffles for him as they didn’t have a separate waffle iron in the kitchen, which made me feel a bit hesitant. The chef told us they had pre-packaged chocolate muffins and brought out the ingredients list for me to inspect. The bacon & berries would be prepared separately by him.

• Overall rating: 6/10 Their selection was minimal. There was a small part of me that felt like leaving, but my kid was hangry at this point. In the end, no reactions.

Amusement Park Dining: What Worked in 2022, 2023, & 2025

Animal Kingdom (we didn't go to this park)

Disneyland (Feb. 2023)

We went to Disneyland for a day when we visited family in Southern California.

Cafe Orleans (Feb. 2023) - Table Service Restaurant

This was the only place we ate at. We had dinner reservations at the Plaza Inn, but cancelled it because we weren’t hungry yet and decided to leave the park early to have dinner with relatives.

• What my child ordered: Petit beef with steamed veggies & fresh fruit.

• Chef interaction: We informed the server of his food allergies & showed him the FARE food allergy card. The server got the chef. The chef asked what he wanted from the kid allergy menu to let us know what was safe for him.

• Overall rating: 7/10 Their portions were small and our server was busy attending more to other guests than us.

Magic Kingdom (Mar. 2022 & Mar. 2025)

Be Our Guest (Mar. 2022) - Table Service Restaurant

We ate here for lunch. This was another character dining where Beauty & the Beast come out to say hello and waltz together. We sat in the Grand Ballroom area and had a nice view of the characters.

• What my child ordered: Grilled chicken with roasted sweet potatoes

• Chef interaction: We informed the server of his food allergies & showed him the FARE food allergy card. The server got the chef. The chef asked what he wanted from the kid allergy menu to let us know what was safe for him. He

• Overall rating: 6/10 It was busy, loud, and kind of dark. My kid didn’t particularly like his meal and said it was “boring” (bland).

Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen (Mar. 2025) - Table Service Restaurant

We ate here for a late lunch and we really enjoyed this meal as it had different flavors than the traditional American cuisine. We were very tired though because this second time at Disney World, our flight was delayed significantly and we only had a few hours of sleep before heading to the Magic Kingdom.

• What my child ordered: Grilled chicken with vegetables, fresh fruit, & jasmine rice, & bottled water

• Chef interaction: We gave our FARE allergy card to our server and a chef came to our table. The chef gave him a couple of suggestions and our child ordered the above. We all had a delicious meal and the chef came out later to check on it. By that time, my kid almost fell asleep at the table.

• Overall rating: 10/10. Nice staff and delicious food. Not crowded. Kind of a hidden gem.

The Crystal Palace (Mar. 2025) - Buffet

We made reservations here around 11am, but were about 20 minutes late coming from our hotel room, driving to the park, taking their tram to the monorail, and walking into the park. Thankfully, they didn’t charge us for being late (they have a grace period) and we didn’t have to wait long when we finally checked-in.

• What my child ordered: Mickey waffles!, bacon, & mixed fruit

• Chef interaction: We gave our FARE allergy card to our server and were given their buffet allergy guide. Our server highly recommended their special churro flavored Mickey waffles that’s only at this restaurant. Now, we love Disney’s Mickey waffles, but churro flavored? That’s next level. So, when the chef came to our table, we had to ask about the churro-flavored waffles for our kid. The chef came through! He made everything separately and nothing came from the buffet.

• Overall rating: 11/10. Knowledgeable staff & chef and we all agreed…those churro Mickey waffles were the best!

EPCOT

Coral Reef (Mar. 2025) - Table Service Restaurant

We went there for lunch and dinner the same day because we had a nice time during lunch and the restaurant was big and open and had AC in the Florida heat. We sat right next to their aquarium tank. “The Seas is one of the largest man-made ocean environments on the planet, and holds enough water to fill 54 Olympic-sized swimming pools.” We saw all sorts of sea creatures, such as sharks, sting rays, sea turtles, a scuba diver who came up and said hello, and so much more!

• What my child ordered: (Lunch) Grilled steak, plantain chips, & pineapples. (Dinner) Gluten-free bread, grilled steak, steamed broccoli, & pineapples.

• Chef interaction: We gave our FARE allergy card to our server, the server handed us their allergy-friendly menu, then the chef came to our table and asked what our child would like.

• Overall rating: 9/10. The server & chef were nice and knowledgeable. My kid said their steak was pretty good and he enjoyed seeing all the sea creatures swim by.

The Garden Grill (Mar. 2022) - Character Table Service Restaurant

We came here for a late lunch/early dinner meal. This was a revolving restaurant with Chip & Dale characters and more that stopped by. My kid loved Chip, Dale, Mickey, & Goofy at the time!

• What my child ordered: Grilled steak with green beans & plain mashed potatoes.

• Chef interaction: We gave our FARE allergy card to our server and the chef came to our table to double check what he was allergic to and to guide us on what he could have. After the main course, the chef came back to ask about dessert. Nothing on their menu at the time was safe for him. The chef then came back with a handful of Enjoy Life individually packed chocolate bars and said would this be okay for you? My kid’s face was beaming as we thanked the chef. (Unfortunately, EnjoyLife discontinued their chocolate bars in September 2024.)

• Overall rating: 10/10. The chef was very kind to us.

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood & Vine (Mar. 2025) - Character Buffet

We came here during brunch. This was a character buffet and the characters were from shows on the Disney Channel that my kid wasn’t interested in watching, but knew/heard about. Plus, he was 3 years older and the characters weren’t as magical this time around as our first visit in 2022.

• What my child ordered: Mickey waffles, again, bacon, chocolate muffin, & fresh fruit

• Chef interaction: We gave our FARE allergy card to our server, the server handed us their allergy guide, then the chef came to our table and asked what our child would like. Of course, he said Mickey waffles. He also asked about the donuts he got in 2022. The chef said they didn’t have those, but they do have chocolate muffins. So, he went with that. Later, the chef returned and asked if he wanted any seconds. Our kid said, Thank you and no, thank you, on seconds.

• Overall rating: 9/10. The server & chef were nice and knowledgeable. My kid didn’t like the characters walking by again and again. He said he felt awkward when they stopped by the second time to say hi.

The Hollywood Brown Derby (Mar. 2022 & Mar. 2025) - Table Service Restaurant

Our first time in Mar. 2022 was for lunch. The second time in Mar. 2025 was for an early dinner.

• What my child ordered: (Lunch) hot dog with gluten-free bun & fresh fruit. (Dinner) gluten free dinner rolls, hot dog & sliced apples.

• Chef interaction: We gave our FARE allergy card to our server and then the chef came to our table both times. This was a nice sit down restaurant. Lunch time had significantly less people than their dinner service.

• Overall rating: 8/10. Nothing to write home about. Service was good and allergy-aware.

Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano (Mar. 2022) - Table Service Restaurant

This restaurant permanently closed in May 2025 to make way for a new themed land. But we had a great experience there with the Chef giving us a pack of brown rice spaghetti, since I didn’t know about them yet.

Emergency Preparedness at Disney

Medical Resources

• First Aid stations: Note them at every park. They are usually marked on their park maps.

• If a reaction occurs:

  • Use emergency medications immediately

  • Alert nearest cast member for them to alert Disney security and medical team

Budget Reality: What Disney Food Allergies Actually Cost

Meal Costs for our Party of 3

• Table service with allergies: At least $90 to upwards of $250 per meal, depending on where you go and what you order.

• Quick service accommodations: Our one quick service ended up being around $60

Money-Saving Tips

• My husband carried a backpack and we brought some safe snacks for between meals, if our kid was hungry.

• Bring your own water or water bottles into the park. They have water fountains available throughout the parks.

• Character dining is going to be pricier than restaurants without characters.

Communication Scripts That Actually Work

What to Say to Servers

"Hi! My child has severe food allergies to [list allergens]. We always travel with emergency medications. Could we please speak with a chef or manager about safe options? We understand cross-contamination risks and really appreciate your help in keeping him safe."

Questions to Ask Chefs

• "What's your protocol for preventing cross-contamination?"

• "Are there separate prep areas or dedicated allergy procedures?"

• "Which menu items do you feel most confident preparing safely?"

When to Escalate

Signs you need to speak with a manager:

• Dismissive or annoyed responses about allergies

• "We can't guarantee anything" without offering alternatives

• Obvious lack of understanding about cross-contamination

• Rushed or inattentive service during busy periods

The Bottom Line: Is Disney Worth It for Food Allergy Families?

Yes, but with realistic expectations. Disney truly does try to accommodate food allergies, and when it works, it's magical. Our child felt included and safe, and we made memories that will last forever. However, it requires:

• Thorough advance planning

• Clear, patient communication

• Backup plans and flexibility

• Higher food costs than typical Disney quick service dining

• Extra time for allergy protocols

• Always confirm with chef, don't rely solely on printed menus

The magic moments made it worth every challenge: watching our child enjoy a safe character breakfast, seeing his face light up when the chef brought out a special allergy-friendly dessert, and knowing he never felt left out of the Disney dining experience.

Your Disney Allergy Action Plan

Below is a summary of our recommended timeline. For the complete checklist with communication scripts, emergency contacts, and packing lists, download our printable Disney World Food Allergy Planning Checklist.

8 Weeks Before:

• Research restaurant menus and allergy policies

• Book restaurant reservations focusing on allergy-friendly restaurants

• Download Disney app

2 Weeks Before:

• Check and confirm your reservations and allergy notes

• Pack emergency medications and laminate allergy cards

• Plan safe snacks to bring

Day of Travel:

• Pack backup snacks & emergency meds for travel day in carryon

At Disney:

• Communicate allergies clearly at every meal

• Build relationships with helpful cast members

• Keep emergency medications visible and accessible

• Stay flexible and patient with the process

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📋 Download our Complete Disney World Food Allergy Planning Checklist - Everything in this guide organized as a printable, step-by-step timeline

📧 Questions about Disney dining with allergies? Email me at hello@foodallergiesstrong.com

Planning your own Disney World trip with food allergies? I'd love to hear about your experiences and answer any questions. Email me at hello@foodallergiesstrong.com - let's help each other make Disney magical for all our food allergy kids!

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Important Disclaimer: This information reflects our family's personal experiences with our specific food allergies during our Disney visits. We felt safe eating at Disney, but know that others have experienced severe allergic reactions there. Restaurant menus, policies, staff training, and accommodation procedures can change at any time. Every food allergy situation is unique.

Always verify current information directly with Disney restaurants, communicate your specific allergies clearly, and trust your own judgment about safety. Never rely solely on another family's experience to determine what's safe for your child. When in doubt, don't risk it - your child's safety is more important than any meal or experience.

Disney World policies and restaurant offerings evolve. This guide represents our experiences and should be used as a starting point for your own research and planning.