Autism and Food in Disney

[nyrebecca]

We went to Casey's in MK and asked for the hot dog meal without a hot dog, and they were about to stop everything to get someone to speak to me about his special dietary needs. I kindly explained he was just picky and wouldn't eat the roll if a hot dog had even came close to touching it.

I can't attest to all counter service places, but this one was prepared to help me if I needed more than a meatless meal.

 

[CajunMomof3]

My cousin's family is of the understanding that special dietary needs could be considered at the counter services as well as the "sit down" restaurants

When we stayed at the POR, the the staff at the pasta CS was VERY helpful! They fixed a plain noodle dish for one son (who has autism and is an incredibly picky eater), a dish with no vegetables anywhere near it for the other son (who was on a veggie kick), and a lo-carb dish for me. I was overwhelmed by how helpful they were. I think that I thanked them a hundred times as this was our first stop after driving all day, and it really helped set the tone for our trip.

 

[LilyWDW]

What about special diets when going to counter service? My cousin's family is of the understanding that special dietary needs could be considered at the counter services as well as the "sit down" restaurants. I don't believe that to be true, but I thought I would ask. Her son is autistic.

The biggest thing about counter service is that they will be more limited in just how much they can do. They don't run a full kitchen like a table service would and, most likely, will have a more limited amount of food available (example, if you go to a chinese counter service, they may not have cheese and bread to make a grilled cheese because in a normal day they don't use those items).

Counter service just takes an extra bit of time to find a place that has the items on hand to do what is needed.

 

[Schmeck]

I'd be careful about going to WDW during the free dining offers if you plan to use the QS dining plan and have a very picky eater. Just got back today, and they are very strict as to what can be considered a snack credit or a QS, and what you need to purchase in order to qualify for a meal credit. Very frustrating.