Do special requests need to be arranged ahead of time?

[CMAlumni]

I ask because, when I go to a restaurant, I ask for steak/chicken/etc. to be cooked without added fat, sauces, and/or butter on the side. I like to be able to regulate how much fat/sauce I use. As I read the boards, it seems to me, people feel like they can't ask for their food cooked the way they like it. People often complain about too much or not enough sauce, not liking the way something is cooked, or something coming out with ingredients not listed in the menu. At home at any restaurant, I am able to order things the way I like them prepared and certainly feel like I can send it back if it is prepared incorrectly. This does not seem to be the case with Disney diners. So...is it a Disney policy, just people not wanting to make waves, or people not used to dining at sit down retaurants? I certainly will not pay Disney prices for food not cooked to my liking.....thoughts?

 

[Tricia1972]

If you have a special dietary need, you should note it on your reservation and then also mention it when you check in at the podium. A chef will come to your table to talk with you regarding your needs.

If it's a preference, there is no need to note it on your reservation, you can make your request to your server upon ordering. If it isn't right, then it's within your rights to send it back.

 

[disnut8]

If I understand your question, when you order a chicken breast (or steak or whaever), you just want that chicken breast cooked on it's own and then have the sauce on the side? I don't think that's a special needs request because my husband gets his meat "naked" all the time at Disney World. He doesn't want the special sauce a steak comes with. He doesn't like it. He thinks steak is fine without all the extra stuff. He just asks for it "naked" and he gets what he wants.

At Disney World, we just ask for what we want and we've never been turned down. Nothing is a special need thing, it's just because we are a bit picky on what we want on the meat.

 

[CMAlumni]

Thanks for the input. It really is not a dietary request as much as I like my stuff plain with sauces on the side so I can just taste them and use a little. I am just always surprised when people complain about things not being correct and not sending it back. I thought it might be a policy that you had to get it the way it was prepared. I know some places won't let you get a vegetable instead of a starch (LeCellier). I don't understand that policy; I like to eat some veggies instead of starch most of the time. It seems like a crazy policy!

 

[Mickey_Man]

Thanks for the input. It really is not a dietary request as much as I like my stuff plain with sauces on the side so I can just taste them and use a little. I am just always surprised when people complain about things not being correct and not sending it back.

We have never had a problem at a Disney restaurant for this type of request. Sometimes I think people just want to complain instead of asking for it the way they want it. If you like things unbuttered, unsauced, etc. just ask your server, and if it comes out buttered, sauced, etc. then just send it back. If you have a true dietary restriction, then i agree with a PP that said you should note it on the ressie and again when you check in. I am always surprised when people who complain about this are asked if they sent it back and they reply, "well, no, but it wasn't what I wanted." Huh? I think you will have no problems at all.

 

[Lynne M]

As I read the boards, it seems to me, people feel like they can't ask for their food cooked the way they like it.

People may feel that way, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Disney restaurants are some of the most accommodating you'll find - anywhere - when it comes to modifying dishes to suit your taste.

If you want a sauce on the side, or a substitution, all you need to do is tell the server when they're taking your order. It happens all the time, and you'll see that mentioned often on this board.

If you need to have something special that would be a major change in the way a dish is prepared, or perhaps something that's not on the menu at all (allergies, gluten-free, diabetic diet, etc), you would want to contact the restaurant directly, ahead of time, and let them know. This is also very common, and restaurants have procedures in place for it.

 

[CMAlumni]

Thanks everyone. I will order things the way I like them!

What about the veggies for starch?

 

[PatsMom]

I'm diabetic so I watch what I eat pretty closely, although I do tend to be more relaxed at Disney. I do so much walking that my blood sugars tend to run low so carbs are not a huge issue. But I am also picky and just don't like some sauces/seasonings. I've never had a problem asking for something to be served on the side. My daughter, the queen of picky eaters sometimes, orders the mushroom filet at Le Cellier plain with mashed potato instead of risotto. She has never had a problem.

I don't note any special dietary needs on my ADR's since I don't do sugar free - I just count carbs and Disney won't give you carb counts. I just request my food prepared the way I like it.

I have been offered veggies if I asked them not to even put a starch on my plate (if its not there I am not tempted to eat it). This usually happens when I am saving my carbs to have a few bites of dessert!

 

[disnut8]

Thanks everyone. I will order things the way I like them!

What about the veggies for starch?

I've actually never heard of that. Of course, with my husband, it's him not wanted the veggie and wanting the starch.

 

[Lynne M]

What about the veggies for starch?

I've never heard of anyone having trouble substituting veggies for starches. Perhaps it was just a poorly trained server at Le Cellier.