Food Allergies

[Vremfar]

I have a bunch of food allergies and it can be difficult to eat out. What has been anyone's experience with these types of issues at various park restaurants?

Thanks!

 

[snorris49]

I am gluten free and dairy free, and have no problems eating out at WDW! In fact, it's the best place for food allergies, imo. I would contact WDW's special diets department and they can give you some assistance, and sometimes forms based on your specific allergies (but not all--they give me sheets for gluten free, but no dairy free).

I would also check out the disAbilities board here on the disboards. There is a lot of information there about food allergies

Good luck on your trip, and feel free to ask more questions!

 

[OhThePain]

My girlfriend has a pretty bad nut allergy (both tree nuts and peanuts). I listed it on our reservations this past trip the most of the restaurants were very helpful. In many cases the chef came to our table and would go over what she can and shouldn't have that was on the menu. If there wasn't anything on the menu at that point that she was in the mood for they were able to make her something that was not on the menu. We were both very impressed.

 

[missminniemouse]

My DH is allergic to crustaceans and has never had a problem at WDW. He's had the chef come right to the table in some cases. The wait staff at restaurants are all very knowledgeable when it comes to allergies as well. WDW is very good about dealing with people with allergies.

 

[Tybalt]

One of my good friends has many food allergies. She came home singing DDP's praises and said that at every restaurant they sent a special chef out from the kitchen to her table so that she could discuss all of her allergies. He even said he would prepare her food himself!

 

[SAHDad]

DW has food allergies, and I always make a note of it on the ADRs. And, in almost every case, the chef has come out to discuss the menu and the allergies with us. (There are a couple places where, unless the menu changes drastically, we don't have to worry about it, eg. Crystal Palace does not do shellfish at breakfast, and the melons and bananas aren't hidden in a dish.)

 

[Funky Chicken]

Just back from a 5 night stay with DD5 who suffers from allergies to
Egg, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, and Shellfish.
Disney is extremely accommodating towards guests with food allergies.
Be sure to check the allergy boxes when making reservations online. When you arrive at check in for your meal your seating ticket will be stamped with the word ALLERGY in RED. The server will not bring ANYTHING to the table until you meet with a chef on duty. In a buffet situation they will walk you thru the buffet and show you what needs to be avoided based on your situation-in a menu situation they will review the menu and also offer alternatives that can be cooked to order.
In a counter service situation (including restaurants and snack kiosks) there is a black binder that contains all of the ingredients for every item offered at that location. You can ask to see it and read the lists for yourself before ordering anything.
We received exceptionally good service at Cape May Cafe-chef Tony made special chicken tenders for our daughter which she gobbled up.
Disney deals with this stuff daily and is set up to make it easy on you as long as you let them know the situation as early as possible.

 

[Vremfar]

Thank you so much for all this useful info! This has made me feel soo much better about the trip. Now I can look forward to the entire experience and not be fearful (or pack tons of "safe" nonperishables in my suitcase!