What would you do?

[Babsy]

We are a party of 10 and have the Up Close with Rhinos booked for 11:00 am. We want to eat at Tusker House, but can only get a reservation for 8 at 1:30 or for 10 at 11:50. Two little boys of the 10 cannot eat at restaurants due to multiple anaphylactic allergies. Cross contamination would be deadly and involves all nuts, seeds, dairy and oils, so NO eating anything but what we bring for them. Do we need a reservation for 8 or 10? If 10, will they take our party late? our tour doesn't end until 10 minutes after our reservation time, so we would be 15-20 minutes late I guess.

I have been trying to change without luck so far. Would you cancel the 11:50 or the 1:30? A no show charge is like $80 - $100. Yikes!

 

[kmn952]

You Do you need a reservation for 10, it’s about the fire code not necessarily who is going to eat. They will also charge the boys full price even though they aren’t eating

 

[holden]

I would eat at a quick service location. That way you can relax and enjoy the tour knowing you won’t be late. You also won’t have to worry about not have seats for the 2 kids.

 

[verleniahall]

you need for 10 and u will be charged whether or not they eat.

BTW - Disney is AMAZING with food allergies - there is NO NEED to worry about that!

 

[Neverbeast]

You might also try getting reservations for 5 and 5 and see if that helps. You could tell the server at check in you’d like to be seated near by so everyone could stand up for character pictures at the same time.
With a buffet it’s not like you’re sitting together the whole time anyway so having two tables near each other might work.

 

[DISNEY1975]

You would need the 10 for them to have a seat. Others are saying you will be charged, but my experience has been different. Im sure if you explain they must eat their own food, they will not charge you.

I would call in your reservation rather than online and see if they can make a note before you arrive.

(407) 939-3463 - Disney Dining.

 

[TwoMisfits]

I'd agree with others, and just do CS. Who wants to stress out for a TS reservation when you're doing a cool activity, especially a TS where you'd have to toss away possibly $60 or more (if over 10) on non-eaters.

 

[nkereina]

I agree with PPs that I would also do QS. And PPs are correct that you should reserve for 10. The ADR count lets them know how big of a table they need to set aside for your group, in addition to fire codes. Also, PP is correct in that they are supposed to charge you the buffet price even for the two not eating, because there's not telling if the two not eating may eat off someone else's plate since it's all you can eat. You may get lucky explaining the situation, but I'd be prepared to pay for them too.

 

[Nancyg56]

I want to chime in regarding the ADR, you need for 10. I would be prepared to pay for the children. You may be lucky, however it will depend on the manager at the time. In terms of a late arrival, its not a guarantee you will be seated. Disney does all they can to accommodate, however do you really want the stress?

 

[DWillowBay]

Buffets at Disney may not be your best option as they they will charge you whether or not a person eats. Given the high risk of exposure to allergens, I think you're better off as others have suggested with a Quick Service meal, at least on that day. Rhinos is a great tour. Enjoy!

 

[Pumbaa_]

At a character meal you are paying for the food and entertainment. If the 2 little ones are seated they will be charged. Don’t expect any other outcome and you won’t be disappointed

 

[KrazeeK120]

As others have said, everyone needs to be counted in the ADR and they charge for everyone.

Disney really is great about food allergies. My little niece has anaphylactic allergies (sesame and dairy) and Disney is one of the very, very few places she can eat. My sister in law always says “Why can’t all places be like Disney?” It was an amazing experience for them to be able to eat out together and not worry about her.

 

[Babsy]

Thank you everyone for your responses. It is good to know for sure that they have to be counted even if not eating. CS will usually be our choice throughout the week, but we were drawn to a couple of the character meals that included Mickey as the kids are eager to meet with him. ( yes, we do know about the meet and greets, as well)

Thanks so much for your sharing and help.

 

[Pumbaa_]

And that’s why everyone pays at character meals

 

[Donald - my hero]

Yup as others mentioned, you'll be charged for every butt in a seat BUT, please do not rule out any of the sitdown locations, buffets included, if you're dealing with severe food allergies. In fact, we CHOSE to eat at mainly TS due to the excellent care & delicious food that is offered. You can ask to speak directly to a chef and someone will come out, discuss in detail foods you need to avoid and then meals will be prepared in the kitchen, separately from the rest of the food, and be delivered to the table, an allergy toothpick in the meal to let everyone know that the food has been specially prepared. Tusker House is one place that is OFTEN discussed in allergy circles as one of the best for life-threatening allergies, including the ones you mentioned.

PLEASE, do not let your fears about food contamination or preparation keep your kids from enjoying food out. Disney is where families come strictly for safe food!! You can also ask at CS to speak to a chef or an allergy trained CM, don't settle for the so-called "allergy menus" just state you have life-threatening food allergies and need to speak to someone directly. If you need any more help, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Check out this page and then be SURE to send them an email and they will be more than happy to help you have a safe holiday
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/en_CA/guest-services/special-dietary-requests/