Disney Dining for All
By: Sue Plesca
April 29, 2025
“How will we take her to Disney?”
I remember asking my husband this question as we sat in the parking lot of the emergency room after my daughter was discharged. She had suffered an anaphylactic allergic reaction to a piece of pizza crust at 7 months old. My head was spinning but I was counting my blessings that she was okay.
Many may wonder – why was Disney on your mind at that moment? To me, the answer is simple. Disney is our happy place – the bubble where magic and wonder exist. I’ve loved all things Disney my entire life but seeing it through the eyes of my older daughter for the first time was an indescribable experience. Now, I was terrified that my younger daughter would not be safe in our magical Disney bubble with her long list of food allergies.
Oh boy was I wrong!
With the support of my daughter’s allergist, I set out to learn as much as I could about Disney and their allergy accommodations. I found Facebook groups and asked more questions than I can remember. We embarked on our first journey as a family of four [with food allergies] in February 2024 and we haven’t looked back since. The magic and wonder were there, and everyone we encountered helped to keep my daughter safe. My second little princess has now been to Disney World several times with more trips on the horizon. With every trip, I learn something new.
Do your homework – I promise it’s better than algebra homework!
Before your dining booking window, take some time to look at your dining options. Work with your Wishes Family Travel advisor to come up with your list of restaurants and quick service offerings. When we travel, I like to ensure that we have one table service meal daily as these are the meals where my daughter has had some of her best dining experiences.
Menu Planning – Who doesn’t love thinking about delicious Disney food?
The My Disney Experience App has menus available online. These menus often include the allergy menu. They are also a great way to gauge if the overall atmosphere and food offerings are safe for your family. Someone with a contact shellfish allergy may not be comfortable dining at Cape May Cafe but may instead enjoy an amazing dinner at Topolino’s Terrace. The online menus [though subject to change] are a great way to get an idea of what is served and what my daughter may be able to eat.
Meal Booking – Spam them with information!
At the time of booking dining reservations, I ensure that I add all my daughter’s allergies to every reservation. This gives the restaurant a heads up that our party will need an allergy consultation with one of the chefs.
Additionally, since my daughter has multiple food allergies, I complete and email a special form to the Special Diets team 2 weeks prior to our arrival.
Easy Eating – Keeping the meal stress free!
Once all of the prep work is done, we now get to enjoy our amazing family meal. When checking in at a table service restaurant, I remind the cast member of my daughter’s allergies if they haven’t been mentioned already. Once seated, we are usually introduced to one of the chefs within minutes. I bring allergy cards to hand to the chef, so he/she has a quick reference card in the kitchen. We discuss my daughter’s preferences, and they are off to prepare what is always a safe, delicious meal.
When eating at a Quick Service restaurant, I ask to speak with either the chef or the manager. They personally take and enter the order for us. All allergy meals are served with an allergy pick. If food were served to us without this indicator I would ask to speak with the chef again. I would not let my daughter eat something without an allergy pick.
Anyone with food allergies or caring for someone with food allergies knows how stressful travel can be. I always remain vigilant, but Disney is the ONE place outside of our home where I feel safe, and my daughter is never excluded. Watching her eyes widen as an entire tray of safe treats were served to her at the post-fireworks dessert party was a core memory for all of us. She can rarely have dessert with the family, but in Disney, she can always share in that experience with us!
So, the magic and the wonder of the Disney bubble remains. I wish I could go back and tell myself that sitting in the hospital parking lot two years ago. Disney World knows how to make all of their guests feel welcome, safe and included. If you or a loved one have food allergies and are looking for help planning your next trip, please follow me at: or email me at sue@wishesfamilytravel.com.
*Please note that this is not medical advice and should not be interpreted as such. These are individual experiences and opinions. Please reach out to your medical professionals for all medical questions.