Special Dietary Requests Made Easy At Disney

The wonderful folks at Disney do everything they can to make each guest's visit the absolute best ever. And, let's face it, food is a big part of what we do throughout the day. So if you're family eats something other than what might be the main stream fare at other theme parks, should you plan on packing suitcases of your own food to bring to Disney? Can they possible accommodate your specific needs? The answer is almost always, a resounding, "YES!" (although you can certainly bring food into the parks with you, should you choose)

As is the case with any and all ways that your family would like to personalize your vacation, let either your travel agent or Disney know what you are wishing for as soon as possible. This way everyone can plan for it, every step along the way. When it comes to food, your travel agent will make sure to make a special notation on your reservation when they help you book your dining. Upon arrival at the restaurant, you should double check with your server to make sure that he or she has been notified of your requests. If you are eating at one of Disney's outstanding buffets, not to worry - a Chef will actually walk you around the buffet and let you know which foods are just right for your family, based on your allergies or dietary needs.

At the astounding Victoria & Alberts (named one of "America's Most Iconic Restaurants"), located  at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at the Walt Disney World Resort, the Chefs will actually customize a menu just for you. Just let your travel agent know your needs or call (407) WDW-DVNA. 

At Disneyland Park, Kosher meals are available with no advance notice at all at the Plaza Inn, Tomorrowland Terrace, and Rancho del Zocalo. At Disney California Adventure Park, Kosher meals are available with no advance notice at Taste Pilots' Grill. Ask your travel agent for info. about Kosher dining at other locations, including Walt Disney World Resort or call (407) WDW-DINE (for Walt Disney World) or (714) 781-DINE (for Disneyland) at least 24 hrs. in advance of your meal.

When it comes to Quick Service dining, there are just as many wonderful choices. Go ahead and stop by Guest Relations when you arrive at the park for the day and they can tell you which locations will work best for you. You can always find Guest Relations both just outside and just inside the front gates of the park.

While it's always great to be prepared, the following food allergies do not require advance notice at all:

• Gluten or wheat
• Lactose or dairy
• Peanuts and tree nuts
• Shellfish
• Soy
• Fish
• Eggs
• Corn

Disney is also ready and waiting with no-sugar added, low-fat, low-sodium and vegetarian options.

If you don't see what you are looking for up there in that list, not to worry. Disney can also accommodate:

• Allergy or intolerance not listed above
• Phenylketonuria (PKU)
• Metabolic disorders
• A single guest with multiple allergies/intolerances
• Multiple guests with alleges/intolerances within the same party

For anything on that second list, Disney asks that you let you either let your travel agent know or e-mail them directly at Special.Diets@DisneyWorld.com (for the Walt Disney World Resort) or DLRspecialdiets@email.disney.com (for the Disneyland Resort) at least 14 days prior to arrival and after booking all dining arrangements for your visit.

Bon Appetit!

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Mike Cohen is a Disney Travel Agent and owner of Travel With Magic, an Academy Travel affiliate, specializing in Disney Destinations. Discover the magic Mike can work for you by getting in touch at TravelWithMagic.com, by emailing at mike@travelwithmagic.com, or by calling him at (315) 450-2869.