Family dining
  • On May 28, 2025
    Melissa from NJ Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    My daughter has a food allergy and can’t have ice cream. What type of desserts do you offer in lieu of ice cream? She can have dole whip but I read you have to pay for it. Anything that you offer nondairy dessert?

    Ahoy there, Melissa!

    Welcome aboard planDisney! One of my favorite things about sailing with Disney is how thoughtfully they accommodate Guests of all ages—especially when it comes to dining and dietary needs. Let's talk about dessert (the best part of any meal, right?) and how your daughter can still enjoy some sweet moments at sea!

    Now, while the dessert options can vary depending on your ship and sailing, Disney does offer non-dairy and allergy-friendly desserts throughout the rotational dining restaurants like Animator’s Palate, Worlds of Marvel, Royal Palace, and others. From chocolate cakes to fruit-based sorbets, and even dairy-free mousses, there’s usually something special waiting to end the meal on a high note—maybe even a scoop of non-dairy ice cream. 

    These accommodations are part of the magic at the table-service restaurants, where the chefs are able to customize dishes to your daughter’s needs. While room service and quick service locations like Flo’s Café or Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods may not take special requests due to limited prep areas, they sometimes still offer allergy-friendly options—like vegan cookies or non-dairy frozen treats—so it’s always worth checking out their menu. Some dairy-free offerings are rotated through Cabanas or Marceline Market as well, like carrot cake, but availability can be a bit of a fairy godmother moment—magical, but not always guaranteed.

    If you haven’t done so already, I recommend adding your daughter’s dietary restrictions in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app under “Special Requests.” And once you board, stop by the Onboard Dining Session on embarkation day (usually from noon to 3:00 PM, but check the app for exact details). This is the best time to talk with the dining team and set expectations for the first night—and beyond! They may even invite you to pre-order her desserts to ensure everything’s prepared just right.

    My final tip: consider enjoying breakfast or lunch in one of the table-service restaurants instead of the buffet-style options. Not only is it a relaxing way to start the day, but it also allows you to make dietary requests that might otherwise be harder to accommodate in the buffet line.

    Melissa, I hope this helps you feel more confident as you plan your vacation—because every Guest deserves a happily-ever-after at dessert time!

    Sea ya real soon with a June full of sun, sea, and shipshape adventures,
    Dustin
thumbnail image for Dustin

Meet the Panelist: Dustin, Florida

Ahoy, me hearties! I’m Dustin—a husband, father of two, and active-duty service member living in sunny Florida. My crew and I “just keep swimming” toward our next Disney Cruise Line adventure! From “a whole new world” of ports to “hakuna matata” vibes on deck, we live for the magic at sea. Ready to see what’s “beyond the reef”? Allow me to be your guide as we sail toward your perfect Disney Cruise adventure! Learn More About Dustin

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