Hi Alexandra,
Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, and thank you for your question. I love being on the Disney Dining Plan because it makes your vacation feel all-inclusive; we often eat at restaurants we wouldn’t otherwise try, and have the freedom to order what we want without worrying about the cost. The Deluxe Dining Plan makes it feel even more like a luxury!
In my experience, some restaurants at Walt Disney World are able to substitute appetizers or side salads for desserts upon request, but it is at the discretion of the restaurant and your server. We just ate at Kona Café and my husband, who also isn’t much of a dessert person, asked if he could substitute something else for the dessert. Our server explained that it isn’t possible at that restaurant because of the kitchen’s workflow, but that it is possible at other Disney restaurants. My advice is to always ask because you never know what magic your servers can make for you.
As for your food allergies, I’ve been assured that restaurants will do what they can to
accommodate you as smoothly as possible. It sounds like you’ve found that you have limited options in the past, but I encourage you to call (407) 939-3463 and be sure to add your allergy information to your reservations. If you have plenty of time before your trip, you might want to email Special.Diets@DisneyWorld.com and ask about substitutions and dessert options for your specific allergies. When you arrive at the restaurant, request the allergy-friendly menu; you can also request to speak with the chef, who can explain your options. The couple behind me at a Disney restaurant spoke with the chef (naturally, I eavesdropped) and he was able to come back with an amazing-looking fruit platter for them after listening to their concerns.
Wishing you a magical vacation,
Robyn