Mom and Son on Safari; Giraffe; AA
  • On Mar 5, 2024
    Carrie from DE Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hi, I have dining reservations that charge per person. My son is 3, nonverbal autistic and a very picky eater. I will be bringing in his own food items. Is there anywhere I can note this ahead of time, or should I just tell our server?

    Hi Carrie,

    Welcome back to planDisney! 

    I am delighted to see that you have an upcoming trip to the Walt Disney World® Resort. If your son has any specific food allergies, you should certainly note these on any advanced dining reservations when making them. You could also try contacting our Special Dietary Requests team. Currently, those requests should be sent no sooner than 14 days prior to arrival. At those restaurants that charge per person, you should speak to a cast member at the restaurant about charges. Although there is no guarantee that they will forego or modify the charge, you can certainly explain the situation and discuss. I would do so as soon as you check-in to the restaurant. Also, have a dining back-up plan if the restaurant cannot forego or modify the charges for your son. 

    It also sounds as if your son may benefit from using the Disability Access Service (DAS). If he has difficulty tolerating standing in long lines and you have not tried to register for this service, I suggest that you try to do pre-registration and then, if you are able to get him registered, make some DAS advanced selections for each day that you have valid theme park admission. This service has been a lifesaver for my family as we have navigated the parks with various health-related challenges.

    Carrie, I also hope you have considered bringing a pair of noise cancelling headphones for your son. One of our girls sometimes uses these to help diminish the noise in the parks while we are there. We also always make advanced dining reservations in a few restaurants that are calmer - Space 220 Lounge and Coral Reef Restaurant, for example, are a few of our go-to restaurants when looking for a dining experience that is more relaxing.

    My wand is out and the pixie dust has been sprinkled, trusting that your time will be most magical!

    Magic and memories,
    Donyell
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Meet the Panelist: Donyell, North Carolina

Hello from North Carolina! I am a mom of twin girls, wife, and university professor who has been inspired by the creativity of Disney for a lifetime. Since my first Disney visit when I was 12-years-old, I have been drawn to the adventures crafted by Disney Imagineers. Planning Disney vacations helps connect me to families who will find in Disney the kind of joy my family has experienced over the years. Allow me to help you map your own Disney journey so that you, too can create the memories of a lifetime! Learn More About Donyell

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