Hiya Daniel - welcome back to
planDisney!
Dining options at Walt Disney World Resort are amazing, and if you haven't visited in a while, get ready to be impressed next week! The Chefs, Cast Members, and
Special Diets team work tirelessly to ensure that all Guests can enjoy their dining experiences, and the details you are mentioning on the menus are one example of those efforts.
The simple answer to your question about the menus is a general YES - in my experience,
both of the scenarios you described can be true. It does get a bit complicated so I'll put on my Mickey ears and try my best to explain!
It isn't always easy to identify if a
regular menu item is, for example, soy-free as-is, or if the version of that item listed in the Soy Allergy-Friendly menu has been adapted in some way. In some cases, the adaptation will be very clear because the description of the item will be slightly different in the Allergy-Friendly menu to reflect those changes. That being said, just because the descriptions look similar (or even nearly identical) in different parts of the menu does NOT necessarily mean that the regular menu item is Allergy-Friendly. You may also notice unique items on the Allergy-Friendly menus, such as the delectable Gluten/Wheat-Friendly Pistachio Mouse dessert at
Topolino's Terrace - Flavors of the Riviera!
Even if the regular menu version of an item is Allergy-Friendly, when using
Mobile Order you should always order the version from the Allergy-Friendly menu that aligns with your dietary needs. This ensures that extra care is taken when preparing your food and that any substitutions that might not be spelled out on the menu are executed properly.
No matter what, when in doubt, be sure to speak directly with a Chef or Cast Member to discuss any dietary need concerns. It's not their first rodeo, and I'm sure they will help you find fantastic options for everyone in your crew! If you need any additional information, you can email the Special Diets Team at
Special.Diets@disneyworld.com prior to your arrival.
Enjoy your vacation and
don't hesitate to reach out to us if any other questions pop up!
Ryan J.