Welcome to planDisney, Alexandra! And thank you for bringing this important question to us. As a mom, I know that nothing matters more than our children's safety. I am so glad to hear that you are planning a visit to Walt Disney World, despite the dietary restrictions for your sweet boy. He is going to have so much fun, and you are going to leave with a full heart!
Food allergies are to be taken seriously, and I assure you that the Cast Members at Walt Disney World do just that. The
Special Diets Request page is going to be very helpful for you, and I am hopeful that the table service restaurants will be able to accommodate your son's needs. Start by checking out
menus and making reservations at the table service restaurants you would like to dine at. There will be a section to note dietary requests. Once you are within the 14-day window of your visit, email the special diets team at Special.Diets@DisneyWorld.com to let them know about your reservations and the specifics of your son's restrictions. They will help you navigate the process. When you arrive at each restaurant, be sure to let your server know your situation. A chef or Special Diets-Trained Cast Member will come out and talk with you. Once your food arrives, your son's meal should be designated with a marker.
At quick-service restaurants or snack carts, ask the Cast Member for allergy information. They should be able to provide you with a menu that includes details about ingredients and common allergens. Since carts and kiosks are unable to accommodate special requests, you may want to bring snacks from home that you know are safe for your son.
If you plan to visit
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, I recommend checking out
Yak & Yeti Restaurant. It has Nepalese theming, an elaborate backstory (you can find it on the back of the menu), and a Pan-Asian menu with surprisingly good variety. For a character meal,
1900 Park Fare in
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is one of my favorites. Its walls are adorned with stunning character portraits, and you get to meet royalty like Cinderella, Aladdin (in his Prince Ali attire), or Princess Tiana.
Oh, Alexandra, I know you must spend so much time and energy caring for your little boy and making sure he stays safe and healthy. There's no such thing as a break when you're a mom, even on vacation, but I hope you and your family experience all the magic and wonder that the Disney theme parks have to offer.
Always Dreaming -
Elizabeth