Hi Rebecca,
Welcome, and a very happy birthday to your son from all of us here at planDisney. Growing up, my family’s Disney vacations always seemed to land right on my birthday, and I can tell you from experience that celebrating another year in the
Most Magical Place on Earth is something your son will treasure forever. It becomes one of those core memories you carry with you for life.
Disney makes it easy to celebrate special occasions with their
Specialty Cake service, available at many Disney restaurants. These cakes serve four to six Guests, can include a birthday message, and are available in dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate flavors. To accommodate dietary needs, Disney goes above and beyond. They even have a
Special Diet Request process to help you plan for your entire stay. I recommend speaking with a Cast Member about your daughter’s needs or emailing Special.Diets@DisneyWorld.com to request a Special Diets form. You can outline your situation, including concerns about artificial dyes, and see what they can arrange. Just keep in mind that the Special Diets team asks that you contact them no more than 14 days before your arrival.
As a parent of a child with a severe allergy, I understand how important it is to make sure celebrations feel inclusive. Another great option is
Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC at Disney Springs. Their treats are kosher and free from refined sugar, gluten, wheat, soy, dairy, and eggs, and given their ingredient approach, you may find dye-free options there as well. You could pick up something from Erin McKenna’s and bring it to your resort or the restaurant for your daughter to enjoy.
Something my family has done is to include a “birthday treat” for our son with an allergy, that isn’t a traditional cake. For example, if you choose the Specialty Cake for your son and you’re dining in Magic Kingdom, you could stop by
Gaston’s Tavern for one of their giant warm cinnamon rolls for your daughter. Or visit
Main Street Confectionery and let her customize her own popcorn with safe mix-ins, then enjoy it together at dinner or back at your resort. Sometimes the nontraditional route makes the celebration feel even more unique. Just keep your eyes peeled for the special dye-free treat at all the quick-service and merchandise shops. Throw it in your park bag, and you’ll be ready when the birthday celebration comes around!
I hope this helps point you toward a sweet solution for your family’s celebration. If you have any other questions or want more suggestions,
I’d be glad to help.
Cheers to many more magical years,
Brent