Hi Katie,
Thank you for stopping by planDisney with your question! Oh, my goodness, your daughter’s first trip to Disney at seven years old—what a truly magical milestone! I also have a seven-year-old and a three-year-old; let me tell you, experiencing Disney through their eyes is pure joy. The questions they ask, the little details they notice—every moment is sprinkled with pixie dust. She is going to have a blast!
Now, let’s dig into your food questions! Like you, I’m a mom who navigates food allergies and intolerances at Disney. My seven-year-old is lactose intolerant, and I have a gluten sensitivity and a pineapple allergy. I completely understand how overwhelming it can feel, but let me reassure you—Disney is the one place where we feel truly at ease. Recently, at
Storybook Dining at Artist Point, my daughter ordered vegetables, and they provided her with dairy-free ranch. The chef even came out to our table to ensure everything was okay. She always says, “It’s the only place where I never have to worry about my food, and they always take care of me.”
Disney goes to infinity and beyond when accommodating
special dietary needs. At
table-service restaurants and select quick-service locations, you’ll find allergy-friendly options. Let the Cast Member know about your daughter’s Celiac disease when checking in for a table-service meal. You’ll typically receive an allergy-friendly menu detailing gluten/wheat/barley-free options. Plus, they’ll ask if you’d like to speak with a chef—I highly recommend it! This way, you can discuss cross-contamination concerns and get recommendations for safe and delicious meals. When your daughter’s food arrives, it will come with an allergy marker, providing extra peace of mind.
Pro Tip: Before your trip, take a moment to check the menus on the
My Disney Experience App! This app is a lifesaver for me. It not only allows you to make dining reservations and view wait times for attractions, but it also has detailed menus for all the restaurants in the park. I always do this to make sure there are options my girls will enjoy (especially since my youngest is a bit picky!). Many menus list allergy-friendly choices right in the app, making it easier to plan ahead. Plus, looking in advance allows you to prepare questions for the chef, ensuring a smoother and stress-free dining experience.
And when in doubt, ask questions! While Disney takes every reasonable measure to accommodate allergies, it can’t guarantee a completely allergen-free environment. However, in my experience, it has always gone above and beyond to ensure my daughter and I feel safe and cared for. Instead of worrying about every ingredient, you can focus on making magical memories with your little princess on her first visit.
As a fellow mom, I totally understand how challenging this can feel, but you are in the best hands at the most magical place on earth! If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to stop by again.
See you real soon,
Christina