Tips for Dealing with Dietary Restrictions on Disney Visits

In recent days, I’ve had the epiphany that I’m heading to Walt Disney World soon…and I’m not ready for it.

The reality is that I’m going through some hopefully temporary life changes that impact how I must approach a Disney vacation.

The most glaring concern is my diet, as my doctor has vastly restricted my options recently.

So, I’ve been communicating with Disney about the best tactics for maintaining my diet while on vacation.

Based on what I’ve learned, here are a few tips on Disney dining with dietary restrictions.

My Situation

First, I’ll be a bit self-involved and tell you what’s happening with me.

I’m doing this so that you’ll understand everyone’s situation is unique…and Disney has seen it all by now. So, Cast Members can help!

Photo: Disney Dining

Currently, I’m suffering from unexplained severe chest inflammation that started in May and was supposed to be gone by September.

You can look at the calendar and see that, like usual, I’m way behind schedule.

My doctor, whom I literally trust with my life, felt strongly that I needed to eat clean and lose weight, which I have.

Nothing will put you on an emergency 20-pound diet like a hospital stay.

Disney

Currently – and I so badly wish this were a joke – my daily diet consists of:

• Two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in the morning
• Two cartons of Muscle Milk for 50 grams of daily protein
• One bowl of chicken noodle soup
• One eight-count of nuggets and waffle fries for dinner
• One pudding or Jello cup with my nightly fistful of pills

I’ve dutifully honored this diet for the body of four months now, rarely wavering.

As proof, I didn’t even eat birthday cake on the applicable date. So, I’m taking it seriously, but I’m also hungry all the time.

Some of this is me being nonchalant about a fairly serious thing that is perfectly under control right now.

However, when my doctor signed off on my visiting Disney, she stressed that I should be smart about my diet.

That’s why I’ve been conversing with Disney and reading all I can about dietary restrictions.

Disney Dining with Dietary Restrictions

I’m not new to this process, as I’ve had to alert my Disney servers to food allergies for a while now.

The process for this is rather extraordinary, as Disney wants to protect its guests when dining.

Pastry Chef Kristine

So, let’s start toward the end of the conversation. When you’re at Disney, you should always tell your server your status.

If you have food allergies, let the Cast Member know. Afterward, something surprising may occur.

Our server!

In my experience, chefs will often come to your table and ask you for specifics about your dietary needs.

Be as precise with your wording as possible, and be transparent as well.

Photo: Disney

This individual wants you to have the best meal imaginable and would feel terrible if anything happened to you.

You can remove that onus from them by clearly relaying your needs, which leads to my first tip.

Photo: planDisney

Consider creating a list of details for your specific allergies/condition.

You should either print multiple copies to hand to the servers or you could save the file on your phone.

Photo: verdemedia.com

Then, when someone asks for details, you can easily relay the specifics.

In my experience, repeating the same thing over and over again grows tiresome.

Also, you’re more likely to make mistakes or forget details after a while. So, keep good notes instead!

As an aside, you shouldn’t expect a chef to come to your table when you’re choosing a Quick Service restaurant.

While Mobile Ordering, you can list your dietary restrictions, though.

Also, if you are dining at a Table Service restaurant, you should expect a meal to take ~15 minutes longer due to the conversation with the chef.

Mobile Order at Disneyland
Credit: Disney

That’s been my experience regarding how much extra time the process takes.

Packing Your Food

Let’s circle back to the Muscle Milk discussion. I’ve never been a protein drink person until recently.

Even then, the switch wasn’t my choice. However, I definitely need that protein on a daily basis.

Amazon

Theoretically, that could be a problem during a Disney visit because this isn’t a brand the company sells.

In fact, Disney theme parks don’t currently offer any protein drinks. Here’s a planDisney discussion on this very topic:

“To be safe, I do think you may find it best to bring your own (protein drinks).  

You can purchase milk, dairy-free options, and juice throughout Walt Disney World if you need something to mix with your protein powders.”

Bay Lake Tower

So, let’s say that you’re like me and need a protein drink. You’ll need to put in a grocery order for Disney hotel delivery.

Then, you’ll pack whatever you need during your park visit. For me, that means two cartons of Muscle Milk.

In such scenarios, you should protect your backpack or other container to protect against spillage. I’d recommend plastic bags.

Officially, Disney does allow you to bring such items into the parks, though. Here’s the applicable quote:

Photo: Disneyplanning.com

“Guests are allowed to bring food into Walt Disney World® Theme Parks.

“However, please note that Cast Members are prohibited from storing, preparing, cooking, or reheating any food brought by Guests.

Disney

“Many of our Disney Resort hotels come equipped with an in-room refrigerator.

In the event that you’re staying at a Resort hotel that does not feature its own in-room refrigerator, please call housekeeping when you arrive and request to have one placed in your room (subject to availability).”

Two-Bedroom Villa

So, you can bring all reasonable foods into the park. Just don’t expect a Cast Member to grill you a steak.

Other Tips Straight from Disney

Here’s something you may not know about Disney. There’s an email contact for conversations about your dietary restrictions.

If you’re unsure of how well Disney can address your dietary needs, contact them at special.diets@disneyworld.com.

Photo: DVC

Specify your concerns and expect a reply within 24 hours during all but the most crowded times of the year and national holidays.

The Cast Members will respond with script if you ask general questions, but the answers grow specific when you’re specific, too.

Photo:seoclerk.com

Still, most conversations include these tips, which I’m quoting directly:

• In most cases, no advance arrangements are needed to accommodate special dietary requests.
• This includes common or uncommon allergies and even requests such as no sugar added or plant-based menu items.
• Many locations have Allergy-Friendly Menus and our Guests always have the opportunity to speak with a Special Diets Trained Cast Member. 

• However, if you or anyone in your party has either four or more allergy-friendly requests, requires puréed meals, or adheres to a medically restrictive diet (such as very low protein) please let us know.
• Our team will gather additional information from you and assist you in communicating your requests as necessary.
• A little prep before arriving at a Disney park can help make the most of your Disney Vacation.
• Many of our menus found online list our allergy-friendly options. Skimming our menus may help in planning your visit.

Photo: Disney

• When making a dining reservation online or via the My Disney Experience Mobile App be sure to note your special dietary requests.
• If making a dining reservation via phone be sure to tell the assisting Cast Member about your special dietary request.
• When you arrive at the location, be sure to tell a Cast Member about your special dietary request.
• Most Disney restaurants have an allergy-friendly menu that can assist with the allergies the Food and Drug Administration considers most common.

• If the allergy-friendly menu available does not meet your needs or you require additional information prior to ordering, please inform a Food and Beverage Cast Member so that they may assist you with ordering.
• Look for our “Snacks With Character” brand. Disney has teamed up with well-known allergy-friendly brands to offer cookies, chips, chocolate, and snack bars.
• Look for our “Snacks with Character” brand at select merchandise locations.

Allergy-friendly Trick-or-Treat Bag

So, with these resources available to you, a Disney vacation should streamline rather than complicate your dietary restrictions.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time for my next carton of Muscle Milk…

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