You know we love visiting Disney World because of the vast food choices there.
A spread for The Alps booth at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
You can sample foods with international flavors at the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, try an ever-changing line-up of seasonal snacks, and eat at critically acclaimed fine-dining restaurants. But what if you have food allergies or have made lifestyle choices to stay away from certain ingredients?
Disney World is often touted as being the best vacation destination in the world for guests with special dietary needs. Chefs in Disney restaurants take food allergies and diet restrictions very seriously. If you’re planning a Disney World vacation and you need accommodations for a special diet, the best place to start your planning is with our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining!
You can take our ebook with you!
Inside our eBook, you’ll find our best tips and advice on eating at Disney World with a food allergy or special diet — including specific restaurants and recommendations. We’re offering DFB readers a discount on our guide today! Use promo code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price!
Click here to order the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining!
Now, let’s take a look at the 7 best restaurants at Disney World if you have a food allergy! Keeping in mind that all Disney table-service restaurants can accommodate your special diet, we’re limiting this list to counter service locations. You can now view allergy-friendly menus for many location in the My Disney Experience App to make mobile ordering easy, as well!
Flame Tree Barbecue
Flame Tree Barbecue is a popular counter service spot in Disney’s Animal Kingdom featuring barbecue classics (along with a few twists)!
Flame Tree Barbecue
This location has an extensive allergy-free menu that includes hearty items like the Ribs and Chicken Combo — which is also a great value because it’s large enough to share.
Sunshine Seasons
Located in The Land pavilion at EPCOT, this quick service gem is situated within steps of Soarin’ Around the World and Living With the Land.
Sunshine Seasons
Allergy-friendly entrees at Sunshine Seasons offer a lot of variety — depending on your special diet, you can order items such as Oak-Grilled Salmon, Stir-Fried Shrimp, or a Pepperoni Pizza Roll.
Check out our review of lunch at Sunshine Seasons
Columbia Harbour House
In addition to Platters that feature options like fried fish and shrimp, this Magic Kingdom spot also boasts a fan-favorite Lobster Roll. Landlubbers can opt for chicken strips (among other options). And those searching for lighter fare can enjoy items such as Grilled Salmon or an entrée salad.
The lobster roll sandwich at Columbia Harbour House.
Gluten-free eaters can order the GF chicken strips here, and there is a plant-based crab cake option. One note here: There is nothing on the menu recommended by Disney if you have a fish or shellfish allergy.
Click here for our latest review of Columbia Harbour House
ABC Commissary
Themed as a simple commissary for a production studio, ABC Commissary in Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a quick service menu featuring a few twists with an international flair. It’s also a good bet to find air-conditioned seating when you need a break from the Florida heat!
ABC Commissary in Hollywood Studios
The menu includes several choices of sandwiches and salads that accommodate food allergies, including a Chicken Club Sandwich, Mediterranean Salad, and Plant-Based Burger.
Check out our review of ABC Commissary
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
Cosmic Ray’s in the Magic Kingdom has a great variety of counter service classics on the menu (burgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and the like) and includes items for those eating vegetarian as well.
Cosmic Ray’s
Cosmic Ray’s is especially good at accommodating people with gluten/wheat allergies. There are burgers, hot dogs, and even macaroni and cheese on the gluten-free menu!
Review: Galaxy Loaded Fries — a Secret Menu Item — at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
Dockside Diner
Formerly known as Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner, this spot is open during lunch and dinner in the Echo Lake area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There are plenty of tables right in front, with lots of umbrellas to keep guests comfortable.
Dockside Diner
Shrimp Salad Rolls and Chipotle Chicken Salad Rolls are among the allergy-free offerings at this spot. Do note that when crowds are low, Dockside Diner may not be open.
Click here for the ultimate guide to eating in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Restaurantosaurus
Fitting in with the wonderfully kitschy DinoLand U.S.A. theme, this counter service spot in Animal Kingdom not only offers tasty standards (like burgers, salads, and chicken nuggets) but also provides unique theming.
Restaurantosaurus
Gluten-free chicken strips and mac and cheese are on the menu here, as well as burgers, cookies, and brownies that are safe for gluten and egg allergies.
Click here for our review of Restaurantosaurus
Navigating food allergies and special diets when dining out can be hard, but Disney World truly does make it easy. We have MUCH more advice for planning special meals, talking with chefs at table-service restaurants and many more tips in our DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World. Remember to use promo code WDW2022 to save 25% on your copy!
Click here to order the DFB Guide!
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WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Do you have food allergies? Tell us your favorite place to dine at Disney World in the comments!
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You might want to do more research here on some of the Disney allergen food groups on Facebook or other platforms. A number of these places are not as allergy friendly as you think, and there are several more that you’ve left off that are strong favorites with the allergy groups.
Cross contamination is a thing, and a number of the above places use shared fryers, or don’t have separate food prep areas. This could mean a ruined afternoon for some, and a trip to the hospital for others. Not fun.