Good morning everyone — I hope your week is off to a magical start.
Today, we're taking a behind-the-scenes look at the exact process Disney Cast Members are trained to follow the moment a guest mentions a food allergy.
If you're planning your first trip or simply want a better understanding of Disney's allergy protocols — this will give you a clear picture of what to expect when dining at Walt Disney World.
We'll also get you caught up on a major transformation coming to Hollywood Studios that you won't want to miss.
Let's dive in 👇
Food Allergy Tip
What REALLY happens at Disney when you say "I have food allergies"
As we talked about last week, when you say the words' “food allergy” on Disney property, you activate a very specific process designed to keep you and your family safe.
Today we are going to talk about the exact protocol Cast Members are trained to follow.
First, Cast Members initiate the allergy process
When you tell a Cast Member you have a food allergy, they will notify the kitchen to begin the “special allergy request process”. This lets everyone working on your meal know exactly what they are dealing with, no questions asked.
“When you tell a Cast Member you have a food allergy, they will inform the kitchen and begin the “allergy request process” with a specially trained Cast Member.”
Second, specially trained staff are brought in
Both Walt Disney World and Disneyland dining locations have special diets-trained Cast Members that assist with food allergy requests once the allergy is flagged. This is one of the many built in safeguards that constantly keep you safe when dining at Disney.
“Once the Cast Member assisting you knows your request is more than a preference, they involve a special diets-trained Cast Member to help guide your allergy meal”
Third, the chef comes to speak with you
The chef will come out and discuss all aspects of your meal including your specific allergens, cross contamination concerns, and even custom off menu options that can make your experience even more magical.
If you’ve been following us for a while you know that you should always ask to speak with a chef, but it is not always an automatic part of the process. You may have to request it, but it will always be available to you.
Also a lot of the time your meal will be hand delivered by the chef that you spoke with initially. This is another built in allergy safeguard implemented by Disney to keep you safe.
They chef is with you every step of the way!
Fourth, your meal is prepared in designated allergy prep areas
Disney owned table service and quick service locations will have designated prep areas for meals flagged with a food allergy. These areas have separate utensils, pans, cutting boards, etc. with 100% sanitized surfaces.
Fifth, meals are delivered with visual markers
All meals that are following the “special allergy request process” will be delivered with a visual marker, like the famous allergy pick you have seen in many of our pictures. This allows you to easily identify that your meal has gone through the necessary steps to keep you safe.
“Meals prepared through the allergy request process are delivered with a visual marker so guests can easily identify their specially handled meal”
The takeaway…
Throughout all of our posts we talk A LOT about this food allergy process, it is the main reason so many of us food allergy families have fallen in love with Disney. After reading this, I hope you have a better understanding of the different steps taken behind the scenes in order to keep you safe 💙
Disney News
A Brand New Animation Inspired Experience Is Coming To Hollywood Studios!
📸 Disney
Disney has officially reimagined Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios, transforming the area into a space inspired by the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios campus in California.
The refreshed courtyard features new character interactions, hidden details from Disney Animation films, shaded areas to relax, and the recently opened Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
Later this summer Disney will also open “The Magic of Disney Animation”, an all-new interactive experience that will take guests inside the world of Disney animation…
Highlights include new animation-themed playgrounds inspired by Alice in Wonderland and Olaf from Frozen, character meet-and-greets, and a theater showing the award-winning Once Upon A Studio short film.
This will be one of the most significant additions coming to Hollywood Studios this year.
Community Corner
See what our community is talking about
Here are some of the most talked about topics from our Facebook Group this week. Join our Facebook Group below to check out all of these posts and more!
📸 Disney
50’s Prime Time Cafe
One member asked about dining at the 50’s Prime Time Cafe in HS, many other members shared their positive experiences and menu recommendations!
📸 Disney
Waterpark Quick Service?
Members engaged in conversation about positive eating experiences had at both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.
📸 Disney
Resort Breakfast Spots!
One member asked for recommendations on table service resort breakfast spots, many other members talked about Grand Floridian Cafe, Chef Mickey’s, 1900 Park Fare, and many more!
One final note
Thank you!
“See ya real soon!” - Mickey Mouse
Until next time,
The Disney Food Allergy Group