NEWS: Big Change For Dining at Disney World With Food Allergies That You NEED To Know
A big change has taken place that will impact Guests with food allergies that are dining at Disney World. Find out what you need to know!
Navigating Disney With Food Allergies
Navigating any food allergy can be challenging and stressful especially when dining outside your home. Disney World is very accommodating to food allergies.
My family has navigated Disney world with several food allergies. Some of our favorite places include:
- Snacks with Character
- 'Ohana
- Crystal Palace
- Erin McKenna's (not Disney owned but a fabulous option and a must do for us!)
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
- EPCOT's Flower And Garden Festival
UPDATE To Disney's Special Diets Requests
Disney has updated its website to include new information regarding Special Dietary Requests. The website now reads:
"Updated FDA guidance has changed how certain ingredients are classified. The FDA no longer classifies the following ingredients as major tree nut allergens:
- Coconut
- Kola (cola nut)
- Beechnut
- Butternut
- Chestnut
- Chinquapin
- Ginkgo nut
- Hickory nut
- Palm nut
- Pili nut
- Sheanut (shea)
As a result, effective October 6, 2026, menu items at Disney-owned and -operated restaurants containing any of the above ingredients may be included in our allergy-friendly options."
What This Means To You
Guests with food allergies are encouraged to speak with a Special Diets-Trained Cast Member when they arrive a their dining location and before placing their order. Disney also states:
"Guests must speak to a Cast Member about their allergy request. While we take steps to prevent cross-contact, we cannot guarantee that any item is completely free of allergens. Our allergy-friendly recipes may use highly refined oils, such as soybean oil and/or ingredients that are processed in facilities that also process allergens. It is ultimately at Guests' discretion to make an informed choice based upon their individual dietary needs."
Guests with food allergies should speak with a Special Diets-Trained Cast Member before placing their order.
It is important for Guests with food allergies to any of these items are no longer classified as tree nuts to take extra caution before placing an order. It is always recommended for Guests with food allergies to speak with a Special Diet-Trained Cast Member before placing an order. We recommend this even when it is an item that you have eaten multiple times as ingredients and availability may change altering the item's ingredients.
Does this change in tree nut classification impact your or your travel party? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to share this post with your friends!
