Disney World is renowned for how much they do for those with food allergies- and it’s a good thing too, with roughly 1 in 10 people having an allergy or intolerance. True to form, this isn’t a burden for Disney in their goal to make this the happiest vacation ever, and they have lots of options for you.
Originally Published March 2020, Updated June 2022
BUT- while Disney World has strict procedures, other restaurants not owned by Disney ON Disney property may not be following the same guidelines.
Food Allergy Awareness is becoming more mainstream, especially at Disney, but comments on forums, facebook groups, and my own experience have left me sometimes dissatisfied with service outside of Disney World’s owned and operated Restaurants.
Here is a list of places that are not Owned and Operated by Disney, but on property. Please remember- this is just a list of places to be aware that they *could* be no better that your restaurant’s back home.
Since we come to Disney with the idea that everything is allergy friendly, I needed to set the record straight for those of you that need to know to be aware.
➡️ TL;DR: MANY of these places still have Disney Magic, but because they are third party your mileage may vary on menus, procedures and offerings.
Follow along for the latest Disney World Food Allergy and Gluten Free News. See all the news here, and follow along on Instagram in real time.
***As Always, please speak to a qualified restaurant employee when ordering food. In order to see the most accurate ingredients and risk assessment, you will need to confirm allergy safety in real-time. This is my personal experience, I am not employed or endorsed by companies or brands mentioned.***
Third Party Operators in EPCOT and Surrounding Resort areas
In EPCOT World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature
Joffrey’s Coffee
Space 220 is not owned by Disney World.
EPCOT’s World Showcase–
➡️World Showcase France (Every Food Location here, from the Crepes to the Restaurant’s to the Ice Cream are all independently owned)
France Restaurants :
- Chefs de France
- Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie (has allergen guide)
- L’artisan des Glaces (has allergen guide)
- Monsieur Paul
- Le Creperie de Paris (sit down and quick serve)
- Including Festival Booths
➡️World Showcase Morocco is now operated by Disney World (the small plates at Spice Road Table are full of flavor!)
➡️World Showcase Japan (quick serve was very accommodating and we love the ice stand!!!)
Japan restaurants:
- Katsura Grill (has allergen binder)
- Teppan Edo
- Tokyo Dining
- Kabuki Cafe
- Including Festival Booth
➡️World Showcase Italy
Italy Restaurants:
- Gelateria Toscana (has allergen binder)
- Tutto Italia Ristorante
- Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar
- Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
- Including Festival Booth
➡️World Showcase China
China Restaurants:
- Lotus Blossom Cafe (has allergen binder)
- Nine Dragons Restaurant
- Joy of Tea
- Including Festival Booth
➡️World Showcase Mexico (these are owned by the Patina Group)
- San Angel Inn Restaurante
- La Cava del Tequila (do offer great allergen procedures for drinks)
- La Hacienda de San Angel
- La Cantina de San Angel (quick serve)
- Choza de Margarita
- Including Festival Booth
Special Note- Joffrey’s Coffee in World Showcase America
EPCOT Resort Areas
Flying Fish on Disney’s BoardWalk
JellyRolls Bar
The Cake Bake Shop
And as far as I know, the little stands on the boardwalk that sell hotdogs and drinks are also not owned by Disney- I will check this the next time I’m out that way!
The Restaurants and Eateries inside Swan, Dolphin and The Swan Reserve Hotels.
Animal Kingdom- operating participants
RainForest Cafe (similar to Disney Springs, they have a manager, allergen slip, and limited allergen menu)
Yak and Yeti which includes the Yak and Yeti sit down restaurant, the Yak and Yeti Local Food Cafe Quick Serve and the Yak and Yeti Quality Beverages
Typhoon Lagoon Operating Participants
Joffrey’s Coffee and Mini Donut Stand. Has allergen binder.
Artic Dots (dipping dots) owned by Joffrey’s Coffee. Has allergen binder.
Coffee and Tea
While Joeffrey’s works closely with Disney World (they have their own coffee blend for each of the resorts) they are NOT owned by Disney, and the allergy awareness there has been incredibly lacking (in my experience).
It’s hard to come by ingredients for flavors and extras, dairy free milk is not guaranteed, and lack of awareness among the staff is high in the multiple times I’ve tried to participate. The one large one in Disney Springs (that’s also a bar) has been the only one that was able to address my allergy concerns.
Starbucks is also at all four parks and two in Disney Springs. Easy to say that my experiences there have been better as I will talk to a Disney Coordinator on staff, and then they will follow allergen procedures.
The Starbucks at Disney World are called:
Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom
Trolley Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Creature Comforts in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Connections Cafe in EPCOT (new in 2022)
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Disney Springs
The vast majority of options in Disney Springs are NOT owned by Disney, so much so that it’s easier to tell you which ones ARE owned by Disney.
The only quick serve owned there by Disney with an allergen menu is D-Luxe Burger. It’s good- we enjoy it- nothing like super fancy or memorable BUT safe and easy to get to and easy to order! They have a top 8 bun and a dedicated fryer as of this writing. Just double check by speaking with a manager.
You can also go by smaller Disney Owned locations like B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Company to see the ingredient binder. But the locations don’t have much for modifications, and they also have a smaller kitchen. (B.B. Wolfs is nut fry FYI)
Resorts
Of course, we need to talk about the resorts! While 95% of what you see on the property is owned by Disney, some places are independently run.
Coronado Springs Restaurant- Maya Grill and the quick serve, El Mercado de Coronado
Four Seasons Character Meal- Goofy and Pals + the other Restaurants at Four Seasons
Mainly, the Swan and Dolphin Resort. They have quick service options, Table Service options, and a Character Meal only offered on the Weekends (currently suspended!)
Shades of Green, which is owned and operated by the Department of Defense, is also not Disney Owned. Military Members will need to inquire within to find out what allergy friendly accommodations can be made.
That’s a wrap
I know this question comes up a lot in forums and groups, people are genuinely confused when they think about the Disney bubble and all of the food options. In reality- these eateries are not to be avoided, just make sure you continue to be #allergyaware and always confirm with a chef or manager by doing a three point check.