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.Â
Originally Published March 2020, Updated June 2022
BUT- while Disney 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.Â
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.
MANY of these places still have Disney Magic, but your mileage may vary.
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
Space 220 is not owned by Disney World.
EPCOT’s World Showcase– All Eateries Including Festival Booths
World Showcase France (Every Food Location here, from the Crepes to the Restaurant’s to the Ice Cream are all independently owned)
World Showcase Japan (quick serve was very accommodating and we love the ice stand!!!)
World Showcase ItalyÂ
World Showcase ChinaÂ
World Showcase Mexico (these are owned by the Patina Group)
Special Note- Joffrey’s Coffee in World Showcase America
EPCOT Resort Areas
Flying Fish on Disney’s BoardWalk
JellyRolls Bar
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
Yak and Yeti ( the restaurant, the Yak and Yeti Local Food Cafe Quick Serve and the Yak and Yeti Quality Beverages)
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, but they are not owned by Disney. Easy to say that my experiences there have been better- even though they have made some beautiful treats exclusive to the main street starbucks that generally carry 5 or more of the top allergens.
The Starbucks at Disney are called:
Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom
Trolley Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Creature Comforts in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Traveler’s Cafe in EPCOT
PSSTTTTT! 👀 Save time and money at Disney World with Food Restrictions! Cut the overwhelm with the Food Allergies at Disney World Made Easy Touring Plan AND Snacks & Sweets Guide- Totally updated for 2022. (Covers all top 9 Allergens + Gluten Free, with notes about Dyes, Corn, and other common allergens) See for yourself, it’s guaranteed to save you time or your money back! |
Disney SpringsÂ
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 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.Â
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
Four Seasons Character Meal- Goofy and Pals
Mainly, the Swan and Dolphin Resort. They have quick service options, Table Service options, and a Character Meal only offered on the Weekends.
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 before consuming.