Can I Eat That? Traveling with Dietary Restrictions

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If you or someone in your family has dietary restrictions, you’ve probably mastered stocking your kitchen with “safe” foods. But when you’re away from home, it can feel like you’re surrounded by foods that are off-limits. It doesn’t have to be that way. Whether you have food allergies, are kosher, vegan, gluten-free, or have other modified dietary needs, here’s how you can enjoy a less-stressed — and more delicious — trip.

Bring It With You

You’ll find more food options once you arrive at your destination, but travel days can be tricky. Whether you’re traveling by car, plane or train, bring along nonperishable foods such as energy bars, cereal, dried fruit or trail mix to snack on while you’re en route.

Rely on Simple Foods

When in doubt, choose whole or less-processed foods so you can easily understand what ingredients they contain. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, oats, cheese and eggs are great choices if they align with your dietary needs.

Do Some Research

Before your trip, spend some time researching Walt Disney World restaurants. Most Disney restaurants and quick-service locations will accommodate common food allergies Many even offer allergy-friendly menus. You can also read the menu ahead of time and decide which options fit within your dietary restrictions.

Upon making your dining reservation, inform the restaurant of your dietary requests. You can speak to a chef or special diets-trained cast member at each Disney restaurant if you have questions about ingredients or possible modifications.

Review Safe Foods

When you’re away from home, you may encounter foods you don’t see on a daily basis. If you or someone in your family has a food allergy, review which foods are safe and which you need to avoid. You can even print travel-size information cards from kidswithfoodallergies.org to help remind yourself which ingredients on a food label indicate the presence of common food allergens including wheat, dairy, milk, soy, peanuts and tree nuts.

Always read nutrition labels, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about what’s in your food. If you have dietary restrictions because of a medical condition, talk with your doctor about any concerns before you leave home.

Our first aid teams are here for you, but if you have a severe allergy, consider bringing an EpiPen with you for the fastest treatment. For severe allergic reactions, call 911.

Whatever your diet, we hope your vacation brings new and delicious discoveries. If you have questions or concerns while you’re vising Walt Disney World, please give us a call at Call855-303-DOCS.

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