Last month, my focus was on favorite allergy friendly quick service meals. So this month, I figured, why not focus on the allergy friendly table service meals? Have no fear, every table service, much like the quick service, goes above and beyond to accommodate your needs, no matter the allergy. Some of my favorite meals and recipes we now use at home have come from these places. And much like anyone else, I too have my favorite places to eat allergy free while enjoying my home away from home.
Trying to narrow it down is incredible hard. From all the years of visiting Walt Disney World and eating at just about every restaurant on property, I have learned a couple of things. First, it all depends on the chef. Believe it or not, the chef makes the experience. Second, pretty much anywhere you eat, you’re going to have a great time, with options, even if you are allergic to everything. And third, you will not need to skip dessert; there is a solution for every allergy.
So picking out my favorites is quite difficult. But here are just a couple of the restaurants that top my list of best allergy friendly places:
Liberty Tree (Magic Kingdom)
Yes, they took away the characters, but this place has never disappointed me. Not only do they offer turkey, which is a great alternative to my usual chicken and fish options, but also their veggie recipes are now frequent around my own home. I love the fact that every time I dine here, the veggies are different for me. Sometimes they are mashed potatoes while another time, it is roasted asparagus. Bonus, they were the first to give me the recipe to their sweet potato glaze that I shared here a couple of months ago. Not to mention, their sweet raspberry sorbet is a great treat for those hot days of summer. And don’t worry, just because you get your food served on your own plate does not mean you can’t ask for seconds (or thirds if you desire) just like the rest of your table, all you can eat includes you!
*Note-Liberty Tree is about to go under a lengthy renovation.
photo courtesy of NDD
Flying Fish Cafe (Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resort)
A great place if you are looking for a seafood option. This is also one of those experiences where the chef quite possibly made the experience. He came out, sat down and had a long lengthy conversation about what I liked, how I liked my food prepared and then did the same for my husband despite him not having any allergies. I must admit, the salmon was amazing and quite possibly among my favorites I have ever had! In fact, it was so amazing I don’t remember the veggies that I had. And for those that are allergic to fish, don’t worry they have fish free options for you as well. Plus, the atmosphere and the ambiance of the restaurant are perfect for a great date night.
Trails End Restaurant (Fort Wilderness Campground)
If there were an award for my favorite based on dessert alone, this would be it. Honestly this was the most incredible dessert I’ve had on at Walt Disney World. I shared my experience with on here in a previous article, but when I think about it, the dessert just rocked. Being allergic to dairy means I pretty much can forget about ice cream and sweets half the time, but not here! The stacked brownie, cookie and ice cream (all dairy free) contraption that was served to me was the hit of the place. It was truly incredible. What was even better, the chef seemed to enjoy making it for me, coming out laughing himself. I truly felt 10 years old again. Obviously, I definitely recommend it just for the dessert experience alone.
Tips for eating table services with allergies.
-Make sure to notify them of your allergies ahead of time. You can do so by either calling Disney, or easier yet, add them when making your advanced dining reservations on the My Disney Experience on your phone or computer.
-When you arrive at the restaurant make sure to check with the host. While not often, our allergy requests have gotten lost once or twice.
-Ask for the recipe. If there is something you really enjoy, ask. We have had so much success in this department and most of the time they are more than glad to share their secrets.
–Don’t worry! Yes with allergies there is always that fear of what if? But try to relax, there is nothing to fear of cross contamination, truly, they take care of you in that department. Your job is to have an amazing time.
Growing up inn the suburbs of Washington, D.C., Aleisha has never let distance stop her from enjoying Walt Disney World vacations. From an early age, whether it be on a family vacation or tagging along with a friend on her vacation, she fell in love with the magic and the joy that Disney brought. Now making her own memories as a DVC member with a Star Wars obsessed little boy, she tries to capture the same magical feelings into every day life. She has quickly established a reputation with friends, relatives and coworkers as a real-life Belle. Always with a book in her hand and available to help others plan their magical Disney vacations.
Beyond Disney, Aleisha is a lover of all genres of music; craves a good concert from time to time, considers her food allergies a blessing rather than a curse and can be seen at the good old hockey game during the NHL season.
