Character Dining Questions

[TeenyTig]

So, we're looking into doing either one or two character dining options for our 5 year old twins. My questions are:

1. If somebody has allergies to what's on the buffet, can something else be made for them? For example, if there's only mickey waffles and we have somebody who's gluten free, can they subsititute something for that or how does it work? I keep looking at all these menus for the character dinings, but I didn't know how it works with people with allergies.

2. This might be a stupid question, but for a breakfast buffet, if you have an early time, like before the park is open, how do you get to the restaurant?

Thanks!
April

 

[CaptainAmerica]

This might be a stupid question, but for a breakfast buffet, if you have an early time, like before the park is open, how do you get to the restaurant?

There's a big sign when you get off the tram/bus/monorail that says "Guests with reservations enter this way." You'll see it.

ETA: From Disney on food allergies at buffets:

"Guests should ask to speak with a chef or a manager upon arrival to discuss food allergies or intolerances. Chefs are available to walk Guests through the buffet and indicate what can be eaten based on specific allergies or intolerances. Please note that we cannot guarantee we will be able to meet all dietary requests."

So it doesn't sound like they'll make something special but they'll indicate what's safe. In terms of your original question, there won't *only* be Mickey Waffles.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

2. This might be a stupid question, but for a breakfast buffet, if you have an early time, like before the park is open, how do you get to the restaurant?

Disney transportation starts running early enough to get you from your resort to the TTC / Theme Parks. Once at the park there will be a turnstile at the park entrance reserved for guests with dining reservations. Cast Members at the gate will check your details against their dining lists and you'll be allowed through in time to walk to the restaurant.

 

[Gaston's gal]

You can also call ahead to the restaurant to talk to them about your food allergy/ gluten free needs, they can let you know what is offered that will be appropriate. Then, when you arrive at the restaurant, discuss it again with whomever seats you and your family. There is actually a "Gluten free" site on WDWMagic that people have been posting what specific foods your child can eat and, I believe, where as well. Enjoy your trip!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

My older daughter has food allergies...and we've had 3 or 4 trips with her to WDW since her diagnosis.

When you book your ADRs, make sure the allergy is noted in the special section for allergies. If you didn't do this when booking...you can call and have all of this added to your reservation info prior to your trip. When you check in for your meal, double check that the allergy is noted on the reservation. When you are seated, double check again with your server. Some restaurants have the chefs educate the servers on allergy issues with the menu while others (especially the buffets) have the chef come out. If it's a buffet, the chef will walk you through said buffet and point out the risks. In some cases, a chef may even make up special food...especially if it's a gluten allergy.

Oh, and the only time we had an issue with early morning buses and ADRs was when we stayed at AKL and had the 7am at Chef Mickey's. While some resorts have buses as early as 6:30am, AKLs first bus is at 6:45a and that would have been cutting it too close. I always have cab fare handy just in case, but the buses have rarely let us down.

 

[Fizban]

My youngest is allergic to mint of all things. That is one of the reasons we love to vacation at the world because the chefs always come talk directly to her and make dining suggestions. With a crazy allergy like hers its great to have knowledgeable chefs that Disney has. The only thing I would suggest is if you are planning something like a show/meal for instance Hoop de doo, then call ahead and have them note that on your rezzie.

 

[dreamfinder]

If you have your reservation noted as "allergy" a chef is supposed to come out and talk to you (and sign the slip for your server), your server can get in trouble if they don't. WDW takes allergies seriously. At a buffet, the chef will walk you through the line. They will point out what you can and cannot eat. Where possible, they will offer alternatives. I'm vegetarian, they typically just point out what has meat in it (it's surprising how much stuff has beef/chicken stock in it). My DM however is GF, they will point out what has gluten, but for breakfast where it tends to be heavy on gluten based bread products, they will also offer to make something out back. Some may have GF waffle mix and can make GF Mickey waffles/pancakes, others may only have something premade like Udi's (don't think they make a waffle but the idea holds). They cannot guarantee no cross contamination, but for most allergies they will go through the drill out back, new gloves, new bowl/cutting board etc to help reduce it.

And for early morning reservations buses start running about 6:30. As a PP said, this may only be a problem if you have a 7AM reservation, the in park locations typically don't make bookings before 8AM, so you should be fine.