Comprehensive guide for UK travellers with dietary requirements visiting Orlando and staying off-site.
Estimated read time: 54 minutes
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Visiting the Walt Disney World area with dietary requirements is entirely feasible with the right preparation. This field guide is designed for UK travellers staying off-site (in local hotels, villas, or Airbnbs) who have access to a car or ride-share. It provides practical advice on managing a range of diets and allergies - vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut allergies, and multiple allergies - in and around Orlando. We'll cover how manageable each requirement is in the Disney area, key differences between UK and US food labelling, tips for communicating your needs, where to shop for specialty groceries, and apps or tools to help find suitable meals. Clear dining recommendations are also given for off-site restaurants near Disney World, grouped by price (budget, mid-range, and higher-end) - each with notes on why they're reliable for particular dietary needs.
Quick Jump To: Vegan / Vegetarian / Gluten-Free / Dairy-Free / Nut and Peanut Allergies / Multiple Allergies / Dining Recommendations
UK visitors should be aware of important differences in how dietary information is handled in the US. In Britain (and the EU), eateries and food products must highlight 14 common allergens (like gluten sources, peanuts, tree nuts, milk, etc.) in ingredient lists, and restaurants are obliged by law to provide allergen information on request. By contrast, US packaging focuses on 9 major allergens (e.g. milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and now sesame), and it's not required to bold or list every trace of an allergen repeatedly as UK labels do. For example, mustard, celery, and lupin, which are flagged in Europe, are not classified as major allergens in the US - so you'll need to read ingredient lists carefully for those if they affect you. Similarly, gluten-containing grains like barley or rye might not be obvious in US labels (the word "wheat" will be highlighted if present, but barley may appear only in the ingredients list, e.g. as "malt"). Take extra care to scrutinize labels of packaged foods rather than relying on bold allergen markings.
When dining out, menu conventions differ significantly. In the UK, it's now common for menus to include allergy charts or symbols (and staff often ask if anyone has food allergies at the start of a meal). In the US, there is no nationwide requirement for restaurants to list allergens on menus or proactively inquire. Some states or chains have their own practices, but generally you must inform the server of any dietary needs - they may not ask first. Large chain restaurants in Orlando often have a separate allergen menu or nutrition guide available if you request it, but you won't usually see the comprehensive allergen labelling on menus that you might be used to in the UK. Vegetarian (✔️) or vegan (🌱) symbols might appear on some menus, but these aren't standardized. It's wise to double-check what those terms mean at each restaurant - e.g. "plant-based" is commonly used in the US to indicate a truly vegan dish (no meat, dairy, eggs or honey), especially at Disney-run eateries. Meanwhile, "gluten-friendly" may be used instead of "gluten-free" on some US menus to indicate a dish made without gluten ingredients, but not necessarily prepared in a strictly celiac-safe manner (due to possible cross-contact). Understanding these nuances will help set the right expectations.
No matter which dietary requirement you have, clear communication with restaurant staff is key in the US. Always inform your server (and ask to speak with a manager or chef if needed) about any allergies or special diets before ordering. Don't be shy - in American dining culture it's acceptable and expected that customers speak up about dietary needs, since staff might not ask unprompted. Explain your needs in plain terms and consider mentioning specific ingredients to avoid, rather than relying on broad labels alone. For example, instead of only saying "I'm vegan," you might add "so I can't have any meat, dairy, or eggs." If you have coeliac disease, you might simply state "I have a severe gluten allergy" as many Americans understand "gluten allergy" to imply strict avoidance (even though medically it's an intolerance). The same goes for nut allergies - be explicit whether it's peanuts, tree nuts, or both, since US menus will differentiate these. Emphasize if the allergy is severe, and ask if the kitchen can take precautions (many US restaurants will then follow a protocol: noting the allergy on the order, using clean utensils, etc.). At tourist-friendly restaurants around Disney, staff are accustomed to such requests and often a chef will come out to discuss safe menu options if you mention an allergy . For instance, at the T-REX Cafe (Disney Springs), a chef personally discussed cross-contamination and tailored a meal for a child with multiple allergies. Don't hesitate to ask questions like "Are the chips/fries cooked in a separate fryer that hasn't been used for breaded items?" or "Could you prepare my dish without butter or sauce?" as needed. Most places will do their best to accommodate reasonable requests, especially in the family-centric Orlando area.
Be aware of some UK-vs-US terminology differences when communicating. What Brits call "coriander", Americans call "cilantro" (for the fresh herb) - potentially relevant to those with certain allergies. "Aubergine" is known as "eggplant" in the US, and "courgette" as "zucchini". If you're vegetarian, note that some seemingly meat-free dishes might use animal-based broths or additives in the US. Always confirm, for example, that soups are made with vegetable stock and that no gelatine (jello) or lard is hiding in desserts or beans. When in doubt, spell it out - e.g. "Does this contain any beef or chicken stock? I don't eat meat." In general, Orlando's restaurants strive to be accommodating, but the onus is on the guest to proactively flag dietary needs and ask for clarifications.
One advantage of staying off-site with a car is the ability to self-cater and shop for special products. Orlando has a wide variety of supermarkets, many with extensive "free from" or health food selections:
When grocery shopping in the US, keep in mind that "non-dairy" doesn't always mean 100% milk-free. For example, "non-dairy creamer" can still contain casein (a milk protein) - something that would be illegal to label that way in the UK. Always read the ingredients if you have a severe milk allergy. Likewise, "lactose-free" dairy products (like Lactaid milk) are still real dairy, just treated with lactase enzyme - suitable for the lactose intolerant, but not for those avoiding all milk proteins. Fortunately, truly dairy-free alternatives (soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, vegan cheeses and yogurts) are widely available in the Orlando area, often in the same refrigerated section as the regular dairy. UK-branded products: You might even find some familiar brands like Alpro (plant milks) or Schär (gluten-free breads) in larger stores, though expect some differences. In general, availability of specialty foods is as good as or better than in a major UK city, given the size of Orlando's market and the number of health-conscious residents and visitors.
Harnessing technology will greatly simplify dining with dietary requirements. Here are some useful apps and online resources to use in Orlando:
With these tools in hand, you'll find that Orlando and the Disney area are quite navigable for special diets. Next, we'll delve into specific considerations and advice for each dietary category, followed by restaurant recommendations.
Manageability: Vegan dining in the Disney World area is moderately manageable - while not every restaurant has a vegan option by default, the overall scene has improved greatly in recent years. Within Disney parks and Disney Springs, plant-based options are plentiful (Disney labels all "plant-powered" vegan items with a green leaf icon on menus). Outside the parks, you'll find a mix of dedicated vegan restaurants and mainstream eateries that offer vegan-friendly choices. Greater Orlando has a thriving vegan community, so if you're willing to drive 20-30 minutes from the tourist centre you can reach excellent fully vegan spots (e.g. Ethos Vegan Kitchen in Winter Park or Dharma Southern Kitchen in downtown Orlando). In the immediate resort vicinity (Lake Buena Vista/Kissimmee), options skew towards chain restaurants - many of which can modify dishes to be vegan. Common quick fixes like veggie burritos, pasta with marinara, or salads are widely available; the challenge is finding more varied or protein-rich vegan meals without venturing farther afield. Nonetheless, with a bit of planning it's perfectly possible to eat well as a vegan here.
UK vs US differences: The concept of veganism is well-understood in Orlando, but menu labelling is not as uniform as in the UK. Don't expect every menu to clearly mark vegan items. Some use a "V" symbol for vegetarian and may use "VE" or explicit words for vegan. Others might lump vegetarian and vegan together. Also note, an item labelled "vegetarian" in the US could still contain dairy or eggs (since that term just means no meat/fish). If you see "plant-based" on Disney property menus, that specifically means vegan (no animal-derived ingredients). Outside Disney, ask if uncertain - e.g. confirm that the veggie burger doesn't have cheese or mayo by default, etc. One big difference UK vegans will notice: different formulations of familiar foods. For instance, McDonald's in the US is not vegan-friendly - the fries at US McDonald's contain a beef flavouring with dairy (whereas in the UK they're vegan). So assumptions based on UK experiences may not hold - always double-check ingredients for fast food. On a positive note, many American chains now offer plant-based meat substitutes (Beyond or Impossible burgers at burger joints, vegan cheese at pizzerias, etc.), which might not be as common back home. Overall, be prepared to explain "I'm vegan - no meat, fish, eggs, dairy or honey" since the term "vegan" doesn't have a legal definition and smaller eateries might need clarification on hidden ingredients.
Communicating needs: Use the word "vegan" as well as a brief clarification when ordering. In non-vegan establishments, politely ask your server to verify if any animal products are in the dish you're interested in. Key things to watch for include: butter used for cooking veggies or rice, chicken stock in soups or sauces, lard in refried beans (less common now, but some traditional eateries), or fish sauce in what appears to be a vegetable dish (in some Asian cuisines). If a menu item looks close to vegan, you can request modifications - e.g. "I'd like the veggie fajitas, but without sour cream or cheese, and please substitute guacamole". Most chain restaurants will accommodate such changes and have no issue leaving off non-vegan components. Also, inquire about dedicated cooking surfaces if cross-contact is a concern for you (e.g. some places cook veggie burgers on the same grill as meat; you can ask if they can clean a section of the grill or use a separate pan). The good news is many Orlando restaurants are used to tourists with all sorts of requests, so a friendly explanation goes a long way.
Groceries and products: Vegans will find shopping in Orlando easy. Every supermarket carries plant-based milks (soy, almond, oat, etc.), and you can even get UK-familiar brands like Oatly in larger stores. Whole Foods, in particular, is a vegan paradise - offering everything from vegan cheeses and mock meats to dairy-free baked goods and snacks. They even have freshly prepared vegan items in their food bar (salads, samosas, etc.). Trader Joe's is great for affordable vegan treats - their labeled vegan cookies, frozen meals, and soy ice cream are worth checking out. Publix supermarkets stock Earth Balance vegan butter, JUST Egg (plant-based egg substitute) in the egg section, and a variety of frozen vegan burgers and meals. Look for the Publix GreenWise or Simple Truth (Kroger) labels on some vegan products. If you miss UK staples like baked beans or Jammie Dodgers, Publix and Walmart often have British/import sections, though the offerings may not cater to vegan versions specifically. Don't forget local health stores (e.g. Chamberlin's) for specialty items like nutritional yeast or vegan sweets. You can confidently self-cater most meals if needed, given the availability of ingredients.
Helpful apps: Beyond HappyCow, vegans can use generic restaurant finder apps with filters - Yelp and Google Maps allow you to filter by "vegan options" or "vegetarian". This can turn up nearby mainstream places that perhaps aren't on HappyCow's radar. Also, some chain restaurants list vegan items on their own apps or websites (for example, the Chipotle app has a "vegan bowl" preset). Online communities (the r/Orlando subreddit or local vegan Facebook groups) can also have up-to-date tips on new vegan-friendly eateries around Disney.
Manageability: Travelling as a vegetarian (who consumes dairy/eggs) in the Disney World area is the easiest of all the categories. Virtually every restaurant - from fast food to upscale - will have something vegetarian on the menu, even if it's not highlighted. Common items like cheese pizza, pasta, salads, grilled cheese sandwiches, or veggie omelettes are widely available. All Disney parks and Universal parks offer multiple vegetarian options these days, and off-site the plethora of chain restaurants means you'll rarely be stuck for a meal. That said, "exciting" vegetarian choices can be hit-or-miss at generic burger and steak places, which may only offer a token veggie burger or a basic salad. If you're a vegetarian who enjoys variety, you'll want to seek out some of the same places vegans do (e.g. ethnic restaurants or dedicated vegetarian spots) for more interesting fare. Overall, managing a vegetarian diet here is very straightforward - much like anywhere in the US or UK.
Differences in conventions: In the UK, you might be used to a "(v)" symbol on menus denoting vegetarian-safe dishes. In the US, some restaurants use a leaf or "V" symbol similarly, but many do not. The assumption is often that vegetarians can identify suitable items from descriptions (e.g. a "Margherita Flatbread" obviously has no meat, so it may not be specially marked). Also, beware that American recipes sometimes sneak meat broth or gelatine into dishes that look vegetarian. A classic example: baked beans at a BBQ joint might be cooked with pork; soups like French Onion often use beef stock; beans/greens in Southern-style eateries might be seasoned with bacon or ham. These nuances mean it's worth asking "Is there any meat or meat stock in this?" when ordering items like beans, collard greens, or soups. Another difference: cheeses - the concept of vegetarian cheese (free of animal rennet) is not mainstream in the US. Parmesan, for instance, is likely made with animal rennet unless specified otherwise (few restaurants will know the source of their cheese rennet). If you are a strict veggie who avoids parmesan or other non-vegetarian cheese, you'd need to avoid those or ask lots of questions (which most US servers might not confidently answer). But if you're comfortable with cheese/eggs generally, there's not much to worry about apart from hidden stocks and gelatine.
Communicating needs: Simply stating "I'm a vegetarian - I don't eat meat or fish" will usually suffice. Americans understand vegetarian to exclude red meat, poultry, fish, and gelatine, but to include dairy and eggs (unless you say otherwise). If a menu item looks vegetarian but you're not 100% sure, ask about it. For example: "The Caesar salad doesn't have any bacon or anchovies in it, correct?" (Note: Caesar dressing traditionally contains anchovy - many US restaurants use a pre-made dressing that does have anchovy, which a server may not realize is an issue. If you are okay with it fine, but otherwise consider vinaigrette or another dressing). At family restaurants you can often request a meat-based dish be made meatless. For instance, "Can I get the stir-fry without the chicken?" - they'll usually adjust and maybe add extra veg. Egg dishes: Breakfast is a breeze for vegetarians in the US, as eggs are a staple. Omelettes, pancakes, waffles - none pose an issue (just be aware "grits" in the South are often made with water or milk, no meat, so that's fine; but some places might cook hash browns on the same grill as bacon). If you do eat fish (pescatarian) and mention being "vegetarian", note that Americans will interpret vegetarian as no fish - so clarify if you actually do consume seafood. In sum, communicating as a vegetarian is usually straightforward and rarely will a chef need to come out; it's not seen as challenging to accommodate.
Groceries: All grocery stores are well-stocked for vegetarians. You have endless choices of fruits, veg, grains, dairy, eggs, and so on. If anything, you might find more variety of meat substitutes in US supermarkets than typical UK ones. Brands like MorningStar Farms, Beyond Meat, and Gardein offer vegetarian (and vegan) burgers, sausages, faux chicken, etc. These are in the frozen foods aisle of Walmart, Publix, Target, etc. If you enjoy cooking, the fresh produce in Florida is abundant - and often cheaper than the UK (tropical fruits, avocados, etc.). You can easily find staples to make sandwiches, pasta, salads, etc. One thing to note: gelatine (jello desserts, marshmallows) is normally non-vegetarian here unless specified "vegan" or "kosher". If you want vegetarian marshmallows or gelatine-free sweets, seek them at Whole Foods or health stores (or bring them from home). British classics like Marmite or Quorn products might not be easily found (Quorn is not common in US stores), but there are plenty of local alternatives.
Apps/tools: Vegetarians can use HappyCow similarly to vegans; just remember it will list vegan places too (which you might love anyway). Yelp is also handy - filter for "Vegetarian" under dietary options to see local places that explicitly cater to vegetarians. The Visit Orlando website occasionally posts blogs about vegetarian dining, and many Orlando restaurants label vegetarian items on their online menus, so browsing menus ahead is useful. Overall, you won't need as much tech assistance as other diets, since vegetarian choices are ubiquitous.
Manageability: The Disney area is highly accommodating to gluten-free diets, thanks to a combination of knowledgeable restaurants and the large celiac/allergy community that travels here. In fact, dining inside Walt Disney World is often cited as a stress-free experience for coeliacs - nearly every Disney restaurant offers an allergy-friendly menu with gluten-free options, and protocols like separate prep areas or chef consultations are standard. Off-site in Orlando, many chain restaurants have gluten-free menus or at least options. You'll find that everything from fast-casual spots (sandwich shops, pizza places, etc.) to upscale eateries have recognized the demand. That said, the degree of cross-contamination control varies. Some places advertise "gluten-friendly" meaning they don't use gluten ingredients but might not prevent trace gluten. True gluten-free specialty bakeries and fully GF eateries exist but are limited - you might have to drive a bit to find 100% gluten-free establishments. Still, with planning, you can eat safely at a variety of off-site restaurants. Locally, there are "legendary" gluten-free friendly restaurants known to residents, such as establishments that offer gluten-free fried chicken or dedicated fryers. In short, managing coeliac disease around Orlando is very doable, but you will need to stay vigilant about cross-contact and communicate your needs.
UK vs US differences: If you're coming from the UK, you'll notice that the "gluten-free" label is used in the US similarly (foods must be under 20 ppm gluten to be labelled GF by FDA rules). However, product labelling is less exhaustive in highlighting gluten sources. A UK label might say "Contains: Barley, Wheat" in bold; a US label might just list "malt flavouring" in the ingredients and only highlight "Contains: Wheat". So, remember barley, rye, and oats (unless GF oats) might not be obvious. Check ingredient lists for those words, as they won't be bolded. On menus, as mentioned, some US restaurants call items gluten-free outright while others use disclaimers. You might see phrases like "gluten-sensitive menu" or "gluten-friendly" to cover themselves legally - assume that means "we can make this without gluten ingredients, but we don't guarantee absence of trace gluten." This is a key difference from the UK, where there's more awareness of cross-contamination due to allergen law. In the US, you as the customer must ask the questions. Another difference: common ingredients - e.g. soy sauce in the US is usually brewed with wheat (not GF). So any Asian cuisine, check if they have gluten-free tamari or a GF menu. Also, fried foods (fries, chips, etc.): it's routine in the UK to use dedicated fryers for GF; in the US it's 50/50. Many places will fry chips in oil shared with breaded items unless they specifically state otherwise. Always inquire if fries or tortilla chips are fried separately if they're not labelled GF on the menu. On a positive note, US chain restaurants often have an allergen reference guide - you can request it and see which items contain wheat or gluten.
Communicating needs: It's crucial to clearly articulate the seriousness of your gluten restriction. Say something like "I have a severe gluten allergy (coeliac) - even a little flour or cross-contamination will make me ill. Can you accommodate that?" This alerts the staff that this is not a fad diet choice but a medical necessity. Ask if the restaurant has a gluten-free menu or specific procedures. Many will respond by noting your order as an "allergy" so the kitchen takes extra care. If a server seems unfamiliar, don't hesitate to use basic terms: "I cannot have any wheat, barley, or rye - so no regular bread, batter, or soy sauce unless it's gluten-free." Specify the obvious (no croutons on salad, no flour on the meat). If you're ordering a modified dish, have them confirm with the kitchen. For example, when getting a burger with a gluten-free bun, verify the fries aren't in shared oil; or if getting a salad, make sure the dressing is GF. A lot of US restaurants do have GF labels on their menus now - use those as a starting point, but still double-check details. When in doubt, simpler preparations are safer (grilled meats, steamed veg, baked potato). As a rule, speak to a manager or chef for any complex allergy order - in many places the chef will automatically come out once "gluten allergy" is mentioned. Don't be shy about this; the good restaurants in Orlando will expect it and handle it professionally.
Groceries: You'll have an easier time finding gluten-free products in Orlando than you might expect. Publix and Whole Foods are your best friends for grocery shopping. Publix even publishes a list of all their own-brand products that are certified gluten free. In stores, you'll see many familiar GF brands: Schär breads and crackers, King Arthur or Bob's Red Mill gluten-free flour, Udi's and Canyon Bakehouse breads (frozen), Barilla gluten-free pasta, etc. Whole Foods and Fresh Market carry more niche items and fresh GF baked goods. Also look for local gluten-free brands - e.g. some bakeries in Florida supply to grocery stores (you might find shelves of cookies/brownies labelled gluten-free at places like Fresh Market). Frozen meals can be a handy villa standby: brands like Amy's Kitchen or EVOL have gluten-free frozen dinners, widely sold at Target and Walmart. If you want to bake or cook, all the flours, mixes and binders (xanthan gum etc.) are available at health stores or Whole Foods. Even basic snacks: you'll see a "GF" icon on many US products nowadays, from corn tortilla chips to even some cereals (Chex cereal is gluten-free, for example). So stocking your kitchen with safe food is very achievable. One thing - the bread and baked goods quality can vary; some people prefer to bring their favourite UK gluten-free bread or tea biscuits with them if suitcase space permits, just for familiarity.
Helpful apps: Absolutely install Find Me Gluten Free to scout restaurants. It often has reviews for Orlando eateries specifically mentioning if anyone had a reaction or if the staff used dedicated prep areas. The AllergyEats Disney World microsite can also list off-site restaurants around Orlando that other coeliacs recommend. Additionally, the Gluten Free Orlando Facebook group (if you join) could have local insight on grocery products (members sometimes post about which store has a certain GF product in stock). Finally, the Mealime or Yummly apps aren't Orlando-specific, but if you're cooking in a villa, they can filter recipes by gluten-free to help you plan simple meals with local ingredients.
Manageability: Dairy-free dining (whether due to lactose intolerance or milk allergy) is quite manageable around Disney, as long as you communicate clearly. Many people in the US avoid dairy for various reasons, so restaurants are used to requests for no cheese, sauce on the side, etc. Coffee shops and cafes almost universally offer non-dairy milk options now (Starbucks, for example, has soy, almond, oat, and coconut milk for drinks). You will find that a good number of chain restaurants have dairy-free options or can modify dishes to be dairy-free easily - for instance, order a burger without cheese and butter on the bun, or get fajitas without sour cream. At the higher end restaurants, chefs can prepare a piece of fish or steak without the usual butter finish if you ask. Quick service can be trickier (cheese is prevalent in fast food), but even then, something like a dairy-free burger or salad is usually feasible. One thing to watch: American love of cheese - it's more heavily used on average than in UK cooking. Expect even things like salads or vegetables to often come with cheese or butter by default, so you'll do a lot of "no cheese, please" requests. If you're severely allergic to milk, the main challenge is desserts (which are often dairy-laden, though some places have sorbet or a vegan dessert) and cross-contact (shared grills or fryers where butter or whey might linger). Overall though, being dairy-free in Orlando is about as challenging as in any Western country - moderate, but certainly doable with diligence.
UK vs US differences: The term "dairy-free" is understood in the US, but you may want to specify "no milk products" to avoid any confusion. Note that the US top allergens list uses "Milk" to indicate dairy - so when talking to staff, saying "milk allergy" or "allergic to dairy" clearly conveys no butter, milk, cheese, etc. As mentioned earlier, "non-dairy" labels on products can be deceptive (due to US labelling quirks, a product can be labelled non-dairy yet include caseinate). However, anything labelled "vegan" in stores will be truly free of dairy. Dining out, a difference is that in the UK you might see "DF" (dairy-free) symbols occasionally; in the US, it's not common to mark dairy-free on menus (aside from vegan dishes). You'll have to identify items without obvious dairy and then confirm. Watch out for things like butter: Many American restaurants, especially chains, brush buns, vegetables, or steaks with butter as a final touch. Also, buttermilk is commonly used in fried chicken batter and ranch dressings. Don't assume an item that doesn't scream "dairy" is safe - always verify or request omissions (e.g. ask for vegetables cooked without butter). On the flip side, thanks to the popularity of vegan diets, dairy alternatives are widely used - you might find almond milk pancakes or coconut milk ice cream on menus in health-focused cafes. Finally, if you ask for "cream" in your coffee in the US, that usually means a dairy creamer; to avoid confusion, specify "no dairy, please use almond/soy milk" at coffee shops.
Communicating needs: Start by stating clearly "I cannot have any dairy - no milk, butter, cheese, cream, etc." Americans will understand "dairy" to cover all of those, but enumerating helps drive it home. If it's an allergy, say "allergy" so they take it seriously. For lactose intolerance (less severe), you can just say you're intolerant and need them to leave off dairy ingredients. Key phrases: "Is there any butter or milk in this dish?", "Can you make that with oil instead of butter?", "No cheese on mine, please." If ordering a sandwich or burger, specify the bun should not be buttered (many casual dining spots toast buns with butter). When ordering salads, ask for no cheese and a dairy-free dressing (vinaigrettes are usually safe; avoid ranch, Caesar, or creamy dressings unless they confirm no dairy). Italian restaurants: ask if you can get pasta dishes without parmesan sprinkled, etc. Pizza: obviously skip the cheese - some pizzerias (like Blaze Pizza) offer vegan cheese as a substitute if you want (Blaze's vegan cheese is dairy-free, or you can do a cheese-less pizza loaded with veg). If dining at Disney-operated restaurants, mention your dairy allergy and they'll often have a chef guide you to dairy-free options or modifications - Disney is well-versed in handling milk allergies alongside the other top allergens. At ice cream shops or dessert places, ask what dairy-free options they have - many have at least one sorbet or non-dairy ice cream flavour nowadays. Always double-check on seemingly non-dairy items: for example, bread can sometimes contain milk or butter, mashed potatoes almost always have butter/cream, and some meats are marinated or basted with butter. The more you ask, the safer you'll be.
Groceries: Stocking up on dairy-free alternatives is very easy in Orlando. As noted, plant milks are everywhere (even gas station convenience stores often have soy or almond milk in small cartons). You can find dairy-free yogurt (coconut, almond or soy based) and vegan cheese slices/shreds at most supermarkets - look in the produce or deli refrigerated section for brands like Daiya, Violife, or Chao. Vegan butter (e.g. Earth Balance) will be in the butter/margarine section. If you need dairy-free bread, many standard breads are naturally dairy-free, but check labels (avoid brioche or "butter bread"). Whole Foods has an extensive selection of dairy-free chocolates, cookies, etc., and even Publix now carries things like Ben & Jerry's Non-Dairy ice cream pints. For coffee, you can get your preferred non-dairy creamer (oat creamer, etc.) at Target or Publix. Also noteworthy: lactose-free dairy (like Lactaid milk, lactose-free ice cream) is available at regular stores if you only need to avoid lactose but can tolerate dairy protein - however, those still contain milk proteins, so not suitable for true dairy allergy or vegans. If you enjoy cooking, pick up olive oil or coconut oil to use in place of butter for your villa meals. In summary, grocery options are plentiful; you might even discover new US brands of dairy-free goodies to enjoy.
Apps/tools: There isn't a dedicated "dairy-free restaurant" app like there is for gluten, but you can use AllergyEats to filter for milk allergy experiences. The AllergyEats Disney World section includes milk in its list of allergens so you can read if other dairy-free diners had good experiences at certain places. The website GoDairyFree (Alisa Fleming's site) has a dining directory and many guides - they even have a Disney dining guide for dairy-free guests, which might have useful insights for both on-site and off-site options. Social media, again, can be helpful: searching "Orlando dairy-free" might turn up local blog posts listing cafes with dairy-free desserts or vegan-friendly restaurants. Many vegan listings apply equally to dairy-free needs.
Manageability: Managing a nut allergy (peanuts and/or tree nuts) in the Orlando area requires vigilance but is generally manageable due to widespread awareness of these allergies. Peanut allergies in particular are common in the US, especially among children, so most chain restaurants are quite familiar with accommodating them. Many places will note peanuts or tree nuts on their menus if they are present in a dish, although not every menu does this systematically. Around Disney, chefs and staff are trained to handle nut-allergic guests carefully - you'll often get special attention if you declare a severe nut allergy. However, there are also many tempting treats (like baked goods, ice creams, etc.) where nuts may be present, so careful inquiry is needed each time. You will find a good number of restaurants that explicitly state they are peanut-free or nut-aware. For example, the Chicken Guy! eatery in Disney Springs is completely peanut-free (as one allergy sufferer noted, they reassure you about it and it's become a safe go-to). That's a relief if peanut is your concern. On the other hand, some places like certain Asian restaurants or bakeries might be risky due to heavy use of nuts or cross-contact. If you have a life-threatening nut allergy, you'll likely be sticking to chain restaurants or Disney-owned venues where protocols are strongest, as opposed to small independent restaurants that might not be as cautious. The manageable part is that you can always find nut-free options (even if it means skipping dessert or particular cuisines), but you must remain cautious about cross-contamination.
UK vs US differences: Both peanuts and tree nuts are top allergens in the US, so labelling on packaged foods will clearly indicate if they contain these. A subtle difference: in UK/Europe you often see "may contain traces of nuts" on many items; US companies also use "may contain" or "processed in a facility with…" statements, but it's voluntary. So read labels thoroughly - absence of a warning doesn't guarantee safety if it's a smaller brand. Dining out, the UK has perhaps more overt allergen menu handling, but in the US you'll need to specifically ask about nuts. Some American recipes include nuts where a UK traveller might not expect them: e.g. pecans or walnuts in salads, peanut butter in sauces (Thai and some BBQ sauces), almond-crusted fish or chicken, etc. Also, as a UK visitor you might not anticipate how common peanut oil is in certain restaurants. For instance, Chick-fil-A (a popular chicken sandwich chain) fries everything in refined peanut oil - they claim it's so highly refined it's not allergenic, but many peanut-allergic guests still avoid it to be safe. Five Guys (a burger chain) famously has boxes of peanuts for customers and uses peanut oil for fries - a no-go if you're allergic to peanuts. This kind of thing is less common in the UK. So, always ask about the cooking oil in fryers if you have a peanut allergy. Tree nuts: watch for items like pesto (usually has pine nuts, which are seeds but often lumped with tree nuts for allergen purposes), desserts with almond flour, or coconut used in some recipes (coconut is not a botanical nut and not classified as a tree nut allergen in the US, but some people avoid it anyway - clarify your specific triggers with staff).
Communicating needs: Be very upfront every time: "I have a severe [peanut/tree nut] allergy. Does your restaurant use any [peanuts, peanut oil, tree nuts] in the kitchen or in this dish?" It helps to mention the specific nuts you must avoid because saying "nut allergy" alone can confuse some (they might not know if you mean peanuts, tree nuts like almonds, or all of the above). If it's both, say both. Have them check if any sauces, dressings, or baked goods contain nuts. If you're at a bakery or ice cream shop, assume cross-contact unless they tell you they have dedicated allergen protocols. In restaurants, once you inform them, often a manager will come to discuss and note the allergy in the order. Many chain restaurants have an allergy binder - you can request to see allergen info for nuts. For example, Noodles & Company and Outback Steakhouse are known for being accommodating; Outback's allergen menu can show which items have nuts and their staff often double-checks with you. Emphasize the severity by saying something like "even trace amounts or cross-contamination could cause a reaction" if that is the case, so they take strict care. Ask about the dessert menu too - a lot of places have nuts in brownies or pies, so better to be safe if you were considering dessert. In buffet situations (if you encounter them), be extremely careful or avoid, since serving utensils could be mixed. On the whole, Orlando restaurants want to avoid medical emergencies, so they do pay attention once you bring it up, but you might have to prompt them on details (e.g. "Could you please ensure the kitchen uses fresh gloves and a clean pan for my order?").
Groceries: Thankfully, buying nut-free foods is straightforward. You'll find many products explicitly labelled "Peanut-free" or "Nut-free" - particularly snacks aimed at kids (some brands advertise as school-safe without nuts). For example, Enjoy Life is a brand that makes cookies, bars, etc., free from the top 8 allergens, commonly found at Whole Foods or Publix. If you need peanut butter alternatives, there's sunflower seed butter (SunButter brand) at most grocers. Also, big brands like Oreo cookies or certain crisps that are nut-free in the UK are usually the same formula in the US, but do check labels. For cooking, standard staples (meats, veg, rice, dairy, etc.) obviously don't have nuts unless added, so self-catering is easy. Just be cautious in selecting cereals, chocolates, and snacks - lots of them have nut variants. In the US, allergen labelling will list peanuts and tree nuts separately if present, and often specify which tree nuts. If you have a tree nut allergy but peanuts are fine (or vice versa), you can tailor choices accordingly. One more tip: Pharmacies (chemists) like CVS or Walgreens sell food too, including snacks and candy - but they are not as carefully labelled, and the selection is smaller. Stick to supermarkets for the bulk of your shopping, where you can read everything. Always travel with your necessary medications (e.g. antihistamines, EpiPens) and maybe bring a few trusted nut-free snacks from home for peace of mind on the flight and initial days, until you go shopping.
Helpful tools: AllergyEats again can filter reviews by peanut or tree nut. The quotes on Spokin's Disney guide show some local favourites from nut-allergic travellers (e.g. a user recommended Frontera Cocina and Raglan Road in Disney Springs, noting they trust those for nut safety). Restaurant websites sometimes indicate if they are peanut-free (for example, many Asian restaurants will say if they use peanut oil or not). When in doubt, call ahead - a quick phone call to ask "Do you cook with peanut oil or nuts?" can save you a trip. There is also a Food Allergy Wizards app and Spokin app that share allergy-friendly travel tips, which might have entries for Orlando. Since nut allergies can be life-threatening, err on the side of over-communicating and choosing simpler foods when options are limited.
Manageability: If you're managing multiple allergies or dietary restrictions simultaneously, you'll need to be even more strategic, but it's certainly possible to have an enjoyable trip. Many families travel to Disney with kids who have 3, 4, or more allergens to avoid (e.g. dairy, egg, and nuts combined), and Orlando's hospitality industry tries to cater to that. The key is planning and choosing restaurants wisely. Disney-owned restaurants are famously good with multiple allergy accommodations - chefs can often craft a meal avoiding the top 8 allergens entirely if needed. Off-site, it gets trickier but not unmanageable. You'll likely gravitate towards large chain restaurants or places known for allergy awareness rather than very small independent eateries with unknown practices. When you find a safe restaurant, stick with it and perhaps visit it multiple times. Also, expect that you might be cooking or eating simple meals for a portion of your trip, especially breakfast or snacks, to avoid too many complicated restaurant meals every day. Overall manageability is moderate: you will always find something to eat, but your dining choices might be more limited, and you'll invest more time in communication each meal. The silver lining is that Orlando sees thousands of allergy families, so you won't be an anomaly asking for a meal free of, say, dairy, eggs, and nuts - it may take a bit longer, but many places have served guests like you before.
Differences in conventions: There's not much to add beyond the individual allergen differences already covered. One thing to highlight: in the UK, allergen info is often grouped - you might see a chart indicating which of 14 allergens each menu item contains. In the US, since that's not required, you'll have to discuss each of your allergens. You can't assume that just because peanuts aren't used, the place will be fine for your egg allergy, for example - you have to probe on all fronts. Culturally, Americans might not immediately grasp the complexity if you say "I have multiple food allergies," so be prepared to enumerate them clearly. Use a checklist if needed when talking to staff: e.g. "I need a meal with none of the following: no milk, no egg, no peanuts, no wheat." They'll take notes. If language barrier or complexity is a worry, some travellers bring allergy cards (a paper or digital card listing all their allergens) to hand to the chef - these can be useful even in English to avoid confusion, and you can prepare one before travel.
Communicating needs: When you have multiple allergies, it's often best to ask for the manager or chef upfront. Explain the full list of foods to avoid and ask "Is this something you can safely accommodate, and what would you recommend?" By inviting their input, you let them guide you to safe options. Many chefs prefer to customize something off-menu in these cases: for example, they might say "We can grill you a plain piece of chicken with steamed veg and no seasoning" if that covers all bases. While that might not be the most exciting meal, safety comes first. Don't be afraid to reject a restaurant if you feel uncomfortable - for instance, if the staff seem unsure or annoyed, it might be better to leave and find somewhere else. The good news is places near Disney are typically very used to allergy requests, so most will be accommodating. Always clarify each part of the meal: drinks (no milk in that smoothie), mains, sides, even cooking oil (for soy allergy, for example, check if they use soybean oil). A sample script: "We have multiple severe allergies: no gluten, no dairy, and no nuts. Could you please check what options we have for a safe meal? We're fine with simple grilled meat and vegetables if needed - whatever avoids those." This shows you're flexible, which staff appreciate when dealing with complex orders. It helps to identify a cuisine that works best for you and stick to it. For example, if you can handle plain meat and veg, a steakhouse or BBQ place (sans bread or sauce) might be easier than a bakery cafe. Or if you're all about plant-based but allergic to nuts and gluten, maybe a custom salad place or Chipotle bowl is your friend. You might also dine at odd times (like early lunch or early dinner) when the kitchen is less busy, so they can take the time needed for your order - a tactic some allergy families use to avoid the rush.
Groceries & prep: If multiple allergies make restaurant eating daunting, leverage your lodging's kitchen. Prepare a hearty breakfast in your accommodation so you start the day full (e.g. allergen-free cereal with safe milk, or eggs and bacon if those are allowed, etc.), then you can be flexible with lunch or snacks. Pack safe snacks when you go to the parks - fruit, allergy-friendly bars, crisps you know are safe - so you're not caught out if options are limited. Local grocery stores carry lots of free-from products; for multiple allergies, Whole Foods and health stores are treasure troves. You can find items like egg replacer powder (for baking in your villa), gluten-free and dairy-free breads, top-8-free cookies, etc. Look for the Enjoy Life brand and others that explicitly target multiple allergens. If you need specialty items like nut-free spreads or gluten-free, egg-free bread, it's likely available at those stores. Preparing some meals at your accommodation not only ensures safety but also gives you a break from having to explain yourself constantly.
Apps/tools: Use all the earlier mentioned apps (Find Me Gluten Free, AllergyEats, HappyCow for vegan if relevant) in combination. Since no single app covers "free of X, Y, and Z" completely, you might need to do a bit of cross-referencing. For example, use Find Me Gluten Free to pick a place, then call them to ask about your other allergies. There are also some mobile apps where you input your allergens and it suggests menu items (for big chain restaurants) - one such app is "ContentChecked" or "AllergyEats" mobile. The Spokin app often has user-curated lists like "Top 10 Allergen-Free Finds at Magic Kingdom" which can indirectly help for off-site by identifying allergy-friendly brands or snacks you can buy. Ultimately, personal research and direct communication will be your best tools when juggling multiple dietary requirements, but the resources above can point you in the right direction.
When you're ready to dine out, here are some recommended restaurants and chains near Walt Disney World that are known to be accommodating to various dietary needs. They're grouped by price/format for convenience. (Keep in mind that off-site areas like Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista, and International Drive are packed with eateries; we highlight a few standouts, but there are many options - always inquire about your specific needs.)
These are lower-cost or fast-casual places where you can get a meal quickly. They are suitable for a casual bite or takeaway and generally friendly to dietary customizations:
These are sit-down restaurants (or nicer fast-casual) with moderate prices, where you can have a full meal. Most have dedicated allergen menus or at least experience with special diets:
Many independent ethnic restaurants around Orlando cater to special diets by nature of their cuisine:
These can be mid-range in price and often very filling. The key is to choose a well-reviewed place that understands English well enough to handle your instructions, as not all small ethnic eateries are versed in allergen protocols like the big chains. Many UK travellers enjoy a curry or Chinese meal on holiday - just be clear when ordering, as you would at home.
Since off-site guests can freely dine at Disney Springs (no ticket needed), some of those restaurants are worth noting in mid-range. These are mid-range to slightly upper-mid in price, but worthwhile if you're spending an evening at Disney Springs:
If you're looking for a special meal out - perhaps a nice dinner or celebration - these higher-end restaurants combine great food with attentiveness to special dietary needs. Reservations are often recommended for these:
Remember, for any of these higher-end places, always mention your dietary needs when making the reservation and again to your server. They often appreciate advance notice to source special ingredients or plan substitutions. The level of service tends to correlate with price: the more expensive the restaurant, the more accommodating and flexible the kitchen can be (generally speaking), which is good news for special diets.
Guide Updated: 18 January 2026