I have been going to the Disney Parks for almost 27 years now. My first trip was when I was six weeks old, and I haven’t stopped! One constant on every trip is that I have to manage my food allergies. Travelling with allergies can be quite anxiety inducing. Add in a language barrier and it could be a recipe for disaster. However, I found that travelling to Disneyland Paris, as an English speaker, with multiple food allergies, was a safe, pleasant, and delicious experience!
Clear communication:
Unfortunately, in high school I took Spanish classes. Although I can get by in simple conversations in Spanish, I knew nothing about French before booking my vacation to France. If you also have a limited knowledge of the language, here is what I would do to ensure you can properly communicate with the Disney cast members.
1. Download Google translate on your phone. I found that the Google translate photo function was extremely easy to use. You can hold your phone over an ingredient list, say on the back of a bag of chips, and almost instantly the words are translated into your chosen language. I was quite confident a few times that items were safe, but was proved wrong after translating!
2. Learn a bit of French using an app, or learn common phrases. Before my trip I worked my way up to a 264 day Duolingo streak. Each night before bed I would complete one lesson. By no means am I proficient in French, but I was able to get by without too much trouble. Although many of the cast members know English, and speak it quite well, knowing a few key phrases will help you navigate your trip and be courteous to staff with French greetings.
I would recommend learning how to say these two phrases:
- I am allergic to –> Je suis allergique à
- Do you have an allergy list? –> Avez-vous une liste d’allergies?
Additionally, you should be aware of the translation of your allergens!
3. If you want to be extra safe and ensure there are no miscommunications I would suggest that you create an allergy card. My husband crafted one for me that lists my allergies in English on one side, and French on the other. We laminated this card at home, but you can print a few paper copies out and use clear tape to protect your cards from the elements!
We found that everyone LOVED these cards. They often brought them directly back to the chef and we had no translation issues whatsoever.
My Dairy Free and Nut Free Selection from PYM Kitchen! When I arrived, they gave me a packet detailing the allergens in each buffet option that I kept with me throughout the meal. Although it is a bit small, PYM Kitchen is one of my favorite buffets that I have been to at any Disney Property.
Social Media
Something that I only discovered recently was allergy-specific Facebook groups! In these groups, members post every day sharing tips, ingredient sheets from the Parks, and items they were able to eat safely.
My favorite groups are: Disneyland Paris with Food Allergies, Gluten Free Disneyland Paris, and Disneyland Paris Veggie, Vegan & Other Dietary Requirements.
Planning Ahead
When travelling with allergies, it always is best to plan ahead! Unlike on the Disneyworld app, the Disneyland Paris app doesn’t show allergy options as easily at quick service locations.
To view your options, act as though you are ordering from the quick service locations for pick up and select an option. Once you have entered the menu, you can view the allergens in each item.
Planning to visit a sit-down restaurant? Make reservations and call ahead! Certain restaurants that are more high-scale may prepare an alternative, or offer you an allergen menu in advance so that it is ensured you have a delicious meal.
Microwave meals
Disneyland Paris has an option for allergen-free dining that I have not experienced at Walt Disney World. These are the microwaved sealed meals. The attitude surrounding allergies in Disneyland Paris is that if you have multiple allergies, they will push you to choose a sealed meal which they heat in the microwave, bring to your table, and then you unseal it yourself. This lowers the risk of allergen contamination, as only the factory and person consuming the meal will have possibly contaminated the dish. I have not tried one of these meals myself, and I have seen mixed reviews on the Facebook pages.
More Dairy Free and Nut Free Delicious Eats at the Last Chance Cafe!
Those are my best tips for you to safely enjoy your trip! I myself truly enjoyed eating in Disneyland Paris and I hope you do as well! 🙂