The Perfect Halloween Vacation for Children with Food Allergies

Halloween can be a frightening time for parents of children with food allergies. Walking from door-to-door potentially collecting compromised candy sounds like more tricks than treats. DriveTheNation has a safer alternative: A plan for the perfect family Halloween vacation. 

Step 1: Purchase tickets for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. 

Step 2: Pack your bags. 

Step 3: Drive to Disney World. 

It’s that easy, ghouls and boys. 

Disney World has been making dreams come true for children all over the world since 1971. Why would those with life-threatening food allergies be treated any differently in the land of the Mouse? 

Disney goes above and beyond to cater to special dietary requests, whether you are staying in their resort, eating at a park restaurant, or simply stopping at a snack kiosk. If you can’t consume any combination of milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat or soy- they’ve got you covered. All you have to do is ask. Egg-Free and Dairy-Free Mickey Pancakes? No problem. “Top 8”-Free Chicken Fingers? You got it. Gluten-free sandwich? Coming right up. 

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is another one of their greatest gifts to guests. They know how holidays and gatherings centered around food can be especially stressful for someone with life-threatening food allergies, and they’ve created a way to have a less stressful, more inclusive, allergy-friendly (not free) experience. While Disney does their absolute best to make sure it doesn’t happen, cross-contamination can occur in even the most careful of settings. Always carry your epinephrine with you. 

What to Expect at Mickey’s-Not-So Scary Halloween Party

At the party, you will be able to enjoy a night filled with trick or treating for allergy-friendly treats, riding rides for all ages, and watching fireworks and shows. Be on the lookout for the Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular show in front of Cinderella’s Castle, featuring the notorious Sanderson sisters from the popular Disney movie Hocus Pocus. Another crowd favorite is the Boo to You Halloween Parade. (You’ll be humming that song for weeks. You’re welcome)

Here are the remaining Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween dates for 2017: 

• October 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31
• November 1

How to Get Food Allergy-Safe Treats at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

When you arrive for the party, walk up to a Cast Member and make them aware of your allergies. They will give you a teal treat bag to use; the official color for food allergy awareness. That way, when you are trick-or-treating, Cast Members will know you need a special token at each of the treat station stops. At the end of the night, you will be able to redeem your tokens at a designated Allergy-Friendly Center. One is located at Town Square Theater and the other is at the Heritage House.

Below is the exciting list of allergy-friendly treats being offered this year:

• Surf Sweets Gummy Worms
  
• Surf Sweets Gummy Bears
  
• Surf Sweets Jelly Beans
  
• Smarties
  
• Enjoy Life Ricemilk Chocolate Bar
  
• Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate Bar
  
• Enjoy Life Vanilla Honey Graham Crunchy Cookies
  
• Enjoy Life Double Chocolate Crunchy Cookies
  
• Craft kits: Halloween Friends Magnet Kit & Scarecrow Magnet Kit

So, are you ready for a spooktacular night of fun? Get your costumes out and prepare to eat, drink and be scary. Happy Halloween!

One last thing! If you have more room for treats the next day, drive over to Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney), and drop into Erin Mckenna’s vegan and gluten-free Bakery for every kind of melt in your mouth, lip-smacking goodness. You won’t be sorry. 

Purchase tickets here: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Walt Disney World Resort