IllumiNations dessert party to celebrate food allergies to be held at Epcot in December

A private dessert party specifically for individuals affected by food allergies and intolerances is being held on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012 at the France Pavilion at Epcot. The event will be hosted by the Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW Blog and Allergy Free Mouse. Both of which provide dining reviews, tips, and planning advice to the special diets community interested in traveling to Walt Disney World.

Blog author and host Sarah Norris said that this dessert party not only helps bring awareness to the increasing prevalence of food allergies and intolerances, but also allows attendees with special diets to meet one another. “This event is a great way to connect with others in the special diets community and to share tips and tricks about dining safely with a special diet.”

The event will include a dessert buffet in which all items will be made to be free of the top eight common allergens (including gluten/wheat, dairy, egg, soy, nut, corn, fish and shellfish). Items on the dessert buffet will vary from chocolate raspberry cupcakes to peach and blueberry cobbler. Guests will be e-mailed a list of all ingredients prior to the event, and the each item on the buffet will be clearly labeled with its corresponding ingredients.

The Walt Disney World Resort is known for adhering to strict guidelines and safety measures when it comes to food preparation for special dietary needs. Norris notes, “Disney is definitely the most accommodating venue and safest for cross-contamination.” However, as with any dining experience, attendees with food allergies and intolerances should take note that cross-contamination is always a potential risk for individuals with special diets.

Tickets for this event are $50 per person and include admission to the private event, special viewing area for the nightly showing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, access to an all-you-care-to-eat dessert buffet, and gift bags with products from special diets vendors. Children 3 and under are admitted free to the event with a ticket holding adult. For more information or to register click here or here.