Gluten-Free Guide: Keeping the Magic while Foregoing the Gluten at Disney World!
Going to the “Happiest Place on Earth” should be a thrilling experience. For many, it’s a destination they’ve dreamed about visiting or taking their kiddos to for years. However, if you or someone in your family has a gluten allergy, there could be some anxiety in planning your trip. What will you eat? Where will you eat? Will there be gluten-free options? Is it safe?
Luckily, Disney has worked their magic to create an incredible selection of gluten-free options as well as an allergy-free program in general. Don’t worry. It’s more than just salads and bun-less burgers. Disney World has many yummy options that won’t make you feel like you’re missing out on the best treats in the parks. Check out our gluten-free guide and tips to some of the yumminess in-store at Disney World!
Gluten-Free: Know Before You Go
Do your research ahead of time – Things change from time to time, so as you’re planning your trip and dining options, check out the Disney website for a complete list of their restaurants. Also, check online reviews through apps like Yelp and Google for the latest menu offerings.
Make your reservations – Disney opens up dining reservations 180 days out. Yup, you read that right – 180 days (6 months) in advance. That means things fill up as you get closer to the date, so once you’ve made your choices, lock them in!
Pack snacks – While Disney does have many incredible options for grab-and-go, kiosk, sit down, and counter service quick bites, it can never hurt to pack some snacks, especially if you or some in your family or group have special dietary needs. Personal snacks are always a great thing to have on hand anyway – if you’re like me, sometimes you just really need a “second breakfast!”
When in doubt, ask – Disney is known for their customer service, and basically, everyone is willing to go above and beyond to make sure you are safe. As soon as you get to a restaurant, ask to see a dietary menu and mention your gluten allergy. Most staff are well trained on allergy options. Disney also has an amazing program where you can email any dietary needs ahead of your arrival (Special.Diets@WaltDisneyWorld.com) for assistance with difficult food allergy situations. You will almost always find a helpful staff member ready to offer guidance and assistance in navigating your dining process.
Below you’ll find a list of some of the delicious Disney World restaurants that offer gluten-free options. Whether you’re in Magic Kingdom or EPCOT, craving pizza or Asian, you’ll find magically delicious treats at every stop along the way!
Magic Kingdom
Be Our Guest Restaurant: This table service restaurant experience takes place in a magical setting that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into Beauty and the Beast. The restaurant serves a pre-fixed menu. However, gluten-free accommodations are available. You’ll have great options from seared shrimp skewers, grilled veggies, grilled cheese, mac-and-cheese, and braised chicken breast, to name just a few yummy options.
Liberty Tree Tavern: Step back to the age of our founding fathers with this New England-inspired early American fare. Meals are served family-style/buffet style for lunch and dinner, but you can ask the wait staff for gluten-free options, and they’re very accommodating. Think Thanksgiving dinner without regret. (Booyah!)
Turkey Leg Cart – Frontier Land: Who doesn’t love hot, juicy rotisserie turkey legs?! The delicious aroma of this meat candy is sure to catch your attention when you arrive in this section of the park.
EPCOT
La Cantina de San Angel: You can’t go wrong with tacos. Stop by “Mexico” for some street tacos in a gluten-free corn tortilla. Insider tip: this location is one of the best in EPCOT for observing the nighttime fireworks!
Biergarten: Enjoy the flavors of Germany! The bratwurst and frankfurters are gluten-free, and you can pair them with a variety of great sides, including a yummy German potato salad, carrot salad, or mixed greens, all of which are gluten-free. Finish your meal with the red berry compote for dessert.
Le Cellier Steak House: Canada offers one of, if not the best place for steak in all of Walt Disney World. However, the best part is their gluten-free menu which your server will be happy to show you upon your request. We suggest starting your meal with the Prince Edward Island Mussels. From there, continue on to the main course of USDA Prime ribeye or filet Mignon with Lemon-scented Fingerling Potato Salad. Finally, finish your fantastic gluten-free meal with the maple creme brûlée.
Hollywood Studios
PizzeRizzo: Kiddos always love an ooey-gooey pizza. Well, here, you can have a great crispy gluten-free crust pizza with all the toppings!
Backlot Express: There are several gluten-free options at this quick-serve restaurant located near the back of the park. They have various salad options, and a cheeseburger served on a gluten-free bun, a hot dog on a gluten-free bun, and even gluten-free chicken tenders and French fries.
Animal Kingdom
Flame Tree BBQ: If you’re looking for some BBQ, then this is the spot. All meats prepared here are gluten-free, no worries about the sauce! – BBQ chicken, pulled pork shoulder, and even the finger-licking ribs. Finish it off with some baked beans, watermelon, and a cold drink, and you’ll be in heaven.
Restaurantosaurus: First off, the name is just so fun! However, this fun prehistoric quick service stop is a great spot for everyone – hot dogs, grilled cheese, mac and cheese, cookies, brownies, chicken tenders … all gluten-free! Restaurantosaurus definitely brings out the kid in everyone!
Garden’s Kiosk: This allergy-friendly food kiosk located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park has almost entirely gluten-free snacks! Definitely worth stopping by.
Walt Disney World Resorts
California Grill: Get a taste of California while in Florida at this contemporary restaurant. You’ll find this signature restaurant located on the top floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. We suggest ordering the seabass with sautéed seasonal veggies!
Sanaa: This Indian-African-flare fusion style restaurant located at Animal Kingdom Lodge has colorful, flavorful, and brightly colored dishes inspired by the cuisine of Indian immigrants and Southern Africa. Definitely get the gluten-free naan along with the tikka or curry vegetables for a delicious, healthy, and gluten-free meal.
Overall, Disney World has nailed the whole gluten-free accommodation for its visitors. Normally at an amusement or theme park, there are very limited, or no, gluten-free options to be found, but the Mouse has done it again and raised the bar of excellence and customer service. We have only mentioned a few of the many gluten-free options available on Disney property in this article. In fact, the Disney Springs shopping district may have perhaps the most options of all! Some of our favorite places there include The House of Blues, Morimoto Asia, and Frontera Concina Mexicana. You’ve gotta try the gluten-free guacamole: so yummy!
No matter where you are on Disney World property, there will be a delicious gluten-free delicacy for you to eat! Whether you’re looking for Indian food, pizza, Asian fare, or a nice sit-down dinner, you will find plenty of mouth-watering options that are safe to eat and don’t sacrifice flavor. The hardest part is really deciding what to eat because once you get there, you’ll want to eat it all! Happy Disney adventure all!
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