There are over 3 million people across the United States who follow a GF diet. A portion of those people may be eating Gluten Free (GF) to lose weight, but the majority have gone GF after determining that we have a negative reaction to eating gluten.
Looking for help planning your trip to Walt Disney World on a Gluten Free diet? Let us assist you!
Eating Gluten Free at Walt Disney World
If you or a member of your travel party suffers from an allergy of any kind, you know how stressful it can be traveling. Your mind races in so many directions when you begin planning your trip – Do I need to pack my own food? Will they have any food there for me to eat? Will I be sick the whole trip? What do I do if I have a reaction? – The stress can overwhelm you to the point where you consider if taking a vacation is even going to be a vacation!
You are not wrong to worry before heading to Disney, but a little bit of research and planning will ensure that you can enjoy your trip.
Know Before You Go
First things first, in most cases you do not need to call or email WDW prior to your visit to make special arrangements for your meals. Most Table-Service and Quick-Service locations offer allergy-friendly menus and alternate meal options upon request.
If you are making any Table-Service reservations using the My Disney Experience app, online, or over the phone, you will have the opportunity to notate any allergies/special accommodations needed. I made a reservation through the My Disney Experience app at The Plaza in Magic Kingdom on my last visit. Upon check-in, I was handed an allergy-friendly menu to review while I waited to be seated. When we were seated, the waiter confirmed the allergy and had the chef come to our table to ensure that the foods selected were gluten free. If that is not good service I don’t know what is!
If you walk-up to a restaurant, don’t worry either! During a past trip we decided we would try to get into Spiced Road Table in the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot. They were able to seat us and provided an allergy-friendly menu.
Before you head to WDW, be sure to read the official Walt Disney World Special Dietary Request policy. The webpage outlines the allergies and metabolic disorders that Disney is able to accommodate through alternatives and offers guests an email address to contact if Guests have four or more allergies/intolerances or multiple Guests with allergies/intolerances within the same party. They ask that you contact them more than 14 days in advance if your party falls into that category.
What to Pack
Be sure that at the top of your packing list is any medications, pills, epipens, etc. that you might need if you do have a reaction. You may want to consider packing some GF snacks that you can bring with you into the park. Disney will allow you to bring food into the parks with you, but a Cast Member will not be able to handle the food for you – including heating it up or storing the food.
For those who wear a medical alert bracelet, be sure you don’t forget that as well!
Where to Eat
As mentioned, most, if not all restaurants on WDW property will be able to accommodate allergies and special dietary requests. The beauty of a Disney trip? You can pretty much eat at any of the Table-Service locations! So the question of where to eat becomes a big one, with almost 100 options to choose from! If you are looking to splurge, Victoria & Albert’s Restaurant, a signature dining location, will create a GF menu especially for you if they are aware of your allergy in advance.
Quick-Service locations can be a little bit more restrictive, as not ever food cart or walk-up-window will have a gluten free option. However, if you stick with the larger Quick-Service locations, like Columbia Harbour House (Magic Kingdom), Sunshine Seasons (Epcot), ABC Commissary (Disney’s Hollywood Studios), and Pizzafari (Animal Kingdom), you should have no problem finding something to eat. As with Table-Service restaurants, be sure to communicate your allergy to the cashier before ordering your food. If they have any questions or concerns they will ensure a Coordinator or the Chef speaks with you.
If you are looking for a snack throughout the day, many of everyone’s favorite Disney treats are actually gluten free! Check out the list below:
- Mickey Ice Cream Bar
- Dole Whip
- LeFou’s Brew (Available in Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom)
- Popcorn
- Slushees
- GF Cupcake/Cookie/Pastry (Available at Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC in Disney Springs)
- Ice Cream Sundaes (GF toppings available at Beaches n’ Cream, Beach Club Resort)
- Macaroon Ice Cream Sandwich (Available at L’Artisan des Glaces in France)
- GF Beignets (Available at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory, Port Orleans Resort)
- Churros (Available at Nomad Lounge, Animal Kingdom)
Be Prepared
While you, and Disney, take all the precautions to ensure you do not have a reaction, things happen. First Aid stations are available in all Disney Parks, including Water Parks and Disney Springs and are open during regular park hours. Trained medical staff is always on hand to assist with any issues – even if you just need some Tylenol. Additionally, if you are staying on property, you can use your room phone to call the “Front Desk” for assistance. More information, including off-site walk-in urgent care facilities can be found on Disney’s official website.
