Gluten Free Dining at the Disneyland Resort: A Superthread

Good reminder. I ALWAYS ask to speak with a manager and if it's not a premade food that I've already vetted (like the chicken tenders, GNI and Udi's breads, cookies, etc at WDW) then I ask a LOT of questions to make sure.

I was wondering about the pilaff. Most I've encountered do have orzo. It'll be nice if there's a GF version since I do typically like rice pilaff and my kids will eat most rice dishes that are safe for them.
 
I'm trying to finalize my plans and I'd appreciate some feedback on what I've got for QS dining. My girls and I are gluten and milk free plus we all have some additional allergies and intollerances. Neither of my girls can have the GNI products if that's what they're serving though one of them can have Udi's if that's what they have. One of them can't eat any pizza crusts I've ever found other than the Namaste mix and since neither can have dairy I figure pizzas aren't an option. I know that the turkey legs are safe for them but they just don't like them (tried them at WDW). Here's what I've got for QS options. Anybody have any thoughts? Any other suggestions for GF foods? This looks really limited.

Disneyland Park
Redd Rockett's Pizza Port: rice noodles w/ marinara
Village Haus: burger w/ GF bun & fries (cooked in separate fryer)
Hungry Bear Restaurant: burger w/GF bun & sweet potato fries (cooked in separate fryer)

Disney's California Adventure
Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta: rice noodles w/ marinara
Flo's V-8 Café: NY Strip Loin or Pork Loin w/o sauce or bun w/peas & carrots
Taste Pilot's Grill: burger w/ GF bun & fries (cooked in separate fryer)


Also, are there any DTD restaurants (TS or QS) that are good with allergies?

I've got ADRs already set for lunch at Ariel's Grotto, Storyteller's Cafe, Wine Country Trattoria and Goofy's Kitchen but I'm probably going to cancel WCT and I'd like to book dinner at Steakhouse 55 but I can only do Steakhouse 55 if I can figure out QS in the parks. Then again, I bet my kids would love a lunch of Dole Whips and popcorn.

Thanks in advance!

We just got back from DLR on Saturday. This was my first GF trip and it went great! Of course, you noted you have additional allergies as well but doing your research ahead of time is definitely the smart way to go!

We didn't spend much time in downtown Disney but we did go to Earl of Sandwhich on Saturday. We asked about GF options and they told us the only GF item on their menu is the turkey chili. Thought I would mention it, in case you might be interested.

Have you looked at the menu for Carnation Cafe? Do your kids eat salads?

Flo's and Minnie's (and probably some others) serve gluten free waffles.

Look into BJ's restaurants -- they are ALL OVER the place down their and they offer a GF menu.

Good luck!
 
I have BJs on my list of restaurants that do GF but I saw that because of our allergies that we'd basically be limited to either steak or chicken with no sides so I have it greyed out in my spreadsheet so I can see it but remember it's not one of my top choices.

Salads can be tricky with my kids. DD12 likes salad without dressing but she can't have raw carrots or cucumbers (among many other raw veggies) so we typically don't order salads outside the home where we can customize them. DD15 just generally won't eat salad unless she's forced. Carnation Cafe is table service, right?

I hadn't even thought of doing breakfast CS. I wonder if Flo's can do gluten, milk and egg free waffles like they can at WDW? Ooooh, they even have turkey bacon (I can't eat pork so turkey bacon is a huge treat for me).

Even at WDW I typically skip EoS because with our list there just isn't anything we can eat (at least there's nothing my kids will eat of what there is that they can eat though it's been a long time since I looked so I really don't remember if it's won't or can't).

These are all great suggestions. Thank you!

I really need to spend more time looking for restaurants outside of DL. So far all I've got besides the standard chains like P.F. Changs, Outback and Yard House are Bubba Gump Shrimp at Universal and Deanno's that I mentioned earlier. I did see a sushi bar not far from the non-DL hotel we'll be staying at the first half of our trip but so far I've only found one GF review. I'd really like to find a sushi and/or Japanese restaurant with a bunch of allergy reviews since two of us are allergic to sesame and cross contamination of that is a big possiblity at Japanese restaurants unless they get allergies. I'm not fussy if they have GF soy sauce (it's preferred but not mandatory) but they do need to understand cross contamination.
 
We are hoping to eat at the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ, would anyone like to tell me, is the sausage gluten and dairy free? also the corn on the cob, is it pre cooked in dairy, or only water. Thanks

We loved this last time we were there, but could eat everything on the menu -big changes this time!
Thanks -would so appreciate a answer :)
 


We are hoping to eat at the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ, would anyone like to tell me, is the sausage gluten and dairy free? also the corn on the cob, is it pre cooked in dairy, or only water. Thanks

We loved this last time we were there, but could eat everything on the menu -big changes this time!
Thanks -would so appreciate a answer :)

I dont know about the sausage but I believe the corn comes buttered. There is also roasted corn available at carts throughout both parks. I didn't try it so don't know if it is pre-buttered or not.
 
I have BJs on my list of restaurants that do GF but I saw that because of our allergies that we'd basically be limited to either steak or chicken with no sides so I have it greyed out in my spreadsheet so I can see it but remember it's not one of my top choices.

Salads can be tricky with my kids. DD12 likes salad without dressing but she can't have raw carrots or cucumbers (among many other raw veggies) so we typically don't order salads outside the home where we can customize them. DD15 just generally won't eat salad unless she's forced. Carnation Cafe is table service, right?

I hadn't even thought of doing breakfast CS. I wonder if Flo's can do gluten, milk and egg free waffles like they can at WDW? Ooooh, they even have turkey bacon (I can't eat pork so turkey bacon is a huge treat for me).

Even at WDW I typically skip EoS because with our list there just isn't anything we can eat (at least there's nothing my kids will eat of what there is that they can eat though it's been a long time since I looked so I really don't remember if it's won't or can't).

These are all great suggestions. Thank you!

I really need to spend more time looking for restaurants outside of DL. So far all I've got besides the standard chains like P.F. Changs, Outback and Yard House are Bubba Gump Shrimp at Universal and Deanno's that I mentioned earlier. I did see a sushi bar not far from the non-DL hotel we'll be staying at the first half of our trip but so far I've only found one GF review. I'd really like to find a sushi and/or Japanese restaurant with a bunch of allergy reviews since two of us are allergic to sesame and cross contamination of that is a big possiblity at Japanese restaurants unless they get allergies. I'm not fussy if they have GF soy sauce (it's preferred but not mandatory) but they do need to understand cross contamination.

Have you done a GF Yelp search? We used Yelp in San Francisco for GF options and found some really good places!
 
This is all so informative. I can't wait for my trip in Oct. but boy am I nervous. I'm gluten intolerant and I'm also allergic to tapioca, mustard, dairy, seafood, alcohol (cooked okay), and all artificial sweeteners. My tapioca and mustard allergies are airborne so life is interesting. I know that most gluten-free options are off limits already. Does anyone know if any of the restaurants in DLR or nearby serve fresh french fries, as in not frozen? I am glad to know that rice pasta and red sauce is available.

I've checked what's available through Von's and there's not I can have. Are there any other grocery services that deliver to the DLR area? Or am I better off getting a taxi ride/bus trip to a nearby store? I used to take public transport to the store when I lived in Hungary so I'm not afraid to take pubic busses.
 


Does anyone know if they do GF (allergy free) chicken nuggets/strips anywhere in Disneyland? They have them at WDW and I was shocked when I went to Disneyland and couldn't find them. Did I just miss them? I love the WDW ones and I was bummed I couldn't find them at DL.
 
Does anyone know if they do GF (allergy free) chicken nuggets/strips anywhere in Disneyland? They have them at WDW and I was shocked when I went to Disneyland and couldn't find them. Did I just miss them? I love the WDW ones and I was bummed I couldn't find them at DL.

Nope. As far as I know they do not have them....at least that's what I was told on June 14th
 
Have you done a GF Yelp search? We used Yelp in San Francisco for GF options and found some really good places!

That's where I got the majority of the restaurants I did find but it was just a google search. Good idea to go directly to Yelp.

Does anyone know if they do GF (allergy free) chicken nuggets/strips anywhere in Disneyland? They have them at WDW and I was shocked when I went to Disneyland and couldn't find them. Did I just miss them? I love the WDW ones and I was bummed I couldn't find them at DL.

If only. DL is NOT like WDW. I have a good feel for the differences between WDW and DL overall but the dining option difference is the difference that's toughest for me to get used to. We ended up booking a hotel with a full kitchen so we won't have to rely on as many meals at DL.

I've checked what's available through Von's and there's not I can have. Are there any other grocery services that deliver to the DLR area? Or am I better off getting a taxi ride/bus trip to a nearby store? I used to take public transport to the store when I lived in Hungary so I'm not afraid to take pubic busses.

Have you checked with your hotel? Some hotels have a grocery service. I was thrilled when I found out my hotel in Pasadena will get groceries us at no charge other than what's on the receipt. They'll go to either Ralph's or Trader Joe's so I'm thrilled. I know that when I was looking at DL hotels that there were a few that listed groceries on their sites. Even if they don't have this service, the people at the hotel likely know what services are available.
 
Does anyone know if they do GF (allergy free) chicken nuggets/strips anywhere in Disneyland? They have them at WDW and I was shocked when I went to Disneyland and couldn't find them. Did I just miss them? I love the WDW ones and I was bummed I couldn't find them at DL.

Sorry, I have not seen these. Doesn't hurt to ask while you are there, though. Have fun!
 
Have you checked with your hotel? Some hotels have a grocery service. I was thrilled when I found out my hotel in Pasadena will get groceries us at no charge other than what's on the receipt. They'll go to either Ralph's or Trader Joe's so I'm thrilled. I know that when I was looking at DL hotels that there were a few that listed groceries on their sites. Even if they don't have this service, the people at the hotel likely know what services are available.

I didn't think to check with the hotel. Right now I have reservations at the Quality Inn across from DLR and another one at the Extended Stay by Garden Walk. (That's a long story.) I'll be cancelling one or both of them soon. My folks are trying to convince me to do a cruise instead because my mother is terrified of me flying by myself.
 
We visited DL and DCA and were very disappointed in the offerings. We probably set ourselves up for disappointment due to the great choices offered at WDW and on cruise lines. After asking on this thread we heard that possibly a gf monte cristo would be available at cafe Orleans. We requested it in advance as disney dining advised. When we got to the rest the chef questioned who told us we could have one and said we could only have chicken. We left. The night prior at carnation cafe the chef came out and said we have great options, a turkey sandwich and a hamburger with salad or broccoli as the side. My dd ordered a burger and they brought turkey, which we sent back. My dh went down the street to get my dd chips and they gave me to him when they mentioned they thought it was odd that he wasn't getting a hot dog with them. She liked boardwalk pizza. Pizza port pasta option was terrible pasta but they made breadsticks out of a crust which was nice. The dinner roll served at flo's with breakfast was tasty.
 
We visited DL and DCA and were very disappointed in the offerings. We probably set ourselves up for disappointment due to the great choices offered at WDW and on cruise lines. After asking on this thread we heard that possibly a gf monte cristo would be available at cafe Orleans. We requested it in advance as disney dining advised. When we got to the rest the chef questioned who told us we could have one and said we could only have chicken. We left. The night prior at carnation cafe the chef came out and said we have great options, a turkey sandwich and a hamburger with salad or broccoli as the side. My dd ordered a burger and they brought turkey, which we sent back. My dh went down the street to get my dd chips and they gave me to him when they mentioned they thought it was odd that he wasn't getting a hot dog with them. She liked boardwalk pizza. Pizza port pasta option was terrible pasta but they made breadsticks out of a crust which was nice. The dinner roll served at flo's with breakfast was tasty.

That is sad. We will be there in September. We plan on eating at Blue Bayou for lunch one day. I hope they have better offerings. DD would be happy with a steak and potatoes. I hope she can have it.
The only other place she wants to eat is the Asian place in CA. We have heard they have GF teryaki sauce. I have no idea if it is any good or if they still offer it.
We will only be there for 2 full days prior to a cruise.
I hope we can find some food for her to eat. I guess we were spoiled at WDW.
 
That is sad. We will be there in September. We plan on eating at Blue Bayou for lunch one day. I hope they have better offerings. DD would be happy with a steak and potatoes. I hope she can have it.
The only other place she wants to eat is the Asian place in CA. We have heard they have GF teryaki sauce. I have no idea if it is any good or if they still offer it.
We will only be there for 2 full days prior to a cruise.
I hope we can find some food for her to eat. I guess we were spoiled at WDW.

The teriyaki sauce at Lucky Fortune has soy sauce listed as an ingredient. Double check the binder, but the only one that is gluten free is the yuzu sauce. They may have gluten free teriyaki at WDW, but I don't think they ever have at DLR.
 
We visited DL and DCA and were very disappointed in the offerings. We probably set ourselves up for disappointment due to the great choices offered at WDW and on cruise lines. After asking on this thread we heard that possibly a gf monte cristo would be available at cafe Orleans. We requested it in advance as disney dining advised. When we got to the rest the chef questioned who told us we could have one and said we could only have chicken. We left. The night prior at carnation cafe the chef came out and said we have great options, a turkey sandwich and a hamburger with salad or broccoli as the side. My dd ordered a burger and they brought turkey, which we sent back. My dh went down the street to get my dd chips and they gave me to him when they mentioned they thought it was odd that he wasn't getting a hot dog with them. She liked boardwalk pizza. Pizza port pasta option was terrible pasta but they made breadsticks out of a crust which was nice. The dinner roll served at flo's with breakfast was tasty.

I am very sorry you had such trouble. I hope you tell Disney about your experience so they can address problems with their system. It is too late for your family, but hopefully they can correct the problem for others. I do think there needs to be a better way to make the system work the same for everyone. Right now, it depends on the CMs you interact with. Some are better than others, but Disney's answer to allergy concerns is to talk with the CMs. So people end up having wildly different experiences depending on which CM they get. That is not comforting for those planning trips.

To the previous poster asking about GF soy sauce, I have never seen any in the parks. I wouldn't count on them having it at Lucky Fortune. It may be worth getting some GF soy sauce. You can buy the little packets on Amazon now and carry them into the parks. I hope Disney looks into getting the GF soy sauce soon, it has been available at several restaurants for awhile now.
 
The teriyaki sauce at Lucky Fortune has soy sauce listed as an ingredient. Double check the binder, but the only one that is gluten free is the yuzu sauce. They may have gluten free teriyaki at WDW, but I don't think they ever have at DLR.

What is yuzu sauce?
 
I am very sorry you had such trouble. I hope you tell Disney about your experience so they can address problems with their system. It is too late for your family, but hopefully they can correct the problem for others. I do think there needs to be a better way to make the system work the same for everyone. Right now, it depends on the CMs you interact with. Some are better than others, but Disney's answer to allergy concerns is to talk with the CMs. So people end up having wildly different experiences depending on which CM they get. That is not comforting for those planning trips.

To the previous poster asking about GF soy sauce, I have never seen any in the parks. I wouldn't count on them having it at Lucky Fortune. It may be worth getting some GF soy sauce. You can buy the little packets on Amazon now and carry them into the parks. I hope Disney looks into getting the GF soy sauce soon, it has been available at several restaurants for awhile now.

We were looking into getting little packets of GF soy sauce to take with us. Thanks.
 
I just thought I'd share what I was just told. Keep in mind that things can change at any time and that this is only one specific restaurant, but I just spoke with a chef at Storyteller's Cafe. He told me that the breads are Udi's, pizza crusts are Venice Bakery and brownies are OMG It's Gluten Free. My 12yo can eat all of these though my 15yo can't eat any (stupid yeast and egg allergies). Thank goodness my 15yo is a very adventurous eater who will try just about any protein and starch put in front of her at least once, with or without any kind of sauce or seasonings so she'll be easy. The chef mentioned that the panna cotta is gluten free but I can't imagine how that could be made dairy free so it'll be out for us but many of you could eat it. They do also have sorbet.

Totally not DL related, but I'm loving how many gluten free and vegan restaurants there are around the city (we're not vegan but a place that at least has some vegan and gluten free items can accomodate milk and egg allergies on top of the gluten issue). LA is a great place for this kind of thing. I've found at least one restaurant that I think my kids will enjoy near most of the non-DL attractions. One place even had gluten free vegan loaded nachos. We'll bring a picnic when we go to the beach so I'm not concerned about there. I'm just not sure what we'll do when we go to the California Science Center. We'll probably have to put a cooler with lunch in the back of the car. Oh well.

I really have to get my Sensitive Sweets order placed. I plan to do that tonight. I'm just waiting on an email reply to a couple of questions. They told me on facebook that they need a week and I plan to pick up the order a week from tomorrow so I should be good. Disfan (I hope you're reading along), how does the size of the easycakes compare to regular cupcakes? If they're remotely similar I'll get all easycakes but if there's a big difference then I'll do a mixture.
 
I just thought I'd share what I was just told. Keep in mind that things can change at any time and that this is only one specific restaurant, but I just spoke with a chef at Storyteller's Cafe. He told me that the breads are Udi's, pizza crusts are Venice Bakery and brownies are OMG It's Gluten Free. My 12yo can eat all of these though my 15yo can't eat any (stupid yeast and egg allergies). Thank goodness my 15yo is a very adventurous eater who will try just about any protein and starch put in front of her at least once, with or without any kind of sauce or seasonings so she'll be easy. The chef mentioned that the panna cotta is gluten free but I can't imagine how that could be made dairy free so it'll be out for us but many of you could eat it. They do also have sorbet.

Totally not DL related, but I'm loving how many gluten free and vegan restaurants there are around the city (we're not vegan but a place that at least has some vegan and gluten free items can accomodate milk and egg allergies on top of the gluten issue). LA is a great place for this kind of thing. I've found at least one restaurant that I think my kids will enjoy near most of the non-DL attractions. One place even had gluten free vegan loaded nachos. We'll bring a picnic when we go to the beach so I'm not concerned about there. I'm just not sure what we'll do when we go to the California Science Center. We'll probably have to put a cooler with lunch in the back of the car. Oh well.

I really have to get my Sensitive Sweets order placed. I plan to do that tonight. I'm just waiting on an email reply to a couple of questions. They told me on facebook that they need a week and I plan to pick up the order a week from tomorrow so I should be good. Disfan (I hope you're reading along), how does the size of the easycakes compare to regular cupcakes? If they're remotely similar I'll get all easycakes but if there's a big difference then I'll do a mixture.

I'm not vegan but I enjoy a lot of vegan food. If you have a car there are many places around LA/OC that offer GF vegan options. Veggie Grill is one, there are locations across SoCal http://www.veggiegrill.com/docs/vg-web-menu.pdf and Native Foods.
 

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