Celiac and WDW

[goofy4wdw2]

DD might have celiac disease, and we have a trip coming up in April. Just wondering how easy/difficult it is dining in WDW while having to avoid wheat, etc., products. Has anyone traveled to WDW with someone with celiac disease? Thank you in advance

 

[jakeandkayleighsmama]

We went last September with my sister, who is does not have celiac, but eats gluten free. SHE LOVED IT!!! The chef's came out at every sit down resteraunt and the counter service always had menu books she could look through for what she could eat. The first morning we had a buffet at AK and she actually cried when her food was brough out! she asked the chef if a hug would be okay. Unfortunately her finances will not allow for trips to the world every year - but if she had her way that would be their only vacation spot since she can acutally eat!! Just make sure you have a note on your "reservations" for any ADR's and they come out to you!!!
I can't say enough about WDW for gluten free dining!! My sister actually ate pizza!!!

 

[Twingle]

We have friends that have two Celiac children, and Disney made it super easy for them. Just make sure you have it noted on both your room reservation and your dining reservations.

They stayed at Pop and were able to use a room fridge for free, and I know they were also given a list of snacks that were gluten free. In all the sit down resturants the Chef came out and spoke with them about what exactly the kids could have, and what they wanted.

I think you'll have a great time!

 

[stepnut]

Not celiac, but multiple food allergies. When you make your ADR's, let them know this. They will pass the info to the restaurant host and chef, and you will get a personal visit from the chef to discuss menu options. At the counter service places, let the cashier know, and they will contact the manager or chef, who can personally prepare or oversee a special food item.

I cried when I saw how they cared for my food allergy son!

 

[Ella's Mom]

We are taking my mom, who has celiac, to Disney in March. I think you'll find it easier and more enjoyable to eat at table service restaurants vs. counter service. Like others have said, make a note of the food allergy on the reservation. When you make the ADR, you will be given a phone number and told to contact the chef about 48 hours prior to your reservation. I don't know if you've made any ADRs yet but I would recommend doing so. I've read several reviews from those on a gluten free diet - Liberty Tree Tavern, 50's Prime Time, Tony's Town Square, Mama Melrose get good reviews. Also, email Brenda Bennett at brenda.bennett@disney.com She emailed me several pages of information about eating gluten free at Disney. I'll post when we return mid-March.

 

[stacy6552]

My neighbor has it. She has been several times and always found WDW chef's to be very accommodating.

 

[momtostitchandbuzz]

Hi! My five year old has celiac disease, and last year Disney was more than accomadating to us. The chefs at the restaurants would come out to talk to us before each meal. At the Crystal Palace they made him his own pancakes. At Liberty tree tavern they made him his own special gravy. There are some counter service spots that have gluten free hamburger and hotdog buns. Also, they made him a special pizza at Pizza Planet. I can't think of anything else right now, but it makes me so happy to know that Disney can be so helpful with these kind of things. Just make sure you tell them when you make your ADRs.

 

[bigbabyblues]

I think there was a dining report on the dining reports board a week or two ago about a family that someone had celiac's disease at WDW.

 

[fireworks fan]

I have Celiac and was just at WDW in December. It is so easy to eat at Disney compared to just about anywhere else. All the chefs at TS and the managers at CS understand exactly how to handle gluten free food and are very helpful. I second the pp recommendation to contact Brenda Bennett for lists of gluten free food available in the parks. Also, we stayed on site, so she had the chef at POFQ email me as well with gluten free suggestions for me at the food court there. The only caveat I have is that when dining at CS, expect it to take a lot longer than it would normally because of all the cleaning, etc, they have to do. Disney is the only place I've ever had a gluten free hamburger with a bun (too expensive to do at home) and it was a real treat for me.

 

[tiggeriffic44]

My wife will be thrilled! Thanks OP for asking the question.

 

[tiggeriffic44]

Brenda.bennett didn't reply to my email! any ideas where else I can get my gluten free food info?

Thanks

 

[SueM in MN]

Brenda.bennett didn't reply to my email! any ideas where else I can get my gluten free food info?

Thanks

Brenda was on vacation for a while and some people did not get replies. I know some other people did not have the exact correct email and didn't get a reply.

Follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. In post #3 of that thread, there are phone numbers, other email addresses, plus links to some other past threads about trips with food allergies.
If you look at the current pages on the disABILITIES Board, I think there have been some discussions about gluten free in the past month.

 

[mjkacmom]

My gf's dd has crones, which is much more restrictive than celiac. She contacted WDW, and they sent her SO much information regarding where and what her dd can eat, and the restaurants will make her special meals. It was very extensive!

 

[happymommy]

There is really no big need to contact Disney ahead of time, unless you are planning something special.

Do let them know on your dining reservations about allergies and restrictions,

They are the best resort in the world for allergies, hands down! DS has two food allergies, and they do so well. Even better than the Disney Cruise - much better than anywhere else!

They will take good care of you!

 

[fimac]

DD might have celiac disease, and we have a trip coming up in April. Just wondering how easy/difficult it is dining in WDW while having to avoid wheat, etc., products. Has anyone traveled to WDW with someone with celiac disease? Thank you in advance

WDW is very good for Celiac. My middle son has celiac and WDW are by far the best parks for gluten free. The list from Brenda is very good. She lists what is available at different CS and snack places. It was great to have the knowledge before hand to avoid asking every time and avoiding disappointment as yet another place cannot produce any safe food . Or looking through the books only find that it has natural or artifical flavors listed.

Good luck with the diagnosis and I hope that your DD feels better soon.