Celiac Disease in Disneyland

[I Am Flynn Rider]

Hi folks!

My DW and DD both were diagnosed with very very bad Celiac disease about a year and a half ago, both off the charts. DD has the most immediate and radical symptoms , and she's only three, so it has been a very challenging and sometimes overwhelming and confusing journey for us, but both are now very healthy and doing well.

I wanted to ask my fellow Dis family that have the same restrictions on gluten if they have any advice, tips, or recommendations when it comes to eating here. We just arrived for a trip not planned by me (wonderful in-laws are hosting us here after I've switched jobs and prior to that have been in way over my head with life for the past year and a half). So we haven't had to dive into it too much yet, and I thought I'd see what I can gather from the wonderful people on these boards. Any and all information is welcomed and met with gratefulness! Thanks in advance!

 

[lunasea]

There are a ton of gluten free options. The few times I have used the app to order food, I have seen a lot of gluten-free (as well well wheat, milk, nut, soy, and fish allergy) options on the menu. You just need to ask.

 

[deannaf87]

Disneyland is very allergy friendly. If you ask, they'll be able to tell you what options are available to you. I also recommend checking out Disneyland dining videos on Disunplugged with Katrina. She has a gluten allergy and often talks about what is available to her at various locations.

 

[RainyDayPixie]

I have a friend who has a daughter with very severe contact anaphalactic allergies (wheat, milk, many fruits). She had never eaten at a restaurant when they went to DL, daughter was 10. They had a wonderful time and the daughter was in heaven eating out! Their best experiences were at Storytellers at GCH. I would do some homework and tell them it is Celiac, versus an intolerance or dietary preference. Of course, bring some safe food and snacks, too.

You will be fine and have a wonderful time!!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

With any dietary need at DLR, communication will be key. Speak up, ask questions, note the needs on all TS reservations (repeat at check in, with the server, and with the chef), ask for a chef at CS locations if you need to, etc. DLR is very good about dealing with dietary needs, but this requires full cooperation and clear communication from the guests. For TS, as long as you clearly note your needs on the reservation and at check in, a chef should come to your table to go over your needs and to discuss what can be done for you. At CS locations, there is an ingredient binder that you can see (NB suppliers can change, so ask about anything that you aren't sure about). You also can request that a chef come speak with you about ingredients or about customizing food. For CS, it will help if you dine at off peak hours. Customizing food takes time, and if the kitchen is already very busy, it will be harder for a chef to come speak with you and will take a lot longer for your food to be prepared. The suggestion to bring safe food and snacks with you is a good one -- it never hurts to be prepared, just in case.
You can do a search in this forum for gluten free and celiac threads. The search bar is in the upper right, under your name.

 

[SD33]

My wife has Celiacs and there is no better place on God’s green earth to avoid cross contamination or being glutened than Disneyland. Just be up front about your needs with every server you meet and they will have a chef or allergy specialist explain the menu. Also, for example, when ordering ice cream, they change gloves, get a fresh ice cream container, new scoop—whatever it takes—to ensure you and your family stay healthy. It’s pretty remarkable the lengths they go to.

 

[ExcitedMama]

Yep my husband loves being at Disney and finally not feeling left out. They are great about GF. It’s on the menu and you can put it in when you make reservations in the app. There are plenty of great food choices.

 

[cmwade77]

At Pixar Pier there is a new cookie stand right outside of the Incredicoaster that has a gluten free cookie that everyone is raving about, even if they don't have gluten issues they are loving this cookie. So just a heads up you might want to try it, it is sealed in its own bag, which I assume is to prevent cross contamination from the other cookies they sell.

Also, if you are looking for Pizza, Pizza Press across the street has a good Gluten Free crust, which is Rice Based and let them know it is a dietary issue, not just a preference and they have other equipment to use, although some cross contamination could still potentially happen, but they do their best to minimize it.

Plaza Inn has Gluten Free Mickey Waffles available at Breakfast, but you do have to ask for them as they are made in the back on a separate machine. Most dining locations have at least one or two gluten free options, some have more than that.

But since it is severe, definitely have it noted on all reservations, TS, Hotel, Dessert Packages, etc.

 

[I Am Flynn Rider]

Thanks to everyone who helped out with thoughts and tips for us ! We had a fantastic time at Disneyland. My DW and DD loved being able to eat just about anywhere and have them act as though their needs were the most common and easy thing to work with in the world. My wife turned and looked at me after getting to eat a sandwich (with great-tasting bread, soup, and a roll) and said, "Can't we just live here forever? It makes me feel safe and it's just so nice know that they are taking such good care of us."

Thanks again! Hold the magic close!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

So glad you all had a great time!