Doing Disney World Gluten Free?

[WeeRapscallion]

After much deliberation I have just booked a 14 day holiday to WDW, staying at AKL for myself (34,dad) and my daughter (10 with coeliac).

I'd like to know other peoples experiences, especially going into restaurants on the fly or counter service.

Do I take a load of GF bread, rolls, spaghetti to take round the parks just in case? What did you do? Which restaurants and counter service would you recomend?

I know that you are supposed to book at least 72hrs in advance for dining reservations for special diets. This is going to be very hard, even with serious planning. Have you ever tried to ask a 10 year old what they want for dinner tomorrow? She's a fussy eater to boot. Plus we don't like being tied to set meal times, etc.

 

[Cyrano]

Can't help with your question but just wanted to say welcome to the DIS WeeRapscallion

 

[carolfoy]

It is a very difficult dilemma, I would definately try and book at least half the evening meals prior to going, its the only way they can guarantee you'll get the right food. I have heard a lot of servers asking prior to ordering if any one in the party has any dietary requirements but of course this doesn't give a lot of notice. Why not compile a simple list of things that can be eaten with no fear of being ill, that way if the server can't suggest anything on menu thats suitable they can take the list to the kitchen to see what the chef can do.

 

[CustardTart]

Hi! That must be tough with a ten year old. I am wheat intolerant but as an adult it's fairly straightforward for me to not eat what is inappropriate. However, I would contact WDW/AKL guest services and ask their advice directly as, according to this article, WDW are pretty clued up. Good luck!
http://www.wheat-free.org/news04072006.html

 

[natalielongstaff]

Can't help with your question but just wanted to say welcome to the DIS WeeRapscallion

yes welcome

 

[EvertonCJ]

We have a 7 year old daughter who is a Coeliac and we have visited Disney for the last 4 summers. I have to say that Disney are outstanding at dealing with special dietary requirements and make our holiday so enjoyable. When you arrive at the AKL ask to speak to the chef. In August we had a meal at the AKL and spoke to the head chef. Her husband is a coeliac so she really knows what she is talking about. If you just turn up without booking there should be GF pizzas, pasta and rolls available as standard. We stayed at POR and these were all available in the food court there. Our daughter could also eat the burgers and hot dogs and they made her special puddings on more than one occasion. If you eat in the parks I would recommend booking well in advance and let them know of the gluten intolerance. When you arrive the chef will come out to speak to you and talk you through the menu. If there is nothing your daughter fancies they were normally more than happy to cook something from scratch so just ask. I could recommend many different places to eat, but our daughter really enjoyed Tonys in the MK where she had GF pizza and Chef Mickeys where the chef made her a GF apple crumble. She even had a GF birthday cake on our other daughters birthday. If you e-mail Theresa Joiner at theresa.joiner@disney.com she will send you a list of what can be eaten in the parks. We e-mailed her after we had made our bookings and she contacted all the chefs personally to let them know we were coming. Any more questions please do ask and we will gladly help.
Best Wishes,
Everton CJ

 

[wifey]

I think there's more info about this on www.allears.net but you should be able to find something to eat All the chefs in WDW are capable of meeting your requirements , just ask to speak to them before you are seated and make sure you do the ADRs and tell them when you book about your needs.

 

[WeeRapscallion]

Thankyou for all your replies so far. That puts my mind at rest somewhat.
Time to get down to some serious planning and research.