Eating gluten-free at WDW...my experience

[Frannie115]

We just returned from WDW and stayed at CBR. Many restaurants were very accomodating for gluten-free requests. I have celiac disease and it was easy to eat where my family wanted to.

At CBR, chef would come out and take my order. They make it in a gluten-free area (grill, etc). Their gluten-free hamburger and hot dog buns were pretty good. You do have to wait a few more minutes for these orders.

Other places that were very good: Teppan Edo (Epcot), Wolfgang Puck Express (DTD), and T-Rex (DTD).

 

[dbaker375]

Frannie115, thanks for posting this. I'll be taking my first trip to WDW since becoming Gluten Free and was wondering if I was going to experience "trouble" finding things to eat.

 

[Belle-To-Be]

A co-worker really wants to take her family, but her husband thought Disney was impossible because her son has to be gluten-free. I had heard Disney was very accomodating and told her so. It's nice to have recent feedback.

 

[Disney DieHard]

Dear Frannie (and other G-Free-ers),

Even though I have no real experience with this on Disney property I have to give anyone who does the gluten-free thing a whole lot of credit!!!

First, it doesn't seem like there is wide selection when it comes to gluten-free items ... especially compared to how far vegetarian and vegan has come over the years. And secondly, and maybe most importantly to me ... I've tried a couple of gluten-free items in the past and I have to say that everything I tried tasted horrible. Maybe I was eating the wrong stuff but I didn't like it at all!

So whether you all do it because you have to or because you want to ... God Bless because I wouldn't have it in me!

Take Care & Be Safe!

Frank
Disney DieHard

 

[dbaker375]

Trust me, if it was a choice, I would have quit the Gluten Free route a long time ago. It's been two years since my allergy was discovered. And although, I feel better most of the time while "on" the diet, I would still hurt someone for a real donut!!

 

[Frannie115]

Dear Disney DieHard, it really has come a long way. I have had Celiac for 7 years now and it was horrible. Everything tasted like cardboard

Really, I was surprised at the service. Made me feel special Forgot to mention that the counter service restaurants at the park will do the same.

Belle, your co-worker should not have problems with meals although I had to be careful with snacks.

 

[wcpamotm]

Thanks for posting. I will be following this thread with interest as I have invited my gluten-free sister to join us next year.

 

[Mrs.Reese]

I have been able to have pretty much anything I want from the menu in Table Service with some modifications occasionally. Many counter service places have gluten-free buns, rolls, pasta, pizza, and even gluten-free brownies/cakes. Just tell whoever takes your order that you are gluten-free. 50's PTC even has gluten-free fried chicken. It's wonderful!

 

[2Tiggies]

Disney is by far the best when it comes to catering for special dietary needs. You can actually have a 'normal' vacation without having to pack your own food for every single meal every day when you leave your room.

Have you posted this on the DIS abilities board as well? I think there will be a lot of people on there who will really appreciate this review as well.

 

[dbaker375]

This is wonderful info!! Thank you so much for sharing!

I have been able to have pretty much anything I want from the menu in Table Service with some modifications occasionally. Many counter service places have gluten-free buns, rolls, pasta, pizza, and even gluten-free brownies/cakes. Just tell whoever takes your order that you are gluten-free. 50's PTC even has gluten-free fried chicken. It's wonderful!

 

[frank430316]

A co-worker really wants to take her family, but her husband thought Disney was impossible because her son has to be gluten-free. I had heard Disney was very accomodating and told her so. It's nice to have recent feedback.

Disney does have a great reputation for accommodating those requiring gluten-free meals. We are going next week, and my wife has Celiac, so I have been calling and talking to various restaurants and others at WDW. They could not have been nicer or more helpful! I hope they are ready for next week though, since the National Gluten Intolerance Conference will be held just a few miles away (at the Gaylord Palms Resort) - several hundred people with Celiac invading the park!

 

[dbaker375]

Frank430316, if you wouldn't mind updating us when you return, I'd really appreciate it! Do you think calling ahead is the way to go?

I had no idea there was such a conference!

I learn SO MUCH great information on these Boards!!!

Disney does have a great reputation for accommodating those requiring gluten-free meals. We are going next week, and my wife has Celiac, so I have been calling and talking to various restaurants and others at WDW. They could not have been nicer or more helpful! I hope they are ready for next week though, since the National Gluten Intolerance Conference will be held just a few miles away (at the Gaylord Palms Resort) - several hundred people with Celiac invading the park!

 

[clanmcculloch]

For those of you following along hoping to get more info about going to WDW gluten free, check out the disABILITIES! board. There are many detailed dining reviews including pictures (gotta love pictures) plus other discussions about gluten free at WDW. WDW really is the best place in the world to travel gluten free.

 

[frank430316]

Frank430316, if you wouldn't mind updating us when you return, I'd really appreciate it! Do you think calling ahead is the way to go?

I had no idea there was such a conference!

I learn SO MUCH great information on these Boards!!!

I'll try to post a trip report - although I am definitely new to this board! If you have any ADR, plan on eating at a Table Service restaurant (which means you need an ADR ) or are staying on-site, then you should definitely call ahead - they are very helpful! The GIG conference is from the Gluten Intolerance Group (http://gluten.net/) - they have support groups all over the country, probably one in your area (well ours is actually a 30 mile drive, but close enough). The diet is so difficult that it really helps to talk to others!

 

[dbaker375]

i'll try to post a trip report - although i am definitely new to this board! If you have any adr, plan on eating at a table service restaurant (which means you need an adr ) or are staying on-site, then you should definitely call ahead - they are very helpful! The gig conference is from the gluten intolerance group (http://gluten.net/) - they have support groups all over the country, probably one in your area (well ours is actually a 30 mile drive, but close enough). The diet is so difficult that it really helps to talk to others!

thanks!!

 

[teekathepony]

Awesome! My mom's doctor put her on a gluten free diet recently and she was actually asking me about Disney dining gluten-free style today. I'll have to direct her to this post!

 

[MinnieLu]

My husband has Celiac Disease and he had no problem eating at Disney. We were both amazed at how accommodating both table and quick service restaurants were. Before we went, I sent a special request form to Disney with all of our dining reservation numbers. They sent back a nice e-mail telling me how everything would work when we got to each restaurant and let me know that my reservations were noted with the allergy. My husband's favorite part was that some places had dedicated fryers for french fries (no breaded items in the same oil) so he could actually have french fries that weren't baked at home.