Gluten Free Dining at Disneyworld?

[MIGrandma]

Since the January package rates have finally come out, DH told me to check prices and we'd talk about planning a trip to Disney in January.

I am sensitive to gluten, so stay away from it as much as I possibly can and on a trip to Disney I would want to avoid it 100%.

How difficult is it to eat gluten free at the Disney restaurants?

I doubt DH and I would do much table service, as we don't like taking time away from the rides/attractions to have a sit down dinner. But counter service and the food court at Port Orleans would probably be where we would eat the most.

So, have any of you been on a gluten free diet when you went to Disney and how was your experience?

 

[MIGrandma]

Replying to my own question...

I just discovered the gluten free dining review thread started by Copperbrick, it looks like it's full of information so I'm going to thoroughly read that, but if anyone has anything to add here, I'd love to hear your opinions and experiences too, please!!!

 

[ssawka]

Disney is absolutely fabulous when it comes to food allergies in the Table Service (TS) restaurants. You can note that you need gluten free when you make your reservations, then when you go to the restaurant, the "chef" will come out to speak to you, and let you know what's safe and design a custom meal for you.

The Counter Service (CS) restaurants are a different story as there options are much more limited, however if you know a CS that you would like to eat at, I believe (haven't tried it) you can visit the restaurant earlier in the day and they can get special items for you. DD has Celiac, but we always felt this was more trouble than it's worth and we have elected to pack lunches for her.

Another tip that we have done is to fill a box with gluten-free snacks at home and ship it to ourselves at the resort. There are shopping services that you can use, but we prefer to ship the products DD usually eats rather than having the shopping service find alternatives. Besides, the shopping service is actually more expensive if all you're interested in is non-perishable items.

 

[marmalade]

We will be traveling with my MIL shortly who has Celiacs so I know the worry you are going thru. As far as the TS meals I am am sure she will get a great gluten free meal (I was even able to order a gluten free cake for her b-day)

I was however a little leary about CS so I emailed specialdiets@disneyworld.com and requested a list of all the gluten free foods at the parks CS restaurants. They sent me a nice organized list of what each restaurant had in each park. It's nice to know in advance where you can and can not eat.

Good Luck!

 

[dizney4us]

We are very impressed with disney's handling of gluten allergies. Our daughters both have celiac disease and love eating at Disney. The TS are fantastic, but even the CS have a list of the ingerdients in their foods that make it easy to order. When we stay st BWV's the girls will walk over to Liberty Inn (America) and get GF burgers on GF buns and they bake fries for them. When we stay at SSR we go to Artists Palette and the chef usually pops out and makes them whatever they want, be it a chicken dish, or Amy's GF pizza also GF waffles in the morning. Boardwalk bakery also makes them GF muffins and cupcakes with some notice. We are thankful, it makes their vacations truly magical!

 

[snorris49]

WDW is amazing for food allergies! I recommend getting a hold of WDW's Special Diets department. They can give you loads of information about dining GF at Disney. They will also give you a form to fill out if you have made any TS ressies. They will then forward that info to those places. Also check out all the stickies here on the disAbilities forums--there's loads of great info there.

I really enjoy Sunshine Seasons at Epcot for CS (fab and lots of choices) and I've found that the CS in your resort are often very helpful for and offer more choices for you. I liked the Mara at AKL and Roaring Forks at WL a lot!

I've had a few disappointing experiences, but overall I have had some of the most amazing dining experiences at WDW gluten and dairy free. Each trip I look forward to eating new tasty items and old favorites!

 

[MIGrandma]

Thanks, everyone, for the replies. That list of gluten free foods at the counter service places sounds like a good thing to have, it will be very helpful I'm sure.

 

[MegDen101109]

We are very impressed with disney's handling of gluten allergies. Our daughters both have celiac disease and love eating at Disney. The TS are fantastic, but even the CS have a list of the ingerdients in their foods that make it easy to order. When we stay st BWV's the girls will walk over to Liberty Inn (America) and get GF burgers on GF buns and they bake fries for them. When we stay at SSR we go to Artists Palette and the chef usually pops out and makes them whatever they want, be it a chicken dish, or Amy's GF pizza also GF waffles in the morning. Boardwalk bakery also makes them GF muffins and cupcakes with some notice. We are thankful, it makes their vacations truly magical!

how much of a notice do you give the boardwalk bakery for the GF muffins & cupcakes? I'll be staying at the BWV come Sept, and that is an amazing piece of information!!