Gluten Free Dining at the Disneyland Resort: A Superthread

[clanmcculloch]

Thanks. Special Diets seems reluctant to disclose these things unfortunately. Boy is this different than WDW. It sure makes planning with lots of allergies tough. I'm just picturing a trip of a whole lot of plain steaks and bunless burgers with either no sides or rice and/or fruit as sides. They did tell me to email them with our allergy lists once we have our ADRs booked so that the chefs can better prepare but I'm not holding out much hope for much variety.

 

[ArchOwl]

Does anybody by any chance know any of the brands for the gluten free specialty items such as buns, pizza crusts, brownies, pasta, etc? We've got laundry lists of allergies so at least knowing brands I can research ahead of time if any of these products are safe. I know brands can change at any time (BTDT with WDW) but at least I can get some idea ahead of time. We're only just over 2 months out so at this point I figure most likely not all the brands will change.

Also, does anybody know if soy and/or rice milk or soy and/or rice ice cream are served anywhere? If yes, does anybody know the brands? At WDW it's very frustrating that the soy milk is a brand that contains gluten.

Thanks!

I am sorry that planning has been frustrating. I am a bit frustrated too by Disney's new policy of waiting until you are at the parks and asking at the restaurant. In my experience, not all the CMs are equally trained and knowledgeable about special dietary needs. I would prefer to have some information prior to dining, so I have some expectation of what is available. I just don't think it is helpful to tell people to just show up and we will work it out. That doesn't inspire much confidence, kwim?

Anyway, they do serve soy milk at Starbucks in DCA and at the Jolly Holiday in DL. The soy milk at Starbucks is their own private label soy. I think the soy milk at Jolly Holliday was Silk, but I cannot swear to it. I am sorry I do not have any knowledge of soy/rice ice cream.

The pizza crust at Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta I believe is made in house, since they were able to make GF breadsticks and GF pita bread from the dough. This was very nice of them!

The buns used to be Udi's I believe, but I think they may have recently changed them. The brownies were OMG It's Gluten Free.

I hope that helps a little and you are able to have a great trip!

 

[disneychrista]

The brownies were OMG It's Gluten Free.

As are the Chocolate Chip Cookies. They were individually packaged as well so safe from Cross Contamination.

 

[clanmcculloch]

It sounds like DL may be making the same changes that WDW did. WDW switched from Udi's to GNI and the brownies and cookies out there went to OMG also. That really stinks. Neither of my kids can eat GNI and the OMG brownies have milk though one of my kids can eat the chocolate chip cookies so that's something.

It really doesn't inspire confidence, does it? If we were only gluten free I'd probably just deal with it but with the list of allergies it's really tough.

On the vegan thread somebody gave me the name of a bakery that's around 15 minutes sound and everything is gluten free and a whole lot of other stuff free so I think I'll go down there and spend a bunch of money to make sure my kids get some good treats. In case you're wondering, it's Sensitive Sweets. Their bread doesn't work for one of my kids (she's allergic to yeast) but it does work my and my other DD. The owner has kids with anaphylactic allergies so she gets allergies.

 

[mom2girls1974]

I am a bit sad by it all as well -we were hoping (expecting) to eat really well in DL -that is part of why we were going. I so hope that is still the case. Disney, more so WDL I know but to the West Coast DL really seemed to pride itself on how it could feed any allergy, and the Celiac's ect- but if we do not know where we can eat... Um, how can I bring my kids there safely? Not to mention that my dd (and me LOL) are going to have to sit at a meal with our chicken and rice and fruit for dessert (I hope I am exaggerating) while her Dad eats something amazing at our sit down restaurant! That is not really what we were wanting. Not for what we are going to shell out. If the GF bread products all have dairy in them, we are in the wrong place, hope they don't!

 

[LoKay]

We checked out Sensitive Sweets last July when we were at DLR and it was good! I don't remember exactly what we got but I know that we enjoyed something with apples and a couple of cupcakes. It's not too far from Disney depending on traffic on the freeway. They were very helpful and friendly, unlike Babycakes at DTD.

 

[disfan07]

Sensitive sweets is about 20-30 minutes from Disneyland. It can take longer depending on traffic but they are only open from 10-6 on weekdays and 10-5 on Saturday so if you go a little after opening traffic shouldn't be bad.

You do not have to go on the highway to get there.

You can just go down S Harbor, right on edinger And a left onto brookhurst.

If you do take the highway you can take the 22 west to the brookhurst exit and go south on brookhurst

It can be very easy to miss the turn though. It's in a small strip mall type location right next to some apartments. It's actually basically right off the 405. I missed the turn the first times I went but ow I go once or twice a week and I can get there in my sleep!

If you see things on the website you definitely want or if you want a large order, you can call ahead and order for pickup. If you want rolls, hamburger buns, hot dog buns, pizza crust, donuts or specific easy cake flavors I would definitely place an order. There are some days that selections are limited depending on what they are making that day. They usually have all the cookies (chcolate chip, snicker doodle, sugar) at any time of the day. Same with the brownies and white bread. And there are always cupcakes. But I have gone late in the day before and they have been out of pizza dough, rolls, donuts, and easy cakes.

In addition, she makes these cupcakes called ping pongs....they are her version of hostess cupcakes, the are chocolate cupcakes with "cream" filling and some chocolate glaze on top. So amazing. But she doesn't have them everyday but you might be able to special order them.

IMO, I've never had anything bad from there and I have tried almost everything at least once!

Everything freezes really well. In addition, I have found that they keep better in the fridge than babycakes. I did not like eating babycakes from the fridge but I enjoy the sensitive sweets products even cold.

And yes, they are extremely helpful. Don't be afraid to ask questions or for clarification about ingredients.

If I remember properly, the flours used are Authentic Foods and the chocolate chips used are enjoy life. That's the basics of what I know ingredient wise (unless something's has changed since I asked last year but with her I highly doubt)

 

[clanmcculloch]

Those ping pongs sound amazing! I don't know if my kids have ever eaten something like that. I suspect I'll be placing a sizable order which I can pick up on the day we're checking into our DL area hotel. I figure with an order I won't have to leave it to luck to ensure we get what we want and then I can always just add to our order when we're there if I see something that looks good. I just wish she did bread products without yeast. I'm excited to try their stuff. I know I'm going to be spending way too much money there.

 

[disfan07]

Those ping pongs sound amazing! I don't know if my kids have ever eaten something like that. I suspect I'll be placing a sizable order which I can pick up on the day we're checking into our DL area hotel. I figure with an order I won't have to leave it to luck to ensure we get what we want and then I can always just add to our order when we're there if I see something that looks good. I just wish she did bread products without yeast. I'm excited to try their stuff. I know I'm going to be spending way too much money there.

you will spend a lot of money! don't worry....i spend between $30-$40/week there...sometimes more. between the pizza crusts, bread, and pancake mix it adds up!

But its so worth it to be able to walk into a bakery and pick out basically whatever you want!

 

[mom2girls1974]

SO we are GF/DF (Celiac and anaphylactic dairy allergy so it is really important the food is done right) and want to eat well while on our DL vacation, have variety, have treats ect. My plan is (and want some feedback from you in the "know" to get reservations for:
Blue Bayou
Big Thunder Ranch BBQ
Minnie and Friends
Carthay Circle (but is this kid friendly, really?)
Ariel's Grotto

We have 5 days, and will only eat one "meal" in the park -it will be sit down as we do not really want simply GF pasta and sauce LOL, if there is somewhere else we should go instead, please pipe up! We want character, and fun where we eat -for the price! We also really want to not have the same meal for 5 days KWIM? Thanks so very much, so very appreciated.

 

[Wonder2008]

My sister and I were at Disneyland last in June 2009, so I'm not sure how much of this still applies.

One thing you may want to try is to visit a particular restaurant the day before you want to eat there (this may not be an option for everyone) and get some information from a manager. For instance, I remember eating dinner at the Plaza Inn the day before we had a reservation for their character breakfast. We were speaking with a chef who was helping us with our dinner, and mentioned our breakfast there the following day. We double-checked on gluten-free pancakes and/or waffles and to make sure they can be done dairy-free for my sister. My sister asked about hash browns as well. The chef said they contain dairy but she can let the manager/chef know to make a special batch for my sister. Well, upon arriving the next morning for breakfast, we told the greeter about our allergies (it was on the reservation). A little bit later, the chef came to us and said something like "are you the ones with the special hash browns?"

I understand that communication isn't always that perfect, but I think you should never be afraid to ask for something. The worst they can do is say "no".

I hope that helps! I'm sort of hoping we'll be able to go to Disneyland during the holidays this year, so this thread is very helpful. If anyone writes trip reports with allergies, please link them here. Also, yes, keep the allergy information sheets available. As it has already been said, they give at least an idea of where to think about eating.

Robert

 

[kindakrazy2]

Hi everyone.

I am traveling to DL with my 2 DD's both of whom have celiac. We've been to DL many times but this is the first time there since the diagnosis.

I am sad to hear that the lists are gone although I do understand why. I just liked them to have an idea of what is available.

Does anyone know if what they had on the lists is still approximately what they still have that can be prepared gluten free? I guess I don't want to stand in the long food lines only to be told they can't do anything for us.

Anyone been recently that could give me an idea of where is a good place to eat for teenagers who don't like gluten free bread? Ya, I know that knocks out a lot because it means no hamburger buns, etc but they just don't like them. Interestingly enough - gluten free pizza crusts usually are okay to them. Go figure. Actually I think its because they are thinner then a bun and are crunchy...totally different texture.

Thanks!

 

[SMD]

Anyone been recently that could give me an idea of where is a good place to eat for teenagers who don't like gluten free bread? Ya, I know that knocks out a lot because it means no hamburger buns, etc but they just don't like them. Interestingly enough - gluten free pizza crusts usually are okay to them. Go figure. Actually I think its because they are thinner then a bun and are crunchy...totally different texture.

For counter service, Rancho del Zocalo or Cucina Cucamonga. Lucky Fortune, but I've heard the GF option is just yuzu sauce, which may or may not be appealing. Harbour Galley has baked potatoes with toppings (used to be at Troubadour Tavern, not sure if those will move back now that it's reopened) or get the soup there, or at Pacific Wharf Cafe and ask for it without the bread bowl. Or there's the old standbys, a salad or burger without the bun.

 

[ArchOwl]

Hi everyone.

I am traveling to DL with my 2 DD's both of whom have celiac. We've been to DL many times but this is the first time there since the diagnosis.

I am sad to hear that the lists are gone although I do understand why. I just liked them to have an idea of what is available.

Does anyone know if what they had on the lists is still approximately what they still have that can be prepared gluten free? I guess I don't want to stand in the long food lines only to be told they can't do anything for us.

Anyone been recently that could give me an idea of where is a good place to eat for teenagers who don't like gluten free bread? Ya, I know that knocks out a lot because it means no hamburger buns, etc but they just don't like them. Interestingly enough - gluten free pizza crusts usually are okay to them. Go figure. Actually I think its because they are thinner then a bun and are crunchy...totally different texture.

Thanks!

When I was there a month or so ago, they offered much of the same GF food as is on the old lists. Chefs at the table service places were happy to offer more choices.

We have had GF pizza at Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta in DCA. I do not know if it is offered everyday, but they made GF pizza, GF breadsticks, and even GF pita bread. Please note we went during a slow period in between the lunch and dinner rush, so the chefs had lots of time to work with us. But I do know it has been done in the past.

 

[kindakrazy2]

For counter service, Rancho del Zocalo or Cucina Cucamonga. Lucky Fortune, but I've heard the GF option is just yuzu sauce, which may or may not be appealing. Harbour Galley has baked potatoes with toppings (used to be at Troubadour Tavern, not sure if those will move back now that it's reopened) or get the soup there, or at Pacific Wharf Cafe and ask for it without the bread bowl. Or there's the old standbys, a salad or burger without the bun.

Wonderful! Thank you so much!

When I was there a month or so ago, they offered much of the same GF food as is on the old lists. Chefs at the table service places were happy to offer more choices.

We have had GF pizza at Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta in DCA. I do not know if it is offered everyday, but they made GF pizza, GF breadsticks, and even GF pita bread. Please note we went during a slow period in between the lunch and dinner rush, so the chefs had lots of time to work with us. But I do know it has been done in the past.

Ooohhh....good to know. Thanks for that idea of eating slightly off the traditional meal schedule. Thats a great idea.

 

[ArchOwl]

Ooohhh....good to know. Thanks for that idea of eating slightly off the traditional meal schedule. Thats a great idea.

Yes, we have found it much easier on everyone if we eat during non-traditional meal times. Easier on me, because I don't mind taking up the CMs time, easier for them to arrange something, an easier on the kids in my party who are GF, since they can ask questions and get something they really want. This mainly applies to counter service. We also avoid the long lines, which are not my favorite things anyway! I hope you have a great trip!

P.S. I left up the GF sheets in the first post so that people have some kind of starting knowledge about what may be available. If I start hearing that things have significantly changed, maybe I will take them down. But to my knowledge, much of what is on the sheets is still available and GF. However, that list is not exhaustive, and there may be modifications available upon request that are not on the sheets. HTH!

 

[kindakrazy2]

Yes, we have found it much easier on everyone if we eat during non-traditional meal times. Easier on me, because I don't mind taking up the CMs time, easier for them to arrange something, an easier on the kids in my party who are GF, since they can ask questions and get something they really want. This mainly applies to counter service. We also avoid the long lines, which are not my favorite things anyway! I hope you have a great trip!

P.S. I left up the GF sheets in the first post so that people have some kind of starting knowledge about what may be available. If I start hearing that things have significantly changed, maybe I will take them down. But to my knowledge, much of what is on the sheets is still available and GF. However, that list is not exhaustive, and there may be modifications available upon request that are not on the sheets. HTH!

Thanks Archowl - I appreciate it. The sheets are wonderful to at least give me an idea of what may be available or at least what places seem to be a good place to try for the best variety. I appreciate you keeping this thread going.

 

[crowdie]

I am newly GF, and instantly wanted to check out the DLR options. My son would be crushed if we had to eliminate Award Weiners! Thank you so much for the scans of the lists. I'll be sure to update after our next trip in September!

 

[ArchOwl]

I am newly GF, and instantly wanted to check out the DLR options. My son would be crushed if we had to eliminate Award Weiners! Thank you so much for the scans of the lists. I'll be sure to update after our next trip in September!

Welcome! Just so you know, Disneyland no longer gives out the sheets for GF dining. They will tell you to check with the CMs at the restaurant where you would like to eat. So
please double check before you order to make sure what you want is GF. We are leaving the sheets up on this thread as a guide, and to my knowledge, most of what is listed is still GF.

I hope this thread does help you somewhat and you have a great GF visit to Disneyland!

 

[ashley0139]

My best friend and I were back at Disneyland last week, and I just love eating gluten free there! Everyone was super helpful at Taste Pilot's, Tomorrowland Terrace (I think? The place they do the JTA), and Flo's V8 (this was my fave - the CocaCola BBQ sauce was gf and delicious and you could get it with any meat, and the mashed potatoes had a great flavor even without gravy).

EDIT: The one thing that surprised me was that they don't do the allergy free chicken tenders at DL. I would think since they have them basically everywhere at WDW they would have them here. I was really looking forward to having those again, and was a bit disappointed they didn't have them.