Gluten Free Dining

[lagasan]

Can anyone with Celiac Disease recount their experience at Universal?

I am considering asking for a refrigerator in our RPR room so that I might go shopping at Whole Foods before we arrive. We are flying in so I can't very well pack a cooler from home.

I just dread explaining gluten allergy to every wait person/chef/manager at Universal...three times a day for 5 days. If I hear "Our white bread doesn't have wheat in it..." one more time... Or "You can eat the white rice but not the brown... because the brown RICE is made from wheat..."

I am sure I will be fine but would love to hear the experiences of others.

Thanks!

 

[E&B's Mom]

I have no comments about dealing with it, but I have had some experiences with requesting room accomodations. Certain diseases are covered under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) such as diabetes (which my FIL has - thus my experience). Not usre if Celiac is. However, hotels are required by law to provide you with certain accomodations, and a free refirgerator is one of them. Most of the time they are happy to comply, but occasionally you get an inexperienced reservationist who insists on charging you for the fridge. If that happens, mention the ADA and/or ask to speak to a manager.

 

[phamton]

Stop at Guest Services at either park and ask to speak to the Foods manager about a gluten free meal. They can let you know which places serve gluten free menus.

 

[FreeTime]

We returned in July and had a horrible GF dining experience. When I asked about gluten free pizza I was told "we only carry personal size." We made a character breakfast ressie months in advance and explained the situation, they had it noted on the reservation. When we got there the chef came out and insisted that our daughter eat off of the buffet and skip the breads. They said she can have the yogurt, potatoes,eggs, and bacon. I said no way. How about cross contamination? After much insisting, they finally brought her out eggs, bacon and a Yoplait yogurt. At RPR the rest., only gave her one piece of bacon for breakfast. The only place that made sure the food was fine was the Hard Rock. The manager there was great. I wrote a letter and have not heard anything at all back. I am very disappointed. If you have a car, be sure to visit Rainforest Cafe at Downtown Disney. They made GF fried chicken strips, had hamburger buns and hot dog buns available. Also rice bread. Disney was terrific everywhere for this!

Have a good trip!