Gluten Free in the MDR

[msmama]

This is one of those questions that I feel I should know after this many cruises...

I'm gluten free with a sensitivity, not an allergy or celiac, so I can tolerate a bit of gluten, but tend to avoid when possible. I ask for gluten free rolls, and usually eat the GF noted foods on the menu (but do eat others when I can tell there will be minimal amounts of gluten - like it's probably in a sauce or something, for example). I can deal with cross contamination so I can order cheesecake and just not eat the crust and have no issues.

So, my question - could I order a pasta dish with gluten free pasta without pre-ordering the night before?

I'm always intrigued by the pasta dishes but have never wanted to be a pain though I'm considering branching out a bit. That said, I don't want to be completely reliant on the allergy menu, either.

The wait staff always works so hard, I'm always hesitant to make things harder for them! Thanks for the help!

 

[RedHead0186]

I think for special items (like gluten free pasta), they want to know about it the day before. I'm sure if you ordered GF pasta the day of they would find a way to get it for you, but knowing ahead of time helps them plan. You say you don't want to be a burden, so ordering the night before is likely what's easiest for them.

 

[rainbowredpanda]

This is one of those questions that I feel I should know after this many cruises...

I'm gluten free with a sensitivity, not an allergy or celiac, so I can tolerate a bit of gluten, but tend to avoid when possible. I ask for gluten free rolls, and usually eat the GF noted foods on the menu (but do eat others when I can tell there will be minimal amounts of gluten - like it's probably in a sauce or something, for example). I can deal with cross contamination so I can order cheesecake and just not eat the crust and have no issues.

So, my question - could I order a pasta dish with gluten free pasta without pre-ordering the night before?

I'm always intrigued by the pasta dishes but have never wanted to be a pain though I'm considering branching out a bit. That said, I don't want to be completely reliant on the allergy menu, either.

The wait staff always works so hard, I'm always hesitant to make things harder for them! Thanks for the help!

As a family with allergies, we always get the menu the night before at dinner and are asked what we will want the following night. You can discuss gf pasta with your servers and if it's possible, you can let them know thats what you would like the following night. I'd recommend asking the night before so you won't be disappointed and if you don't like, you can always ask for something else as well the next night at dinner. We have often ended up with several different offerings at the MDRs and the servers are always great.

 

[auntlynne]

Order your special foods the night before. When you get to dinner, you can add more items from the regular menu to supplement. You are not allotted a specified amount of food - and what you choose to eat is on you.

 

[DisneyPiPhi]

It's definitely helpful for your serving team if you order special GF items the night before. If there's anything they'd need to do out of the ordinary - such as cook a different kind of pasta, grill a chicken breast without the breading, or serve a dish with an alternative side - I think it really helps the kitchen and the serving team if they're aware and can be prepared ahead of time.

Of course, this leads to speedier, more attentive and accurate service for you and your dining party, too!

 

[Dug720]

Definitely order the night before.

BUT I caution you against ordering gluten-containing items as that just adds to the confusion around people who are truly gluten-free. I'm allergic to wheat - but it only shows up as a little extra wheezing in my lungs - so I eat gluten-free. While I technically can have some occasionally, I NEVER do it on a cruise as it will instigate much confusion and many conversations with your head server. (I had peanut listed as an allergy as I'm technically allergic, but ONLY if I actually ingest a peanut or peanut product. Before my wheat allergy was figured out, I'd ordered something I'd ordered before the peanut allergy came up and was fine with it. But because of the thing being prepared in the same kitchen as other things they were very hesitant to give it to me. My sister finally said she would take responsibility and they gave it to me, then we removed peanut allergy from my record as I can ask if something has them. They are SUPER careful about it.) I'd be very surprised if they allow you to order the cheesecake if you're asking for gluten-free other things.

 

[RedHead0186]

Definitely order the night before.

BUT I caution you against ordering gluten-containing items as that just adds to the confusion around people who are truly gluten-free. I'm allergic to wheat - but it only shows up as a little extra wheezing in my lungs - so I eat gluten-free. While I technically can have some occasionally, I NEVER do it on a cruise as it will instigate much confusion and many conversations with your head server. (I had peanut listed as an allergy as I'm technically allergic, but ONLY if I actually ingest a peanut or peanut product. Before my wheat allergy was figured out, I'd ordered something I'd ordered before the peanut allergy came up and was fine with it. But because of the thing being prepared in the same kitchen as other things they were very hesitant to give it to me. My sister finally said she would take responsibility and they gave it to me, then we removed peanut allergy from my record as I can ask if something has them. They are SUPER careful about it.) I'd be very surprised if they allow you to order the cheesecake if you're asking for gluten-free other things.

I will second this. I have a friend who has issues with gluten (she has GI discomfort, etc. if she eats it). It's not an allergy and certainly isn't life threatening in any way. The first night of our cruise, when our serving team asked about any allergies/dietary restrictions, etc., she told them about her gluten issue. It was then marked on her 'profile,' and from then on the serving team would not serve her anything with gluten. Even after she explained it wasn't anything serious, not life threatening, etc. There were some things with small amounts of gluten that she wanted to try-and she was okay knowing it would be some minor GI discomfort afterwards.

I totally get it, and I'm sure the servers don't want to be liable for serving someone a food item that's 'flagged' as an allergy or restriction. But it was a little frustrating for her because had she known that's how they'd handle it, she wouldn't have told them (and just avoided gluten unless she wanted to eat it). It even carried over when we went to Palo, our server there asked "who has the gluten sensitivity" once we sat down. Again, not faulting DCL at all, just giving people a 'heads up' that unless it's a true allergy/something you absolutely need to avoid, you might want to manage on your own.

 

[rainbowredpanda]

I will second this. I have a friend who has issues with gluten (she has GI discomfort, etc. if she eats it). It's not an allergy and certainly isn't life threatening in any way. The first night of our cruise, when our serving team asked about any allergies/dietary restrictions, etc., she told them about her gluten issue. It was then marked on her 'profile,' and from then on the serving team would not serve her anything with gluten. Even after she explained it wasn't anything serious, not life threatening, etc. There were some things with small amounts of gluten that she wanted to try-and she was okay knowing it would be some minor GI discomfort afterwards.

I totally get it, and I'm sure the servers don't want to be liable for serving someone a food item that's 'flagged' as an allergy or restriction. But it was a little frustrating for her because had she known that's how they'd handle it, she wouldn't have told them (and just avoided gluten unless she wanted to eat it). It even carried over when we went to Palo, our server there asked "who has the gluten sensitivity" once we sat down. Again, not faulting DCL at all, just giving people a 'heads up' that unless it's a true allergy/something you absolutely need to avoid, you might want to manage on your own.

This is true. We had this problem on DCL before as we limit lactose intake but can have some. We use a milk alternative in coffee but can have small amounts of cheese and ice cream and yogurt. But if you tell them you're lactose intolerant, they won't serve you any lactose. While I'm not advising to lie if you have a health condition or allergy, if you simply avoid foods by choice or only limit your intake, know that any dining team member won't serve you food they think you'll be allergic to.

 

[Ralph&Pam]

This is true. We had this problem on DCL before as we limit lactose intake but can have some. We use a milk alternative in coffee but can have small amounts of cheese and ice cream and yogurt. But if you tell them you're lactose intolerant, they won't serve you any lactose. While I'm not advising to lie if you have a health condition or allergy, if you simply avoid foods by choice or only limit your intake, know that any dining team member won't serve you food they think you'll be allergic to.

It’s unfair to the MDR servers to request foods that are inconsistent with an identified food intolerance or allergy. They have to clear allergy orders with their head servers and they go to some effort to keep these orders separated when they bring them from the kitchen to the dining room.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

I’ll agreed with you HAVE to be yes or no not kinda with them- you can’t pick and choose

we kept my kiddo away from most dairy for years as it was a severe ezcema trigger (open wound level ezcema)- we had to either go full dairy free in the MDR or self manage- it became to stressful as I knew she could have the regular items for most things and not trigger but they’d only bring the table things that were safe (but she wouldn’t eat) I felt so dirty sneaking regular chicken tenders into the room and feeding them to her- we eventually stopped listing it and self managed till she outgrew most of it

 

[rainbowredpanda]

It’s unfair to the MDR servers to request foods that are inconsistent with an identified food intolerance or allergy. They have to clear allergy orders with their head servers and they go to some effort to keep these orders separated when they bring them from the kitchen to the dining room.

Absolutely, thats why we self manage our lactose needs because really we only limit our intake. It's not an allergy, as opposed to our other allergies which we must avoid (gluten, soy, nuts)

 

[pangyal]

As of 2020 winter sailings, all of the ships have a dedicated allergy menu that is separate from the regular MDR menus and have quite a variety of foods that are free from the major allergens. I’m not sure there is much reason to have to preorder anymore unless you wanted a “customized” version of a dish that’s on the regular menu. Personally, I find the change to be fantastic in terms of not having to spend time figuring out meals the night before AND having a special menu that lists quite a large number of items.

 

[Mags2002]

It would be considered a safety issue for someone to say they have an allergy but then order food containing that allergen. The Guest may know their limits and how much they can tolerate, but the server has no way of knowing how a food will affect you or how badly. If there is one thing Disney does not take any chances with it is safety

 

[Ralph&Pam]

As of 2020 winter sailings, all of the ships have a dedicated allergy menu that is separate from the regular MDR menus and have quite a variety of foods that are free from the major allergens. I’m not sure there is much reason to have to preorder anymore unless you wanted a “customized” version of a dish that’s on the regular menu. Personally, I find the change to be fantastic in terms of not having to spend time figuring out meals the night before AND having a special menu that lists quite a large number of items.

Although that would appear to work in theory, our MDR servers have still been quite insistent that DW (who is GF) preorder dinner the night before. They also encourage her to preorder breakfast as well. She usually orders items identified as GF on the regular menus, and we have never seen any dedicated allergy menu. That’s over seven cruises on four of the five ships that we’ve sailed since spring of 2022. In practice, we haven’t seen any change in the handling of her allergy compared to the many cruises we did prior to the Covid shutdown.

Some of the older MDR rotational dinner menus are not great in terms of GF options, particularly in terms of the main entrées for a person who doesn’t eat fish. In some case, there may only be the chicken, beef, and possibly the vegetarian option on the lighter fare section of the menu.

 

[jimmymc]

It depends on the dish. If it's a simple one and the sauce doesn't contain gluten, then yes you can order it when you arrive. If the dish is more complicated to make or the sauce naturally contains gluten, then probably not.

 

[pangyal]

Although that would appear to work in theory, our MDR servers have still been quite insistent that DW (who is GF) preorder dinner the night before. They also encourage her to preorder breakfast as well. She usually orders items identified as GF on the regular menus, and we have never seen any dedicated allergy menu. That’s over seven cruises on four of the five ships that we’ve sailed since spring of 2022. In practice, we haven’t seen any change in the handling of her allergy compared to the many cruises we did prior to the Covid shutdown.

Some of the older MDR rotational dinner menus are not great in terms of GF options, particularly in terms of the main entrées for a person who doesn’t eat fish. In some case, there may only be the chicken, beef, and possibly the vegetarian option on the lighter fare section of the menu.

I am perplexed as to why they are not offering her the allergy menus. I am allergic to both gluten and dairy and have not even glanced at the regular menu once in the four cruises we’ve done since Covid alone, and not once have I been asked for a preorder, except for Cookies at Castaway. That sort of inconsistency is frustrating because she could be having a far better experience.

However, we haven’t been on the Magic or the Wonder. Is it possible that those are the ships you’ve been sailing on?

 

[LambertLion]

This is one of those questions that I feel I should know after this many cruises...

I'm gluten free with a sensitivity, not an allergy or celiac, so I can tolerate a bit of gluten, but tend to avoid when possible. I ask for gluten free rolls, and usually eat the GF noted foods on the menu (but do eat others when I can tell there will be minimal amounts of gluten - like it's probably in a sauce or something, for example). I can deal with cross contamination so I can order cheesecake and just not eat the crust and have no issues.

So, my question - could I order a pasta dish with gluten free pasta without pre-ordering the night before?

I'm always intrigued by the pasta dishes but have never wanted to be a pain though I'm considering branching out a bit. That said, I don't want to be completely reliant on the allergy menu, either.

The wait staff always works so hard, I'm always hesitant to make things harder for them! Thanks for the help!

I would say, just first as a suggestion, try not to feel that asking for things like this is not being a pain. The servers and cooking staff have always been more than happy to help with allergies. Your needs are important to you and important to them (or so has been our experience). Never feel you are being a pain or anything like that when you ask them to work with sensitivities. They will gladly work with you. our son has celiac and they’ve been beyond helpful every single one of our cruises and I think you are more than ok to ask them to accommodate.

 

[Ralph&Pam]

I am perplexed as to why they are not offering her the allergy menus. I am allergic to both gluten and dairy and have not even glanced at the regular menu once in the four cruises we’ve done since Covid alone, and not once have I been asked for a preorder, except for Cookies at Castaway. That sort of inconsistency is frustrating because she could be having a far better experience.

However, we haven’t been on the Magic or the Wonder. Is it possible that those are the ships you’ve been sailing on?

We've sailed the Wonder, Magic (3 cruises), Wish (2 cruises) and Dream in the last 15 months. Same experience on all four ships. We'll be on the Magic for the WBPC in October.

 

[pangyal]

We've sailed the Wonder, Magic (3 cruises), Wish (2 cruises) and Dream in the last 15 months. Same experience on all four ships. We'll be on the Magic for the WBPC in October.

Then I really don’t understand; but at least now you know that she has a lot more options than what she is being offered with her pre-order !

 

[Starwind]

I am perplexed as to why they are not offering her the allergy menus. I am allergic to both gluten and dairy and have not even glanced at the regular menu once in the four cruises we’ve done since Covid alone, and not once have I been asked for a preorder, except for Cookies at Castaway. That sort of inconsistency is frustrating because she could be having a far better experience.

However, we haven’t been on the Magic or the Wonder. Is it possible that those are the ships you’ve been sailing on?

Not the poster you are replying to, however my understanding is that the Wonder does not have allergy menus.