Gluten free info for CS restuarants- please!

[mackay_j]

Hi where can I find a list of the GF food for the counter services resturants across WDW- I know that you used to be able to mail disney for this info - but now its only for multiple alergies. We want to plan which places we are going to in advance, so would like to get hold of this info.

At the moment we plan

Sunshine Seasons -
Wolfgang Puck Express
Yak and Yeti
Yakitori House
Columbia Harbour House
Does any one have info on any of the above. What do they do about deserts are there any that are GF in the Counter services places


I also have to find 11 more! (2 in each water park)

 

[frank430316]

I don't know of a single source that will answer that question. You can however do a google search on each restaurant & get tons of info. For example I entered "wdw Yakitori House gluten" and got many excellent responses (and btw you do not want to go here!). In general WDW cs restaurants are fine and you should be able to find many g-f options at almost any of them. The World showcase restaurants are not owned by Disney and so can be hit or miss (Germany and Mexico are exceptions, these are great places for g-f food). DTD is also tricky - Wolfgang Puck is great and of course Babycakes is tremendous, but stay away from Earl of Sandwich.

Before we went, I got a list of each cs restaurant for each park we planned on visiting (select dining from the top menu of this board), and then checked the gluten-free reviews of each one. Finally I loaded them all on my phone, so I could look at each when needed. Way too much work. We rarely went to a specific place, but instead looked for one close when we were hungry (and we tried to avoid going from 11:30 to 1 and around 6). If it was too crowded, we went somewhere else. Never had a problem at any of the parks - just when we got outside of WDW. It was nice to know what was gluten-free at the snack stands around the park (such as Mickey bars, Dole whip, etc) and the email from Disney listed those out.

 

[frank430316]

I should also mention that all of the restaurants you listed have many gluten-free options except for Yakitori House - they do not have anything. Desserts in cs places are usually prepackaged brownies or cookies. Not bad, but not too exciting either!

 

[nfceagles]

Have you requested the reference sheet from Special Diets? I know the form they send back to Chefs at TS restaurants is now for multiple allergies only, but I would hope you could still get a copy of the reference sheet for CS locations. It won't list all GF options by restaurant, but it will tell you which places in each park carry the allergy-friendly chicken tenders, specialty baked goods, etc..

 

[snorris49]

All of your choices are great, except Yakitori House. That is a gluten nightmare. I tried eating there (after being told by their chefs that I could) and when I arrived the manager wouldn't even serve me plain white rice b/c of cross contamination, let alone any meal. It was pretty bad.

The good news is, your other choices all have good offerings. Sunshine seasons have a lot of choices (usually FM brownies/cookies for dessert). Wolfgang puck has a few options (rotisserie chicken, salmon) that are good. Only dessert option I had for gluten/dairy free was fruit, but you might be able to get the creme brulee, if you are just GF.

Yak and Yeti was pretty good (I would do the sit-down, not the CS)--I had several options, including stir-fry, etc. I had GF soy sauce, with lime juice in my stirfry. My only dessert option for gf/cf was a frozen lemonade.

CHH has allergy free chicken tenders there. I do believe they give out fruit b/c they can't do the fries. Not sure on desserts. Probably FM brownies.

I would definitely get the reference sheets from special diets, if you can. They really help!

 

[SDSorority]

All of your choices are great, except Yakitori House. That is a gluten nightmare. I tried eating there (after being told by their chefs that I could) and when I arrived the manager wouldn't even serve me plain white rice b/c of cross contamination, let alone any meal. It was pretty bad.

The good news is, your other choices all have good offerings. Sunshine seasons have a lot of choices (usually FM brownies/cookies for dessert). Wolfgang puck has a few options (rotisserie chicken, salmon) that are good. Only dessert option I had for gluten/dairy free was fruit, but you might be able to get the creme brulee, if you are just GF.

Yak and Yeti was pretty good (I would do the sit-down, not the CS)--I had several options, including stir-fry, etc. I had GF soy sauce, with lime juice in my stirfry. My only dessert option for gf/cf was a frozen lemonade.

CHH has allergy free chicken tenders there. I do believe they give out fruit b/c they can't do the fries. Not sure on desserts. Probably FM brownies.

I would definitely get the reference sheets from special diets, if you can. They really help!

I have the allergy sheet from Special Diets. It says where you can get FM brownies (like what CS places and things like that) but in Sunshine Seasons, WHERE do you find them? Do they have an allergen-free case or something? And at the other CS places, do you order it at the window?

 

[frank430316]

I have the allergy sheet from Special Diets. It says where you can get FM brownies (like what CS places and things like that) but in Sunshine Seasons, WHERE do you find them? Do they have an allergen-free case or something? And at the other CS places, do you order it at the window?

Just go to the counter and mention that it has to be gluten-free. The cm will then call the manager, who will explain all the options. It takes a little longer, but at least you know it will be safe to eat.

 

[C&G'sMama]

Our DS is GF. We had our first WDW trip since him being GF this past May/June


Great experiences with the counter service.

We did have a list that gave us an idea of what was where but we also checked with cast member at each place. Usually a chef would come out and take the order. He had everthing from Pizza and chicken nuggets with french fries to ribs, chicken and mashed potatoes, Mickey Waffles etc. all at counter service.

For counter service we ate at the food court at both ASMo and ASMu, Cosmic Rays at MK, Sunshine Season (see below) and American Adventure (or whatever it's called) at EPCOT (we usually love the countries but stuck with the American Fare as that seemed to have the most options for him), Retaurantosauras at Animal Kingdom and I think that's it. We usually do a lot more CS at the parks but because of the heat we ate more at the food court and didn't go out until later.

Sunshine Season. As Sunshine seasons is into whole foods and freshly prepared foods we found a nice meal at the wood fired grill part. He and I shared a meal of chicken and mashed potatoes and beans (which were GF but he didn't like them, I love them)

We were on the dining plan and the Table Service were wonderful as well.It was a treat for him to have rolls with his meal. He liked the ones at Crystal Palace but not the ones at Cape May (they could be the same ones and it just depended on the day, but I'm not sure.)

Good luck and enjoy!

 

[Traveliz]

My husband is gluten free and we are frequent Disney guests.

His very favorite is Columbia Harbor House because they do chicken strips there --- they also do them at other Disney restaurants but for some reason he thinks they are best at CHH. He has also had fries every time he has eaten there so I am not sure about the comment that you can't get fries there. He had the fries there last Sunday. All gluten free.

Hope that helps.

You can get the list from Special Diets but it seems that sometimes the restaurants don't agree with the lists. We found that at Beaches and Cream and Prime Time...well they have a gluten free fried chicken but it takes 45 minutes and the server really discouraged it.

Liz

 

[DCDisney]

CHH is funny about the fries. I usually eat here twice per trip and it always works out that once they just give me fries fried in the fryer and then the other time the chef will swear they aren't safe due to cross contam possibilities in the oil and they bake the fries. I like them better baked honestly but when I ask for them baked half the time they say that's silly and just give me the fried ones.

 

[snorris49]

My husband is gluten free and we are frequent Disney guests.

His very favorite is Columbia Harbor House because they do chicken strips there --- they also do them at other Disney restaurants but for some reason he thinks they are best at CHH. He has also had fries every time he has eaten there so I am not sure about the comment that you can't get fries there. He had the fries there last Sunday. All gluten free.

Hope that helps.

You can get the list from Special Diets but it seems that sometimes the restaurants don't agree with the lists. We found that at Beaches and Cream and Prime Time...well they have a gluten free fried chicken but it takes 45 minutes and the server really discouraged it.

Liz

Well I guess CHH does have fries. I've been told in the past that they don't. Good to know!

Also, if you contact 50's PT ahead of time for the gluten free fried chicken, you will be all set. I do that every time I go and it doesn't take long at all and all our food (special diets or otherwise) come out at the same time. Once the chef forgot to put it in and it got delayed the 45 minutes, but we got some appetizers to deflect the wait time. The fried chicken is sooooooo worth it!

 

[Traveliz]

Well I guess CHH does have fries. I've been told in the past that they don't. Good to know!

Also, if you contact 50's PT ahead of time for the gluten free fried chicken, you will be all set. I do that every time I go and it doesn't take long at all and all our food (special diets or otherwise) come out at the same time. Once the chef forgot to put it in and it got delayed the 45 minutes, but we got some appetizers to deflect the wait time. The fried chicken is sooooooo worth it!

On the fried chicken - my husband isn't that into it so it wasn't something he was looking for - it was just the first comment out of the server's mouth - not to order it because it took too long. If it was something he wanted we would have made arrangements - much like my husband LOVES Reubens and a couple of the restaurants will make those for him so he lets them know in advance he will be ordering that so they have the right bread.

Liz

 

[livndisney]

My husband is gluten free and we are frequent Disney guests.

His very favorite is Columbia Harbor House because they do chicken strips there --- they also do them at other Disney restaurants but for some reason he thinks they are best at CHH. He has also had fries every time he has eaten there so I am not sure about the comment that you can't get fries there. He had the fries there last Sunday. All gluten free.

Hope that helps.

You can get the list from Special Diets but it seems that sometimes the restaurants don't agree with the lists. We found that at Beaches and Cream and Prime Time...well they have a gluten free fried chicken but it takes 45 minutes and the server really discouraged it.

Liz

Columbia must be hit or miss. We have never had a good experience in there. It all seems to be tied to a certain manager. Now we just avoid the place.

 

[Traveliz]

Columbia must be hit or miss. We have never had a good experience in there. It all seems to be tied to a certain manager. Now we just avoid the place.

Wow isn't that wild - we have had numerous good experiences there. I can't even begin to tell you how many times we have eaten there for the gf chicken tenders!

Liz

 

[livndisney]

Wow isn't that wild - we have had numerous good experiences there. I can't even begin to tell you how many times we have eaten there for the gf chicken tenders!

Liz

We have walked out of Columbia House on a couple of occasions due to how we were treated. We have had the chicken tenders at a couple of other places. We have had them at the counter service place in the America pavillion in Epcot, and at several resort food courts.

 

[Traveliz]

We have walked out of Columbia House on a couple of occasions due to how we were treated. We have had the chicken tenders at a couple of other places. We have had them at the counter service place in the America pavillion in Epcot, and at several resort food courts.

We were told (on a list) they had them at Beaches and Cream and they denied any knowledge of them...actually wouldn't even get a chef. It was weird. My husband has also had them at the Poly - and thought they were ok but for some reason really thinks they are best at CHH. I will remember the American Pavillion - although while in Epcot we usually do Mexico.

Liz

 

[KristenFNJ]

My DH and DS1&2 are g/f. When I contacted Special Diets a few months ago in preparation for our upcoming trip in October, they sent me 8 different documents regarding food allergies at Disney, including the "No Gluten Added Products WDW" updated 5.31.11, as well as the "Water Parks Menu Items." I received the lists on 6/13/11 and I see that this thread was just started on 8/19... someone please tell me everything has not changed! LOL

The No Gluten list tells you every product they sell that is gluten free at every counter service, specialty shop (like ice cream parlors) quick snack stand and outdoor cart, as well as the table service restaurants in Epcot only. This document is so valuable!!! Of course you should still ask for a manager at every CS place, but it's so nice to know what carts have treats that are g/f! The Water Parks document isn't as thorough and isn't specifically broken down by allergen, but I'm able to tell from the list that there will be things my family can eat and I'm happy enough with that!

Our first gluten free trip was 5/09, and I found the materials given to me by Special Diets for that trip were accurate and couldn't have been more helpful. The CMs were outstanding as well, we marveled at our experience. I hope you're able to get your hands on this information and that you enjoy a great gluten free vacation!

 

[livndisney]

My DH and DS1&2 are g/f. When I contacted Special Diets a few months ago in preparation for our upcoming trip in October, they sent me 8 different documents regarding food allergies at Disney, including the "No Gluten Added Products WDW" updated 5.31.11, as well as the "Water Parks Menu Items." I received the lists on 6/13/11 and I see that this thread was just started on 8/19... someone please tell me everything has not changed! LOL

The No Gluten list tells you every product they sell that is gluten free at every counter service, specialty shop (like ice cream parlors) quick snack stand and outdoor cart, as well as the table service restaurants in Epcot only. This document is so valuable!!! Of course you should still ask for a manager at every CS place, but it's so nice to know what carts have treats that are g/f! The Water Parks document isn't as thorough and isn't specifically broken down by allergen, but I'm able to tell from the list that there will be things my family can eat and I'm happy enough with that!

Our first gluten free trip was 5/09, and I found the materials given to me by Special Diets for that trip were accurate and couldn't have been more helpful. The CMs were outstanding as well, we marveled at our experience. I hope you're able to get your hands on this information and that you enjoy a great gluten free vacation!

I won't tell you the info has changed, but I will say things are not like they are on paper. WDW sells gluten free-but not at every location.

No matter what CS you order from, once you ask for gluten free, you will be directed to a manager/supervisor to order. They will help you with the options they have available.

 

[Traveliz]

My DH and DS1&2 are g/f. When I contacted Special Diets a few months ago in preparation for our upcoming trip in October, they sent me 8 different documents regarding food allergies at Disney, including the "No Gluten Added Products WDW" updated 5.31.11, as well as the "Water Parks Menu Items." I received the lists on 6/13/11 and I see that this thread was just started on 8/19... someone please tell me everything has not changed! LOL

The No Gluten list tells you every product they sell that is gluten free at every counter service, specialty shop (like ice cream parlors) quick snack stand and outdoor cart, as well as the table service restaurants in Epcot only. This document is so valuable!!! Of course you should still ask for a manager at every CS place, but it's so nice to know what carts have treats that are g/f! The Water Parks document isn't as thorough and isn't specifically broken down by allergen, but I'm able to tell from the list that there will be things my family can eat and I'm happy enough with that!

Our first gluten free trip was 5/09, and I found the materials given to me by Special Diets for that trip were accurate and couldn't have been more helpful. The CMs were outstanding as well, we marveled at our experience. I hope you're able to get your hands on this information and that you enjoy a great gluten free vacation!

I agree with Livndisney - you need to use these documents as a guide and not necessarily count on it being 100% the way it reads. If you so much as use the words gluten free the server/cashier will no longer deal with you and you will have to wait for a manager/chef. Meaning even though my husband has consistently had the same gluten free chicken strips at CHH time and again; they will not allow him to just order them...a manager has to come up and talk to him and ring it up. Now on the other hand if he knows a certain item is gluten free on its own he will just order it in line and not even mention it to the cashier (so we don't have to wait). Sometimes the waits for managers/chefs can be lengthy...especially at resorts where the same person may be in charge at several different restaurants and they have to chase them down.

Liz

 

[KristenFNJ]

I'll admit it: that's what I love about WDW! That they'll get the manager for me right away! I'm not worried so much about the wait (though we've always gotten very prompt service, we've been really lucky), I'm worried about keeping my family safe, so I WANT the manager to be the one taking our order and personally walkie-talkie-ing it back to a special part of the kitchen that knows how to prepare allergy foods! I don't look at is as being cast aside or inconvenienced, I consider it special treatment and I'm grateful for it!

If you're gluten free, then you know how pesky gluten can be, hiding in flavorings and unsuspecting foods that to others would seem naturally gluten free, so I love that according to the list, the turkey legs people walk around with are gluten free. Dole Whips: gluten free. Mickey Ice Cream: gluten free. Stuff that's sold at stands without a "manager," I love that they're able to tell me if it's gluten free or not.

As far as CS... Pinnochio's has pizza & mac n cheese, Columbia Harbor has chicken strips & mac n cheese, but Cosmic Ray's has roasted chicken, burgers/dogs with g/f buns, salads, cookies/brownies... even if there are daily updates I can decided that either pizza is good enough or that we'll go to the place with the most choices. The list is pretty detailed, mentioning brands whenever possible, and it says the manager will provide you with the most updated info (for us we were told about some g/f sides that aren't on the list-more choices is a good thing!). I couldn't ask for more than that! Even if you encounter changes at the restaurants, you are armed with a good solid base of general knowledge of where you can eat and where you can't, and then the manager helps you make safe choices.

After trying to dine at Universal, WDW is a dream come true for gluten free. Now THEY didn't know squat!!! They couldn't tell me anything about any of their stands or vendors, the employees at the stands themselves had no clue what they were serving or what was in it... the head chef himself responded to my questions with a random, disjointed paragraph, including telling me they had gluten free fries. Only he neglected to say that I needed to call the day before and let them know to reserve a frier as g/f for the day, so no fries for my guys. That's the head chef who couldn't get it straight! They didn't have another person in charge of special diets to even respond to me. How is that possible these days? That was in 2009, I hope for their sake they've improved. But in my book, WDW may not be perfect, but holy heck are they trying hard to get it right! LOL