Gluten free options at Universal/IOA?

[3prettyprincesses]

We're planning our 1st ever trip to Universal/IOA and I have serious gluten issues. I'm a little nervous about eating there since I've never had experience with this before. I emailed Universal several days ago but haven't heard back. Can anyone offer some insight or tips about eating gluten free while there? I've tried looking for menus as well but there aren't ingredients listed which is what I would need to know. Thanks so much!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Call Guest Services

Guest Services
Main Number: 407-224-4233, choose option 2

E-mailing may take several days before you get a response. Calling will help you get a response faster.

 

[damo]

Past posts have had people dealing directly with the individual chefs at the restaurants. The options are not large and it doesn't seem like the counter services are very well informed about it. It looks like it is something that Universal has not had to deal with much before, but with the huge new influx of people, they might have come up with more options.

 

[JenM]

Definitely double check at the individual restaurants when you're there to make sure what's being served is gluten-free. One of my relatives was there (pre-WWoHP) with an email she received from the head chef and a lot of the things they were told would be gluten-free weren't, and a lot of people they talked didn't even know what that meant. So even if you get a response before your trip, check again once you're there.

They had a great time, but they were really frustrated with how that was handled.

 

[Metro West]

Call Guest Services

Guest Services
Main Number: 407-224-4233, choose option 2

E-mailing may take several days before you get a response. Calling will help you get a response faster.

 

[Angelapm]

We are going this weekend with my 5 year old daughter who has celiac. I've been researching a few options, but haven't had a ton of luck. I did see that in City Walk at Margaritaville they have a gf menu.

Thanks for the post with the phone number! I used to work in a Disney restaurant, and I remember we could always make something special when needed. As long as I can get her a plain grilled chicken and some steamed veggies, we should be ok. We will have to bring in a backpack with safe snacks, despite the whole "don't bring a backback" advice!

Do some google searches on gf universal, and you'll find some more tips.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Thanks everyone. I went ahead and called guest services as suggested above. I spoke with a very nice lady. She said that the 3 Broomsticks has gluten free options like the chicken, ribs, potatoes and salad. The butterbeer and pumpkin juice are both gluten free as well!

For sit down meals, she suggested either Mythos or Thunder Falls Terrace as they have good gluten free options.

There are various food carts that carry turkey legs and lemon slushies which are both gluten free as well.

I also asked about bringing in my own gluten free snacks and she said that is fine, just not to bring a hard sided cooler.

All in all, it sounds like I shouldn't have trouble finding something to eat. I'm still a tad nervous because I do get reactions even from cross contamination so hopefully they know what they're doing!

 

[Metro West]

For sit down meals, she suggested either Mythos or Thunder Falls Terrace as they have good gluten free options.

You won't be disappointed in either place. Mythos is table service and Thunder Falls Terrace is counter service...both are excellent.

 

[minniejack]

Granted it's been 2 yrs since our last Uni trip but Portofino has great Pamela's pancakes and their italian restaurant had great gf family style pasta. And you can't go wrong with Margaritaville--they have a fantastic gf menu with many options. Emeril's Tchoup can provide gf soy and they suggested to call ahead to make sure that what you want can be made safe.

Mythos had many options and to die for desserts. Good luck.

If you haven't googled this site, you could also check out the travel section on celiac.com

 

[3prettyprincesses]

You won't be disappointed in either place. Mythos is table service and Thunder Falls Terrace is counter service...both are excellent.

Oh, Thunder Falls is counter service? Thanks for clarifying that. I've heard good things about Mythos too. We're just so darn excited to be going!

Granted it's been 2 yrs since our last Uni trip but Portofino has great Pamela's pancakes and their italian restaurant had great gf family style pasta. And you can't go wrong with Margaritaville--they have a fantastic gf menu with many options. Emeril's Tchoup can provide gf soy and they suggested to call ahead to make sure that what you want can be made safe.

Mythos had many options and to die for desserts. Good luck.

If you haven't googled this site, you could also check out the travel section on celiac.com

Thanks! I didn't realize that website had a travel section. I will heading over there to check it out. Great tip! And being gluten free, it's hard to find a really good dessert, you know? So if Mythos has a good one, I'd go just for that! Thanks again.