WALT DISNEY WORLD GLUTEN-FREE

Walt Disney World Gluten-Free

Glutenista's Gluten-Free Guide To Disney World

Walt Disney World has been one of this glutenista's favorite places in the world since I was a little kid. Asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would respond (with enthusiasm) "I want to be a Disney Dancer!" It's only natural that I ended up interning at Disney, living & playing in the Walt Disney World parks for a semester in college. It was an amazing experience, exploring every nook & cranny, dating Tigger and learning about merchandising & marketing from the best of the best.

I have been fortunate to have visited Walt Disney World many times in my life, but I know my next trip will blow away all memories: We're taking my 4 & 5 year old nephews to Walt Disney World for the 1st time, while their daddy is serving our country in Iraq. It will be my husband's 1st time too, and I cannot wait to see the huge smiles on each of their faces.
Say it with me "I'm going to Disney World!!!!!"

Walt Disney World Gluten-Free Information

Walt Disney World and Disneyland have wholeheartedly embraced the gluten-free lifestyle. Disney World now offers items such as gluten-free pizza, gluten-free macaroni & cheese, gluten-free brownies & cookies and full gluten-free dinners at every Disney World park. We have heard from others that it tends to be the same offerings, so if you will be in the parks for an extended amount of time, be sure to plan ahead so you do not get bored with your options.

To plan your gluten-free Disney trip:

Review the PDFs of gluten-free options from Disney below
Contact [email protected] or 407-WDW-DINE to ask questions or make reservations indicating "special dietary request", at least 14 days in advance. Fill out Dietary Request sheet.
Map out your days, and meals, in advance. Pack snacks in case your schedule changes, as it probably will.
Do Disney, Have Fun & EAT! At most locations, a chef will come out to speak with you regarding your dietary restrictions

FROM DISNEYWORLD.COM:
"Food Allergies and Intolerances
Walt Disney World Resort table service restaurants that accept reservations can accommodate most food allergies and food intolerances—such as gluten or wheat, shellfish, soy, lactose or milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish or eggs. Please contact one of our representatives by email at [email protected] once you have booked your dining reservations, at least 14 days in advance.
Making a Special Dietary Request for Table Service Locations
To make a special dietary request, call the Disney's Dining Reservation Center at (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463.
Indicate to the Cast Member at Disney's Dining Reservation Center your special dietary requests.

Know that your special dietary request will be noted by the Cast Member on your reservation.
Write down the dining location phone number(s) that the Cast Member provides you, as well as your reservation number and the day and time of your reservation.
Please contact one of our representatives by email at [email protected], at least 14 days in advance.
Please feel welcome to speak to the chef or manager on duty when you arrive at your dining location."

See specific dining information packets below & an overview of Disney World's Special Diet program here: www.disneyworld.com/specialdiets

Walt Disney World Gluten-Free Dining Information

We contacted Disney to get the latest gluten-free information for Walt Disney World. This is super helpful in planning your trip. NOTE: Information from Disney as of 9.01.13

Glutenista Tip: Contact the Special Diets area for the latest list before you go, they are constantly being updated!

Glutenista Tip: Print the Park lists at 33% scale and laminate at FedEx Office to bring to the park with you so you are always prepared!

Disney World Gluten Free List

wdw-glutenfree_9.13.pdf
File Size:	147 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Disney World Dairy Free List

wdw-dairyfree_9.13.pdf
File Size:	146 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Glutenista Tip: Pack your favorite allergy-friendly snacks to take to the park. Per the Disney Special Diet's page "Guests with food allergies or intolerances are allowed to bring food into Walt Disney World theme parks and dining locations. When entering a park, simply inform the Security at bag check that someone in the party has a food allergy or intolerance"

Glutenista's Favorites

Gluten Free Onion Rings at Raglan Road at Downtown Disney

Raglan Road (Downtown Disney)

Our "must-stop" place at Disney World is actually at Downtown Disney, so no park ticket is needed! Raglan Road has dedicated fryers for gluten-free items as well as gluten-free batter, so you are able to enjoy all the deep fried guilty pleasures you haven't had in years.

Gluten-Free Menu Items: At Raglan Road most of their menu can be made gluten-free, including gluten-free onion rings, gluten-free fish & chips, gluten-free calamari, gluten-free pasta, gluten-free scallops and a lot of other options. See the menu here

Glutenista tip: The same options, including a dedicated gluten-free fryer, are available at the attached quick service location, perfect if you are low on time or money!

Gluten Free Burger at Raglan Road at Downtown Disney

Babycakes Gluten Free Bakery at Disney World

babycakes NYC is now in Downtown Disney! Features many delish gluten-free items!

Glutenista's $$$ (& Sanity) Saving Tips & Tricks

IF AT ALL POSSIBLE: Avoid the Busy Seasons! It's CROWDED, more expensive, CROWDED, wait times are loooong & did I say CROWDED????
AVOID THE CROWDS! Think outside the box - it is amazing to watch the Electrical Water Pageant from beach at the Polynesian with a Pina Colada in your hand at the end of the day. Oh and did I mention that you can see the fireworks???
BRING SNACKS! Maybe even Lunch! Disney allows you to bring food into the parks & a locker can be rented at all parks to store your food & extra clothes in until you are ready for them.
KEEP A GLUTEN-FREE STASH Our favorite thing to do is to pack a bag of gluten-free foods (Crunchmaster Crackers, Canyon Bakehouse Buns, Udi's Bread, popcorn, candy, homemade muffins etc) & ziploc bags, enjoy the snacks throughout the trip, and fill the bag with souvenirs on the way home. If we have a car, we make a pit-stop at a Wal-Mart, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's or other grocery store for bottled water, cheese, deli meats, fruits, chips & salsa (umm, and usually wine). Do not put yourself in a position where you don't have any gluten-free options! Those situations usually mean tears for this glutenista :)
KNOW THE DISNEY SECRETS Have a child who won't stop crying until they see Cinderella or Pooh? Disney Cast Members have a number for the "Character Hotline" & can tell you where the characters will be appearing.
PLAN AHEAD! Know your game plan going in, know where the nearest grocery store is, create a packing list & bring extra sunscreen, camera batteries, SD cards, chargers etc. Set your child's expectations about trinkets long before you hit the airport, that will hopefully prevent a meltdown in a store.
ALLOW PLENTY OF "DOWNTIME" This is especially true with younger children. If possible, break in the middle of the day, take a nap. Find your favorite secluded place in every park & sit down and enjoy the sights & sounds.
Most of all - RELAX! Disney World is supposed to be fun! I can't tell you how many people I've seen yell at their kids, or trample others, or push, just to get to the next attraction faster. BE NICE :)