Hi there, Carol! Welcome back to planDisney. I am so incredibly excited for your first visit to Disneyland. You are in for a real treat! There's something awe-inspiring about stepping foot into the place that started it all. Having dined with family members with gluten sensitivity, I’d love to recommend my top picks among the various restaurants at the Disneyland Resort.
While at Disneyland, my favorite restaurant is
Carnation Café along Main Street, U.S.A. This is my go-to spot for a classic Mickey waffle, which can easily be prepared gluten-friendly. It’s a great way to start the morning as you gEAR up for a magical day ahead. As a sit-down restaurant, you’ll be able to let the Cast Member at the host stand know about your dietary request, or do so when prompted if you’re making a reservation ahead of time. You can also ask for a chef consult, allowing the chef to walk you through the menu and answer any questions you may have about cross-contamination and preparation. My brother finds it especially reassuring to request a chef consult due to the severity of his corn allergy, as it allows him to ask how certain dishes are prepared. Overall, Disney does a fantastic job of going the distance to ensure every Guest dines safely.
Another Disneyland favorite of mine is
Tiana’s Palace. I recently dined here and was shocked at how mouthwatering the gluten-friendly shrimp and grits were after sampling my friend’s plate! They were so creamy and cheesy that I honestly considered ordering them myself to take to go. With their mobile order option, everything is packaged in to-go containers, making it super convenient if you’d like to enjoy your meal elsewhere in the park or back at your hotel room.
At Disney California Adventure, it’s no mystery why the morning lines can get long at
Pym Test Kitchen. The food is fit for Tony Stark himself. While waiting around the outdoor dining area on my most recent visit, I couldn’t help but peek at everyone’s trays filled with the Formulated French Toast and Recalculated Breakfast. After taking a look at the menu, I discovered they offer a gluten-friendly version of the Recalculated Breakfast, in addition to the Verde Variant Chilaquiles, Quantum Garden Breakfast, and Nano Eggs-periment 101.
Downtown Disney has added so much to its foodie scene and continues to grow with the addition of Porto’s, Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby, and more. However, whenever I get the chance to dine there, if I can snag a reservation early enough,
Din Tai Fung is my family’s favorite spot. From their crunchy cucumber salad to their comforting chicken soup, especially after a long park day, there are so many tasty dining choices for your daughter. The Shanghai Rice Cakes are my personal favorite, adding a unique texture to the savory combination of vegetables and your choice of protein. While wait times and reservations can get busy, I find it just as delicious to place a takeout order and enjoy it at the tables right outside the restaurant near the grassy area by the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage. If you time it right, you can enjoy live music with your meal!
Carol, wherever you choose to dine on your first visit to The Happiest Place on Earth, please know that food safety for your daughter is a top priority for Disney. Thank you so much for visiting us again with another question for planDisney! If you have any additional questions as you prepare for your June trip, feel free to reach out.
With a Sprinkle of Pixie Dust,
Bev