Hi Michelle, and thanks for visiting us at planDisney! This is my absolute favorite time to be at Disney World, when the temperatures are cooler and the holiday decorations give the theme parks and resort hotels that extra sparkle. And, of course, all of the delicious seasonal treats, like hot cocoa!
I chatted with a friend who avoids gluten, and it sounds like you may be able to find gluten-free hot cocoa in the theme parks, but it depends on the brand, which varies by dining location. In the past, she’s gotten gluten-free hot cocoa at Columbia Harbour House (which carried Joffrey’s brand at the time) and Starbucks, which you can find in all four theme parks and at Disney Springs. However, when one of my fellow panelists
checked the quick-service locations at the All-Star Resorts last year, the hot cocoa brand served there potentially contained soy and wheat. Since menus are always changing, I’d recommend checking with a Cast Member to look at an allergy-friendly menu or to check the ingredients. For Starbucks, you can also find their hot cocoa ingredients on their website.
The My Disney Experience app is really helpful for checking menus ahead of time. Search for a dining location and press the View Menu icon on their page. If they have any gluten-free items, you’ll find them in the Gluten/Wheat Allergy-Friendly section towards the bottom of the menu. It seems like only food items are included, so you’ll still have to ask about the beverages, like hot cocoa.
When I’m at Disney World, I also love using the My Disney Experience app to
mobile order food, which can be a big time saver during busy meal times. And it’s also easy to look at the gluten-free items. When you’re in the mobile order menu, select the Allergy-Friendly icon (you may need to press the See All Categories button), and then Gluten/Wheat Allergy-Friendly.
Now, let’s talk about those special holiday treats! Disney Parks Blog just published their
holiday foodie guides, but didn’t specify which treats are gluten-free. So you’ll need to check the menus in the My Disney Experience app or ask a Cast Member when you get there. Cast Members have always been really helpful when I needed food allergy information.
If you’re planning to attend
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, I have exciting news! This year, there are six gluten-free cookies included with your event ticket, from gingersnaps to double chocolate chip cookies (subject to availability). To see the whole lineup, open the My Disney Experience app and search for the page called Allergy-Friendly Experience at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
I'd also suggest checking out
Erin McKenna's Bakery in Disney Springs because everything they make is gluten-free, and there are often seasonal treats. The last time I was there, they had ghost cookies for Halloween!
Finally, for more information on allergy-friendly food at Disney World, be sure to check out the
Special Diets Requests page.
I’m wishing you the best visit ever during this extra magical time of year! And if you have any other questions, you’re always welcome back at planDisney.
JoAnna