Welcome to planDisney, Richard!
A visit to
Walt Disney World is always magical, but for those dining with dietary restrictions, it is even more so.
I've chaperoned dozens of teens with dietary needs--and toured with family members with the same concern--so I know we have more choices to safely yet deliciously enjoy snacks and meals throughout Walt Disney World parks and
Disney Springs. Let's look at resources for you to do the same.
First, check out
Special Diets Requests on WDW's website. There, you'll see some really useful information as well as links to additional tips. You can also use the
My Disney Experience app and check out restaurant menu items--especially helpful once you've heard of some gluten free highlights you don't want to miss.
Where to find these recommendations? In addition to official WDW menus, I also rely on unofficial sources for suggestions, and one of my favorites is All Ears.net. There, scroll down and look on the left side for Special Dietary Needs at Walt Disney World, then Gluten Free Dining. You'll also see that they have added a Gluten Free Options filter for menu searches. Near the end of that post, you'll find Top Spots for Gluten Free Dining--it's a very helpful list of locations their authors prefer.
Another unofficial, but useful, site is Disney Food Blog. There, find the Disney Dining Planning tab near the top, then select Dining with Special Diets. After reading their overview, scroll down to Eating Gluten Free in Disney World. You'll find some helpful tips there as well as links to their Gluten-Free Guides that are broken down into all four theme parks as well as
Disney Springs.
Richard, ask your server about options as you order; many items can be prepared GF instead. We've planned our schedules to dine where we know all in our party can eat safely and with lots of choices. For example, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast that includes two different GF Eggs Benedict, Allergy-Friendly Pancakes, and even GF Mickey-shaped Waffles at
Grand Floridian Cafe. All are so darn delicious, too!
For dinner options, we love
Frontera Cocina, where so much of the menu is already gluten free. Over at Magic Kingdom, we love
Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen where the Falls Family Falafel, "Not Piranha" Catch of the Day, and the Brigadeiro Prestigio are GF and outstanding. At
Sanaa, try the GF Indian-Style Bread Service. It's my family's fav!
While I have not had the GF Churros at
Nomad Lounge in Disney's Animal Kingdom yet, the GF community raves about them--I can't wait to try them! Ask to have a sweet crepe made GF at EPCOT's
Crêpes À Emporter by La Crêperie de Paris and a GF brownie Sundae at
Hollywood Scoops. So many options--you'll be in GF heaven!
As you plan your visit, Richard, be sure to send additional questions our way. We love to help!
Andrea H