Traveling anywhere while following a gluten-free diet can be tricky, but theme parks can be especially challenging - if there aren’t any gluten-free food options, you don’t really have the option to just “go somewhere else” to eat, and you’re usually left discouraged and hungry. The Happiest Place On Earth, however, has become just that for anyone eating gluten-free. Here’s how to be gluten-free at Disneyland and still have a dream vacation.
Sponsored by Pure Growth Organic
1. Check Out The Special Menus
Flickr user milst1
The park just rolled out their allergen-friendly menus last year, with a range of options that let you eat basically anywhere. Many places actually have separate allergen-friendly menus just for people with dietary restrictions. So no more worries about whether that server will remember what you asked for. The Blue Bayou restaurant in New Orleans Square (yum), the Harbour Galley, and Smokejumpers are just three of the incredible restaurants throughout the park that provide separate menus. Jackpot!
Don’t want to just wander around until you find a place that looks like it might have gluten-free options? You can get a list of spots with gluten-free offerings at City Hall on Main Street when you arrive at the park.
2. Take Advantage Of The Service
Asking waiters about making your food gluten-free can go great - or it can go very, very awkwardly. You don’t have to be nervous about asking for details on gluten-free food at Disneyland. Period. They encourage guests to ask their servers about their concerns, and often the chefs themselves will come out to speak to those with special restrictions to discuss the options. No eye rolling or shade here. The park even offers a contact point for people who have more concerns about accommodations for dietary restrictions, if you want to get information before your trip.
3. So Go Ahead, Eat Your Heart Out
Flickr user Dani P.L.
Considering what we’ve already noted, you should be clear by now that figuring out how to be gluten-free in Disneyland is no sweat. However, we’ve highlighted just a few of the treats that you really shouldn’t miss out on. They’re downright - dare we say it - magical.
Gluten-Free Mickey Waffles
Come on, how could you pass on these. Adorable and delicious. AND gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Bread - available at multiple locations
No, I’m serious. If you think a restaurant isn’t worth going to JUST for the bread basket - just for the GLUTEN-FREE bread basket, mind you - your world is about to change. Try it at the Blue Bayou, Steakhouse 55 or Carthay Circle and see if you can keep from filling up before your actual food arrives. Spoiler alert: You won’t.
Dole Whip - Tiki Juice Bar
JUST DO IT. Skip it and regret it forever.
Gluten-Free Cookies - Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe
Ask for them warm. Trust me. And how can you beat a bakery right on Main Street?
What are your tips for how to be gluten-free at Disney? Do you have a favorite gluten-free treat you always have to have at Disneyland? Tell us in the comments below! And if you need a perfectly poppable snack for any Disney adventure, be sure to look for Pure Growth Organic Popcorn (100% gluten-free!) available at all Disney parks in late August 2016!
loves anything with chocolate