We vacationed at Walt Disney World this year after attending the annual Gluten Intolerance Group conference at The Gaylord Palms Hotel. We really enjoy spending time at Disney with our daughter because it is the best of both worlds: high-energy rides and tasty food.
Dining at the Disney parks is one of the most stress-free experiences we have ever had. Anywhere you go for a meal, whether it be at a sit down restaurant, a burger joint, or a cafeteria setting, rest assured your dietary needs will be addressed.
When we went for the first time this Examiner did no research at all. From what we had heard you could eat anywhere without issue and we did eat and feel like royalty. All you have to do is tell the server/cashier your dietary needs (i.e. gluten-free diet) and a manager will be called to assist. Usually they know exactly what they can do for you, but sometimes they come out with a binder. This magical binder has a section labeled gluten free, so you can see what options are available and pick. We have had Amy's pizza, Amy's gluten-free macaroni and cheese, Allergy Free Foods gluten-free chicken fingers, fries, French Meadow Bakery brownies, French Meadow Bakery cookies, Namaste waffles, Namaste pancakes, and a plethora of freshly made meats, vegetables, etc.
Keep in mind that your gluten-free meal will take longer to prepare, so give yourself time. Also, make sure to order your meal on a separate ticket from the rest of your party. We found this out the hard way because they will hold all of the food until your meal is ready. This policy isn't very conducive when you have a hungry/cranky child. Also, make sure to specify you need a gluten-free meal if you are making a reservation at a restaurant.
The best places we ate at this year are:
Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom - the chef came out from the back and went over the menu options. Looking at the menu it seemed the only gluten-free options would involve salads, which isn't what we were looking for. Much to my surprise, the Pilgrim's Feast could be served with freshly prepared gluten-free gravy (made from the turkey drippings) and hot rolls (Ener-G are tasty when properly heated). This food was so fresh and so tasty that we almost ate ourselves sick. Everyone else at the table thoroughly enjoyed their foods too. One of my favorites of the trip. This sit down restaurant is always busy, so make reservations. We waited a good 45 minutes for a table.
Tangierine Cafe in Morocco at Epcot - this Examiner had what they referred to as a hamburger, but was really more like a flat meatball and two came with an order. The burger was loaded with chunks of onion and it was made with authentic seasonings, but it wasn't spicy. We were also able to enjoy the freshly made hummus with Ener-G rolls for dipping and chickpea salad. It was a very filling meal and we did feel like we had been to Morocco when we were finished.
Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe in Magic Kingdom - is a burger/chicken/and hot dog joint. Lucky for us they had just installed a dedicated fryer, so we were able to have a hot dog on an Ener-G bun and fries. They have a huge condiment bar that includes grilled onions and mushrooms, etc. Now, the bun really needed to be heated longer, but we would recommend going there.
On the last trip we enjoyed eating at:
Columbia Harbour House in Magic Kingdom - is a casual eatery where we got to have fried chicken tenders and oven cooked french fries.
The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom - this is a restaurant that involves character dining. We went for breakfast and a chef walked me around the buffet to show me what was safe. Then he made me up a plate in the back because he was concerned about cross contamination. He even made me gluten-free pancakes.
Trail's End Restaurant at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground- we had our first meal at their dinner buffet. The chef walked me around the buffet to show me what was safe and then he made up a special plate for me in the back. Hot Ener-G rolls were delivered to the table just as my meal of glazed salmon and multiple types of vegetables arrived.
Make time to go to Downtown Disney and visit BabyCakes. They are located inside of Pollo Campero and they have a dedicated bakery in the front right corner. We enjoyed freshly baked cinnamon sugar doughnuts and brownie bites, but they also make cupcakes, cookies, cookie sandwiches, and more. What a treat it was to be able to visit a gluten-free bakery while at Disney. Depending on where you stay, you may be able to have the sweet treats delivered to your door!
It is so nice to go on vacation and not have to worry about eating. It allows you to feel like everyone else and lets you thoroughly enjoy the vacation. Thank you Disney and keep up the good work!
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