Is it the most magical place for gluten-allergy sufferers? It can be.
Vacations can take enough planning as it is. You have to think about scheduling itineraries, where you’re going to stay, packing just the right outfits, and wrangling the other members of your travel party. As a Celiac or someone with a gluten intolerance, you also have to factor in a meticulous diet plan loaded with tons of research and recommendations so you don’t risk being sick on your entire vacation. It can be stressful, and when menus are unknown, that just makes it worse.
But What About Disney World for someone with a Gluten Intolerance?
Disney World is billed as “The Most Magical Place on Earth”, but you heard awesome things about Vegas, too…and ended up eating salads every night at the buffet. You’ve been burned before at restaurants, especially when travelling, so your guard is always up. Especially in a place like Disney World that sees millions of visitors each year, you have to wonder if they can accommodate food allergies.
So, what really are your options for eating gluten free at Disney World?
Fortunately for you, the Mouse’s House is known for catering to all guests, including those with all dietary restrictions – especially gluten/wheat allergies! They are over-the-top accommodating.
In 2015, Disney launched allergy-friendly menus throughout the Disney World resort, and even started an initiative to have experts on site to answer your questions. They also have a special site up for answering your questions on how to book gluten free meals (and other special diet meals) in advance, and you can find that here.
Without further ado…below is a list of my picks for gluten-free food options at the Magic Kingdom. The first section is for meals, but if you’re hankerin’ for something to nosh on, there’s a Snack list at the bottom, too.
The Ultimate Guide to Yummy Gluten Free Foods at Magic Kingdom:
Gluten Free Meals
- The Plaza Restaurant (Main Street U.S.A., Table Service) – Prior to the 2015 Gluten Free menu launch, the Chefs at the Plaza Restaurant were making sandwiches especially for gluten free guests using Local Oven gf sandwich bread. It’s safe to say that you’ll be treated right if you go here. Now, they have an allergen menu and the following items are available. Note that the sides listed below can also be substituted as your side dish for hamburgers and sandwiches.
- Wedge salad
- Loaded fries or chips
- Seasonal veggies
- Grilled chicken sandwich
- Fried green tomato sandwich
- Angus chuck burger
- Chicken strawberry salad with zinfandel dressing.
The menu notes they are happy to substitute something else out for a gluten free bun, as well.
For dessert you can choose between a banana split, hot fudge sundae, or fresh fruit.
- Liberty Tree Tavern (Liberty Square, Table Service) – This all-you-can-eat colonial favorite still lets you stuff your tummy! Here are the items they bring you can still indulge in:
- Declaration salad
- Patriot Platter (roasted turkey breast, pot roast, and over roasted pork)
- Mashed potatoes
- Seasonal vegetables
- Herb rice bread stuffing
For dessert they have an allergy-friendly Brownie a la Mode.
- Columbia Harbor House (Liberty Square, Quick Service) – This is one of my favorite spots to find healthier fare in general, located just across from The Haunted Mansion.
- Grilled salmon served with green beans, carrots, and french fries
- Chicken strips served with french fries
- If you have a kiddo with you, there are additional kids menu items:
- gluten free macaroni and cheese
- chicken salad
- chicken nuggets
- all are served with a Dannon D’animals smoothie and Go Go Squeeze Applesauce
For dessert, they have allergy-friendly brownies and cookies.
- Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen (Adventureland, Table Service) – This Jungle-themed restaurant isn’t to be missed if you have a gluten intolerance – there are so many great options with really cute names, and a lot of variety. It’s straight across from the Jungle Cruise ride.
- Falls Family Falafel
- Chicken and Rice soup
- Jungle Green Salad
- Trader Lamb
- “Hardy Har Char” Siu Pork
- “A lot at Steak” salad (heh, still love that name)
- Perkins Thai Noodles
- Sankuru Sadie’s Seafood Stew,
- Whole fried Fish
- “Tastes Like Chicken” Fried Chicken
- “Not Piranha” Fish
- Signature grilled steak
For desserts, you’ll be able to choose from Kungaloosh! (chocolate cake with caramelized bananas with cashew caramel ice cream and coffee dust) or Quick Sand! (a jasmine rice pudding with mango sauce, lemon curd, hibiscus meringue, and pineapple). (Or, don’t choose and just get both. Heh.)
- Pinocchio’s Village Haus (Fantasyland, Quick Service ) – This is a great place for a quick bite! You can find it tucked back behind the castle, near the Carousel and across from Peter Pan’s Flight.
- Gluten free crust pizza choices: meat lovers, margherita, pepperoni, or cheese
- Allergy-friendly chicken breast nuggets and french fries
- Antipasto salad
- If you have a kiddo with you:
- Nuggets, pizzas, and gluten free mac and cheese
For dessert, you can choose between Dannon greek yogurt, an allergy-friendly brownie, or allergy-friendly chocolate chip cookie, or chocolate gelato.
- Be Our Guest (Fantasyland, Quick Service for breakfast & lunch, Table Service for dinner) – Be Our Guest offers a Three Course Prix Fixe Menu fir dinner ($60 per person for 1 appetizer, 1 entree, and 1 dessert), which you
might find limiting on a gluten free diet. Nevertheless, it CAN be adapted for you by going with the following choices:- Bread: Tapioca dinner rolls (naturally gluten free)
- Appetizers: Maine Lobster Bisque
- Entrees: Herb-Salted Pork Tenderloin, Spiced-Dusted Lamb Chop, Grilled Center-Cut Filet Mignon
might find limiting on a gluten free diet. Nevertheless, it CAN be adapted for you by going with the following choices:For dessert, you can choose an Almond Macaron or the Dark Chocolate Truffle
- Cinderella’s Royal Table (Fantasyland, Table Service) The famous castle restaurant has totally different menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but that they all contain allergy-friendly items.
- Breakfast options: Scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, potatoes, beef tenderloin and eggs, poached lobster and shrimp.
- Lunch: Slow-Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Fish of the Day, Beef Tenderloin Salad, (with flourless chocolate cake or lemon sorbet for dessert).
- Dinner:
- Appetizers (none that we can recommend)
- Entrees: Beef and Shrimp
- Desserts: Dark Chocolate Mousse, Amaretto Cheesecake, or Lemon Sorbet with Blueberries.
Again, the allergen menu food is kind of limited here, which is unfortunate. It’s surprising to me, given that the price tag and decor point to a more upscale experience. That said, I would strongly encourage you you call in advance for extra options. The customer service cast members may have access to requests that aren’t noted normally.
- Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn (Frontierland, Quick Service): A fan favorite for hearty, protein-packed fare that powers you through the park. 🙂 This is just down the way from Pirates of the Caribbean, as you walk towards Frontierland.
- Bacon Cheeseburger on a gluten-free bun
- Southwest Chicken or Pork Carnitas salad
- Nachos (with chicken, beef, or carnitas)
- Plant-based Southwest burger on an allergy friendly bun
- Jerk chicken lettuce wrap
- Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe (Tomorrowland, Quick Service): Another favorite for that quick service comfort food fix. Located right near the intersection of Tomorrowland and the Tea Cup area where Fantasyland starts.
- Cheeseburger or chicken sandwich (request an allergy-friendly/gluten-free bun)
- Allergy-friendly hot dog
- ½ rotisserie chicken (note: only served after 4pm)
- Chicken breast nuggets
For dessert, grab a gluten free brownie or chocolate chip cookie.
Gluten Free Snacks
Hit up these kiosks/booths for the following:
- Liberty Square Market (Liberty Square, Snacks) — fruit and veggie snacks
- Aloha Isle (Adventureland, Snacks) – Dole Whip
- Turkey Leg Stand – (Frontierland, Snacks) – Turkey Legs