NO GLUTEN ? NO PROBLEM !
Why WDW Is One of the Best Places to be Gluten Free
BY CATHY SALUSTRI
Get a group of gluten-free Disneyphiles together and ask them about their favorite food at the Walt Disney World Resort , and you ’ ll no doubt hear “ churros ”— with good reason : They ’ re delicious .
Found only at Nomad Lounge in Animal Kingdom ( along with an excellent hard cider from South Africa , Cluver & Jack ), these gluten-free churros at this always-crowded eatery are a must-do every visit . Nearby , Dawa Bar , even if the menu doesn ’ t list it , often has a bottle or two of Omission lying around . But we can ’ t live on churros and gluten-removed beer alone , and churros are but one of hundreds of safe offerings for those of us who can ’ t — or don ’ t — eat gluten . Read on for your guide to gluten-free dining at the WDW Resort . navigate to individual restaurants on the WDW website , then scroll to the bottom of the menu for the allergy menu .
Bear in mind , too ; not every restaurant will have its allergen menu online . Restaurants not owned by WDW often don ’ t feature an allergen menu online , but don ’ t let that stop you . The Swan ’ s Il Mulino , for example , offers an extensive glutenfree menu ( including pasta !).
When you make your dining reservations , it ’ s important to note that you have celiac or a gluten intolerance . Upon your arrival at the restaurant , the host / hostess will confirm the gluten allergy . If they don ’ t , it ’ s best to double-check that it ’ s on your reservation , because this is standard at every restaurant on property .
I CAN ’ T EAT WHAT ? When , barely into my 40s , my doctor told me I had celiac , my world turned upside down . My grandmother taught me to make macaroni shortly after I learned to read , and pasta — alongside a variety of gluten-filled delights — made regular appearances on my dinner plate . Transitioning to a gluten-free lifestyle took some adapting . Going out to eat became actively stressful , with one exception : Walt Disney World .
These gluten-free noodles can be found at ' Ohana at Disney ' s Polynesian Resort . PHOTO BY TATJANA LAZAR
GF fare at restaurants varies greatly in offerings and taste ( I ’ m looking at you , every restaurant that suggested salad as a glutenfree meal ). But there ’ s always plenty of choices at Disney World , and I never worry I ’ ll get sick from accidental glutening . You see , the safest place to eat in the world is , well , Walt Disney World .
A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER You ’ ll find gluten-free options at every eatery on property , but planning to eat GF in advance of your stay can prove tricky . WDW does not have one place online where you can find glutenfree menus ; instead , you must