At the table , your server will bring you an allergen menu ; look for dishes labeled “ For Gluten / Wheat ” because those are the ones you can eat . It ’ s important , too , to let the server know whether you have celiac , an intolerance , or a preference . They ’ ll make sure you have a delicious meal regardless , but people with a preference ( as opposed to an allergy ) can eat things people with celiac or intolerances cannot because you don ’ t have to worry about cross-contamination . Some restaurants have dedicated fryers , but others don ’ t . This is why you can get fries at one location but not another .
Don ’ t be shocked if the chef comes out to talk with you about your order . Disney chefs take allergies seriously . In some instances , the server will talk with you extensively about your order , so the chef may not visit your table , but often , the chef will come ask you about your allergies .
Finally , if you go during EPCOT ’ s Food and Wine Festival or International Flower & Garden Festival , pick up a Passport , because those handy little booklets tell you what ’ s gluten free at each booth , making it easy to budget your time ( and your stomach ). These booths are not the place to make special requests , but never fear — you have options at virtually every booth .
A FEW THINGS TO AVOID While gluten-free dining at the WDW Resort sets the standard , it ’ s not without some hiccups . Mobile orders often prove frustrating . Cast Members strive to get every order right , but a few have told me to skip mobile ordering to ensure food safety . It ’ s not worth the risk for those of
us with severe reactions to gluten .
Oftentimes , Quick-Service isn ’ t quite as quick as it is for people without allergies . That gluten-free hamburger bun might take a couple of extra minutes , which doesn ’ t bother most people , but if you only have 10 minutes to eat before you need to be in a Lightning Lane , you may want to opt for Snacks with Character , Disney ’ s allergy-friendly grab-and-go snacks .
No matter where you eat on property , you ’ ll have no trouble finding a safe and delicious gluten-free meal , snack , or dessert . Your biggest problem will be finding a way to eat all the things .
Just make sure you leave room for those churros .
Everyone loves a thick , rich donut dripping with frosting , right ? These donuts from Erin McKenna ’ s are denser than your average donut but will still tickle your sweet tooth . And there ’ s definitely enough frosting to go around ( around the donut , that is ). Pick from a variety of flavors , including vanilla with sprinkles , toasted coconut , and chocolatedipped .
There ’ s something magically satisfying about biting into one of these giant — and incredibly soft — peppermint patties . A thick layer of sweet minty icing is sandwiched between two dark chocolate cake patties that simply melt in your mouth . These babies are so good ; you wouldn ’ t even know they aren ’ t filled with gluten .
The Iced Lemon Teacake is one of Erin McKenna ’ s bestsellers , and it ’ s the perfect afternoon pick-meup to pair with your favorite cup of tea . The tartness of the lemon is complemented by that sweet , pink raspberry frosting dripping down the sides . Pick up a single slice or the whole loaf ! We won ’ t judge .
GLUTEN-FREE SNACKS
Head to Disney Springs to enjoy the gluten-free goodness at Erin McKenna ' s . PHOTOS BY COURTNEY REYNOLDS
Raglan Road at Disney Springs consistantly dishes up tasty , gluten-free fish and chips . PHOTO BY CLIFF WANG