Are you worried about sticking to your special diet while visiting Disney World? You don’t have to be!
Disney World restaurants are known for being accommodating to guests with allergies and special diets, whether you’re lactose-intolerant, vegan, allergic to shellfish, or many more. And for those gluten-free friends out there, we’ve been putting together guides on how to navigate the dining situation. In this guide, we’re heading outside the parks to Disney Springs!
First of all, if you’re dining gluten-free on your upcoming Disney trip, make sure to check out our page with all the details about eating gluten-free around Disney World. We also have guides for Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
But for a trip to Disney Springs (the shopping and dining complex on Disney World property) things are a little bit different when dining with a special diet, considering most of the restaurants are owned by outside companies. Policies and availability of allergy-friendly menus varies, but we’ve broken it down into a few categories to make it easier for you!
Quick Service Dining
Let’s start out with quick service dining. If you’re dining in the parks, it’s easier to find gluten-free menus online or in the My Disney Experience app, but with most of the quick service spots in Disney Springs not being Disney-owned, the menus online aren’t as streamlined. Therefore, you might need to ask for a gluten-free menu when you arrive at the restaurant or call ahead and ask about your options.
But one place where things are a little bit easier is D-Luxe Burger! This is one of the few Disney-owned spots, so you can see a list of gluten-free options in the My Disney Experience app, both on the menu page AND if you choose to Mobile Order. Just scroll down toward the bottom of the screen to see what’s available!
D-Luxe serves burgers and sandwiches, and they offer an allergy-friendly bun so that you can get generally the same menu items, just with different bread! Gluten-free options include a Plant-based Burger, a Classic Cheeseburger, a Kids’ Cheeseburger, a Barbecued Burger, a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, and more. That’s a pretty good selection!
Another popular quick service spot for gluten-free options is Cookes of Dublin, which is the counter attached to Raglan Road. They offer a gluten-free version of their classic fish and chips, and many people have RAVED about them online. You can also order shrimp, battered sausages, and chicken tenders gluten-free. Just make sure to specify your allergy when ordering!
Another spot that’s often talked about for gluten-free diners is Blaze Pizza. This Subway-style pizzeria allows you to create your own pie starting with the crust and going through sauce and toppings. They offer a gluten-free crust, but there’s a big warning that should be issued — they use the same oven for all their pizzas and your gluten-free crust might come in contact with kitchen utensils that are used on the regular pizzas. They don’t guarantee a completely allergy-friendly food prep environment, so you might want to ask about what precautions can be taken when your order at the restaurant.
Many other spots in Disney Springs have gluten-free options on the menu or alternatives that can be substituted, but as we mentioned above for Blaze Pizza, those restaurants may not have separate prep areas for allergy-friendly dishes. If you’re not certain, we recommend asking at the restaurant when you order or calling ahead.
Table Service Dining
When it comes to table service dining, many places will have an allergy-friendly menu that you can request when you arrive. If you’re making reservations through the Disney World website or app, you may also one able to note your allergy on your reservation, although we recommend reminding your server when you’re seated as well.
One of the spots that gluten-free eaters often rave about is Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’. They have a separate allergy-friendly menu upon request, and some of the items on it include gluten-free versions of popular dishes. You don’t have to miss out on that homestyle cooking!
If you’re in the mood for seafood, Paddlefish is known for having a variety of options for gluten-free diets. Many of their regular items are gluten-free by nature, but you can also request an allergy menu. And as usual, make sure to let your server know so that the chef will prepare your food safely to avoid any cross-contamination with allergens!
Finally, we’ve got to mention Raglan Road again! Just like its quick service counterpart, the sit-down part of the restaurant serves gluten-free versions of many menu items. They have a separate fryer specifically for them! Plus, you’ll enjoy some spectacular entertainment during your meal most nights. It’s a win-win!
So when dining table service — make sure to note your allergy when you check-in, and then again with your server. Most places have a menu with gluten-free options and all you have to do is ask!
Snacks
Finally, we make it to the snacks! There are a few different gluten-free treats in Disney Springs, starting with a classic — Dole Whip. You can order Dole Whip in a few different flavors at Swirls on the Water. The basic flavors are typically gluten-free, but if you get a fancy float or treat with toppings, make sure to ask if all the included ingredients are allergy-friendly.
One of the absolute best places for gluten-free peeps to visit is Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC! This sweets shop is a dedicated gluten-free and vegan bakery with plenty of treats for those with special diets. They’ve got everything from cookies to cupcakes to cake slices and more. Plus, they have rotating seasonal snacks, so you might find something new on every visit.
While you can find gluten-free desserts at a few other spots around Disney Springs, many of them cannot guarantee safety from cross-contamination, so just beware if you’re sensitive to that.
That’s our complete guide to eating gluten-free in Disney Springs! If you have any specific questions about a restaurant or its policies, we recommend calling ahead to get the most accurate information. Things vary a lot with the non-Disney-owned spots.
Stay tuned to DFB for more guides on how and where to eat in Disney World. We’re the food experts for your vacation!
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What’s your favorite gluten-free eat in Disney Springs? Tell us in the comments!
Lorraine says
I have eaten gluten free at Raglan Road and went to Erin McKenna’s for dessert. Both places were delicious! Highly recommend!