Are the beignets at Disneyland gluten free?

A common misconception among Disney fans is that gluten-free beignets, famously available at Disney World, can also be found at Disneyland. Unfortunately, for guests with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, the traditional beignets at Disneyland contain wheat and are not gluten free.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals that the classic beignets in Disneyland are not gluten-free but directs visitors to numerous other allergy-friendly dining options in the park. It clarifies the common confusion with Walt Disney World's gluten-free offerings and provides safe alternatives.

Key Points

• No Gluten-Free Beignets at Disneyland: The popular Mickey-shaped beignets in Disneyland's New Orleans Square contain wheat and are not safe for those with celiac disease.

• GF Beignets are at Disney World: The confusion arises because Disney's Port Orleans Resort in Florida offers delicious, rectangular gluten-friendly beignets made in a dedicated fryer.

• Diverse GF Options Exist: Numerous gluten-free alternatives, including pizza, burgers, and snacks, are readily available throughout Disneyland Resort.

• Consult a Chef for Safety: For severe allergies, guests should always speak with a Special Diets Trained Cast Member or chef to ensure food is prepared safely and to minimize cross-contamination risk.

• Use the Disneyland App: The official mobile app is an excellent tool for viewing allergen-friendly menus and planning meals in advance.

• Snacks Like Dole Whip Are Safe: Classic snacks like Dole Whip, popcorn, and Mickey ice cream bars are naturally gluten-free and can be found at various carts.

• Bring Your Own Food: Disneyland permits outside food and non-alcoholic beverages, offering a reliable option for those with strict dietary needs.

The Definitive Answer on Disneyland's Beignets

For many, a trip to New Orleans Square at Disneyland means indulging in a sugary, fried beignet. However, for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it's crucial to know that the classic, Mickey-shaped beignets served at the Mint Julep Bar are not gluten-free. They are made with a wheat-based dough and prepared in a shared fryer, posing a risk of cross-contamination for those with serious allergies.

Disneyland vs. Walt Disney World: The Great Beignet Divide

The confusion surrounding gluten-free beignets often stems from the different offerings at Disney's two major U.S. parks. While Disneyland lacks a dedicated gluten-free beignet option, its Florida counterpart, Walt Disney World, is celebrated for its gluten-friendly beignets.

Key Differences in Beignet Offerings

Feature	Disneyland	Walt Disney World (Port Orleans Resort)
Availability	Not Available	Dedicated, Year-round
Location	New Orleans Square	Scat Cat's Club - Café
Shape	Iconic Mickey-shaped	Standard rectangular
Cross-Contamination	High risk due to shared fryer	Minimized with dedicated fryer
Taste Profile	Classic wheat dough	Thicker, chewier gluten-friendly dough

At Walt Disney World's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter, guests can find delicious, rectangular gluten-friendly beignets made with a specialized dough and fried in a separate fryer to reduce cross-contamination risk. This has created a popular destination for gluten-free visitors to the Florida parks, but sadly, the offering has not been replicated in California.

Gluten-Free Alternatives at Disneyland

Despite the lack of gluten-free beignets, Disneyland Resort offers a surprisingly wide array of safe and delicious alternatives for gluten-sensitive guests. It's important to use the mobile order feature on the Disneyland app, which clearly labels allergy-friendly options, or speak directly with a chef at a table-service restaurant.

Quick-Service Options with Allergen Menus

• Alien Pizza Planet (Disneyland Park): Offers gluten-free pizza with a dedicated crust.
• Galactic Grill (Disneyland Park): Features gluten-free cheeseburgers and fries on a gluten-free bun.
• Cafe Daisy (Disneyland Park): Serves gluten-free pizza flop-overs in Toontown.
• Flo's V8 Cafe (Disney California Adventure): Provides gluten-free burgers and sandwiches.
• Smokejumpers Grill (Disney California Adventure): Offers gluten-free burgers and fries.

Table-Service and Snack Locations

• Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe (Disneyland Park): A popular option for a toasted cheese sandwich and tomato soup combo on a gluten-free bun.
• Plaza Inn (Disneyland Park): The character breakfast often has gluten-free Mickey waffles, and a chef can be consulted for a safe meal.
• Cafe Orleans (Disneyland Park): Known for its Monte Cristo, they offer other allergy-friendly items, and a chef consultation is advised. Note that reviews indicate beignets are no longer served here.
• Lamplight Lounge (Disney California Adventure): Features several gluten-friendly dishes, including the Impossible Burger with a gluten-friendly bun.
• Bengal Barbecue (Disneyland Park): Skewers without the bread are generally safe, but always confirm with a cast member.
• Tiki Juice Bar (Disneyland Park): The famous Dole Whip is naturally gluten-free.
• Various Carts: Popcorn, pickles, Mickey ice cream bars, and chocolate-covered bananas are all safe gluten-free options.
• Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio (Downtown Disney): Offers some gluten-free options, but always communicate with the staff regarding your allergy.

How to Secure a Safe, Gluten-Free Meal

1. Plan Ahead: Use the Disneyland website and app to review menus before your visit. For table-service reservations, add your dietary needs to the reservation notes.
2. Speak with a Chef: At quick-service and especially table-service locations, request to speak with a Special Diets Trained Cast Member or a chef upon arrival. They can confirm ingredients, discuss preparation, and minimize cross-contamination.
3. Use Mobile Order: The Disneyland app has an allergen-friendly filter, but for severe allergies, confirming with a cast member in person is still the safest practice. For prepackaged snacks, the ingredient label is available for inspection.
4. Consider Bringing Your Own Food: Guests are permitted to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the park, which can provide peace of mind and more options for those with strict dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

While it is a disappointing reality that the iconic beignets at Disneyland are not gluten free, visitors have an abundance of other delicious and safe choices throughout the parks. By planning ahead, utilizing the mobile app, and communicating effectively with cast members, guests with celiac disease can navigate the resort's dining options with confidence. From gluten-free pizza to burgers and the ever-popular Dole Whip, a magical and flavorful experience is still well within reach. Remember to double-check information directly with a chef, as menus and preparation can change. For more details on allergy-friendly options, consult the official Disneyland website.

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Here is an authoritative outbound link for further information:

For additional help navigating dining with food allergies at the Disneyland Resort, visit the official Disney website's dining page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get gluten-free beignets at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney?

While Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen is located in the Downtown Disney District and offers some allergy-friendly options, it is not guaranteed to have gluten-free beignets. You must speak directly with a Cast Member or chef to discuss your dietary needs and the current offerings.

Is Tiana's Palace in Disneyland's New Orleans Square a safe place to find gluten-free beignets?

No, Tiana's Palace serves beignets, but like the Mint Julep Bar, these are standard beignets containing wheat and are not a safe option for gluten-sensitive guests.

Are there any gluten-free breakfast items at Disneyland?

Yes, several quick-service locations offer gluten-free breakfast. For example, Red Rose Taverne has a gluten-free platter with scrambled eggs and bacon, and Plaza Inn offers gluten-free Mickey waffles upon request to a chef.

What is the best quick-service option for celiac guests at Disneyland?

Many guests recommend Alien Pizza Planet or Galactic Grill in Tomorrowland for their dedicated gluten-free pizzas and burgers. Another reliable choice is Bengal Barbecue, offering skewers without the bread. Always verify preparation with a cast member.

Does the Disneyland mobile app show which items are gluten-free?

Yes, the Disneyland mobile app includes allergen-friendly menus for many restaurants. However, for severe allergies or celiac disease, it is best to place your order in person and confirm with a Special Diets Trained Cast Member to discuss cross-contamination concerns.

Are the fries at Disneyland gluten-free?

Fries at some locations may be made with gluten-free ingredients, but cross-contamination is a major concern due to shared fryers. For example, Galactic Grill states that their fries can be made in a separate fryer, but you must specifically request this with a cast member.

Can I eat at a table-service restaurant like Cafe Orleans or Lamplight Lounge with a gluten allergy?

Yes, both Cafe Orleans and Lamplight Lounge are known for accommodating gluten allergies. When you arrive, simply inform a cast member of your needs and ask to speak with a chef, who can prepare your meal safely.