Decoding the Disney Diet: Are the fries at Disney World gluten free?

November 9, 2025 •

5 min read

According to Disney's official policies, the company takes great pride in accommodating guests with special dietary requests. This level of care is especially important when addressing a common query for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities: are the fries at Disney World gluten free? The answer involves understanding restaurant procedures and knowing where to look for dedicated fryers.

Quick Summary

Walt Disney World provides gluten-free french fries at many quick-service and table-service locations by utilizing dedicated fryers to prevent cross-contamination. Success relies on communicating your allergy to a Cast Member, verifying the order, and knowing which locations are equipped to handle special requests safely.

Key Points

Communicate with Staff: Always inform a Cast Member about your gluten allergy to ensure proper handling, especially asking for a chef for severe cases.
Dedicated Fryers are Key: Look for restaurants with dedicated fryers to prevent cross-contamination; many quick-service locations at Disney World have them.
Not All Fries Are Equal: Be aware that quick-service spots like Casey's Corner use shared fryers, making their regular fries unsafe for celiacs.
Visual Confirmation: Allergy-friendly meals are delivered with a special marker (e.g., a pick or purple tray), so always look for this.
Know Before You Go: Check the My Disney Experience app for allergy-friendly menus at specific quick-service locations before you dine.
Mobile Order with Caution: For those with severe allergies, it's best to order in person rather than via the mobile app to ensure direct communication with staff.
Resort & Springs Options: Explore options outside the main parks, like Raglan Road in Disney Springs, which are known for their dedicated allergy fryers.

Decoding Disney's Approach to Allergen-Friendly Dining

For many, a trip to Walt Disney World is a magical experience filled with wonder and adventure. For those with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or wheat allergies, that magic can come with the stress of navigating a complex food landscape. Fortunately, Disney has built a strong reputation for its comprehensive approach to accommodating special dietary needs. The key to a safe and delicious meal, particularly when craving something as classic as french fries, is preparation and clear communication.

The Importance of the Dedicated Fryer

The fundamental issue with fried foods for those with gluten concerns is cross-contact, which can occur when items with gluten are cooked in the same oil as gluten-free items. Even if the fries themselves are free of gluten-containing ingredients, cooking them in a shared fryer renders them unsafe for those with celiac disease. Disney has addressed this by outfitting many dining locations with dedicated fryers, but it is not universal. Always speak with a Cast Member to confirm the cooking method before ordering.

Where to Find Gluten-Free Fries by Park

With a little research, you can pinpoint the best locations for gluten-free fries in each of Disney's major parks and resorts. Here is a park-by-park guide based on recent guest experiences and known practices:

Magic Kingdom

Pinocchio Village Haus: Located in Fantasyland, this quick-service spot is known for its allergy-friendly chicken tenders and fries, often prepared in a dedicated fryer.
Columbia Harbour House: Another reliable option in Liberty Square, frequently praised for serving safe gluten-free chicken tenders and fries.
Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe: This Tomorrowland eatery has been noted to use a separate dedicated fryer for allergy orders, including gluten-free burgers and fries.
Important Note for Casey's Corner: While famous for hot dogs, the fries at Casey's Corner are cooked in a shared fryer, making them unsafe for celiacs. Allergy-friendly hot dogs here are served with a bag of potato chips instead.

EPCOT

Connections Eatery: This World Celebration location has been reported to offer gluten-free fries, though it is always wise to confirm the dedicated fryer status with a Cast Member.
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Situated in the American Adventure pavilion, this barbecue spot has offered gluten-free options and is a potential source for safe fries.

Hollywood Studios

Restaurant Options: Locations like Backlot Express and Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo typically feature allergy-friendly menus that may include gluten-free options that can be paired with fries. Always consult with a special diets-trained Cast Member.

Animal Kingdom

Restaurantosaurus: In DinoLand U.S.A., this quick-service eatery is known to have a dedicated fryer, often used for allergy-friendly chicken tenders and fries.
Nomad Lounge: While known for their fantastic gluten-free churros, some reports also indicate they can offer gluten-free fries and other dishes.

Disney Springs & Resorts

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant: A popular destination at Disney Springs with a known reputation for accommodating allergies with dedicated fryers for their gluten-free fried fish, chips, and onion rings.
Cookes of Dublin: Located right next to Raglan Road, this quick-service option shares the same commitment to dedicated frying for gluten-free items.

Comparison Table: Spotting Gluten-Free Fries


Restaurant	Location	Type (QS/TS)	Dedicated Fryer Confirmed?	Other Noteworthy GF Options
Pinocchio Village Haus	Magic Kingdom	Quick Service	Yes (Reported)	Chicken Tenders, Pizza, Brownies
Columbia Harbour House	Magic Kingdom	Quick Service	Yes (Reported)	Chicken Tenders, Salmon
Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe	Magic Kingdom	Quick Service	Yes (Reported)	Burgers (with GF bun)
Casey's Corner	Magic Kingdom	Quick Service	No (Shared Fryer)	Hot Dogs (with GF bun), Chips
Connections Eatery	EPCOT	Quick Service	Confirm with CM	Burgers (with GF bun)
Regal Eagle Smokehouse	EPCOT	Quick Service	Confirm with CM	BBQ Ribs, Chicken (with GF Texas toast)
Restaurantosaurus	Animal Kingdom	Quick Service	Yes (Reported)	Chicken Tenders, Burgers (with GF bun)
Raglan Road Irish Pub	Disney Springs	Table Service	Yes (Confirmed)	Fish & Chips, Onion Rings
Cookes of Dublin	Disney Springs	Quick Service	Yes (Confirmed)	Fish & Chips, Onion Rings

Placing Your Order for the Safest Experience

Navigating an allergy safely at Disney goes beyond finding the right location. Follow these steps for a worry-free dining experience:

Communicate Clearly: When ordering, verbally state your dietary restriction. At quick-service locations, tell the Cast Member taking your order. At table-service restaurants, inform your server.
Ask for a Chef or Special Diets-Trained Cast Member: Especially for severe allergies or celiac disease, ask to speak directly with a chef or supervisor. They can provide the most accurate information on current procedures.
Confirm the Cooking Method: Specifically ask if the fries are prepared in a dedicated fryer to avoid cross-contamination. Don't assume. Menus, ingredients, and kitchen processes can change.
Look for the Marker: Allergy-friendly meals are delivered with a visual marker, such as a special pick or a purple tray. Always check for this before eating.
Re-Verify Your Order: When your food arrives, confirm your dietary request with the Cast Member delivering the meal, even if it has the visual marker.

Mobile Ordering with Allergies

The My Disney Experience app allows for mobile ordering at many quick-service restaurants. Some locations list allergy-friendly menu items directly in the app. However, if you have multiple allergies or are concerned about cross-contamination, it is still recommended to place your order in person and speak with a Cast Member. This ensures all precautions are taken and your order is prepared as safely as possible.

Conclusion: Planning Makes Perfect

For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, enjoying a satisfying serving of fries at Disney World is absolutely possible. The company's well-developed protocol for handling special dietary requests, including the use of dedicated fryers at many locations, allows for a much more comfortable dining experience. The key is to leverage the available resources, communicate proactively with staff, and stick to the locations known for their careful procedures. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy a safe and delicious meal without compromising your dietary needs. For more details on Disney's official policies, you can visit their website for guidance on special dietary requests.

This content is intended for informational purposes. Always consult with a Cast Member at the dining location to confirm current practices and procedures regarding allergens.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all restaurants offer gluten-free fries. It depends on whether they have a dedicated fryer to prevent cross-contamination with gluten-containing items. You must ask a Cast Member to be certain.

Pinocchio Village Haus, Columbia Harbour House, and Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe have been reported to offer gluten-free fries, often prepared in dedicated fryers. Always confirm with staff.

No, the fries at Casey's Corner are cooked in a shared fryer, making them unsafe for those with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.

When ordering, inform the Cast Member of your gluten allergy. For severe allergies, ask to speak with a chef. The meal will be prepared with precautions and delivered with a special marker for identification.

Mobile ordering is available for allergy-friendly options at some quick-service locations. However, if you have a severe allergy, it is recommended to order in person to speak directly with staff and verify the preparation.

No, you don't need a dining reservation for quick-service locations that offer gluten-free fries. For table-service restaurants, a reservation is highly recommended, and you should note your allergy in advance.

Yes, Raglan Road Irish Pub and Cookes of Dublin are well-known for their dedicated fryers that are used for gluten-free fish and chips.

Disney uses a visual marker, such as an allergy pick or a designated tray, to signify that a meal has been prepared following special dietary protocols.