No, Standard Gluten-Free Beignets Are Not at Disneyland
For anyone with a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease visiting Disneyland Park in Anaheim, it's a common disappointment to learn that the famous New Orleans Square beignets are not available in a gluten-free version. The Mint Julep Bar, the primary vendor for these fluffy treats, does not offer a gluten-free alternative on its regular menu. The reason for this is primarily due to cross-contamination risks, as the traditional beignets are fried in a shared fryer, making them unsafe for those with celiac disease or severe gluten allergies.
A Rare Exception: Special Ticketed Events
There was a brief window of hope for gluten-free guests in June 2025. During the specially ticketed 'Pride Nite' event at Disneyland, the Royal Street Veranda location did, for a limited time, offer a gluten- and wheat-allergy-friendly beignet bite. However, this was not a permanent menu addition and was only accessible to guests with event-specific tickets. Reviews of this temporary item were mixed, and it is a critical distinction that these are not available during standard park hours.
Gluten-Free Beignets at Walt Disney World vs. Disneyland
Many visitors confuse the offerings between the two US-based Disney Resorts. The availability of gluten-free beignets is a prime example of this difference. Below is a comparison table to help clarify where to find what.
| Feature | Disneyland Park (California) | Walt Disney World (Florida) |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Gluten-Free Beignets | No, not available on a permanent basis. | Yes, available at Scat Cat's Club–Café at Port Orleans French Quarter. |
| Serving Location (Non-GF) | Mint Julep Bar (temporarily at Royal Street Veranda for some events). | Scat Cat's Club–Café. |
| Dedicated Fryer | Not applicable; fried in shared fryers. | Yes, gluten-free beignets are cooked in a dedicated fryer to prevent cross-contamination. |
| Special Events | Offered on a limited, event-specific basis at locations like Royal Street Veranda. | Seasonal and holiday offerings sometimes feature special gluten-free versions. |
Delicious Gluten-Free Alternatives at Disneyland Park
While the beignet quest may be over, Disneyland offers a wide array of other safe and delicious gluten-free snacks and desserts. Many of these can be ordered safely through the mobile order feature on the Disneyland app, or by speaking directly with a chef at a quick-service location.
Classic Disney Snacks
- Dole Whip: This iconic, dairy-free pineapple soft-serve is naturally gluten-free and a fan favorite. You can find it at the Tiki Juice Bar or The Tropical Hideaway.
- Mickey Ice Cream Bars: These classic vanilla ice cream bars coated in chocolate are a reliable and widely available gluten-free treat at most ice cream carts.
- Popcorn: The popcorn sold from the iconic carts is typically gluten-free and dairy-free. Always confirm with the Cast Member at the cart to be sure.
Baked Goods & Confections
- Packaged Gluten-Free Cookies: Look for "Snacks with Character" branded, certified gluten-free cookies, often found at candy shops like the Candy Palace on Main Street, U.S.A.
- Pre-Packaged Blueberry Muffin: Often available at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, this makes for a great breakfast or on-the-go snack.
- Incredicookie: Over in Disney California Adventure, Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums on Pixar Pier sells a gluten-free IncrediCookie, a large sugar cookie with blackberry jam.
Hand-Scooped Ice Cream & Floats
- Hand-Scooped Ice Cream in a Cup: Locations like Clarabelle's in Disney California Adventure and Gibson Girl on Main Street can accommodate allergy requests. Cast Members will get a fresh scoop from the back, but be sure to order in a cup, as the cones are not gluten-free.
- Frozen Lemonade: Packaged Minute Maid Frozen Lemonade cups are available at ice cream carts throughout the parks and are gluten-free.
Savory Options
- Chili-Lime Corn on the Cob: The Poultry Palace in Disney California Adventure offers this delicious and naturally gluten-free treat.
- Trio of Street Tacos: El Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante in Frontierland offers corn-tortilla based tacos that can be prepared with allergy protocols.
Important Tips for Safe Gluten-Free Dining at Disneyland
To ensure a safe and delicious trip, always follow these best practices:
- Use the Mobile Order Feature: The Disneyland app's mobile order feature often includes a section specifically for "Allergy-Friendly" items. This is a great starting point, but always double-check with staff.
- Speak Directly with a Chef: At any quick-service or table-service restaurant, ask to speak with a chef or a special diets trained Cast Member. They are trained to handle dietary requests and can provide the most current and accurate information, especially regarding cross-contamination.
- Expect Preparation Delays: To minimize the risk of cross-contact, allergy-friendly meals are often prepared separately, which may take extra time. Plan accordingly and inform staff of any serious allergies.
- Confirm Ingredients for Packaged Snacks: While many packaged snacks are labeled, ingredients and manufacturing processes can change. Always read the label before consuming.
- Utilize Disney's Special Diets Team: For large parties or complex dietary needs, you can contact Disney's Special Diets team in advance via email at [email protected].
The Verdict: Don't Lose Hope for Delicious Gluten-Free Snacks
So, does Disneyland have gluten free beignets? The answer for Disneyland Park in California is a clear "no" under normal operating conditions. However, the good news is that Disney's commitment to accommodating guests with dietary restrictions means there are still plenty of fantastic and safe gluten-free options to explore. From classic Dole Whips and Mickey bars to savory tacos and specialty cookies, your snack game at the park can remain strong, even without a beignet. For the authentic gluten-free beignet experience, you'll need to plan a trip to Walt Disney World, where they are a permanent fixture at Port Orleans French Quarter. But for Disneyland, with a little planning and direct communication with Cast Members, you can enjoy a magical and worry-free snacking adventure.
For more official dining information, consult the Disneyland Dining website.