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Does Disneyland Have Gluten Free Beignets? What to Know Before You Go

4 min read

According to one recent survey, a quarter of U.S. families are navigating food allergies, making safe dining options critical for many at theme parks. A common question among these guests is, "Does Disneyland have gluten free beignets?" The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, especially when distinguishing between Disneyland Park in California and Walt Disney World in Florida.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies that while permanent, dedicated gluten-free beignets are found at Walt Disney World's Port Orleans Resort, they are not a regular offering at the California-based Disneyland Park. It discusses past limited-time availability for special events at Disneyland and provides a detailed list of alternative, safely prepared gluten-free snacks and desserts available to guests with dietary restrictions.

Key Points

  • No Standard GF Beignets at Disneyland: Disneyland Park in California does not regularly offer gluten-free beignets due to cross-contamination concerns.

  • Limited-Time Special Events: Gluten-free beignets have been available temporarily during special, separately ticketed events at Disneyland, but are not a regular menu item.

  • Disney World Has Permanent GF Beignets: Guests seeking permanent, dedicated gluten-free beignets should visit Walt Disney World's Port Orleans French Quarter.

  • Safe Alternatives Exist: Disneyland offers many other reliably gluten-free snacks and desserts, including Dole Whips, Mickey Ice Cream Bars, and packaged treats.

  • Always Speak to a Chef: For any dietary concerns, it is best practice to speak directly with a chef or special diets Cast Member to ensure safe food preparation.

In This Article

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Confirm Ingredients for Packaged Snacks: While many packaged snacks are labeled, ingredients and manufacturing processes can change. Always read the label before consuming.
  5. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, gluten-free beignets are not a standard offering at the Mint Julep Bar in Disneyland's New Orleans Square. The beignets are fried in a shared fryer, making them unsafe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

At Walt Disney World in Florida, gluten-free beignets are a permanent offering at Scat Cat's Club–Café, located at the Port Orleans French Quarter resort.

Yes, but only for a very limited time during special, separately ticketed events like Pride Nite in June 2025. These were not a permanent menu item.

Excellent gluten-free snacks at Disneyland include Dole Whips, Mickey Ice Cream Bars, popcorn, and packaged cookies from the 'Snacks with Character' brand.

Always speak directly to a chef or a special diets trained Cast Member at any dining location. They can guide you through the menu and ensure your meal is prepared with proper allergy protocols.

Yes, Disneyland allows guests to bring their own food into the parks, which can be a helpful strategy for managing specific dietary restrictions, especially for snacks.

The mobile order feature is a great starting point for seeing what is offered, as many menus have an 'Allergy-Friendly' section. However, for critical allergies, it is still recommended to speak with a Cast Member in person to confirm current procedures.

Walt Disney World generally has a wider and more established range of permanent gluten-free offerings, including the beignets at Port Orleans, whereas Disneyland has fewer dedicated options, often relying on packaged or naturally gluten-free foods.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.