Is there gluten free food at Disney World? Your Comprehensive Guide

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2015, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts received a FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) Award for its dedication to providing safe and enjoyable dining experiences for families. For anyone wondering, "Is there gluten free food at Disney World?", the answer is a resounding yes, and accommodations are readily available across the entire resort.

Quick Summary

Disney World is a top destination for gluten-free dining, with widespread options and robust procedures for managing food allergies. This guide covers how to navigate safe dining in the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs, from quick-service to table-service meals.

Key Points

Disney's Commitment: The company takes food allergies very seriously, employing special training and procedures across all dining locations.
Pre-Planning is Key: Use the My Disney Experience app and check online menus beforehand to scout out dining options and save time.
Communicate with Staff: Always inform a chef, manager, or Cast Member about your gluten allergy to ensure safe food preparation.
Mobile Order Features: The app's 'Allergy-Friendly' filter makes quick-service ordering for gluten-free options easy and efficient.
Look for the Allergy Pick: Meals prepared for allergies are often delivered with a special purple pick or on a separate tray for easy identification.
Iconic GF Snacks: Don't miss out on classic treats like Dole Whip, Mickey ice cream bars, and popcorn, which are naturally gluten-free.
Resorts and Disney Springs: Excellent options extend beyond the parks, including a dedicated gluten-free bakery at Disney Springs.

Disney's Proactive Approach to Allergen-Friendly Dining

Walt Disney World has become a leader in accommodating guests with special dietary needs, including those who must eat gluten-free. Their commitment is evident in the detailed protocols and tools available to guests, which significantly reduce the stress of dining with allergies. This robust system covers everything from character dining to quick-service kiosks.

The Chef is Your Ally

At table-service restaurants, a chef or manager is almost always available to speak with you directly about ingredients and preparation methods. You can discuss cross-contamination concerns, ingredient substitutions, and sometimes even request off-menu items that can be prepared safely. Noting your gluten allergy when you make an Advance Dining Reservation is a recommended first step to ensure the kitchen is prepared.

Using the My Disney Experience App

For quick-service locations, the My Disney Experience app is an invaluable tool. It allows you to use Mobile Order and filter menus for “Allergy-Friendly” options, including a dedicated section for "Gluten/Wheat". When you pick up your order, it will be marked with a special allergy stick or delivered on a purple tray to indicate its specific preparation.

Navigating Gluten-Free Dining in Disney Parks

Each of the four main theme parks offers numerous gluten-free options, ranging from iconic snacks to full-service meals. Menus are constantly updated, but here are some consistent favorites based on reliable reviews.

Magic Kingdom Gluten-Free Highlights

Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen: An Adventureland gem offering extensive gluten-free options, including the famous "Tastes Like Chicken" Because it is! crispy fried chicken.
Pinocchio Village Haus: A go-to for quick-service pizza with an allergy-friendly rice crust and gluten-free chicken strips.
Columbia Harbour House: Another great quick-service choice for gluten-free chicken strips and seafood options.
Liberty Tree Tavern: A family-style, all-you-care-to-enjoy meal with gluten-free versions of Thanksgiving-style dishes like stuffing and gravy.

EPCOT's Diverse Gluten-Free Feast

Garden Grill: Enjoy a family-style character meal with allergy-friendly rolls and other custom-prepared courses.
Sunshine Seasons: This quick-service spot in The Land pavilion is celebrated for its wide array of allergy-friendly choices.
Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie: Can sometimes offer gluten-free macarons or crème brûlée.
International Festivals: Many festival food booths feature clearly marked gluten-friendly items. Third-party vendors may not list items on the app, so it's always best to ask for the allergy information.

Animal Kingdom's Wildly Good Gluten-Free Eats

Satu'li Canteen: Famous for its customizable bowls, which can be made gluten-free with multiple protein and sauce choices.
Flame Tree Barbecue: Nearly all menu items can be made gluten-free, including smoky barbecue ribs and chicken.
Nomad Lounge: Savor rare and delicious gluten-free churros with dipping sauces.

Hollywood Studios: Gluten-Free on the Red Carpet

Woody's Lunch Box: A popular spot offering the BBQ Brisket Melt and potato barrels on a gluten-free bun.
50's Prime Time Cafe: Known for accommodating guests with gluten allergies with options like fried chicken and s'mores.
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo: Provides several allergy-friendly entrees, like the Batuuan Beef and Crispy Topato Stir-fry.

Resorts and Disney Springs: Beyond the Parks

Dining options outside the main theme parks are just as comprehensive, if not more so, in some cases.

Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC (Disney Springs): A dedicated gluten-free, vegan bakery offering delicious treats like cookies, cupcakes, and cinnamon rolls.
Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant (Disney Springs): Features a dedicated fryer for gluten-free fish and chips and onion rings.
Sanaa (Animal Kingdom Lodge): Enjoy African cuisine and a gluten-free version of their famous bread service.
Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge): At this buffet, a chef can walk you through the options or prepare a plate from the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination.

Gluten-Free at Disney World: Table vs. Quick Service Comparison


Feature	Table Service Restaurants	Quick Service Restaurants
Chef Interaction	A chef or manager is typically available to discuss your needs directly.	Ask for a manager to ensure your order is handled correctly.
Menu Visibility	Many menus are viewable online, listing allergy-friendly items.	The My Disney Experience app shows allergy-friendly menus for Mobile Order.
Preparation	Food is often prepared in a dedicated area, with many kitchens experienced in allergen management.	Specific orders are flagged and often prepared separately, sometimes with a dedicated fryer.
Best For	Complex needs, fine dining experiences, character meals, and personalized service.	Convenient, quick meals and snacks on-the-go.
Consideration	Requires Advance Dining Reservations, can take longer to serve.	Faster service, but menu items may be less customizable.

Gluten-Free Planning Tips for a Safe Trip

Do Your Homework: Review restaurant menus online and on the My Disney Experience app before your visit to plan ahead.
Make Reservations: For table-service meals, book your reservations and indicate your allergy in the notes.
Speak Up: Always inform the Cast Member taking your order about your allergy, even if you are using Mobile Order.
Confirm Your Order: Before eating, double-check that your meal is marked with an allergy pick or on a purple tray.
Be Patient: Special preparations can take longer, so allow extra time for your meal.
Pack Snacks: Bringing your own safe, portable snacks is a great way to stay fueled and save money.
Consider Third-Party Dining: Be extra cautious with EPCOT's World Showcase and Disney Springs restaurants that are not Disney-owned. Ask questions and verify procedures.

Conclusion

In summary, Disney World is one of the most accommodating and reliable destinations for gluten-free dining. With transparent processes, a dedicated team of special diets experts, and a huge variety of choices across its parks, resorts, and Disney Springs, guests with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease can enjoy a magical and worry-free culinary experience. By planning ahead, communicating your needs, and using the available tools, you can explore the entire resort with confidence and peace of mind.

For more information on Disney's official policies, visit the Walt Disney World Special Dietary Requests page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Disney World is widely regarded as one of the best places to travel with celiac disease. They have extensive protocols, trained chefs, and separate preparation areas to minimize the risk of cross-contamination, ensuring a safe experience for those with celiac.

Yes, the My Disney Experience app has a dedicated 'Allergy-Friendly' section within the Mobile Order feature. You can easily filter for 'Gluten/Wheat' options at participating quick-service locations in the parks and resorts.

Absolutely. Disney's allergy-friendly program accommodates most common allergens, including gluten/wheat, milk, egg, soy, peanut, tree nut, fish, and shellfish. They can often handle multiple allergies simultaneously.

Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC in Disney Springs is a dedicated gluten-free and vegan bakery. While no full restaurant is exclusively gluten-free, many locations offer extensive and safe options, with some even having dedicated fryers, such as Raglan Road.

Yes, with caution. At buffet locations like Boma, a chef can walk you through the buffet line to point out safe dishes and, if you have severe sensitivity, will prepare a fresh plate for you in the kitchen to avoid any cross-contamination.

Yes, at any character breakfast or buffet location that serves Mickey waffles, you can ask a chef or manager for a gluten-free version. They will prepare a separate order for you in the kitchen.

Some restaurants, particularly in EPCOT's World Showcase, are not Disney-owned and may have different allergy procedures. It is crucial to be extra vigilant, ask detailed questions, and confirm their cross-contamination protocols.

Many classic Disney snacks are naturally gluten-free. This includes Dole Whip (depending on the location and flavor), Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars, and popcorn sold in the parks. Always double-check with a Cast Member before purchasing.