The Art, the Music, and the food… the most colorful of the Festivals is back at EPCOT, and we’ve got a yummy lineup of food choices to enjoy at the Festival Booths!
This year the Festival runs from Jan. 13 through Feb. 20, 2023. We do have new allergy procedures that I’ll link here if you are curious how they manage food restrictions. The Festival does not require an additional ticket, as your EPCOT ticket provides all of the Entertainment. The Booths are an additional food fee, with most items costing from 5-10 dollars for a small sample serving size.
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***As Always, please speak to a qualified restaurant employee when ordering food. In order to see the most accurate ingredients and risk assessment, you will need to confirm allergy safety in real-time. This is my personal experience, I am not employed or endorsed by companies or brands mentioned.***
Examples of what to Expect at Gluten Free Festival of the Arts 2023
Not too long ago, Festivals were totally off limits for us, but the team at EPCOT has done an incredible job at making this safe for us!
While there are a few items that are exposed to Cross Contact, these are recognized terms that Disney understands and can disclose when you ask.
All of the items below are “Celiac” Safe if you are comfortable with a shared kitchen with allergen procedures. Several of these items were given to my kids who have a gluten allergy (FPIES) with no reaction. Always go based on your comfort level (I definitely prefer lower lines and being able to watch my food being made).
For Example, my Beet Tartare was made in Booth. The Chef checked ingredients, changed gloves, got a new scoop and added an Allergy Stick (plus Allergy was marked on my receipt). There is no gluten in this dish, but they still were careful about limiting cross contact.
When you get to the Booth, let them know you have a gluten ‘allergy’, and they can call the Chef to Confirm over the phone, or you can ask for a Food and Beverage Leader to meet with you (could be up to a 30 minute wait).
Gluten Free Details for options at EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts
Not interested in the booths (or need a full meal?). The EPCOT gluten free guide is just what you need!
We had a great time there to confirm options and share more images once the Festival Opens. All Reviews are paid for (nothing is sponsored or endorsed) and reviewed by myself and my team. See the Food Allergy guide for EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts 2023, and the full guide by Disney World here.
New Moderne (Near Test Track)
Compressed Watermelon Tataki has Soy Sauce, but No Gluten. Chefs are saying this is Gluten Friendly.
Angry Crab was reported to be made with Corn Flour and No gluten/wheat. Checked with three people, two said it was safe and one said they changed from Corn to Wheat for consistency issues. I went with the last one as it looked like flour (not fried corn). You’ll want to check while your there.
Pan-Seared Scallops are Gluten Friendly.
The Craftsman’s Courtyard (near Creations Shop)
Cast Iron Roasted P.E.I. Mussels (modified)
Price: 7.50
Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco)
Carrots Three Ways: Chermoula-spiced grilled carrots, pickled carrots, and carrot ginger purée (Plant-based item) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Price: 4.75
Rating: 3/5
While I like the Carrots, they are overly spicy.
Chicken or Lamb Kabobs are gluten friendly
Price: 5.75
Rating: 4/5 These are a classic that have been offered at every festival the last year. Very much like a large sausage meatball, there is a moderate flavor profile and not overly gamey taste.
The Deconstructed Dish (Near Port of Entry)
Deconstructed Blt (modified)
Price: 7.00
Rating: 3/5 The Pork Belly was nice but the sides were questionable.
Deconstructed Key Lime
Price: 6.25
Rating: 5/5
This is modified Gluten Free by removing the Graham Cracker Cake. It is delightfully balanced between the sweet and sour of key lime pie!
Refreshment Outpost
Plant-based Bratwurst with spicy turmeric aĂŻoli, coffee barbecue jackfruit, and slaw (Plant-based item). Likely no Gluten as you should be able to Modify and remove the Bun, as this is the Certified Gluten Free Beyond Sausage Dog.
Vibrante & VĂvido: Encanto Cocina (Between Morocco & France)
Spicy Ajiaco Soup with guajillo and árbol chili-spiced chicken, potato, avocado, corn, and crème fraîche (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Price: 6.50
Rating: 4/5 A great taste, with a very heavy kick of spice. This is a solid portion and perfect for a colder day.
I did Nima Gluten Sensor the Soup and the Paper Bowl just to make sure there was no Gluten (since Nima is a useful tool after I talked with the Chef and Staff to make sure it was ok). Nima did read it as safe.
Passion Fruit Mousse with dragon fruit jam (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Price: 5.00
Rating: A fan favorite returning this year, this mousse is pleasant with a fruity taste. The mousse is well made and refreshing.
Coconut and Passion Fruit Smoothie (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Price: 4.75
Rating: Delicious and Coconuty, this is a very sweet drink.
Refreshment Port (Near Canada)
Modified to Remove the Waffle Cone: Soft-serve Waffle Cone: DOLE Whip Strawberry, DOLE Whip Lemon, or Swirl
Gourmet Landscapes (Canada)
Blood Orange-braised Beet Tartare with mustard vinaigrette, pickled clamshell mushrooms, and golden beets (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine Item) (Plant-based Item) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Price: 5.50
Rating: 5/5
This has a very balanced flavor and was a good portion size. I removed the plant based Bleu Cheese that was on top for another allergen.
Roasted Bone Marrow
Price:10.50
Rating: 2/5 This has a very vinaigrette taste, that would likely balance with the bread but the bread is removed to make it gluten friendly. Wouldn’t recommend.
Wild Mushroom Risotto
Price:9.75
Rating: 5/5 This is very creamy and great for less adventurous eaters. Flavor is mild but meaty.
Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food, and Little Sparks of Magic
Fruit Pizza: Watermelon, compressed cantaloupe, berries, and berry balsamic (New) (Plant-based Item) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Price:3.75
Rating: 3/5 Watermelon isn’t in season now, and this wasn’t very sweet. Overall it was enjoyable but would have been perfect for a spring festival.
Grape Smoothie with freeze-dried SKITTLES bite sized candies (Non-alcoholic) (New)
Price: 5.50
Rating: 3/5 The Skittles were perfection, but the grape smoothie is gelato based and very sweet.
El Artista Hambriento (Mexico)
Carne Asada can be modified Gluten Friendly if you remove the Crispy Onions.
Price: $10
Huarache de Champinones is gluten friendly and vegetarian.
Price: $7.50
Flan de Coco: Coconut flan, guava sauce, and whipped cream (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Price: $6.50
Goshiki (Japan)
Sushi Donut (Donut shaped Sushi with Salmon, Tuna, Shrimp, Cucumber, Sesame Seed over Wasabi, Sriracha, Eel Sauce) Will need to Modify to remove the Eel Sauce.
Price: 8.25
Rating: 5/5
Ichigo Daifuku
Price: 6.75
Rating: 5/5
This is a Mochi with Bean Paste and Mascarpone. It is not too sweet, but still dessert like with a chewy and creamy consistency.
The Painted Panda (China)
Likely Gluten Friendly: “Panda” Bubble Milk Tea with black tea, milk, chocolate, and tapioca boba pearls (Non-alcoholic)
That’s all for Gluten Free Festival of the Arts at EPCOT
Next up, we’ve got the Epcot’s Flower and Garden in March! That one is a much longer and much more popular festival which draws a large crowd. I’m looking forward to it!
Everyone should eat well on vacation! Learn more common questions and concerns in the Food Allergy FAQ or the Gluten Free Disney FAQ.
Plus the latest Disney News when it comes to Food Restrictions, eats, and offerings. Connect with the MouseEarMemory Allergy Community at the socials listed below or @Mouse.Ear.Memories