There’s good news, and then there’s really good news for the Gluten Free Chicken at 50’s Prime Time Cafe!
In July, Disney released some menu updates that showed the removal of the Gluten Free Fried Chicken option (originally keeping the regular wheat fried chicken and updating the menu with the allergy changes for that option). Several people were told that the Fried Chicken had been discontinued, including those who had reached out to Special Diets through email and been told ‘no’.
There are some changes with the Allergy Fried Chicken, and there is a new off-menu dessert, let’s look at the details below!
This review was on August 9th, 2022. See the previous review for 50’s Prime Time here, including the removed Smores Dessert.
Does Disney World have Gluten Free Fried Chicken?
Yes! There are two places you can find Gluten Free Fried Chicken that is made in a dedicated fryer. The first is here on the secret menu at Hollywood and Vine in Hollywood Studios. The other is on the allergy menu at Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom. See below on how to order and get reservations.
***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.***
Quick Reference Details for 50’s Prime Time Fried Chicken
Location: Hollywood Studios, 50’s Prime Time Table Service Location. Reservations Recommended.
Price: Adult Portion featuring half a chicken and two sides is $25 dollars. If you’ve been eating a lot, or prefer smaller meals, you could easily split this plate.
Characters: No characters here, that’s Next Door at Hollywood and Vine.
The Gluten Free Fried Chicken
When I got to my reservation, the Hostess was unsure if there was Gluten Free Fried Chicken. She offered for me to talk to the Chef, but as my table was ready I went ahead and sat down!
My server was knowledgeable, and told me that the Fried Chicken had not disappeared officially, but that it was off the menu. He told me it likely wouldn’t be available because I didn’t give advanced notice. His advice was to come an hour before my reservation and give the Chef a heads up.
I asked if I could talk to the Chef just to see if it was an option, and the Server happily grabbed Chef Tom (who’ve I’ve had several times in the last year at 50’s Prime Time).
Chef Tom told me it would take 20-30 minutes but he had it available! He did recommend preordering, especially if more than one person is grabbing the Gluten Free Fried Chicken.
Here’s the Ingredient Allergen Details for the Gluten Free Fried Chicken:
The Gluten Free Fried Chicken is made with Rice Flour in a Dedicated Gluten Free Fryer. It does not contain dairy, soy in the batter*, gluten/wheat, fish/shellfish, nuts or egg (the one at Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom contains Egg with Coconut in the fryer). This is fried in the same fryer as the French Fries, and those come from the factory coated in Soy Oil.
Mashed Potatoes (with dairy) and corn are the standard sides. For those wanting a dairy free option, there is roasted potatoes.
There is also a Regular Fried Chicken ‘Aunt Liz’s Golden Fried Chicken’, and that is made without egg, dairy, soy, fish/shellfish, peanuts and treenuts.
Lastly, the restaurant did eliminate the Top 8 friendly Smore’s Dessert. This dessert was such a good option (maybe one of the best on property!) The substitute currently (not on the menu!) is a house-made brownie.
It is VERY DENSE. Thankfully not too sweet, but certainly a very heavy brownie.
This brownie does not contain gluten, dairy, soy, egg or nuts. It is plant based, making it a great option for those who are Gluten Free and Plant based. It was an ok substitute, but not something I’d rush to get again (but for those who don’t get options in restaurants normally, do grab it! It was pleasant tasting and safe!) My kid’s who can’t have soy would have loved it.
They also had a new Gelatin and Pineapple ‘Stained Glass Dessert’. I wasn’t able to grab this as I’m allergic to pineapple, but the Chef said it’s a really fun option great for all ages! The Gelatin Dessert is listed only on the kids menu (which anyone can order from!)
It’s super important to note that not all options above will always be gluten free. We learned this the hard way when we had a several different items actually *not* gluten free.
If you need more recommendations, menu options, secret menu items… go to the Unofficial Gluten Free Disney World Guide for 2023
Would you enjoy this option? And Do I Recommend it?
I would absolutely recommend this option and highly enjoyed it! Back in High School I worked at a local Fried Chicken Restaurant, and I’m so happy to say that the Gluten Free version here at 50’s tastes incredibly authentic. You cannot tell it is Gluten Free.
The portion is a great size, and it’s easy to order.
Note about the restaurant: If the waiter’s bother you with the ‘sass’ let the hostess know ahead of time. This restaurant is supposed to be kinda snarky, but not all people enjoy that. I let my server know I wanted someone more relaxed and I had a fantastically fun time with my server.
Wrap Up
Thank you Disney Chefs and the Managers at 50’s Prime Time for keeping the Gluten Free Fried Chicken on the Menu!