Eating Gluten Free at Disney World with quick service can be very easy- but it can also be very hard.
Why?
Because depending on what you want to eat, you might have limited options at certain restaurants. Disney will absolutely make accommodations for you, but they might not be what you had in mind!
Don’t get overwhelmed. You can easily plan your day around safe places to eat.
If I’m planning on doing quick serve all day, especially for breakfast because quick serve gluten free breakfast leaves a lot to be desired, I stock up at the resort and pack some snacks (I like to order them from amazon and have them delivered!).
Then I hit up the best quick serve restaurants at the parks before heading back to the resort.
This strategy saves you a lot of time because A. you’ll know right where to go and B. you will only take 30 minutes to eat unlike character dining which takes 1-2 hours. I do recommend some character dining (yes, even gluten free).
So let’s talk about the best gluten free quick service restaurants for a yummy and safe gluten free meal, and we’ll cover why they are so awesome!
In a rush? Head over to this post of the Best Food Allergy Restaurant Recommendations at Disney World (by location!)
PSSTTTTT! 👀 Save time and money at Disney World with Food Restrictions! Find great snacks and insider tips with the Food Allergies at Disney World Made Easy Touring Plan AND Snacks & Sweets Guide- (Covers all top 9 Allergens + Gluten Free, with notes about Dyes, Corn, and other common allergens) See for yourself, it’s guaranteed to save you time or your money back! |
Precautions and Eating with Allergies at Disney World
For one, when you reserve dining, make sure to list your allergies (they don’t have options for all, so pick what you can!) Then CLARIFY at check in that you have allergies, get an allergen menu and ask to speak to a chef or manager.
Please consider talking to a manager or chef- especially if you have more than one allergy and ESPECIALLY if you have a cashier that might seem like they don’t know what they are doing.
As far as the kitchens, Disney has dedicated allergy kitchens and we know that they follow FARE guidelines. If they have a risk of CC they tell you.
For me, the times I’ve had exposure was when the cashier/server didn’t understand/didn’t properly list the allergies/gave me incorrect information. In their defense, they aren’t necessarily trained in allergies- so talk to a chef or manager if you are concerned.
You know those gut feelings that something isn’t right. Speak up! They have never (ok once at a quick serve place did a cashier give me grief) given me any problems.
***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.***
Need some hand holding? Or a type A planning? Or maybe you’ve got some anxiety about what to expect?
We’ve got you covered in our new and updated Disney World Food Allergies Beginner’s Guide
Break up with the kitchen and take a vacation! Get the information you need to have a stress less and safe food allergy Vacation
The best Epcot Gluten Free quick service
Sunshine Seasons
Location: In the Land Section (before the world showcase on the Right hand side when you enter the park)
Mobile Ordering: Yes
Why it’s great for Gluten Free: They basically have an entire section in their cafeteria style setup that is gluten free. It is similar to some resorts in that it has many different selections. They also have quite a bit of prepackaged gluten free food in refrigerators.
See the full review and menu for Sunshine Seasons!
Electric Umbrella
Location: On the left after you walk under the geodome.
Mobile Ordering: Yes
Why it’s great for Gluten Free: Tons of regular gluten free items, lots of items for everyone.
This location is likely closing for good because of the Epcot revamp in late 2019 and all of 2020!
The best Animal Kingdom Gluten Free quick service
Location: Satuu Canteen
Mobile Ordering: Yes
Why it’s great for Gluten Free: you can mix and match items and use rice as a base with meat.
But seriously, this is a full proof place to get Gluten free foods that EVERYONE can enjoy! No one is going to feel like they are different here, since everyone is getting a rice bowl.
Pizzafari
Location: Still on Discovery Island, to the left, before Starbucks
Mobile Ordering: Yes
Why it’s great for Gluten Free: Pizza is always a good time! And the salad was pretty yummy too.
But if I’m being honest (because I can’t help it) this pizza, really all of Disney’s pizza, tends to be a little doughy. We like Pizzafari for it’s easy access, but I really wish they would find a better crust.
The best Magic Kingdom Gluten Free quick service
Cosmic Rays
Location: In between tomorrowland and Fantasy Land
Mobile Ordering: Yes
Why it’s great for Gluten Free: They have different ‘bays’ where you can get your favorites. Chicken Sandwiches, allergy tenders, roasted chicken and veggies.
It’s totally a retro vibe, but the portions for the price are amazing! We love to find a quiet corner here and chill out with some good food.
Be our Guest
Location: Fantasyland
Mobile Ordering: YAS
Why it’s great for Gluten Free: UM BREAKFAST- hello people with allergies, breakfast is kinda hard in the parks. Thankfully, we’ve got BOG.
They have some options here that you can’t find anywhere else in the parks. I especially like them for breakfast! They serve erin mckenna bread. Lunch was ok- I liked the variety but the flax seed bread is pretty dry.
See the full Be our Guest Review!
The best Hollywood Studios Gluten Free quick service
Backlot Express
Location: Over by Indiana Jones by the older Star Wars Area
Mobile Ordering: Yes
Why it’s great for Gluten Free: They’ve got standard fare, like the allergy tenders, safe french fries and burgers!
Woody’s Lunchbox
Location: Toy Story Land
Mobile Ordering: Yes
Why it’s great for Gluten Free: They can make any sandwich gluten free with Udi’s bread. This is perfect for when you have other guest with you that dont have restrictions. You get a sandwich and you get a sandwich. Sandwich’s for everybody!!!
See the full review for Woody’s Lunch Box (and their BREAKFAST!) here.
Conclusion
Did you find out about a new quick service restaurant? Or did I list all of your favorites?
If you have any other suggestions for amazing quick service that offers a good amount of gluten free accommodations- let me know! Many restaurants have options, but we are looking for the BEST to help out those going to Disney World!