If you’re visiting Southern California this summer, chances are you’ll be spending a day or more at Disneyland. And if you’re gluten-free, you’ll find Disneyland has lots of options for gluten-free eats.
As season pass-holders, we pretty much follow the same route once we enter the park: Space Mountain, the Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion. By the time we’re through, it’s lunch time. My favorite spot for lunch – thanks to those heavenly sweet potato fries – is the Hungry Bear Restaurant, located at the base of Splash Mountain. The staff is highly aware of gluten intolerance. Case in point: when I ordered my burger protein style, the attendant asked if I was gluten-free and when I said yes, she offered up a gluten-free bun. While gluten-free dishes take a bit longer to make, it’s definitely worth it to ensure your food is safe.
After lunch we stopped by the petting zoo on our way to Small World, before taking the train to the front of the park. Then we headed over to California Adventure (we love this park!). We were lucky enough to ride the new Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land. (Want to know the secret to getting through the line at Radiator Springs Racers? If you miss the Fast Pass, divide up your group and look for the single rider line. It cut our wait time from 90 minutes to just under 30 minutes.)
By the time 5:00 rolled around, we were having way too much fun to hop on the 5 south and head back to San Diego. Instead, we splurged for dinner at Wine Country Trattoria – after walking around the two parks all day, nothing tasted finer than a glass of wine and a slice of gluten-free bread.
While I had fish for dinner, when I mentioned I was gluten-free, they brought over gluten-free bread without a moment’s hesitation. I hadn’t had bread in so long I nearly gasped – it was delicious!
These are just a few of the dining options at Disneyland Resort and California Adventure that offer gluten-free options. Be sure to ask your server or the counter person when you order, but be assured that you’ll find great gluten-free options throughout Disneyland. Have fun!
You make me want to go back to Disney so bad!
Disneyland is the easiest theme park I know to eat gluten free. I was just there with the Mister at the Trattoria, and the busser was dropping off bread while I was talking to the chef. Without missing a beat, he set the bread in front of my husband, said “this one isn’t gluten free. I’ll be right back with some for you,” and was back with gluten free bread in moments. You can also get gluten free pancakes and waffles at Carnation Cafe and The Grand Californian’s Storyteller Cafe. I think they use Bob’s Red Mill.