Quite obviously I would not be able to "eat my way" through all of Disney in only a seven day trip and on a limited budget, but I decided that I would do a section of reviews regarding gluten free dining in Disney World (Orlando, Florida) based upon my personal experience. Also obvous- this trip did not include mouch food on the "natural" spectrum. Overall, our trip is going very well. We have managed to keep both my 3 year old and my 4 month old fairly content and we have only one day left of park hopping. The gluten free free options, or for the most part, awareness, is astounding to me- with ony a few faults along the way.
I should start first with the quick-service dining at the resort we are staying at- Disney's All Star Movies. It was not really well advertised that there were so many gluten free options in the cafeteria style dinging areas at Disney, but on day two I decided to inquire about whether a product had contained gluten and I was directed to the head chef. I would later find out that it is Disney policy to bring out a chef to talk to you every time you ask about a food containing an allergen. Throughout this past week I have enjoyed omelets, hashbrowns, pizzas, brownies, hamburgers (on GF buns) and a delicious turkey dinner with a roll, all for free due to a quick-service meal plan giveaway, and ALL gluten free! I will have to admit that many of the brand choices are not always the most desireable- sorry Glutino, but your pizza products crumble in my mouth. Nothing compares to Connecticut's own "JD's Best" pizza. However, considering the options I was pleased to get some starchy foods in my diet for the week.
A disclaimer to all of those out there looking to travel to Disney and eat GF in the caeteria areas- plan ahead. Your meal will take at least twice as long to prepare, so order BEFORE going to get food for the rest of your family. Don't forget dessert- they have GF brownies and cookies as well that a chef can get from the back for you! That being said, the fact that they have the forethought to think of all of us out there, who would otherwise be hesitant to eat at Disney, is wonderful!
Next time, I will review GF Epcot- with a focus on what has turned out to be the most pleasant suprise, the Coral Reef restaurant!
Naturally,
Raych
