Disneyland!

[pmrowley]

Just thought I'd share a happy note:

If you're ever planning a trip to Disneyland, I'm happy to report that they are VERY aware of celiac disease and its ramifications.

In-park eating can be problematic, since it's all pre-made food, but the restaurants in the hotels are extremely accomodating, even to the point of making gluten-free waffles and pancakes (on special, non-contaminated grills) for Character Breakfasts in the Disneyland Hotel. All you have to do is call ahead!

We live near the park, and a pair of our favorite restaurants are in the hotels; The Napa Rose in the Grand Californian, and Hook's Pointe in the D-land Hotel. We recently went to the Napa Rose, and I prepared my long-winded speech for the waiter. (We knew about the Gluten-awareness, as my wife is a tour guide, but you still have to go through the spiel with the waiter if you haven't called ahead, and this was short notice.) He surprised us by mentioning that he "understood completely, and that he also was one of the head chefs at the restaurant, and that he would work directly with the head chef of the night with my meal." We both ordered the "Wine dinner;" 4 courses complete with wine flights to go along with the dish. Each course had questionable ingredients, and every time a course came out, the waiter explained the course, and the substitutions that had gone into my dish. Best dinner out I have ever had!

As a humorous aside, my wife came home from work the other day, after helping someone in the phone room with a guest who had called about her daughter having Celiac, and wanted a special-assistance pass for the lines in the park . Needless to say, the guest was a bit deflated, as she was counting on ignorance of the condition to get some special treatment. I mean, come on. Even *I* wait in the lines, and I used to work there, and my wife does now!

-P

[jenvan]

Ha ha ! That is funny! And encouraging to hear about D-land. My husband has been pulling for a trip out there sometime...

[tarnalberry]

Oh definitely do come out to Disneyland this year for it's 50th!

[pmrowley]

Oh yeah, forgot about that. Visiting this year is worth it, just for the fireworks display!

-P

[jknnej]

Glad to hear this about Disneyland. We're going next weekend.

I'm from Orange County so I've been to Disneyland a million times but it was all before I was having gluten issues. I'm taking my hubby there cus' we're vsiting family in OC and he hasn't been there yet. Glad to know I can eat gluten-free in the Disneyland hotel...we'll just ride the monorail on over there!

[Pegster]

The Storybook cafe in California Adventure has gluten-free pizza crusts. My daughter has been checking into gluten-free foods for me at DLand (she's one of those characters at the character breakfasts!) They seem very aware of celiacs. Isn't that nice?

[Pegster]

Another note about Disneyland...my daughter brought home the cast member's 50th anniversary keepsake book from DLand today (the real 50th!). The book was filled with notes people wrote to commend castmembers for good work. There was a letter reprinted from a happy parent thanking the Food Operations Chef, Chris Justesen, for his help in making a special trip for her daughter's birthday at the park. She was a Celiac, and got special hot dogs. It was nice to see the letter in print for everyone to read.

[once and again]

There is a restaurant in Downtown Disney - I think it is the Jazz Kitchen. It is Cajun & Creole food - they have a menu with the items that can be prepared gluten free. I had one of the best meals ever there and did not get sick. They were very good about everything. Have fun

[minibabe]

I leave for Disney this Saturday and I was a little scared but I calle my resort and they are going to accomidate my diet. They said that they would cook me my own food if I brought it.

But i am glad to hear that some restaurants participate in the gluten-free menu.

Thanks

[PicturePerfect]

Most of the restaurants in Downtown Disney have Gluten-Free menus. Just call ahead and you can order and they will make you a meal that is nice and safe.