Going To Disneyland In March--Where Do We Eat?

[Esther Sparhawk]

My daughter, age 8, has celiac disease. We're taking the whole family to Disneyland for spring break this year. I know I can call Disneyland 24 hours ahead of time and order a gluten-free meal for Annie, according to the Disneyland website, but which restaurants inside Disneyland's amusement park offer something she'll like?

Has anyone else visited the Disneyland in Anaheim, CA lately? Which restaurants were your favorites? Which meals appealed to you?

As we moms know, children can be finicky. Salad is NOT an option for a rambunctious 8-yr.-old. She's got to have protein to maintain the amount of energy needed to walk all around the park and enjoy the rides.

So when you were at Disneyland, where did you eat? What did you order? Before I make my phone call, I'd like to know the names of the restaurants within the amusement park and be able to request specific meals that will appeal to her.

Thanks for helping!

[kareng]

My daughter, age 8, has celiac disease. We're taking the whole family to Disneyland for spring break this year. I know I can call Disneyland 24 hours ahead of time and order a gluten-free meal for Annie, according to the Disneyland website, but which restaurants inside Disneyland's amusement park offer something she'll like?

Has anyone else visited the Disneyland in Anaheim, CA lately? Which restaurants were your favorites? Which meals appealed to you?

As we moms know, children can be finicky. Salad is NOT an option for a rambunctious 8-yr.-old. She's got to have protein to maintain the amount of energy needed to walk all around the park and enjoy the rides.

So when you were at Disneyland, where did you eat? What did you order? Before I make my phone call, I'd like to know the names of the restaurants within the amusement park and be able to request specific meals that will appeal to her.

Thanks for helping!

We were there this summer. You go to the " courthouse" when you first go in. They have a list of what gluten-free stuff is served where. I had a burger with a bun & fries. There is pizza. Not just 1 place but places to eat all over the park. One person in each kitchen is responsible for the " allergy" foods. It may take a few minutes longer.

Go to the Disney website. I emailed the food department & that is what they told me. We didn't stay at their hotels but I have heard they do a nice job of gluten-free food, too. There is a PF Changs near Disney that we went to twice for dinner. Get a reservation as it's very busy.

[Wolicki]

Disneyland is the best! There are tons of places to eat safely. Hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza pasta, and my personal favorite: asparagus and bacon on a stick at Bengal BBQ. Check in at City Hall, get the list and have fun. No advance calls required!

[rbeccatexas]

You can also call ahead of time and speak with the chef if there is a sitdown restaurant that you want to go to and they will tell you what your options are. Disney is one of the most accomodating places for people with special diets.

[koolkat222]

I didn't realize Disneyland had so many gluten free options available. I was at Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney with my family, but I didn't order anything. The manager came over to ask if anything was wrong. I briefly explained that I had celiac. Imagine my surprise when she told my they could make me a gluten free meal. I told her that cross-contamination was a factor as well. She knew about that too. So I ordered and enjoyed my first restaurant meal in three years!

[Esther Sparhawk]

Wow. That's all great news! Now I'm as excited as the kids about going to Disneyland...

[CeliacMom2008]

Disney is the absolute BEST place to eat gluten free! At Disney World (never been to Disney Land) you can get desserts with meals! Imagine! The fall back dessert is a French Meadow brownie, but there are places that actually have fancy gluten free desserts as part of their regular menu!

[lovegrov]

It's not even as restrictive as "ordering" gluten-free ahead, although there are may places where you DO want to get a reservation. At that time, mention the gluten thing.

We were there several years ago so I don't remember all the places we ate, but they included Liberty Tree Tavern, Hollywood and Vine, Whispering Canyon Cafe and other places that no longer exist.

richard