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Celiac.com 09/19/2023 - Disney has long been celebrated for their wide range of park dining options catering to gluten-free guests. However, recent reports suggest a decline in gluten-free offerings, leaving some Disney fans concerned, especially those with conditions like celiac disease, who need to eat a gluten-free diet. For individuals with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, finding safe dining options can be challenging, but Disney has had a history of commitment to accommodating these dietary needs. They have not only offered gluten-free menu items but have also provided gluten-free versions of popular dishes like Mickey-shaped waffles. This dedication has made Disney a go-to destination for families with members who require gluten-free diets. However, recent feedback in Disney Dining, from guests visiting Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, has raised concerns about the diminishing availability of gluten-free options. One recent guest with celiac disease expressed disappointment in the reduced gluten-free choices and increased difficulty in ordering through the Disney app. They reported that some locations had no gluten-free options at all, leaving them with limited choices for meals. The guest's feedback has sparked a discussion among Disney enthusiasts, with some expressing similar concerns about the decline in gluten-free offerings. While opinions vary, this criticism potentially tarnishes Disney's reputation for accommodating dietary restrictions. Disney's response to this feedback will be closely watched by fans and the public. Maintaining a reputation for catering to diverse dietary needs, including gluten-free diets, has been a point of pride for the company. Addressing these concerns promptly and effectively is essential for ensuring that Disney remains an inclusive and welcoming destination for all visitors, regardless of their dietary requirements. What do you think? Have you been to a Disney park lately? How was your experience with gluten-free food access and options? Share your story below. Read more in Disney Dining.

Celiac.com 07/04/2023 - Dole Whip, for those who don't know, is pineapple flavored soft serve that is famously associated with Disney. This recipe for homemade Disney Dole Whip will transport you to the enchanting world of Disney with every delightful spoonful. Savor the creamy texture, the tangy-sweet pineapple flavor, and the cooling sensation as the frozen concoction melts in your mouth. With just a few simple ingredients and a blender, you'll be able to recreate this beloved gluten-free Disney classic in no time. Perfect for a summer afternoon, a family gathering, or even a Disney-themed party, the Disney Dole Whip is a crowd-pleaser that will transport you to sunny worlds of Adventureland and Fantasyland. Whether you're a long-time Disney fan, or simply a lover of tropical treats, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to your face and a touch of Disney magic to your day. Gluten-Free Disney Dole Whip Recipe Ingredients: 2 cups frozen pineapple chunks 1 cup vanilla ice cream 1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice Directions: Place all ingredients in a blender; cover and process until thick, stopping and scraping sides as needed. Pipe into 2 bowls or glasses, topping each with a swirl.

Celiac.com 02/05/2022 - Since my diagnosis of celiac disease a year ago, I have found it very difficult to dine out or travel without significant anxiety. All things considered, going anywhere had become an ordeal involving planning all meals in advance. Whether calling restaurants ahead of time to talk with a manager about a diet restriction that he hasn’t even heard of, or bringing any and all food that I plan to eat in a day—it is time consuming and demanding. As you can imagine, when it came time to plan a vacation there was some debate over a safe location. Where would I possibly eat for five days? Without question, I am glad that I chose Walt Disney World. The first step was booking the hotel and flight reservations, and purchasing Disney theme park tickets. Then, I sat down and planned out the order we would visit parks to narrow the list of restaurants for each day. By signing up for the Disney dining plan ($35 per day for a counter service lunch with a dessert and a 3 course sit down dinner), I had a pre-selected restaurant list and was on my way to doing some research. The Unofficial Disney Guide had ratings for each restaurant on the list and some examples of meals on the menu which proved to be very helpful. Next, I planned out what restaurant I was going to eat at each day for lunch and dinner. I called 407-WDW DINE about a month before I was scheduled to leave. Through Disney’s central dining hub, I was able to make reservations with my gluten intolerance noted in their database for each restaurant that I chose. The person whom I spoke with gave me the phone numbers for the head chefs of each restaurant. It was also suggested that I call each restaurant about a week ahead of time to ensure that they could accommodate my dietary restrictions. I assumed that the sit-down restaurants would be able to assist me, but I was a little more concerned with the counter service restaurants. I anticipated lunch being a busy time and wondered if it would be possible for everything to be prepared without any contamination. In addition to calling the establishments ahead of time, I made sure to bring some cereal, bread, my own toaster (I was told that the hotel would be unable to provide an unopened one), and lots of gluten-free rice bars. Once I arrived at Disney World and set out to eat my first meal, I was pleasantly surprised. Not only were the chefs able to assure me that there would be no risk of contamination, but the counter service managers were also able to promise the same. They only asked that I tried to arrive either before noon or after 2 PM to avoid their busiest times. For counter service restaurants, I would recommend the Tusker House in the Animal Kingdom, although every establishment that I went to for lunch was exceptional. The managers made my food themselves to ensure there would be no contamination and even baked the French fries in the oven rather than deep frying them. At each restaurant that I went to for dinner, the head chef came out to speak with me prior to my ordering. I could ask them directly any questions about the food and they were able to alleviate any of my concerns. In the Magic Kingdom I was able to have a character breakfast at the Crystal Palace with gluten-free pancakes, and dinner at Tony’s Town Square with gluten-free rolls. Spoodles in Disney’s Boardwalk was also delicious with a Mediterranean twist to a great chicken dish. The only location that I was disappointed with was Les Chefs du France in Epcot. Despite calling ahead of time, the chef did not return my call. Once I was there and spoke with the waiter about my dietary restrictions, he informed me that there were no gluten-free starches for me to pick from. Needless to say, I left Epcot fairly hungry. I set out planning for this vacation with a lot of reservations and apprehension. This was the first time I was going to put myself into a situation where I had to dine out for every meal since my diagnosis with celiac disease. I am proud to say that I not only left Disney World with mouse ears on my head, but a huge smile of my face. Actually, this was one of the best vacations that I have ever taken. The employees at Disney World are truly there to make your stay unforgettable. To them, it may have been any other week of their lives. To me, it was a milestone. This trip proved that I can continue to live a normal and happy life without always worrying about food. Disney World truly is the happiest place on Earth!

Celiac.com 05/29/2013 - Television's the Disney Channel has always been known to be kid friendly and parents approved, but a recent airing has parents viewing this network in a new light. "Jessie," a fairly new sitcom, premiered on September 30, 2011. It follows the life of an eighteen year old who nannies for a high profile family of four children. Seemingly harmless, right? In a recent episode titled “Quitting Cold Koala,” Stuart, a gluten-free child, is victimized. Several jokes were made in reference to the character's diet such as, "You call me sweetie again, and you'll be eating some gluten-free knuckles." In another part of the episode another child throws pancakes at Stuart as he screams "gluten!" and wipes his face. Those who are diagnosed with celiac disease must live a completely gluten-free life. Gluten is a very common protein which is found in foods made with wheat, rye, and barely. When ingested their immune system literally starts destroying them from the inside out. Amy Raslevich, was outraged by the episode in question when she watched it with her two gluten-free children. She was quoted in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette saying, "There were tears in my daughter's eyes, and my son's fist was clenched.” She started her own petition on Change.org asking the Disney Channel to no longer air this episode. Disney has made the decision to pull this episode for now, and is currently re-evaluating whether it will be shown again. Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57585388/disney-pulls-jessie-episode-that-makes-fun-of-gluten-free-child/