If you’re gluten-free, eating at Disneyland doesn’t have to mean surviving on salads and fruit. In fact, some of my favorite quick-service meals at the Disneyland Resort are gluten-free, and Disney makes it surprisingly easy to find them.
When using the Disneyland app, many quick-service restaurants have an allergy-friendly section within their mobile ordering menus. You can select options for common allergens, including gluten/wheat, and your order will be flagged for the kitchen. Disney says allergy orders may receive a visual marker, such as a special pick, and Cast Members can help you confirm your meal when you pick it up.
A quick disclaimer: Menus, ingredients and preparation methods can change, and Disney cannot guarantee that an allergy-friendly item is completely free from cross-contact. Always let a Cast Member know about your allergy and confirm your order when you pick it up.
Jolly Holiday Bakery Café
If you want a gluten-free meal that feels especially Disney, head to Jolly Holiday Bakery Café on Main Street, U.S.A. The Gluten/Wheat Allergy-Friendly Toasted Cheese Sandwich is served on an allergy-friendly bun, and you can also order it with tomato basil soup. The grilled cheese is so good. It’s one of those meals that doesn’t feel like an afterthought just because it’s gluten-free.
The location itself is another reason I love this pick. Grab your food and find a table outside, where you can enjoy one of the prettiest views of Sleeping Beauty Castle while you eat. It’s a great spot to slow down for a few minutes in the middle of a busy park day.
Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree
Over in Critter Country, Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree is another great option for gluten-free guests. The menu currently includes a Gluten/Wheat Allergy-Friendly Classic Cheeseburger, made with American cheese, lettuce and Thousand Island dressing on an allergy-friendly bun and served with house slaw. This is one of my favorite places to grab a meal when I want something hearty without having to think too hard about finding a gluten-free option.
But the food isn’t the only reason to visit. Hungry Bear has a relaxed, tucked-away atmosphere, and the outdoor seating along the Rivers of America is particularly nice. Find a table and you may get to watch the Mark Twain Riverboat cruise by while you eat. It’s one of those little Disneyland moments that makes a quick-service meal feel much more special.
Lucky Fortune Cookery
For something completely different, head over to San Fransokyo Square in Disney California Adventure and check out Lucky Fortune Cookery.
The current Gluten/Wheat Allergy-Friendly Teriyaki Chicken comes with sautéed vegetables and steamed rice. It’s simple, flavorful and a great choice when you’re craving something other than a burger or sandwich. San Fransokyo Square is also a fun place to eat because there are several quick-service restaurants clustered together, making it easy for everyone in your group to find something they like.
For gluten-free guests, these three restaurants are a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to explore. Disney updates its allergy-friendly menus regularly, so it’s always worth checking the Disneyland app before your trip and talking to a Cast Member when you arrive.
Written by
Izi K
From hunting for Hidden Mickeys to trading pins with anyone who had a lanyard, Izi grew up finding joy in the little details of Walt Disney World. That love for the parks eventually led to roles as a Cast Member on both coasts – at Disneyland and across several teams in Florida. These days, you’ll often find Izi wandering Disney resorts, diving into bits of park history, or finding the perfect spot to relax and soak in the atmosphere in the parks.
