Friday, June 17, 2011

Disneyland Gluten Free Menu

If you're on a gluten free diet, Disneyland really is the happiest place on earth.  Not only do they offer many selections that are gluten free - including GF hamburger buns, pizza crusts, and pasta - the gluten free items don't cost any more than other food options.  So it's definitely worth the splurge to eat a couple meals at Disneyland, because nowhere else can we get a small GF pizza for $6.50!

We've been to Disneyland and California Adventure twice since going on the gluten free diet.  The information I'm posting is from the 2010 GF menu, but you'll want to get an updated menu when you arrive to make sure you have acurate information, since there were additional GF items available in 2010 that weren't offered the first time we visited.  You can request a GF menu at City Hall in Disneyland or Guest Services at California Adventure (click here for California Adventure GF options).  We haven't tried all the restaurants - mainly because it was such a treat to get GF burgers and pizza that we mostly ate at those places - but I'll list all the information I have and tips for our favorite places.

GF Disneyland Ordering Tips 
Be sure to specify that you're ordering off the gluten free menu before you place your order, since some restaurants will have a chef come to take your order.  You'll typically need to allow an additional 10-15 minutes cooking time for your food, so if you're eating with non-GF companions, try to order your food first.  Tip: We didn't bother with children's menus since the adult portion sizes are big enough that our children were able to split an adult GF meal - usually $6.50-$8 - for less than the price of 2 kids meals, which typically aren't a great deal for GF kids.

FANTASYLAND
Troubadour Tavern:
Tip: This restaurant is right next to the Princess Fantasy Faire, so you can grab a bite to eat while waiting for a show.  We grabbed a couple Kid Power Packs with yogurt, cheese stick, apples, and juice (we asked the server to substitute chips for the crackers, which she kindly did) so our kids could snack while my daughter waited to dance with the princesses.  The potato with barbeque chicken I had was good, but dry - not quite enough topping for the potato. 
  • Bratwurst with Lays potato chips – no bun
  • Corn on the cob 
  • Baked potato with barbeque chicken topping 
Village Haus:
Tip: This restaurant is the only one near the kiddie rides in Fantasyland, so avoid it during peak lunch hours since it is very busy and hard to find seating.  Also, we noticed that you pay more for a burger and fries here than for the exact same meal at Tomorrowland Terrace, which is not far away.
  • Hamburger or bacon cheeseburger with fries – request gluten free bun


TOMORROWLAND 
Tomorrowland Terrace:
Tip: If you plan your meal time around the Jedi Training Academy (check times online), which is near the outdoor seating area, you can get dinner and a show!  
  • Hamburger or bacon cheeseburger with fries – request gluten free bun
  • Grilled chicken breast sandwich with fries – request gluten free bun
  • Grilled vegetarian sandwich with fries – request gluten free bun
  • Grilled chicken salad with fat free raspberry dressing 
Red Rockett’s Pizza Port:
Tip: We LOVED their pepperoni pizza, which is a great bargain at only $6.50!  You pick up items a la carte here, so you'll have to ask for a chef to take your order.  They have lots of indoor seating, so this is a great place to cool off in the afternoon.
  • Rice noodles with marinara sauce or tomato basil sauce
  • Pepperoni or cheese pizza – request gluten free crust
  • Planetary Pizza Salad – request a new base and bowl to avoid cross-contamination
  • Romaine lettuce with chicken breast and raspberry dressing

NEW ORLEANS SQUARE  
Blue Bayou (the chef will come to the table and discuss customized GF options):
Tip: This restaurant requires a reservation during peak dining hours (call ahead up to 60 days in advance).  When we were there, my husband had some grilled chicken and rice pasta which was okay, but not worth the high price.  What you're paying for here is atmosphere - it's actually inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.  If you have young kids, this is a great place to go around 2 p.m. because it's dark, cool and quiet.  When my daughter was 2, she took a much needed nap while we ate.

§       Five Pepper Roast New York
§       Blackened Cajun Spiced Salmon
§       Tesoro Island Chicken
§       Broiled Port Royal Mahi Mahi
§       Broiled Filet Mignon
§       Bayou Surf & Turf (after 4 p.m.)
§       Kid’s meal can be modified to include grilled chicken and rice pasta.  It also comes with carrots & celery sticks, and a drink - plus a cool pirate hat!

Café Orleans:
  • La Salade de Maison (house salad)
  • Crescent City Salmon Salad
  • French Quarter Blackened Chicken Caesar (request either raspberry or orange-cilantro vinaigrette)
  • Creole Ratatouille
  • Kids chicken breast – request rice noodles
  • Kids seared salmon fillet – request rice noodles

FRONTIERLAND
Rancho Del Zocalo:
Tip: This restaurant is a bit more expensive, but the food is fabulous.  We ordered 2 Fire Roasted Chicken dinners  ($13.50 each) and a side of chips and salsa ($4) to split with our kids, which provided plenty of food.
  • Vegetable tacos – request corn tortillas
  • Plain chicken tacos – request corn tortillas
  • Cheese Quesadillas – request corn tortillas
  • Cheese enchiladas in Cotija cheese – request corn tortillas
  • Cheese enchiladas with carne asada, Cotija cheese – request corn tortillas
  • Tostada salad, plain chicken or veggie, without the shell
  • Fire Roasted Chicken – request corn tortillas (includes rice, beans, shredded lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream)

TOON TOWN
Tune-Up Treats:
  • Chef Salad – ask for dressing to check label
  • Kids hot dog with applesauce – they may or may not have a GF bun

MAIN STREET USA
Plaza Inn:
  • Omelets, bacon, eggs, hash browns, sausage, bacon, ham, fresh fruit
  • Gluten free waffles can be made (allow extra time for preparation)
  • Baked chicken
Carnation Café:
  • Scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, bacon, ham, fresh fruit
  • Pan seared boneless chicken breast
  • Three cheese veggie sandwich – replace bread with gluten free hot dog bun
  • Oscar’s Choice Chef Salad – request no croutons and fat free raspberry dressing
  • Steak melt – replace bread with lettuce
  • Child’s hot dog plate – request gluten free bun
    • Lunch/dinner items served with a pickle and choice of fresh fruit, sautéed veggies, or salad 
Coke Corner:
  • John Morrel, 100% beef hot dogs – request gluten free bun
Outdoor Vending Carts (you'll need cash for these):
  • Turkey Legs
  • Popcorn
  • Cotton Candy (made with a combination of vegetable and coconut oils)
  • Mickey faced premium ice cream bars on a stick
    • Nestle novelty ice cream bars are made in a plant that produces nut & wheat products.

Gibson Girl or Cone Shop:
Tip: When we eat a big meal in the middle of the afternoon, like at Blue Bayou or Rancho Del Zocalo, we  just have ice cream for dinner while we watch a parade ($4 for a double scoop in a cup).  We're on vacation after all!
  • All ice creams are made by Dreyers (only Cookies & Cream and Tollhouse Swirl are not GF)



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