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Top Gluten Free Snacks & Meals at Walt Disney World

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“Tastes Like Chicken” Because It Is! at Jungle Skipper Canteen (Credit: Disney)

In the distant past, food offerings at Walt Disney World focused entirely on classic theme park fare with easy to crank out options such as chicken nuggets, burgers, and fries. However, in recent years, the dining options at Walt Disney World have expanded and improved to include diverse menus from around the world so that guests can enjoy an endless variety of cuisines and indulgences that are all amazing. This diverse offering also extends to any guests with dietary preferences or restrictions, as Walt Disney World restaurants are all dedicated to providing safe and healthy options for guests with any dietary need including options that are gluten free. With such an array of gluten free options to choose from, guests are sure to enjoy every meal and snack throughout their vacations. Here are some of the best gluten free dining options to indulge in on any Walt Disney World vacation.

1. Dole Whip – Aloha Isle

A quick service counter location in the Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland is home to one of the most iconic snacks in all of Walt Disney World that guests of all ages love. Dole Whips are served at Aloha Isle next to the exit of Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and across from the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. The refreshing snack features frozen and blended Dole pineapple ice cream that can be enjoyed alone or swirled with vanilla soft serve. With each cold bite, guests are sure to cool off on any hot day in the Magic Kingdom and since Dole Whips only feature Dole pineapple and vanilla soft serve, they are gluten free!

2. Churros – Nomad Lounge

A popular location to enjoy the atmosphere, drinks, and small bites in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is situated on the bridge that leads into Pandora – The World of Avatar from Discovery Island. Nomad Lounge is attached to Tiffins Restaurant and celebrates the spirit of adventure through flavors and tastes from around the world. Guests can opt to sit on the outdoor deck or indoor seating area at Nomad Lounge and select from specialty beverages and small bites with big flavors. Guests who are looking for a decadent gluten free option can enjoy the Churros which are fried to perfection, coated in sweet sugar, and served with vanilla crema and chili-strawberry dipping sauces.

Photo Credit: diznify.com

3. “Tastes Like Chicken” Because It Is! – Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen

Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom is also home to a popular full service restaurant that extends the beloved story from the Jungle Cruise. Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen is open daily for lunch and dinner and is run by the skippers from the nearby attraction who bring their zany sense of humor and hospitality to the dining experience. The menu at the restaurant is an eclectic mix of flavors from around the world and there are plenty of allergy and dietary-friendly options. A favor gluten free option on the menu is “Tastes Like Chicken” Because It Is! which features fried chicken paired with a sweet chili glaze, stir-fried vegetables, and seasoned rice for a satisfying and flavorful meal that remains popular for both lunch and dinner.

“Tastes Like Chicken” Because It Is! at Jungle Skipper Canteen (Credit: Disney)

4. Seared Mahi Mahi – Coral Reef Restaurant

The Coral Reef Restaurant in Epcot’s Future World is a full service dining location nestled within The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion that is open each day for lunch and dinner. The restaurant features a menu filled with fresh seafood and American flavors that pair perfectly with a stunning floor-to-ceiling glass wall that looks into the aquarium and offers glimpses of many different species of marine life. Guests who are gluten free can enjoy an array of gluten free dining options at Coral Reef Restaurant including the Seared Mahi Mahi. This entrée features fresh fish served over jasmine rice and paired with a cilantro-lime sauce and Caribbean shrimp salsa.

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor

5. Turkey Leg – Liberty Square Market

Another iconic snack in Walt Disney World is a savory favorite among many guests and is also gluten free. The Turkey Leg can be found served up after eleven each day at the Liberty Square Market in the Magic Kingdom’ Liberty Square. This truly indulgent snack is a meal of itself and features turkey meat that is so tender it falls of the bone paired with perfectly crispy skin. Turkey Legs are truly an iconic option to enjoy while in Walt Disney World, and since the entire ingredient is just the turkey leg itself, it is always a gluten free option for guests with a dietary restriction.

6. Ribs and Chicken Combo – Flame Tree Barbecue

Flame Tree Barbecue is a quick service dining location on Discovery Island in Disney’s Animal Kingdom that is very popular with all guests, including those who are gluten free, thanks to its barbecue based menu with plenty of options. The restaurant is open each day for lunch and dinner and invites guests to dine on a tranquil outdoor patio on wonderful options including the gluten free Ribs and Chicken Combo. This popular meal combines two of Flame Tree Barbecue’s most ordered meats with their signature baked beans and coleslaw. Delicious to the last bite, this is a great option to enjoy on any day in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Credit: Disney

7. Indian-Style Bread Service – Sanaa

Kidani Village is a beautiful area of the breathtaking Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge which brings the vibrant culture, beauty, and history of Africa to life. Guests who visit the Disney Resort can enjoy lunch or dinner at Sanaa, a full service restaurant that combines Indian flavors with African cooking techniques that pair perfectly with stunning views of the animals on the savannah outside of massive glass windows. One of the most popular menu options at Sanaa is the Indian-Style Bread Service which can also be prepared using gluten free bread for those who have a dietary restriction! The appetizer is definitely one that guests will remember as it offers up several different styles of breads that are accompanied with nine unique dips including options such as Tamarind Chutney, Spicy Jalepeno-Lime Pickle, and Cucumber Raita.

Credit: Disney

8. Fish & Chips – Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant

One of the liveliest dining locations in Disney Springs is the full service Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant in The Landing area. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner in addition to brunch on the weekends and features a menu that celebrates the flavors and traditions of Ireland with cheeky names. One of the most beloved options on the menu is the Fish & Chips which normally features traditional beer battered fish and chips served with tartar sauce, but can also be prepared as a gluten free meal for those who need it. The gluten free Fish & Chips at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant always pair perfectly with the live entertainment and festive atmosphere!

Credit: Disney

9. Slow-Roasted Sliced Grilled Beef Bowl – Satu’li Canteen

Pandora – The World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom has been one of the most popular and crowded areas of the Disney Park since it opened thanks to wonderful attractions and a popular quick service dining location. Satu’li Canteen is designed to feel like a former mess hall of the RDA that has become infused with the culture and art of the Na’vi over the years. Guests who dine at the location for lunch and dinner can enjoy several great options including the gluten free Slow-Roasted Sliced Grilled Beef Bowl which features tender meat that has been marinated in a blend of garlic, herbs, red pepper spice, and red wine vinegar. The bowl comes served with a crunchy vegetable slaw and boba balls and guests can customize it by choosing from several different sauces and bases.

Credit: Disney

About Caitlin Kane

Caitlin Kane first started visiting Walt Disney World when she was two years old, and despite spending most of that trip quarantined with the chicken pox she managed to fall in love with the place. Visiting WDW every year since, she especially loves learning all about the history and small details of the parks and eating/drinking her way through the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival each fall. When she's not in Disney, Caitlin lives in New York and spends her time counting down the days to her next trip.