Disney and Universal Orlando Gluten Free Experience

Walt Disney World Castle at Sunset

Gluten-Free & Allergy Dining Experience: Disney vs. Universal Orlando

I wanted to share my recent experience dining at Disney and Universal Orlando to help others with food allergies feel more prepared and supported when planning their trip.

For context, I have multiple food allergies, including wheat, corn, and gluten, which makes dining out more complex than for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity alone. With that in mind, Disney stood out as exceptionally accommodating and allergy-aware.

At Disney, every dining experience included a chef personally coming to our table to review all ingredients in detail and discuss safe options. Meals were prepared fresh in the back to minimize the risk of cross-contamination, which immediately put me at ease. The level of care and compassion was truly remarkable. During one meal, a chef went out of her way to locate a gluten-free, dairy-free, and corn-free brownie just so I could enjoy dessert like everyone else. That small act of kindness meant more than I can express, it was the first time in a long while that I felt completely “normal” dining out.

We had breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, which offered many gluten-free options, and lunch at Crystal Palace, where the selection was more limited but still sufficient. In both locations, the chefs were attentive, knowledgeable, and made me feel included rather than like an inconvenience. Dinner at Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs was another standout experience. The fried rice and sushi roll were excellent, and the culinary and service teams went above and beyond to ensure my safety and enjoyment.

Universal Orlando, unfortunately, was more challenging overall. While some gluten-free items were available and chefs did check ingredients upon request, I often felt limited and uncertain. I relied heavily on bringing my own snacks and struggled to enjoy a full meal. At the Chocolate Factory, I was able to have the truffle fries, which was a rare and exciting treat but the dressings contained cornstarch, and the chicken was marinated in corn syrup, which was concerning. Hard Rock Café was a brighter spot, offering a gluten-free menu and a chef who carefully reviewed ingredients, making that experience much more reassuring.

As a gluten-free chef and caterer myself, I understand how difficult it can be to accommodate complex allergies, but I also know what is possible. Disney truly sets the standard when it comes to allergy awareness, communication, and guest care. Universal has made some efforts, but there is still significant room for improvement in creating a consistently safe and inclusive dining experience for guests with food allergies.

Both Disney and Universal have an opportunity to elevate their food offerings by improving ingredient quality. Many items seem to depend on large-scale commercial suppliers with limited organic or non-GMO options. A greater focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients could enhance flavor, nutritional value, and inclusivity for guests with dietary restrictions.

I hope this summary helps others with dietary restrictions plan their Orlando theme park visits with greater confidence and peace of mind.