Gluten-free in Disneyland

Before we left for our week long trip to Disneyland, I did a lot of research about the food. Ah...the curse of being a Celiac and traveling. Lots of prep. But as I researched Disneyland, I found myself getting really excited. I repeatedly read that it was the happiest place on earth to be gluten-free. Honestly, I didn't want to get my hopes up, but Disneyland did not disappoint. The food was awesome! It was the first trip since being diagnosed that I didn't blow through the gluten-free snacks I always take on vacation to keep me from starving (GF Rice Crispie Treats, Cinnamon Coated Almonds, and Envirokidz Granola Bars). There WAS no starving! I was always fed, and fed well!

Once inside the park, I stopped at City Hall on cute little Main St, and picked up a whole packet listing everything I could eat in the park. The list was pretty long! What did I end up trying?

*GF Pizza at Redd Rockett's Pizza Port: Pretty yummy, and it actually cost less for me to get a GF personal pizza then for my family members to order slices of normal pizza! Not usual in the GF world! The head chef came out and took my order, reassuring me that the pizza was cooked in a separate pan, and I had absolutely no reaction so it was a great trust-building experience as my first Disneyland meal!

*Hot Dog's (with buns!!!) at Coke Corner Main St: MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE! Hot dogs are one of those things that I never loved before the diet, but have craved like crazy since. To be able to have a delicious, normal tasting bun...heaven. I probably ate 4 during our 5 days at the park. Couldn't get enough. My husband was even sent on a mission to find out what buns they use: Ener G Tapioca Buns. I will be buying some immediately. The hot dogs are John Morrell 100% beef. The hot dog basket comes with Lays Chips, or apple slices. Yum. Again, I felt very comfortable that I wasn't getting cross-contaminated. Every single person I ordered from knew exactly what I was talking about when I requested GF, and they always sent my order out it a separate bag instead of the usual basket. Just order ahead of time...it takes 20 minutes for them to do a gluten-free bun, but it's so worth the wait.

*Hamburger & French Fries at Taste Pilot's Grill in CA Adventure: Yum again. The bun wasn't as tasty as the hot dog bun, but still pretty normal! And the fries. Yum yum yum. It was the first fries (except homemade) that I've been able to eat since the diet, and it was heavenly. Just heavenly. Again, the people taking my order had obviously been educated on the subject, and assured me a separate fry frier was used.

*Cotton Candy and Dole Pineapple treats from the vendor stands

*Big Thunder Ranch BBQ: The head chef was sent out and told me that I could have everything except the corn bread, desserts and ribs (meaning chicken, coleslaw, beans, corn on the cob and smoked sausage). He assured me that he or his assistant handle all the allergy orders personally, and that through out the park head chefs are on site to do so. Awesome. It was a bit pricey (I think $25-$29 per person), but it was all you could eat and oh-so-scrumptious (except for the coleslaw...not my thing...it was more spicy and vinegary than sweet). The environment was really fun too. I have to add this tidbit, though--the next day, I was sick. It felt like a gluten-attack, but I of course can't be positive.

*Freshly made English Toffee from the candy shop on Main St: This wasn't in our packet, but I saw them making it in the window and couldn't resist. I checked the ingredient label, and the only thing I was worried about was the "Milk Chocolate". I asked a cashier, and she immediately went into the kitchen and talked to the chef. They told her they were using Guittard Milk Chocolate. After googling it on my hubbie's nifty Blackberry, and finding it gluten free, we bought a pack and were in heaven. Yum.

Outside the park, we ate at Outback and PF Changs (did you know they expanded their menu last week!!!! YAY!!!!) and didn't have a problem with either. Delicious food, knowledgeable staff, no reactions. We also tried Zankou Chicken. I didn't have a reaction, but was a bit disappointed with the food. My meal basically turned out to be spit-roasted chicken, because I couldn't eat the hummas, lettuce or tomato without the pita. If you go, order the kabob plates...at least then you get rice too.

Mimi's Cafe was on our list to try. We walked in, and were given the "GF Menu" which was actually a binder listing the items on the menu, with check marks for the different allergens. Pretty much everything had gluten, except for some Vegetable Soup and a salad. That actually sounded really good to me because it was a rainy night, so we prepared to be sat. Then I flipped to the back of the grid page, and saw the ingredient listing for the soup. Being the extra cautious type, I read on, only to find BARELY printed in big ole letters. We gave back the menu and left, fearing Mimi's was one of those places that thinks gluten only includes wheat.

Another thing that helped us out? Our hotel had a mini-fridge, so we went to the Target down the street from Disney and got GF cereal and milk to keep on hand for breakfast.

All in all, the trip was fantastic. I felt like a normal person traveling instead of a "Celiac". Best vacation I've had GF so far. I don't think my family even had to suffer because of my diet! Gooooooooooooooo Disneyland! Now...I just want to go back. :)