Gluten-free Disney guests divide into two camps here. Those who want a quick breakfast to save money and time and get to the rides. And those who need a real breakfast at one of Disneyland's sit-down restaurants to start the day right. Disney has several fabulous gluten-free breakfast options in both parks and at its hotels to satisfy both camps.
Before we get into the delicious breakfast choices, let's go over what gluten-free means at Disney.
- Disney does not use the term "gluten-free" to describe anything it makes in-house, as those items are prepared in shared kitchens, and it depends on suppliers ingredients and their claims. Disney uses the term "gluten/wheat allergy-friendly". (Please note, when I use the term gluten-free below, it refers to gluten/wheat allergy-friendly options.)
- Disney sets the industry standard for serving guests with food allergies and special dietary needs. When you communicate a gluten "allergy" to a cast member, it triggers allergy protocols. Look for an allergy pick in your food as confirmation your order was made following allergy procedures.
- Mobile ordering off the Gluten/Wheat Allergy-Friendly Menu in the Disneyland Mobile App also triggers allergy protocols. I still recommend confirming at pick-up that your order is for a gluten allergy. And look for that allergy pick! Learn how to place a mobile order before your visit.
- For dining reservations, select "gluten/wheat allergy" when you make the reservation.
- For those with celiac disease, a wheat allergy, or any other reason to be concerned about cross-contact, I recommend asking for a consultation with a chef or Special Diets Cast Member.
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4 Character Breakfast Experiences
Plaza Inn (Main Street, Disneyland), Storyteller's Cafe and Napa Rose (Grand Californian Hotel), and Goofy's Kitchen (Disneyland Hotel)
Character Dining, Advance Dining Reservation
For the most magical start to your Disneyland day, make a reservation for a character breakfast. You have several options, the first three being very similar, in terms of the character encounters and gluten-free selection:
- Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel (Goofy's Kitchen also offers character dining at dinnertime)
- Mickey's Tales of Adventure Breakfast Buffet at Storyteller's Cafe in the Grand Californian Hotel
- Minnie & Friends Breakfast at the Plaza Inn inside Disneyland Park
For the best gluten-free experience, ask for a chef consult. The chef can show you what is gluten-free on the buffet, generally: bacon, sausage, eggs, hash browns, and fruit. For those of us who need to be concerned with cross-contact, ask the chef to bring those gluten-free items directly from the kitchen to the table. Plus, the chef can make gluten-free versions of gluten-full items, from desserts to Mickey waffles.
The fourth character breakfast option is absolutely unique, and warrants a little extra discussion:
- Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures at Napa Rose Restaurant in the Grand Californian Hotel
This upscale character breakfast is a Disney fine dining experience that has a price to match.
In addition to rubbing elbows with several Disney princesses (a tremendous time value if you would otherwise line up for Princess-Meet-and-Greets), you'll enjoy a three-course meal.
The first course is akin to a high tea with a three-tiered display of goodies, which can be made gluten-free by the chef. The second course is a buffet, where the chef can separately prepare your safe food in the back, including Mickey Waffles. The third course is dessert, where you will again be brought an impressive selection of gluten-free treats.
Let Disney know you need gluten-free! When you make your dining reservation, select "Wheat/Gluten" under "Dietary Requests". Remind the host(ess) when you are seated. I highly recommend you request an allergy consult with the chef, for the safest and best dining experience.
For character dining, you need a reservation, which opens up 60 days in advance. If you miss that window sign up for Mouse Dining! You'll get alerts when a reservation becomes available. The free version includes up to six alerts.
Mickey Waffles
Carnation Café (Main Street, Disneyland)
Table Service, Advance Dining Reservation, Walk Up Waitlist
All four of the character breakfasts offer gluten-free Mickey Waffles made especially for you by a Disney chef.
Looking for gluten-free Mickey Waffles without the characters? Make a reservation at Carnation Cafe on Main Street in Disneyland. There is also a same-day walk-up list.
Here, you'll find the most affordable Mickey waffles at the Disneyland Resort, and you'll avoid the additional expense associated with a character breakfast. Adult and child portions are available.
Other gluten-free breakfast options at Carnation Cafe include a breakfast sandwich, bacon, sausage, fruit, and kids' Mickey-shaped eggs.
Breakfast Sandwiches
Galactic Grill (Tomorrowland, Disneyland), Smokejumpers Grill (Grizzly Peak, California Adventure)
Quick Service
There are two delicious quick-service breakfast sandwiches that can be made "gluten/wheat allergy-friendly" (a Disney term) when the chef substitutes gluten-free buns. You'll find one in each park, but the breakfast sandwich in California Adventure is not to be missed.
Both are off-menu items at these quick service restaurants, which unfortunately means you cannot order them gluten-free via the mobile app. Ask for a chef consultation to request the allergy modification.
Galactic Grill (Tomorrowland in Disneyland): The breakfast bagel sandwich can be made on a gluten-free hamburger bun. It contains bacon, cheddar, eggs, and chipotle aioli. It used to be available for mobile order. Sadly, the gluten-free version is no longer on the menu. Request a chef consult to enjoy this breakfast sandwich or the one at California Adventure.
Smokejumpers Grill (Grizzly Peak in California Adventure): This hearty breakfast sandwich can be modified to be made on a gluten-free bun, and is packed with sausage, bacon, egg, cheddar, hash browns, salsa, and green chili. The burrito can also be modified and made into a bowl.
Off-Menu Breakfast at Pym Test Kitchen
Pym Test Kitchen (Avengers Campus, California Adventure)
Quick Service
There is no gluten/wheat allergy-friendly menu for breakfast at Pym Test Kitchen, but a chef consult will open up gluten-free modifications to existing menu items like:
- Calculated Breakfast (eggs, bacon, potato bites, and toast)
- Impossible Quantum garden breakfast (Impossible sausage patty, potato bites, and toast).
Brunch at Lamplight Lounge
Lamplight Lounge (Pixar Pier, California Adventure)
Table Service, Advance Dining Reservation, Walk Up Waitlist
For those in the "breakfast is the most important meal of the day" camp, brunch at Lamplight Lounge in Disney California Adventure is a must-do.
While this waterfront location requires a reservation, I have successfully dined here via the walk-up waitlist, even on busy park days. Hop on the Incredicoaster or Toy Story Midway Mania... and, more importantly pick up a gluten-free Incredicookie for later... while you wait for your text alert.
At first glance, the allergy menu seems to disappoint. Nothing is labeled gluten-free. But in talking to the chef on multiple occasions, nearly everything on the menu can be modified for gluten-free. The New York Avocado toast is served with New York steak and is an absolute feast.
The comfortable chairs and patio dining by the water are especially relaxing. The one downside to eating here... between the hearty meal and the take-a-nap setting, you may have a hard time leaving.
Mobile Order Breakfast from Your Disneyland Hotel Room
Tangaroa Terrace (Disneyland Hotel)
Quick Service, Allergy Mobile Order
Tangaroa Terrace checks my two favorite boxes: it has a gluten/wheat allergy-friendly menu and that menu is available for mobile order on the Disney app! At Disneyland, I mobile order whenever possible, as it is the most hassle-free way to eat gluten-free.
The acai-chia bowl with tropical fruit is a great way to start the day when you're staying at the Disneyland Hotel. The alai bowl has been discontinued. RIP.
Thanks to the Disneyland app, you can put on your makeup while placing a mobile order for that refreshing acai-chia bowl or the American breakfast with scrambled eggs, bacon, sweet potatoes, and pineapple. The kids' version is similar, it includes a beverage and turkey bacon, rather than regular bacon.
Quick Service at the Grand Californian Hotel
Craftsman Grill (Grand Californian Hotel)
Quick Service
The Craftsman Grill, located poolside at the Grand Californian Hotel, starts serving breakfast at 6 am, giving you plenty of time to fill up before rope dropping.
There's no mobile order for anyone, gluten-free or otherwise, but there are two gluten allergy-friendly options on the menu:
- Egg white omelet with spinach, tomato, turkey bacon, and avocado, served with arugula salad
- Kid's breakfast plate with scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, fruit, and a beverage
Affordable & Quick Breakfast Inside Disneyland
Red Rose Taverne (Fantasyland, Disneyland)
Quick Service, Allergy Mobile Order
This quick service location in Disneyland's Fantasyland has two gluten-free breakfast options. One is a traditional American breakfast, known here as the "Bonjour! Breakfast" with scrambled eggs, mandarin orange, and bacon or sausage. There is also a plant-based breakfast, the "Little Town Harvest Bowl" with quinoa, mushrooms, cauliflower, arugula, tomato, potato bites (tater tots), and spicy lime aioli.
Both are currently available for mobile order and cost around $10, making Red Rose Taverne a winner for saving time and money, while dining gluten-free.
Breakfast for Lunch
River Belle Terrace (Frontierland, Disneyland)
Quick Service, Allergy Mobile Order
Just around the time all of the breakfast stops are switching to the lunch menu, River Belle Terrace opens up for brunch. There are a few gluten-free options on the menu: eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit, and gluten-free toast. Sometimes, you can order gluten-free pancakes directly from the chef.
Fruit Smoothie
Shmoozies! (Hollywood Land, California Adventure)
Quick Service
I recently enjoyed the Mango Madness smoothie for breakfast. Admittedly, it was a bit of work, but I have a weakness for fruit smoothies.
Disney does not have an allergy menu at this location, so you have to verify ingredients every time and ask for allergy protocols, such as a clean blender. Note, the chef at Schmoozies! covers several food service locations in the area. You may have a bit of a wait, but I have found the chefs here to be helpful and accommodating.
Fresh Fruit
Fruit Carts (various locations, Disneyland & California Adventure), Galactic Grill (Tomorrowland, Disneyland)
Quick Service, Allergy Mobile Order available at Galactic Grill
For a light breakfast, pick up fresh fruit at one of the fruit carts located in both parks or mobile order from the Galactic Grill Gluten/Wheat Allergy-Friendly Menu.
Coffee & Carbs: Blueberry Muffin or Cookie
Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe (Main Street, Disneyland)
Quick Service, Allergy Mobile Order
The gluten allergy menu for mobile order at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe is pretty basic, but it's another quick breakfast option. Here you'll find a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie and blueberry muffin. Pair one with coffee, and you'll be ready to start your Disney day.
Tip! The chocolate chip cookie is better than the blueberry muffin.
Dole Whip
Tiki Juice Bar, Tropical Hideaway (Adventureland, Disneyland)
Quick Service, Mobile Order for Tiki Juice Bar only
Dole Whip for breakfast?! Yep. There must be a reason that Disney opens the Tropical Hideaway and Tiki Juice Bar during breakfast hours. I guarantee you won't be the only guest starting your day with Dole Whip!
Traditional pineapple Dole Whip and Dole Whip Floats are gluten-free and usually the only items sold at the Tiki Juice Bar. So, I personally use the mobile order and just confirm gluten-free at pick up.
For more flavor options, visit the nearby Tropical Hideaway and order in person.
Tip! Take your Dole Whip into the Enchanted Tiki Room to watch "the birds sing words and the flowers croon".
Grocery Delivery
My family often skips breakfast in the park, opting for a quick meal at home or in the hotel.
You'll avoid eating up precious ride time by having your first meal of the day in your hotel room or on your way to the park.
Easy In-Room Breakfast Ideas: yogurt, yogurt drinks, bananas, berries, grapes, oranges, cheese sticks, protein bars, gluten-free oatmeal (if you tolerate oats), apples & peanut butter, muffins, and cereal.
Disney hotels have mini fridges in the rooms and common-use microwaves in vending rooms. Just ask about the microwave locations when you check in.
Orange County offers your favorite grocery delivery services, like Instacart and Amazon Fresh, and Disney allows delivery to the hotels.
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More Disneyland Posts:
- Gluten-Free Disneyland: Quick Service Dining
- Tips for a Gluten-Free Disney Vacation
- The 21 Best Gluten-Free Disneyland Snacks & Treats
- Magical Moments for a Gluten-Free Disneyland Christmas
Disney Parks are the happiest place on earth for a gluten-free breakfast. Wishing you a wonderful day at Disneyland!
