Gluten free dining options are becoming increasingly popular in theme parks like Disney World, as more people adopt gluten free diets or have celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. For those who love churros, a popular Disney World snack, the question often comes up – are there gluten free churro options available in the parks?
Quick Answer
Yes, there are gluten free churro options available at Disney World. Guests need to ask for a gluten free churro at select quick service locations in the parks. The churros are prepared separately to avoid cross-contamination.
What Are Churros?
Churros are a popular fried dough pastry that originated in Spain and Portugal. Traditional churros are made from wheat flour, water, and salt. The dough is piped into various shapes, often long sticks, rings, or spirals, and then fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Cinnamon and sugar are usually sprinkled on churros before serving.
Churros are a beloved snack found at theme parks, fairs, and festivals. Disney World in particular is known for its large and freshly fried churros that can be purchased throughout the parks.
Are Traditional Churros Gluten Free?
No, traditional churros that are made with wheat flour contain gluten and are not safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Wheat flour contains the proteins glutenin and gliadin, which when combined form gluten. Gluten is the culprit behind reactions for those with gluten intolerance.
What Makes a Churro Gluten Free?
In order for a churro to be gluten free, it needs to be made without any gluten containing ingredients, especially wheat flour. There are a few different ways to create gluten free churro dough:
- Use gluten free flour blends made with rice flour, tapioca flour, potato starch, etc. as a substitute for regular wheat flour.
- Use 100% corn flour or masa harina.
- Use chickpea flour or garbanzo bean flour.
As long as the ingredients used are confirmed gluten free and steps are taken to avoid cross contamination during cooking, the resulting churros will be safe for gluten free diets.
Are There Gluten Free Churro Options at Disney World?
Yes, Disney World does offer gluten free churro options! While the traditional churros sold at most quick service carts and locations contain gluten, gluten free churros can be requested at select locations in the parks.
Guests need to ask cast members for a gluten free churro option. The churros are prepared separately in a gluten free fryer to prevent cross contamination with the regular wheat flour churros. Currently, gluten free churros can be found in the following Disney World locations:
- Magic Kingdom – Frontierland near Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe
- Epcot – Near the Mexico Pavilion
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Anaheim Produce near the Hyperion Theater
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Anandapur Ice Cream Truck in Asia
- Disney Springs – Aristocrepes
The availability and locations may vary day to day, so it’s always smart to check with Disney cast members about where to find gluten free churros on the day of your visit.
What Are Disney’s Gluten Free Churros Made Of?
Disney has not confirmed the exact ingredients used for their gluten free churros. However, they likely use one of the gluten free flour options like rice flour or corn flour to create the dough. Based on reviews, the taste and texture is very close to the original wheat flour churro.
Are the Gluten Free Churros Dipped in Cinnamon Sugar?
Yes, the gluten free churros at Disney World come with the classic cinnamon and sugar coating. Some guests have reported that the cast members double check for gluten allergies before dipping in case of potential cross contamination from the shared cinnamon sugar shaker.
What About Toppings and Sauces?
Those looking for gluten free churros should avoid any extra toppings or dipping sauces that may contain gluten or risk cross contamination. Stick with the plain cinnamon sugar coated churros to be safe. Any extra sauces or toppings would need to be reviewed for gluten content.
How Much Do Gluten Free Churros Cost?
Pricing will vary by location, but expect to pay around $6-$7 for an order of gluten free churros. This is on par with what traditional churros cost at Disney World quick service windows. Avoiding gluten does come at a slightly higher cost, but being able to enjoy churros is worth it for many guests.
Tips for Finding Gluten Free Churros
Here are some tips to help locate and order gluten free churros during your Disney World visit:
- Check the Disney World website and blogs for the latest information on where gluten free churros can be found in each park.
- Ask cast members – let them know you need gluten free churros due to an allergy.
- Ask for churros to be freshly made – this avoids any cross contamination with wheat flour churros in warming trays.
- Go during off peak times if possible – cast members are less rushed and better equipped to handle special requests.
- Be prepared to wait a little longer than usual to allow extra prep time.
- Consider mobile ordering via the My Disney Experience app to save time.
Gluten Free Churro Recipes to Try at Home
Want to satisfy those Disney churro cravings at home? Here are some recommended gluten free churro recipes to try baking yourself:
| Recipe | Flour Used |
|---|---|
| Gluten Free Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Churros | Brown rice flour |
| Easy Gluten Free Churros | Gluten free flour blend |
| Baked Cinnamon Sugar Churros | Almond flour |
Are Churros Gluten Free at Other Theme Parks?
In addition to Disney World, other major theme parks have caught on to the demand for gluten free churros and offer options for guests with dietary needs. Here are some other theme parks with gluten free churros:
- Universal Studios Orlando
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Six Flags Magic Mountain
- SeaWorld
- Legoland
- Knott’s Berry Farm
As with Disney World, be sure to ask about prep procedures and avoid cross contamination when ordering at other theme parks.
gluten free foods! Here are some other foods to enjoy
Here are some other foods to enjoy:
- Pizza (on gluten-free crust)
- Sandwiches (on gluten-free bread)
- Pasta (made from gluten-free grains)
- Breakfast cereals (look for gluten-free labels)
- Buckwheat pancakes
- Tacos (on corn tortillas)
- Gluten-free pretzels or chips
- Soups and chili (without wheat-based thickeners)
With more and more gluten-free options available today, eating gluten-free delicious foods is much easier than ever before!
What About Gluten Free Churro Alternatives?
For those who can’t find gluten free churros or want a similar snack, Disney World has some other treats to consider:
- Fresh fruit – carts around the parks sell cut fruit in cups, often with chili-lime seasoning added.
- Outshine fruit bars – fruit and vegetable juice popsicles on a stick.
- Popcorn – ask for gluten free options to avoid cross contamination.
- Dole Whip – Disney’s iconic pineapple soft serve ice cream.
- Rice Krispie treats – many kiosks sell mini rice krispie treats which are gluten free.
There are also gluten free snack options at restaurants throughout Disney World. Consult the allergy menus or ask your server for the latest offerings.
Should You Notify Disney About Dietary Needs When Booking?
It’s highly recommended to let Disney know of any guest dietary needs and allergies when booking dining reservations or hotel stays. This allows Disney cast members at restaurants and hotels to be prepared to accommodate you. Be sure to also note needs in the My Disney Experience app.
Some ways to notify Disney:
- Mention dietary needs when booking dining reservations via phone or online
- Add needs under “My Family & Friends” profiles in My Disney Experience
- Chat through My Disney Experience or call Disney prior to your trip
- Tell your resort check-in cast member if staying on-site
- Notify your server of allergies upon arrival at table service restaurants
The more notice given, the better Disney can take steps to prevent cross contamination and have gluten free ingredients on hand.
Overall Tips for Eating Gluten Free at Disney World
Here are some top tips for navigating gluten free dining at Disney World:
- Do research ahead of time on gluten free options at restaurants and quick service locations
- Pack gluten free snacks, treats, and shelf-stable meals to have on hand
- Notify cast members of your dietary needs
- Ask about prep procedures and risk of cross contamination
- Check ingredient lists carefully
- Know that buffets and shared service lines pose higher risk
- Visit restaurants at off-peak times to allow for more careful handling of food prep
- Download the My Disney Experience app to check menus and make gluten free notes
Conclusion
Disney World offers great options for those looking to eat gluten free, including being able to enjoy classic theme park snacks like churros. By being aware of the locations that provide gluten free churros, asking cast members to freshly prepare, and taking precautions against cross contamination, you can savor Disney churros safely. Taking the time to notify Disney of your dietary needs and researching options will result in a magical, gluten free trip.
