Navigating Universal Orlando Resort with Celiac Disease

Celiac.com 04/04/2025 - Universal Orlando Resort is a dream destination for many, offering thrilling rides, iconic attractions, and unforgettable experiences. But for those with celiac disease, enjoying a day at the parks requires extra planning and awareness. Eating gluten free at a theme park can feel like a daunting task, but with the right information and preparation, it's possible to navigate Universal Orlando safely and confidently.

This article's purpose is to help celiac guests stay safe while experiencing all the magic that Universal Orlando has to offer.  We'll walk through every step of a Universal Orlando visit to ensure guests can focus on the fun without worrying about gluten exposure. Whether visiting with family or enjoying a solo adventure, this comprehensive guide will help guests with celiac disease plan and navigate the trip with ease.

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DISCLAIMER: No restaurant will ever guarantee a completely safe dining experience for an individual with celiac disease, and that is true of all dining establishments at Universal Orlando Resort. Cross contact is always a possibility, however remote. Each guest must measure their own risk so they feel safe. 

What is Universal Orlando Resort?

Universal Orlando Resort is one of the world's most exciting vacation destinations, offering immersive theme park experiences that bring blockbuster films, legendary characters, and thrilling adventures to life. Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990 and has grown into a thriving resort ever since. Universal Orlando now boasts four parks: Universal Studios Florida theme park, Islands of Adventure theme park, Volcano Bay water park, and Universal EPIC Universe theme park (opening May 22, 2025). The resort also famously houses The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across all three theme parks, opened in 2010, 2014, and 2025. 

Situated in Orlando, Florida—one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world—Universal Orlando has grown into a premier global resort, drawing millions of guests annually. Beyond its four parks, the resort features a vibrant entertainment district, Universal CityWalk, and an expanding portfolio of on-site hotels that cater to all styles and budgets. The parks, the on-site hotels, and CityWalk Orlando each offer a wide variety of dining experiences, and they're more celiac friendly than one might think.

As a powerhouse competitor to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando continues to redefine theme park innovation. Whether a film buff, thrill-seeker, or fantasy fan, Universal Orlando delivers an unforgettable experience that places guests at the heart of the action.

Overview of Dietary Accommodations at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort offers some of the best dietary accommodations outside of dedicated gluten free restaurants. While no entirely gluten free establishments exist within the resort, its status as a global travel destination attracts top-tier chefs from around the world, all of whom undergo extensive training in allergen protocols, including celiac safety.

A resort-wide dietary accommodations policy ensures that all restaurants adhere to strict allergen safety procedures. These protocols apply universally, whether at Universal Orlando-owned establishments like The Leaky Cauldron in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, global chains such as Margaritaville at CityWalk, or locally operated third-party restaurants like BICE Italian at Portofino Bay Hotel. Many grab-and-go locations also offer certified gluten free prepackaged snacks.

While some restaurants provide more gluten free options than others, all maintain celiac safety protocols designed to prevent cross contact and ensure a safe dining experience. However, certain locations should be avoided due to the inherent risk of gluten exposure. These include (but are not limited to) Cinnabon, The Frying Dutchman (featuring only battered and fried foods), Lard Lad Donuts (known for the iconic Simpsons pink donut), and Voodoo Doughnut. Multiple Starbucks locations are scattered throughout the resort, and celiac guests should approach them with the same level of caution as any Starbucks outside Universal Orlando. Guests of Universal Orlando with celiac disease must always exercise individual judgment at each dining establishment.

Planning Your Trip

It's always a good idea for travelers with celiac disease to do as much preplanning as possible.

• Search for tips online: Many celiac guests share their celiac safe experiences from Universal Orlando in trip reviews and travel blogs.
• Research menus but don't rely on them too heavily: Most menus for dining venues at Universal Orlando are online. Take time to peruse menus of interest, but also note that many times the menus may not mark every gluten free option. Many restaurants will make special accommodations outside the menu offerings. Some restaurant menus don't denote any gluten free options, but chefs will even go so far as to create a new dish for celiac guests. Guests should always ask about the menu item they want. 
• Pack snacks from home: In case celiac guests don't feel comfortable in even the safest restaurants, all guests are allowed to carry snacks from home for medical reasons anywhere in the resort.
• Contact the resort directly: Go straight to the source and email food.allergy@universalorlando.com with any questions prior to arrival at Universal Orlando.

Eating Safely at Table Service Restaurants

The table service dining experience at Universal Orlando follows the same protocols as reputable restaurants outside the resort, and celiac guests should take the same precautions they would anywhere else. Informing the server of celiac requirements is essential upon arrival. Servers use food allergy worksheets that are passed along to all staff involved in meal preparation, including chefs and bartenders. Celiac guests should always ask to speak directly with a chef or kitchen manager. Every table service restaurant at the resort is accommodating in this regard.

Highly trained chefs provide detailed explanations of safe preparation methods, including the use of new gloves, separate cookware, utensils, fryers, and designated preparation areas. Staff will also bring out prepackaged items (for example, gluten free pasta or tortilla chips) and walk through ingredients with celiac guests. At well-run establishments, either a chef, a manager, or both will check in multiple times throughout the meal to ensure everything is handled properly.

While staff members receive thorough training on gluten free protocols and celiac safety, procedures can vary at each restaurant. Guests should always confirm specific precautions taken in each kitchen and on each repeat visit. If a restaurant staff gets frustrated about being quizzed on celiac safe protocol, that is a sign for a celiac guest to get up and leave that restaurant immediately.

Eating Safely at Counter and Window Service Restaurants

Quick service restaurants may raise concerns for celiac guests, but many follow the same safety protocols as table service establishments. Celiac guests should inform staff of their dietary needs immediately upon arrival so they can take proper precautions. A chef will come to the counter to discuss food preparation and safety measures. Once an allergen order is placed, the chef will personally oversee its preparation to ensure it is handled safely.

Eating Safely at Mobile Ordering Restaurants

Many restaurants at Universal Orlando have transitioned from traditional counter service to mobile ordering, a change that may cause concern for celiac guests. However, strict procedures remain in place to accommodate dietary restrictions at these locations.

Mobile orders can be placed through the Universal Orlando app, which is available for download from app stores. Restaurants offering mobile ordering feature interactive menus where items can be added to an order, including an option to flag allergy concerns. Once an order is submitted with an allergy notice, a restaurant team member will visit the table to discuss available options and safe preparation methods, following a process similar to table service dining.

Drinking Safely at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando offers plenty of options for guests looking to enjoy a gluten free alcoholic beverage. Many restaurants throughout the theme parks, CityWalk Orlando, and the on-site hotels feature full bar service, with bartenders who are trained in celiac safety and knowledgeable about crafting gluten free drinks. Additionally, several venues offer pre-packaged gluten free options like High Noon, ensuring a safe and enjoyable adult beverage experience for those with celiac disease.

Safe Dining at the Parks

Restaurants inside the parks comprise a mix of table service, counter service, window service, kiosks or carts, and mobile ordering. Food from kiosks or carts should be avoided unless it is prepackaged and certified gluten free. An exception to this is Butterbeer, which is considered safe. (See more on Butterbeer below.) Some park bakeries offer prepackaged items, though most are produced on shared equipment with wheat and should be avoided. Guests should always check ingredients and warnings on the labels of prepackaged food.

A lot of restaurants have nice gluten free options. All restaurants have celiac safety protocols. Several excellent options include:

Finnegan's Bar and Grill: This lively Irish pub offers a spacious dining room, making it an excellent spot to cool off and unwind in the air conditioning. Among its standout dishes is one of the best gluten free burgers at Universal Orlando. The menu features classic gluten free options, including salads and steaks, and the well-trained staff ensures a safe and accommodating dining experience.

Mythos: Mythos is renowned for its exceptional dietary accommodations, making it a standout dining option at Universal Orlando. The menu features a gluten free bread appetizer and several gluten free dessert options, ensuring a satisfying experience for celiac guests. Beyond the food, the restaurant's elegantly themed dining room and scenic patio offer breathtaking views of the park, adding to its appeal.

Green Eggs & Ham Cafe: Green Eggs & Ham Cafe, located in the Seuss Landing area of Islands of Adventure, offers a strong selection of gluten free options. Of the six menu items, four are gluten free, including the popular pizza tots and the green eggs and ham tots. As a window service location, guests should inform the cashier of their celiac status immediately, which will prompt a chef to come to the window to discuss safe preparation. While ordering a celiac safe meal may result in a longer wait time, the extra care in preparation makes it a worthwhile choice.

Today Cafe: The Today Cafe sits at the front of Universal Studios Florida and is well-known in gluten free circles to have good and safe options. Celiac guests should not eat anything prepackaged because it is all prepared on shared equipment with wheat. But many of the fresh items can be prepared safely.

Safe Dining at the Hotels

Most on-site hotels offer a mix of table service, grab-and-go, and poolside restaurants. Many of these dining establishments are operated by third-party vendors rather than Universal Orlando itself, meaning that food safety protocols can vary. It is always important for individuals with celiac disease to follow safe dining procedures to ensure a gluten free meal. Ask questions about every step of preparation and communicate your needs clearly. Each hotel includes at least one table service restaurant with well-trained staff and a grab-and-go location that typically offers prepackaged gluten free options.
For on-site hotel restaurants with buffet-style service, chefs will prepare meals separately in the kitchen under standard safety conditions to accommodate guests with celiac disease. Celiac guests should avoid eating from the buffet itself due to the high risk of cross contact. 

Budget hotels do not offer room service but provide a pizza delivery option, which carries similar risks to national chains like Domino's and should not be considered safe. In contrast, Signature Collection hotels offer room service that follows the same safety protocols as their table service restaurants. When placing an order by phone, guests should request the staff member responsible for allergy protocols to ensure proper handling.

Excellent on-site hotel safe dining options include (but are not limited to):

Trattoria del Porto (Portofino Bay Hotel): Portofino Bay Hotel is known for being particularly accommodating to guests with celiac disease, despite its Italian-themed dining venues. Trattoria del Porto, the hotel's main all-day table service restaurant, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with strong gluten free options. Breakfast is served as a buffet, but kitchen staff prepare meals separately for celiac guests to prevent cross contact. Gluten free pancakes are featured on the breakfast menu, and a dedicated fryer is used for French fries throughout the day. Trattoria del Porto follows the same high allergen safety standards as Universal Orlando's top allergen-friendly restaurants, with staff readily available to address any questions about food preparation and protocols.

The Kitchen (Hard Rock Hotel): The Kitchen, the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando's primary all day dining venue, specializes in classic American fare. The menu highlights gluten free options, though celiac guests should always confirm with the staff to ensure proper preparation and safety measures are followed.
Amatista Cookhouse (Sapphire Falls Resort): Sapphire Falls Resort is known for its strong commitment to allergen-friendly dining, and Amatista Cookhouse exemplifies this standard. As the hotel's main all day table service restaurant, it features one of the most informative menus on the property, clearly marking multiple allergens. Amatista Cookhouse follows the same rigorous allergy protocols as Universal Orlando's top allergen-friendly restaurants, with staff readily available to address any questions from celiac guests. Beyond its accommodations for dietary restrictions, the restaurant is also praised for its flavorful and well-prepared dishes.

Safe Dining at CityWalk Orlando

Most, if not all, the restaurants at CityWalk Orlando are run by third parties, and many of them are chains. There are places that celiacs should obviously avoid, like Voodoo Doughnut and Cinnabon. But there are many places with outstanding safety protocols and gluten free options.
Excellent CityWalk safe dining options include (but are not limited to):

Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food: Antojitos, a lively table service Mexican restaurant, features a spacious dining area, a vibrant bar, and frequent live music. The menu highlights numerous gluten free options, and the chef personally discusses meal choices with celiac guests and checks in throughout the visit. Antojitos usually uses a separate fryer for chips, though this can vary, so it is important to double check. The queso, tableside guacamole, and salsa are all gluten free. Several main dishes are also gluten free, including tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas. The restaurant also offers a selection of excellent gluten free cocktails, making it a standout option for individuals with celiac disease.

Hot Dog Hall of Fame: Hot Dog Hall of Fame, a window service restaurant at CityWalk, specializes in hot dogs and fries. The location typically offers a separate fryer for fries, though celiac guests should always confirm. Gluten free buns are available and highly praised for their quality. The open kitchen, visible through a front-facing window, allows guests to observe the food preparation process, providing an added level of reassurance for celiac guests.

Margaritaville: Margaritaville Orlando, the renowned table service restaurant founded by Jimmy Buffett, offers a vibrant dining experience with a variety of gluten free options clearly marked on the menu. In addition to the items listed, several other dishes, like the Volcano Nachos, can be safely prepared for guests with celiac disease upon request. The restaurant's patio provides a perfect retreat from the heat, offering a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a gluten free cocktail while people watching as CityWalk guests come and go.

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt: Menchie's Frozen Yogurt offers a variety of gluten free options, consistent with other locations in the popular frozen yogurt chain. As with any frozen yogurt venue, guests with celiac disease should exercise caution to ensure safe selections and avoid cross contact.

Gluten Free at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The good news? Butterbeer is gluten free. It's probably the most exciting thing about Universal Orlando, especially for Harry Potter fans. There are multiple varieties of butterbeer, and the hot, cold, frozen, ice cream, and potted cream varieties are all gluten free.

The bad news? There is a replica of Honeydukes candy shop at the Wizarding World and nothing there is celiac safe. All candies are labeled as produced on shared equipment with wheat.

The other good news? The Leaky Cauldron and the Three Broomsticks, the main restaurants in the Wizarding World, have excellent safety protocols and very good gluten free options. These restaurants use the mobile ordering process detailed earlier in this article.

Other Important Safety Guidelines at Universal Orlando

Even when not dining, there are important precautions guests should take to stay gluten free at Universal Orlando. While celiac guests carefully choose gluten free meals, tens of thousands of other guests visit the parks daily without the same considerations. Beyond the typical germs found in shared spaces—such as queues, ride seats, rails, and benches—there is also a risk of cross contact. The previous guest may have eaten a cheeseburger (without a gluten free bun) just before their ride, leaving gluten behind on a lap bar or other safety restraint.

Celiac guests should carry wipes in a park bag and thoroughly clean their hands after exiting a ride. Guests should also avoid touching their mouth, face, or food until hands have been properly washed or sanitized.

Final Tips for a Safe & Fun Universal Orlando Trip

While navigating Universal Orlando with celiac disease requires some extra preparation, it doesn't mean celiac guests can't have a fantastic time. Here are a few final tips to help ensure a visit is as safe and enjoyable as possible:

Communicate early and often: Immediately inform staff about celiac needs upon arrival at restaurants or quick service locations. Letting them know upfront will help prevent any cross contact issues and ensure a safely prepared meal. Walk through each step of safe preparation and clarify your needs on each visit. Always double check with chefs or managers if unsure about anything on the menu.

Download the Universal Orlando app: The Universal Orlando app is a great tool for checking restaurant menus, wait times, and other helpful details on the go. Many restaurants list allergen information, which can make meal planning much easier while at the resort.

Carry snacks from home: While Universal Orlando offers a range of gluten free options, it's always a good idea to carry a few gluten free snacks to keep energy up throughout the day. This can be especially useful between meals or when finding a safe option might be difficult due to crowds or availability.

Eat at restaurants during off-peak times: As with any restaurant, visiting Universal Orlando restaurants during non-peak hours gives staff more time to carefully prepare celiac safe meals.

Stay hydrated and rested: Universal Orlando is a large resort with long days of walking and excitement. Be sure to drink plenty of water and take breaks as needed. Stress and fatigue can affect overall well-being, so rest when needed and keep energy levels high to fully enjoy the experience.

Don't be afraid to get up and leave: Celiac guests report largely excellent experiences at Universal Orlando, but individuals with celiac disease should not hesitate to leave a restaurant if they feel uncomfortable with the safety protocols (or lack thereof).

Keep a positive attitude and have fun: Above all, remember that Universal Orlando is meant to be a fun experience. While it's important to take precautions for one's health, don't let the fear of potential challenges take away from the adventure. With preparation and awareness, guests with celiac disease can focus on enjoying the rides, attractions, and magical moments.

By following these tips, celiac guests will be able to experience all that Universal Orlando has to offer while staying safe and gluten free. With a little planning and a lot of fun, a celiac-friendly trip to the parks will be a memorable one.

Conclusion

A visit to Universal Orlando is an exciting and memorable experience, and it's completely possible to enjoy all the magic while managing celiac disease. By planning ahead, knowing where to find safe meals, and communicating with staff about celiac safety needs, guests with celiac disease can experience the resort without the stress of worrying about gluten.

Remember that Universal Orlando takes food allergies seriously and offers a variety of safe dining options, so don't hesitate to ask questions and take the necessary precautions. With the right preparation, guests will be able to focus on the fun, create lasting memories, and experience all the excitement this world-class resort has to offer.

Read more about safe gluten free dining at Universal Orlando at universalunlocked.com.