I had been experiencing a variety of medical problems, increasing for months. So heading to Walt Disney World already seemed less exciting than it normally would, when one of my doctors said the dreaded words: “You need to stop eating gluten.”

No way. This was not happening. Just two weeks before a trip to the most magical place on earth—a trip I was already concerned how I would feel for—and now I had to nix the gluten!?!? No Mickey Head pretzels?? No easy stroll through the park, hopping from one snack cart or restaurant to another??

As I began to think about the foods that I look forward to when planning a visit with the Mouse, I just kept thinking of all the things filled with wheat. So I did what any over-planner would do and I found out every single thing I might want that I could still get gluten free.

Unfortunately, that pretzel wasn’t on the list. Neither are churros.

But thanks to Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC found at Disney Springs, you can find gluten-fee (and vegan!) mini brownie cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon sugar donuts and chocolate dipped donuts at a variety places through the resort.

And that is merely the icing on the cake!!

Various locations which offer chicken strips or fries are able to produce these gluten free and even guarantee they will not be contaminated by frying them in a separate batch of oil from all those other gluten-ous items you need to stay away from.

Throughout the four parks and even a variety of hotel restaurants, in the places burgers orsandwiches were available, often so too were gluten free breads or rolls for those yummy fillings to rest upon!

For years I have looked forward to even one small dish of Disney Mac and Cheese during each trip. Thankfully this is something available in gluten-free form at most of the restaurants where the traditional version is sold. A wonderful treat for kids and for cheese loving grown-ups alike.

Just want one of those adorable Mickey Waffles? Luckily a variety of the hotel restaurants which offer the waffles also have a gluten-free version available. But so do the Tusker House in Animal Kingdom, Hollywood & Vine in Hollywood Studios and the Crystal Palace inMagic Kingdom.

If you have gotten this far and are waiting to hear the good news about a Disney Parks favorite—yes! The Dole Whip found in various locations in the resort is gluten-free! But even if you just want an ice cream from one of the ice cream carts located throughout the parks, most of them have gluten-free options available.

Even the majority of restaurants at Disney Springs have gluten-free offers. I had really tasty great gluten-free pasta dish at Portobello Country Italian Trattoria. Cookes of Dublineven has gluten-free fish and chips, shrimp, and onion rings!

Worried about something I haven’t mentioned?

Even if you’re not that sure what may or may not be gluten free simply by glancing at the regular menu, fear not my gluten-free friends! Each restaurant in Walt Disney World, whether table service or counter, has an “Allergy Friendly Menu” available which will list the items that are already gluten-free or can be altered by the chef so that they will be safe for your restricted diet. And if you’re still not sure, the chefs will gladly speak with you to make sure you can have a meal that not only is safe for you but will be enjoyable to you as well.

As it turns out, the last minute before a trip to Disney was perhaps the best time to find out that I had to cut out the gluten. The chefs work hard to make it as tasty as possible. But even better, Disney has worked to make it easy to identify the items that are safe for your restricted diet whether it is gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free or a combination of them all. I actually find it was easier to identify gluten-free options while at Disney than once I came home to the grocery store.

And best of all? In a world where everything extra gets an extra fee, those who buy gluten free at home will be happy to know that Disney doesn’t charge you for making the food safe for you to eat. Although restaurants across the country will charge you a premium for that gluten-free option, so far Disney does not charge any gluten-free added fees!

Go forth my gluten-free friends. Eat, drink, and play. Don’t worry about finding something you can eat. The options are overwhelming!