The American Adventure pavilion at Epcot has one of the best quick-service dairy-free and gluten-free dining options in Epcot. Regal Eagle Smokehouse makes visitors forget they are at a “world showcase” and enjoy authentic American food that is both gluten-free and dairy-free!
My husband and I were recently at Epcot in Walt Disney World . We were looking for a great quick-service restaurant that could accommodate my food allergies. Finding delicious dairy-free and gluten-free food is not easy! But Disney makes that search so much easier!
We first looked at a quick-service restaurant called Sunshine Seasons in the World Nature section at the front of Epcot. I was excited to try their chicken and rice dish! What we didn’t know, though, is that Sunshine Seasons stops serving hot meals at 4pm!
Thankfully, Disney’s Epcot has more than one quick-service restaurant with dairy-free and gluten-free menu options!
Where is Regal Eagle Smokehouse?
Regal Eagle Smokehouse is in the American Adventure pavilion at the back of Epcot.
To get there, you can walk through the World Showcase and stop by when you’re in the area. Or you can jump on the Epcot boat right before Canada and take it over to the Morrocco pavilion. Head to the left after departing the boat ride, and you’ll see Regal Eagle Smokehouse in the large white building!
What Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Food is at Regal Eagle Smokehouse?
Our first question was, “What are we going to find that’s gluten-free and dairy-free?” Fortunately, the answer was, “So much!” We were so excited when we saw my menu options!
There were several barbecue choices…
Texas Beef Brisket Sandwich
Memphis Dry Rub Pork Ribs
Kansas City Smoked Half Chicken
BBQ Jackfruit Burger
North Carolina Chopped Smoked Pork Butt Platter
Regal Eagle also has a dedicated gluten-free fryer, which means french fries were an option!
Side dishes for gluten-free and dairy-free individuals include:
French Fries
Coleslaw
Watermelon
Baked Beans with Burnt Ends
Pickles
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Eating at Epcot Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: Our Experience with Regal Eagle Smokehouse
How Does Regal Eagle Compare?
Regal Eagle competes with Satuli as the best quick-service meal I have ever had at Disney World! The food was absolutely amazing! I have been to sit-down barbeque restaurants that do not compare with Regal Eagle!
While regular food was coming out within about 5 minutes of ordering, my allergy-friendly order took 10 minutes. (That is still unbelievably quick!)
A manager handed my food to us herself. My food was on a separate tray, though it could have easily fit on the same tray as my husband’s. This is just one of the ways Disney prevents cross-contamination from food allergens.
What I Ordered
I got the Kansas City Smoked Half Chicken. It was absolutely delicious! And it was a much bigger portion than I ever could have expected. If the barbecue wasn’t so delicious, I’d be tempted to get the kid’s chicken salad or chicken strips next time. But that’s not going to happen!
I ordered the gluten-free french fries as a side dish. They reminded me so much of McDonald’s (which I haven’t eaten in so many years!). It’s really rare that I get french fries (because most places do not have a dedicated gluten-free fryer), so I loved every bite of those fries from Regal Eagle!
I also got an additional side dish of watermelon! Sometimes fresh fruits and vegetables on vacation are very appreciated! And I never expected three pieces of watermelon! That’s pretty impressive!
What Kaleb Ordered at Regal Eagle Smokehouse
My husband does not have to eat gluten-free and dairy-free. He ordered the barbecue burger and onion rings, and his order was just as delicious! In fact, he mentioned that meal a few times in the days that followed!
We also got free cups of water. One of the best ways to save money at Disney World is to use Disney water bottle refill stations !
Other Regal Eagle Smokehouse Tips
You can enjoy the live music while you eat! Plan to eat there during an outdoor concert at America Garden’s Theater across from Regal Eagle Smokehouse!
If you plan to eat gluten-free and dairy-free at Regal Eagle, plan to wait a bit longer for your food as it will be made fresh. Quick service food usually arrives within a few minutes, but allergy-friendly orders take more like 10-20 minutes… which is still amazingly quick for restaurant food!
Bathrooms are located just outside of the restaurant toward the left.
Summary
Regal Eagle Smokehouse at Epcot is perfect for those who are gluten and dairy-free. The barbecue is surprisingly delicious and can be made completely gluten-free and dairy-free easily!
Epcot is my most favorite place to eat! I love the American section!
I didn’t expect to like the American section so much! In a world showcase, I expected to spend most of my time in other areas. But Epcot did a great job on the American section! I loved the live music and Regal Eagle!
Eating in Epcot is amazing! So many choices.
Epcot is a foodie’s dream!
Wow that looks delicious — now I’m hungry! Have to check out Regal Eagle Smokehouse next time I am at Epcot — we are there quite often š
You should definitely check out Regal Eagle!
Wow! The food at Regal Eagle Smokehouse in Epcot looks AMAZING!
It is absolutely delicious!
The food looks gorgeous! I’ve never been to Epcot but would love to visit!