Spice Mill -- Lunch -- Quick Service -- SeaWorld Orlando
*This dining experience took place in July 2016.
As a SeaWorld Passholder, I have been visiting the park for the past year, but haven't had a chance to dine there yet. On this visit, I finally got a chance to check out the dining options and how SeaWorld Orlando handles special dietary needs.My first meal was at Spice Mill, a quick service restaurant that serves burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Before I arrived at SeaWorld Orlando, I emailed the Culinary Operations Team at SeaWorld. You can find out more information about special dietary needs at SeaWorld on their website, including allergen cards and how to contact them for more informaiton.After connecting with the Culinary Operations Team, they sent me a document listing all of the gluten free options at the quick service locations. This was really helpful, as I could cross-reference things and pick the choice that both Brandon and I would have options at.Spice Mill's options included:
- Potato Salad
- Pulled Pork Sandwich on a Gluten Free Bun
- Pickles
- Fresh Fruit
- Hamburger on a Gluten Free Bun
- Chop Chop Salad
- Cheeseburger on a Gluten Free Bun
For the Kids' Menu, gluten free options included:
- Hamburger on a Gluten Free Bun with Carrot Sticks and Fruit or Applesauce
- Hot Dog on a Gluten Free Bun with Carrot Sticks and Fruit or Applesauce
Throughout the SeaWorld Park, they have allergy friendly information cards that you can pick up. They include information about training, where to eat, and even include a food allergy information card that you can share with the culinary team at whatever restaurant you dine at.All team members seemed to be very used to this, as the team member at the cash register asked if I had one filled out when I inquired about a gluten free meal.A chef also came out to speak with me about options and prepared my food in the kitchen. Spice Mill is cafeteria style, so having my food make safely in the back was really great. The chef did tell me that I could get French fries, as they are made in a dedicated fryer. I opted for a gluten free cheeseburger (since I've been reintroducing a bit of dairy back into my diet), along with fries.
The restaurant also had several food allergy friendly items to purchase behind the cash register including Beanitos and Divvies. Some locations also carried Rich's Gluten Free Brownies, which are also dairy free.
I had a fairly short wait for my food. Once I got my burger and fries, I did check out the condiment station, which consists of all pre-packaged condiments. This is great because you can enjoy ketchup, mustard, and mayo without worry of cross contamination.Both Brandon and I got burgers, and we both really enjoyed them. We commented that they were actually better than some of the burgers you'd get even at a Disney quick service location in one of the parks. My burger was served on an Udi's Gluten Free bun, and the entire meal could have easily been made dairy free by removing the cheese.Overall, I was really impressed at how SeaWorld Orlando handled my special dietary needs. I think they're doing a great job at following cross-contamination procedures and having options available. I will say that I was even more impressed that a chef came out to speak with me. That doesn't happen at other Orlando theme parks (except Disney) like Universal Studios, where I'm usually just working with the cashier/team member at the front and an ingredients binder.Now that I've dined at SeaWorld safely, I can't wait to check out the other restaurants when I visit again. As a passholder, I feel really confident now that I'll be able to dine safely throughout my visit in the park. I'll be posting a fuller review of the overall special dietary needs accommodations in another post, including information about options at other SeaWorld Orlando restaurants for gluten free diners.Have you been to SeaWorld Orlando with special dietary needs? What did you think of your experience?