This week, Mr. Garlic and I headed to Flame Tree BBQ to check out what's allergy-friendly at one of Animal Kingdom's most popular quick-service spots.
Located on the right side of Discovery Island (along the path between Asia and Dinoland) Flame Tree Barbecue is known for its smoky meats, generous portions, and serene waterfront seating.
As two people who grew up in Memphis (aka BBQ country), we've been curious to see how Disney's in park version stacks up, especially when it comes to the allergy-friendly choices.
So, this visit we ordered a mix of gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based items to get a better sense of what's safe and worth ordering.
Whether you're navigating food allergies or just curious about what's available for alternative diets at Walt Disney World, this review breaks down what Flame Tree BBQ has to offer.
Jump to:
Arrival, Atmosphere, (& some very bold Ducks):
Flame Tree BBQ is located on the right side of Discovery Island, just past the gift shops as you enter the heart of Disney's Animal Kingdom.
A colorful wood-carved sign and a covered counter adorned with carved parrots will let you know you've arrived at this open-air quick service spot.
As usual, we decided to Mobile Order, so instead of heading to the counter, we went straight for the seating area (which is actually kind of a hidden gem within Animal Kingdom).
To the left of the ordering area is an ADA-compliant ramp that leads up to a shaded pavilion, while a set of stairs leads down into a winding garden filled with covered tables, lush foliage, and a view of the water.
We chose a peaceful little corner next to a trickling water feature in the upper pavilion.
It was a hot day (90+ degrees), but the space was well-ventilated with ceiling fans, plenty of napkin and cutlery stations, and padded chairs (a rare but very welcome feature).
Despite how busy the restaurant was overall, the seating felt spacious and relaxed, and we ended up staying for nearly 90 minutes without ever feeling rushed or crowded.
And then there were the birds!
Dozens of ducks and birds have decided this is the perfect place to scrounge and beg. Wandering between tables, quacking for scraps, and completely unbothered by the bustle of people.
One particularly bold duck even pecked at my leg (I didn't mind), and I even saw another table where a woman gently pet a baby duck.
Even though there are signs everywhere asking guests not to feed the birds, it's clear that these lil' feathered freeloaders have figured out the system.
All in all, this is one of the most pleasant quick-service seating areas on Walt Disney World property.
Shady, scenic, with just the right amount of wildlife.
What's on the Menu? (& How to Order Allergy-Friendly):
The Flame Tree Barbecue menu features all the BBQ staples you'd expect.
Pulled pork, ribs, rotisserie chicken, plus a few standout sides like pork-topped fries, a cornbread muffin, and rotating desserts. (On our visit, the specialty was a Key Lime Pie Pop dipped in dark chocolate.)
You'll also find kid-friendly meals, non-alcoholic drinks, cocktails, and draft beer.
(Click here for the current Flame Tree BBQ menu)
We decided to Mobile Order, which is usually the easiest way to go.
The My Disney Experience app has a dedicated Allergy-Friendly menu tab, where you can filter by specific allergens: gluten/wheat, egg, fish/shellfish, peanut/tree nut, sesame, and soy.
There's also a separate Plant-Based section, clearly marked with the little leaf.
This setup makes it super simple to browse based on your needs and (thus far) I've never had any issues ordering this way.
That said, if you or someone in your group has a severe allergy, or doesn't see their allergen listed, it's best to order in person at the counter.
Cast Members are generally very knowledgeable, and many quick-service locations have on-site chefs who can handle allergy-specific meals using a dedicated prep area.
Once we ordered and paid through the app, it took about 10 minutes to get the "your order is ready" alert. The app assigned us a pickup window number, and we were good to go.
A quick note on the Disney Dining Plan:
Flame Tree BBQ does accept some Disney Dining Plans. Most commonly, you'll be able to use a Quick Service credit here. But it's always worth double-checking the app or asking at the counter, especially if you're eyeing specialty items or alcoholic drinks.
Everything We Ordered (and What We Thought):
So, what did we eat at Flame Tree BBQ? In short: a lot.
Since this was a mission to test some of the allergy-friendly options available at this Animal Kingdom dining staple, I ordered a little mix of everything: gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based.
Here's what we tried:
Ribs, Chicken & Pulled Pork Sampler- $18.99
(Shellfish-free, sesame-free as-is / can be made gluten-free, egg-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and soy-free with modifications)
This one was a beast of a plate. For under $20, you get a generous combo of meats, St. Louis ribs, marinated chicken (bone-in), and smoked pulled pork, along with their signature baked beans and coleslaw. A serious bang-for-your-buck lunch, and more than enough food for two people.
A quick allergy note: the coleslaw is made with malt vinegar (from barley), which makes it unsuitable for folks with celiac. I do not have celiac, but rather an auto-immune condition that is sometimes reactive to gluten, so I gave it a go and thankfully had no reaction. But as always, you know your body best and should use your best judgment.
As for the meats:
- The pulled pork was soft and tender with a mild flavor. Lightly seasoned, but tasty with BBQ sauce.
- The roasted chicken had a dry rub that reminded me of blackened seasoning (paprika, garlic, salt). Slightly dry on the surface, but moist inside.
- The ribs were also tender but noticeably under-seasoned.
Because we ordered gluten-free, the BBQ sauce came on the side: Ken's Cannonball BBQ Sauce, which is gluten-free and vegan. It was slightly sweet, smoky, tangy, and added much-needed moisture and flavor boost to the meats.
And for the sides (which were hit and miss):
- Baked beans: Honestly our least favorite item of the day and would not get again. They tasted dry and overcooked with a spicy yet ketchup-heavy sauce that really did not work.
- Coleslaw (Again, Not GF): Pretty standard Southern-style coleslaw. Creamy, tangy, and crunchy.
Our Rating (BBQ Sampler): 6.5/10
Great portion size, can easily feed two people, and easily made allergy-friendly with a few modifications. Just don't expect Memphis BBQ levels of seasoning.
Impossible Burnt Ends- $12.29
(Plant-based, dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free with GF sauce)
This one split the table. Served with fries and a vinegar-based slaw, the "burnt ends" were… unexpected.
Rather than crispy, charred bites of plant-based meat, what arrived looked and tasted more like thin-cut breakfast sausage patties made of Impossible meat (minus the usual seasoning).
The texture was soft and spongy, and while I didn't mind the flavor (think a very mild sausage with BBQ sauce), Mr. Garlic was not a fan. And the table next to us audibly compared it to canned dog food, which… I won't entirely disagree with.
The Sides helped though:
- Fries: Thin, crispy, and well-seasoned. A win, and a lot of them.
- Dairy-free slaw: Vinegary, crunchy, and light.
Our Rating (Impossible Burnt Ends Combo): Me: 4/10. Mr. Garlic: 0/10.
If you're plant-based and craving BBQ-style flavors, this might still be worth a try, just don't expect a "burnt ends" texture.
Allergy-Friendly Cookie- $4.29
(Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, nut-free, soy-free)
If you've ever ordered an "allergy-friendly" cookie or brownie at Disney, you've probably had one of these David's Cookies.
This one was soft, thick, and the size of my hand. Slightly sweet with a chewy texture. I've had several of these and they're always consistent, and honestly, for a mass-produced allergy-friendly treat, I love them.
Our Rating (Allergy-Friendly Cookie): 8/10
A solid cookie. Always a safe bet.
The Rotten Apple (Cocktail)- $13.50
(Gluten-Free)
This drink is a popular one at Animal Kingdom. A mix of Angry Orchard hard cider, Fireball cinnamon whiskey, and gummy worms. Sounds fun, right?
Unfortunately, I ordered it on a sweltering hot day, and by the time I got back to our table (less than a minute later), the ice had melted and the drink was… basically a watered-down cider.
I couldn't taste any cinnamon whiskey or gummy worm, just very diluted hard apple cider. The portion was decent (16 oz), but the flavor was mehhh.
Our Rating (Rotten Apple Cocktail): 3/10
A miss for me, but maybe it's better if you drink it immediately.
A Few Quick Notes About Our Meal:
- No allergy markers were on our food trays, which is unusual for Disney. This might vary depending on how busy the kitchen is or how you order.
- The portion sizes were huge. We easily could've split one entrée and been full.
- My favorites: the pulled pork and the allergy-friendly cookie.
Final Thoughts: Worth It or Skip It?
So, would we eat at Flame Tree BBQ again? In short, yes.
This quick service dining spot at Animal Kingdom had a few wins. The menu was easy to navigate, portion sizes were massive, the seating was some of the nicest in the park (shady, open-air, and tucked away from foot traffic), and the allergy-friendly options were better than expected.
Also, THE DUCKS. Honestly, I'd come back just for them.
When we return, I'll likely stick with the pulled pork or try something new from the menu.
The Impossible Burnt Ends didn't win us over, but the plant-based eaters out there might still enjoy them if you're used to meat alternatives.
And the David's allergy-friendly cookie? Always a solid choice.
So, is it a safe pick for allergy-friendly diners?
Mostly Yes, with a few caveats.
The mobile order system within the My Disney Experience app makes it easy to filter by allergy (gluten, dairy, soy, egg, nut, etc.), and plant-based items are clearly marked.
That said, if your allergy is severe or you don't see your particular restriction listed, it's worth speaking with a Cast Member or chef in person.
One thing that gave me pause was that our food did not come with allergy markers (which usually the food does when ordering at Disney) but I personally did not have a reaction to anything we ordered.
As always, you know your body best. Use your best judgement and when in doubt speak to a cast member.
So, Who is Flame Tree BBQ perfect for?
- Meat lovers looking to load up on ribs, chicken, or pulled pork.
- Families or couples who want a quiet, shady spot to rest.
- Guests on the Disney Dining Plan (some plans are accepted here).
- Anyone craving good value with theme park pricing.
- Guests with dietary restrictions looking for clear, labeled options. (Just keep my above notes in mind!)
- And, of course: duck enthusiasts.
Final verdict?
Is it the best BBQ we've ever had? As two folks from Memphis, we'll say… no.
But for theme park barbecue? It's pretty darn good. Especially with that beautiful outdoor seating and generous portions.
Our Overall Flame Tree BBQ Review Score: 6.5/10
Solid food, generous portions, allergy-conscious options, and an unbeatable atmosphere. Just don't expect ribs that compete with your hometown joint (and maybe skip the baked beans).
Know Before You Go:
Mobile ordering is super easy through the My Disney Experience app.
Just scan the QR code on the menu board or open the app and tap "Order Food."
From there, you can view the full menu, filter by category & allergy, and pay using a linked card.
When your food is ready, you'll receive a notification with your order number and pickup window.
This is a popular quick service dining spot, and there's usually a bit of a crowd, but the line moves quickly. Even during peak lunch hours, our mobile order was ready within about 10 minutes.
Flame Tree BBQ might just have the best seating in the park. There's a large, shaded garden seating area tucked behind the restaurant, with plenty of tables, padded chairs, fans, and even a waterfront view. It's quiet, lush, and far from the main foot traffic.
You'll find it right on Discovery Island, between the bridges to Asia (Expedition Everest) and Dinoland U.S.A. (which will be be closing soon for a new land).
Our favorites were the Pulled Pork (with GF BBQ sauce) and the Allergy-Friendly Cookie. Both very tasty and clearly marked in the app.
Yes! Try the Impossible Burnt Ends (ask for GF sauce if needed), the Vinegar Slaw, French Fries, and the same allergy-friendly cookie (which is also vegan).
Prices are very reasonable by Disney standards. Most entrées are around $12-$19, and portion sizes are large enough to share. Some Disney Dining Plans are accepted, check with a Cast Member or the app for availability.
It opens at 10:30 AM daily and closes when the park does (usually around 6- 6:30 PM, depending on the day and the season).
Nope! It's a quick service restaurant, so reservations aren't needed. You can walk up and order at the counter or use Mobile Order to skip the line entirely.
Flame Tree BBQ might just surprise you. With gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based options plus generous portions and gorgeous shady seating, it's a solid quick service pick.
Have you eaten here? Got a favorite dish or allergy-friendly tip?
Let me know in the comments or tag me @mustlovegarlic on Instagram to share your Disney eats!
If you enjoyed this review, be sure to check out my other posts on Orlando dining and Disney & Universal hidden gems. I'd love to hear about your own experiences, so feel free to drop a comment below or share your favorite theme park dining spots!
- Epic Universe Food Guide: And Everything We've Eaten (So Far!)
- Boatwright's Dining Hall: A Gluten-Free Dinner Review at Disney's Port Orleans
- Gluten-Free Dining at Ronto Roasters in Disney's Galaxy's Edge
- Gluten-Free Dining at San Angel Inn (EPCOT's Mexico Pavillion)
- Gluten-Free Dining at Sebastian's Bistro (Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort)
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