Welcome!
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to gluten free at Universal Orlando’s budget (called its Value and Prime Value) on site hotels.
This article is the seventh (7th) and final in our series that covers the gluten free and celiac safe options at every food venue across Universal Orlando Resort. These articles cover each theme park, each on site hotel, and CityWalk Orlando.
RELATED: We have gluten free guides other than this series. Click here to find them.
Our Comprehensive Gluten Free Series
Most gluten free guides out there will steer you to several gluten free options to hit up on your trip. We have those too (link above), and they’re all good and helpful! However, this series expands coverage of gluten free availability at Universal Orlando so that you are fully aware of the allergy friendly situation when entering literally any dining establishment at the resort. (We will eventually try to include the Volcano Bay water park, but the water park leans less into dining.)
These encyclopedias of gluten free options at Universal Orlando are not 100% complete yet, but our goal is to have them finished by mid 2026. As of now they are roughly 80% complete, so there is plenty to read about here already. And then of course I will be regularly updating them with current safety practices or deficiencies.
UNRELATED: If you’re new to gluten free or struggling with celiac life at home/away from the parks, I wrote down some products and recipes to help. Find them here!
Jump to the following comprehensive gluten free guides in this series:
- Gluten Free at EPIC Universe: Complete Guide (2026)
- Gluten Free at Universal Studios Florida: Complete Guide (2026)
- Gluten Free at Islands of Adventure: Complete Guide (2026)
- Gluten Free at CityWalk Orlando: Complete Guide (2026)
- Gluten Free at EPIC Universe Hotels: Complete Guide (2026) (Helios Grand Hotel, Terra Luna Resort, and Stella Nova Resort)
- Gluten Free at Universal Luxury Hotels: Complete Guide (2026) (Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Royal Pacific Resort, Sapphire Falls Resort)
If you want a quick run down of what is and isn’t safe, open the table of contents directly below ⬇️. Emojis by each venue will tell you:
- ❤️❤️❤️: one of our favorite restaurants at the resort
- ❤️❤️: love it the most
- ❤️: love it regularly
- 👍🏼: not over the moon about it, but it is safe
- ⛔: may have a couple gluten free options, but also has a lot of gluten, so be careful
- 🚫: not safe, skip it
Our Universal On Site Hotel Gluten Free Guides
In this guide, we’re grouping the four (4) north campus Value and Prime Value hotels together to review the gluten free options and celiac safety at each one of their restaurants.
Above you will find the link to each other comprehensive gluten free guide in this series, including our review of every other Universal Orlando on site hotel. We grouped the south campus hotels together (including the south campus budget offerings, Terra Luna and Stella Nova Resorts) and the Universal Orlando north campus luxury hotels together.
Universal began offering budget conscious hotel options at the resort with the 2014 opening of Cabana Bay Beach Resort and has added three (3) more north campus budget offerings since: Aventura Hotel, Dockside Inn and Suites, and Surfside Inn and Suites. Each of these on site hotels offers free shuttles to the resort.
UNLOCKED TIP: You can visit any on site hotel restaurant no matter which hotel you’re staying at. Two (2) of the budget offerings sit close enough to Sapphire Falls Resort that you can jump over there, and vice versa. Aventura is located next door and Cabana Bay is located across the street. You can even hop on the Sapphire Falls water taxi and visit other hotels on the waterfront. Don’t forget that anyone is welcome to ride the water taxis to and from any hotels.
About Universal Unlocked
My name is Laney, and I was diagnosed with celiac disease in early 2019. I have been strictly gluten free ever since.
I get a celiac panel blood test once per month, and my numbers have always been completely normal when I’ve returned from trips to Orlando where I have eaten everything I talk about in these guides. Everything I have eaten at the resort has always been safe.
Always remember, however, that these articles are just guides to enhance your Universal Orlando visit and do not guarantee a safe dining experience. It is essential that you effectively communicate your specific needs with restaurant staff each time you go.
Please click here if you’re interested in my gluten free story and credentials. Use the table of contents below to check out the restaurants you’re interested in. Or, if you have time, read the whole thing!
RELATED: Click here to explore our review of 10 great gluten free dining options at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk Orlando.
What You Should Know about the Budget Hotels, Generally
I will cover every single gluten free option at Universal’s budget on site hotels (also known as its Value and Prime Value properties) in this guide. And even though at the moment I have only been to 20 (twenty) out of 24 (twenty-four) of them, I have eaten gluten free at these hotels dozens and dozens of times and can give you general tips about them.
The Menus are Not Gospel
While the menus occasionally have marked gluten free options, these are typically menu items that are naturally gluten free or don’t require adjustments to make them gluten free. But do not by any means limit yourself to these items. Most venues are well versed in preparing allergen friendly alternatives to many existing menu items.
Well Trained Staff
Almost all venues at the budget hotels have a staff that is extremely well trained in allergy safe protocols. Whether there are just a few or many items on the menu, chances are they can be made safely with the right conversation with the kitchen.
Use these tips to navigate the hotel restaurants not (yet!) covered here. Let’s get started!
Universal’s Budget Hotel Gluten Free Overview
There are eight (8) restaurants at Cabana Bay Beach Resort, six (6) at Aventura Hotel, six (6) at Dockside Inn and Suites, and four (4) at Surfside Inn and Suites. Every budget hotel has an all day cafeteria plus grab and go restaurant combo, and at least one (1) pool bar. All but one (1) have lobby bars as well. The cafeterias at Universal Orlando budget hotels are known for making allergy safe meals, including celiac safe gluten free meals.
RELATED: Click here to read more about the history of Universal Orlando Resort on site hotels.
I have eaten at (or asked about and skipped) twenty (20) of the twenty-four (24) restaurants at these budget hotels, and below I share everything I know. We’re going to start at Aventura Hotel and work our way south (Aventura, Cabana Bay, Surfside, Dockside). You will find ❤️ next to our favorites. If you spot ❤️❤️, we consider it a can’t miss.
RELATED: Click here to read about why you should stay at a Universal on-site hotel, and all the benefits and perks that come with it, in our 2026 Ultimate Universal Orlando Planning Guide. If you’re planning your first (or 100th) trip to Orlando, it’s just what you need.
Universal Aventura Hotel
Since opening in August 2018, Universal’s Aventura Hotel has added a contemporary, modern flair to Universal Orlando Resort’s collection of hotels. Universal designed Aventura to appeal to a more stylish, budget conscious traveler seeking a sleek, high tech hotel experience without compromising on convenience. Its minimalist design and modern amenities make Aventura an ideal choice for guests looking for a modern, affordable stay with a forward-thinking aesthetic.
Aventura has the standard budget on site hotel offerings: a grab and go and cafeteria combo all day dining venue, a lobby bar, a poolside bar, and pizza delivery service. It also houses one (1) of the (now) two (2) rooftop bars at Universal Orlando. (The other is on the south campus at the Helios Grand Hotel.) And Aventura has a lobby Starbucks.
RELATED: Click here to read our full review of and guide to the Helios Grand Hotel.
Urban Pantry ❓
- What: Grab and go and cafeteria, all day
- Where: Off the lobby
- Hours: 7AM to 10PM (11PM on Friday and Saturday)
- Our Review:
Coming soon!
Click here to explore the Urban Pantry menu.
BarVentura ❤️
- What: Full bar
- Where: Lobby
- Hours: 5PM to 11PM
- Our Review:
This lobby bar can make safe and delicious gluten free drinks. Treat it the same as you would any other bar.
Click here to explore the BarVentura menu.
Bar Sol ❤️
- What: Full bar
- Where: Poolside
- Hours: 11AM to 8PM
- Our Review:
This poolside bar can make safe and delicious gluten free drinks. Treat it the same as you would any other bar.
Click here to explore the Bar Sol menu.
Bar 17 Bistro ❤️❤️
- What: Rooftop bar and restaurant, dinner
- Where: Aventura rooftop
- Hours: Bar 17 Bistro keeps seasonal hours. Click here to find them.
- Our Review:
I have only been to this rooftop bar for drinks, which can be made safely. Treat it as you would any other bar. You should definitely go get a drink just to take in the views.
Click here to explore the Bar 17 Bistro menu.
Starbucks ⛔
- Where: Lobby
- Hours: 6AM to 8PM
- Our Review:
Trust as much as you would any Starbucks outside Universal Orlando.
Pizza Delivery Service ❤️
- What: Pizza delivery service
- Where: Your hotel room
- Delivery: 12PM to 12AM
- Pickup: 12PM to 10:15PM
- Our Review:
Pizza delivery service is available at this and every budget hotel. It is very easy to communicate your dietary needs over the phone, and they will make a very safe meal for you.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Since its opening in March 2014, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort has become one of the most beloved and affordable options for guests at Universal Orlando Resort. Universal designed this retro style hotel to evoke the nostalgic feel of the 1950s and 1960s. It combines a mid century modern aesthetic with family friendly amenities and affordable accommodations.
Cabana Bay is a large family resort with more food and beverage venues than any other budget hotel. At eight (8) restaurants, it has more offerings than any other Universal on site hotel—budget or luxury—except Portofino Bay, Universal Orlando’s premier luxury offering (which also has eight (8)). Cabana Bay also differs from other budget on site hotels by offering food service at the poolside bars.
Bayliner Diner is the grab and go and cafeteria combo all day restaurant, and Swizzle Lounge is the lobby bar. There is also a Starbucks, milkshake and smoothie shop, a bowling alley and restaurant, pizza delivery service, and a poolside bar at each of the two (2) pools.
Bayliner Diner ❤️
- What: Grab and go and cafeteria, all day
- Where: First floor across from the lobby
- Hours: 6:30AM to 11PM
- Our Review:
The Bayliner Diner is the cafeteria and grab and go all day restaurant at Cabana Bay. They have a variety of cafeteria options and can even make things like pizza and chicken tenders gluten free.
When you go up to order, they will send the chef out to speak with you about what can be made safely.
Bayliner also has grab and go items, plus cokes, water, juice, milk, alcoholic beverages, and Coke Freestyle machines.
RELATED: Click here to read about Coke Freestyle and more Universal Orlando tips and tricks in our 2026 FAQ.
Click here to explore the Bayliner menu.
Shakes Malt Shoppe ⛔
- What: Quick service, all day
- Where: First floor
- Hours: 12PM to 12AM
- Our Review:
Trust this as much as you would any ice cream shop, but they do have labeled gluten free options. We like and trust it.
Click here to explore the Shakes menu.
Hideaway Bar & Grill ❓
- What: Bar and full table service, lunch and dinner
- Where: Lazy River Courtyard
- Food Service: 11AM to 9PM
- Bar Service: 11AM to 10PM
- Our Review:
Coming soon!
Click here to explore the Hideaway menu.
Atomic Tonic ❓
- What: Bar and full table service, lunch and dinner
- Where: Cabana Courtyard
- Food Service: 11AM to 9PM
- Bar Service: 11AM to 10PM
Coming soon!
Click here to explore the Atomic Tonic menu.
Swizzle Lounge ❤️
- What: Full bar
- Where: Lobby
- Hours: 5PM (1PM on Friday and Saturday) to 12AM
- Our Review:
This lobby bar has great drinks that can be made safe and gluten free. Trust as much as you would any other bar.
Click here to explore the Swizzle Lounge menu.
Galaxy Bowl Restaurant ❓
- What: Full bar and lane service
- Where: Cabana Bay bowling alley
- Hours: 12PM to 11PM
- Our Review:
Coming soon!
Click here to explore the Galaxy Bowl menu.
Starbucks ⛔
- Where: Lobby
- Hours: 6AM to 10PM
- Our Review:
Trust as much as you would any Starbucks outside Universal Orlando.
Pizza Delivery Service ❤️
- What: Pizza delivery service
- Where: Your hotel room
- Delivery: 12PM to 12AM
- Pickup: 12PM to 10:15PM
- Our Review:
Pizza delivery service is available at this and every budget hotel. It is very easy to communicate your dietary needs over the phone, and they will make a very safe meal for you.
Click here to explore the Cabana Bay pizza delivery service menu.
Surfside Inn and Suites
Opened in 2019, Surfside Inn and Suites is one of the Endless Summer Resort twin on site budget hotels. Its theme emphasizes the beach vibe. Its open, airy lobbies and tropical landscape provide guests with a relaxing, vacation like experience without the higher costs typically associated with resort style hotels.
Surfside offers the three (3) standard budget hotel venues: the grab and go and cafeteria combo, poolside bar, and pizza delivery service. There’s also a lobby Starbucks. It’s the only Universal Orlando on site budget hotel that doesn’t have a lobby bar.
Beach Break Cafe ❤️❤️
- What: Grab and go and cafeteria, all day
- Where: Off the lobby
- Hours: 7AM to 11PM
- Our Review:
The Beach Break Cafe is the cafeteria and grab and go main restaurant at Surfside Inn and Suites. They have a variety of cafeteria options and can even make things like pizza and chicken tenders gluten free.
When you go up to order, they will send the chef out to speak with you about what can be made safely.
They also have a dedicated gluten free grab and go section, plus cokes, water, juice, milk, alcoholic beverages, and Coke Freestyle machines. It’s a wonderful place to eat safely. Grab some food and take it out to the poolside bar, the Sand Bar.
Click here to explore the Beach Break menu.
RELATED: Click here to read about Coke Freestyle and more Universal Orlando tips and tricks in our 2026 FAQ.
Sand Bar ❤️❤️❤️
- What: Full bar
- Where: Poolside
- Bar Service: 11AM to 10PM
- Our Review:
We love this place so much. The poolside bar at Surfside is one of my absolute favorite places at Universal Orlando. It gives such a calm and relaxing beachside vibe that you forget you’re landlocked.
I go to the Beach Break Cafe and get food to go and bring it out to the bar and sit there for hours just taking it in. The drinks are really good and the bartender will make whatever you want safely.
Click here to explore the Sand Bar menu.
Starbucks ⛔
- Where: Lobby
- Hours: 6AM to 10PM
- Our Review:
Trust as much as you would any Starbucks outside Universal Orlando.
Pizza Delivery Service ❤️
- What: Pizza delivery service
- Where: Your hotel room
- Delivery: 4PM to 12AM
- Pickup: 11:30AM to 11PM
- Our Review:
Pizza delivery service is available at this and every budget hotel. It is very easy to communicate your dietary needs over the phone, and they will make a very safe meal for you.
Click here to explore the Surfside pizza delivery service menu.
Dockside Inn and Suites
Opened in 2020, Dockside Inn and Suites is the second twin hotel at Endless Summer Resort. Its design reflects a beachside retreat with features such as palm trees, water features, and colorful accents that highlight the hotel’s seaside charm.
Dockside offers the standard budget hotel grab and go and cafeteria combo as well as pizza delivery service. It also has a lobby bar, a Starbucks, and one (1) poolside bar at each of its two (2) pools.
Pier 8 Market ❤️❤️
- What: Grab and go and cafeteria, all day
- Where: Off the lobby
- Hours: 7AM to 11PM
- Our Review:
The Pier 8 Market is the cafeteria and grab and go main restaurant at Dockside Inn and Suites. They have a variety of cafeteria options and can even make things like pizza and chicken tenders gluten free.
When you go up to order, they will send the chef out to speak with you about what can be made safely.
Pier 8 Market also has a separate gluten free section of grab and go items, plus cokes, water, juice, milk, alcoholic beverages, and Coke Freestyle machines.
Click here to explore the Pier 8 Market menu.
RELATED: Click here to read about Coke Freestyle and more Universal Orlando tips and tricks in our 2026 FAQ.
Oasis Beach Bar ❤️
- What: Full bar
- Where: Poolside
- Bar Service: 11AM to 10PM
- Our Review:
Dockside has two (2) pools, one (1) at each of the two (2) towers, and each one has a bar. They are so beachy and fun to hang out at after park days or just on days you don’t go to the parks.
We love to grab food from Pier 8 Market to go and take out and sit at the bar. The drinks are also fun and can be made gluten free. Trust it the same as you would any other bar.
Click here to explore the Oasis Beach Bar menu.
Wave Maker’s Pool Bar ❤️
- What: Full bar
- Where: Poolside
- Bar Service: 11AM to 10PM
- Our Review:
Dockside has two (2) pools, one (1) at each of the two (2) towers, and each one has a bar. They are so beachy and fun to hang out at after park days or just on days you don’t go to the parks. We love to grab food from Pier 8 Market to go and take out and sit at the bar. The drinks are also fun and can be made gluten free. Trust it the same as you would any other bar.
Click here to explore the Wave Maker’s Pool Bar menu.
Sunset Lounge ❤️
- What: Full bar
- Where: Lobby
- Hours: 4PM (1PM on Friday and Saturday) to 12AM
- Our Review:
This lobby bar has great drinks that can be made safe and gluten free. Treat it the same as you would any other bar.
Click here to explore the Sunset Lounge menu.
Starbucks ⛔
- Where: Lobby
- Hours: 6AM to 8PM
- Our Review:
Trust as much as you would any Starbucks outside Universal Orlando.
Pizza Delivery Service ❤️
- What: Pizza delivery service
- Where: Your hotel room
- Delivery: 4PM to 12AM
- Pickup: 11:30AM to 11PM
Pizza delivery service is available at this and every budget hotel. It is very easy to communicate your dietary needs over the phone, and they will make a very safe meal for you.
Click here to explore the Dockside pizza delivery service menu.
Conclusion: Gluten Free at Universal’s Budget Hotels
Thanks for reading! I’ll be updating this guide regularly as we check off the remaining budget hotel restaurants and consistently recheck for safety and new options. So make sure to bookmark this page!
Click here to reach out if you have any questions or comments. I usually respond quickly!
When I was diagnosed with celiac disease, I mourned my Universal vacation dining and brought an entire suitcase of gluten free snacks on my first trip back. Little did I know, I was about to discover an absolute gluten free paradise. You will, too. It’s impossible to feel less than or other at Universal Orlando. I hope you enjoy it!
🏖️🌊🎳📱