Review of LEGOLAND New York Resort

The resort is very fun but I would recommend bringing snacks and lunch with you because I feel the possibility of cross contact is very high. The food at the park is all run by a third party restaurant group and they give barely any information online other than “allergen options are available.” This was very frustrating trying to plan a day for our family, hopefully this info can help others.

When you get to the park go to guest services for a list of restaurant options, and they should be able to show a binder with a list of possibilities. Certain establishments have more options than others, some of them are mobile order only. You should still ask an employee to see their allergen binder at each place you go to.

First, we decided to try the Royal Feast Restaurant and placed a mobile order for cheeseburgers on GF buns. Before we ordered we were notified on the mobile order site menu to ask a worker behind the counter how to order allergen safe food.

Right now, protocol is to have the guest place an order for a regular item without being able to make substitutions, then after ordering but before paying, make a note that the order needs to be modified. The guest has to pay and wait and hope the kitchen notices the request and can accommodate it.

We specifically noted gluten free buns in the special message area, and specifically said no french fries, because they are clearly listed on the binder we were shown as containing wheat.

We received 4 combo burgers with french fries in a separate bag, which after I paid for I had to give away to another person since we couldn’t eat them.

There was reasonable assurances that the meal would be prepared GF but no guarantees since it was being prepared in a shared space, and during a lunch rush.

Next, we went to Smokey’s Brick-Be-Que. This is a buffet/cafeteria style Bbq place. The meat items were listed in the binder as not containing wheat/gluten. We tried the chicken, pulled pork, and sausage platter with coleslaw and potato salad as side. The sides were served and stored in their own bowls away from gluten containing items.. The staff was informed of the allergy but didn’t make an effort to get items from the back or anything. I mostly felt safe with the buffet line, the only concern I had was with the corn on the cob because it was in between gluten containing items

Condiments in most places were separate and in packets so there was less fear of cross contact.

Lastly snacks and desserts, the soft serve in the park is stated to be GF when served in cups. The apple fries are listed as GF on the main binder list of options but upon going to the kiosk we learned that they are pancake battered and fried so not gluten free at all. Prepackaged snacks other than cotton candy weren’t really available.

The care taken by the restaurant workers was hit or miss, some felt like they understood and took allergen protocols seriously others couldn’t be bothered.

We’ll probably be bringing PB&J’s next trip and finding another place to eat dinner.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Other Characteristics

• Dog friendly
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating