As I told you yesterday, this past weekend we went to Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ. While we had no problems with accommodations for Nathan's autism, finding gluten free food options for Nathan and me was not as easy.
Before entering the park, you'll have to go through
metal detectors
I was prepared for this, so we brought some snacks with us. Typically, absolutely no outside food or drink is allowed at Six Flags parks, but if you have a medical excuse you're fine. Now, a medical excuse does not mean you need to bring a note from you doctor, you just need to tell security as you enter the park.
After going through the metal detector, a security guard will search your bags,
just let them know you have dietary restrictions and need to bring your own food
Six Flags has some pretty intense security procedures. First you have to go through a metal detector, so all belts, jewelry, wallets and cell phones have to be put in a basket and screened. Then you hand your bags to the guard and walk through the metal detector yourself. The guard will then go through your bags, that's when you tell him or her that you have food in your bag and that you have dietary restrictions. The guard will put a sticker on your bag so people inside the park won't bother you later in the day if they see you eating outside food.
The security guard will put a sticker on your food or on your bag
stating that you have medial approval to bring food into the park
Go Fresh Cafe is the only dining location with a gluten free menu,
we weren't impressed last year, it features microwaved, frozen dinners
In addition to the snacks we brought, we also bought cotton candy. I got an ice cream and Nathan got an Italian ice from Rita's. By the time we left, Nathan and I were both tired and really hungry, I guess I should have brought more snacks! We had a great time riding the rides, and spending time together, but the lack of gluten free food make us miss Walt Disney World, where you can get just about anything gluten free!
