Guest Review — Disney World with Special Dietary Needs Trip Recap Day 1

This series of guests posts comes from reader Kathleen. Her love of Disney and passion for bringing awareness to special dietary needs on her college campus makes her the perfect guest writer for Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW. I’ve been following along on her college journey where she blogs about dining at college with special diets. Check out this great article on allergy friendly dining that she wrote last fall for her campus. Thanks again, Kathleen, for taking us along on your Disney special diets journey! (if you aren’t hungry, you will be after you read these reports)I’ve broken up Kathleen’s posts, and today we’re checking out her first few days at Disney World. You can also recap with her visit to Universal Studios Orlando on her previous guest post! Hi everyone! My name is Kathleen and I’m currently a senior at NC State University in Raleigh. A few years ago, I found out about several food allergies that I have (gluten, corn, dairy, tomatoes, apples and peanuts) and ever since then, I’ve been on the lookout for new and exciting foods to try. Disney is a big deal in our family, and on our annual trip each summer, we love eating at new restaurants to mix things up. This was my third Disney trip with allergies, but my first without dairy, since I found out about that only a year ago.Disney Day #1 – 7/21After lunch at Bubba Gump’s, we packed up the car and headed over to the Wilderness Lodge to begin our Disney vacation. We hadn’t been to that hotel in over 10 years, and it was fun to go back.We had a reservation at the Whispering Canyon Café in the lobby of the hotel. Having done my research (on GFDFWDW of course!) on all of the restaurants we had reservations at for the week, including this one, I had a basic idea of what was okay for me to eat. I was looking forward to the family style platter that Sarah reviewed in her post a while back, but no one else wanted it so we ended up each getting our own entrée.The service was great. When the waiter found out about my allergies, he sent for the chef to come talk to me while he took everyone’s orders. Chef Williere came out and asked me what I was thinking of ordering. I told him that I really like pulled pork, and asked him if I could get that with the grilled vegetables. He said he would check on the gluten free sauce to make sure it was corn free, and I told him that the roasted chicken would be my back up. A few moments later, he came back to inform me that the gluten free pulled pork sauce had corn starch in it, so I ended up with the chicken. I’m glad I did, because it was the best chicken I’ve ever had. It was cooked just right, and the skin was perfection. The charred bits are always my favorite part and there were plenty. It was like half a chicken though, so I was able to bring my leftovers back to the room to eat for breakfast the next day.After we finished dinner, Chef Williere came back out to ask me about dessert. Like I said, I did my research, and I told him that my friend Sarah recommended the gluten and dairy free chocolate cake. He chuckled when I asked about it and regrettably informed me that I had to call ahead, so I wasn’t able to get that. Oh well. He told me that he’d go figure something out and surprise me. Boy, did he ever.I was expecting a pack of those enjoy life chocolate chip cookies, and I would have been completely happy with that, but he came out with a blueberry cobbler topped with berry sorbet and fresh berries. It was incredible. I couldn’t believe that it didn’t have any of my allergens in it, and told him just that. He laughed and said he was glad I liked it and to tell Sarah hello and to come visit him (just in case you forgot, Sarah! Haha). I was so impressed with this restaurant, and I convinced my mom that we had to try their breakfast and lunch if we could (which you will read about shortly – I was persuasive).Day #2 – 7/22Tuesday was our first day at the parks! It was also our first time using the magic bands and the fast pass plus system. Now, over the years, we have mastered our Disney schedules and ride orders down to an art (while planning our parks around which restaurants we go to – we’re Italian, we have our priorities). We know exactly when to get to certain rides, and what order to go on those rides to make the most of our trips. With the new system, we were even more efficient. We actually ended up having a lot more time than we thought, which means we’ll be re-strategizing for next year. Woo!Anyways, we started off at Animal Kingdom. I was particularly excited for this park because of the new Allergy Friendly Kiosk that opened up. We were planning on just getting some sort of snack since we had early dinner reservations at Epcot, but since we had just recently signed up for the Landry restaurants membership, we decided to use that to get a discount at the Yak and Yeti.As always, our server was great. He was really nice, and sent the chef out to speak to me very quickly. I actually had a lot of options, which was nice. I almost got the seafood curry (again with the curry!) but since it was a zillion degrees outside, and the curry was a large portion, and we had an early dinner reservation, I instead decided to go with the chicken lettuce boats appetizer. It was really good, and such a simple meal – I’ll definitely be making it at home. It was basically just stir-fried ground chicken mixed with a variety of vegetables that I could scoop into lettuce wraps and top with gluten free hoisin sauce and sriracha!My family ended up trying the famous fried wontons for dessert, but I knew I had a bounty of sugary options waiting for me at the allergy kiosk, so we headed there on the way out so I could get some goodies to go.I was very impressed with all of the options there. They had four Babycakes items: mini cupcakes, chocolate donuts, cinnamon donuts, and chocolate chip cookies. They also had boxes of enjoy life soft-baked cookies, rice chips and cakes, surf sweets gummies, raw granola bars, fresh fruit, hummus and veggies, and pints of Tofutti ice cream. Wow! I ended up getting one of each Babycakes item because I can’t get them in North Carolina, and because, you know, baked goods. Those cookies were the first to go, and the best chocolate chip cookies ever. I was so happy to eat them, as you can see. I spread the other three items out for the rest of the week. I don’t think I’ve eaten a donut in three years, and they were so yummy!That night, we dined at Teppan Edo, the Japanese steakhouse in Epcot’s World Showcase. I ate there on my first allergy friendly Disney trip, so I looked forward to going back. This was my first trip after turning 21 in December, so I ordered the Takara plum wine. It was really sweet, but I’m not a big alchohol fan so that was a-okay with me.The manager told me that I could get any of the entrees made without noodles, with white rice instead of the beef rice, and without any of the dipping sauces. They also provided me with gluten free soy sauce. The service was also really good. They offered to cook my food in the back instead of on the grill in front of us, but since they clean the grills very well in between each table, I told them that I’d be fine if they just cooked my food before everyone else’s. I was a little wary because the last time I went there, I ended up with a really bad stomachache, which has also happened after eating chipotle burrito bowls, so this time I decided to stay away from the rice (the common ingredient). I ordered the scallops and vegetables, and I was completely fine. I’m not sure if it was the rice or the sauce that was such a problem three years ago (pre-dairy allergy), but I’m glad that I didn’t have the same issue again. Plus, the scallops were great!Are you hungry now? Stay tuned for Kathleen's last trip report guest post which recaps days 3-6 of her Disney vacation! If you want to learn more about Kathleen’s experiences as a college student with special dietary needs, you’ll get that chance at the upcoming Food Allergy & Celiac Convention held at Disney World on November 22, 2014.

Guest Review -- Universal Studios Orlando

This series of guests posts comes from reader Kathleen. Her love of Disney and passion for bringing awareness to special dietary needs on her college campus makes her the perfect guest writer for Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW. I've been following along on her college journey where she blogs about dining at college with special diets. Check out this great article on allergy friendly dining that she wrote last fall for her campus. Thanks again, Kathleen, for taking us along on your Disney special diets journey! (if you aren't hungry, you will be after you read these reports)I've broken up Kathleen's posts, and today we're checking out her review of Universal Studios Orlando! Hi everyone! My name is Kathleen and I’m currently a senior at NC State University in Raleigh. A few years ago, I found out about several food allergies that I have (gluten, corn, dairy, tomatoes, apples and peanuts) and ever since then, I’ve been on the lookout for new and exciting foods to try. Disney is a big deal in our family, and on our annual trip each summer, we love eating at new restaurants to mix things up. This was my third Disney trip with allergies, but my first without dairy, since I found out about that only a year ago.Universal Studios 7/19-7/21We started out our trip at Universal Studios, to celebrate my younger sister’s recent high school graduation. I’ve had wonderful allergy service at Disney, so I was excited to compare it to that of Universal’s restaurants. I figured I’d include reviews of these places as well, since a lot of people travel to both parks.After arriving at the Hard Rock Hotel on Saturday night, we ventured over to City Walk to eat dinner at Pat O’Brien’s. I’m not sure if it was Cajun or Irish themed – it seemed to be a mix of both – but the menu looked good either way. It had a cool atmosphere too – we were seated in the “piano room,” where a very entertaining lady took requests and performed all kinds of songs.They did not have a gluten free/allergy menu, but I let the server know about my allergies and she checked with the kitchen to see what I could have. Dining gluten free is becoming easier due to the increased awareness of gluten allergies and Celiac disease, but the corn allergy makes things a little more difficult. When the waitress came back, she told me I could get green beans and either grilled meat or a hamburger patty. I ended up ordering grilled chicken and green beans. It was good, but not anything special. I was a little disappointed with the limited options, but I still enjoyed what I ordered.The next day, after seeing the amazing new Diagon Alley and braving the Escape from Gringotts ride (after a 1.5 hour wait – not too bad, considering it opened two weeks prior!), we took a break for lunch and ate at a favorite of my dad’s (and mine), Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. Having been here before, I knew that they had a gluten free menu so I was able to look at that and had a lot more options than the previous night.The server was extremely helpful. She noticed my menu, and asked if I had any questions about it. I asked her about the bread, since a lot of gluten free bread has corn products in it. She checked with the chef, and came back to let me know that it was corn-free! I ordered the Key West blackened fish sandwich, which came topped with cilantro cole slaw. Since the restaurant used soybean oil and a dedicated fryer, I could also get sweet potato fries! I was happy because sweet potatoes are one of my favorite foods of all time.The sandwich was delicious and the bun was so good! I’m normally not much of a bread person, just because I can’t have many gluten free brands, but this was great. It wasn’t too dry, which was nice. I asked the server what brand it was, and she told me it was Udi’s. I was surprised because normally I can’t have Udi’s baked products because they have corn derivatives in them, but she told me the bun was corn free so I thought that maybe Udi’s changed their recipe.Unfortunately, I ended up having a skin flare up later in the day, and when I looked at the ingredients online, the buns still had cornstarch, maltodextrin and xanthan gum. If it’s a small enough amount, it won’t bother me, but in this case, it was enough to provoke a reaction. Boo. I guess I’ll still have to continue my search for the perfect gluten and corn free bun. That night, we ate at Bob Marley: A Tribute to Freedom. This place was really cool. I’m not a huge Bob Marley fan, but it was still a fun place to try. Plus, I love Caribbean food, so yay! The restaurant did not have a gluten free menu, but I was eyeing the Jamaican Curry, since I know a lot of curries are gluten and dairy free. When I told the very friendly, very dreadlocked server about my allergies and asked about the curry, he checked with chef and told me the curry was out because it was cooked with tomatoes (unlike the Indian and Thai curries I’m used to making at home – I just made a mental note to make a me-friendly version ASAP when I got home).Just like Pat O’Brien’s, the only options for me were grilled chicken or fish. I ended up ordering grilled Mahi. (Instead of the Mahi Mahi, can I just have the one Mahi? Because I’m not feeling that hungry) However, I was super stoked to learn that the yucca fries and plantains were safe for me to eat. Now, I love plantains more than any other fruit. In fact, they are probably my favorite fruit. Give me plantains, and I’ll be your best friend. And THESE plantains came topped with shredded coconut. My two favorite foods combined? Done. Heaven. Forget an engagement ring, a guy could propose to me with that side dish and I’d be sold. The fish was really good too. It was perfectly seasoned, and was especially delicious after I added the scotch bonnet pepper sauce. Overall, I was sad that I didn’t have many options, but not too sad, because what I could get was awesome.The next day, we were all set to leave Universal and head over to Disney World! After checking out, we walked over to have lunch at Bubba Gump’s Shrimp Co. I’ve never seen Forrest Gump (don’t judge me!), so some of the significance was totally lost on me, but I had a great experience nonetheless. I was excited to see that they had a gluten free menu! Plus, the service was incredible.Our server was so nice, and extremely funny. He cracked me up when he asked me, concerned, what I do for desserts. I told him, not to worry, dessert is obviously the most important meal of the day, and I made it my priority to find some kind of sweet treat whenever I could. I ended up ordering the pear and berry salad with grilled shrimp and no cheese. Since the glazed pecans that normally topped the salad were cooked with heavy cream, our waiter offered to bring me plain pecans. Even better, he told me that they make their salad dressings in house, from scratch, so there were no corn syrup or corn products in the raspberry vinaigrette dressing. I was glad, too, because that dressing tasted just like melted raspberry sorbet. Dee-licious.Universal was not as allergy friendly as Disney, but I definitely enjoyed what I ordered. Margaritaville and Bubba Gump’s were the best of the four places we tried, probably because they are chain restaurants and are better equipped to deal with food allergies.Stay tuned for Kathleen's review of Disney World! If you want to learn more about Kathleen's experiences as a college student with special dietary needs, you'll get that chance at the upcoming Food Allergy & Celiac Convention held at Disney World on November 22, 2014.

PB&G -- Lunch -- Table Service -- Four Seasons Orlando

*This dining experience took place in August 2014.When I first heard about the dining options at the newly opened Four Seasons Orlando, the one I got the most excited about was PB&G, also known as the Pool Bar & Grill. Opening to the public on August 3, 2014 (along with the grand opening of the resort), PB&G serves premium American barbecue dishes, fresh salads, frozen cocktails, mocktails, and an extensive kids' and teens' menu with lots of healthy options. Open daily from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., this is a terrific lunch and early dinner spot for resort and day guests. Under the direction of Executive Chef Gerald Sombright, PB&G features plenty of smokehouse and rotisserie favorites, such as pulled pork, smoked brisket, rotisserie chicken, house-made hot dogs, and more. Chef Gerald hails from St. Louis, one of the most celebrated barbecue capitals in the world, and brings his culinary expertise to this fun and casual restaurant. I recently dined at Ravello, Four Seasons Orlando's modern Italian restaurant, with my friends Krista Joy from Disneyways.com and Tony Caselnova from Disney by the Numbers, and I had an amazing experience as a special diets diner. From start to finish the team did an amazing job, and I knew that I had to go to PB&G when it opened. My family all wanted to check it out too, as we are all big fans of Southern cuisine and barbecue. When we arrived at this restaurant, located near the adult pool, the main pool and lazy river area of the Four Seasons Orlando, we were greeted with a brightly decorated restaurant, filled with picnic tables, teak floorboards, and other whimsical elements. The restaurant is outdoor seating, but covered, and gives guests a proper al fresco dining experience.Upon being seated, our server Jeff asked about my special dietary needs -- another great touch that the restaurants at the Four Seasons Orlando all have. Making sure that servers are as knowledge as they can be for special diets diners is really important, and it always makes me more at ease when I dine in a restaurant. Jeff made sure to note that the team would take great care of me.Of course, first things first, we ordered the house-made unsweetened iced tea. You simply can't eat at a barbecue joint without ordering iced tea.As we went over the menu, members of the PB&G management team - Jessie & John - stopped by to go over the menu offerings with us and to check in with me about any dietary concerns. They assured me that Chef Gerald was on hand to make sure that I was well taken care of. One of the things I love is the theme of PB&G's menu. As one would expect, the menu is filled with classic Southern barbecue dishes including ribs, pulled pork, and beef brisket. These fall under the "homage" category and are Chef Gerald's take on these Southern favorites. The other main entree portion of the menu falls under the "treason" category -- dishes that are totally unexpected, and some might say barbecue sacrilege. These include smoked tofu with carrot & kale, octopus which has been smoked and grilled (and is a huge hit with guests), and the Peter Piper brisket burger (which I'm dying to try the next time I visit).Add in lot of salads and terrific appetizer options, and you have a menu that really appeals to a broad audience. I can't lie; every time I look at the menu I find a new dish that I want to order at my next meal at PB&G.For a starter, our group tried the Crimson Red Corn Popcorn (which is an heirloom popcorn), seasoned with gaujillo chili and lime. Chef Gerald also came out to speak with me about the offerings as we happily munched on this excellent starter.If you are a popcorn lover, you will absolutely adore this appetizer. But be warned, it is addicting. My family are notorious popcorn fans, so this was hands down hit with the group. The guajillo chili adds a nice kick and the lime balances out the heat. The spicy, salty popcorn was the perfect treat for a hot August day outside, and we all welcomed it as we explored the menu. This will be an appetizer we order again and again at PB&G. Chef Gerald also gave us a sample of his house-made gazpacho made with smoked watermelon, cucumber and basil. I am a huge gazpacho fan, and this was another perfect summertime dish for al fresco dining. I'm not typically a big watermelon fan, but this truly made this dish. The gazpacho started off with a smoky favor and ended with notes of sweetness from the watermelon. There was so much flavor and balance in this dish, and it was my hands down favorite part of the meal (which is hard to say, as I enjoyed each component in its own right). While there were plenty of options for me on the menu, Chef Gerald made me a dish off the menu -- a seasonal succotash. It was fabulous to talk with him about the development and inspiration of this dish. He truly knows his Southern cuisine and this entree really highlighted the seasonal vegetables. So often, succotash is corn, bacon, and a small smattering of lima beans -- and while I agree that bacon is a great accompaniment -- Chef Gerald's version is a true homage to the simple succotash's that you imagine your Southern grandmother making you with the vegetables from her garden. As a vegetarian dish, this succotash was not lacking in anyway. In fact, it was hearty and rich and did not need any meat in order to make it an entree. The humble lima bean was truly the star. Lima beans have that same stigma as Brussels sprouts, another one of my most favorite vegetables. If you don't think you like lima beans, this dish will change your mind! Chef Gerald used a literal cornucopia of vegetables in this dish, including pickled vegetables, which I adore. The dish was earthy with lots of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors throughout. After eating this, I mentioned to Chef Gerald how much I loved it, and that I hoped it would go on the menu either as a side dish or as a full entree. I hope the next time I visit PB&G, I see it listed because it was truly fabulous. It also shows how much skill and talent Chef Gerald has because it was just delicious.I also got a chance to sample the beef brisket, which was outstanding! Made with corned beef spices and smoked, this makes for a killer sandwich. If only marble rye was gluten free and dairy free!My family raved about each of their dishes, including the pulled pork sandwich, the ribs, and the spun chicken. Simply put: PB&G was a real hit with my family.The next time I visit, I have to try some of the libations that are offered at PB&G. I'm a mojito fan through and through, and this will have to be the first one that I order. Like the main menu, the drink menu is as much of an homage to its Southern inspiration, and I have no doubt that I would be equally impressed with my beverage options that I order.I have to give this team praise for making this a truly relaxing and fun meal. Like Ravello, the service was impeccable and the team knowledgeable about special dietary needs. Our server Jeff was terrific, making sure we stayed cool with our beverages and answering any questions that we had. Management team Jessie & John brought such enthusiasm, and their excitement about PB&G was infectious! And of course, Chef Gerald deserves such high praise for his outstanding dedication to making authentic Southern cuisine and safe options for those of us who have special dietary needs. His culinary perspective offers terrific, casual fare and includes some of my favorite Southern dishes of all time. What he made for me as a special diets diner was delicious and comforting, just like you expect any Southern meal to be.PB&G reminds me of one of my favorite restaurants at Disney World, Boatwright's. Both have a Southern twist and both have authentic and honest food. With reasonable prices and a casual vibe, PB&G is set to be on my short list of go-to places for barbecue.Overall, I have to give this experience a 9.5 out of 10. This is a restaurant that I need to go back to try other dishes!To find out more about the Four Seasons Orlando visit: http://www.fourseasons.com/orlando/You can also see more of my photos from my visit on InstagramFor photos from the Four Seasons Orlando media event check out Amanda Tinney’s site, Where’s AmandaSpecial thanks goes out to the Four Seasons Orlando for inviting me to dine at PB&G. I was not required to write this post and all opinions are my own. 

Splitsville -- Lunch/Dinner -- Table Service -- Downtown Disney

*This dining experience took place in July 2014.When it comes to a meal and entertainment, Splitsville Luxury Lanes located in Downtown Disney (soon to be Disney Springs) is one of the best on Disney property. With its retro vibe and upscale food options, this is definitely not your average bowling alley. In addition to having great bowling and billiards, this location boasts some pretty great food options for gluten free and dairy free diners.In fact, last year, Splitsville released new menu offerings which included 16 gluten free options, including rice bowls and sushi. I had the opportunity last year to meet with the team to discuss the options, and I was pretty amazed by the level of attention that they took in creating the menu. My favorite dishes have to be the shrimp rice bowl and the Fantasy Roll sushi. Which brings me to my most recent visit to Splitsville. I met up with friends for a late afternoon drink and light meal. I was joining my friends Krista Joy from Disneyways.com, Tony Caselnova from Disney by the Numbers later that evening for a memorable meal at Ravello located in the Four Seasons Orlando (set to open on August 3rd, 2014), so this was the perfect meal option for me.It's been a while since I've dined at Splitsville and deciding what to order was a no-brainer. It had to be the Fantasy Roll. It's my hands down favorite dish at Splitsville. In addition to the Fantasy Roll, I also ordered a classic mojito. This is one of my favorite go-to gluten free and dairy free drinks. The mojito itself was quite good. It wasn't as memorable as my favorite African Starr Mint Mojito at Sanaa or even the mojito at the Victoria Lounge at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jambo House, but it was still a well made drink. There was a good amount of fresh mint and the balance of the simple syrup paired well with the rum. The Fantasy roll is made of fresh salmon, ahi tuna, cucumber, avocado, and steamed shrimp rolled in soy paper and drizzled with spicy kimchee ponzu sauce. The seafood at Splitsville is always of excellent quality and fresh, and I really enjoy the combination of both raw and steamed seafood. What makes this dish is the kimchee ponzu sauce. It's sweet and spicy and makes for a delicious accompaniment to the sushi. Overall, I really enjoyed my visit to Splitsville. I was pleased that our server asked everyone upon seating if there were any special dietary needs. It always shows that the team is ready to handle special dietary needs when they ask before you even have to say anything (we did not have a reservation, so the special dietary needs were not noted). Between the sushi, mojito, and great company, it was a perfect afternoon meal. I give this experience a solid 8 out of 10. Have you been to Splitsville? What are your favorite dishes to order? 

Ravello -- Preview Dinner -- Table Service -- Four Seasons Orlando

*This dining experience took place in July 2014.When it comes to new resorts and dining experiences, there has been nothing more exciting for the Disney community than the grand opening of the newest resort on Disney World property, the Four Seasons Orlando. Located in the Disney community Golden Oak, this resort boasts an impressive array of amenities, including several unique dining options.As a foodie, I have been longing to visit this resort, set to open on August 3, 2014. With restaurants ranging from a Spanish steakhouse (Capa), Cuban American (Plancha), Southern smokehouse & rotisserie (PB&G), modern Italian (Ravello), and gourmet coffees and quick bites (Lickety-Split), the Four Seasons Orlando has an impressive variety of dining options to choose from.As a special diets diner, I have been so excited to visit these restaurants first-hand, especially after hearing Stephen Wancha, Director of Food & Beverage, speak about the hotel's commitment to safe gluten free and special diets accommodations on the Disney Parks Podcast. Hearing Stephen say "dedicated gluten free section" referring to Ravello's breakfast buffet, was music to my gluten free and dairy free ears.Which brings me to my most recent visit to the Four Seasons Orlando. My friends Krista Joy from Disneyways.com and Tony Caselnova from Disney by the Numbers (and hosts of the Disney Parks Podcast) were invited to the Family & Friends preview dinner for Ravello, and they graciously invited me to join them. They know how much I adore good food, and how much I had been looking forward to the opening.As a preview dinner, this is a time for the restaurant to test and refine the kitchen, as they head closer to opening day. However, one would never have known this was only the second day the kitchen was fully functional for dinner - our meal couldn't have been more magical.When we arrived, we found ourselves in the Ravello Bar, a cozy area on the main level of the resort. Here you can imbibe in cocktails, wine, and other beverages, making it the perfect pre-dinner spot. Heading down the stairs, we entered the main dining area of Ravello.Ravello truly reflects the modern Italian theme. The dining room feels open, yet intimate at the same time. The decor is simple and clean and doesn't distract from your dining experience, which is of course, the restaurant's pièce de résistance. Perhaps my most favorite part of the restaurant is the open kitchen -- a truly unique open kitchen at that. You feel like you are a part of the culinary experience from start to finish.When you think Italian cuisine, you probably think of wood-burning ovens, and Ravello has a fantastic one. You can even enjoy a truly unique experience at the 5 seat kitchen counter, facing the oven.Upon being seated at for our meal, our server Lee greeted us warmly. One of his first questions was about special dietary needs. He additionally asked about cross-contamination and health concerns, which I always very much appreciate as a special diets diner. Lee made sure to note that he would take great care of me, as would the kitchen, and to not hesitate to ask any questions. He took his time going over the menu with me, discussing options and consulting with both Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi and Executive Sous Chef Samuel Faggetti, who were quite literally an arm's length away from me. Both Chef Fabrizio and Chef Samuel spoke with me at various points in my meal to make sure that it was going smoothly and that I was enjoying everything, as well.Because the restaurant is still in the preview phase, the menu was limited but will be expanded upon the resort opening. Some of the options, such as a house-made gluten free pasta were not yet available, though the team at Ravello had packaged gluten free pasta on-hand for diners. They are also planning on having gluten free pizza dough.For my appetizer, I had ordered the Insalata Mista - a mixture of Trevisana (i.e. radicchio), arugula, lola rosa, and a Moscato vinaigrette. This was the perfect starter. If you enjoy bitter and spicy greens, this would be the perfect salad for you. The peppery-ness of the arugula combined with the bitter flavor of the trevisana married perfectly with the Moscato viniagrette which had a slightly sweet and lemony flavor. The salad was beautifully dressed and well seasoned as well, particularly with the addition of fresh cracked black pepper.Prior to the appetizers coming to our table, I was greeted by Jill Davis, one of the sommeliers on property. She was on hand to answer any questions that we had about the wine list, and she blew me away with her ability to assist me as a special diets diner.You might not think that alcohol would be such a tricky area for those of us with special diets but it really is. Wine in particular can be tricky because, while it is naturally gluten free, there are a few points in the wine-making process that can come into contact with gluten. These include sealing oak barrels with a flour paste and adding gluten to fine the wine (casein is another culprit in this part of the wine-making process). Generally, wine will still test as under 20 ppm, but I always try to be as safe as I can be with my wine. Jill knew exactly what to recommend, suggesting the Soave Classico on the wine list, as it was aged in stainless steel, as opposed to oak barrels. This was a fantastic wine that really went well with the items I ordered.For my entree, I ordered the Herb Grilled Chicken, which was recommended to me by our server Lee. Both the tuna and chicken entrees sounded great, but Lee certainly sold me with his description of the chicken. One thing that I always recommend, listen to your servers and chefs when they make a recommendation - I can't say they've ever steered me wrong!The chicken normally comes with gnocchi and a Gorgonzola sauce; however, mine came with garlic and olive oil barlotti beans and celery hearts.As you can see, the presentation was gorgeous. I love that the food is rustic, yet refined (much like the decor). The components were all simple but so well done. The herb grilled chicken was exceptionally well seasoned and very moist. I tend to prefer not to order bone-in chicken, but this chicken was cut in a way that that made it easy to eat, offering all the benefits of bone-in chicken without feeling the hassle eating bone-in chicken.The barlotti beans were fantastic, earthy with a bit of saltiness from pancetta. The grilled lemon adding a nice bit of acidity to the dish. My favorite accompaniment? The celery hearts. Hands down. This was crisp and bright and added that textural component to the dish that really brought it all together.For dessert, the current offerings are limited; however, Chef Fabrizio did try to make a sorbet for me. It just didn't set in time. That to me was such an appreciated touch, and while it didn't work out this time, I have no doubt that when I return to dine at Ravello that I will get to try a dessert. Both Chef Fabrizio and our server Lee offered me fruit - though I declined, feeling quite full from the meal.As a digestif (after dinner drink), our table was brought homemade limoncello made by Chef Fabrizio himself. This version of limoncello was made with Everclear, which is not gluten free; however, Chef Fabrizio brought me a glass of Prosecco (sparkling white wine) which was such a lovely touch.This was the first restaurant I've ever dined at in which not one but two of the culinary team made sure to find alcoholic beverages that fit into my dietary needs. Having to not sit on my smartphone scouring the web to make sure if a drink is safe or not is time consuming and having experts help me with this literally made my meal a breeze.I cannot thank Chef Fabrizio (who is a complete rock star in my book), Chef Samuel, our server Lee, Jill, Stephen, Michael and all of the other Four Seasons staff whom I spoke with. It is rare that more than one person discusses my special dietary needs with me during my meal, and to have not one or two staff but seven who expressly asked or assisted me is simply astonishing to me.My dining experience as a gluten free and dairy free diner at Ravello at the Four Seasons was nothing short of exceptional. I cannot wait to experience the full dining menu and to come back with friends and family. I'm also looking forward to checking out some of the other dining options on property, especially PB&G (Pool Bar & Grill) which serves Southern BBQ during lunch and afternoon dinnertime. I'm a huge BBQ fan, so this one is right up my culinary alley.If you're visiting the Walt Disney World Resort and want a fantastic dining experience with great special diets accommodations, great food and atmosphere, head to Ravello. The menu is reasonably priced and is much more affordable than many signature dining locations on property such as California Grill. If I had to choose, I would truly pick Ravello over California Grill any day. And if you're looking for a great view, you'll soon have another option with Capa which is located on the 17th-floor rooftop of the Four Seasons Orlando. And yes, you'll be able to enjoy fireworks from this location.Overall, I have to give this location a 10 out of 10. It's a rarity for me to do, but this one exceeded my expectations and then some. Here's to many more visits!To find out more about the Four Seasons Orlando visit: http://www.fourseasons.com/orlando/You can also see more of my photos from my visit on InstagramStay tuned to Disneyways.com and Disney by the Numbers for their posts about our visit to the Four Seasons Orlando and Ravello (and a huge thank you again to these wonderful friends for inviting me to join them).For photos from the Four Seasons Orlando media event check out Amanda Tinney's site, Where's AmandaSpecial thanks goes out to the Four Seasons Orlando for inviting our group to the Friends & Family Dinner preview. I was not required to write this post and all opinions are my own.

Olivia's -- Lunch/Dinner -- Table Service -- Old Key West

*This dining experience took place in July 2014.When I want to get away from it all and have a low-key and relaxing meal, I head to Olivia's at Old Key West. I don't know if it's the Jimmy Buffett music or the easy-going back cast members and guests, but there is something calming about visiting the Old Key West Resort. It's one of my favorite places to stay on property, and I absolutely adore their restaurant, Olivia's Cafe.Olivia's is located near the Hospitality House (i.e. lobby/check-in), and even though it's amidst all the action, it never feels bustling or crowded. It's food is very Key West inspired - seasonal, seafood, and full of flavor. I usually head there for breakfast, as I love their breakfast options (especially the sweet potato hash with poached eggs). On this particular occasion, I stopped by for lunch before heading out to the Mall at Millenia in Orlando for an afternoon of shopping. Though the mall does have a California Pizza Kitchen that I'd like to check out - I've heard fabulous things from Gluten Free in Orlando & Eating Out Without - but I had dinner at Boatwright's that night, and I knew I was going to need a bit of a lighter meal. I was greeted by my server Jerry, who has assisted me many times and is very attentive. I think my only sort of "complaint" about the service was that the hostess seated me in the middle of the restaurant. As a solo diner, that can be a little odd when you're right in the middle of the action! Thankfully, I was given some art work to color!Chef Paula, the location's culinary intern, came out to chat with me about the options. I was most keen on getting a salad and asked about the Mallory Square Cobb Salad which came with both shrimp and crab meat, along with standard Cobb salad accompaniments (bacon, egg, avocado). The dressing was a key lime vinaigrette which sounded amazing (and was!). She said she needed to double-check to see if the seafood had butter in it, but she thought it was made with extra virgin olive oil (it was).Once we were cleared with that, I was able to enjoy a generous portion of this Cobb salad. As a Cobb salad fan (and a huge fan of the Brown Derby Cobb Salad), I had high hopes for this. And it did not disappoint. The seafood was perfectly cooked and seasoned. It had a hint of Old Bay in it, which I adore but can be overpowering if used too generously. This was perfection. The bacon, hard boiled egg, and avocado married well with these light but rich proteins. And the key lime vinaigrette was the perfect light dressing to bring it all together. I may or may not have inhaled this salad. It was that good!Overall, I really enjoyed my lunch at Olivia's. I still think the Cobb salad at the Brown Derby is my favorite salad on property, as far as a full meal salad, but this is a very close second. I wouldn't hesitate to order this again, and likely will the next visit! I give this a solid 9 out of 10! The perfect meal salad for the summer in Florida.Have you dined at Olivia's? What do you like to order there? 

2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival Gluten Free Menu Offerings

I'm so excited to write about the upcoming Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. It's one of my favorite times of the year at Disney World. In a previous post, I mentioned that at this year's festival the Marketplace Passports would list which items were gluten free (as originally posted by the Disney Food Blog). Adding to this, the Disney Food Blog posted the full 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival menu and has noted the gluten free offerings. How exciting is that? Here is a full listing of the current gluten free menu items (as listed on the Disney Food Blog).*Note: Menus are subject to change, as is any information regarding ingredients, cross-contamination, and other special dietary needs ingredients. Always consult with the Disney culinary team for more information before consuming.Africa

• South African bobotie with turkey and mushrooms - gluten free

Australia

• Garlic shrimp with roasted tomatoes, lemon myrtle and rapini - gluten free
• Grilled lamb chop with mint pesto and potato crunchies - gluten free

*Read my review of this booth HERE. Brazil

• Mocequa de pescado: Regal Springs premium tilapia with coconut lime sauce and steamed rice - gluten free
• Crispy pork belly with black beans, tomato and cilantro - gluten free

Canada

• Seared rainbow trout with bacon, frisee and maple Minus 8 Vinaigrette - gluten free
• “Le Cellier” wild mushroom beef filet mignon with truffle butter sauce - gluten free

Farm Fresh

• Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon hash with sweet corn, potatoes, hollandaise and pickled jalapeños  - gluten free
• Griddled “yard bird” with braised greens - gluten free

Greece

• Griddled Greek cheese with pistachios and honey - gluten free

Ireland 

• Warm chocolate pudding with Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur Custard

Mexico

• Rib eye taco: Marinated rib eye, roasted chipotle salsa and grilled scallions on a corn tortilla - gluten free

New Zealand 

• Venison sausage with pickled mushrooms, baby arugula and black currant reduction  - gluten free

Patagonia

• Grilled beef skewer with chimichurri sauce and boniato purée - gluten free
• Roasted Verlasso salmon with quinoa salad and arugula chimichurri - gluten free

*Read my review of this booth HERE. Puerto Rico

• Ensalada de carrucho: Caribbean conch salad with onion, tomato and cilantro - gluten free
• Carne guisada con arroz blanco: Slow-braised beef with Puerto Rican-grown rice - gluten free

Scotland 

• Fresh potato pancake with smoked Scottish salmon and herb sour cream - gluten free
• Seared sea scallop with spinach-cheddar gratin and crispy bacon - gluten free

Singapore 

• Lemongrass chicken curry with coconut and jasmine rice - gluten free

As soon as we know more information about other dietary coverage, we will post it here and in individual marketplace posts, when the Epcot Food & Wine Festival begins.Stay tuned to sources like the Disney Food Blog, Gluten Free in Orlando and here on Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW for the latest 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival news!Looking for a recap of last year's options? Check out Gluten Free in Orlando's reviews, as well as the ones here on Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW. What are you most looking forward to this year at Food & Wine?

Boatwright's Dining Hall -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Port Orleans Riverside

*This dining experience took place in July 2014.There are a few locations at Disney World that I consider hidden gems - locations that are truly overlooked. To me, Boatwright's Dining Hall is one of those hidden gems. Nestled in the main lobby building of Port Orleans Riverside Resort, guests will find this a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of so many Disney World restaurants.In addition to the rustic atmosphere, guests will be blown away by the impressive array of comfort food with a Cajun and Southern twist served at Boatwright's. And as a special diets diner, I've been even more impressed with the variety of dishes that are available too. I have two words that says it all...Crawfish Bites (and yes, they are gluten fee and dairy free). I recently stopped by Boatwright's for dinner with friends and fellow bloggers, Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando and Amanda from Eating Out Without. Both Alexis & I got hooked on Boatwright's after dining here for my birthday in February 2014. And when it came to deciding where to have dinner as a group, we knew just the place - especially since Amanda had never been before! We wanted to have a memorable mean and dining at Boatwright's is always memorable.  Prior to our meal, both Alexis and I made advance notice for a few requests - the crawfish bites appetizer (to be made gluten free and dairy free) and for something really exciting...fried chicken (and waffles in the case of Alexis, but more on that later). We recommend you contact Disney's Special Diets Department for such requests. Once seated, we were greeted by our lovely server and Chef Tony who also brought us GNI brand rolls and some extra virgin olive oil with herbs. I am a huge olive oil fan, and anything of good quality with herbs is OK by me. Admittedly, I don't think any of us at the table ate more than one of these rolls because we were saving room for the rest of the meal.  First up were our appetizers. As I've mentioned (perhaps ad naseum), the crawfish bites here are outstanding and must do every time I visit. Perfectly seasoned, well fried, and smothered in a dairy free remoulade sauce...well, that's just culinary perfection to me. It's simple and so delicious. Typically, the crawfish bites are not gluten free or dairy free, and I'm always glad when I'm able to request them in advance. Chef Tony also brought out a delicious and fresh seasonal salad. With almonds, fresh strawberries and a beautiful balsamic vinaigrette, this was a new favorite for me. I have a bit of an obsession with balsamic vinegar and it paired well with the fresh fruit. Although I am always prone to ordering the crawfish bites, I may have to order this instead next time!   For my entree, I asked for gluten free and dairy free fried chicken as did Alexis. Chef Tony turned her entree into an amazing version of chicken and waffles and asked me if I wanted to do the same. I decided to opt for the dirty rice with my entree, as I'm a huge fan of Boatwright's version. However, after seeing Alexis' chicken and waffles, I really wished I would have ordered that instead. Note to self...get chicken and waffles next time! You can see Alexis' full review with pictures on Gluten Free in Orlando. I dare you not to want to order it after you see her photos!  Amanda ordered the jambalya, a real favorite for me too. You can read her full review, including her review of the gluten free and dairy free version of French Onion Soup on her site. I have to say, I really enjoyed this. A lot. Crispy and crunchy with a gorgeous peach sauce on top (stone fruit being a huge favorite of mine), this was perfectly fried and well seasoned. The dirty rice was amazing as always, and I love that it's made authentically. I have to be honest, I just kept going back to the chicken. It was so good.Chef Tony mentioned that his recipe for gluten free fried chicken was inspired by a recipe from Posana Cafe in Asheville, North Carolina, and he tweaked my version to be dairy free as well. There are so few locations on property that can do something like this. Of course, there's 50's Prime Time and allergy chicken tenders at quick service locations. To have another spot that really hit the spot with a comfort food favorite, well that's golden to me! I also quite liked that the chicken used was boneless. It made for a tender piece of nicely fried chicken. And the seasoning of course was fantastic, made simply and with a touch of Cajun seasoning, as Chef Tony told us. The base for the coating is Namaste, and they only different between mine and Alexis' version was the addition of buttermilk to hers (which produced a more rich dark color and puffed up the coating).This was a fantastic meal, and I was entirely too stuff by the end to order dessert. We also as a group took a leisurely stroll to Port Orleans French Quarter for beignets. One of my favorite things to do post-dinner at Boatwright's is walk the resort. It's really gorgeous and will make you feel like you've been transported somewhere else.   Overall, I can't say enough good things about Boatwright's. It has consistently been one of the best Disney restaurants I've been to. The food is always outstanding, the chefs amazing, the servers excellent, and the prices really reasonable. I'd give this dining experience a solid 9.5 out of 10. Next time I have got to request the gluten free and dairy free chicken and waffles! If you have special requests, you'll need to make arrangements at least 14 days in advance with Disney's Special Diets Department. A huge shoutout to Chef Tony for making our meal experience extra magical, as always! Have you been to Boatwright's? What are your favorite special diets menu offerings there?  

Boma: Flavors of Africa -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House

*This dining experience took place in July 2014.Boma: Flavors of Africa has consistently been one of my most favorite places to have brunch on Disney property. Their breakfast is outstanding, and I absolutely adore the African inspired food served at this location. However, it's been several years since I've dined at Boma for dinner. My friend Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando along with some other friends have raved about dinner at Boma, and since it's been so long I knew I needed to go again soon. And as luck would have it, I got an invite to have dinner with a friend at Boma recently, and I was so excited to go check it out.Both my friend and I are gluten free and dairy free. I have to admit, I dine out a lot with gluten free folks but having another GFDF person to dine with is kind of nice! I also don't remember the last time I dined at a buffet with another special diets person, so I loved getting to walk the buffet with a fellow special diets diner.When were seated our server took our drink orders and shortly thereafter the chef came out to greet us. Chef Brian was very nice and told us we were going to have some fun with dinner and that we'd have plenty to eat. He took us around the buffet which is set-up in an almost identical fashion to breakfast. There are pods that have certain "themes" to them (i.e. kids section, meat section, fruit section, etc.).In the first pod, we could have the Chakalaka (also on the breakfast menu) and basmati rice. From there, we went to the carving station which included a sirloin and beef short ribs. The ribs are only served on a few nights a week - one of them being Saturday (which was the night we visited). The chef also let us know what sauces were safe or not.Moving on to the next pod, we could have Durban chicken. In the next bay, the kiddos section, we could have the chicken legs. For the veggies, we could have the broccolini as well as succotash. The chef also mentioned that we could have the peanut rice, but Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando had warned that it may contain soy sauce in it. I forgot to follow-up with him on the ingredients but ended up passing on eating it. There were also salads, fruit, and hummus that we could all. For the salads and hummus, Chef Brian brought us some from the back.One thing that I had been looking forward to (and hoping) to try was the FuFu. It's a mix of sweet potatoes and regular potatoes and I heard was amazing. Unfortunately, it contains butter, so it wasn't safe for us dairy free folks but it is gluten free. I asked if there was any chance we could have some made for us dairy free but with the busy restaurant, they weren't able to accommodate this meal. However, Chef Brian told me to ask in advance and they could probably make it happen. He also gave us the recipe for FuFu to recreate it at home (and dairy free!).I have to say, Boma really is full of flavor. The first thing I dove into was the sausage and lentil soup. There were two soups that were gluten free and dairy free that night - this one and the vegetarian lentil soup which was also vegan. I didn't get a chance to try the vegan soup but this one was very flavorful. It was hearty and rich, and although I sometimes have a bit of problems with sausage (it's a bit of a Crohn's trigger for me), this one was fairly mild and very tasty.The salads provided interesting textures and flavors. My favorite by far was the chicken and cilantro salad. I love cilantro, though I will say that if you are adverse to cilantro, you might like this version. It was very mild! The lentil salad with hearts of palm was just OK, in my opinion. The lentils were very "crunchy" in terms of texture though I liked the balsamic dressing on it.  And then of course, there was the hummus. You know me. Total condiment queen! And a hummus addict to boot. I am mildly addicted to the roasted red pepper hummus from Sanaa, so I was looking forward to Boma's version. I have to say, Sanaa's version is still my favorite but the one from Boma was pretty great too. The kalamata olive hummus was outstanding. I basically had to make sure they took the plate away because I kept eating it and eating it. For the main entrees, I loved the Durban chicken. This was hands down my favorite thing. Super flavorful, well cooked and just delicious. No dry boring chicken here! I also really enjoyed the short ribs. Who knew?! I usually avoid beef, but I thought I'd try these as they had been slow cooked. The sauce was really good, and I'd love to see a pork version of these ribs. That would be amazing. The broccolini was also quite nice as an accompaniment. I liked the spices in it a lot! I think the only things I missed from breakfast were the turkey and ham at the carving stations and the grilled asparagus. Those are my Boma weaknesses! There's no way I can leave Boma without getting fruit. There is something about the pineapple they serve here. It's just so fresh and ripe. It's the best!  As gluten free and dairy free diners, our dessert choices were a bit more limited than gluten free diners. We could choose from Tofutti and Rice Dream, Enjoy Life Cookies and Babycakes mini brownie cupcakes. Both my friend and I are never ones to turn down Babycakes, so we opted to share a plate of the mini brownie cupcakes. You can also get Babycakes cupcakes at the Mara too! To say we were both full was an understatement!  Overall, I was really pleased with my dinner at Boma. It was filling and flavorful! Add in having wonderful company, and that's my idea of a great evening out at Disney. I would give this meal a solid 7.5 out of 10. The only points off for me were the lack of more gluten free and dairy free items, but it's a treasure trove for gluten free only guests! I'm looking forward to going back again soon! Of course, now I want to go to brunch too! Have you been to Boma? What were your favorite buffet items? 

Updates from the Food Allergy Information Kiosk (Garden Kiosk) at Disney's Animal Kingdom

*This visit took place in June 2014.It's been a while since I've stopped by the Food Allergy Information Kiosk, also known as the Garden Kiosk, at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. When it opened last August, it was a huge deal for those of us with special dietary needs, and I'm so glad that after a year it's still running at Disney's Animal Kingdom. It's just great to see something like this keep going in the parks. It's an excellent place to stop by for a snack or get information about special dietary needs dining in the Animal Kingdom.Since my last post update was in November 2013, I thought I would write up a brief post about some of the updates at the kiosk in 2014.Perhaps some of the biggest changes this year include the addition of Toutti brand non-dairy ice cream, either in vanilla or chocolate, Surf Sweets gummy candies, fruit cups, and perhaps the most popular of all...Babycakes NYC Donuts. Since Babycakes NYC's building closed due to Downtown Disney (aka Disney Springs) construction, there have been relatively few locations in which you could get Babycakes donuts. Thankfully, the Garden Kiosk now serves the cinnamon sugar and vanilla chocolate flavors. When I stopped by around 1 p.m. on a Saturday, they only had a few left, so they are definitely very popular. You can check the site for a listing of where you can get Babycakes NYC products now at Disney (this includes the Beach Club Quick Service which also carries donuts).The location also carries grab and go fruit, Enjoy Life Cookies, Lundberg Rice Chips, granola bars and more. You can also get Redbridge gluten free beer, Omission Beer (made with gluten ingredients which are later removed in the process), and Angry Orchard hard cider if you fancy a beverage (although, I have to say, I'd recommend a sugar cane mojito at the Dawa bar or the new pineapple soft serve and rum drinks over at Tamu Tamu. I haven't had the soft serve but I hear it's delicious!).While you are at the kiosk, you can also speak to a cast member about the ingredients of products and which menu offerings might be the best choice for your dietary need. I highly recommend using this, especially if you're dining quick service in the Animal Kingdom, as it is really helpful to know which locations carry the best options for you to eat, saving you time and potential frustration. The cast members are always really helpful, and it's great to have a one-stop shop for dietary needs.Overall, I'm so glad that this kiosk is still running successfully at Disney's Animal Kingdom. I hope it continues to stay and serve our special diet community. And maybe they'll open more kiosks in other parks!Have you been to the Garden Kiosk? What did you think of this special diets focused location in the Animal Kingdom? 

Sanaa -- Lunch -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village

*This dining experience took place in June 2014. Sanaa is one of those restaurants at Disney that I can dine at again and again. With Indian and African inspired flavors, there's just something about it that keeps me coming back. The quality of food, the variety of gluten free and dairy free offerings, and the price make it one of the most delicious and affordable restaurants on property. Between this location and Boatwright's, I have to say these are both my picks for affordable and quality special diets meals and are among my most favorite restaurants at Disney.On this particular occasion, I stopped by for lunch. I had heard that there was gluten free naan being served at Sanaa now, and I was hoping to find out more information about whether or not it could be made gluten free and dairy free. Seeing Gluten Free in Orlando's review made me really want gluten free naan!I was greeted by Chef David, who has helped me on many occasions and has done a great job making sure I have delicious and safe offerings. First thing, I asked about the gluten free naan. Unfortunately, it does contain dairy, as they are using Cup4Cup as the base (a gluten free flour mix that has dairy in it) and additional dairy products. Rats! Here's hoping that in the future they might be able to make a gluten free & dairy free version as well. I definitely expressed that I'd love to see it.One of the things I love about Sanaa is that they have special diets menus for certain special dietary needs. It's great because i get a gluten free menu and a dairy free menu and can easily cross-reference which items are safe or not. Sanaa is one of several restaurants that carries these types of menus. You can check out a full listing on my menus page.We decided to get bread service to split at the table and ordered all 11 dips and sauces. We asked for double orders of red pepper hummus at my request because it's amazing! Honestly, I ate an entire dish of it myself! You know me and my dips! Ever the condiment queen! The table was able to get regular naan and I got lentil pappadums. Some of the other dips I love include mango chutney and coriander chutney. But the dips in general are delicious and flavorful! Some of spicy so check with the chef if you're worried about spice level.For my entree, I chose the chicken vindaloo and the goan seafood curry -- both of which are new menu items. I asked about the spice level as vindaloo is traditionally very spicy. Chef David said that the Durban shrimp would be the spiciest option on the menu, and since I know the spice level of this very well from previous meals, I decided to try the vindaloo.I have to say that I really enjoyed both of these entrees. The chicken vindaloo wasn't that spicy at all and very flavorful. A rich gravy with chicken that paired perfectly the other entree choice - the goan seafood curry, which I particularly enjoyed. This dish tasted like it had coconut milk and lemongrass in it. Flavors I love a lot, as a fan of Thai curries. The seafood included shrimp and fish, all of which were well cooked.I don't normally get dessert at Sanaa but I really wanted to try the new tapioca pudding with chai spiced berries that replaced the Bamboo Rice Pudding. It sounded interesting, though I have to say I was a wee bit skeptical of tapioca pudding. It makes me think of the bland tasteless pudding of my childhood.I have to say that I also really enjoyed this as well! The tapioca was unlike any that I've had before, I really enjoyed the chai spiced berries. They were the perfect accompaniment to the dish. The fresh berries on top were also quite nice. I will say, as a caveat, if you are not a fan of mushy textures, you might want to avoid this dessert. It's definitely a creamy delicious version of tapioca, but it's still tapioca at the end of the day which means it's texture will be a bit mushy.Overall, I had a wonderful meal at Sanaa and I'm looking forward to going back again soon. I can't say I've ever had a bad meal there. And considering how much I eat there. That's saying a lot!I'd give this a solid 9 out of 10.Have you been to Sanaa? What are your favorite dishes?

Tamu Tamu -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Animal Kingdom

*This dining experience took place in June 2014. Nestled in Harambe in Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park lies Tamu Tamu. Serving up quick service fare with an African twist, this restaurant has a limited menu with a few special diets offerings. They also have recently added a Pineapple Soft Serve which many have been wondering is a full fledged Dole Whip.This was the first time I've ever dined at Tamu Tamu, and I wasn't sure what offerings were going to be available to me. I didn't get a chance to pop by the Garden Kiosk (aka Food Allergy Information Kiosk) in Discovery Island, but I have to say that it's my go-to when looking at quick service in the Animal Kingdom outside of my staple dining spots.As you can see by the menu, it is rather limited in terms of offerings. I'm actually slightly bummed because they did have two dishes previously served that might have been gluten free & dairy free and actually sounded quite yummy:

• Slow-cooked Chicken Curry - mild African-spiced chicken curry served over Jasmine rice
• Vegetarian Curry - roasted vegetables and tofu served with Jasmine rice

These have now been removed and the menu has been replaced with more traditional offerings that were actually on the menu before the curry dishes were added. I was hoping that they might be able to serve house-made chips gluten free & dairy free too (which I've heard rave things about).When I arrived, the cast member at the cash register gave me the allergy binder to look at. I asked if I could speak with a manager, and she was a bit hesitant to get them, noting that the binder had the information; however, she did not know if there was a dedicated fryer for the chips or other substitutions for dishes.Once the manager came out, he went over some of the options for me, which were relatively limited. The quinoa salad sounded good but it does have feta in it. I settled on the Roasted Chicken Salad - diced chicken and dried fruit blended with mild African spices, served with tomatoes, and apple slices. It normally comes with pita but they served it to me without it. I also asked if they had any substitutions for the apple slices, and the only other option is carrot sticks (both pre-packaged). I personally prefer grapes, but that is partially because I have some issues with apples and having Crohn's disease.During the time while I waited for the manager I took the time to check out the DOLE Pineapple Soft Serve ingredients. I kept hearing that this was not gluten free, let alone dairy free, and I was definitely curious. Thankfully, both the ingredients and the team at DOLE Soft Serve have reached out to me for clarification and ingredients (and good news for us special diets folks!)Here are the ingredients (photo taken with permission of the cast member) of the Pineapple Dole Whip at this location.The best image I got was a little blurry. However, thanks to the team at DOLE Soft Serve, here is the ingredients list from their website. The allergen noted at Tamu Tamu Refreshments is coconut. You can compare the ingredients photo from January 2013 here on the site, and the Pineapple Dole Whip ingredients are the same. DOLE Soft Serve's website notes: Fat-free. Dairy-free. Gluten-free. And Lactose-free, and suitable for a Vegan diet. DOLE Soft Serve is manufactured by Kent Precision Foods Group. You can find out more information from the DOLE Soft Serve website. Thank you again to the team at DOLE Soft Serve for the detailed information!I did not inquire about dedicated soft serve machines at Tamu Tamu Refreshments or if any other flavors of soft serve were present, so readers will want to check with cast members about this, particularly for dairy in vanilla and chocolate flavors (if they are served at this location, which I cannot confirm at this time). Once I got my chicken salad, we grabbed a seat in the Tamu Tamu eating area which is quite lovely and peaceful. I have to say, in the summer though...it's pretty hot! Thank goodness it's slightly shaded and covered. On top of that the chicken salad was really refreshing on a hot day.As far as tastes goes, the chicken salad was just OK. I was did enjoy the bright flavors and the dried fruit. I was hoping (as a fan of curry and African spices) that the flavors would be more pronounced but they were definitely very mild. Don't be afraid to order this if spice isn't your thing. This tasted like a regular chicken salad with some dried fruit in it.One of the things I might have to get the next time I'm there is the fruit salad served in a half of a pineapple. Not only is it a huge portion but the fruit variety is awesome and it looks really refreshing. And anything in a pineapple is OK by me!Overall, I wasn't wowed by Tamu Tamu but was glad that they had at least an option that I could get. I can't say I would frequent this location and will likely stick to staples like Flame Tree BBQ or Restaurantosaurus. To read about Tamu Tamu from a non-special diets perspective, check out Jambo Everyone's blog post.I'd give this a 6 out of 10 for a few, but limited options.Have you been to Tamu Tamu? Will you go there to check out the pineapple Dole Whip?

Pinocchio Village Haus New Menu Updates

*This information was valid as of June 2014. I consulted with a manager at this location but chose not to dine there due to limited choices.Nestled in Fantasyland, Pinocchio Village Haus is a quaint quick service restaurant with tons of seating and great atmosphere. With a view of Small World from some of the seating area, you can't help but feel immersed in the Disney magic when you are there.As a gluten free and dairy free diner, I haven't eaten at Pinocchio Village Haus in years. The menu has always seemed fairly limited for those of us with special dietary needs, so it hasn't been high on my list to revisit. However, with the recent refurbishment of the restaurant, I was curious to see if any of the menu offerings had changed.On this particular occasion, I popped by earlier in the day, around 11 a.m. It was already busy. This place is popular! In looking at the menu, I could see that it consisted primarily of flatbread pizzas. Not really so much my speed but I thought I'd see what they could do.I happened to catch a manager very quickly during my arrival, and she met me over by the cash register. There she got out the allergy binder and started going over options. I had mentioned that someone posted to Twitter that they had enjoyed the Caprese Flatbread gluten free (not dairy free), and I asked if that was possible dairy free too. According to her, she said it was not available for either gluten free only or gluten free & dairy free diners. She said my options were the following:

• Gluten free (and also dairy free option) pepperoni pizza
• Gluten free (and also dairy free option) cheese pizza
• Mediterranean Salad with non-dairy cheese

She said these were my only options and also suggested that I go to Columbia Harbour House or Be Our Guest Restaurant if I wanted more of a variety (which I agreed with). With that in my, I opted not to eat lunch here. On the way out I did take a few photos of the lovely interior.As you can see, the restaurant is really charming. I wish that they had more options here for special diets diners. It is nice to know though that they do have a few options and that they do carry a non-dairy cheese (at the time of this review Tofutti Soy Cheese). However, if you're dining in the Magic Kingdom, I would recommend Columbia Harbour House, Be Our Guest, or Pecos Bill Tall Tale Cafe & Inn for quick service lunch.Have you been to Pinocchio Village Haus either before the new menu updates or after? What kinds of special diets offerings were you able to get?

Columbia Harbour House -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Magic Kingdom

*This dining experience took place in June 2014.Hear ye, Hear ye! Columbia Harbour House is one of my top go-to quick service locations on Disney property. With it's special diets menus and nice variety of options, including healthful ones, Columbia Harbour House makes for a great spot in the Magic Kingdom to grab a meal.It's been a while since I've done a review, mostly because I tend to order just the allergy chicken tenders here. However, on this most recent visit, I split a couple of entrees with family and ordered a new dish.On this particular occasion, we stopped by for a late lunch right before the typical Florida summer afternoon thundershowers hit. It was a great thing we did because we avoided the massive storm and got into the restaurant, ordered and were seated before the floods of guests came through (which always happens during rain).When I approached the cast member at the cash register, I let them know that I have special dietary needs. What's nice about Columbia Harbour House is that they give you a special diets menu before the manager comes out to meet you. This is so very handy because it gives you a sense of what you might or might not be able to order. Of course, the manager always has the allergy/ingredients binder on hand to refer to as well, especially if your special dietary need is not covered on the menu.I decided to get my standby allergy chicken tenders and fries along with the Garden Harvest Salad with chicken and Zinfandel dressing. It was a hot day out, so the salad seemed like a great idea to split. It looks to me like the salad doesn't need really any modifications as is straight off the menu, so it's nice they have a naturally gluten free and dairy free option at the restaurant.I have said it before, and I will say it again. Columbia Harbour House sure knows how to fry food! They have the hands down best fried allergy chicken tenders on property. They always come out so crispy and delicious. I can't say a bad thing about the tenders and fries. They are delicious!As far as salads go, everyone who tried this thought it was just so-so. Not a terrible salad but not great either. The accompaniments were a little weird. It was lettuce, lots of carrots (as you can see), steamed green beans, raw red bell peppers and grilled chicken. The salad dressing, while good, was given to us in a very small portion, so next time I would ask for more. The salad was certainly fresh, but I will probably skip this and stick to my chicken tenders from now on. Or get a salad from someplace like Hollywood Brown Derby for their famous (and delicious) Cobb salad. I'm a big fan of it, and I know Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando enjoys it as well!Overall, I think the allergy chicken tenders will continue to be my go-to meal at Columbia Harbour House. I'm curious to try the grilled salmon with steamed broccoli sometime for something different. I give this particular experience a 7.5 out of 10.Have you been to Columbia Harbour House? Are you as big of a fan of the allergy chicken tenders as I am?

Liberty Square Market -- Snacks -- Quick Service -- Magic Kingdom

*This dining experience took place in June 2014.Hear ye, hear ye! Liberty Square Market located in Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom is a surprisingly great choice for special diets diners to grab a quick bite to eat. With standard grab and go options along with special diets pre-packaged products and a few unique treats, this is a must-do for those looking for a snack or a treat. From the exterior, Liberty Square Market might not look like it would have much, and it can also be easily overlooked. Situated in between the Hall of Presidents, Liberty Tree Tavern, Columbia Harbour House, and the Haunted Mansion, it's outdoor seating and atmosphere will make you feel like you've gone back in time to colonial New England.When you enter the market, you'll notice lots of grab and go stations as well as a main ordering station that display Liberty Square Market's most unique offering - the popular baked potato. This is the perfect substantial snack or light lunch for a special diets diner. These are served salt crusted and do not have any toppings added to them unless requested. This means if you're non-dairy like me, you can bring a non-dairy substitute with you and top it on your potato. If you're gluten free and can have dairy, ask for butter and sour cream.Under $4, the baked potatoes also count as a snack on the Disney Dining Plan!Perhaps the coolest part of Liberty Square Market is that they have an entire section devoted to special dietary needs and products. Yay! These include:

• Varieties of Lundberg Rice Chips
• Surf Sweets
• Rocky Mountain Caramel Corn
• OMG It's Gluten Free Brownies
• OMG It's Gluten & Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Enjoy Life Crunchy Cookies

Note that not all of these items cover all allergens or special dietary needs. For instance, OMG It's Gluten Free Brownies contain dairy.The location also carries fresh fruits and vegetables - some whole fruit (like bananas and apples) and others in packages, like apple slices.Overall, Liberty Square Market has an abundance of great choices for special diets diners visiting the Magic Kingdom. From sweets to fresh fruits and veggies, there is a nice variety to choose from.Have you been to Liberty Square Market? What's your go-to snack from this quick service location? 

Grand Floridian Cafe -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- Grand Floridian

*This dining experience took place in June 2014.Disney's Grand Flordian Cafe is one of those locations at Disney that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time. I almost expect the animatronics from Carousel of Progress to be here celebrating Valentine's Day during the turn-of-the-century. If you're looking for a little bit more of an upscale breakfast with a quieter atmosphere, breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe is the way to go.On this particular occasion, I stopped by for breakfast before heading to the Magic Kingdom. It makes for a convenient stop before entering the park. My breakfast reservation was early - 8:15 a.m., as I had Fastpass+ reservations for the newly opened Mine Train ride in New Fantasyland. With such an early breakfast, let's just say it was very quiet. In fact, there were very few of us in the back half of the restaurant.The chef greeted me to go over the options, and I knew more or less what I already wanted - the American which comes traditionally with: Two Eggs served with Biscuits, Bacon, Sausage and Breakfast Potatoes and a choice of Juice. For $13.99 it's a decent bargain with the juice included.I decided to go for apple juice, scrambled eggs, bacon, turkey sausage, breakfast potatoes (made differently as the regular version contains dairy), and instead of toast or Mickey waffles, I asked for steamed asparagus. I don't know why, but I seem to always want asparagus when I go to the Grand Floridian Cafe.When I got my entree, there was a bit of a mix-up, as I was served dairy filled hashbrowns. And weirdly enough, it had the allergy pick right in the middle of them. I know enough about the potatoes there to know they had dairy in them, but this is just a reminder to be vigilant about your food orders. Because the hashbrowns were all on the same plate as the rest of the meal, the chef needed to completely remake everything which did take a wee bit of time.Once I got my entree, I was ready to dig in. I needed to fuel up for that Mine Train ride! The eggs, bacon, and asparagus were great as were the hashbrowns. I have to say, maybe it's just the turkey sausage at Disney but I've decided I'm not a fan. It seems like every time I order it, it's dry and not that tasty. Next time I will just go for the bacon instead of the turkey sausage. As you can see by the decor, this is a lovely and bright restaurant. Because it was so quiet it made for a very enjoyable and relaxing meal.Overall, I would give this a 6 out 10 for this experience.Have you been to the Grand Floridian Cafe? What do you like to order here for breakfast?

Gaston's Tavern -- Snacks -- Quick Service -- New Fantasyland

*This dining experience took place in June 2014.Gaston’s Tavern located in New Fantasyland is something truly out of the animated film. They say, he uses antlers in all his decorating and boy is that sure true. From the exterior of this quick service restaurant to the interior decor, it looks like a hunting lodge and tavern all in one. While I can’t say I personally love Gaston’s decorating tastes, I do enjoy some of the items served in Gaston’s Tavern. On this particular occasion, I stopped by to try out the roasted pork shank and Le Fou’s Brew. I actually hadn’t been since the opening of New Fantasyland (during the annual passholder preview, actually!), so it had been a long time. On that first visit, I tried both, and I even got a chance to see the bottles and ingredients, thanks to a kind manager there. You can read more about that in my original post.But back to today’s visit, when I entered the restaurant, I notified the cast member that I had special dietary needs. She then went and got the special diets binder and a manager. She gave me permission to take a photo of the binder cover, as you can see it here. In looking at the ingredients binder, I noticed that the roasted pork shank (made very simply with a few spices) was made using Badia brand spices, which were listed as certified gluten free. I always like when I see Badia listed because it’s one of the brands I buy for my own kitchen.  You can see detailed info on my original post about Le Fou’s Brew and also on Gluten Free in Orlando’s website. The mango foam on top is really quite good and has that creamy texture that is often lacking from dairy free items. Thankfully, no dairy there!As far as taste goes, I have to say Le Fou’s Brew is way to sweet for my tastes. It’s seriously sweet, and I found myself wishing Disney would offer a smaller size version. I really like the topping but halfway through the drink, it just felt super heavy to me, mostly because of the sugar.  The roasted pork shank, on the other hand is just delicious. It’s a little pricey at $9.79 but still delicious. (Fun fact: In December 2012 it was $7.99, so there's been a definite price increase on these!) My family says they prefer it to the turkey legs these days, which surprised me a bit. But, I have to agree with them. It’s simply seasoned, slow roasted and delicious. While there may be a few snack items that are gluten free and dairy free at Gaston’s Tavern besides the pork shank and Le Fou’s Brew, most people come just for these two items.I have to say that it’s a great little spot to rest and enjoy a snack, though I wouldn’t make it a must-do every time I go. The pork shank I would absolutely get again. The Le Fou’s Brew I might again but split with someone. The sweetness just overtook this drink for me.I rate this a 6 out of 10.Have you been to Gaston’s Tavern? What did you think of Le Fou’s Brew?

Boatwright's -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Port Orleans Riverside

*This dining experience took place in May 2014. It includes a gluten free and shrimp allergy review in addition to my gluten free and dairy free review. Boatwright's located in Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort has quickly moved up the ranks as one of my favorite table service locations on Disney property. With great food, special diets accommodations, service and reasonable prices, I truly think it's a hidden gem on property (much like Sanaa one of my other favorite table service locations). With a rustic atmosphere and New Orleans and Southern inspired food - it really has a homey feel to it. I often wonder why it took me so long to go here.On this particular occasion, I was joined by a GF friend who also has a shrimp allergy. This was her first visit to Boatwright's, so I was excited to have dinner there with her. She knows what big fans Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando and I are of this place, so it seemed only natural to have a meal there!   I had also seen that were some new menu changes to Boatwright's since my last visit, and I was excited to try something new. Of course, that didn't mean I wasn't going to get my favorite gluten-free crawfish bites. A girl's gotta stick with her favorite fried foods! We were greeted by Chef Wes who went over the options on the menu with us. I was having a hard time deciding what to get, but Chef Wes sold me on the new ribs on the menu. They typically come with a Turbodog BBQ sauce (Turbodog is a beer), so the sauce was out for me, but he said he would try to find some safe BBQ sauce that I could have. He said the ribs were fall off the bone tender, so I was looking forward to trying them. My friend and I got the Crawfish Bites to split, and man were these delicious as always. The only slight change to this dish since the restaurant's menu change is that the Remoulade typically served with the Crawfish Bites now contain dairy. Ever the condiment queen, I inquired if they could make a version dairy free. Without advance notice, this wasn't able to happen for this meal; however, as of June 18, 2014, the remoulade has officially changed back to being dairy free. Hurrah! You know what I'm getting next time I visit...As always, the Crawfish Bites did not disappoint. Crunchy and flavorful - you really get the full essence of Crawfish when you eat these. We also had some GNI brand rolls brought to our table, along with extra virgin olive oil for me and butter for my friend. I have to say that Boatwright's consistently heats these rolls up so they are soft and delicious. Not every place on property has the heating down to an art, but Boatwright's sure does!  My friend ordered the Jambalaya which I had on my last visit. Her version did not include shrimp as she has a shrimp allergy. She said it was really delicious too. If you're looking for a hearty dish, this is definitely it! As you can tell by this picture, my entree was huge. The ribs were a nice sized portion. Chef Wes said they were really tender and fell off the bone, and he was not kidding. These were excellent and really well seasoned. Ribs need to be cooked low and slow, and these fit the bill quite nicely. The BBQ sauce served on the side tasted like the BBQ sauce they serve in most QS locations. It wasn't bad, but man it makes me wish I could have had the Turbodog BBQ sauce. I bet it was amazing.The entree also came with seasoned steak fries and coleslaw, both of which were excellent. I really enjoyed the seasoning on the steak fries. And pro tip, dipping them in BBQ sauce was a nice option too! The coleslaw was fresh and crisp - perfect for a rib dinner. My only complaint of the meal? It was messy. But then again, ribs are supposed to be messy. If you're eating ribs and it's NOT messy, I think you're doing something wrong! Thank goodness for wet naps. Overall, this was another really wonderful meal from Boatwright's. I enjoyed my ribs a lot, and it was a great dinner choice. I can honestly say that I haven't had a bad meal at Boatwright's yet...or even a mediocre one! This continues to be a new favorite for me!A solid 9 out of 10 for me. Have you been to Boatwright's? What are your favorite menu items? 

Star Wars Character Breakfast at Sci-Fi Dine-In 2014 -- Table Service -- Hollywood Studios

*This dining experience took place in June 2014.Note: The Star Wars™ Dine-In Galactic Breakfast is a special character dining experience that took place during the 2014 Star Wars™ Weekends.This year's Star Wars™ Weekends offered several new meal experiences: Star Wars™ Dine-In Galactic Breakfast and Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars™ Dine at Hollywood and Vine. Of course, as soon as I heard the announcement about these two meals, I had to make sure to go to both of them. They sounded like awesome events and as a Star Wars™ fan, they were totally up my alley.My family and I attended the Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars™ Dine at Hollywood and Vine during the first Star Wars™ Weekends in May and had a great time. I was pleased to see the special diets offerings available and really enjoyed the experience. We had heard tons of buzz about the character breakfast at Sci-Fi Dine In and were really excited to check it out! First up, I have to say that this was a very popular breakfast. When we got there during our visit at 8:30 a.m. it was pretty packed. Our reservation wasn't until 9:10 a.m. but we checked in and figured we'd just hang out and take in the atmosphere (we'd already rode Star Tours at 8 a.m. so bonus for us. Nothing says Star Wars™ Weekends like riding Star Tours early on in the day!). Imagine our surprise when we got called about 10 minutes later. Talk about going light speed to our breakfast! Before our breakfast, we took a minute to pose with Darth Vader and Boba Fett. My family were wearing Rebel Spy t-shirts which did NOT make Darth Vader happy. And Boba Fett decided he wasn't too thrilled with me either. The reactions they gave us were priceless. Then it was off to the Sci-Fi Dine In dining area where we took in the sights and transformation which suited the character meal really well. On the screen, you got to watch Star Wars clips and even the special 1978 Christmas Special. Talk about awesome and corny all at the same time.  Our server greeted us and the very first thing she asked was, "Does anybody have an allergy or special dietary need." This was great because they made sure to ask right away. She took our drink orders and then got the chef while we looked over the menus and check out our surroundings.Breakfast is a fixed price and includes a plate of breakfast pastries per guest, a choice of fruit & yogurt with granola or just fruit, an entree, and drinks of your choice. There's also a special dessert surprise, but more on that later...The chef greeted me with a plate of breakfast pastries knowing that I couldn't have gluten or dairy. I have to say, it's really hard to see what you're getting on your plate, so taking a picture was about the only way I could identify my treats. I got an Udi's blueberry muffin and chocolate chip muffin, and a Kinnikinnick cinnamon sugar donut. All things I really enjoy! I was also served fresh fruit with some cute Star Wars inspired cut-outs. Yoda as melon...adorable! If your'e like me and not a melon fan...beware. The fruit salad is mostly honeydew and other melons. Not really my most favorite. I could go for grapes, pineapple and strawberries, but as with most fruit cups, they weren't too plentiful. Another great feature of the clips is that they show Star Wars™ Weekends specific things, like weekend host James Arnold Taylor and even information about characters walking around. It was all perfectly themed, and I have to say really made the meal experience feel special. For my entree, I ordered the Tatooine Sunrise which included bacon, sausage (which I exchanged for extra bacon), scrambled eggs, and breakfast potatoes. The potatoes that normally come with it contain dairy, so I was given garlic roasted fingerling potatoes. And they were delicious! Very well seasoned and cooked. The rest of the meal was good. I wouldn't say anything special but well cooked and hearty. Enough to feed a Wookie, that's for sure. And speaking of more food...I asked if there were any other options available to me for gluten free and dairy free breakfast. They did carry Van's waffles, which I opted to skip. I like Van's but they aren't the same as my beloved allergy Mickey waffles. I did however, order a side of the shrimp that accompanies the shrimp and grits. And these were a yummy and delicious add on to my meal!  Throughout our meal, we were treated to Star Wars™ music and film clips and also got to meet lots of Star Wars™ characters. One caveat, lighting in Sci-Fi Dine In can be a challenge. My mom got a shot of me and Greedo but the flash wasn't on. The photo turned out pretty dark, which I had originally posted here, but thanks to reader Ron G., who worked some Disney pixie dust on it, it looks awesome! (Thanks, Ron!!)Stormtroopers were around a lot. As I said quite frequently to them, "This is not the breakfast you are looking for!" Of course, they really got into things and lots of stormtrooper hijinks ensued!  Once we finished our meal, we were also treated to a special dessert. Another nice touch was that this cast member also asked about special dietary needs. Unfortunately, the dessert contained dairy (but it was gluten free!). I was able to get a bowl of fresh strawberries. My family did like the dessert, it seems like it was a pudding/custard of some type with pop rock type fruit in them. Talk about a galactic treat!  Perhaps my most favorite thing about the character breakfast were the Jawas. Omigosh. Were these guys adorable! They roamed the character breakfast and yes, if you had something shiny and interesting, they were into trading with you. My family decided to see what would entice the Jawas and they sure do like Star Wars™ bling. My stepdad traded them a Magic Band Star Wars™ gadget, and they were pretty thrilled. One thing is that they don't talk, and you have to translate what they say by their gestures. It took me entirely too long to figure out this Jawa needed to go get the other Jawa's trading pouch. Yep, clearly I needed C3P0 because I do not speak Jawa! When they returned, they made the trade (a shiny limited edition cast member pin) and a spoon. Because apparently, I needed a spoon. Thanks Jawas!  Overall, I had a fabulous time at the breakfast. In fact, the whole family thought out of the two character meals this was by far and away our favorite. It wasn't cheap by any means at nearly $50 but for a once a year experience, we would definitely do it again. It had nice gluten free and dairy free meal options, and the food was quite good too. I give this Star Wars™ character meal a solid 8 out of 10. By far and away of our favorite things to do during Star Wars™ Weekends 2014. And those Jawas? They totally made the meal too! Have you been to the Star Wars™ Character Breakfast at Sci-Fi Dine In? 

Landscape of Flavors -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Art of Animation

*This dining experience took place in June 2014. Located in Disney's Art of Animation Resort, Landscape of Flavors is one of my favorite quick service locations in the resorts on property. Filled with tons of variety and unique options, it's well...a Landscape of Flavors (sorry, I couldn't resist the pun). Guests who visit Landscape of Flavors will appreciate the unique options and even real plates and silverware - no plastic or paper plates here!On this particular occasion, I stopped by Landscape of Flavors after Star Wars Weekends. It had been a really hot and humid day, typical for Florida in the summer, and I really wanted something light. I've been wanting to try some of the Indian dishes but for dinner after a day in the hot sun? Not so much. I decided to see what options they had for their create your own salad bar.It was a slow evening there, and I stopped by the salad station and asked the cast member if I could speak with a chef or manager. After a short wait the chef came out to see me. She did say there were several options in the Indian station, but we quickly turned to the salad bar. Their toppings aren't as large as I would have like but it wasn't bad either.I decided to go with a romaine lettuce as my salad base (you have an option of romaine, spinach or shredded lettuce). I then was able to add diced cucumbers (one of my favorites), diced onion, bacon, grilled chicken and grilled shrimp. The only challenge was the salad dressing. Every option had dairy except the Italian they had on hand. Italian's not my most favorite dressing option but I'm glad that they at least had something.The salad itself was refreshing, and I was glad to have it after being outside all day. Portion-wise, I felt it was fairly small for a $11 salad. The toppings were a bit skimpy. The salad dressing was on the side, as they got dressing from the back for me. With a salad bar that included a lot of mix and match, it was much safer getting the items from the back, especially the dressing.Next time, I'm not sure I'd get a salad from Landscape of Flavors, not because of the taste but more because of the cost to portion ratio. I think there are better values in terms of salads on property. If only Hollywood Brown Derby had been taking walk-ups that night. I totally would have gotten the Cobb salad there (one of my favorites).On a side note, if you are looking for a gluten free beer, Landscape of Flavors carries Redbridge and now Estrella Damm Daura which is a made from Barley Malt and has had gluten removed from it. As one who has tried these kind of beers and gotten sick from them, I stay away from them even if they test under 20ppm. Note that neither of these options are listed as "gluten free" on the labeling (except on the bottles).Overall, I still really enjoy visiting Landscape of Flavors for the food and atmosphere. Art of Animation is a neat resort, and I really think this restaurant puts it on the map as having one of the best resort quick service locations.I'd give this particular visit a 6.5 out of 10.Have you been to Landscape of Flavors? What is your favorite thing to order?