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Contempo Cafe -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Contemporary

*This dining experience took place in August 2015.Contemporary ResortContempo Cafe, located at Disney's Contemporary Resort, is the resort's standard quick service location. While I can't say I've ever been blown away by the food options here, I do love the atmosphere and the fact that I can watch the monorail whiz by as I dine.On this particular occasion, I stopped by for a quick lunch and was hoping to get something a bit different, or at least, not allergy chicken tenders. After reading the allergy friendly menu ahead of time (thanks to Gluten Free in Orlando), I was hoping to get the Maine Lobster Sandwich.After speaking with a manager, who confirmed the sandwich was also dairy free, I ordered this along with French fries. The restaurant gives you a pager, so I spent some time taking in the sights while my food was being prepared.Contemporary ResortThe sandwich itself was fairly pricey, and after eating it, I didn't think it was worth the money. The sandwich was overly mayonnaised which took away from the fresh taste of the lobster. There was a good amount of lobster in this sandwich, but I preferred some other versions, like the one I had at Raglan Road.  Still, it was nice to be able to order a lobster roll.Overall, I liked my meal well enough at Contempo Cafe. It's not a location I frequent much, but I'm glad that they have safe options and have expanded their gluten free menu offerings a bit.Have you been to Contempo Cafe? What did you order when you dined there?

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Raglan Road Irish Pub -- Lunch/Dinner -- Table Service -- Disney Springs

*This dining experience took place in August 2015.Raglan Road Irish PubRaglan Road Irish Pub, located in Disney Springs, proves that you don't need the luck of the Irish for great food when you're dining at Disney Springs. Raglan Road serves up authentic and hearty Irish fare that you're sure to love. From sandwiches and entrees to proper fish and chips (fried in a dedicated fryer), there's something for everyone to enjoy here.I adore their gluten free fish and chips and fried onion rings (especially with sweet chili jam and tartar sauce); however, on this particular occasion, I decided to go with something a bit different.Raglan Road Irish PubFirst up was a Magner's Hard Cider, which you can find on tap at Raglan Road. It's a must whenever I visit there!Raglan Road Irish Pub For my entree, I ordered the burger served with Irish bacon (more like Canadian bacon) on a gluten free bun with fries (aka chips) on the side. I will say that I liked the cornichon that they topped my burger with, which was more of a sweet pickle versus savory dill. I ended up not asking for any condiments, which I should have, as the burger was a wee bit dry.Overall, I liked the burger as an option at Raglan Road, though I think I'd likely stick to the other sandwiches or the fish and chips here. Still, they consistently put out a solid meal, and I really do love the restaurant and pub vibe. In my opinion, it's the best gluten free dining option in Disney Springs!Have you been to Raglan Road Irish Pub? What do you love ordering here?

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Olivia's Cafe -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Old Key West

*This dining experience took place in August 2015. Olivia's Old Key WestOlivia's, located at Disney's Old Key West Resort, is a great quiet and cozy dining location. I often dine here for breakfast when I'm looking for something easy and quick. And, I loved the super chill and relaxed vibe here. Recently, I stopped by for dinner and checked out the allergy friendly menu they now have at the restaurant.The last several times I've been here for lunch or dinner, I've ordered the Mallory Square Cobb Salad which has shrimp and crab on it and is insanely delicious. I was craving this again but oddly noticed it wasn't on the allergy friendly menu. I was able to talk to one of the chefs there who confirmed it could be made gluten free.Olivia's Old Key West Udi's RollsWhile waiting for my salad, I was brought Udi's Gluten Free rolls (most locations carry the GNI Brand rolls, so it was surprising to see these) with Earth Balance vegan margarine. The rolls were a bit tough, so I didn't eat too much of them.Olivia's Mallory Square Cobb SaladMy salad, on the other hand, was so delicious. Filled with avocado, bacon, tomato, chopped egg, crab, and shrimp and topped with a key lime vinaigrette, it was very fresh and flavorful. Perfect for a hot Florida summer evening. This salad continues to rank high on my favorite Disney salad list, so it's one I will definitely order again.Overall, I enjoyed my meal at Olivia's. Next time, I hope to try some of the other dinner entrees served there. If you're a DVC member, don't forget to show your member ID for 10% off.Have you been to Olivia's? What did you order when you dined there?

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Mara -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House

*This dining experience took place in August 2015. MaraThe Mara, located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House, may very well be one of my most favorite quick service locations on property. I love that you can get standard Disney fare like burgers and fries but also get quick service options that are totally different than anywhere else on property. From African Stew to Pap, there's something unique to try at any meal at the Mara. And the best part? Many of their unique items are naturally gluten free and/or dairy free.On this particular occasion, I stopped by for dinner and wanted something easy. The restaurant does now carry the allergy friendly menus, but don't let that deter you from speaking to a chef if you are interested in something outside of the main menu. During this meal though, I opted for the chicken tenders straight off the allergy friendly menu.Mara Allergy Chicken TendersOnce ordered, I was given a pager and told to come back when the pager went off. I would say there was about a 10 minute wait overall, which gave me some time to explore the quick service location, and pick up a bottle of South African wine to take back to my DVC room for the evening. The Mara has a great selection of reasonably priced wines available for purchase. This one was a bit sweet for my taste but not bad.Mara WineThe allergy friendly chicken tenders, as always, were delicious. Super crisp and perfectly fried. They are great with a side of French fries. Do note that there has been some changes in the distributor of the allergy friendly chicken tenders as of Fall 2015, so these tenders may not be the same when you dine at a Disney restaurant. At press time, they are currently using Saffron Road chicken tenders.Have you been to the Mara? What did you enjoy when you dined there? 

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Whispering Canyon Cafe -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- Wilderness Lodge

*This dining experience took place in October 2015.Whispering Canyon CafeWhispering Canyon Cafe, located at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, is sure to be a rootin' tootin' good time when you dine there. Well-known for its cast member hijinks and antics (ask for ketchup, and you'll soon find out what I mean), Whispering Canyon Cafe has long been a family favorite.On this particular occasion, we dined there for breakfast, before we headed to the Magic Kingdom for a full day of in park fun. Like most Disney restaurants now, Whispering Canyon Cafe has an allergy friendly menu. You can also still talk to a chef, which I did, as I was interested in a gluten free and dairy free version of the breakfast skillet.Whispering Canyon CafeI love how the restaurant serves up drinks in Mason jars. Watch out if you drink a lot, you might get yourself a gallon jar!Breakfast Whispering Canyon CafeMy modified skillet included breakfast potatoes, scrambled eggs, bacon, apple raisin sausage, and allergy friendly Mickey waffles. If I were gluten free only, I also could have gotten biscuits and gravy with this skillet. You can read a gluten free only review on Gluten Free in Orlando's blog.For the most part, I didn't find this breakfast to be anything special. It was good, and there was a lot of food. My favorite part was actually the apple raisin sausage which had a mild sweet flavor to it and was something different.If you're looking for a filling and hearty breakfast, Whispering Canyon Cafe fits the bill nicely. It's not someplace I'd go all the time, but every once in a while, it's great. And for $16.49, the all-you-care-to-eat breakfast skillet is a great value.Have you been to Whispering Canyon Cafe? What did you enjoy about this restaurant?

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Jiko -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House

*This dining experience took place in August 2015.JikoJiko, located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House, is the signature dining location of AKL. Set to resemble an African sunset, the restaurant is a gorgeous place to have a celebratory meal or romantic evening. Even more amazing is that the lighting in the restaurant subtly changes throughout the evening to reflect the actual African sunset. How amazing!On this particular occasion, I dined at Jiko but wanted to sit at the open air chef's table, which is a lovely and approachable way to dine solo at Disney. I also knew I didn't want a full meal, so getting a glass of wine and a gluten free flatbread seemed like a great option.JikoI haven't been to Jiko in a few years, and a recent stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge gave me the perfect excuse to visit. One of Jiko's amazing features is that they have the 2nd largest collection of South African wines in the world (the first location is actually IN South Africa), so if you are a wine lover, this is a restaurant for you.JikoIf you're dining solo, I can highly recommend the Chef's Table. You get a chance to watch the action and even interact with members of the culinary team.JikoSince Jiko is known for their South African wines, I ordered the Black Pearl which is a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz. It was delicious and a great red wine to order with my meal.Jiko Udi's BreadThough the restaurant does have an allergy friendly menu, I did ask to speak to the chef, as I was hoping they might be able to make me a flatbread gluten free. As the chef noted, they don't normally carry the Udi's gluten free pizza crusts at Jiko anymore, but he offered to get one from the Mara so that I could have a flatbread. He said this might take a bit of time, so he brought me some Udi's Gluten Free rolls with extra virgin olive oil, and I ordered a salad.Jiko SaladI opted for the Jiko Salad which was Poached Pears, Heirloom Spinach, Kobocha Squash and Pear Vinaigrette and marked gluten free and dairy free on the allergy friendly menu. I can't say I loved this salad. It seemed underdressed, a little too bitter, and bland.Jiko FlatbreadFor my flatbread, I ordered the Roasted Cauliflower flatbread which had Bhuna Masala, Roasted Cipollini Onions, and normally comes with Lamb Chopper Cheese. I have been trying to experiment with non-cow's milk cheese, so I asked if they could add a small amount of goat cheese to the flatbread. The Purple Haze goat cheese worked really well with this dish, and I'm excited that I am being able to add some sheep and goat milk into my diet successfully on occasion.This flatbread was outstanding, and one I wouldn't hesitate to order again. The flavors were so good, and if you loved roasted cauliflower (like I do), you will love this. Hands down a big winner for me.I love going to Jiko for an appetizer and drink. It's such an affordable way to experience the restaurant without breaking the bank. As a DVC member, I also saved 10% which also helped with affordability. You can read Gluten Free in Orlando's full dinner review on her blog.Have you been to Jiko? What did you order when you dined there? 

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

*These dining experiences took place in August, September, and October 2015.SanaaSanaa, located in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village, continues to be one of my favorite restaurants on Disney property. Not only is the food amazing but the atmosphere is unlike any other. Where else can you sit and watch zebras and giraffes while eating dinner? It really is incredible.This review covers 3 separate visits that I had throughout the months of August, September, and October. Many times, I went just for drinks and appetizers which is a great way to cap an evening. I could sit at the Sanaa bar area for days. It's so relaxing! And, if you don't have a reservation and want a quick bite, the bar is the perfect place to grab a meal, as you can order everything off the regular menu in the bar area.Sanaa MojitoPerhaps my most favorite drink on Disney property is the African Starr Mint Mojito. The simplicity of rum, fresh mint, and simple syrup makes this a refreshing drink, perfect for cooling off after a long day in the hot parks. This drink never disappoints, and I think Sanaa has the best mojito on property!Sanaa Soup & Bread ServiceBread service is a must whenever I go to Sanaa. Since the launch of a gluten free and vegan naan bread offering this summer, I have been back a ridiculous amount of times to order their bread service. It's best piping hot from the oven and tastes amazing with any of the dips offered.Equally amazing is the Sanaa soup. Though not currently listed on the allergy friendly menu, the soup is still gluten free. It can be made dairy free by removing the addition of cream. Trust me, this soup is so delicious you won't miss the cream at all! I can highly recommend the soup and bread service combo as a winning option when dining at Sanaa.Sanaa AppetizerSanaa also has some new appetizers out, and one evening I did try out the Oxtail Umngqusho, which is made of cracked hominy, black-eyed peas, and braised oxtail. I enjoyed this dish a lot though I would have liked to have had a bit more oxtail in the dish. This dish has a unique taste and was very filling. The oxtail tastes a bit like short ribs, so while oxtail might not sound appetizing, it's actually quite delicious!Sanaa Bread ServiceWhenever I get bread service, the biggest decision is to get all of the dips or just 3. I'm partial to the mango chutney, red pepper hummus, and coriander chutney, but I love so many of the others too. The only one that isn't dairy free is the cucumber raita, and you can easily swap out that dip for a second of your favorite one when ordering the full bread service. For me, that always means more red pepper hummus! I have to admit though, the tomato date chutney has been my new favorite dip that they've added recently. So good!Sanaa Braai The Sanaa dinner menu has changed somewhat, and I was curious to try some of the dishes. On my most recent visit, my friend and I both ordered the Braaivleis, which is marked as gluten free and dairy free naturally. It comes with Boerewor (a sausage), lamp chop, pork tenderloin, Tunisian olive oil crushed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.I loved the Tunisian olive oil crushed potatoes, as they were very flavorful. The sausage was milder than I expected it to be, which was great. I loved the pork tenderloin, though I should have asked to have it cooked longer. Cooked medium still seems a bit to raw for my tastes. And speaking of raw, if you are concerned about raw meat, avoid the lamb or ask them to cook a wee bit longer (which be warned, may toughen the meat). My lamb was entirely too rare for my liking but I found the flavors of the lamb delicious.Overall, if you visit Sanaa, you won't regret it. It's a one of a kind restaurant at Disney, and is very affordable and approachable. The bread service is a must! I can't wait to go back again to try some of the new dinner offerings.You can also read Gluten Free in Orlando's reviews on Sanaa too.Have you been to Sanaa? What did you love about this restaurant? 

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Ohana -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Polynesian

*This dining experience took place in November 2015.Polynesian ExteriorAloha! Ohana located at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort has long been one of my family's favorite restaurants on Disney property. We love the fun and friendly atmosphere, the Polynesian theme, and, of course, the food! The menu itself has changed a lot over the years, and while we often lament some of our favorites that are no longer on the menu (oh, how I miss the honey lime vinaigrette salad dressing), we still very much enjoy the offerings available at Ohana.On this particular occasion, I visited with a friend, who also happens to be gluten free and dairy free too. It's always fun to dine out with friends, and especially those that have special dietary needs!I actually dined at Ohana this summer, but I realized I hadn't blogged about it yet (yikes! We'll chalk that one up to all the new job and moving craziness). But, as I was telling my friend, I actually haven't dined at Ohana in a couple of years because it's often hard to get a reservation when you are local and don't make 180 day in advance plans (I know, I know, local problems!). So, it was awesome to be dining here twice in the span of a few months!Interior OhanaBoth my friend and I were ready to dig into our meal at Ohana and both knew going in we were going to be plenty full by the time the meal was over. Ohana definitely keeps the food coming, as a family style dining option.After being seated, the chef greeted us and let us know that we would be getting salad (with the removal of wontons), GNI brand rolls with Earth Balance vegan margarine, white rice, sauteed veggies, chicken wings, sweet and sour sauce, and could enjoy all three grilled meats: Shrimp, Chicken, and Steak. I also asked if they still had the gluten free teriyaki sauce (which they do) and was able to get that as well. And, of course, everything began to come out quickly...Let the food photos begin!Salad OhanaFirst up was the salad. This contained shredded vegetables (such as carrot), mushrooms, edamame, and red onion along with a vinaigrette. I really enjoyed this in July but both my friend and I found it to be woefully underdressed this time.GNI rolls OhanaThe GNI rolls we received were also poorly heated. Very crumbly and dry, while I ate one of them, my friend opted to skip, because -- of course -- it's all about the other food here!Rice and veggies OhanaWe also got a plate to share of steamed white rice, sweet and sour sauce, teriyaki sauce, sauteed vegetables, and chicken wings. The chicken wings continue to be a favorite with a nice spicy dry rub. I also love having some rice and veggies along with the sauces they provide. Overall, it's definitely a good mix of options.Meat OhanaBut, the best part about Ohana are the grilled meats that come out Brazilian Steakhouse style on skewers. All three grilled meats are now gluten free (which I love). I do miss their pork but the new sauces and rubs on the meats have definitely improved the meats offered. The steak that I had in July was perfectly cooked to my liking and nicely seasoned. This time, I found the meat to be just a bit too rare for my taste, so I didn't go for a second round. The chicken had a nice sweet and sour sauce on it and was delicious. Yep, I totally went for seconds on that. And, my hands down favorite is the shrimp. Sure, you have to peel them, and they are messy, but if you aren't enjoying a messy meal like this...you're doing it wrong! Between my friend and I, I think we ate our weight in shrimp!Between all the courses, we were both quite stuffed. Though we were brought dessert both of us didn't eat much of it.Dessert OhanaDessert at Ohana is always underwhelming. But, then again, it's not why I go there. Served Tofutti with Enjoy Life cookies, fresh fruit and Hershey's Syrup, it was just OK. Still, props for the cute hidden Mickey on the plate!Overall, we both really enjoyed our meal at Ohana. Our main courses were exactly why we dined here and while some of the sides were just OK, we both left the meal satisfied and totally stuffed. Ohana is definitely a must do tradition for my family and friends. Plus, the entertainment there is great. Kiddos can get in on coconut racing and the live singing is delightful.Have you been to Ohana? What did you enjoy most there?

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Everything Pop -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Pop Century

*This dining experience took place in August 2015.Everything PopEverything Pop located at Disney's Pop Century Resort is one groovy place to grab a bite to eat. With a retro inspired menu and atmosphere, you can't help but get into the nostalgic spirit when dining here.On this particular occasion, I stopped by for a quick dinner. Gluten Free in Orlando had posted on her blog that the quick service location did have allergy free menus, though at the time I visited, I did not get a chance to see one. The manager, however, did a great job of making sure I had safe options to choose from.The options were pretty extensive, from sandwiches, salads and more. That made it hard to choose! I finally settled on the Salmon Burger, which was a house-made salmon burger served with wasabi Thai curry mayonnaise, slaw, and French fries. The chef did have to make my burger separately, so as to make it gluten free, which meant I had a bit of a wait. The chef gave me a pager, so that I could meet him back in the food court when it was ready.Salmon Burger Everything PopI have to say that I was pleasantly surprised with this sandwich. I absolutely loved it. The burger itself was well cooked, and the salmon wasn't too fishy. What made this dish though were the wasabi thai mayo and the slaw which had sesame oil in it. Those components really helped pull the dish together. I wish I had asked for some extra wasabi thai mayo because it would have been an amazing dipping sauce for the French fries. Yes, you know I can't help but add extra dipping sauces when it comes to fries!Overall, I loved the sandwich I got at Everything Pop. Generally, I've found the food there to be pretty basic, but this sandwich was a highlight on their menu for me.Have you been to Everything Pop? What do you typically order here?

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Antojitos -- Lunch/Dinner -- Table Service -- City Walk -- Universal Studios

*This dining experience took place in August 2015.Antojitos ExteriorIf there's one thing I know, it's that I love good Mexican and Tex Mex food. Some of my favorite places at Disney World include San Angel Inn and La Hacienda de San Angel -- both are delicious options while at Epcot. But what about the options at Universal Orlando? I've been long wanting to try out Antojitos, the Mexican restaurant that opened at Universal City Walk last year.I knew before visiting Antojitos that there would be gluten free and dairy free options, thanks to Amanda from Eating Out Without's blog post about gluten free and dairy free options at Universal Studios. So, I was pretty stoked to find that Antojitos was a terrific options for me to dine at.Antojitos InteriorI love the vibe of Antojitos. A large restaurant with an upstairs and downstairs and even an open kitchen, this authentic Mexican restaurant is bright and cheery with great seating and lighting. If you go at the right time you'll be treated to live music. It's definitely a place to sit back, chill, and hang out with friends.Antojitos DrinkIn addition to a pretty extensive menu (with gluten free options marked), they also have a very large drink menu. While my brother, who dined with me, had a classic margarita, I ordered the Handsome George, which used George Clooney's Tequila brand along with a very mild lime splash. I can highly recommend this drink, though if you're looking for the best bang for your buck, I would suggest ordering a margarita. They were huge!Chips & Guacamole at AntojitosAntojitos chips and salsa are gluten free and the chips are made in a dedicated fryer. For something fancier, you can order table-side guacamole, which we did on this occasion. I can't ever turn down guacamole, though I will say this version was a bit mediocre. I might try it again but wouldn't make it a regular occurrence since it was priced at a steep $13.99.Shrimp Tacos at AntojitosFor my entree, I ordered the shrimp tacos al pastor. These were outstanding. Served in a corn tortilla, the shrimp was marinated and topped with fresh coleslaw and a pineapple mint salsa, which was insanely good. The entree also came with rice and beans both of which were quite good. For the price and compared to many dishes at Disney Mexican restaurants, this entree was a good bargain.Overall, we enjoyed Antojitos a lot. The food was terrific and the atmosphere was great. It will definitely be on my regular rotation of Universal Orlando restaurants to dine at. If you're a Universal Orlando Annual Passholder, you also get 10% off your meal when you dine here, which is a nice bonus.Have you been to Antojitos at Universal Orlando City Walk? What did you order when you dined there?

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Turf Club Bar & Grill -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Saratoga Springs

*This dining experience took place in August 2015.Turf Club Bar & Grill signThe Turf Club Bar and Grill located at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort is one of those hidden gem restaurants on Disney property. Quietly tucked away at this sprawling resort and located near the golf course, it's a nice break from all the excitement and noise often found when touring the theme parks. It's a cozy restaurant with a bit of a dark interior but an atmosphere that really is perfect after a long day in the park.On this particular occasion, I was dining at Turf Club Bar and Grill solo after a long day of work and wanted something comforting and filling. As I was seated by server gave me one of the new allergy friendly menus for the restaurant. They also asked if I wanted to directly order off that menu or speak with a server. Since many items did not note dairy free, I asked to speak with a chef.I was pleasantly surprised to see Chef Jenny Sly come out to speak with me. Chef Jenny is terrific and has been at various locations on property including Ohana and most recently Boma. She went through the menu with me, and I decided to order Grilled Salmon with Teriyaki Glaze, Cilantro Jasmine Rice, and Seasonal Vegetables. I opted to skip an appetizer as most were very heavily dairy based.Ener-G Rolls at Turf Club Bar & GrillWhile waiting for my entree, Chef Jenny also brought out some rolls with extra virgin olive oil. Immediately, I noticed these were Ener-G rolls, which I often find to be very unappealing because of the lack of heating them properly. They are also the type of gluten free roll that you need to eat pretty immediately because they seem to get hard very quickly, as they are tapioca based.However, Chef Jenny assured me that these rolls would be nice and soft, and she wasn't kidding. I was blown away by the gluten free bread voodoo that she put on these rolls because they were unlike any Ener-G roll I've ever had (and Chef Jenny did confirm they were Ener-G). They were piping hot, well heated, and stayed soft the entire time. I wouldn't hesitate to get these again at Turf Club.Salmon at Turf Club Bar & GrillMy entree was equally well-cooked and seasoned. The salmon was perfectly cooked -- something that is so important to seafood. The rice was a lovely compliment, as were the sauteed veggies. Add in some teriyaki sauce made with gluten free soy sauce, and you have a really tasty meal.Overall, I really enjoyed my meal at Turf Club Bar and Grill. The food I had was well-cooked, the ambiance was quiet and relaxed, and the service was also great. It reminds me that I need to dine here more.Have you been to Turf Club Bar & Grill? What are your favorite dishes to order?

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Pinocchio Village Haus -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Magic Kingdom

*This dining experience took place in August 2015.Pinocchio Village Haus BakeryPinocchio Village Haus located in Disney's Magic Kingdom is a charming restaurant -- one that I've visited many times but actually never eaten at. I've never been keen on the options available, which have always seemed limited at best.Recently, blog reader Priscilla G. shared the new allergy friendly lunch and dinner menu from Pinocchio Village Haus. After reading the new menu, I saw there were at least a couple of options to choose from. And good thing too, as I recently stopped by the restaurant to grab lunch.When I got to the cash register to inquire about special dietary options, the cast member presented me with the new allergy friendly menu. I could quickly see that the Mediterranean Salad was on both the gluten and dairy free menu options, and I asked to order it. The cast member did not flag a manager, but rather, flagged gluten and dairy in the order and gave me a pager, which would alert me when my food was ready.About 10 minutes later, my pager went off, and I was greeted by a manager who served my food on a green tray (to denote food allergy) and saw that my salad contained what looked like "cheese." She confirmed that it was Daiya cheese. The one thing they did not tell me was that I needed to grab the salad dressing from the condiment bar. I quickly found the dressing noted as safe (and double-checked the ingredients) but found it odd that they didn't tell me this.Mediterranean Salad at Pinocchio Village Haus As far as the salad, I found it to be just OK. It wasn't my favorite quick service salad but certainly not the worst (one of my least favorites being the Garden Harvest Salad at Columbia Harbour House).I actually don't prefer the non-dairy cheese on my salad, so I have to admit I picked off the Daiya cheese (though the other diner with me - who is not gluten or dairy free - actually really liked the Daiya shreds, so I think I'm just picky in this regard).Overall, I would probably dine at Pinocchio Village Haus in a pinch, though it wouldn't be my first choice for a Magic Kingdom quick service location. My go-to is always Columbia Harbour House, but if I was with others dining at Pinocchio Village Haus I know now that I have at least a few options when ordering, which is great.Have you been to Pinocchio Village Haus in the Magic Kingdom? What did you order when you dined there?

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

*This dining experience took place in July 2015.Sanaa SIgnSanaa located in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village has long been one of my favorite restaurants on Disney property. I'm such a fan of all types of Indian-inspired food, so I've always been impressed with the palate of flavors that Sanaa presents its guests. I love how approachable the food is, despite being a bit exotic for most folks. And, it doesn't hurt that they offer amazing gluten free and dairy free offerings, set in one of the most gorgeous restaurant settings at Disney World.Sanaa InteriorOn this particular visit, my mom and I stopped by for lunch during a very full day of shopping in Orlando. Shopping clearly makes me hungry, and I couldn't think of a better place to grab a bite than Sanaa. It's been ages since I've been, so it was long overdue.Sanaa Allergy Friendly Lunch MenuAfter we were seated, I was given one of the new allergy friendly menus that have been appearing throughout the Disney restaurants. The first thing that popped out on the menu was gluten free AND vegan naan. WHAT!? Yes, you read that right, gluten free and vegan naan. Sanaa has long been serving a gluten free naan, but it has been very dairy-filled, which meant I had been still eating falafel chips.Of course, ever the skeptic, I asked to speak with a chef, as I was very curious if this bread was really gluten free and dairy free, or if this was too good to be true. Chef Michelle let me know that it was indeed gluten free and vegan. The restaurant now uses Bob's Red Mill All Purpose Flour instead of cup4cup. I hadn't planned on ordering bread service that on this visit, but gluten free and dairy free naan. I had to have it.We ordered the full bread service with all the dips (minus the cucumber raita which contains dairy), and I was excited to see 5 pieces of naan available with the bread service. This girl loves a good carb, especially one smothered in delicious dips and chutneys.Gluten Free Vegan Naan Bread at SanaaOverall, I have to say, I was pretty pleased with the naan. It was a bit more like flatbread, rather than traditional naan. But the flavors were delicious, and the chickpea flour, in this instance, works really well with the Indian flavors. They were also piping hot from the oven (which is where they prepare them), so I enjoyed immensely. My favorite dips, of course, continue to be the coriander chutney, mango chutney, and the roasted red bell pepper hummus. These are my hands down musts every time I order bread service. I also enjoyed the pickled garlic and the tomato date chutney a lot too. My verdict on the naan? Really good (not amazing but really good), and something I wouldn't hesitate to order again.Durban Shrimp and Goan Curry Seafood at SanaaFor my entree, I went with the Durban Shrimp and Goan Seafood Curry. I have to admit, I still very much miss the green curry shrimp and wish it was still around, but I do also really enjoy the Goan Seafood Curry. The first time I tried it, it lived up to its goan (aka spicy) name, but since then it's become very toned down and is quite mild, in my opinion. Which works perfectly with the spicy Durban Shrimp which is ridiculously but deliciously spicy. If you do not like spicy food, avoid this one.Sanaa ExteriorOverall, I was really pleased with my meal at Sanaa. It's hard not to love everything about this restaurant - from the food, the special diets accommodations, to the atmosphere. All that was missing on this visit was an African Starr Mint Mojito.Chef Michelle said the dinner menu has changed quite a bit, so I can't wait to check it out sometime soon, especially so I can order the bread service again. They are also working to tweak the recipe, so I can't wait to see how it changes and evolves. If you're curious about other folks' thoughts on the new gluten free and vegan naan bread, check out Alexis' review from Gluten Free in Orlando!Have you been to Sanaa? Are you looking forward to trying the new gluten free and vegan naan? What about the other offerings on the menu?

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American Q -- Dinner -- Table Service -- B Resort & Spa

*This dining experience took place in June 2015.American Q If there's one thing I know, I love a good barbecue. From side dishes to smoked meats, there's just something comforting about anything cooked low and slow. I can't say that I've found a great barbecue place on or near Disney property... until now! Thankfully, I can now get my gluten free and dairy free barbecue fix at American Q, located at the B Resort & Spa.The B Resort Resort & Spa located just outside of Downtown Disney and is considered a Downtown Disney Area Hotel. Many of you readers have asked me about the dining options at these hotels for gluten free and special diets diners, and I was thrilled to finally get to check out American Q. This barbecue themed restaurant opened in late summer 2014, and I had been hearing rave things from friends and online from sites like Inside the Magic and Disneyways.com.American Q SignFirst things first. When you arrive at B Resort, parking is valet. But, not to worry! If you're dining at American Q, it's free (that's my favorite kind of valet)! Just make sure to take your parking ticket to the American Q team and have them validate it for you. I love this added benefit provided by the resort. This means, parking is easy peasy when you dine at American Q.Of course, after getting out of your car, you'll be intoxicated by the smells of barbecue. In fact, my mom and I both remarked how amazing it smelled, just standing outside of the hotel entrance. Probably the only other hotel that has such amazing smells is Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge which has great restaurants like Boma and Jiko.American Q has it's own side entrance, and you'll find cozy chairs to sit and relax at if you're early for your reservation. Or, you could enjoy the American Q bar...just sayin'!American Q InteriorAfter checking in, my mom and I got a chance to take a look at the buffet, which is set up on a flatbed truck. How cool is that? The food looked delicious, and I was excited to see what options would be available to me as a gluten free and dairy free diner. My friend Leah from Our Florida Project had visited American Q, and she told me that they had loads of gluten free options, which made me very excited about my meal.American Q MenuOur server Ryan greeted us and gave us a full overview of the restaurant, which was great. Essentially, guests have a few options for ordering dinner at American Q. The first, is a la carte. They have a variety of options on the a la carte menu - from ribs to fajitas and everything in between. The other options involve the flatbed buffet.Remember that flatbed truck I mentioned? This buffet is available in two ways. You can choose to just take part in the flatbed buffet with unlimited salads and appetizers. If you choose the full buffet, you get to dine from the flatbed buffet truck AND you get table side carvings of a various smoked meats. This options is a reasonable $34.95, and believe me, well worth it!The restaurant also includes a full bar with some interesting cocktails, like Margarita Thyme (which includes blackberries and thyme) or the Pineapple Mojito. I personally can't resist a mojito, so I ordered the Pineapple version to check it out. It was fabulous, and even better, if you dine between 4-7 p.m. it's happy hour and 1/2 price!American Q BuffetAfter ordering drinks, Chef John came out to talk to me about the options available to me as a gluten free and dairy free diner. Surprisingly, the flatbed truck offered a lot of great choices. The seafood salad, roasted potatoes and sweet potatoes, sweet potato salad, collard greens, and salad bar were all great options for me. They even offered to make me some dairy free corn on the cob, as the version on the buffet was soaking in butter (which my mom proclaimed one of the best versions of corn on the cob she's ever had).Corn American QAll of the table side carved meats are gluten free. The only item that isn't dairy free is the vegetable brochette, which can be made dairy free upon request. The barbecue sauces are all made in house and are gluten free, but do contain dairy. If you're a dairy diner, don't worry, the meats are still absolutely delicious even without the sauces.Grilled Vegetables American QWe were the first folks at the buffet that evening, so I was the first person to dine off the buffet, which helped with cross-contamination concerns; however, the culinary team there is great and were very willing to bring things from the back, upon request.As we were digging in to our first round off the buffet, Executive Chef Justin Leo came by to say hello and to talk a bit about the restaurant. Chef Justin has worked for the Disney Company - serving as Executive Chef at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. He's also worked at Hilton Bonnet Creek and the Swan and Dolphin. Because of this, he's had background and training with Disney's food allergy protocols and even trained chefs on this while working at various resorts. His knowledge and experience really shined through as he talked about food allergy accommodation at American Q.Chef Justin explained that the restaurant works to incorporate styles of barbecue from the U.S. and Latin America - which fits my initial description to my mom of American Q, "Brazilian steakhouse style but with barbecue!" They also like to utilize a lot of Florida local products from the meat (which is high quality and grass fed) right down to the types of wood they use to smoke the meats. They make all of their sauces from scratch and really focus on authentic flavors. And their smoking all of their own meats daily, starting at 6 a.m.!Breakfast at American QChef Justin also mentioned that while their dinner is not only gluten free friendly, they also have terrific gluten free and dairy free options for breakfast. They serve gluten free pancakes and Mickey waffles (hurrah!) along with providing staples like gluten free toast. As Chef Justin noted, they do have a lot of special diets guests, so being able to accommodate them is important. Of course, now that I know they have so many great breakfast options, you can bet I'm going to visit for breakfast!So let's dig into the food! (Vegetarians, I warn you now...this post is going to be meat heavy. Look away if you do not want to see copious amounts of barbecued meat. Though, don't be too discouraged! If you visit American Q on Monday nights you can enjoy an entirely vegetarian buffet with their Meatless Mondays).American Q Buffet PlateFirst up - the flatbed buffet. My first plate consisted of seafood salad, a roasted sweet potato with brown sugar and cinnamon, sweet potato salad, and grilled asparagus. The seafood salad was divine. Filled with bright citrus flavors and a bit of a bite from the red onion and peppers, this was a definite hit in my opinion. It was a bit messy with peel and eat shrimp and more, but don't let that deter you from trying it.Seafood Salad American QThe roasted asparagus was delicious. Asparagus is one of my favorite veggies. I could have also chosen the roasted mushrooms, which were on the same buffet tray, but I am not a big fan of mushrooms.Asparagus and mushrooms at American QThe sweet potato salad was served cold and definitely a nice change from traditional potato salad. I love the red onion in this.Sweet Potato Salad American QMy favorite item on my first plate was the roasted sweet potato with brown sugar and cinnamon. The roasted potato was outstanding with great flavor and texture. This was a great compliment to the salty components on my plate.Swine Candy American QWhile we were enjoying our buffet, American Q manager Agnes brought over some Swine Candy for us to try. Made of smoked bacon roasted with molasses & spice, this was absolutely hands down my new favorite dish. I'm not going to lie, I may or may not have had a food moment when I tried this. If you readers know anything about me, you know I love bacon and candied bacon especially. If you go to American Q, even just for drinks. Do yourself a favor. Order Swine Candy.After my bacon revelation, I hit the other side of the buffet, which included salad. Most of the items like mac & cheese were not safe for me to eat, but believe me I did not lack any food options throughout this meal. One thing I loved were all the meat options as toppings for the salad bar which included, ham, turkey, chicken, and bacon. As a former Midwesterner, meat-filled salads are pretty commonplace on a salad bar there. Though ranch dressing (the Midwest salad dressing of choice) was not safe (dairy-filled), I enjoyed the balsamic dressing a lot.Buffet American QThe collard greens served at American Q were outrageous. My mom and I both agreed that these collards were some of the best we've had in ages. They are not vegetarian, so be prepared for a very meat heavy collard green (which wade them even more delicious, in my opinion).If you can imagine, I was already getting really full but we hadn't even started with the BBQ meats. At American Q when you want the servers to bring you table side carvings, you put up a sign. When you're taking a break, the sign goes down. There's always time for more Q!American QOf the table side carvings, we tried out the following:

  • Confit of Smoked Turkey Leg
  • Bacon Wrapped Boneless Chicken Thigh
  • Smoked Pork Shoulder
  • Picanha of Beef
  • Smoked Chimichurri of Turkey Thigh
  • Carolina Style Flank Steak
  • Brisket of Beef with Texas Bark
  • Vegetable Brochette
  • Grilled Pineapple

We loved all the meats, but I have to say that my favorites were the bacon wrapped boneless chicken thigh (everything's better with bacon!), smoked pork shoulder, brisket of beef with Texas bark and grilled pineapple.Barbecue Meats at American QAs you can see, I had plenty of options to choose from as a gluten free and dairy free diner at American Q, and best of all? It was all delicious! My mom and I both proclaimed this to be a restaurant we have to take my whole family to dine.We absolutely adored the ambiance, the food, and American Q team. I have to say a big thanks to Chef Justin, Chef John, server Ryan and manager Agnes for making our meal delicious, safe, and memorable. We will definitely be back to American Q, and hopefully soon!For more information about American Q located at the B Resort & Spa, check out: http://www.americanq.com/

I was hosted at this dinner as a guest of American Q. I was not required to write this post and all opinions are my own.

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Rebel Hangar -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Hollywood Studios

*This dining experience took place in June 2015.Rebel HangarStar Wars™ Weekends is one of my favorite times of the year at Hollywood Studios. I'm a huge Star Wars™ fan and love all the special events surrounding Star Wars™ Weekends. Last year, Disney launched several new dining experiences including the Star Wars™ Dine-In Galactic Breakfast which was super fun, and equally fun when I went this year in 2015. I love the character interaction and Star Wars™ theming!Of course, you can imagine how excited I got when they announced this year's newest Star Wars™ Weekends dining experience - the Rebel Hangar. In fact, it was so popular, the initial ADR slots available booked up quickly (I heard around 2 hours!). I was lucky to snag a reservation for the very final weekend of Star Wars™ Weekends.Set in a blocked off section of the Backlot Express, the Rebel Hangar offers drinks and small plates. It is definitely not a full dinner location. Of course, my family and I had enjoyed a very filling meal at Mama Melrose earlier in the day for lunch, so we were totally fine with a few small plates.Menu at Rebel HangarIt was a very hot June day, and one thing we noticed about the Rebel Hangar is that there is indoor and outdoor seating. Indoor was blissfully air conditioned while outside was pretty muggy (exactly what you expect on a Florida June day). We didn't ask for a particular seating but were glad to be seated indoors.The theming isn't overly flashy, but each table contains some type of Star Wars™ model and there were loads of Star Wars™ touches throughout the dining area. Essentially, they did a bunch of small touches to overlay the existing Backlot Express interior.Table Decor at the Rebel HangarIn terms of options, there were several available to gluten free diners. Thankfully, Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando had shared her experience at the Rebel Hangar and listed the gluten free options available to guests. Some dishes, like the Pomme Frites (aka French fries) contained dairy (parmesan cheese). After speaking with a chef, I decided to get the Slider Sampler which contained barbecued chicken and barbecued chicken sandwiches along with house-made chips (which were gluten free & dairy free). The sandwiches were modified to be dairy free (removed coleslaw) and served on GNI brand buns.Rebel Hangar CharactersWhile we waiting for our food, we got to experience some unique entertainment. As we sat and chatted, we noticed that several characters began to come into the Rebel Hangar. Initially, we thought the characters were going to go around to tables for photographs and autographs (much like the Star Wars™ Galactic Dine-In or the Star Wars™ Character Dinner at Hollywood & Vine; however, we realized they were all sitting at a table playing cards!It was super cool to watch this, and I almost wonder if Disney is testing this kind of experience for new restaurant experiences. It was nothing like I've ever experienced before at Disney. Generally, they were performing a "skit" while several Disney cast members stood by so people didn't engage with them (more than taking photos), and another cast member was recording the scene with an iPhone.Rebel Hangar CharactersThe characters engaged in a card game for about 10-15 minutes and then were interrupted by members of the Empire (aka Stormtroopers!) after a fight broke out and several of the characters were arrested while the card game was broken up. It was pretty neat to watch -- almost like Disney dinner theatre!Sith Sampler at the Rebel HangarPretty shortly after the characters left the Rebel Hangar, our food came out. My slider sampler looked really good, but I have to say it was a bit hit or miss. I loved the house made potato chips. Those were delicious! The beef brisket slider was very tasty but I found the barbecued chicken slider to be rather bland. In both cases, the buns were horribly heated and very dry and crumbly. Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando also noted this in her experience, so it sounded like they just had some challenges heating the buns. Overall, I wouldn't say I disliked the slider sampler, but I'm not sure I'd order it again if the Rebel Hangar came back next year.Pomme Frites at Rebel HangarMy family ordered the Pomme Frites and really enjoyed them. They liked the presentation, the seasoning (garlic & parmesan) and the garlic aioli. Next time, I would see if they could make the fries dairy free and still offer the aioli.Jawa at Rebel HangarOne final experience at the Rebel Hangar were the Jawas. As you know from my meals at the Sc-Fi Dine-In Galactic Breakfast, I adore these fellas! They were, of course, looking for shiny things to trade with us, though this time we came up empty handed. Still, they were great fun coming through the restaurant interacting with guests.Overall, I really enjoyed the Rebel Hangar Lounge experience. The food wasn't anything special but we had a great time, and we really enjoyed the character atmosphere. If Disney offered this again next year, we'd definitely go back for an affordable and fun way to participate in character dining (note: Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando did not experience any characters when she visited, so this may be subject to availability).Did you get a chance to go to the Rebel Hangar this year? What did you order when you dined there? 

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Mama Melrose -- Lunch/Dinner -- Table Service -- Hollywood Studios

*This dining experience took place in June 2015. Mama Melrose Exterior Oh Mama Mia! Mama Melrose located at Disney's Hollywood Studios reminds me of the classic New York Italian restaurants. With great atmosphere and delicious smells coming from the wood fire, it's a wonder that it's been five years since I've eaten at Mama Melrose! After reading reviews from Alexis at Gluten Free in Orlando, I knew I needed to make a reservation to try Mama Melrose again.I love that Mama Melrose has a backstory (who knew, right?). You can read all about it on the Disney Food Blog along with non-special diets dining reviews (great for looking at photos of the restaurant). When we arrived, it was just after lunch opening (11:30 a.m.) so the restaurant was fairly quite early on. You can see from my photo, the charming lighting and rustic cozy tables.Mama Melrose InteriorAfter being seated, I was given the restaurant's allergy-friendly menu. It's amazing to see how many restaurants have already released these throughout the parks and resorts. You can see the different ones I have listed on the blog on the menus page.One thing that I've learned very quickly with the new menus is that you can and should still consult with a Disney chef. In fact, our server suggested it (she also had celiac disease so totally understood the process). They also recommend that anyone with multiple special dietary needs, like me, always check with a guest. When I dined at ABC Commissary recently, they wouldn't even take my order unless I talked to the manager.One thing to note about the menu - the Flatbreads are not listed as gluten free. They can make gluten free pizzas/flatbreads using Udi's Gluten Free crusts. I did not ask if they had dairy free cheese, but I believe that they used to.Mama Melrose Allergy Friendly MenuDairy free is always a challenge, and with the new menus they tend to be very dairy heavy. However, when I talked to Chef Will, he was great at coming up with dairy free options. The mixed green salad for example, could be made without cheese and was another great appetizer option (I actually ordered it, but they forgot to bring it out until I was halfway done through my meal so I didn't actually eat it).Most of the entrees could be modified for dairy free. The pasta with vodka sauce for instance could be made with just a marinara sauce. After some discussion, I opted for the Satlimbocca which was very dairy heavy but became modified with the removal of cheese and subbing the mashed potatoes for a gluten free pasta and a melange of sautéed vegetables. So, if you're feeling uncertain, definitely check with a chef and see what options you can come up with.GNI Rolls Mama MelroseThe restaurant also carries the GNI brand rolls, which they served with extra virgin olive oil and herbs. These rolls are great when they are well heated, but this time they were sadly very dry and crumbly. Of course, the olive oil and herbs helped make them palatable.Saltimbocca Mama Melrose As I mentioned, I didn't get my salad, but I was thrilled when I got my entree. The grilled pork was really delicious (great grill flavor) and the salty prosciutto ended up getting cut up and tossed with my pasta. The pasta was actually quite good and well cooked (not gummy or mushy at all). And I loved the vegetables sautéed in olive oil with salt, pepper, and some garlic. Chef Will used a combination of broccoflower (super delish!), broccolini, sundried tomatoes, green beans, carrots, and onions. The dish wasn't too heavy, and I felt very satisfied after eating it.Overall, I really enjoyed my meal at Mama Melrose. I wouldn't say it's the best Italian I've ever had, but it was good. Chef Will was also super nice and very accommodating with the dairy free options. My family also all loved the food they got, and everyone felt pretty satisfied with the meal overall. We'd definitely go back, and I won't wait another 5 years between visits!Have you been to Mama Melrose? What did you order when you dined there? 

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Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Port Orleans French Quarter

*This dining experience took place in June 2015. Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory located at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort completely evokes New Orleans. With vibrant music playing in the background, N'awlins inspired fare, and Mardi Gras style theming, you'll swear you landed on Bourbon Street when you dine here. I've enjoyed many meals here, but of course, Sassagoula's claim to fame are the gluten free beignets. I've spent entirely too many visits here covered in powdered sugar after eating these deep-fried gems, so to say it's a favorite spot to visit is an understatement.On this particular occasion, I stopped by to grab lunch (and beignets, of course!). Chef Tony greeted me with the new allergy-friendly lunch and dinner menu available at Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory. You can also check out their breakfast menu here on the blog too. There were quite a few choices for both gluten and dairy free, and options to customize others not on the list as well. On a previous visit, I had a chicken sandwich (Po'Boy style) so this time I opted for the fish sandwich, which was a favorite of mine over at Riverside Mill (hello, remoulade!)Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory Lunch & Dinner MenuI told Chef Tony to surprise me with a side dish, and he brought me out a bounty of French fries with a side of Remoulade (which is dairy free, as it is mayonnaise-based). Ah, I love it when the chefs at Disney restaurants know you all too well.Fish Sandwich at Sassagoula Floatworks & Food FactoryThis sandwich itself was delicious. The bun (which was Local Oven) was nicely toasted and worked really well with the sandwich (and the perfect vessel for remoulade goodness). The fish that day was Mahi Mahi, which is a fish I enjoy a lot. It has a great texture and isn't too flaky like cod or tilapia. It really holds up well in sandwich form.The fries were standard Disney fries but became transformed immediately when using my extra remoulade as a dipping sauce. If you like sauces, I can highly recommend this...mayonnaise-based sauces and fries were made for each other!Gluten free beignetsOf course no visit to Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory is complete without an order of beignets -- and these did not disappoint (really, how can anything deep fried and covered in powdered sugar?!). I love that these are gluten free, dairy free, egg free, soy free, and vegan! Want to recreate them at home? You can totally do that with the recipe from Port Orleans French Quarter!As always, I enjoyed my lunch at Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory. They are consistently terrific at handling special dietary needs, have unique options like beignets, and the food is excellent. It's definitely one of my favorite resort quick service locations!Have you been to Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory? What did you order there?

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Olivia's -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- Old Key West

*This dining experience took place in May 2015.Old Key West InteriorOlivia's located in Disney's Old Key West Resort is one of those restaurants I love to dine at. With a charming atmosphere and relaxing vibe, you'll feel like you are in Key West any time you dine here.In fact, I've dined here so much, the chefs and servers tend to recognize me. The team here is known for remembering faces of frequent Disney Vacation Club vacationers, and I'm sure as a special diets diner they remember you even more. After we arrived, we were greeted by Chef Corey who said, "You've been here a bunch of times before, haven't you?" Why yes, yes, I have!Olivia's menuBecause I've been there many times, I knew exactly what I wanted. The poached eggs and hash have been a staple of mine for the last several times I've visited. I love sweet potatoes and hash, plus poached eggs. Well, those are a win-wins for me. The only thing I can't get with this dish is the Hollondaise sauce, which isn't a huge loss for me, given how tasty everything else in this entree is.Poached Eggs and Hash at Olivia'sIn addition to the hash and poached eggs, I also got Udi's Gluten Free white sandwich bread toast along with Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread (they do not carry the soy free version). I'm so glad that Olivia's carries both of these products, as they make the breakfast complete.The dish on this visit was delicious, though my eggs were a little more hard poached than I would have liked. I love a good runny poached eggs with hash and toast any day!Overall, Olivia's continues to be one a great location for a quiet and relaxing breakfast at Disney. It's truly a hidden gem of a restaurant, one that has great atmosphere, service, and food.Have you been to Olivia's? What did you order when you dined there?

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ABC Commissary -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Hollywood Studios

*This dining experience took place in May 2015.ABC CommissaryHurray for Hollywood! ABC Commissary is Disney's Hollywood Studios dining location to the stars, and you'll feel like you walked into a film lot commissary when you dine here. I love the California vibe, with real palm trees inside the restaurant. This restaurant is filled with loads of seating, and most importantly... air conditioned! Having recently dined here during a very hot Star Wars Weekend, I can attest to the joys of dining indoors on a hot day.On this particular occasion, I wasn't very hungry, as I had dined earlier in the day at Sci-Fi Dine In for the Star Wars Galactic Breakfast where I ate as much as a Wookie, so I didn't need a meal that was really large. My family wanted to go to ABC Commissary, as it's an easy quick service location with solid meal options. I enjoy dining there because they have allergy friendly chicken tenders and most recently, they launched an allergy friendly menu.Though the menu covers multiple special dietary needs, when I arrived at the ordering podium, the cast member radioed a manager, because I have multiple dietary restrictions. However, I am told that if you only have one dietary restriction, you can order directly from the menu without consulting with a manager (though you can ask for one, if you wish). There are several options available to gluten free and dairy free diners (like burgers, chicken club, or even roasted salmon); however, I ordered my favorite allergy friendly chicken tenders.Allergy Chicken Tenders ABC CommissaryAllergy orders arrive on green trays and are brought to you by the manager. On this visit, the wait was a bit lengthy, but that was because there were several special diets orders being prepared.As always, I enjoyed the allergy friendly chicken tenders and fries from ABC Commissary. They aren't as crispy as the ones made at Columbia Harbour house, but they are definitely still really excellent. That's one of the many reasons that ABC Commissary made my Top 10 Quick Service Restaurants at Disney World with a Special Diet list.Have you been to ABC Commissary? What did you order when you dined there?

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Star Wars™ Dine-In Galactic Breakfast Gluten Free and Nut Free Menu

Note: This menu was introduced as part of Star Wars™ Weekends Dine-In Galactic Breakfast at Sci-Fi Dine-In in 2015.*This menu is strictly gluten free and nut free. If you have other dietary needs, please discuss them with a Disney chef who can assist you with options available. 

Menu pricing is fixed - $49.99 Adults, $31.99 Children (ages 9 and under)

Star Wars Breakfast PastriesBlueberry Muffin, Double Chocolate Muffin, and a donut Anchorhead AppetizersGreek yogurt parfait with fresh berries or Seasonal fresh fruit with berriesEntreesThe Dune Sea - Scrambled eggs, crab, asparagus, and gruyere cheese with roasted tomatoes and avocadoThe Kessel Run - Grilled beef tenderloin on baby spinach with bacon and cheddar custard on a roasted tomato with roasted fingerling potatoesTatooine Sunrise - Scrambled eggs, Nueske's bacon, sausage, and roasted fingerling potatoesSci-Fi Waffles - Waffles topped with bananas, brown sugar, and whipped creamAckbar Surprise - Smoked paprika-dusted shrimp pan-seared and served with cheesy grits, chorizo oil drizzle Mos Eisleys Morning - Egg white omelet with shiitake mushrooms and caramelized onions, garlic roasted fingerling potatoes, and Greek yogurt with berriesKids' MenuKenobi Cuisine - Scrambled eggs, Nueske's bacon, sausage, and roasted fingerling potatoesGamorrean Goodness - Waffles topped with bananas, brown sugar, and whipped creamPhotos of the Menus:Sci Fi Dine In Gluten Free MenuSci Fi Dine In Gluten Free MenuStar Wars™ Dine-In Galactic Breakfast MenuStar Wars™ Dine-In Galactic Breakfast Kids MenuAs always, make sure to contact a Disney Cast Member when ordering so that they can ensure the best standards for dealing with cross contamination, etc.

If you have a new special dietary needs menu and want to share it with readers, you can send it to me via email at gfdf.wdw@gmail.com

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