Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Disney Springs

*These dining experiences took place in October and November 2015. Get ready to go on an adventure fit for Indiana Jones on this epic journey into Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, located at Disney Springs. Opening in the fall of 2015, Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar is the newly opened bar, aptly named and themed after the frequently trusted pilot for Indiana Jones. With a fantastic back story (check out the Disney Food Blog for more details), the Hangar, as it's often referred to, has quickly become a very popular hangout spot at Disney Springs.It's pretty surprising that I haven't blogged about it yet, as it's quickly become a favorite among my family and friends. I've been countless times and am still wowed by the level of detail throughout the lounge.When it first opened, I was pretty dubious about any dining options, especially after reading Gluten Free in Orlando's opening review which indicated a lack of gluten free options. Still, I knew it would be a great place to meet friend and enjoy a drink or two.On our first visit, I ordered the Hovito Mojito because I'm a huge mojito fan. Unfortunately, this version couldn't live up to others I've had on Disney property, especially my favorite - the African Starr Mint Mojito, found at Sanaa.Lately, I've been enjoying the gin and tonics served there. I love the glasses these are served in. They are actually slightly tilted (even before you've had any alcohol!).On one of my visits, a group of us had a variety of drinks that included the Scottish Professor, the Safari Sangria and a Gin and Tonic. Overall, everyone loves the drinks there - even if they still don't have the cute souvenir glasses available. One day, I'm getting an Indy inspired drink in a monkey head...There are several gluten free options, and the menu has changed since last I ordered food here, so keep in mind that there may be others as well (including the new shrimp flatbread). The Snacks of Ra, made of African salads and dips, can be served with Udi's Gluten Free pizza crust. This was very nice, especially considering all the dips are naturally gluten free and dairy free.The favorite salads and dips have to be the curry chicken and the bean and pea hummus. They were all very tasty and unique, and I would definitely order this again.Brody's Brats is another gluten free and dairy free dish without modifications. I thought the brats were nicely spiced (very mild and not overly spicy), with the cornichons and mustard being great additions. I wasn't too jazzed about the pickled slaw but would have loved to have seen less brats and a bread component added. No one in our group was a big fan of this.The Good Dates are also gluten free but not dairy free. They do contain goat cheese.When you visit the Hangar, check out all the details. There's even a newspaper framed with an entire back-story for the lounge. As a librarian, I loved seeing old card catalogs being repurposed. And, if you're an Indiana Jones fan, you'll love all the hidden nods to the films; we've noticed things like the voodoo dolls from the Temple of Doom to prop replicas and more. We've spent hours in here and are still finding new things.On our very first visit, we joked that the bar seemed so authentic to the Indiana Jones films that we half expected Indy himself to pop in for a nightcap. Little did we know that Indy really would make an appearance that first night.Nearing closing, Indy strolled in, saddled up to the bar with his trademark fedora hat and trusty whip at his side to order a drink. We initially thought it was a part of the lounge experience, but the look on the bartender's face told otherwise! Turns out, a guest who had been to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party popped in post-party for a drink. Well played, faux Indy, well played!Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar is definitely a great place to visit. We often pop in for a quick drink while heading to a movie at the AMC Disney Springs. It's the perfect spot with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and great theming. It's also owned and operated by Disney, so you'll actually get to speak to a chef if you have special dietary needs, which is another nice bonus.I'm looking forward to seeing the offerings here evolve and, of course, enjoying a cold beverage with Dr. Jones.Have you been to Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar? What did you think of it?

Scat Cat's Cafe -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Port Orleans French Quarter

*This dining experience took place in December 2015.Port Orleans French Quarter is home to many things - gluten free and dairy free beignets and the ever popular Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory - but has not had a proper table service dining location after the closing of Bonfamille's Cafe well over a decade ago (read a history of the resort over at PortOrleans.org).During the 2015 holiday season for about a week, Scat Cat's Cafe, a pop-up restaurant located in the space formerly known as Bonfamille's Cafe, served up guests classic N'Awlins flavors with a family style all-you-care-to-eat dinner.Because I love the Port Orleans restaurants so much, I knew I had to go. And, of course, my friends Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando and Amanda from Eating Out Without, also wanted to dine here too (you can read their reviews of our dinner on their blogs).When we arrived, we were greeted by Chef Tony and Chef Paul who I often see at the resort at Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory or Boatwright's, one of my favorite restaurants on Disney property. Both chefs gave us a run-down of the menu. It was awesome to hear that the majority of the menu was naturally gluten free and mostly dairy free. The only dairy filled items included the mashed potatoes and mac & cheese (a gluten free mac & cheese substitute was offered for Alexis). Hearing this reminded me that we were in for a treat at this dinner.While Chef Tony went over the menu with us, Chef Paul came out with GNI brand rolls and some extra virgin olive oil with herbs in it. These were very well heated and the olive oil was a great accompaniment to the rolls. Of course, knowing the dinner was all-you-care-to-eat, I made sure not to indulge in to many of these!The house salad made served included a delicious roasted garlic vinaigrette and was easily one of my new favorite salad dressings. The sweet and garlicky taste of this dressing was a nice variation of so many of the vinaigrette made on Disney property.Up next were the maque choux (made with corn, peppers, and onions) and collard greens. Both were naturally gluten free and dairy free and delicious. I think I might have been the only diner at my table to really dig into both of these, and I certainly ate my fair share. Having family with Southern roots, I absolutely adore collards, and I found these to be a delicious version.Since we couldn't have mashed potatoes, Chef Paul also brought out seasoned asparagus. Asparagus is on my high list of favorite vegetables, and this version was outstanding. Both Amanda and I quickly made our way through this dish. Hands down one of my favorite things from the meal.The main course included roasted chicken, which had been brined and seasoned well. The brining made the chicken extra moist and super flavorful. Everyone at the table loved this, and we quickly asked for seconds on the chicken.I also really enjoyed the sausage that accompanied the main platter, though I only ate one piece of this. The jambalaya was equally good, but I could have gone for the dirty rice that is served at Boatwright's. That dirty rice is bananas good!The pot roast with carrots was very flavorful, and I added a bit of the juice on the bottom of the bowl to the meat, since our version didn't have gravy. I'm not a huge beef eater, but I did enjoy the portion of it that I ate.As you can see from my plate, I certainly did not go hungry at this meal. Highlights of the main meal were definitely the salad, roasted asparagus, collard greens, and roasted chicken. If you like classic Cajun and Creole cuisine, this meal would have been right up your alley.The restaurant was serving a bread pudding for dessert, which was unfortunately not gluten free or dairy free. Thankfully, Chef Paul brought out some beignets for Amanda and me (Alexis got a bananas foster ice cream sundae), and this was the perfect ending to our meal.I absolutely adore the beignets served at Port Orleans French Quarter, and I seriously couldn't have imagined another dessert with my meal. Smothered in powdered sugar and deep fried, these beignets continue to be one of my favorite unique sweets at Disney World. Whether they are dessert or a decadent breakfast option, they are always worth the trip!Our dinner at Scat Cat's Cafe was terrific, and I can't thank Chef Tony and Chef Paul enough for continually taking care of special diets diners with delicious and decadent food. So much of their menu was already safe for us to eat, and that made having a "normal" dining experience even more possible. It's definitely a testament to why I am such a huge fan of the Port Orleans restaurants and culinary team. They are so committed to making great food for everyone, dietary restrictions or otherwise!I would love to see Scat Cat's Cafe or some other type of table service come back to Port Orleans French Quarter. The restaurant space was terrific, and the family style meal was both tasty and a very affordable dining option ($25.99 per adult). Fingers crossed that they may explore that option at POFQ in the future.Many of the items served at Scat Cat's Cafe can be found over at Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory, so if you're craving this roasted chicken or the Jambalaya, you can still get your fix there or at Boatwright's at Port Orleans Riverside.Would you like to see a table service dining location at Port Orleans French Quarter? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section! 

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

*This dining experience took place in December 2015.Sanaa, located in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village, has long been one of my favorite restaurants on Disney property. I've often referred to it as a hidden gem of a restaurant, and in many ways, it still is. However, the word has definitely gotten out about this African and Indian inspired restaurant, which proves that good food and great atmosphere will bring guests to even the more remote locations on Disney property. It's that good!On this particular occasion, I had lunch with my friend Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando. You can read her full review of our dining experience at Sanaa on her blog.Like most Disney restaurants, Sanaa now carries an allergy friendly menu for both lunch and dinner. Both Alexis & I looked over the options, as there were some new dishes added. Because many of the sandwiches were not listed, I asked if I could speak with a chef to discuss potential gluten free and dairy free sandwich options.Chef Marilyn came out to greet us, and she answered any questions that we had about the menu. She did let me know that I could get either a Local Oven bun or the house-made gluten free and vegan naan as a wrapper for my sandwich. Of course, after hearing about the naan recipe update, I couldn't pass up getting a naanwich!First up, was the Indian style bread service. This is a must at Sanaa and even more so now that they have a newly modified gluten free and vegan naan. Using Cup4Cup's dairy free Wholesome Flour Blend, the naan was a huge improvement on this visit from the previous version made with Bob's Red Mill. Though I liked the BRM version (it was more like a cracker/flatbread), this one with Cup4Cup was actual pliable! It's the little things in life that make me excited and naan that actually bends is one of those things!This version was delicious and paired really well with the accompaniments. My favorite dips include the mango chutney, coriander chutney, red bell pepper hummus, and tomato-date chutney. Ever the condiment queen though, I adore pretty much all of the dips they have at Sanaa.My sandwich took a bit of extra time to make, so while we were waiting, Chef Marilyn sent out a Sanaa salad sampler. The salads included: Watermelon and Fennel, Chickpea and Cucumber, and fresh fruit. The chickpea, cucumber, and tomato salad is one of my favorites, and I could eat it all day. It's very light and refreshing.I also ate the fruit, though I prefer the pineapple, grapes, and apples over the melon included in this dish.And, the watermelon, cucumber, and fennel salad went to Alexis and her daughters. Oddly, I really dislike watermelon, so I happily gave it to them. They all enjoyed it, though no one was a big fan of the fennel, as it often has a sharp licorice taste.For my entree, Chef Marilyn suggested the Peri Peri Chicken Sandwich. Served on the gluten free and vegan naan with pickled red onion, rocket (a bitter lettuce), tomato, and a side of sambal mayonnaise, this sandwich was outstanding. The chicken had been marinated and grilled and was cooked perfectly. No dry chicken here. With the warm naan and the sambal mayonnaise, this sandwich might be my new favorite lunch item at Sanaa. The naan versus a gluten free bun is absolutely the way to go too!For my entree side, I was given roasted regular and sweet potatoes. These are a wee bit bland but topped with sambal mayonnaise were quite tasty.As always, Sanaa hit this lunch out of the park. I'm so impressed by the latest version of the gluten free and vegan naan. To have a truly pliable and tasty bread made my dining experience here even more magical. And, the fact that you can get the naan as a sandwich bun substitute is pretty magical too. Naanwich for the win!I can't wait to go back soon for lunch or dinner. I literally could eat at Sanaa once a week and be a very happy Disney camper.Have you been to Sanaa? What was your favorite dish here?

Liberty Tree Tavern -- Lunch -- Table Service -- Magic Kingdom

*This dining experience took place in January 2016. Hear ye, hear ye! Liberty Tree Tavern, located in Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom, finally re-opened a few months ago after a lengthy refurbishment to accommodate for the newly opened (and shared kitchen space for) Skipper Canteen in Adventureland. Having missed out on Liberty Tree Tavern during the holiday season (a family tradition), I finally got a chance to get in my Disney turkey dinner cravings.Liberty Tree Tavern offers an a la carte lunch and family style all-you-care-to-eat dinner. Typically, my family dines here during dinner, which offers a full Pilgrim's Feast with all the trimmings; however, on this occasion, we chose to grab lunch. Though no allergy friendly menu is given for dinner, guests will receive an allergy friendly menu when they dine a la carte for lunch. In looking at the menu, I was glad to see some options, including the New England Pot Roast with mashed potatoes which can be served gluten and dairy free.Our server did ask several times if I preferred to speak to a chef or order directly from the allergy friendly menu. Having dined at Liberty Tree Tavern numerous times and ordering the Pilgrim's Feast, I felt comfortable ordering without speaking with a chef.Typically, I do still speak to a chef but since the dishes were completely gluten free and dairy free without modifications (and the server wrote my order on the yellow food allergy notification pad), I felt OK ordering straight from the menu. Of course, if you ever dine at a Disney location and don't feel comfortable with the options or allergy friendly menu, you can always talk to a Disney chef. Just ask your server!First on my order was the traditional house salad served with a strawberry vinaigrette. It's a classic Liberty Tree Tavern dish, and a must order for me. I did ask for an extra side of vinaigrette as in previous years (and on this visit), the salad was woefully under-dressed.I also inquired about gluten free and dairy free rolls and Earth Balance Vegan Margarine. Unfortunately, I was given Ener-G rolls, which I don't really enjoy. Last year when I dined here, I was given GNI brand rolls which I love, but Ener-G gets very dry and has a Styrofoam texture that is very unappealing. Though I appreciated the offering, I didn't eat much of them. Sadly, not even dipping it in their gluten free and dairy free gravy could save these rolls.For my entree, I chose the Pilgrim's Feast which is a lighter version of the dinner offering. It only comes with turkey instead of three meats, but this was fine with me. Accompanying the turkey were dairy free mashed potatoes, green beans, and gluten free and dairy free stuffing and gravy.The turkey was super moist and delicious and the mashed potatoes were outstanding. Is it wrong that I get that excited over a dairy free mashed potato? It's a rarity in restaurants, but seriously so easy to make. To add to this is Liberty Tree's gluten free gravy, which I adore. My whole family also prefers it to the regular gluten-filled version of gravy that is served in the restaurant. It's probably because we grew up eating holiday gravy based in cornstarch instead of flour, and this version tastes very similar to what we have always served at home.The green beans were nothing spectacular. Just a plain steamed veg.The gluten free and dairy free stuffing was just OK on this visit. The taste was great but the texture was off. I'm not sure if they are using a different type of bread or if they just added too much liquid to the mixture. The texture was very mushy and almost a bit gritty. When I went last November, I had this and absolutely loved it. It was the perfect texture and taste. This time, it just wasn't as good as it was the year before. That being said, I'd definitely give it a try again.Overall, Liberty Tree Tavern consistently serves up holiday inspired fare, making it the perfect holiday season restaurant. It's not one I'd dine at all the time, but during Thanksgiving and Christmas it's an absolute must-do for me. There's really no other restaurant around that can serve up gluten free and dairy free stuffing, gravy, and mashed potatoes!Have you been to Liberty Tree Tavern? What did you think of their allergy friendly offerings?

Ohana -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Polynesian Village

*This dining experience took place in November 2015. Ohana means family, and this restaurant, located at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is a favorite among my family and friends. It's one we repeatedly go to for special occasions and big get-togethers or when my friends come into town for a visit. There's just something about the family style meal and tropical atmosphere that makes Ohana fun for everyone.On this particular occasion, I had dinner with my friend who was in for a visit to Disney World. Both he and I love Ohana and having dined at Boma on a previous visit, knew we wanted another all-you-care-to-eat meal (yep, we're totally foodies for life!). Both of us dined gluten free and dairy free, so our food was easily shared among us -- something that rarely happens when I dine out, so it was nice to have a "normal" meal experience.Ohana does not have an allergy friendly menu currently, but the chef will still come out and speak with you. The chef let us know that he would bring us safe rice, chicken wings, sauteed vegetables, and sauces, and that the grilled meats and salad were all safe for us to eat as is.First up, he brought out GNI brand rolls for us with Earth Balance vegan margarine. The rolls weren't as well heated as they could be and were a bit crumbly, so neither of us really ate much of the rolls. And let's face it; we were there for the grilled meats that Ohana is famous for!The Lilikoi Salad has been at Ohana for a bit now. It replaced my beloved house salad with honey lime dressing (oh, how I miss it!). I will say that I do like this salad a lot. It's got a bit of a sweet and sour taste and the addition of the edamame, red onions, and shredded vegetables is nice. It's not my favorite part of any meal at Ohana, but I do often go back for seconds on it, which is saying something for a family style salad.After our salad, the chef brought out a plate filled with heaping amounts of white rice, sauteed vegetables, and chicken wings. We were also given gluten free sweet and sour sauce and teriyaki sauce. The teriyaki is definitely my favorite of the two, but both are really good and great for adding to your rice and veggies.The piece de resistance of Ohana are the grilled meats prepared over an oak wood open flame found directly in the center of the restaurant. In years past, only some of the meats were safe but now, the shrimp, beef, and chicken are all gluten free and dairy free. Of the three, my hands down favorite is the shrimp. Grilled to perfection and smothered in a sweet and slightly spicy chili sauce, these peel and eat shrimp are worth every bit of effort you have to give in peeling them. Don't worry, you'll be given a warm washcloth to help with any messiness from the shrimp.The steak and chicken were both also delicious. The chicken probably being my second favorite meat. I love the marinade on the beef but find that the beef can be either perfect for my tastes or too underdone. It's hit or miss for me when I dine there. But the flavor is great on the steak for those who are steak lovers.By the time dessert came, my friend and I had already indulged in several rounds of meat skewers and oh too many chicken wings to count. Suffice it to say, we were stuffed. The chef did bring out some Rice Dream, fresh fruit, Enjoy Life cookies and Hershey's chocolate syrup as a dessert option, but both of us had a hard time eating it. We were just too full! This is one of those restaurants where I really don't feel badly skipping dessert.Overall, we really enjoyed our meal at Ohana. We both left completely stuffed, which is exactly what I expect every time I dine there. It continues to be a favorite.Have you been to Ohana? What did you think of your meal experience there?

Morimoto Asia -- Lunch/Dinner -- Table Service -- Disney Springs

*This is a series of dining experiences that took place in October and November 2015.Morimoto Asia, located in Disney Springs, is Disney's latest collaboration with a celebrity chef -- this time, Chef Morimoto of Iron Chef fame. While I wasn't super excited about the opening of this new location (certainly not like I am for Chef Rick Bayless' restaurant to open in Disney Springs), I was very hopeful we'd have a new option for gluten free options while at Disney Springs.This review combines multiple experiences showing the evolution of the restaurant's handling of gluten free diners, from the opening where they seemed to be much more flexible to my last visit in mid-November where I got very sick and had very few options on their new gluten free menu to choose from (and no ability to have any other dishes off those menus modified). You can also read Gluten Free in Orlando's reviews on Morimoto Asia, as she has been several times, as well.To begin with, I will say that the restaurant decor is gorgeous. When I entered the restaurant the first time, I felt like I was dining in a location more suited to a large city like New York or Los Angeles. It's clean and modern decor is lovely, and they even have some very subtle Disney references (like hidden Mickey's) too. The large chandelier is impressive; the entire restaurant looks remarkable at night. Very beautiful.I like the tables and table-ware -- all of which reflect the clean, modern Japanese theme.On my first visit, Morimoto Asia did not have a gluten free dinner menu and a manager came over to discuss the options with me and my friend (who was gluten free and vegan). While waiting, I ordered a drink from the bar. It's been a while, but I believe I ordered the Lemongrass Mojito or at least a version of this, as it was during the restaurant's first few weeks of opening. The drink itself was a bit sweet for my taste but something different to try. I liked the fresh sugar cane and kafir lime leaves.After speaking with the manager at length, I was told that I could have the spicy tuna without the spicy mayo or the California roll -- both of which could only be served on brown rice due to gluten in the white rice (as an aside, I get deeply disappointed when any restaurant says their sushi rice might contain gluten, as traditional sushi rice is both not remotely glutenous and also very easy to make). Since then, I've been able to get white rice (which was changed to be gluten free). Note that currently, the California roll is no longer listed as gluten free on their gluten free menus. (I'm told they've had some distributor changes in products and product preparation).Morimoto Asia does carry gluten free soy sauce, and it is made available to guests upon request. This was great for the sushi, though I will say it couldn't really save these rolls from being anything more than just pedestrian versions of California Roll. I found them to be fairly average, and to be honest, I would order sushi at Splitsville, Kona Cafe Sushi Bar, or California Grill over Morimoto Asia. The California Luau Roll at Kona Cafe is bananas good.Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDWDuring my first visit, we also ordered the sesame balls, which are a bit savory and, at the time, could be ordered as a starter or for dessert. If you are a mochi person, this is a winner. Sadly, these are no longer gluten free due to a distributor change, as of December 2015 (see Gluten Free in Orlando's review for more info).On my first visit, the manager recommended the Singapore Laksa Noodles, as this was both gluten free and dairy free without the soy marinated egg. This was a delicious, warm, and filling entree. I liked that the meatballs didn't contain filler or were too heavy. The coconut milk broth was spicy but flavorful. It was a dish I would definitely order again. Unfortunately, after that first visit, I was told this was no longer a modifiable option.On my second visit, I dined during lunch and tried the chicken pad thai which also contained tofu. Pad that is a dish that I love but often find that it's a bit too sweet for my tastes, if made to be more appealing to the Western palate. Sadly, this was very sweet. The tamarind sauce was unique and added some depth to the dish, but in my opinion the dish was woefully over-sauced and sweetened. The crispy tofu was a nice addition, but overall, I wasn't that keen on my pad thai and would not order it again.On my third and final visit, I dined for dinner and ordered the wok fry shrimp, which sounded good. It did not come with rice, and though I requested it and asked for it several times, I was never brought any. During this meal, I had both the California Roll gluten free and this dish and became very sick afterwards. I am still not sure if I was glutened or if my stomach with Crohn's had a hard time with all of the vegetables. Either way, this experience, along with the restaurant's inability to modify dishes in any way shape or form now (a statement that they were very adamant in reiterating to me) pretty much solidified that I won't be dining here for a long time.It's unfortunate, as I believe the restaurant has a lot of potential to be a great restaurant for gluten free and special diets diners. Restaurants like the newly opened Skipper Canteen (which is owned and operated by Disney and therefore does adhere to very strict special dietary standards and accommodations), have a plethora of gluten free options with Asian flavors. Because of this, I will be sticking to those locations over Morimoto Asia. And, of course, there are always amazing locations at Disney Springs, like Raglan Road Irish Pub that are fantastic with gluten free options.Have you been to Morimoto Asia? How was your dining experience there?

Louie's Italian Restaurant -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Universal Studios

*This dining experience took place in October 2015.On the mean streets of New York at Universal Studios Orlando sits Louie's Italian Restaurant, a quick service dining location that serves up pizza by the slice. With some additional salad and pasta offerings, Louie's Italian Restaurant is mostly gluten-filled but does have a few options for those who are gluten free.During Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, we stopped by Louie's Italian Restaurant, as the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley had closed, and our group was not thrilled with the idea of getting burgers again (and I'd recently been glutened by Mel's Drive-In at Universal Studios). I wasn't sure if I'd have any options but was surprised to learn from the manager that the restaurant carried gluten free pasta. Oddly, they didn't have gluten free pizza for those who consume dairy. The only options were a salad (Caesar, which contains cheese) or plain pasta (without cheese).A little leary of gluten-free pasta, I confirmed that they cook it in separate areas and containers. The manager told me the wait would be a bit longer but offered to bring it directly to my table so I didn't have to wait at the counter the entire time.Once it arrived, I knew it probably wasn't going to be the best thing I'd ever eaten. The chicken was tender and somewhat flavorful (tasting mostly of Italian herbs), but the pasta was overcooked and bland. The marinara sauce didn't add much to the dish either. Unfortunately, it just wasn't very good at all.Universal Studios Orlando does have some tastier options throughout the parks (especially in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and City Walk), but this at least filled my stomach, safely, with something to eat. Knowing how limited the options are at Louie's Italian Restaurant, I wouldn't dine here again. Still, I was glad to see the precautions that the manager and team took to ensure that my dish was safe for me to eat.Have you been to Louie's Italian Restaurant at Universal Studios Orlando? What did you order there?

Hollywood Brown Derby -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Hollywood Studios

*This dining experience took place in November 2015.The Hollywood Brown Derby, located at Disney's Hollywood Studios, recalls the glamour and glitz of old Hollywood. Set to resemble the original Hollywood Brown Derby, you'd swear that Humphrey Bogart or Judy Garland might stroll into the restaurant at any moment. With swanky decor, this signature dining location is the perfect spot for dinner or a late lunch in Hollywood Studios.On this particular occasion, I had dinner with a friend who was on vacation at Disney World. We both enjoy the Brown Derby, but it had been a very long time since I'd eaten at there. I was looking forward to getting their famous cobb salad (which is easily made gluten free and dairy free without the cheese) and to see what other options were available.Upon arrival, I was given an allergy friendly menu to look over and was told I could speak with a chef if I had any additional questions. Immediately, I noticed that the cobb salad wasn't listed as a gluten free or dairy free option. I did, however, notice they had crab cakes listed as both gluten and dairy free on the menu. After speaking with the server, I was told that they can make the salad safe, which made me very happy. So, we ended up ordering both the crab cakes and the salad as appetizers.The crab cakes were quite delicious, and I was thrilled to see these as an option on the menu. Though pricey, I was glad I got to try them - though I probably wouldn't order again due to the price. The sweet chili sauce on the plate were a perfect accompaniment to the crab cakes. So good!Of course, the classic cobb salad is always outstanding here. It's hands down my favorite dish at the Brown Derby. You can order an appetizer size or the full entree size which is a nice option. I often get the cobb salad and some GNI rolls for a more affordable meal at the Brown Derby. This may very well be my most favorite salad on Disney property!For my entree, I ordered the Pan-seared Pork Tenderloin stuffed with Apricots, Baby Spinach, Chanterelles, Yukon Gold and Purple Potato Hash and served Cranberry Gastrique. This is marked gluten free on the menu but can be made dairy free, as well. I really enjoyed this dish, though I thought the pork was a bit too undercooked for my liking. If you do not like any pink in your pork, order it well done and not medium. The hash was probably my favorite part of this dish, along with the tangy cranberry gastrique. I'm not sure I'd order it again but was glad I tried it.For dessert, I was given raspberry sorbet. I have to admit, the presentation of this was not very nice, given how nicely plated the rest of the meal was. It felt like a bit of an afterthought. It wasn't anything special, just plain 'ole sorbet.Overall, I really enjoyed the meal at the Hollywood Brown Derby. The crab cakes and cobb salad were the highlights of the meal, and I would gladly order both of them again. You can read Gluten Free in Orlando's review of the Brown Derby on her blog too for a gluten free only review.Have you been to the Hollywood Brown Derby? What did you order there?

Leaky Cauldron -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Universal Studios

*This dining experience took place in August 2015.Wizards and Muggles alike love Diagon Alley located at Universal Studios Orlando. Filled with magical whimsy, the details of this well-themed "land" goes above and beyond any theme park area I've ever been to (and yes, that does include Disney!). From the shops to detailed nooks and crannies, there's so much going on at Diagon Alley that you can literally wander for hours and explore new things.The detailed theming even goes into the restaurants located at Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade (another part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter). During the summer, I had a chance to dine at the Leaky Cauldron, the quick service location at Diagon Alley.Before I visited the Leaky Cauldron (and Diagon Alley, for that matter), I checked both Eating Out Without and Gluten Free in Orlando's blogs. I knew that likely my dining option would be a chicken sandwich, but I was OK with that. I also wanted to try their specialty drinks after reading Eating Out Without's post on the drinks (and their allergens).After arriving, we spoke with a team member at the register, who brought out a chef to discuss options with me. There, we looked at the allergy binder, and I decided on the chicken sandwich minus cheese and the apple butter (which contains dairy). I also ordered a Tongue Tying Lemon Squash, as it was very hot out and sounded so refreshing.The Leaky Cauldron brings your food out to you, so we grabbed our magical food order number and grabbed a seat, enjoying a cold beverage.I have to say that I really enjoyed the Tongue Tying Lemon Squash. Very tart, it was the perfect summer day drink. It had a slight taste of "fake" sugar or preservatives in it, but overall, I really liked it a lot. It's one I'd definitely get again, especially in the summer months.Our wizard runner arrived fairly quickly with our food. As you can see, the chicken sandwich was fairly sizeable. The bacon was delicious and plentiful, and the chicken itself was nicely seasoned. The bun appeared to be Udi's Gluten Free. I would have liked to have had some type of sauce (mayo or otherwise), as the sandwich became a bit dry with nothing additional on it. The side salad with Italian Dressing was fairly bland but OK. I'd love to see them add in safe potato wedges or a vegetable.Here is a version of the sandwich with cheese on it, which, as you can see would add a bit more flavor overall for those who are gluten free only.Overall, I had a magical experience at the Leaky Cauldron and would definitely dine there again. I would probably go to the Three Broomsticks over the Leaky Cauldron because there are more options than the chicken sandwich there for those who have special dietary needs. However, it definitely hit the spot for this Muggle!Have you been to the Leaky Cauldron? What did you think of the dining options there?

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

*This dining experience took place in August 2015. Whispering Canyon Cafe, located at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, is one of those fun-filled dining experiences at Disney World. The cast members really get into character, and hijinks most definitely ensue. Don't believe me? Just ask for ketchup one time dining here, and you'll see what I mean.On this particular occasion, I dined with two blogger friends of mine, Amanda from Eating Out Without and Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando. Both are huge foodies like me, so it's great to enjoy a meal with fellow special dietary needs foodies.Remember those hijinks I mentioned? If you're not into all the fun, you can always observe from a distance by flipping a card at your table that states you prefer to watch. My family loves all of that, so this was a rare occasion where I didn't participate.Though the restaurant does have an allergy friendly menu, we did have some questions for the chef, including seeing if the dinner skillet could be make both gluten and dairy free, for the chef. I was excited to see that I could still get the skillet, and I couldn't wait to dig in.Up first was a house salad made with an apple vinaigrette. This was light and fresh and a nice beginning to our meal.The next course was the allergy friendly cornbread, which is a not to be missed side for dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe. Made with Namaste vanilla cake mix, it has a sweet taste to it, and is a lovely dense, cake-like, cornbread. It's a hands down favorite with some Earth Balance vegan margarine.For my skillet, I received corn on the cob, green beans, roasted potatoes (instead of mashed potatoes), baked beans, roasted chicken, brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. I have to say the pork and chicken were probably my favorites of the meal. The brisket being my least favorite. I liked the sides well enough, though I wasn't a big fan of the beans. Overall, it's a huge portion, and I was completely stuffed from this meal.I don't normally get dessert, but I absolutely had to try the new campfire style chocolate cake. I topped mine with Rice Dream non-dairy ice cream and with the heated chocolate cake, it was the perfect topping. Overall, this was a delicious way to end the meal. It was nice to have something a bit different, and I loved the ooey gooeyness of the cake. I wouldn't hesitate to order this one again.This meal was definitely a good one. Though I didn't love everything in my skillet, I enjoyed the overall meal experience and offerings. The skillet is a great value and will fill you up easily.Have you been to Whispering Canyon Cafe? What did you order when you dined there?

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

*This dining experience took place in September 2015.Antojitos, located at Universal Studios Orlando City Walk, offers authentic Mexican food and great atmosphere. I first tried Antojitos in August and absolutely loved it and their gluten free offerings.On this particular visit, I dined with my brother, and we wanted to get something quick before going to see a movie at the AMC located at City Walk. We both had been eyeing the fajitas on the menu, and since neither of us were very hungry, decided to split an entree of fajitas and dig into the complimentary chips and salsa.Our server seemed fairly knowledgeable about the gluten free cross contamination needs and assured me that the chips were safe. I'd had them on a previous visit and am always glad when restaurants have dedicated chip fryers. Both my brother and I enjoyed the salsa, which contained green olives in it, for a different twist.When the fajitas were brought out, my brother and I were both a bit surprised that they were not accompanied by any rice or beans like many of the entrees at Anjtojitos are. We were only brought tortillas and fajita toppings (like lettuce and guacamole). Another server brought our food, and while I had asked for corn tortillas, were brought flour and corn with the corn right on top of the flour tortillas. Our server quickly came out and made sure to bring me a fresh and non-contaminated batch of corn tortillas.Because my family is used to sharing food with me, my brother and I quickly and safely divided up the food so that he could eat his fajitas with flour tortillas without worrying about glutening me.Overall, we liked the fajitas but thought the portion, even for one person, to be rather on the small side. For the price, we didn't think it was a good value, since you got no other accompaniments. We both agreed that in the future, we'd stick to other options when we dined here. That being said, we both loved Antojitos food and wouldn't hesitate to go back.Have you been to Antojitos? What did you think of their gluten free offerings?

World Premiere Food Court -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- All Stars Movies

*This dining experience took place in September 2015.World Premiere Food Court, located at All Stars Movie Resort, offers quick service fare with a movie themed cafeteria style restaurant. Fairly newly refurbished, it is set to resemble a cinema, complete with retro theme.On this particular occasion, I stopped by for a quick dinner and wanted something easy. Though I didn't get to see their allergy friendly menu, I've seen the ones for All Stars Music and Sports, and they all look the same to me. Based on my desire for something easy, I went with allergy chicken tenders and French fries.While I waited for my chicken tenders, I also grabbed an Angry Orchard hard cider, which is gluten free. It's a bit expensive per bottle at Disney, so if you are staying on property, I highly recommend buying your hard cider or alcoholic beverages at a local gas station or at the grocery store, as these can quickly add up.

My chicken tenders definitely hit the spot and tasted delicious. They were well fried and made for a great quick dinner. I can't say that I'd frequent the World Premiere Food Court but it's nice to know that they have some good options here. You can also read Gluten Free in Orlando's review of the World Premiere Food Court on her blog.

Have you been to World Premiere Food Court? What did you order when you dined here?

Kona Cafe -- Lunch -- Table Service -- Polynesian Village

*This dining experience took place in September 2015.Kona Cafe, located at Disney Polynesian Village Resort, is one of my regular restaurant visits for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast offers my favorite modified Big Kahuna and lunch is almost always the Kona Island Chicken Sandwich with sweet potato fries and curry mango mayonnaise. It's a hands down must for me.On this particular occasion, I got a chance to check out the new allergy friendly menu. While I was tempted to order something different, I couldn't help but order that Island Chicken sandwich. The sweet potato fries and curry mango mayonnaise pull me in every time! The sandwich was served on a GNI brand bun, which, unfortunately, fell apart pretty easily. The chicken was grilled perfectly, and I absolutely love the bacon they use at Kona (not that awful stringy Disney bacon). The curry mango mayonnaise is divine, and I always ask for a side of it to dip my sweet potato fries in.Overall, I really enjoyed this entree, as always, though maybe next time I'll try something different. For other options at Kona Cafe, check out Gluten Free in Orlando's lunch reviews from September, as well.Have you been to Kona Cafe? What did you order when you dined there?

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

*This dining experience took place in August 2015.Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory, located at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort, is one of my favorite quick service locations. With N'Awlins inspired food and decor, you'll be ready to "let the good times roll" when you dine here...especially since it's home to gluten free & dairy free beignets!On this particular occasion, I was greeted by Chef Tony. He showed me the new allergy friendly menus, and after some debating, I settled on the 1/3 lb Angus Avocado Burger with French fries and a side of remoulade. On my previous visit, I had the grilled fish sandwich which I enjoyed a lot but wanted something different.As you can see from my photo, I had a huge sandwich and serving of fries and a giant container of remoulade. Yes, you know the chefs know you well when they serve you condiments in a large container.The sandwich itself was served on a Local Oven bun and well cooked. I enjoyed the addition of the avocado on the sandwich, and, of course, added some remoulade on it to round out the flavors. The French fries dipped in remoulade continue to be my favorite way to eat fries. So so good (trust me on this one!).For dessert, I had to get some beignets. Deep fried and smothered in powdered sugar, even though I was totally full from my dinner, I had to enjoy these sweet treats. Piping hot is the best way to eat them, and they really are perfect for any meal. (Go ahead, eat them for breakfast like they do in New Orleans; no judgement here!)Have you been to Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory? What did you order when you dined there?

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

*This dining experience took place in August 2015.Contempo 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.The 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?

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

*This dining experience took place in August 2015.Raglan 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.First up was a Magner's Hard Cider, which you can find on tap at Raglan Road. It's a must whenever I visit there! 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?

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

*This dining experience took place in August 2015. Olivia'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.While 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.My 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?

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

*This dining experience took place in August 2015. The 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.Once 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.The 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? 

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

*This dining experience took place in October 2015.Whispering 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.I love how the restaurant serves up drinks in Mason jars. Watch out if you drink a lot, you might get yourself a gallon jar!My 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?

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

*This dining experience took place in August 2015.Jiko, 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.I 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.If 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.Since 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.Though 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.I 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.For 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?