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

*This dining experience took place in May 2016.Sanaa continues to be one of my most favorite restaurants at Disney with warm decor, outstanding food, and one amazing view of the Savannah. They also have some of the consistently best (and tastiest!) special dietary needs options on Disney property. You can check out their full allergy friendly dinner menu here on the blog.On this particular occasion, I met up with Travel Planner Mary Morales for dinner. I don't know about you but I can't think of a better place to have a business meeting, can you?After being seated and taking in the sites, we were greeted by Chef Joe, who is a Disney rockstar chef in my books (his photo above proves his rockstar status!). He was great at discussing options, especially, as I noticed that the regular menu had some options listed that used to be on the allergy friendly menu but weren't listed there anymore.Chef Joe also seemed surprised as the Goan Seafood Curry, which I'm a big fan of, was not listed but is indeed both gluten free and dairy free. Additionally, there were a ton of what I figured were vegan items that included: Cilantro-Coconut Milk Seasonal Vegetables and Roasted Okra-Cashew-Tomato Stew that were not on the allergy friendly menu.Chef Joe assured me that these were all options for me gluten free and dairy free. I was having a hard time deciding but ultimately, based on his recommendation, went with the Roasted Okra-Cashew-Tomato Stew. It sounded unlike anything I'd had there before, and Chef Joe really sold me on this one.First up though was the bread service. You really can't go to Sanaa and not get it. Mary and I split this, and I was able to get two pieces of gluten free & vegan naan. This bread was the best version of it I have ever had, and I'm loving that they use Cup4Cup Wholesome Flour in it. This bread is actually pliable, and it really is the stuff dreams are made of.Because we shared the bread service, Mary kindly let me scoop up all the dipping sauces I wanted onto a separate plate before digging in. Then, I could enjoy safely to my heart's content.On my last visit, I tried the braised beef for the first time, along with a standard favorite, the Durban shrimp. This time, I was so excited to get the Goan Seafood Curry again and so curious about the Roasted Okra-Cashew-Tomato Stew.I have to say, Chef Joe was right. The Roasted Okra-Cashew-Tomato Stew was unbelievably good. Okra can be one of those "love it" or "hate it" kind of veggies, and cooked poorly it becomes a gummy nasty mess. This version was slow roasted and just delicious. With the tomatoes it had a slightly sweet taste to the dish, and the crunch of the cashews on top really pulled it all together. I would definitely get this again.And, of course, the Goan Seafood Curry was just as delicious as always. Although despite the name, I don't think the Goan Seafood Curry is very spicy, so don't let the name fool you.Mary is allergic to fish and shellfish and was very interested in the Durban dish but without shrimp. Chef Joe was able to make that with chicken instead (which is one of the ways you used to be able to get it in the restaurant), so it's nice to know that's an option.Both of her dishes were gluten free, but the Butter Chicken, is not dairy free. Mary raved about these dishes, especially the Butter Chicken.We definitely enjoyed a tasty meal and enjoyed the view. One of the resident birds at the Animal Kingdom Lodge joined us by the window. Truth be told, I think he was just jealous of my Roasted Okra-Cashew-Tomato Stew and gluten free and vegan naan!Overall, I can never say enough good things about Sanaa. It's always a favorite of mine, and I can literally go there and get something different every time. Except that gluten free and vegan bread service. It's a MUST every time I go!Have you been to Sanaa? What do you love at this table service restaurant?

Amorette's Patisserie -- Snacks -- Disney Springs

*This visit took place in May 2016.Check out my full Disney Springs Town Center walkthrough & dining review video on YouTube for some video walkthrough of Amorette's Patisserie. Amorette's Patisserie is another new business at the recently opened Disney Springs Town Center. As a French bakery, they offer all sorts of decadent and beautifully crafted desserts with an elegant theme.The bakery also has a delightful backstory, which you can find out more about on the Disney Food Blog.I decided to stop by Amorette's Patisserie to see what gluten free options they might have, as a post on the Disney Parks Blog indicated that they would have "gluten friendly" options.When I arrived at the bakery, it was very crowded, as I stopped by on opening day. It wasn't as crowded as Sprinkles Cupcakes which had nearly hour long lines, but still, it was very busy.The bakery consists of a seating area, several displays with grab and go baked goods, a display kitchen (where you can watch gorgeous pastries being decorated), and a full bakery counter with insanely gorgeous desserts.While there, I took a chance to look at some of the displays set up with grab and go items.Amorette's Patisserie does at least have two "gluten friendly" grab and go items -- one of which is the Macaron.Made with almonds, this is naturally gluten free, but definitely contains a whole lot of dairy. The box of Macarons appeared to be a variety of flavors.The second grab and go baked good was a Mickey Macaron Financier. It was adorable, and they do say everything is better Mickey shaped!The back of the box ingredients noted that it was made with Bob's Red Mill all purpose flour, as well as almonds. It also has dairy in it, as well.While I was there, I was able to speak with Chef Noah, who was on hand to answer any questions. I was particularly interested in the baking process, flours used, and cross-contamination issues.Chef Noah was very nice and let me know that they use Bob's Red Mill All Purpose Flour and as he stated, "one to one flour," which I think meant the Bob's 1 to 1 flour. I tried to clarify, but he didn't seem to understand what I meant by that.He noted that they do use clean pans and bowls when making the gluten friendly items but that they are not dedicated equipment, but rather power washed by their dishwasher between uses between gluten free and gluten filled baked goods. When I noted that using dedicated equipment might be a good idea in the future, he also agreed and said he would look into that idea.He also stated that he would recommend guests with Celiac Disease proceed with caution, as they cannot guarantee cross-contamination and that the bakery is not taking extra precautions with regards to that.I was also told that the top level of the building is where their bakery is located and is also the same space in which D-Luxe Burger also bakes their house-made buns (the gluten free ones come pre-packaged from Local Oven, so no worries about cross-contamination there!)Chef Noah did point out two gluten friendly desserts in the baked goods counter - the Avant-Garde and the Pavlova. I was told, you could ask for fresh versions of these from the back too, if you wanted to avoid any counter cross-contamination.The Avant-Garde is a gluten friendly chocolate chiffon cake with chocolate crumble and has beautiful decorations, including edible gold leafing.The Pavlova is meringue topped with edible decorations and filled with a fruit filling. It appeared to have a yellow sponge cake (that I was told was gluten free) on the bottom of the Pavlova.Overall, I cannot recommend Amorette's Patisserie as a truly safe or reliable gluten free option for those visiting Disney Springs, as the location does not have a lot of safety precautions in place, with regards to cross-contamination. If you visit, definitely speak with a chef and use your judgement on whether this might work for you or not.Thankfully, you can always visit Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC for a 100% gluten free & vegan bakery experience; or, if you are gluten free, check out Sprinkles Cupcakes (which has much better cross-contamination procedures in place).What do you think of Amorette's Patisserie? 

The Daily Poutine -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Disney Springs

*This dining experience took place in May 2016.Update: Alexis from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures was advised not to eat here if you have celiac disease due to risk of cross contamination. I was not advised of this when I dined but would recommend proceeding with caution if you choose to dine here. The Daily Poutine is one Disney Springs newest food offerings and is a gourmet French fry stand that doubles as a snack or meal option when you're visiting the area. Poutine is a classic Canadian dish of fries served with gravy and cheese curds.As a former Midwesterner with Canada only a few hours away from my home town, I'd had poutine many times growing up, especially on trips to places like Quebec. Poutine is so popular in Canada that you can even get it there at McDonald's.Poutine has gained popularity on Disney property at Le Cellier, where they even have a gluten free version listed on the allergy friendly menu. So, when I heard about the newly opened The Daily Poutine stand, I wanted to check it out to see what options were available.The Daily Poutine carries 4 different versions of fries with some type of sauce. They have a variety of flavor profiles and are totally different, giving you a chance to try all sorts of options.When Brandon and I arrived, we checked with a cast member and another cast member came up immediately, who was also gluten free. She gave me an allergy friendly menu and said that 2 of the 4 poutine options are gluten free. She recommended the Latin Poutine and noted that I could get it without the cheese and lime sour cream.At the time I am writing this post, there were no vegan options and no dairy free cheese alternatives.I decided to get the Latin poutine based on the cast member's recommendation and the fact that I could get it dairy free. I was also curious how it would taste because the base was not French fries but was instead Yucca fries.As far as flavors go, I really enjoyed this. The menu calls the black beans a sauce but really, it's just refried black beans. The roasted pork in a mojo sauce was flavorful and delicious. And I absolutely loved the Yucca fries which were salty and a little sweet and surprisingly crispy. Even Brandon enjoyed the Yucca fries and was surprised at how tasty they were. In fact, he said he might have to get the Latin poutine on our next visit.I was bummed to see that the gravy based poutines could not be made gluten free, but sadly the gravies are flour based. Still, it's nice that there were two options to try if you're gluten free.I would definitely get the Latin poutine again, as I think it made for a hearty dish. But, The Daily Poutine isn't a cheap option (the poutine was around $10), and I might opt for D-Luxe Burger over The Daily Poutine if I had the choice. Still, it was nice to see a kiosk have some gluten free options and even a small allergy friendly menu!For more details and general info about The Daily Poutine, check out the Disney Food Blog's review.What do you think of The Daily Poutine? What would you order if you dined there?

Sprinkles Cupcakes -- Snacks -- Disney Springs

*This dining experience took place in May 2016.Check out my brief building walkthrough of Sprinkles on YouTube.Sprinkles Cupcakes is a newly opened bakery at Disney Springs Town Center. A well-known cupcake chain, the grand opening of the bakery on May 15, 2016 proved to be hugely popular, as I found out in person that morning. Never underestimate the power of cupcakes.Located in the new Town Center and near the bridge that connects it to Raglan Road Irish Pub and Morimoto Asia, Sprinkles is not hard to miss in Disney Springs. Just follow the trail of guests searching for cupcakes and the smells of sugar!Sprinkles Cupcakes has a gluten free cupcake, a gluten free chocolate chip cookie, a vegan cupcake, and a sugar free cupcake, so I knew I wanted to check it out. Little did I realize that everyone else in Orlando did too.On opening day, I was joined by Alexis from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures and her family, so thankfully, I had some company while I wanted in line. You can also read her full review (including the cupcake ATM) on her blog.While waiting in line, we also got a chance to speak with a cast member there who answered our questions about the gluten free items, including their cross contamination procedures.All gluten free baked goods are prepared in a separate area of the kitchen with dedicated pans and utensils. Employees also change their gloves for all special diets orders, and even better they keep all gluten free items safely stored in the back away from all gluten filled baked goods.We were also told that if you are using the cupcake ATM, all gluten free items inside have been boxed with clean gloves and dedicated utensils.As far as other special dietary needs, unfortunately, the gluten free cupcake is only gluten free and does contain dairy. Additionally, the vegan cupcake is only vegan and not gluten free. There is also a sugar free cupcake, as well.If you are concerned with nut allergies, Sprinkles is probably not the best option for you, as the bakery does carry and serve items with peanuts and tree nuts in them.While waiting in line, which extended over the bridge (as shown in the picture above), I got a chance to check out some of the outdoor seating, which is bright and plentiful.Once inside the bakery, you can enjoy the bright and chipper decor. And check out all the cupcakes. They had really gorgeous displays. But, oh how I wished they would have been gluten free and dairy free.The bakery also carries cookies, ice cream, and other treats too. So, you can definitely get a sugar fix on if you can have gluten. I did not check if any of the ice cream is gluten free or if the sorbet options were gluten free or dairy free.I love the Disney touches in this bakery too. Check out the adorable Mickey ears near the Sprinkles logo.Because I've been re-introducing a bit of dairy into my diet, I did decide to try both the gluten free red velvet cupcake and the chocolate chip cookie. I had all intentions of trying them while at Disney Springs but ended up taking them home because I was too full from my lunch at D-Luxe Burger.The actual cake for the red velvet cupcake was quite delicious. It was very moist and not dry at all. The cocoa flavor was rich, and I didn't find it to be overly sweet either.The frosting was way too much for me, both in taste and in quantity. If you like cream cheese frosting, you will like this. But, overall, I thought they overfrosted the cupcake quite a bit.All gluten free cupcakes have a candy G on them to note gluten free. But, it was hard and gross. If you eat a gluten free cupcake from Sprinkles, throw it out. Yuck.Because I can never turn down a cookie, I did also purchase a gluten free chocolate chip cookie, which also contains dairy.This was a really good and huge chocolate chip cookie. Lots of chocolate flavor and very rich. If you can have dairy, this was a real winner and a nice alternative option from the cupcake.If you're gluten free and dairy free or have other special dietary needs, you may be better off going to Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC, as it is a 100% dedicated gluten free facility and all items are dairy free and vegan.If you do head to Sprinkles, don't forget to register on their site for their rewards program. You'll score a free cupcake (which includes the gluten free red velvet cupcake) on your first visit!Are you looking forward to Sprinkles Cupcakes? 

D-Luxe Burger -- Lunch -- Quick Service -- Disney Springs

*This dining experience took place in May 2016.Check out my YouTube walkthrough & dining review of D-Luxe Burger too. D-Luxe Burger is Disney Springs newest quick service restaurant, opening on May 15, 2016. Ever since learning about this restaurant, I've been waiting patiently (or maybe not so patiently!) for its grand opening. So needless to say, on grand opening day, I was there to saddle up and grab some burgers and fries.If you're wondering where D-Luxe Burger is, it's easy to find in Disney Springs. It's just across the new Town Center bridge, next to Morimoto Asia and Raglan Road Irish Pub.While many of the Disney Springs restaurants aren't owned and operated by the Disney Company, this one is, so I knew I was in for a real treat and great special dietary accommodations to boot!Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDWIt was a very busy grand opening day, so I didn't get as many photos as I would have liked. But, be prepared for the onslaught of photos in this review. The restaurant is gorgeous and beautifully themed, and I didn't even scratch the surface on taking photos or investigating all the little details.While waiting in line (which lasted about 20 minutes due to popularity), one of the cast members told me about the history of D-Luxe Burger. It has a charming back-story about the Glowing Oak Ranch, which is the setting for the burger joint. In fact, if you look next to the restaurant, you'll notice an oak tree. Legend has it that when the sun hits it just right, it glows...hence the name "Glowing Oak Ranch."Glowing Oak Ranch was founded by the Sinclair family, and their son, headed out to the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904 and got the idea to open up a burger restaurant after enjoying the burgers at the Fair (that's a pretty good reason to "meet me in St. Louis!") Soon after D-Luxe Burger opened.D-Luxe Burger is a quick service restaurant so its menu is limited. It's burgers and fries, and honestly, you don't need anything else when it comes to simple and tasty food. According to Chef Bill and Chef Lenny, pretty much anything on the menu can be made gluten free (and most can be made dairy free) with simple modifications.Here's the current menu (note this does NOT include the modifications for special diets)

• Classic Cheeseburger – Beef patty topped with cheddar, lettuce, tomato and pickle
• Barbeque Classic Burger – Beef patty topped with a fried onion ring, smoked Gouda, bacon, barbeque sauce and lettuce
• El Diablo Burger – Chorizo-and-signature-blend patty, fried banana peppers, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato and chipotle mayonnaise
• Southern Classic Burger – Beef patty, topped with fried-green tomato, pimento cheese, lettuce and bacon
• Cluck Burger – Ground chicken patty, garlic herb sauce, avocado, lettuce and tomato
• Veggie Burger – house-made patty topped with Tzatziki, green bean salad, lettuce and tomato

The great option with burgers here is that you can get a gluten free bun (currently, Local Oven brand) or a lettuce wrap, based on your preference.The chicken burger, which I was concerned might have a gluten filled binder, is gluten free, as is the veggie burger.The French Fries are made in a dedicated fryer, and I'm told by the chefs that this is the only thing put in the deep fryers.And, because you know I love a dipping sauce, every one of the sauces is gluten free!For my order, I opted for a modified version of the BBQ Burger which was made without the fried onions and minus the cheese (the cheese is GF so you can get it with it, if you consume dairy). I also ordered a side of small fries and three, yes, three dipping sauces.I was then given a pager and told that I could pick my burger up at another counter in the restaurant. Everything at D-Luxe Burger is made "to go" so you can easily grab and go, take it out or eat it someplace else, or enjoy in the restaurant.Wanting to enjoy in the new restaurant digs, I found a cozy spot outside with an amazing view of the new Disney Springs. It was a bit hot out, but there were ceiling fans outside that helped keep things cool too.As you can tell by the photos, the portions were pretty big at D-Luxe Burger. The burger, is hand formed and made to order. They aren't the pre-frozen burgers, which is great. Perfectly juice and smothered in BBQ sauce and thick cut bacon, lettuce, and tomato, this was a delicious burger. Probably my only complaint was that the bun was just a little dry because it wasn't heated properly. But overall, a really solid and delicious burger.It was messy, so make sure you grab some napkins at the table too!The hands down winner for me at D-Luxe Burger are the hand cut French Fries. Holy moly. Just order these. They are totally worth it. They are slightly thick-cut and so flavorful. I was told that they take 3 days to make. 3 DAYS! All that preparation is worth it because these were so good.Even better where the dipping sauces. The three that I had were curry ketchup, honey mustard, and chipotle mayo. *Note: I was told that these three sauces were both gluten free & dairy free; however, others have noted that the chefs told them the only dairy free sauce is the curry ketchup. Update: As of June 3, I have had reports that chefs have noted the only dairy free sauces to be the honey mustard and curry ketchup (both pictured above).The curry ketchup tasted like a homemade ketchup with curry powder in it. It was thick and not overpowering on the curry. The honey mustard was so good and one I will get every time I go there. But, for me, the favorite was the chipotle mayo. Not too spicy and a little sweet, it's the perfect vessel for a French fry!If you go to D-Luxe, get the sauces. Just do it. You will not regret it.I loved the food at D-Luxe Burger, and as you can tell by this photo, I really loved the food, especially those fries.After scarfing down all that delicious food, I took a bit to chill and relax at the outdoor seating and enjoy the beautiful Disney Springs view.And, I also took a tour of the restaurant to check out all the seating, which is pretty spacious.Overall, I really enjoyed my visit to D-Luxe Burger. I hope to go back soon & try some of the other options and explore more. Plus, I really need those fries and dipping sauces in my life!What are you most looking forward to when visiting D-Luxe Burger?

Afternoon Tea -- Crescent Solarium -- Table Service -- Beach Club

Solarium Beach Club Resort

Crescent Solarium

*This dining experience took place in February 2016. This is a gluten free only review.When it comes to unique dining experiences at Disney World, one of the highlights is afternoon tea. Having been offered at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for many years, the afternoon tea has been a tradition among many Disney guests. Back in February, Disney announced that another resort location would also offer afternoon tea on select dates throughout the year.Disney's Beach Club Resort is home to the Solarium, a small area that has been used as a spot to rest and recharge. But, in the announcement, we learned that the Solarium would be the location for another afternoon tea spot. Well, once I heard about this, you know I just had to make a reservation to check it out!The afternoon tea for the Crescent Solarium is currently offered on the following dates in 2016:

• February 11-14

• February 18-21

• March 24-29

• May 5-8

• June 16-19

• September 1-5

Server Crescent Solarium

Cheese & Fruit Plate Crescent Solarium

Sandwich Course Crescent Solarium

Gluten Free Scones at Crescent Solarium

Gluten Free Profiteroles at Crescent Solarium

I chose February 21st, and invited my family along for the experience. I noted my special dietary needs on the reservation, and I also planned on checking with a chef upon arrival.Once we checked in, we were seated in a very open and bright room. I loved the relaxing vibe and the beach decor. Everyone in my group agreed that it seemed more low-key and relaxing than the afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian.I have to do a major shoutout to our server Tyrone! He was amazing. So personable and just a shining example of an amazing Disney cast member. If you go to the Crescent Solarium, definitely request to be in Tryone's section!Shortly after being seated, I was greeted by the chef to discuss options. Because I have been re-introducing a bit of dairy into my diet on occasion, I asked the chef what options were available. They can easily accommodate both gluten free & dairy free, though I found the options for just gluten free to be a bit better. If you're gluten free & dairy free, you will likely get a lot of Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC items.I chose to get the following tea service with special dietary needs modifications:Sea Side Park Tea: First course featuring a selection of Artisan cheeses and seasonal accompaniments, second course petit sandwiches and canapés on house-made breads, third course scones served with clotted cream, lemon curd and seasonal jam, finale of house-made pastries and tea cookies. Accompanied by your choice of loose-leaf tea.Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDWFor the cheese and fruit course, the chef and I spoke at length about options, and she said she could give me an entire cheese course that was served with goat cheese. Because I do well with goat and sheep milk cheese, I opted for this.I thought the cheese course was great, especially with the fresh fruit, honey, and other accompaniments. I liked that I was also served toasted Udi's Gluten Free Bread with it.The sandwich course was another nice treat. The salmon salad does contain heavy cream but can be made without it. My favorites were the curry chicken salad and the crab salad with Old Bay Seasoning in it. I found all of the sandwiches to be light and fresh and not overly heavy. These were also served on Udi's Gluten Free bread.When the chef told me that the scone course included gluten free scones, I was intrigued. They were made with Cup4Cup flour blend (which contains dairy), and were lemon blueberry and cranberry orange flavored.Limiting dairy, I didn't eat too much of these but what bites I did were amazing. I was really impressed by the flavors and texture. You'd swear with Cup4Cup that the baked goods are gluten-filled!I would love to see them experiment with the Cup4Cup Wholesome Flour Blend and maybe try a dairy free version too.The last course included gluten free profiteroles filled with a raspberry filling, also made with Cup4Cup. I thought these tasted just OK. They weren't my preference, and if I were to go again, I would just ask for something from Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC or fresh fruit.Overall, I found the afternoon tea at the Crescent Solarium to be really charming, relaxing, and delicious. Though I opted for gluten free only items on this trip, after speaking with the chef, I know that getting dairy free options would also be really easy. The Beach Club always has a nice variety of Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC products on hand too, so that's a nice substitution in a pinch.I would highly recommend the afternoon tea at the Crescent Solarium if you're looking for something special to do while on your next visit to Disney.Have you been to the Crescent Solarium afternoon tea? What would you most like to try if you went there?

Kona Cafe -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Polynesian Village Resort

Polynesian Resort

Kona Cafe

GNI Brand Rolls at Kona Cafe

Volcano Roll Sushi at Kona Cafe

Rice Bowl Kona Cafe

*This dining experience took place in May 2016.It's been ages since I've been to Kona Cafe for dinner, and when I looked back here on the blog, I realized it's been 3 years to the month! I always assumed it hadn't been that long because I eat at Kona a fair amount for both lunch and breakfast. It's a good thing then that I had the chance to have dinner here recently with a friend.Kona Cafe is a table service restaurant located at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. The food and atmosphere are island inspired. My friend and I both enjoy that kind of cuisine (having stuffed ourselves silly at Ohana on his previous visit), and neither had been to Kona in quite some time, so it seemed like a nice spot to grab a meal.Kona Cafe does carry an allergy friendly dinner menu, which is helpful, as a starting point when deciding what to order. Neither my friend or I were really feeling some of the side dishes for the entrees and had some questions so we asked to speak with a Disney chef.While waiting for the chef, our server did bring us some Deanna's Gluten Free rolls (formerly known as GNI brand), but did not bring us any extra virgin olive oil or Earth Balance vegan margarine. We asked if we could get some when the chef came out, but it took a really long time to get the Earth Balance, and the rolls got really cold before we could enjoy.Something we did enjoy; however, was the sushi. My friend and I opted to split the Volcano Roll which was served without tempura crunch, and oddly, the accompaniments on the side. Weird. I've never seen a Volcano Roll deconstructed this like but still, we found it to be really tasty.The side of seasoned shrimp was delicious, as was the side of spicy mayo. The fish was super fresh, and the rolls were perfectly put together. The restaurant also carries San-J Gluten Free Tamari too, which made our sushi experience even better.This is definitely one I'd get again.For our entrees, we both chose the Pan-Asian noodles but asked if we could get rice instead of rice noodles. Neither one of us are huge fans of noodles, and I can eat rice for days. I have no clue why, but I just love rice.We both got chicken and shrimp as protein in our rice bowls, which were served with sauteed veggies and a garlic-ginger-soy sauce.Overall, I found the dish to be really good. I wouldn't say anything super special or exciting but delicious, hearty, and filling. It's one i'd definitely get again.Kona Cafe does have some really nice special dietary needs options, and my friend and I both enjoyed what we ordered there. There were a few hiccups here and there with service but overall, the meal was enjoyable. I think I still prefer the lunch options over dinner, but would diner here for dinner again if I had the chance.Have you been to Kona Cafe? What's your favorite meal to dine there?

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

*This dining experience took place in April 2016.Sanaa, located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, is one of my favorite restaurants in all of Disney World. It used to be a hidden gem but word has gotten out about this Indian and African inspired restaurant, and it's become very popular among Disney foodies.I never turn down an invite to Sanaa, and I had the chance to dine with friends visiting from out-of-town recently. They also have special dietary needs, and while I didn't get photos, they did get some great special diets options that I'll post about!Sanaa, like most Disney restaurants, does have an allergy friendly menu. But, I always recommend getting a regular menu in addition to the allergy friendly menu when you dine here, as often dishes that may be safe for you aren't listed on the allergy friendly menu. This happens a lot with gluten free only items, so it never hurts to double-check and consult with a chef.On this visit, my friends had multiple dietary needs that included: gluten, dairy, soy, corn, MSG, and Xanthum Gum free. Chef Fallon took care of us, and she did an amazing job making sure everyone had something safe and delicious.When Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando and I dined here for lunch back in December 2015, we discovered a new version of the gluten free & vegan naan bread made with Cup4Cup Wholesome Flour Blend. We were both wowed by the pliable texture and taste.On this visit, I mentioned this to my friends, and we were able to get a customized version of the bread service. My friend who is gluten, dairy, soy, and corn free did eat the naan (xanthum gum is not an issue for him) but his mom who is gluten free, MSG, and xanthum gum free was served pappadums and lentil chips as an alternative. Chef Fallon also made my friend safe versions of the red pepper hummus, coriander chutney, and mango chutney so that he could enjoy them.Overall, the bread service was a home-run and everyone was happy with their options. My only slight complaint would be that the bread itself seemed a bit less pliable than my previous visit.For my entree, I chose the braised beef and Durban shrimp with Basmati Rice. I'm super sad that the goan seafood curry is gone now, as I really enjoyed it. The Durban shrimp is always good, though quite spicy. The braised beef was just OK. Some portions of the beef were very fatty and tasted like it hadn't been braised long enough. I'm not sure I'd get the beef again because of that.My friend's mom had the Tandoor Chicken which needed no modifications for additional dietary restrictions beyond gluten.My friend got a version of the Durban shrimp and the appetizer Boerewor and Slaphakskeentjies (Traditional South African Sausage and Cape Malay Onion Salad) as a main dish with Basmati rice. Chef Fallon made all of his dishes from scratch due ingredients like soy and corn being present. My friend raved about his meal, and it looked delicious too!After our meal, the group was stuffed, and no one could manage dessert, though, I mentioned to Chef Fallon that I loved the chai spiced tapioca pudding (which they make gluten free and dairy free by adding coconut milk). It was a lovely surprise as we were leaving that she brought a to-go container of the tapioca pudding for me to enjoy at home, which I did the next morning for breakfast!Huge shoutout to Chef Fallon who did an amazing job at handling so many dietary restrictions and for making tasty and delicious options for everyone. It was a great meal and yet another reason why I love Sanaa so much!Want to learn more about Sanaa? Check out Podcast Episode 27 where we talk all about the restaurant!Have you been to Sanaa? What's your favorite dish there?

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

*This dining experience took place in April 2016.When it comes to table service locations at Disney Springs, Raglan Road Irish Pub has long been one of my favorites and one of the most consistently good options for special diets diners. Plus, where else can you find proper fish & chips that are also gluten free & dairy free?!On this particular occasion, Brandon and I visited before the inaugural Star Wars Dark Side 5K race after we'd gone to packet pickup and before our very early bedtime. We knew we needed to carbload up, and I couldn't think of a better option than Raglan Road.I love all of their options, and I've been really happy that my gluten free choices have opened up even more now that they have gluten free and dairy free buns available.Having had gluten free & dairy free chicken tenders & chips the night before at Cookes of Dublin, I decided to go for a sandwich. It was a toss up between the burger or the chicken sanger sandwich, and our server Cameron suggested I go for the chicken.I've had this sandwich before both dairy free and with the addition of the cheese. On this visit, I did opt for the Dubliner cheddar, as I have been re-introducing a bit of dairy into my diet on occasion and did well with the cheese options at Raglan Road on previous visits.I also opted to get the garlic Parmesan & truffle oil skinny chips based on Gluten Free in Orlando's recommendation.I loved both the chicken sandwich which was topped with an herb mayonnaise, pancetta, lettuce, and tomato along with the Dubliner cheddar. The sandwich was super flavorful and not too overpowering, and the chicken was perfectly cooked.I adored the garlic Parmesan & truffle oil skinny chips and would definitely get them again. I've luckily had great success with very aged cheeses and this one was another successful experience. Plus, these chips just tasted amazing!I can't help but love Raglan Road Irish Pub. The atmosphere and decor are amazing (go for dinner when you can see the live Irish step dancing or Irish bands!) and the food is outstanding. It's always consistently good, and I love their dedication to making safe gluten free and special dietary needs options.Have you been to Raglan Road? What's your favorite meal of choice there?

Cookes of Dublin -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Disney Springs

Cookes of Dublin

Chicken Tenders Cookes of Dublin

*These dining experiences took place in April 2016.Cookes of Dublin is my hands-down favorite quick service at Disney Springs. With gluten free options like fish and chips and shrimp and chips, it's no wonder it's my go-to whenever I want a quick bite to eat.In fact, I go there so much, when we went recently one of the cast members recognized me from the week before. Yes, I'm officially a Cookes of Dublin regular!Cooke's of Dublin can make several gluten free and dairy free fried food items (fried in a dedicated fryer). These include:

• Fish & chips

• Shrimp & chips

• Chicken tenders & chips

• Battered sausages & chips

• Onion rings

• Chips (aka French fries)

Shrimp and Chips Cookes of Dublin

You can also get garlic Parmesan skinny chips made gluten free (but not dairy free, due to the Parmesan).On my first visit, I ordered the chicken tenders and chips, as I've never tried the tenders before. All I have to say is wow. This portion was huge. I literally had to cut my chicken tenders up with a fork and knife because the size was so large.Overall, I liked them but didn't love them. I would say of the gluten free and dairy free fried dishes there, this would be my personal least favorite. But, it's a great option for those who prefer chicken or kiddos (as you can order a kid size version of this).On my next visit, I ordered the shrimp & chips, which continues to be my absolute favorite of all the dishes at Cookes of Dublin. The shrimp were perfectly cooked, and I really enjoy their cocktail sauce (which was brought out to me on the side). Be warned though, the fried shrimp are served on skewers and can be a bit challenging to eat.For the side, I ordered the gluten free garlic Parmesan skinny chips. I have been adding a bit of dairy (usually in the form of aged cheeses) into my diet on occasion, and I had heard nothing but rave reviews about them from Alexis at Gluten Free in Orlando.The skinny chips are a $1.00 upcharge currently, but were definitely worth it for something different. Brandon and I shared these, as he had ordered them on their own on our previous visit (which costs $5.00). My only suggestion would be watch out for grease. When we got to the bottom of our chip dish, we saw a giant pool of grease. Um, yuck.Overall, Cookes of Dublin continues to be my favorite quick service spot at Disney Springs. I absolutely love the options and always enjoy my meal when I dine here.Have you been to Cookes of Dublin? What's your go-to dish to order?

The BOATHOUSE -- Lunch -- Table Service -- Disney Springs

*This dining experience took place in April 2016.The BOATHOUSE is one of the newest restaurants at Disney Springs. It's already had quite a bit of buzz since it opened last year and has proved to be hugely popular. With lots of seafood and steak options, it's a great spot for a nice meal in a relaxing atmosphere. Given how popular it's been, it's no wonder I haven't been yet!After reading Gluten Free in Orlando's review, I was hoping to stop by and check out the options. At the time of her review, the restaurant only offered Ener-G rolls as gluten free bread options, so I wasn't sure if I'd get any option for a sandwich when I dined there (mostly because I'm not a fan of Ener-G rolls, which turn into styrofoam-like nearly immediately). However, I was pleasantly surprised both at the level of special dietary needs accommodation and that they recently got new gluten free buns!When we first arrived, were were seated and our server Kameron immediately asked if anyone in the group had special dietary needs. The BOATHOUSE isn't owned & operated by Disney, so they do not carry the allergy friendly menus. But, our server said he would get a chef who would be able to assist me with options. Server Kameron did say that almost the entire menu can be made gluten free, which is great.After just a short wait, Chef Joe came out to speak with me. He let me know that they did have new gluten free buns, as well as the Ener-G rolls/buns that they carried previously. With that in mind, I ordered an easy gluten free and dairy free option - the Salmon BLT, which was a special for the day (and not listed on the regular menu).I was shocked at how huge the portions were for my sandwich and side. The bun that the sandwich was served on tasted exactly like the ones served at Raglan Road and was quite delicious.The salmon was perfectly cooked and seasoned with Blackening Seasoning and garnished with avocado (my favorite!), bacon (a close second favorite!), tomato, arugula, and a remoulade sauce (another big favorite!). All of the components were delicious and made for an amazing sandwich.My side was steamed potatoes with a house-made remoulade (the same as the sandwich), which contained Old Bay Seasoning. The portion of these steamed potatoes were huge, and I loved the remoulade. You know me, I've never met a condiment I didn't like!After lunch, we walked around to check out the gift shop and decor. We absolutely loved the nautical theme both in the shop and the restaurant itself.Overall, everyone loved dining at The BOATHOUSE. We thought the food was fantastic and the decor charming. We were surprised at how affordable the sandwiches were (the steaks and seafood are quite pricey) and would definitely get lunch here again. Everyone was also wowed by my gluten free and dairy free meal option, and Brandon even declared this to be the "best looking" meal of all of the ones ordered! It was definitely one I'd get again.Have you been to The BOATHOUSE yet? What did you order when you dined there?

La Hacienda de San Angel -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Mexico -- World Showcase

*This dining experience took place in April 2016.It's been a long time since I've been to La Hacienda de San Angel, located at the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot. It's a World Showcase restaurant that I've really enjoyed, and I was excited to dine here recently with friends for dinner.La Hacienda de San Angel is a table service location, and one that is not owned and operated by Disney, which means they don't have an allergy friendly menu. However, they have long been very good with gluten free and special diets diners and even note gluten free (and dairy free) options on their menu.On every visit I've had at La Hacienda de San Angel, I've spoken to a chef, which is great. Many of the dishes can be easily modified to be gluten free or dairy free. Often, it's as simple as removing cheese, which is great.I often get the parrillada entree, which serves 2 people. To say it's a lot of food is an understatement. On this particular visit, I chose to order the pork carnitas, as they were marked gluten free and dairy free on the menu.Unfortunately, the chef informed us that the tortilla chips served as an appetizer are no longer gluten free as they are fried in the same fryer as items containing gluten. I was prepared for this, as Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando had posted about this last year. While this was a bummer, as I love tortilla chips, our group was offered warm soft corn tortillas and a side of guacamole as an alternative.This was a great starter, and I loved the added crunch of pumpkin seeds (which is a very traditional Mexican accompaniment) to the guacamole. That being said, our whole group thought the guacamole was a wee bit too spicy. We went through a lot of water & soft drinks before our entrees came!All three of us dining were gluten free. My friend and I both ordered the carnitas, and her daughter ordered the Costillas en salsa de Chile (Braised short ribs topped with Chimichurri served with potato puree and chile de arbol sauce). The potatoes did contain dairy, but they can modify to make dairy free, if requested.Both my friend and her daughter said this dish was extremely flavorful and the beef was fall apart tender. It looked amazing and delicious!The pork carnitas turned out to be a HUGE portion and a great choice. I love pork and carnitas are always something I enjoy. The version served here came with warm corn tortillas, avocado salsa, chicharrón (aka pork rinds), and sides of rice and beans.The pork rinds were a nice touch and especially yummy. The pork was served in a cool cast iron skillet and on a banana leaf, which made for great presentation. The pork itself was also very tender and slightly sweet with flavors of citrus.The avocado salsa added a great fresh touch to the dish and was the perfect salsa.The refried beans here are so good. If you're in a hurry in the World Showcase or want a quick service meal, you can get these beans and the rice served with chicken or beef tacos at La Cantina de San Angel next door!I really like La Hacienda de San Angel's take on Mexican rice, as I prefer it to not be heavily salsa based. This version is nice and light and was a great accompaniment.During dinner, we got a chance to watch IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Though the restaurant is all indoors and has no outside seating, it was still a great view. The restaurant does dim the lights and pipe in the music from IllumiNations, which is really cool!Overall, we really enjoyed La Hacienda de San Angel. Everyone thought the food was great, and the portions were huge. I ended up taking half of mine home and had it for lunch the next day, which I rarely do when I dine at Disney -- even as a local. That's how big the portions are!On top of the great food, we loved the atmosphere and getting to watch IllumiNations from the restaurant. It's a great option if you're looking for a nice view for the fireworks. We also ended up getting a great view for the Star Wars fireworks at Hollywood Studios too! If you're interested in a view, do ask a cast member if you can be seated with a World Showcase view. You might have a wait but it's definitely well worth it!Have you been to La Hacienda de San Angel? What did you order when you dined there?

Beaches & Cream -- Dessert -- Table Service -- Beach Club

*This dining experience took place in October 2015.Beaches & Cream Soda Shop reminds me a classic 50's soda shop, complete with burgers, fries, fun atmosphere, and, of course, sundaes! This table service location is bright and cheerful and so much fun. Just wait until you see a group of guests order what's known as theKitchen Sink. It's pretty impressive.Located at Disney's Beach Club Resort, you'll find Beaches & Cream Soda Shop tucked away by the resort's pool area. It does now take reservations, which I highly recommend. The restaurant is pretty small, and if you have your heart set on a sundae or a meal, you'll want to get your spot! They do also have a to-go counter (which gets pretty busy) for those on the go!One of my favorite sundaes at Beaches & Cream is the No Way Jose Sundae (which you can read more about in my previous blog posts). Topped with chocolate syrup and a rich peanut butter sauce, there's no way you're saying "no way" to the No Way Jose!On this visit, I knew I still wanted the No Way Jose Sundae, and the manager came out to go over the options with me. Beaches & Cream is one of the few table service locations in which only a manager comes to talk to you, not a chef. But don't worry, they are great at handling orders safely.For the No Way Jose, I received both vanilla and chocolate Tofutti (they also carry Rice Dream vanilla non-dairy ice cream), Hershey's chocolate syrup, peanut butter sauce, and a cherry on top. Beaches & Cream does have other various safe toppings for you to order depending on what sundae you get.Though I'm often tempted to try other sundaes (like a banana split), I can't help but order the No Way Jose. It's rich and decadent, and just the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter. It's also a huge portion, so be prepared to be very full when you're done!Though I didn't get lunch, you can find lunch and dinner options at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. Check out the menus page for more information about their lunch and dinner options.You can also read reviews from Alexis at Gluten Free in Orlando on her blog about Beaches & Cream Soda Shop.Overall, Beaches & Cream continues to be a must stop for me when it comes to non-dairy ice cream sundaes. The gluten free and dairy free version of the No Way Jose sundae continues to be a favorite of mine and something I'll be getting this summer as the Florida weather continues to warm up!Have you been to Beaches & Cream Soda Shop? What did you get when you visited?

Splitsville -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Disney Springs

*This dining experience took place in February 2016.Splitsville, located in Disney Springs, is a fun place to spend an afternoon bowling. But what if you want to get something to eat? Thankfully, Splitsville offers many gluten free and special dietary needs options.On this visit, we stopped by Splitsville after a movie at the AMC Disney Springs location, which is located directly next door to Splitsville. I hadn't had time to eat dinner and was starving!Splitsville does mark their gluten free dishes on the menu with GF symbols. However, if you have any questions or have additional dietary needs, I recommend talking to your server. If they don't know, they will check with the kitchen to ensure safety and options.I usually go for sushi or a rice bowl at Splitsville, and that's exactly what I ordered on this visit. I love the Fantasy Roll that Splitsville serves; it's probably my favorite gluten free and dairy free item on their menu. But, I ended up getting the shrimp rice bowl instead because I wanted something hearty. I had been hoping to get the Ahi Tuna rice bowl on the menu, but sadly, it's been removed.Overall, I really enjoyed the shrimp rice bowl. I love that they use gluten free soy sauce and that the dish is made naturally gluten free on the menu. It is a bit of a spicy dish, so if you're looking to avoid spice, you may want to avoid it or ask for them to use less sauce. Still, it's a really great option and totally not something you'd expect from a bowling alley!Check out Gluten Free in Orlando's reviews of Splistville for more gluten free options, including entrees and desserts.Have you been to Splitsville? What do you like to order when you dine there?

Three Broomsticks -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Universal Orlando

*This dining experience took place in March 2016.If you're a wizard or muggle exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando, chances are you're bound to grab a bite to eat during your visit. Whether you're in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley, there's a few different restaurants to dine in that offer special dietary needs options.Last summer and fall, I dined at Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley several times, and while I liked the chicken sandwich I ordered, it was really my only choice of entree at the restaurant. It's definitely my go-to spot to eat at Universal Studios, but when I recently visited Islands of Adventure, I wanted to see what options were available at the Three Broomsticks, located in Hogsmeade.After doing some pre-visit reading, I knew that I would have a few choices available to me, thanks to reviews and allergy menus from Gluten Free in Orlando and The Gluten & Dairy Free Review Blog.When we arrived, I asked a Team Member at the register about options, and she brought out Chef Patrick, who discussed them with me. He noted that he would recommend I order the chicken platter or rib platter and that I could also get the chicken and rib combination platter. He said that the only modification for the rib platter would be to remove the BBQ sauce, as it contained gluten.I opted for the chicken platter, which I had tried years ago and remembered liking. There was a bit of a wait for my food, but that was OK, as Team Member Kathleen ensured me that they wanted to make sure to take extra precautions with my meal. I was impressed by the level of detail and communication that the Team Members had with me while I was waiting for my food. Just another reason why I'm consistently impressed with the special dietary needs options at both sections of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!While we waited for food, we took in some of the sights at the Three Broomsticks. I love the rustic feel to this restaurant and the theming is just over the top amazing. You could definitely spend a lot of time exploring the nooks and crannies in this restaurant.Once seated, I dove into my meal but not before I snapped a few photos. As you can see, the presentation is great. I love the rustic plating, which definitely fits the theme of the restaurant.The portion is quite big, so be prepared. Even the kids' meals seem to be a fairly sizeable portion. My roast chicken was good, though I wouldn't say it was anything really that special. The chicken was well cooked and flavorful. My favorites were the roasted potatoes with onions and herbs and the corn on the cob. The corn was nice and sweet and truly didn't need any butter to be enjoyed.Attached to the Three Broomsticks is the Hog's Head Pub. If you're looking for an alcoholic drink, check them out for a Strongbow Hard Cider. The Three Broomsticks does not carry any type of hard cider (they have non-alcoholic versions that include a delicious pear cider), so you'll want to check out the Hog's Head Pub if you want to order one.Overall, the Three Broomsticks proved to be a solid choice for food options while in Islands of Adventure. It was also a nice break from burgers and fries. I would definitely go back there, though if I'm looking for something less messy I might opt for the chicken sandwich at the Leaky Cauldron!Have you been to the Three Broomsticks? What did you order when you dined there?

The Wave -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- Contemporary

*This dining experience took place in March 2016.It's been a long time since I've dined at the Wave (almost 3 years!), a table service restaurant at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Not having had the greatest of experiences at the Wave, I often go to other restaurants nearby like Kona Cafe.After reading Gluten Free in Orlando's review this past year and talking to Leah from Our Florida Project on my podcast, I decided to give the Wave another chance.The Wave is known for their local and sustainable menu, and the current allergy friendly menu that I got definitely reflected a bit of that. There didn't seem to be a lot of gluten free & dairy free choices, so I asked to speak to a chef to discuss options. And boy, am I glad I did.While waiting for the chef, I enjoyed the theming and decor of the Wave. It's a pretty restaurant, though nothing too fancy. I do like the modern lighting and the "wave" represented in the ceiling & light fixtures.After a short wait, Chef Laura came out to chat with me, and she couldn't have been nicer. I told her I wasn't up for the buffet that morning (The Wave offers a breakfast buffet and a la carte menu), and she asked what I was interested in. I mentioned the sweet potato pancakes, and was so excited when Chef Laura said they could make them gluten free & dairy free!I ended up ordering the America Breakfast Entree, with hashbrowns instead of the roasted potatoes (which contains peppers, something I wasn't keen on eating that morning), and Chef Laura suggested I sub out pancakes for toast.Done and done.As you can see, I ended up with a ton of food!The American Breakfast entree itself was really nothing special. I ordered scrambled eggs, which were plain and basic. The bacon, thankfully, is Nueske's bacon, which is my favorite Disney served brand. I hate stringy Disney bacon, which is often found at quick service locations, so I'm always happy when I get good bacon. That being said, the bacon was overcooked for my taste.The hashbrowns were my least favorite thing I ate, as they were a bit bland and seriously underseasoned. I added some salt and pepper to jazz them up.The sweet potato pancakes normally come with pecan butter, but Chef Laura instead gave me Smart Balance vegan margarine (I personally prefer Earth Balance but am at least glad they had one vegan margarine option) and toasted pecans on the side with pure maple syrup.As you can see, it was a huge portion!These were some of the best pancakes I've ever had at Disney.Wow. I loved the sweet potato flavor with a hint of cinnamon and other fall spices. Using gluten free pancake mixes (in this case, Bob's Red Mill) can often result in a dry pancake, but these weren't dry at all thanks to the sweet potato puree.The restaurant actually roasts their own sweet potatoes in house for the puree, which is a nice touch.Though I had a ton of food, I literally demolished these pancakes. They were not too sweet and just the right amount of balance of spice. These were a big win for me.Overall, I really loved the pancakes at the Wave and thought Chef Laura was really attentive and willing to talk through options with me. Though I wasn't in love with my American Breakfast entree, it wasn't bad by any means, just nothing special either.With that in mind, I wouldn't hesitate to go back for those pancakes and maybe try something else on my next visit!Have you been to the Wave for breakfast? What did you order?

Cookes of Dublin -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Disney Springs

*This dining experience took place in March 2016.Cookes of Dublin is my go-to quick service spot in Disney Springs. A proper take-away fish and chips shop, they serve up lots of fried gluten free and dairy free options, which I love. It's one of those quick service spots that is consistently good, fresh, and safely gluten free. Plus, where else can you get deep fried gluten free fish and chips to go?!Cookes of Dublin is located next to Raglan Road and shares some facilities with it. This means that you'll often find some of the dishes served at Raglan Road over at Cookes of Dublin -- like their classic fish and chips. The sauces are even the same too! What makes it great is that it's a quick service, so no worries, you can get your fish and chips fix on the go.On this visit, I ordered the fish and chips (gluten free and dairy free, of course!), as I hadn't ordered it in a while. Usually when I go to Cookes of Dublin, I order the fried shrimp but opted for the fish this time. I was on my way to a movie at the AMC Disney Springs and was in a bit of a rush, so I didn't have time to sit and eat in the restaurant, so I ordered my fish and chips to go.My only real complaint with this meal was that it took a while to get my food. 25 minutes to be exact. Normally, that's no big deal but with a movie time quickly approaching, I had to get out fast. Longer wait times are normal for Cookes of Dublin, but this is because they make everything fresh and to order, which is OK by me. Still, it's good to know ahead of time to plan if you're on a time crunch.My fish and chips on this visit were cooked perfectly. The come with steak fries but they do have other sides like gluten free onion rings and garlic Parmesan skinny chips that you can order or substitute upon request. You can read about these side dishes from Alexis at Gluten Free in Orlando's reviews.I also got a side of tartar sauce (which is gluten free and dairy free), which I love. I should have asked for another container of tartar sauce as one is just not enough for me, the condiment queen!One important tip is that often the gluten free fried foods from Cookes of Dublin and Raglan Road are sometimes under-salted. That's easily remedied by adding some salt yourself to the fried foods. Easy peasy solution!One word about fish/shellfish allergies. If you have them, you probably want to check with the restaurant to see if they fry the fish in the same fryer as the chips and onion rings.Overall, I love Cookes of Dublin and that it's a delicious and safe gluten free and dairy free option for those visiting Disney Springs. Now, I just need to go back again soon for those onion rings and fried shrimp!Have you been to Cookes of Dublin? What's your favorite gluten free and special dietary needs items to order there?

Cosmic Ray's -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Magic Kingdom

*This dining experience took place in March 2016.Cosmic Ray's, located in Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom, is a quick service location that I don't tend to frequent very often. It's not that they can't provide good gluten free and dairy free options (they definitely do), but that I don't really enjoy the food here as much as say Columbia Harbour House or even Pecos Bill's. What can I say, I can't help but head to Columbia Harbour House more often than not for the allergy friendly chicken tenders!Cosmic Ray's is your basic burgers and fries kind of quick service location, and like Pecos Bill's, they also have a toppings bar. Toppings bars are great but they are a cross contamination nightmare for those of us with special dietary needs, so if you want any toppings for your sandwiches, let a cast member know to get them from the back for you.When I arrived on this particular visit, I'll admit I wasn't too thrilled to eat here. Brandon and I were attending the Disney Vacation Club 25th Anniversary Magic Kingdom Bash, and literally the only restaurant opened was Cosmic Ray's. I had my heart set on allergy friendly chicken tenders & Brandon had his heart set on the gluten filled but very popular pot roast mac & cheese. Needless to say, we were both disappointed!Cosmic Ray's does carry an allergy friendly menu, which you can find on the menus page here on the blog. There are several options to choose from, and on this particular visit, I ended up getting a cheeseburger. Since I've been adding cheese back into my diet, I thought it would at least jazz up my bacon burger.The wait for my burger wasn't too long, and before I knew it we had a prime seat in Cosmic Ray's to catch a show with Sonny Eclipse. I gotta admit, Sonny Eclipse is the best part of Cosmic Ray's in my opinion. I absolutely love this quirky animatronic show, and I would be so sad if they got rid of Sonny. Cosmic Ray's is not Cosmic Ray's without listening to Sonny and the Space Angels sing Planetary Boogie!For my meal, I would say it was OK and certainly nothing special. The French fries were your basic Disney fries, and at least a decent size portion. My burger was served on an allergy friendly bun (I believe Local Oven) and was nothing to write home about. I ended up just eating it plain with the cheese, as I couldn't find any packets of ketchup or mustard and didn't feel like going back to the line to ask for some.Overall, Cosmic Ray's serves up solid gluten free and special dietary needs options. While I can't say it's my personal favorite place to dine, I'm glad it's available as a safe option in Tomorrowland.Have you been to Cosmic Ray's What did you order when you dined there?

Cape May Cafe -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- Beach Club

*This dining experience took place in February 2016.Cape May Cafe, located at Disney's Beach Club Resort, offers both breakfast and dinner buffets. I've been a long time fan of their dinner buffet which features crab legs and a variety of other seafood options but have never dined for breakfast. The breakfast is a character meal featuring Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy.Recently, I had breakfast at Cape May Cafe with Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando. You can read her review of our breakfast on Gluten Free in Orlando.One of the things I love about Cape May Cafe is the theme of the restaurant. The restaurant is set to resemble a New England-style beach, and the characters that you meet at breakfast even have the most adorable sea-side attire.Once seated, we were greeted by Chef Mace, who offered to make us food from the kitchen, instead of taking us through the buffet. Normally, I like to go through the buffet and then pick and choose what I'd like to have prepared from the back, but on this visit both Alexis and I were OK with Chef Mace bringing us a variety of dishes.First up were allergy friendly Mickey waffles. Cape May served us ones made from Bob's Red Mill mix, which I prefer. They were really well cooked and were piping hot when Chef Mace brought them out to us. I had plain maple syrup with mine, though I admit, I would love to have a more gluten free & dairy free friendly choice of toppings. The regular buffet served up chocolate chips, whipped cream, and even a bananas foster sauce.For more savory options, Chef Mace brought me a veggie omelet made with goat cheese. I've learned that I have no problems tolerating goat and sheep milk cheeses, so I was pretty stoked for goat cheese in my omelet.The omelet was delicious and the goat cheese was quite mild with no overly strong flavor. Chef Mace suggested an omelet for me, as all of the frittatas contain cream.In addition, he also brought out a variety of breakfast meats. I discovered later that they also had ham (my favorite breakfast meat) but my plate only contained sausage and bacon. It also had some of the best breakfast potatoes.I liked the breakfast potatoes so much that I asked for seconds, with a bit of bacon. Chef Mace also brought Alexis and I donuts from Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC to enjoy. One was a cinnamon sugar donut and the other was glazed with chocolate (which I preferred). They also carried Udi's Gluten Free products, as well, but we chose not to get any of those.After our meal, we did go through the buffet just to see some of the option, and we both regretted not going up, as we were brought a fairly limited selection. There were tons of salads, fresh fruit, and sides (like grilled asparagus - my favorite!) that we would have liked to have tried.Of course, Cape May Cafe is a character meal, and while I'm not a huge fan of character dining experiences, I did get a few pictures with the characters. Check out me & Minnie. Isn't her sea-side outfit adorable?!Overall, I really enjoyed Cape May Cafe for breakfast. As character meals go, I thought the character interaction was quite good, and the price was on the "lower" end of character dining at $29.99. I would definitely go back for breakfast again, as I enjoyed all the food and the variety they had. Next time though, I will definitely go through the buffet, as normal and then request specific items from the back, as there were some unique dishes that I wish I had tried.Have you been to Cape May Cafe? What did you think of the character dining?

Trail's End -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- Ft. Wilderness

*This dining experience took place in February 2016.Trail's End, located at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort, offers frontier fixin's at a bargain price. I've long wanted to try Trail's End's breakfast buffet, especially after dining there for lunch and enjoying the offerings they had during lunchtime.Navigating Ft. Wilderness can be a little tricky, depending on how you travel to get there. You can easily to Ft. Wilderness by bus or by boat. If you drive, which I did on this occasion, you will park in the main parking which is quite a distance from Trail's End.You can choose to take a nice stroll (I'd say about 3/4 to 1 mile in distance) or take the resort's internal bus system. With so much ground to cover, you can see why so many who stay at Ft. Wilderness rent or bring golf carts with them!I was joined by my brother on this visit, and we chose to take a leisurely stroll to breakfast. You know, gotta burn off those Mickey waffle calories! One of the things I love most about Ft. Wilderness and Trail's End is that it reminds me of summer camp. It's rustic and charming and everything you'd expect from a resort named Ft. Wilderness.The interior of Trail's End is rustic and is very reminiscent of the dining halls I experienced when I was a camp counselor back in college. I love all the fun touches. Check out all the Davy Crockett stuff on this wall!After being seated, our server brought over drinks.I absolutely love that they serve all their beverages in Mason jars.How cute are they?!Once we got our drinks, the chef took me around the buffet and showed me what was safe. Due to the crowds, I didn't feel comfortable getting my food from the buffet, and the chef said he would bring me whatever I wanted from the back.My plates included a variety of options, including the house-made hash, which was really good, and breakfast meats. Sadly, they didn't have anything of that decadent candied bacon they had when I visited for lunch back in 2013.I also got a custom omelet which was chock full of veggies including spinach, onions, zucchini, and squash. It was really good but maybe just a tad underseasoned (easily remedied at my table with salt and pepper).I liked the hashbrowns, but didn't find them to be anything particularly special.The allergy Mickey waffles were made from Namaste mix. The flavor was good but I found them to be a bit undercooked. The chef did tell me they could also make me allergy Mickey waffles using Bob's Red Mill (which I prefer) but that he didn't have the batter mixed at the time.In addition to all the other fixin's, the chef also brought me out several kinds of breakfast pastries including Udi's Gluten Free muffins, Kinnikinnick donuts, and an Udi's Gluten Free bagel. He also brought me Smart Balance which is both gluten free and vegan.As you can tell, I had plenty of food to eat throughout this meal. With a price of $17.99, this was a total bargain buffet for Disney -- and definitely a solid breakfast choice. I wouldn't say it was my favorite place to have breakfast, but I was pleased with what I ordered and left very full. Good thing we had a bit of a walk on the way back to the car to burn off some of the buffet fuel!To read a gluten free only review, you can check out the options that Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando got when she visited.Have you been to Trail's End for breakfast? What did you think of the options and value for this breakfast buffet?