Cafe Orleans -- Lunch -- Table Service -- Disneyland

*This gluten free dining experience took place in October 2017.

Lunch at Cafe Orleans

Cafe Orleans, located in New Orleans Square in Disneyland, has been on my short-list of places to eat at Disneyland after reading a review of the gluten free monte cristo option from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures. So, I knew I had to make a reservation for our recent October trip to Disneyland. Unfortunately, as you'll read in this review, the restaurant experience I had was pretty awful, enough that I'm not sure I could ever back again (and I don't think I've said that about many Disney restaurants). It's a bit of a bummer, but I felt that my experience was worth sharing so that others do not get disappointed or have to experience what I did on our visit.

Atmosphere

The theming and location of Cafe Orleans makes it super charming. It is exactly what you'd expect from a classic N'awlins restaurant.The outside and inside of the restaurant both have great seating.Inside, don't forget to check out the vintage espresso machine that Lillian and Walt Disney purchased when they went on a trip to Italy. It's really cool to see this still in the restaurant to this day.On our visit, we were seated outside -- perfect for a sunny and cool fall day in Anaheim.

The Food

Cafe Orleans does carry an allergy-friendly lunch and dinner menu. This includes options like Shrimp and Grits and a Lobster Cobb Salad. But, the big reason I wanted to go to Cafe Orleans was to get the gluten free version of their famous Monte Cristo sandwich. I had heard nothing but rave reviews about this from Alexis and several others, so I knew I had to order it -- especially, since I have reintroduced some dairy back into my diet.Disneyland's Special Diets Department recommends that if you want this dish that you pre-order it ahead of time. So, I emailed them 2 weeks in advance with the request and received a confirmation that they would let the restaurant know of this request. I suppose that we should have stopped by earlier in the day, since after being seated we were told that the received no request and that they could not accommodate me, unless I wanted to wait an hour.Unfortunately, things didn't go very well from start to finish here. Our server immediately asked us for our order before we had even fully sat down in our chairs and when I asked my pre-order, she came back to our table and let me know they had no record of it. She told me I could order from the regular allergy-friendly menu or wait an hour for a Monte Cristo. At this point, I asked to speak to a manager but was told that this was not possible, and that it wasn't possible to speak with a chef either. After about 10 minutes of insisting, I was greeted by the head server of the restaurant who told me the same thing.At this point, I was nearly in tears just trying to figure the situation out. I even offered to come back in the evening if they could get a reservation for us so that I could get the Monte Cristo without an issue but was told that wasn't possible either. At this point, we decided we were going to leave the restaurant and just get food somewhere else, when Austin, one of the managers came to the table.He was nice enough and did work with us to get a Monte Cristo made in about 25 minutes. Like Alexis's experience, he told me that the Pommes Frites that Alexis got on her visit were not able to be made gluten free, even with a new pot of oil that they were already heating up because the fries contain gluten. When I asked, they refused to let me look at the ingredients and just said it wasn't an option (though, Alexis was able to get them, as they are the same fries used throughout Disneyland property and are actually gluten free). At this point, I was so embarrassed by the situation that I just let the Pommes Frites request go.Austin asked if we wanted an appetizer while we waited and he brought me the La Salade de Maison with Baby Greens, Cherry Tomatoes, Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese with a Raspberry Vinaigrette. This is listed safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, and Soy Allergies and could be made dairy free by omitting the cheese.Unfortunately, this was a bland tasteless salad. The goat cheese was overly strong and didn't go well with the raspberry vinaigrette. It's rare that I don't I finish something, and I actually didn't eat much of this salad at all because of the overall taste.Finally, my Monte Cristo Sandwich arrived. Monte Cristo's include Sliced Turkey, Ham, and Swiss fried in a light batter, dusted with Powdered Sugar, and served with a Berry Puree. The batter they use here is Cup4Cup Gluten Free Flour, which does contain dairy in it.After all of the drama and frustration, I have to admit, the sandwich was worth the hype. This was deep fried to perfection. Golden brown on the outside with a light dusting of sweet powdered sugar and piping hot and tender on the inside. The combination of the salty ham, turkey, and Swiss combined with the sweetness of the powdered sugar and berry puree were just perfection. In fact, I was seriously worried it wasn't gluten free. It was that good.Brandon also tried it and thought it was outstanding and one of the better gluten free fried dishes he's tried. And, he actually wish he had ordered one too. So, I suppose out of the frustrating experience, at least the sandwich was really terrific.

Overall

I don't know that I could truly recommend Cafe Orleans. As we were finishing our meal and paying, another manager came out and very rudely showed me that Disneyland's Special Diets had given them a different date and that I made a mistake arriving when we did. I was able to show her my confirmation and my email to special diets with a screen shot of our reservation that I had given to Special Diets as a back-up. But, I was informed that next time they wouldn't be able to accommodate. It was just a really disappointing end to an overall frustrating experience from start to finish.Both Brandon and I agreed that it didn't seem like the team at Cafe Orleans really wanted to accommodate special dietary needs and in fact, made it a point to let me know what a hassle it was. I've been to Disney restaurants more times than I can ever count, and this was the first time I've ever truly felt like my order was an annoyance for them. If you go to Cafe Orleans, I recommend not only pre-ordering your Monte Cristo with Special Diets but also going there before your reservation to confirm they have your order. I think that's probably the only way to ensure there are no surprises or let-down's in your experience. I would also insist on talking to a manager to discuss too. I will give a shout-out to Austin, one of the managers, because he was the only one who seemed to be apologetic or understanding of the situation.The Monte Cristo was amazing, but the experience we had, unfortunately, was not. On our next visit, I would probably skip this one for the experience alone, which is a bummer.Have you been to Cafe Orleans? What was your experience dining there?

Steakhouse 55 -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Disneyland Hotel

*This gluten free dining experience took place in October 2017.

Dinner at Steakhouse 55

Steakhouse 55, a signature table service restaurant at the Disneyland Resort, was high on our list when we recently visited Disneyland in California. I had been to Steakhouse 55 in 2006 with my mom and knew that for a great steak this was the place to go. Brandon and I wanted to have one "fancy" meal during our Disneyland trip. And, since we were staying at the Disneyland Hotel, Steakhouse 55 seemed like a great choice. As I learned from both breakfast and dinner at Steakhouse 55, they had plenty of great options that could easily accommodate special dietary needs.

Atmosphere

Steakhouse 55 is a classic steakhouse. The decor is refined and just a bit retro. In fact, you'd swear Walt Disney himself might just come through the door's -- that's how classic it looked inside.Prior to dinner, we made sure to stop by the Steakhouse 55 Lounge. This is a great place to stop by for a cocktail or an appetizer or dessert. We loved all the vintage and classic cocktails on the menu too.I ordered the French 75 -- a classic gin cocktail made with Gin, fresh Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, and Sparkling Wine. It was the perfect drink before our dinner.The inside of the restaurant has both booths and tables with cushy chairs -- all of which harken back to the 1950s and 1960s.

The Food

While we loved the classic steakhouse decor and retro vibe, our favorite part of Steakhouse 55 was the food. The restaurant has an allergy-friendly dinner menu. And, you can also speak to a chef for any questions that you might have. I opted to order off of the menu, since I was eating some dishes with dairy in it on our trip. (I have reintroduced dairy back into my diet in limited amounts)Up first was the amuse-bouche. This is a fancy term for a small bite or taste to get you started for your meal. We were served a house-made burrata cheese with cherry tomato, basil emulsion, and balsamic vinegar. This was naturally gluten free and a great option for those who can have dairy. The flavors were bright and a bit sweet from the tomato and balsamic.Next, I was served Ener-G rolls with some butter and thyme. I decided to eat the rolls plain (and save my dairy consumption for other dishes), but I could have also asked for extra virgin olive oil too. I really didn't eat much of the rolls because I was saving my appetite for the rest of the meal. The rolls were heated OK. But, they aren't my favorite.I decided to order the Steakhouse 55 "Wedge" Salad to start served with Cherry Tomato, Bacon Lardons, Candied Pecans, and Blue Cheese Vinaigrette and is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies.Wow. If you can have dairy and love a good classic wedge salad, this one is for you. It wasn't really a wedge per se, but I liked the thick slice of lettuce topped with all the steakhouse must-do's. The bacon lardons were incredible. Super rich and decadent. Add in the candied pecans which gave a pop of sweetness and the tart of the blue cheese vinaigrette for the ultimate steakhouse salad. I would definitely get this salad again.For our steaks, both Brandon and I chose the Center Cut Filet Mignon 8oz. without any sauces that is marked as safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies.Each steak was served with a side of bone marrow. Mine was made gluten free and dairy free by omitting the breadcrumbs in it (Brandon's had breadcrumbs). This was another wow for both of us. The steak was cooked to perfection and super flavorful. Both of us agreed it was probably the best steak we've had at any Disney restaurant anywhere (including Walt Disney World restaurants). It was insanely good and exactly what you expect at a good steakhouse.And, like any other steakhouse, sides are ordered a la carte. We decided to get 2 sides -- both of which were gluten free.Up first were the Yukon Gold Mashed Potato with Green Onion that is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. I ended up only taking a bite of these. But, they were really good. Super creamy, rich, and a solid side dish for those who can have dairy.We also ordered a Loaded Baked Potato with Bacon Lardons and Broccolini. This is not marked gluten free on the menu because it normally comes with a Fontina Cheese Sauce that contains dairy. But, they were able to modify it to be gluten free (and even dairy free) by removing the sauce. You can also get shredded cheese on the potato if you want to add dairy back in too.This was actually the only "dud" in our meal. The potato was dry, bland, and just not at all that tasty. It was definitely "missing" something by lacking a cheese sauce. And, we realized we should have gotten another side instead. Still, it wasn't bad. It just wasn't very good either. We'd skip this on future visits.

Overall

If you're looking to have a meal that's a bit special or decadent at Disneyland, Steakhouse 55 is a great option. We thought the service was impeccable, the food outstanding, and the overall ambiance charming. We both said that on our next Disneyland trip, Steakhouse 55 will be a must on our reservation list for at least one meal. Both the breakfast and dinner were outstanding.Have you been to Steakhouse 55? What did you think of their special diets options?

Flo's V8 Cafe -- Lunch -- Quick Service -- Disney's California Adventure

*This gluten free dining experience took place in October 2017.

Lunch at Flo's V8 Cafe

Flo's V8 Cafe is a quick service restaurant in Cars Land in Disney's California Adventure inspired by the film Cars and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Before heading to Disneyland, both Brandon and I knew we had to eat at Flo's V8 for at least one meal while in DCA because it looked like a great quick service option in one of the coolest places in Disney's California Adventure (DCA).

Atmosphere

From the moment you step into Cars Land in DCA, you're transported to the Cars animated film. Every inch of the area is perfectly themed. It really does feel like you're in the film. Even better, while we were there, all of Cars Land was decorated and themed for Halloween -- making it extra fun and spooky!Flo's V8 really makes you feel like you're in that classic 1950s diner. The color scheme, the booths, and the rest of the theming include tons of fun retro touches.There is seating both inside and outside of the restaurant. If it's nice weather out, I highly recommend sitting outside where you can have a few of the Radiator Springs Racers attraction.This was our view from the outside dining area, and it made for one incredible view.

The Food

Flo's V8 carries an allergy-friendly menu for all of the meals served there. There were actually several options for both gluten free and dairy free, which was great.I ended up ordering the Roast Beef & Cheddar sandwich on a gluten free bun. This can be modified to be dairy free by removing the onions and the cheese sauce. Since I've reintroduced dairy into my diet in limited amounts, I splurged a bit on this sandwich. And, it did not disappoint.The beef was nice and tender, and the combination of the horseradish aioli (which is actually dairy free), cheddar sauce, and onions was super delicious. I also liked the coleslaw which was a nice side for the rich sandwich.Brandon also got this and enjoyed it too -- though he was able to sub out different sides, since he doesn't like coleslaw. So, it's nice to know that's an option too.Depending on the time of year you go, you can even find themed cups, like at Disney World. I adore the Halloween cups as a nice added touch to get you into the Halloween spirit.

Overall

Flo's V8 Cafe was a really solid option in DCA for a quick service meal. We loved the outdoor seating and were impressed by the different options I had to choose from (many of which were super easy to modify to be dairy free too). Next time we go back to Disneyland, this will be a must-stop quick service location for us again. If you can have dairy, Alexis from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures shares her review of the milkshakes offered at Flo's V8 Cafe on her blog too. This was a bit too much dairy for me, but they looked incredible!Have you been to Flo's V8 Cafe? What did you order when you dined there?

Hungry Bear Restaurant -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Disneyland

*This gluten free dining experience took place in October 2017.

Dinner at Hungry Bear Restaurant

Hungry Bear Restaurant is a quick service location in Critter Country in Disneyland. We stopped by Hungry Bear for dinner on our last night at Disneyland before going to Mickey's Halloween Party, a special ticketed event in the park. I had my heart set on dinner at Rancho del Zocalo that night. But, unfortunately, we didn't realized it closed early, and we missed the restaurant's operating hours by about 5 minutes. Talk about a bummer. Because we were further back in the park, we decided to go to a quick service restaurant that wasn't too far and that both Brandon and I would eat at. Hungry Bear, it was!

Atmosphere

Hungry Bear's atmosphere is super charming. It completely fits the Critter Country theme and has a rustic feel to it. It reminds me a lot of some of the areas in Ft. Wilderness or even the Wilderness Lodge resorts at Disney World.Even at the ordering area, the restaurant keeps the theme going with all your favorite country bears.There's also a lot of ample seating at Hungry Bear. Since the park was closing, and the Halloween Party was starting soon, the crowds were really low. This made for a nice easy-going dinner.

The Food

Hungry Bear Restaurant does have an allergy-friendly menu. I decided to get a burger, since that seemed like a good bet. But, before ordering, I did try to talk to a manager to see if I could get a modified version of their special Bison Blue Cheese Burger which had candied bacon on it. I'm a sucker for candied bacon, so I was just hoping I could get a regular burger with the bacon added. Unfortunately, I was told this was not possible -- even though they couldn't tell me what the gluten offending ingredients were in the sandwich. Honestly, I think they just didn't want to modify my order, so I ended up just getting the cheeseburger on a gluten free bun.Both Brandon and I agreed that the burgers at Hungry Bear were a serious step up from the burgers we normally get at Walt Disney World quick service locations. These were thicker and had a lot more flavor in them, which was nice. The burger I ordered can also be made dairy free by omitting the cheese.The French fries were solid -- standard Disney fries. But, it was nice to have a hearty meal that filled us up for the night. Neither one of us thought it was our best meal of the trip, but we didn't think it was awful given it was basic burgers and fries.

Overall

We'd definitely go back again, if we didn't have any other options. We both thought it was decent but that there are so many other quick service locations in the park with more variety. Still, there's nothing wrong with a good burger and some fries when you're craving them. Hungry Bear Restaurant definitely fits the bill nicely on that. I'm still sad I couldn't get candied bacon. But, as we learned from our trip; Disneyland seems a bit less willing to modify dishes when you dine at restaurants.Have you been to Hungry Bear Restaurant? What did you think of the lunch and dinner options there?

Blue Bayou -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Disneyland

*This gluten free dining experience took place in October 2017.

Dinner at Blue Bayou

Blue Bayou, located in New Orleans Square at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, has been a restaurant I've always wanted to go to -- just for the theming alone. How often can you say you've dined inside an attraction like Pirates of the Caribbean?! On a recent trip to Disneyland, we made sure that Blue Bayou was added to our dining reservations during our short stay there. We also decided to book using the Fantasmic Dining Package, since we knew we wanted to see Fantasmic during our trip too and had heard good things about the package for reserved seating.We dined at Blue Bayou on our first day at Disneyland. After our amazing breakfast at Carnation Cafe, we opted to just snack here and there, so when it came time for our dining reservation, we were hungry!

Atmosphere

Being located in New Orleans Square means that Blue Bayou has that N'awlins vibe. We loved wandering the streets of New Orleans Square before our dinner reservation and checking it all out. Blue Bayou is slightly tucked away, but you'll see a brightly colored sign that will light your way to this wonderfully themed restaurant.With the Fantasmic Dining Package being very popular and this being such a popular restaurant, we weren't able to check in for dinner early. But, one thing that was really important to us was getting a water view table in the restaurant. Like San Angel Inn in the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot, you'll be seating near the beginning of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and see the boats pass by on the water.Water tables can't be marked on your reservation. But, we were told that if you stop by early, you can get on the list for a water table (though, of course, it's never a guarantee). We stopped by about 45 minutes early and made sure to ask about this before coming back during our designated time.When we arrived back, we mentioned the water table location again. The hostess mentioned it could be up to a 45 minute extra wait. We were OK with this, as we wanted to make sure on our first visit we got to fully experience the restaurant. Luckily for us, our wait in the parlour area was only about 10 minutes beyond our reservation time. And we were able to get a water table.As you can see from the photos, this is not a large restaurant. And, it fills up pretty quickly. Our table wasn't too close to any others. And we had a nice corner table with a water view.To fit with the theming, the restaurant is pretty darkly lit. You can see it's twilight on the bayou. And, you'll even catch a glimpse of fireflies and hear crickets in the background. With such incredible theming, we could have leisurely dined here for hours!

The Food

As a part of the Fantasmic Dining Package, our meal included 3 courses: appetizer, entree, and dessert. I was given both the Fantasmic Dining Package menu and the regular allergy-friendly dinner menu. I was also told that I could speak with a chef, if I had questions.I did end up talking to a chef. But, I'll be honest that he didn't seem overly helpful. I had also decided to have dairy in this meal, since I've reintroduced it back into my diet in limited amounts.Up first, I was served Ener-G rolls, which were heated OK, but weren't amazing. Disneyland does not carry any non-dairy / vegan butter options. So, you'll either want to ask for extra virgin olive oil or go without if you're dairy free. They do, of course, have regular butter on hand.I didn't find the appetizer list for plentiful. And, the chef basically told me my only option was the Blue Bayou House Salad with Romaine and Frisee, Bell Peppers, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Caramelized Pecans, Blue Cheese, and Cranberries served in a Sherry Vinaigrette. It is listed as being safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, and Soy Allergies and can be modified to be dairy free by omitting the cheese.I really liked this salad a lot. It was bright, crisp, and super flavorful. I think the forgot to add the caramelized pecans to my salad. But, it was still great without it. I'd definitely order this one again.For my entree, I ordered the Surf & Turf with Lobster Tail, Filet Mignon, Au Gratin Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, and Bernaise Sauce. This dish is made to be safe for  Gluten/Wheat, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. I omitted the Bernaise Sauce, as I knew the dairy in the potatoes would already be enough for me. I was also served a dish of clarified butter. But, honestly, lobster tail is still amazing without it!I thought this dish was just OK. The steak was good, but nothing to write home about. The lobster tail was also good, but again nothing special. The seasonal vegetables were also just OK. The potatoes were actually my least favorite part of the entree, as they were entirely too spicy/peppery. I ended up not eating very much of them because they the spice in them was so unbalanced.Overall, I thought the dish felt a bit like a catered meal at a banquet. It just didn't feel super fresh or super special -- just adequate. There wasn't anything overly wrong with it, but I had expected a bit more from such a popular restaurant.For dessert, I checked to see what the sorbet flavors were. They had mango, raspberry, and pear flavors as options, which was great. I decided to try the pear sorbet since it's one you don't see very often. This was definitely a really nice sorbet. And, it was a perfect palate cleanser after such a rich meal.

Overall

We absolutely adored the theming and atmosphere in Blue Bayou. It's definitely one of the best themed restaurants in Disneyland and even Disney World. We weren't super wowed by the food. But, we were still really glad that we dined here. It also made our Fantasmic experience amazing too, since it gave us priority reserved seating with a great view (and we got a seat cushion as a part of our dining package too). For the price, doing the dining package was a no-brainer if you already have your heart set on dining at Blue Bayou, because the regular menu is pretty pricey for what you get. We'd definitely do it again, but would go in with expectations that our food will be good, but not amazing. Still, it's a must-do, especially if you don't go to Disneyland very often!If you're interested in learning more about Blue Bayou gluten free offerings, check out Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures for her review of this restaurant.Have you been to Blue Bayou? What did you think of this Pirates of the Caribbean themed restaurant?

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

*This dining experience took place in November 2017. 

Breakfast at Kona Cafe

Kona Cafe, a table service restaurant located at Disney's Polynesian Village, has been a long-time favorite breakfast spot for me and my family. It's one that I go back to again and again for a solid meal and great special diets options, especially their allergy-friendly Mickey waffles. On this occasion, I stopped by for breakfast with my brother before doing some monorail resort hopping to check out the holiday decorations.

Atmosphere

One of the things I love most about Kona Cafe is its location. The Polynesian Village Resort is one of my favorites. I just love the decor, theming, and overall atmosphere.When we visited, they also had holiday decorations up. But, I somehow managed to only get a photo of the water feature near the resort's main entrance.Kona Cafe is located on the second level of the main building of the resort. It has a view of the monorail going by, which is always nice to sit and watch. This isn't a big restaurant though, so the seating area (which is open to the resort) is not all that large. And, this restaurant can get busy fast. So, definitely make reservations if you're looking to dine here.

The Food

The thing I love most about Kona Cafe is, of course, the food. I have always loved the menu, which features breakfast classics with a Hawaiian style vibe. But, recently, they have changed the menu, and my favorite -- the Big Kahuna platter -- is now gone. This is a bit of a bummer, since it had a bit of everything to sample in the dish, including allergy-friendly Mickey waffles. But, I'm guessing it wasn't very cost-effective for the restaurant, so it's no longer an option.With this in mind, I took a look at the allergy friendly breakfast menu and decided on getting the Two Eggs-Any Style breakfast entree with a side of allergy-Mickey waffles. This is listed as safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies.I opted for scrambled eggs for my egg option, and I asked for ham as my breakfast meat. Do be sure to ask about the ham options. On the regular menu, it lists both plain breakfast ham and spiced breakfast ham. The allergy-friendly menu only lists spiced ham. It turns out the spiced ham is actually SPAM breakfast meat, which I definitely did not want. The chef confirmed that the regular ham is still gluten free and dairy free. But, it's just odd that it's not on the menu.The breakfast entree was good. The eggs were really well cooked, the ham is always a winner, and I liked the breakfast potatoes. I could do without the peppers and onions in the potatoes, but they were still good. Of course, the standout were the allergy-friendly Mickey waffles. These are some of the best on Disney property and are super crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. So good!

Overall

Kona Cafe continues to be a great breakfast spot on Disney property. I'm a bit bummed at the recent menu changes (and price increases), but I was glad I could still get really good allergy-friendly Mickey waffles and a hearty meal. I really hope that maybe they'll adjust the menu again at some point to bring the Big Kahuna and other dishes back. Still, it's a restaurant that I'll continue to visit for a delicious and safe breakfast.Have you been to Kona Cafe? What do you love to order when you dine here?

Tortilla Jo's -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Downtown Disney

*This gluten free only dining experience took place in October 2017.

Dinner at Tortilla Jo's

Tortilla Jo's is a table service restaurant at Downtown Disney at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. On my recent Disneyland trip, I knew I wanted to get some good Mexican food in, and I had heard great things about Tortilla Jo's from my friend Alexis at Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures. After our Disneyland vacation ended, I was at a work conference in Anaheim. So, without a park pass, I decided dinner at Downtown Disney was in order one night. So, some co-workers and I wound up at Tortilla Jo's.

Atmosphere

Because I was just finishing up a long day of conferencing, I totally forgot to take a lot of photos inside the restaurant or the exterior. But, it was brightly lit and the outside reminded me a lot of the bright exterior of Antojito's at Universal Studios Orlando.The inside was spacious. And, we had a nice big table near the back of the restaurant.

The Food

I didn't get a chance to visit Rancho del Zocalo in Disneyland (which I really love). So, getting some Mexican food when I could on this trip was a welcome treat.First up though, I had to order a Margarita. Although Alexis from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures had raved about the margarita flight, I ended up with a classic house margarita. It was super refreshing and oh so delicious. They definitely know how to make margaritas at Tortilla Jo's!One of the things I was looking forward to most was the chips and salsa combo. Thankfully, Tortilla Jo's has a dedicated fryer for their tortilla chips, which is a nice treat. Their salsa was outstanding too -- a little spicy and super fresh, bright flavors. One of my co-workers and I shared 3 dishes of salsa before the meal was done -- a testament to how good it was!I honestly could not decide on what to order for my meal. There were TONS of gluten free options -- many of which could be easily made dairy free. I opted to get a variety of street tacos - one chicken, one pork, and one steak. This dish was gluten free but could be made dairy free by omitting the queso fresco on the beans.This definitely satisfied my craving for good Mexican food. The tacos were all really great, and the corn taco shells were very flavorful too. I have to say the pork tacos probably were my favorite. But they were all really good. The refried beans were excellent. The rice was good, but I wouldn't say it was the standout of the meal.

Overall

If you are looking for a great meal with lots of gluten free options, Tortilla Jo's is a great choice. It wasn't my favorite meal of the trip. But, it was pretty good! It's also a perfect spot for anyone going to Disneyland who doesn't have a park pass or doesn't want to go into the park for a meal. We had a super attentive server and overall just really enjoyed the meal. I'd definitely go back again the next time we go to Disneyland!Have you been to Tortilla Jo's? What did you think of their gluten free options?

Steakhouse 55 -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- Disneyland Hotel

*This gluten free dining experience took place in October 2017. 

Breakfast at Steakhouse 55

Steakhouse 55 is a signature dining location at the Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland in California. Having recently made a brief trip to Disneyland, we knew that we wanted to get some resort dining in on our trip. We were staying at the Disneyland Hotel, so Steakhouse 55 was high on our list. This restaurant serves both breakfast and dinner, both of which we go to enjoy. On our last day at Disneyland, I stopped by Steakhouse 55 for breakfast after Brandon left for the airport for home and I headed to a work conference in Anaheim. After eating here, I so wish we would have enjoyed another breakfast there during our trip.

Atmosphere

Steakhouse 55 has a classic steakhouse feel to it. Everything about it reminds me of a 1950s or 1960s steakhouse, complete with a cozy lounge outside of the main restaurant and vintage themed decor inside.The restaurant is filled with dark wood, high-backed booths, and cozy chairs.There are also plenty of vintage photos of classic Hollywood actors. The theming is so good, you'd swear Walt Disney himself might pop in for a dinner or breakfast while you're there.During breakfast, I had a cozy corner table, and I pretty much had the restaurant to myself, as there were only 2 other tables with guests at them. It was earlier in the morning (around 8 a.m.), but I'm guessing this is a restaurant that isn't typically super busy at breakfast.

The Food

During dinner service at Steakhouse 55, guests with special dietary needs are given an allergy-friendly dinner menu. At breakfast, though, they do not have one on hand. So, this means you'll speak with a chef before you order. I personally always prefer this method because it gives me a chance to ask questions and sometimes get dishes that I wouldn't have thought about ordering. On this visit, I had my heart set on the Pork Belly Chilaquiles -- a traditional Mexican dish that's a bit like nachos. The chef told me that it was gluten free, which was great news. So, I definitely had to order it. But, there were plenty of other gluten free (and even gluten free and dairy free) options on the menu.The Pork Belly Chilaquiles included Two Eggs, Corn Tortilla Chips, Salsa Roja, Charred Avocado Crema. This dish is gluten free, but you could modify it to be dairy free by omitting the cheese and avocado crema.All I can say is WOW!This dish was so flavorful and delicious, that I'm kind of kicking myself that we didn't dine here more than once. The pork belly was insanely rich, tender, and delicious. And, there were huge chunks all throughout the dish. The salsa roja was packed with flavor that was perfectly balanced by the queso fresco cheese and avocado crema. Be warned though, this dish was spicy. It wasn't unbearably spicy, but it was spicier than I expected. So, if you aren't a fan of spicy food, you may want to skip this dish.Seriously, this might have been one of the best things I ate while were at Disneyland. So, I can't say enough good things about it. I would definitely have a hard time not ordering this if it were still on the menu whenever I go back to Disneyland again.I also really wanted the allergy-friendly Mickey waffles after reading Alexis's Gluten Free Adventure's review of them. The ones offered at Steakhouse 55 are large single waffles and not the ones we're used to at Disney. But, I couldn't resist the chilaquiles. I asked the chef if it was possible to have smaller ones made. And, he offered to get me allergy-friendly Mickey waffles from Goofy's Kitchen, a buffet located next door, which were smaller.I was so happy to get these with my meal. They were the perfect sweet treat to cap off my meal. These were really well cooked and super crispy. Though, I have to admit, I want to try the large allergy-friendly Mickey waffle someday. The photos from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures looks amazing. You can read her full review and see photos on her blog.

Overall

Steakhouse 55 is a must-do breakfast spot the next time that we visit Disneyland. I was so impressed by the quality of the food and the offerings here. The service here was also really wonderful too. I'm still dreaming of the chilaquiles from Steakhouse 55. And this will be a restaurant we make breakfast reservations for at least one breakfast on our next visit.Have you been to Steakhouse 55 for breakfast? What did you order when you dined there?

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

*This dining experience took place in October 2017 and contains a gluten free only review.

Lunch at Olivia's Cafe

Olivia's Cafe, a table service restaurant located at Disney's Old Key West resort, is an easy-going and low-key place to have a meal. After getting back from Disneyland, I needed to do errands and so, I decided to stop by Olivia's for lunch. I had really had my heart set on breakfast at Olivia's, but I missed the breakfast service by about 30 minutes, so lunch it was.

Atmosphere

One of the things I love most about Olivia's Cafe is the low-key, laid-back vibe. You'll feel like you've been transported to Key West, Florida, for sure. And, I'm always waiting for Jimmy Buffett to come around the corner -- not too far off really, since you'll hear Jimmy Buffett music, like Margaritaville throughout the resort.Olivia's Cafe includes both indoor and outdoor seating. I like to sit outside on cool days, since the outdoor seating area is covered. But, on this visit, I definitely didn't mind eating inside.Inside you'll find lots of tables and even some cozy booths.And, of course, you'll see nautical nods everywhere from large wooden fish on the walls to sea-side photos and paintings.

The Food

One of the reasons I like to go to Olivia's is the food. While, I wouldn't say the menu there is anything fancy, I've always had solid meal options and choices that fit just about every preference or taste.Like most Disney restaurants, Olivia's Cafe does have an allergy-friendly lunch menu. But, I always ask for both a regular and allergy-friendly menu when I dine at any Disney restaurant. That's so I can compare the menus and see what options I think could be easily modified. And, surprisingly, a lot of gluten free or even gluten free and dairy free dishes aren't actually listed on the allergy-friendly menu. That's because in order to make the menu, they need to cover multiple allergens. So, it's always a good idea to ask.On this visit, I was really looking forward to some gluten free and dairy free bread and Earth Balance vegan buttery spread. Having just returned from Disneyland, where they don't carry any type of non-dairy butter alternative, I was looking forward to having this option. Normally, when I go to Olivia's, when I ask for rolls, they give me Deanna's Gluten Free rolls. But, for some reason I received Udi's Gluten Free toast, which is both gluten free and dairy free. That seemed OK, until I got the bill later and realized that I was actually charged for the toast, instead of receiving complimentary rolls. Next time I go, I will definitely ask before ordering.For my entree, I actually spoke to the server about the Mallory Square Cobb Salad. I usually am able to order it without modifications. But, it wasn't listed on the allergy-friendly menu. She confirmed with the chef that it is naturally gluten free (including the blue cheese, which can often contain gluten).The Mallory Square Cobb Salad made with Romaine Lettuce with layers of Chilled Shrimp, Crab Salad, Bacon, Egg, Blue Cheese, Tomato, and Avocado with a Key Lime-Mustard Vinaigrette is gluten free. I believe you can modify it to be dairy free by omitting the blue cheese.This is a great summertime salad. I love the bright, crisp lettuce and flavors of the dish. The seafood is rich and buttery and pairs really well with the bacon, blue cheese, and egg. Add in the key lime vinaigrette for a pop of citrus that pulls it all together. This continues to be one of my favorites when I go to Olivia's Cafe for lunch or dinner.

Overall

Olivia's Cafe continues to be a solid restaurant with hearty food and charming atmosphere. I really love coming here for a low-key and less crowded meal that's can be a lot more relaxing than some of the other busier table service restaurants.Have you been to Olivia's Cafe? What do you enjoy about this restaurant?

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

*This dining experience took place in November 2017. 

Dinner at Columbia Harbour House

Columbia Harbour House, located in Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom, has been a long-time favorite quick service location for me. I don't know what it is, but they have frying gluten free and allergy-friendly chicken tenders down to an art. And, so, I stopped by recently to grab a quick dinner -- my favorite allergy-friendly chicken tenders.

Atmosphere

Although I didn't get very many photos on this visit, I absolutely adore the theme of Columbia Harbour House. With all of the nautical touches, you'd swear you were visiting a colonial New England seaside town.The seating includes upstairs and downtairs options -- all filled with dark wood and nautical touches everywhere you look. One of my favorite spots is upstairs in some of the corner rooms, where I can enjoy my meal and look out at the Disney guests below visiting the Magic Kingdom. It's a really nice spot that not a lot of people know about too.

The Food

But, of course, the real reason I go to Columbia Harbour House is the food. The restaurant doesn't have a really extensive Allergy-Friendly Lunch and Dinner Menu, but what it has is really good. I seriously don't know what Columbia Harbour House does, but I swear their allergy-friendly chicken tenders are the best. They are literally the same brand at every location, but there's something about how they fry them there that just works.It is important to note that Columbia Harbour House, like any Disney-owned restaurant, takes cross-contamination seriously. They use a dedicated fryer only for allergy-friendly chicken tenders and fries, so you don't have to worry about not having safe fried food.On this visit, I ordered the chicken tenders, and I was surprised to see that it also came with green beans and carrots. The Allergy-Friendly Chicken Tenders, French Fries, and Vegetables are both gluten free and dairy free.As you can tell by the photo, the portion I got was HUGE! So much food, and that made it a great value at around $9 and could easily be split by two people. One important thing to know is that if you have a fish/shellfish allergy, Columbia Harbour House does have a lot of fried seafood. And, the allergy-friendly menu actually discourages from anyone with a fish/shellfish allergy from eating there. With that in mind, we actually got Brandon (who is allergic to both fish & shellfish) food someplace else before I got allergy chicken tenders, just to be safe.

Overall

The allergy-friendly chicken tenders at Columbia Harbour House are a frequent meal option for me, especially when we're in the Magic Kingdom. It's easy to get, safe for me to eat, and delicious. Though their menu is pretty limited, you won't miss the options when you can get these allergy-friendly chicken tenders!Have you been to Columbia Harbour House? What did you think of this quick service restaurant?

Storytellers Cafe -- Lunch -- Table Service -- Disney's Grand Californian

*This dining review took place in October 2017 at the Disneyland Parks & Resort in California.

Lunch at Storytellers Cafe

Storytellers Cafe is a table service restaurant located in Disney's Grand Californian Resort. On my final day in California after my work conference (and without a park pass), I decided to spend some time in Downtown Disney and at the resorts exploring. I'd already had some amazing meals at the Disneyland Hotel restaurants, so I decided to grab a meal at Storytellers Cafe at the Grand Californian. I ate at Storytellers once for dinner back in 2006 and prior to being gluten free, so this was going to be a new experience -- on that I was looking forward to.

Atmosphere

One of the things that I love about Storytellers Cafe is the atmosphere. It reminds me a lot of the area near Artist Point in the Wilderness Lodge at Disney World. The arts & crafts movement of the early 20th century is the theme of the Grand Californian, and you can see it beautifully reflected at Storytellers.From the moment you step into the restaurant, you're greeted with a wonderful theme and story that tells you you're about to enjoy a delicious meal.With the theme of California folklore, you see...well, stories...everywhere. From the lighting to carved benches, the rich history of California is in every detail of Storytellers Cafe.I really wish I would have taken a bit more time to look around the restaurant. The details in it are incredible. From cozy fireplaces to rich dark wooden decor, you feel at home here instantly.One of the first things you'll see too when you arrive is the buffet area of Storytellers. But, fear not. If you don't feel comfortable with the buffet (which is served only at breakfast and dinner), there's an a la carte menu that you can order from too. Lunch is only a la carte, which is when I decided to go. I went near the end of the lunch hour, so it was very quiet in here making for an even cozier meal.

The Food

Of course, I was excited to try the food at Storytellers Cafe. I remember enjoying my dinner, but I wasn't sure what I could get as a special diets diner. And, as I learned, there were plenty of options.Storytellers Cafe does offer an allergy-friendly lunch menu, but of course, you can always speak to a chef if you have questions or wish to discuss any part of your meal.Before my lunch arrived, I was given some allergy-friendly bread. At first I thought it might be Udi's Gluten Free Pizza Crust, which is both gluten free and dairy free, but I believe it was actually Deanna's Gluten Free pizza crust, which is also gluten free and dairy free. This was well heated and quite tasty as a bread service. I do wish they offered Earth Balance vegan buttery spread, but alas no non-dairy butter options exist at Disneyland as of this post.I didn't order any other appetizer, but I have to admit, I sort of wish I would have ordered the Grand Californian Roll which had Salmon-Bacon Salad, Avocado, Cucumber, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Green Onions, Wasabi, and Ginger and was listed as both gluten free and dairy free. Next time I go, if it's on the menu still, I will have to order it!For my entree, I ordered the Turkey Clubhouse Sandwich served on Allergy-Friendly Bread with Bacon, crushed Avocado, Mayonnaise, Lettuce, and Tomato It is listed as gluten free, egg free, fish/shellfish free, milk free, peanut/tree nut free, and soy free. If you have an egg allergy, I would double-check this, as both Udi's and Deanna's Gluten Free pizza crusts contain egg in them.Overall, I absolutely enjoyed this lunch entree. Was it anything super special? No. Was it delicious and a solid lunch option. Absolutely.The turkey was a nice hand carved turkey breast, and I love the nice thick cut bacon, crushed avocado, and mayonnaise. Plus, the sandwich was served on the same flatbread I had as an appetizer. Super delicious. On top of this, I had some expertly fried French fries that were out of this world good.

Overall

I have to admit that Storytellers Cafe was a surprise hit with me. I expected an OK meal, and what I got was a delicious meal option at a restaurant that has a fairly extensive amount of gluten free options. I even loved how many flatbread options were available too. The next time we go to Disneyland, Storytellers is on my list. I'd love to go there for their character breakfast too!Have you been to Storytellers Cafe? What did you think of the options there? 

Carnation Cafe -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- Disneyland

*This dining experience took place in October 2017 at the Disneyland Parks & Resort in California.

Breakfast at Carnation Cafe

There's nothing more magical than dining on Main Street U.S.A. Carnation Cafe, a table service restaurant in Disneyland, is hands down one of the best places to enjoy a meal on Main Street with a ton of charm and great food. We recently went to Disneyland for a very quick 3 day trip. And, one of our must-do's was to have breakfast at Carnation Cafe. I hadn't been to Disneyland since 2006 (my only previous visit) and Brandon hadn't been since he was a kid, so we were both looking forward to classic Disneyland charm. And, we definitely weren't disappointed when we had breakfast at Carnation Cafe.

Atmosphere

We were lucky enough to be at Disneyland during the Halloween/Fall season, so everything, including Carnation Cafe were decorated for with fall decor. It made it even more memorable, and we loved all the theming.I had previously had breakfast a few times on my trip back in 2006 with my mom. We fell in love with Carnation Cafe, and I'm so glad we got to go back on this trip. From the classic Main Street U.S.A. signs to the restaurant theme, it was a cozy and perfect spot for a breakfast before exploring the park.The Carnation Cafe theme is spread throughout the restaurant, from the wallpaper, to the actual carnations at every single table. We both loved the dark wood interior that really reminded us of the classic Victorian era.In addition to the indoor seating, guests can also enjoy a meal outside too. If you really love people watching, this is the location for you. We liked that we were inside, but close to the outdoor seating, for some added ambiance.Each and every detail in the restaurant was a nod to carnations. Even the menus had carnations on them.

The Food

Of course, one of our favorite things about Carnation Cafe was the food. Carnation Cafe currently is not offering an allergy-friendly breakfast menu, so I don't have an update to the older one, but the chef came and spoke with me, which was great. The chef was super accommodating, and it felt like I was at Disney...just on the other coast. We opted to each get Oscar's Choice, named after Carnation Cafe's famous Chef Oscar (who recently retired) and as added bonus, we ordered a kid's portion of allergy-Mickey waffles.For the Oscar's Choice, this can be made both gluten free and dairy free. I got mine with eggs over-easy, breakfast potatoes, bacon, an allergy-roll, and fresh fruit. The roll was easy to recognize as the Deanna's Gluten Free rolls. It was decently heated and worked well with breakfast. The only bummer was that they do not carry a dairy free butter alternative, so no Earth Balance for me.I did love the crispy bacon (no stringy bacon here) and the fresh fruit. All of this made for a nice touch and a wonderfully hearty breakfast. Both of us really enjoyed this entree, and I wouldn't hesitate to get it again at breakfast. It's a classic, but sometimes a classic is just what you need!I had initially asked if we could order allergy Mickey waffles as a side instead of getting the allergy roll. The chef said they don't do that there, but that the kids portion of the waffles would be a good option. He said that the recipe they use at Carnation Cafe is doctored up a bit, so it's Bob's Red Mill gluten free pancake & waffle mix along with some secret ingredients that he wouldn't share with me. I'm sure it's pixie dust because these tasted incredible!Hands down, these were legit some of the best allergy Mickey waffles I've ever had. They were warm, crispy, and perfectly cooked. I'm not sure what was in them, but they were amazing. Brandon and I each ate one of the waffles, and we both enjoyed them a lot. I gotta admit, I sort of regret not ordering a big plate of them or getting a chance to go back. I know when Alexis from Alexis' Gluten Free Adventures went, she didn't have quite the same experience I did, but I'm hoping this is a trend that these waffles continue to be outstanding because they were amazing when we visited.The kids portion was also pretty decently sized as you can see from the photo. In addition to the two waffles, it came with fresh fruit and a side of breakfast meat. We got sausage on that round, and while it was good, we both preferred the bacon.

Overall

I can't say enough good things about Carnation Cafe. We both agreed that the food, atmosphere, and fact that we got to eat on Main Street U.S.A. made Carnation Cafe one of the best breakfast spots we've been to at any Disney park, even at home in Orlando. I have to admit that I'm just a little jealous that the West Coast has this amazing table service location. We only got to dine there for breakfast, but we both said on our next trip, we have to eat there for another meal too. Until then, I'm going to keep dreaming of my Oscar's Choice breakfast and those amazing allergy Mickey waffles!Have you been to Carnation Cafe at Disneyland? What did you think of the offerings there?

The Wave -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Contemporary Resort

*This dining experience took place in August 2017.

Dinner at The Wave

The Wave, located at Disney's Contemporary Resort, is a table service restaurant that has quickly become one of our favorite hidden gem restaurants on Disney property for breakfast and dinner. We've been several times recently, and on this visit, we stopped by randomly for dinner. One of the things that we like best about the Wave is that you can almost always get a last minute reservation, which is great.

Atmosphere

I wouldn't say that the Wave has the most amazing atmosphere. It does have many visual touches that represent real ocean waves and the concept of sustainability for food. It's not anything fancy, but I do appreciate the little details throughout the restaurant.I recommend checking out my previous review for more photos inside the restaurant.

The Food

One of the things that keeps us coming back to the Wave is the food. Brandon is a huge fan of their steaks, and I appreciate that they have a lot of different gluten free (and even dairy free) options.On this particular visit, we had to wait a bit for our reservation time, as the restaurant was quite busy. So, we made our way to the bar to order an appetizer and drinks. I absolutely love the little touches...including the cute Contemporary swizzle sticks served with every drink.The cheese plate served at the Wave can be made gluten free by omitting bread. We usually get bread on the side for Brandon, when offered, so he can still enjoy it while avoiding cross-contamination. Overall, we enjoy the Wave cheese plates a lot. They do rotate cheeses, and we like the accompaniments that come with the cheese too.Once we were seated in the main dining area, we were greeted by our server Alan. If you go to the Wave for dinner, ask for Allan. He's a rockstar and has been our server on several occasions. He's really awesome and always helps make our meal even better.He did bring me some gluten free & dairy free Ener-G rolls, which I have to say I'm not a huge fan of. I much prefer the Deanna's Gluten Free rolls any day. Unfortunately, the Ener-G rolls get rock hard and inedible pretty quickly. If you're dairy free, make sure to ask for some Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread instead of regular butter.We opted to split the Bacon and Eggs appetizer which is Gluten Free, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Free. It does contain dairy. If you can have dairy, this is a must order. We both loved it and splitting it is a good way to break up all the richness of the dish. The Wave definitely has a winner with this appetizer.For my entree, I ordered the Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Three-Potato and Bacon Hash, Broccolini, and Blackberry-Barbecue Sauce. This is marked Gluten Free, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Free. It does contain dairy. Overall, I really liked the dish. I think I preferred their previous pork dish, but this was quite nice too. The winner was the three-potato bacon hash. But, the pork was really well cooked and super flavorful. I would definitely get this again.

Overall

The Wave is a consistent and inviting hidden gem of a restaurant on Disney property. It's great for a nice relaxing meal that's a bit off the beaten path. If you're staying at the Contemporary Resort or need a break while at the Magic Kingdom, dinner or even brunch at the Wave is a great choice.Have you been to the Wave? What did you order when you went there?

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

*This dining experience took place in July 2017.

Dinner at Raglan Road Irish Pub

Raglan Road Irish Pub is one of my favorite long-time staples at Disney Springs. This table service restaurant is a rollicking good time -- with live music and entertainment daily, plus amazing gluten free and dairy free food options. We go here pretty regularly, and it's a restaurant we're always sharing with friends who have never been before. That's exactly what we did on this recent visit, when we met up with friends who had never been to Raglan Road before. It was the perfect way to have a great time and enjoy traditional Irish food.

Atmosphere

One of the things I love most about Raglan Road is the live entertainment. During brunch and dinner hours, you will find live Irish bands playing.On this visit, we were seated in the main dining area near the stage. As a warning, it can get pretty loud when the bands are playing, so if you're not up for as much noise, I recommend asking a server to be seated in another area.In addition to the live music, Raglan Road also features traditional Irish step dancers. It's pretty impressive, and I never get tired of watching these entertainers show off their dancing skills.

The Food

But, for us, the food is the best part of the experience at Raglan Road. One of the things I appreciate most is that Chef Kevin Dundon and his team are extremely special diets aware -- and particularly celiac disease. Ireland has an extremely high amount of people with celiac disease, so Chef Kevin's experience in Ireland and his work with their Celiac Disease organizations really hits home when you dine here.On this visit, I ordered the Burger ‘R’ Way made with chargrilled sirloin beef burger with bacon, tomato chutney & Dubliner cheddar. This is gluten free and can be made dairy free by omitting the cheese. The burger is served on a gluten free (and dairy free) bun and served with a side of lightly dressed coleslaw. This is always a solid burger option and nice for something simple. Unlike the tomato jam I had at Territory Lounge, this one is done right and really goes well with the burger.Because I've reintroduced dairy back into my diet, I also ordered a side of their Garlic & Parmesan Truffle Chips which can be made gluten free. You can also get the burger with regular chips (aka fries) that are both gluten free and dairy free.If a burger isn't your speed, I always highly recommend the gluten free and dairy free Fish & Chips made in a dedicated fryer and served at Raglan Road. They are SO good!

Overall

Raglan Road Irish Pub is consistently one of the best restaurants in Disney Springs. With plenty of gluten free (and even dairy free) options to choose from and great entertainment, it's always a winner in my book. We love going here and enjoying a meal or a brunch whenever we can.Have you been to Raglan Road Irish Pub? What have you ordered when you dined there?

Nomad Lounge -- Appetizers -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom

*This dining experience took place in September 2017.

Appetizers at the Nomad Lounge

The Nomad Lounge, at Disney's Animal Kingdom, has quickly become one of our favorite lounges on Disney property. With lovely theming and a calm atmosphere, we've enjoyed resting and relaxing here on previous visits. We recently stopped by here for drinks and appetizers on a whim before heading to Pandora before the Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic event at the Animal Kingdom. We had originally planned to get dinner at Satu'li Canteen, but something about the Nomad Lounge drew us in that night.

Atmosphere

One of the reasons that we love the Nomad Lounge is the atmosphere. It's not too bright, and the decor is comfortable and makes you feel instantly relaxed.I love seeing the flags that decorate the restaurant encouraging the discovery of travel and adventure.On this visit, we decided to sit outside in a far corner with views of the water. It was quiet and calm, and the perfect way to enjoy a few drinks and food. Hurricane Irma had recently just hit, and we arrived just around sunset, so the outdoor seating wasn't as put together feeling as it normally does, but it was still very tranquil.

The Food

On this visit, we decided to try out more of the food options. But, first, drinks!I always get sparkling water with lime at the Nomad Lounge. I'm a huge fan of sparkling water, and as an added perk, it's complimentary at the Nomad Lounge. That rarely happens, so I'll take free sparkling water when I can. I also ordered a gin & tonic with lime which is fresh and inviting.While we enjoyed drinks, I had the chance to speak with a chef. The Nomad Lounge does not currently carry an allergy-friendly menu, so be sure to ask to speak with a chef. My server tried to tell me what was safe, but I felt safer speaking with a chef.Because I've reintroduced dairy back into my diet in limited forms, we did order the Nomad Lounge cheese plate. it's a must-do for us and always so good. This can easily be made gluten free by removing the bread component, which is great. I think I liked the previous cheese plate offerings from the Nomad Lounge (they do rotate cheeses), but this was also quite good. Plus, I love the accompaniments.For something more substantial, I ordered the Florida Lionfish Tacos. These were both gluten free and dairy free. If you've never heard of Lionfish, it's an invasive fish species, that is not so great in the ocean, but great to eat. It's a bit like whitefish such as cod, so it's tender and flaky and delicious.My tacos were served on homemade corn tortillas and charred pineapple and jalapeno. They were quite flavorful and fairly mild -- though I got a few bites of jalapeno in it here and there that were spicy. I would have liked to have seen a spicy mayonnaise or something to offset some of the dryness, but overall, I would get this again.It was a small portion, though, so keep that in mind if you're a big eater or on the hungrier side.But the shining star of our meal was dessert. The Nomad Lounge currently offers gluten free churros. Yes, you read that correctly, churros. They are gluten free, but they do contain dairy, as they are made with the cup4cup flour blend that contains milk. They are made in a dedicated gluten free fryer.Can I just say wow?!If you've ever dreamed of having a gluten free Disney churro, this fits the bill nicely. It's maybe not quite as crispy as a regular churro (from what I remember from my pre-celiac days), but it's still pretty amazing. Crispy on the outside, sugary without being too sweet, and a little spongy on the inside -- these are the stuff Disney magic and pixie dust is made of.The churros come with a chili strawberry sauce and a vanilla crema sauce. I didn't try the vanilla crema sauce, but I did try the strawberry sauce. It was good, but I think the churros are best eaten solo without a sauce, but it's amazing that there are even sauce options.

Overall

The Nomad Lounge continues to impress as one of the best chill and low-key lounges on Disney property. I love the atmosphere, and the fact that the food is very gluten free friendly. Plus, add to it that they have gluten free churros. Well, there's just nothing better. If you can have dairy, the churros here are a must order and the perfect snack for an afternoon or late evening in the Animal Kingdom. Plus, the other food is really great too. But, let's face it, it really is all about the churros! To read more about the Nomad Lounge's gluten free offerings, check out Alexis' Gluten Free Adventures blog for her review for even more info.Have you been to the Nomad Lounge? What have you ordered when you've dined here?

Territory Lounge -- Dinner -- Wilderness Lodge Resort

*This dining experience took place in August 2017. 

Dinner at Territory Lounge

Territory Lounge, located at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort, is a charming and cozy lounge area with drinks and limited food options. Brandon and I stopped by here recently for a late evening nightcap and a bite to eat after a movie at Disney Springs. We hadn't been to Territory Lounge in a while, and I'd never tried any of the food offerings there, so with that in mind, we decided to check things out.

Atmosphere

The Wilderness Lodge Resort is one of my all-time favorite resorts at Disney. I just love the rustic theme. It always feels like you're in the Pacific Northwest and far away from the palm trees and humidity of Florida -- so it's a welcome place to visit and even chill and relax when you need a break from the parks.The Territory Lounge has always been a favorite Disney bar/lounge for me because of how dark and cozy it is. It just feels like a good place to sit with a drink, chat with friends, and relax.Unfortunately, on this visit, we noticed one major change. The lighting.It was super bright and almost a bit jarring when we walked in. We asked a server about the lighting, and said that they recently had to increase the lighting for security reasons. This seems slightly odd given that there are plenty of other dark-ish locations on property, but I suppose it's up to the resort whether they want to keep the lighting more brightly lit or not.I kind of hope they go back to the dimmer lighting, but for now...it's bright.Territory Lounge does have lots of artwork in it, and I love the mural of a map on the ceiling. It's all very cozy, and you feel like a roaring fire should be going while you enjoy a good drink.

The Food

Having only ever dined at Territory Lounge for drinks before, we were curious about the food. Unfortunately, we arrived a bit too late in the evening, as Artist Point had just closed. And, certain dishes are only served during Artist Point's business hours.As we mulled over the options, we did get some drinks. One of my favorite things about Territory Lounge are the drink swizzle sticks. Check out the adorable Wilderness Lodge branded ones. They make terrific (and free!) souvenirs for trip. I have a nice little collection of Disney themed swizzle sticks at home, so I can have a bit of Disney with me when I make drinks at home.Brandon ordered the Poutine, a classic dish of fries, cheese curds, and gravy. Unfortunately, they were not gluten free. They looked amazing though, and I totally wish I could have ordered them.I didn't have a lot of options available since Artist Point was closed, so I ended up getting the Gourmet Burger with Land Lettuce, Tomato, House Pickles, Truffle Fries, and Aïoli. This dish is served on a gluten free bun and can be made dairy free by omitting cheese.First up, the good part of this dish. The truffle fries and aioli (aka mayonnaise). Holy moly. These were outstanding. Truly delicious and amazing. Dipping the fries in the aioli was the perfect combination, and I never turn down a delicious plate of fries smothered in truffle oil. So good. I would hands down order these again, and honestly, probably just ask for a side of these if I needed a snack.The bad part of the dish was the burger. It was, unfortunately, a bit of a disaster. It's not often that I have a truly terrible dish at Disney, but this one was pretty bad. The bun was poorly heated and very crumbly. But, the real bummer was the burger itself which was super dry, bland, and very overcooked (I ordered it medium).Worst of all was the condiment on the burger. It didn't note that it had any sauce on it on the menu. But, it came with this dreadful, almost marinara-like sauce. It was not quite marinara and not quite a tomato jam. It was sweet but odd tasting, and just not good. As a self-proclaimed condiment queen, I almost never dislike a condiment, but this one was just terrible.While I would hands down order the fries again, I would not get the burger again, unless it was radically changed. One thing we learned from this visit. Stick to the appetizer basics and staples and go someplace else for a more substantial and flavorful meal, like Geyser Point Bar & Grill at the Wilderness Lodge DVC villas.

Overall

While I adore the theming of Territory Lounge, this visit had some major bummers -- including the bright lighting and not so great burger. This used to be such a favorite spot for me, that it makes it even more of a bummer. We'll probably be skipping this lounge for a while and stick with some of our favorites like the Wave or Hangar Bar -- both of which have better lighting, atmosphere, and food.Have you been to Territory Lounge? What did you get when you dined here?

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

*This dining experience took place in July 2017.

Dinner at Turf Club Bar & Grill

The Turf Club Bar & Grill, located at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, is a table service restaurant that I often forget about. Since it's a bit off the beaten path, it's been a while since I've dined there. Recently, we had dinner there when we found out that Disney was offering 30% off to annual passholders during certain dinner seatings. It was the perfect opportunity to try it out again after a few years.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere in the Turf Club is pretty basic. The interior is dark and very cozy, but I don't find the overall theme to be very interesting or unique. It's nice but simple.The exterior of the restaurant is more or less the same. A bit generic. Though, I will say the outdoor seating area is nice if you can dine here during cooler weather.

The Food

On a previous visit, I had a really nice meal, so I was looking forward to something equally tasty on this visit. Turf Club Bar & Grill does have an allergy-friendly dinner menu, but of course, you can always ask to speak with a chef too. On this visit, I decided to order from the allergy-friendly menu, since I've reintroduced some dairy back into my diet.First up, I was served Deanna's Gluten Free brand rolls. These are my favorite gluten free and dairy free rolls on Disney property, so I was happy to be served these along with some Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread.For my entree, I got the Grilled Verlasso Salmon with Carrot Purée, crispy Bacon, Fingerling Potatoes, Asparagus, and Cucumber Salad. This is marked Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Free on the menu. It does contain dairy in the carrot puree and cucumber salad.Overall, I thought this was a good dish, but not a great dish. I really disliked the cucumber salad, which seemed completely out of place with the rest of the dish. The carrot puree was super delicious, and I enjoyed the potatoes and asparagus. The fish was well-cooked, but it wasn't the best salmon I've ever had. To me, the biggest issue was the imbalance of flavors. They were all good, but they didn't seem to fit well together.I would probably skip this one next time and look for something else that seemed to be a bit more cohesive of a dish. Still, it wasn't terrible. It was just OK.

Overall

Turf Club Bar & Grill has a nice allergy-friendly menu and dinner offerings that are basic, but I wouldn't say amazing -- at least not on this visit. My previous visit a few years ago was much better, but it may have just been the particular dish I chose. I don't think we'd go back there again anytime soon, but it was nice as an another quieter table service option and good for those who are staying at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.Have you been to Turf Club Bar & Grill? What did you think of their special diets offerings?

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

*This dining experience took place in September 2017.

Dinner at Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar at Disney Springs is a favorite spot for me and Brandon. We love going there and getting a few drinks and just chilling. It's been a while since we've gone and had a meal there, so we were glad to make a visit recently the night before Hurricane Irma hit. Disney Springs was slated to close at 9 p.m. that evening, and most restaurants had already stopped seating guests when we got there around 6:45 p.m., so we knew the place to go. Hangar Bar. I can't tell you how grateful we were to have a decent meal before the next few days of the hurricane passed, and we were extremely thankful for each and every cast member who worked that night to feed guests.

Atmosphere

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar is one of the best themed restaurants on Disney property. If you love Indiana Jones or even just adventure, you will love the Hangar Bar.Typically, we like to sit inside the restaurant. But, when we visited, we opted to sit outside. With the impending hurricane on its way, there was a nice breeze, and the seating outside was fairly empty. We love that even on the outside the theming is just as detailed and well done.One of my favorite details are the coasters. If you visit the Hangar Bar, ask your server for a few. They have a bunch of different options, including the one above -- a nod to Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull and even one for Club Obi-Wan -- from Temple of Doom (and a Star Wars nod). They make for a great free souvenir too!Sitting outside, you get a great view of the Disney Springs resort area. Even before a hurricane and bad weather, you can see just how lovely the view is.

The Food

I've had a lot of people ask me if the food at the Hangar Bar is good for special diets guests. The short answer. Absolutely. That's because at the helm of the restaurant is Chef Paul. If you've been following my blog for a while, you'll recognize him as a chef who used to be at Port Orleans Resorts. He's really great at handling special dietary needs guests, so be sure to ask for him if you visit!Before we ordered our food, we also had a few drinks. Because when a hurricane is about to hit your state, you need a drink or two.Brandon and I both ordered the Temple Tenderloin which is a beef sandwich served with chimichurri bacon fries. The dish can be made both gluten free and dairy free. I had first heard about this dish from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures and kept meaning to order it, so I was glad we did on this occasion.I have to say that both of us thought this sandwich was a real winner. For the price, the portion was huge, and the flavor was jam packed. The beef was tender and flavorful served on a Local Oven gluten free & dairy free bun. The sandwich also came with a side of au jus which was safe for me to eat and really gave the sandwich a bit of a flavor punch.The fries though were the absolute star of this dish. Both Brandon and I were raving about them. The chimichurri sauce was super flavorful and they were really well cooked. We both said we'd go and order just a side of these next time!

Overall

As always, Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar is the perfect spot to get a drink and a bite to eat. Chef Paul and the team at the Hangar Bar do a great job at making quality food and drinks that can be accommodated for special diets. It really is one of my favorite places at Disney Springs and I think will continue to be for years to come.Have you been to the Hangar Bar? What do you order when you visit there?

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

*This dining experience took place in September 2017.

Lunch at Cookes of Dublin

Cookes of Dublin is one of my go-to quick service restaurants in Disney Springs. I absolutely adore their gluten free and dairy free fish & chips and easy take-away options. Recently, I stopped by Cookes of Dublin for a quick lunch. It was the day after Hurricane Irma hit the Orlando area, and after being cooped up in my apartment for several days and without a hot meal just about as many, I needed to get out of the house for a bit once it was safe. Disney Springs seemed like a great option for lunch, and Cookes of Dublin immediately was at the top of my list for something safe to eat.Thankfully, even with the hurricane impact, Cookes of Dublin was open, and though they had some limited options, the team was amazing at preparing even gluten free and dairy free meals early on in the day.

Atmosphere

Cookes of Dublin is a no-frills themed restaurant. But, that's what makes it charming. It's basic, but is very reminiscent of the take-away restaurants and pubs you'd see in Ireland.Cookes of Dublin is located next to Raglan Road, and it's homey and charming atmosphere do make it a welcome sight when you cross the Disney Springs.Over the years, Cookes of Dublin has greatly reduced its menu. I have to admit that's a bummer. As you can see from the newest menu photo, they have fish & chips, a battered burger, chicken sandwich, and even a peanut butter cookie that can be made gluten free (and most of the fried items are dairy free too).Seating in the restaurant is fairly tight. I have to say that I was lucky that I got there when they opened, and it was very quiet. But, it didn't take long for the restaurant to fill up.I chose a little tucked away corner, and I took my Cookes of Dublin order number with me. If you're a Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy fan, you'll recognize this number (it is after all the meaning of life, the universe, and everything). I have to admit that it was a bit of a bright spot after the craziness of the Hurricane...

The Food

My favorite thing though about Cookes of Dublin is the food. I dearly miss the battered shrimp & chips, but the fish & chips here are always a solid option.I was served the Fish & Chips which is both gluten free and dairy free -- made in a dedicated fryer. Along with my fish & chips, I also got the tartar sauce and Dalkey Mustard -- both of which are also gluten free and dairy free. Cocktail sauce is another GFDF sauce here, but they were out of it when dined there.Really, you just can't go wrong with gluten free deep fried fish and chips. My only complaint ever with both Cookes of Dublin and Raglan Road fried foods is that they are under-salted. But, that's easily remedied by a bit of salt immediately upon getting your order. I always do, and that works perfectly.On this occasion, they actually over-fried the fish a bit, but it was still good. I like my steak fries (which is what is served at Cookes of Dublin) overcooked, so I was pretty excited when they arrived extra crispy. Dip both the fish and chips into the tartar sauce and Dalkey mustard, and you have a real winner on your hands.

Overall

Cookes of Dublin continues to be a solid gluten free and dairy free quick service meal for me whenever I visit Disney Springs. I do miss their extended menu, but I'm so grateful that they still have plenty of gluten free and dairy free options to choose from. Second to the fish & chips is the Battered Burger. It sounds kind of gross, but it's super delicious. I also have to say a major shoutout to the Cookes of Dublin team for being at Disney Springs bright and early the day after a major hurricane and providing safe and delicious options to special diets guests.Have you been to Cookes of Dublin? What do you order when you dine there?

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

*This dining experience took place in August 2017.

Dinner at Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory

Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory, located at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter, is one of my favorite quick service resort restaurants on Disney property. Serving up gluten free, dairy free, and vegan beignets along with great New Orleans inspired food, what's not to love? Plus, Chef Tony and his team are really amazing at accommodating guests with special dietary needs that are delicious and don't make you feel like you're missing out on New Orleans flavors. So, it's a definite favorite with my family. Recently, we stopped by for dinner because Brandon and I didn't feel like cooking one night. Plus, we hadn't actually tried some of Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory's dinner offerings which include steak and custom rice bowls.

Atmosphere

One of the things I love about Port Orleans resort is the atmosphere, and that extends into Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory. Recently Sassagoula was renovated and includes a lot of subtle nods and touches that highlight Mardi Gras parades.From the moment you walk in, you'll notice lighting that resemble Mardi Gras beads to a drink station that looks like a Mardi Gras float.The interior seating areas are warm and homey, and I really like the hightop tables and bench seating for different seating styles and options.

The Food

But, for me, the real reason to visit Sassagoula is the food. I'd heard so many good things about the new menu changes from Alexis at Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures and others, so I knew I needed to visit at dinnertime. I opted for the custom rice bowls. The Create Your Own Rice Bowls are only available from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly, so if you want a rice bowl, go at dinner.I got the Pulled Pork Bowl with Black Beans and White Rice. This dish was both gluten free and dairy free. All of the meats (which include Pulled Pork, Catfish and Shrimp) are gluten free and both the catfish and shrimp can be served dairy free too upon request. You'll want to check with a chef about the rice options and dairy.I have to say that this dish was super flavorful -- more than I expected to be honest. The pulled pork was a bit spicy, which balanced well with the white rice and black beans. And the fresh salsa on top was an added bonus that gave the dish a lot of flavor. Of course, now that I've had one version of the bowls, I want to try others. The shrimp and catfish sound delicious too!Now, you know I can't leave Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory without getting the Beignets. The beignets are gluten free, dairy free, vegan, egg free, and soy free. These deep fried gems are worth of trip if you ask me. They are a little more dense than gluten-filled beignet, but I truly love these. They are like donuts but better! Plus, they're deep-fried and covered in powdered sugar which is just about all I need to make me a happy.

Overall

Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory continues to be a favorite of mine. The food is great and the chefs there really go above and beyond to help out guests with special diets. It's a place I go to again and again, and I'm so glad I finally made it to check out the new dinner menu. It's on my list of dinner places to go back to again soon.Have you been to Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory? What have you ordered when you dined here?