Boma: Flavors of Africa -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge

*This dining experience took place in December 2017.

Breakfast at Boma

Boma: Flavors of Africa is one of my favorite table service restaurants on Disney property. And, their all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet breakfast is one of my favorites too. As you'll learn in this review, even though it's a buffet, there are plenty of safe options to enjoy with special dietary needs. So, much so that I always end up beyond full by the end of my meal. Recently, my family and I went to Boma for breakfast during the holidays.

Atmosphere

I love everything about Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. And, the inside of Boma is no exception. The word boma means enclosure. And, the restaurant reflects this theme with lots of thatched roofing and coverings.I also love the dark wooden tables and chairs that make you feel super cozy and comfortable during your meal.

The Food

But, my favorite part about Boma is the food. Because it's a buffet style restaurant, you might be wondering how safe it is to eat there. Luckily, the chefs at Boma are fantastic and will work with you to not only show you safe items on the buffet but also make you food in the kitchen, to avoid cross-contamination.When you arrive at your table, you will be presented with a breakfast allergen guide. This guide tells you what allergens are contained in the dishes typically served on the buffet. But, don't be discouraged by this list. My recommendation is to always ask for a chef to discuss additional options, as there are many dishes that can be easily modified or prepared in the back in the kitchen. If you go to Boma for breakfast chances are Chef Frank will be on duty. If so, you're in luck. He does an excellent job with special dietary needs and always makes sure I get plenty to eat.While waiting for Chef Frank to come to the table, our server brought us Jungle Juice. This juice is a combination of Passion Fruit, Orange, and Guava juices. It's super sweet but super delicious.When Chef Frank came out, we chatted about options that would be safe for me gluten free and dairy free. While you can get custom omelets, Chef Frank said he would make mine in the back. I opted for a custom omelet with ham and onion in it. This is one of my Boma breakfast must-do's and is always really good. You can get just about anything you want in your omelet, so feel free to customize and load up on your favorite meats and veggies.Because I know Boma really well, I did opt to get a few things off the buffet line at the pods where cross-contamination is less of a risk. So, I got grilled asparagus, sausage, bacon, carved ham and carved turkey -- all of which are gluten free and dairy free.If you check out your allergen guide, you'll see that pap (essentially grits) is made with dairy. But, if you speak to a chef, they can actually get you pap from the kitchen that is dairy free. Chef Frank also made me tater tots -- which are one of my favorites at Boma -- and are not listed as safe on the allergen guide due to a shared fryer. This is one of the biggest reasons I ask to speak to a chef. If I hadn't, I might not know these would be an option.And trust me, tater tots are ALWAYS worth asking about.Boma also carries a selection of gluten free and dairy free breakfast pastries that are not on the regular buffet. Chef Frank brought me a Kinnikinnick vanilla glazed donut and Udi's Gluten Free Blueberry Muffin, toasted with Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread. This is one of those tips that Chef Frank turned me onto a while back. And, now I always have to get my Udi's blueberry muffin toasted. So good!I also got a bowl of the hot quinoa with raisins and apples. You can top it with brown sugar. But, be sure to avoid the toasted quinoa that's also a side option, because it is fried in a shared fryer. I wouldn't say the hot quinoa is my favorite breakfast item at Boma. But, I always feel like I should get it to be a little "healthy."One of the best parts about Boma are the allergy-friendly Mickey waffles. These are the stuff dreams are made of. And, the ones at Boma are some of the best at Disney World. These appear to be made currently with a combination of Bob's Red Mill Pancake & Waffle Mix and Namaste Pancake & Waffle Mix and are so good. Super crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they really are my favorite part of any breakfast.Chef Frank is always so great at making suggestions, and the one he suggested a few years ago is a version I still order. I always get allergy-friendly Mickey waffles with 100% pure maple syrup and a side of toasted banana chips and walnuts. I don't know what it is but the combination is SO good.These waffles make for one decadent and sweet way to end your meal at Boma and a must-do on any breakfast trip to this table service restaurant.

Overall

Boma continues to be one of my favorite breakfast spots on Disney property. It may be a little pricey, but it's totally worth it. Not only is the atmosphere great, but the food is outstanding. There are so many gluten free and dairy free options to choose from, that I never worry about going hungry at Boma. Add to that amazing chefs like Chef Frank who really truly work to make sure you have safe and delicious options, well, that truly makes it even more special.Have you been to Boma? What meal do you prefer when you go there?

Backlot Express -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Hollywood Studios

*This dining experience took place in November 2017.

Dinner at Backlot Express

Backlot Express is a quick service restaurant in Hollywood Studios. There's not many great quick service food options in Hollywood Studios these days, with the construction of Star Wars Land. But, Backlot Express is a good go-to spot still if you're looking for a quick bite to eat with special diets friendly options. We recently stopped by Backlot Express for a quick dinner while checking out some of the holiday decorations in the park.

Atmosphere

Backlot Express might not seem like much to look at. But, we actually really love the decor in this quick service restaurant. It's actually supposed to be a working studio lot prop shop. And, you can see these touches when in the seating area of the restaurant.We always grab a spot in one of the back corners of the restaurant. There, you can see lots of signs, props, and hidden details.There's even a giant mural that is supposed to be a matte painting in progress for a movie set backdrop.Overall, the theming is a bit understated. But, if you take the time to look around, there's lots of fun details to check out.

The Food

Of course, the main reason to visit Backlot Express is to get a meal. The restaurant does carry an allergy-friendly lunch and dinner menu. And, if you have questions or concerns, you can always ask to speak with a manager too. On this visit, we did not consult with a manager, as we knew we wanted the allergy-friendly chicken tenders.The allergy-friendly chicken tenders served at Backlot Express are gluten free, dairy free, egg free, peanut/tree nut free, and fish/shellfish free. They took about 8-10 minutes to make. And,They are also made in a dedicated fryer. The manager brought me my chicken tenders, and typically, your chicken tenders will come on a different color tray than those for regular orders.As always, the allergy-friendly chicken tenders never disappoint. They were nice and crispy. And, the French fries were also pretty good. In fact, on this visit, Brandon ordered regular (non-gluten free) chicken tenders and proclaimed that the allergy-friendly chicken tenders are by far and away better. Pretty high praise from someone who doesn't have to eat gluten free. He actually said he would prefer to order the allergy-friendly chicken tenders from now on since he likes them better.

Overall

Backlot Express is a no frills quick service restaurant, with a pleasant atmosphere, ample seating, and several special diets options. We almost always get allergy-friendly chicken tenders here. But, they do offer burgers and salads too. It's a nice spot to get a quick service meal when you're in Hollywood Studios.Have you been to Backlot Express? What did you think of the options there?

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

*This dining experience took place in December 2017.

Dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe

Whispering Canyon Cafe is a table service restaurant located at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort that is known for good food and fun hijinks. If you enjoy the charm of 50's Prime Time Cafe's servers, you'll love Whispering Canyon Cafe where if you ask for ketchup, you're bound to get more than you bargained for. Recently, my family enjoyed a meal here during the holiday season. It's been 2 years since my last dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe, so I was looking forward to a some good BBQ.

Atmosphere

Whispering Canyon Cafe definitely has a rustic charm to it. Unlike the rest of the lodge and restaurants, like Artist Point, Whispering Canyon Cafe features bright colors in its decor.From the moment you see the sign, you know you're in for a rootin' tootin' good time!We visited during the holiday season. And, one of the things I loved most were the holiday decorations. Even the wreaths had a bit of that rustic decor incorporated into them.As you can see, Whispering Canyon Cafe features chairs and tables with lots of art on them. Watch out for those antics! During your meal, big and little kiddos can take a spin around the restaurant on wooden horses.We loved that the restaurant included some holiday decor to it, which made for an even more festive experience. You'll also notice that there are a lot of big tables in Whispering Canyon Cafe. We definitely noticed a lot of larger parties (including our group) dining there.

The Food

Whispering Canyon Cafe has two claims to fame: The BBQ skillets and the server antics. Usually when you dine here, you are given a card that says you want to either participate in the antics or just watch. We didn't get that option. So, our server was all antics all the time. I definitely don't mind antics, except when special dietary needs are concerned.When I mentioned that I have celiac disease, my server said, "I don't care," and it took me a bit to get her to bring the chef to the table. While I know this was part of the schtick (and even the chef got into the antics), I still was a little off put by that. Usually, the servers break character when it comes to discussing special dietary needs. I've been to Whispering Canyon Cafe enough times that I wasn't too fazed by it. But, I could see how this might be off-putting. So, just be aware that this could happen on your visit. Whispering Canyon Cafe does have an allergy-friendly dinner menu that you can look at too, which helps.Up first, I was brought the Whispering Canyon Cafe allergy-friendly cornbread with Earth Balance vegan buttery spread. The cornbread is made to be gluten free, dairy free, and fairly allergy friendly. And, it's delicious! Made with Namaste Vanilla Cake Mix as the base, if you love a more cake like cornbread with a hint of sweetness, this is your cornbread. My family actually prefers this version too.Don't forget to ask your server for more too, if you only get one piece. I could eat this cornbread just about any day.I ended up getting the All-You-Care-to-Enjoy Skillet meal which also comes with Family-style Mixed Greens tossed in an Apple Vinaigrette Dressing. This dish is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. You can make it dairy free by omitting the cheese in this dish.This was a really nice salad with bright, fresh flavors. The apple slices in it were nice -- though they were a tad grainy. The blue cheese added a nice rich tang to the salad. Overall, I think the salad is really nice both with and without the cheese. And, I really enjoy the fresh fruit in it too.Once we finished with our salad and cornbread, the table was brought out a giant skillet to share. I ended up getting my own skillet on the side, but the main All-You-Care-to-Enjoy Skillet meal is actually safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies, as is. It comes with Slow-smoked Pork Ribs, Barbecued Pulled Pork, Roasted Glazed Chicken, Oak-smoked Beef, and Western-style Sausage served with Seasonal Farm Fresh Vegetables, Mashed Yukon Potatoes, Corn on the Cob, and Cowboy-style Baked Beans.My family loves this skillet and everyone really enjoyed it. Brandon said the mashed potatoes were really delicious too.I didn't want the mashed potatoes for my entree and asked if I could get roasted potatoes (which are gluten free and dairy free) instead. So, I was brought my own mini All-You-Care-to-Enjoy Skillet meal. It came with Slow-smoked Pork Ribs, Barbecued Pulled Pork, Roasted Glazed Chicken, Oak-smoked Beef, and Western-style Sausage served with Seasonal Farm Fresh Vegetables, Roasted Potatoes, Corn on the Cob, and Cowboy-style Baked Beans. This dish is safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Milk, Fish/Shellfish, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies with the potato modification.The is such a hearty meal. I have to say that the oak-smoked beef was probably my favorite of the proteins, then the pulled pork. But, they were all really good. The only thing on the skillet I don't really love are the Baked Beans. They just seem like they should cook a bit longer, and I don't love the BBQ flavor in them all that much. Still, for this meal it's a huge portion with lots of great bold flavors.I was also served a huge plate of roasted potatoes on the side. And, they were delicious. Both Brandon and I ate these and were wowed by the nice roasted flavor on them. I would definitely ask for these again.

Overall

Whispering Canyon Cafe is a fun and charming restaurant to visit. The food is always plentiful and tasty, and the atmosphere makes it even better. If experiencing some hijinks during your meal is not your thing, Whispering Canyon Cafe may not be for you. But, if you don't mind a bit of silly fun throughout your meal, it's a great option for guests who enjoy a good barbecue meal.Have you been to Whispering Canyon Cafe? What did you think of your experience dining there?

Roaring Fork -- Lunch -- Quick Service -- Wilderness Lodge

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

Lunch at Roaring Fork

Roaring Fork, a quick service restaurant located at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort, is a hidden gem of a quick service resort restaurant with lots of rustic charm. I recently stopped by Roaring Fork with my family for a low-key lunch while they were staying at the Wilderness Lodge during the holiday season. I hadn't been to Roaring Fork since they had been closed for refurbishment, so I was looking forward to trying out some of the new menu options.

Atmosphere

One of the things I love most about Roaring Fork is the rustic decor. The decor takes a lot of nods from the overall rustic lodge feel of the resort.Inside, you'll find a lot of grab and go stations, including a prominently featured Snacks with Character display. Snacks with Character is Disney's special diets friendly snack line. And, in Roaring Fork, I saw several options and even some special diets brands like Glutino and Surf Sweets featured.Once you order your food, you'll find yourself in the seating area. It's not super spacious. But, it does provide a nice spot to sit and enjoy a meal. It reminds me of a bit of the cafeterias or mess halls of the camps that I used to work at as a college student.

The Food

Roaring Fork did not have an allergy-friendly lunch and dinner menu when I visited. One of the cast members said this may be because of the recent menu change. But, the good news is that you can speak to a manager or chef to ask about options.Because I've reintroduced dairy back into my diet in limited amounts, I decided to get the Brisket Burger with Tillamook Cheddar Cheese, Cranberry Barbecue Sauce, Cast Iron Onions, and Apple Frisée on a Gluten Free Bun. The cheese and cast iron onions would need to be removed in order to make the dish dairy free. I also got a side of Baked Potato Barrels (aka tater tots) because everything is better with a side of potato barrels.The burger was definitely a huge step up from most of the burgers you find at Disney. The brisket served on top of the burger was tender and super delicious. I also really enjoyed the cranberry barbecue sauce and totally wish I would have ordered a side of it for the potato barrels. The potato barrels themselves were also really delicious -- though maybe not as good as fried ones. Still, it was nice to have a different option.One thing to remember about the potato barrels is that because they are baked you may have to wait a bit longer for your order. Mine took about 20 minutes to get due to the baking time.

Overall

I was pretty pleased with the meal I had at Roaring Fork. The burger was outstanding and the potato barrels made for a perfect side dish. I'd also like to try several of the other dishes, especially the pulled pork sandwich, which I was told could also be made gluten free too. Overall, I thought they had some nice options for a small quick service restaurant. And, I'm looking forward to going back again sometime soon. Between this and Geyser Point Bar & Grill in the new Copper Creek DVC area of the Wilderness Lodge, there are definitely some really nice quick service options at the resort.Have you been to Roaring Fork? What did you order when you dined there? 

Spice Mill -- Lunch -- Quick Service -- SeaWorld Orlando

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

Lunch at Spice Mill

Spice Mill is a quick service restaurant at SeaWorld Orlando. It offers burgers, fries, and salads in a cafeteria-style setting. Whenever we visit SeaWorld, this is usually my go-to spot for a meal since it offers burgers that are both tasty and can be accommodated easily gluten free. Recently, we went to SeaWorld for their holiday festivities and stopped by Spice Mill for a quick lunch.For those who aren't as familiar with SeaWorld's special diets accommodations, they are good but not quite as good as Disney World. One of the things that I like the most is that they have worked with FARE to ensure proper training of staff on how to handle food allergies. They have allergy cards that are provided to guests. And, they even have a designated food allergy dining facility, Sharks Underwater Grill, a table service restaurant with a lot more options for guests with special dietary needs. You can read more about SeaWorld's food allergy and special diets accommodations on their website.

Atmosphere

Spice Mill is designed in a Spanish architecture style. You'll see this reflected on both the inside and outside of the restaurant.One of my favorite things about Spice Mill is the outdoor seating area with really nice views of the water. It's a great spot to sit, especially during the holiday season when you can watch the Sea of Trees decorated with holiday decorations and placed on the water.On this visit, we opted to eat inside which has lots of booths and tables to choose from.

The Food

When we arrived at Spice Mill on this visit, I noticed that the menu had changed quite a bit. I wasn't actually sure if they could accommodate me anymore. So, we went to the cash register and asked for a chef or manager. The chef on hand told me that they could still make me a cheeseburger or hamburger on a gluten free bun and that they still had a dedicated gluten free fryer. She also mentioned that every dining location at SeaWorld is required to have at least one gluten free dish available, which is nice to know.Once I placed my order, the chef went to prepare my food in the back.Because I've reintroduced dairy back into my diet in limited amounts, I decided to get a Cheeseburger with Bacon on a Gluten Free Bun with French Fries. This could be made dairy free by omitting the cheese.Overall, I have to say that the burgers at SeaWorld are actually pretty good. They were thick and have a lot of nice flavor to them. Both Brandon and I thought they were a step up from the standard burgers at Disney World and heads and tails above the ones at Universal Orlando (which we think are the worst of the bunch). The French fries were also really well cooked. And, Brandon liked mine better than his (they looked a bit thicker than the ones he had).

Overall

While I wouldn't say the food options at SeaWorld are super impressive as far as culinary variety goes, their burgers and fries are nice options for a solid and safe meal. I hope to go visit Sharks Underwater Grill someday to see what other options might be available there. I've dined at Seafire Grill there too, and didn't really enjoy my meal there. So, Spice Mill is definitely a good go-to for me.Want to learn more about SeaWorld with special dietary needs? Check out the Gluten Free Options at SeaWorld guide that I have here on the blog.Have you been to SeaWorld Orlando? What dining options did you try when you went there?

Liberty Inn -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Epcot

*This dining experience took place in December 2017.

Dinner at Liberty Inn

Liberty Inn, located in the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot, is a quick service restaurant that offers standard favorites like burgers, fries, and chicken tenders. Owned and operated by Disney (many of the World Showcase restaurants aren't), it's one of my go-to spots when we go to Epcot for a quick service meal. On this occasion, we stopped by for a quick dinner before heading to the DVC Moonlight Magic event in the park that evening.

Atmosphere

Liberty Inn isn't the most themed restaurant in Disney World, but guests will appreciate it's ample seating area and open spaces inside.I do also really like the colonial style theme and decorations inside the restaurant too. On this visit, I didn't get many photos because it was super chilly for Florida (low 40 degrees Fahrenheit), so we were ready to get inside and enjoy a warm meal.

The Food

Liberty Inn does have an allergy-friendly lunch and dinner menu. You can order with a cashier from this menu, or you can request to speak to a manager about options. On this visit, I chose to order without consulting with a manager, since I wanted to get allergy-friendly chicken tenders. These are pretty standard and are both gluten free and dairy free.The allergy-friendly chicken tenders with French fries are a great gluten free and dairy free choice. Made in a dedicated fryer and prepared by the manager, they make for a safe option that almost anyone will enjoy. In fact, Brandon prefers the allergy-friendly chicken tenders over the regular gluten-filled ones on property, which is a pretty big testament to how good they are.Liberty Inn also always gives such a large portion. I had 5 large pieces of chicken tenders and a generous portion of fries too. Overall, it was a super solid meal and one that really hit the spot on a cold evening.

Overall

Liberty Inn is always a great option for quick service in Epcot. They do a great job at providing a lot of different options. And, they even have the new Beyond Burger for those who are vegan and looking for a vegan and gluten free option. So, it's fair to say that Liberty Inn really has something that can accommodate a lot of special dietary needs. Of course, I almost always get the allergy-friendly chicken tenders here. But, it's great to have options, when I want them. Want to read more about the Beyond Burger? Check out Vegan Disney World's review of it at Liberty Inn.Have you been to Liberty Inn? What do you like to order when you dine there?

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?