The Mara Dinner Review
*This gluten free dining experience took place in October 2018. It includes information about dairy free options.
Dinner at The Mara
The Mara, located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House, is a restaurant that serves classic quick service-style fare along with African inspired meals. Although I have not been to The Mara in a while, I always appreciate the options and flexibility that the chefs there provide guests. On this visit, we decided to stop by in the evening after work for a quick meal. We were getting ready to leave on a Disney Cruise soon, so neither Brandon or I were feeling like cooking as we got ready for vacation.
Atmosphere
The Mara is named for a river flowing through Kenya and Tanzania. And, it's theming reflects an African savannah. You'll see lots of light fixtures and beams that are made to resemble trees and leaves.
The Mara Restaurant Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
In the ample seating area, you'll also find a lot of gorgeous murals surrounding the restaurant's exterior walls that features various African animals.
The Mara Mural / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I have to admit that I'm always charmed by the artwork on these walls. And, with that in mind, I usually find a seat against the walls so I can look at the artwork more closely.
The Food
Like most Disney owned restaurants, The Mara has an allergy-friendly lunch and dinner menu. When you arrive at The Mara, ask for the allergy-friendly menu and to speak with a chef or manager. They will take your order and help ensure whatever you get is both safe and delicious.On this visit, both Brandon and I were craving allergy-friendly chicken tenders, so we both ordered those. If you're both gluten free and dairy free, you can also find the following listed on the allergy-friendly menu as safe options:
Black Angus Burger served with French Fries
African Potjie served with Basmati Rice and Allergy-Friendly Bread
Do ask a chef for additional options, as we saw several menu items that we thought could easily be made gluten free or gluten free and dairy free with slight modifications. So, it's definitely worth asking.
The Mara - Food Pager / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Once we ordered, we were given a pager and told we could find a seat. I would say the overall wait for our chicken tenders was about 10 minutes from ordering to pick-up.
The Mara - Allergy-Friendly Chicken Tenders / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Our Allergy-Friendly Chicken Tenders were served in to-go boxes, which was a nice touch. We did, however, opt to eat in the restaurant since we didn't want our food to get cold. As you can see, the chicken tenders here are still the Ian's brand of allergy-chicken tenders versus the new brand being served at Columbia Harbour House. As always, these were delicious and a great dinner option that we both enjoy.
Zebra Domes Ingredients / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
In addition to the allergy-friendly chicken tenders, the manager encouraged us to try the Gluten Free Zebra Domes. Believe it or not, I had never had these! Since I was dairy free for so many years, they were not an option and also have never appealed to me now that I reintroduced dairy back into my diet. But, we decided to give them a try. As you can see, they do contain egg, soy, and dairy.
Zebra Domes - The Mara / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
With 4 Zebra Domes in a package, I was glad we each had a chance to try these. I found them to be just a little too sweet for my taste, but Brandon loved them. These are definitely one we'd pick up for him anytime we're at The Mara. In fact, we were just talking about getting dinner there again soon, and Brandon mentioned we should get them! So, they definitely are a winner for him.
Overall
The Mara provides several delicious quick service special diets friendly options for guests visiting the resort. I always recommend speaking to a chef about additional options beyond what's listed in the allergy-friendly menu, as I have found them to be an excellent quick service restaurant for customization. Of course, if something simple like allergy-friendly chicken tenders is what you're craving, you can find that at The Mara too.
Have you been to The Mara? What did you order when you dined there?
Cookes of Dublin Dinner Review
*This gluten free dining experience took place in October 2018. It includes information about dairy free options.
Dinner at Cookes of Dublin
Cookes of Dublin is a quick service restaurant located in Disney Springs. It has been a long-time favorite of mine for reasonably priced meals and lots of gluten free (and dairy free) options. Recently, we stopped by Cookes of Dublin for a quick dinner before we saw a movie. We've seen several movies at the AMC Dine-In Theatre there lately, and sometimes getting a quick and affordable meal before the movie is a nice treat.
Atmosphere
Since we recently dined at Cookes of Dublin and wrote a dining review of that visit, I won't go into a lot of detail about atmosphere. I think one of the things that makes Cookes of Dublin charming is that it looks like a proper take-away fish & chips shop.
Cookes of Dublin - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
One note is that we did go on a Friday night, and it was very busy. We found a table but only after waiting a bit for one to open up. As you can see, the restaurant interior is quite narrow and small. There is also seating near the bar outside and in front of the restaurant too. On this visit, every seating area was full.
Cookes of Dublin - Table Marker / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Once we found a spot, I placed my Cookes of Dublin table marker up at my table. This helps identify to the cast members which table an order goes to. I'd still love to see them use electronic table markers like D-Luxe Burger, as I think it would really help the cast members from having to wander around looking for tables a lot -- especially on a busy night.
The Food
On this particular visit, I let the cast member at the register know about my special dietary need. She immediately let me know that they were out of several items and also had some equipment issues so some items would not be an option either. Essentially, I could have gluten free sandwiches & French fries (made in a dedicated fryer) and a modified version of the Hog in a Box entree. With that in mind, I opted for the Grilled Chicken Sandwich.If you’re gluten free and dairy free there are a few of the options currently available if you dine at Cookes of Dublin and are typically available. You can see that list here along with links to reviews I've written about these different options.
Hog in a Box (with quite a few modifications)
Cheeseburger & Chips
Onion Rings
Cookes of Dublin - Chicken Sandwich / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I ordered the Char-grilled Chicken Breast with Herb Aioli, Tomato Chutney, and Greens on a Gluten Free Bun served with French Fries and a side of Dalkey Mustard and Tartar Sauce. I also added bacon and cheese to the sandwich, which was suggested to me by the cast member who took my order. Everything here is gluten free. Both the Dalkey Mustard and Tartar Sauce are also dairy free. But, I believe the herb aioli contains dairy.
While I do tend to order the gluten free & dairy free fish and chips at Cookes of Dublin, it was a nice change of pace to have the chicken sandwich. The flavors were excellent, and I really liked the addition of the bacon and cheese. The tomato chutney on this sandwich isn't my favorite, so I might order it without it the next time. The gluten free bun had some issues holding up well to the herb aioli on the sandwich. So, be warned that this might get a little messy to eat.
The French fries were good, as always, but the stars are really the sauces. I always recommend sauces on the side. Unfortunately, they were out of cocktail sauce on this visit, but the Tartar Sauce and Dalkey Mustard are always very tasty too.
Overall
Cookes of Dublin is a tasty and affordable option if you're dining in Disney Springs. If you're craving gluten free fried foods, you really can't go wrong with the options they serve here too. The sandwiches are also excellent, which means you'll find a good amount of options when you dine at Cookes of Dublin gluten free.
Have you been to Cookes of Dublin? What did you order when you dined there?
Kona Café Dinner Review
*This gluten free dining experience took place in October 2018. It includes notes about dairy free options.
Dinner at Kona Café
Kona Café is a table service restaurant located at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. It used to be one of my all-time favorite restaurants at Disney World for a delicious allergy-friendly breakfast, but I admit that it's slipped off my list the last few years due to menu changes and reduced options. So, it's been a while since I've been to Kona. On this particular occasion, Brandon and I decided to get dinner at Kona Café during a weeknight for a rare mid-week restaurant meal to see how the dinner options were.
Atmosphere
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is hands down one of my favorite resorts on Disney property. I love the island vibe and the charm of the mid-century modern décor. Kona Café is bright and cheerful, though I have to admit I think it could use a bit of a refresh.
Kona Cafe Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Brandon had actually never eaten at Kona Café before -- though we've walked past it a million times -- and his initial reaction was that it seemed like it needed a refurbishment. I can't say that I disagree, as the benches and general seating area fabric has seen a lot of wear and tear.
Kona Cafe Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
As you can see, the décor definitely reflects a bit more of a contemporary (or perhaps a early 2000's) version of Polynesian décor.
Kona Cafe Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
There are lots of bright patterns and quite a few seating areas with fabric benches.
Kona Cafe Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
All in all though, the restaurant is bright and chipper, which I think I prefer more for breakfast versus dinner. Both Brandon and I agreed that the restaurant could benefit from a bit less lighting, as it was very bright inside. I'd love to see this restaurant get a bit more of a mid-century modern refurbishment too!
The Food
Like most restaurants owned and operated by Disney World, Kona Café has an allergy-friendly dinner menu. Guests can also speak to a chef at any time if they have questions or want to discuss options available to them. On this visit, I did not speak with a chef, as I ordered an item on the menu with a slight modification that was easy to make without talking to a chef.
Kona Cafe - Allergy-Friendly Rolls / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
First up, our server brought me some Deanna's Gluten Free rolls which are both gluten free and dairy free. I was impressed that they were well-heated on this visit. I have had hit or miss experiences with these rolls being heated well at the Polynesian Village Resort restaurants. So, I was very happy they were heated properly on this visit.
The only dairy that I had on this visit was the Macadamia Nut Butter that came with my rolls. Kona Café also carries Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread, so be sure to ask if you are dairy free or vegan for this option. I decided to try the Macadamia Nut Butter on this visit, as I have never actually tried it before.
Kona Cafe - Macadamia Nut Butter / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Overall, I thought it was tasty but entirely too sweet for my personal preferences. Next time, I think I would just get the Earth Balance instead. I think this butter would be terrific with gluten free & allergy-friendly Mickey waffles or pancakes though!
Kona Cafe Allergy Friendly Rice Bowl with Chicken / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For my entrée, I ordered the Chicken Asian Stir Fry in an Allergy-Friendly Sauce. This dish normally comes with rice noodles (that are gluten free), but I much prefer rice. When I ordered I asked the server if I could swap noodles for rice, and he said that was not a problem. I've done this pretty much every time I've ordered the stir fry, so it's nice to know it's an easy swap.
The Chicken Asian Stir Fry is listed as safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Tree Nut Allergies. It does contain peanuts in the dish.
This was such a delicious entrée. Brandon ordered the chicken stir fry with noodles and regular soy sauce and also loved his version too. We both thought the portion size was decent for the price and that the flavors were outstanding. This will definitely continue to be my go-to dish at Kona Café for dinner.
Overall
While I wouldn't say that our meal was anything special, we both found the Chicken Stir Fry to be extremely tasty and filling. In looking at the dinner menu at Kona Café, we both agreed that the Chicken Stir Fry is going to be our go-to at this restaurant. Add in some delicious gluten free rolls, and you have a delicious and easy table service meal.
Have you been to Kona Café for dinner? What did you order when you dined there?
Cookes of Dublin Dinner Review
*This gluten free and dairy free dining experience took place in October 2018.
Dinner at Cookes of Dublin
Cookes of Dublin is one of my favorite quick service spots in Disney Springs. Not only is the food reasonably priced, but they also have proper Irish fish & chips that you can get both gluten free and dairy free. Recently, I stopped by Cookes of Dublin for a quick dinner before we saw a movie at the AMC Dine-In Theatre in Disney Springs. We knew we didn't have time for a full table service meal, so Cookes of Dublin it was!
Atmosphere
We were in a bit of a hurry to make sure we got to our movie on-time, so I admit that I really didn't take many photos of the restaurant. You can read a bit more about the restaurant and see a few more photos in my last review here on the blog.
Cookes of Dublin Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
One thing to note is that the restaurant can get very busy, and seating is limited. Luckily, we were able to get one of the high-top tables near the back of the restaurant where we had a little bit more space than the tables and chairs you see in the photo above.
Cookes of Dublin Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
After placing my order, I was given a placard to place on our table with a number to help the cast members identify where to bring food orders. I do kind of wish that they would get the electronic pagers that restaurants like D-Luxe Burger are now using. I think it might help out a lot, as I often see cast members walk around a lot trying to find the right number and table.
The Food
Cookes of Dublin has quite a few gluten free and dairy free options for guests. This includes almost all of the fried food options too. That's because they make a gluten free and dairy free batter that is fried in a dedicated fryer. If you have additional dietary restrictions, do be sure to ask a manager about ingredients to help you decide if this restaurant is right for you. We actually don't go here quite as much anymore because Brandon is allergic to fish and shellfish and can't eat anything in the restaurant due to shared fryers. So, when in doubt, do ask!
If you're gluten free and dairy free here are a few of the options currently available. I'm also linking to the reviews I've written about some of the dishes I've tried.
Fish & Chips
Hog in a Box (with quite a few modifications)
Cheeseburger & Chips
Onion Rings
Cookes of Dublin Gluten Free Fish & Chips / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On this visit, I got the gluten free and dairy free fish & chips with a side of tartar sauce and cocktail sauce. Both of these sauces are gluten free and dairy free too. I also highly recommend the Dalkey Mustard, which is another gluten free and dairy free sauce offered at Cookes of Dublin.
One word of note about any fried foods at Cookes of Dublin. I often find that the fried foods here are very underseasoned. So, if you find them to be bland tasting, do add a bit of salt. That is the very first thing I do before I dig in! It makes all the difference in the world.
On this visit, I found my fish and chips to be good but not great. I think that's because the batter on the fish was actually a little undercooked and gooey in a few spots. I like my fish and chips lightly battered. And, Cookes of Dublin is usually very good at this. This visit it was not. I also had a piece of fish that had a good bit of the bloodline in it, which is not at all tasty. So, I had to cut around a good bit of the fish. I still think this is a solid quick service meal, but this visit, it was not quite as good as it normally is.
Overall
Cookes of Dublin continues to be a great quick service spot, especially if you're craving some gluten free and dairy free fried foods. Next time I go, I think I may try another dish on the menu. It's been a while since I've had the Battered Burger. And, that dish is always a winner. Still, you can't go wrong with classic fish and chips, and I am sure I'll be getting it again sometime soon!
Have you been to Cookes of Dublin? What do you order when you dine there?
The Wave Breakfast Review
*This gluten free dining experience took place in August 2018. Notes about dairy free options and modifications are included in this post.
Breakfast at The Wave
The Wave is a table service restaurant at Disney's Contemporary Resort that serves classic American fare with an emphasis on local and sustainable foods in a relaxed setting. It has quickly become one of our favorite places for a delicious and low-key meal. And, lately, I've been here for breakfast a few times. I recently had breakfast here with my brother before we went to the Magic Kingdom for a hearty breakfast to fuel us for some park touring.
Atmosphere
I've written about the atmosphere at the Wave in a lot of detail in one of my dinner posts. On this visit, I forgot to take a lot of photos because I was all about breakfast. But, as you can see, the restaurant has a large seating area with tables and booths and a strong theme of "waves" throughout.
The Wave - Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
One of the things I like most about the Wave is that the décor is simple, yet reflects its theme well. I love the touches of "waves" even in the chairs.
The Food
The Wave serves both an a la carte breakfast and a breakfast buffet. Guests have the option to choose and are presented with both an a la carte allergy-friendly breakfast menu and a breakfast buffet allergen guide. If you choose the buffet, a chef will walk you through the options if you like and prepare you foods in the kitchen to avoid any potential cross-contamination risks. On this visit, I decided to try the breakfast buffet instead of ordering a la carte.
The Wave - Buffet Plate / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The chef pointed out several dishes that were options for me on the breakfast buffet. And, I did try a few things directly from the buffet. This included fresh fruit salad, cheese and bacon grits, bacon, sausage, and deviled eggs. Of these, the cheese and bacon grits were by far my favorite. These are gluten free but do contain dairy and cannot be modified. The same is true for the deviled eggs, which had some cream cheese type topping on them.
The Wave - Gluten Free Breakfast / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The buffet includes eggs to order, although there are eggs on the buffet. And, I ordered a custom omelet with ham, cheese, and onion. I also asked for a side of gluten free (and dairy free) toast, and breakfast potatoes. The breakfast potatoes served on the buffet were more like a hash brown casserole with lots of dairy in them. I prefer the roasted potatoes that are typically served with allergy-friendly meals which are both gluten free and dairy free. I was able to get those from the kitchen upon request.
The gluten free bread currently being served at the Wave is Ener-G brand bread. I have to admit that it's really grown on me lately, as more and more restaurants are serving it. For those who are dairy free or vegan, you can also order Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread for your toast.
The Wave - Custom Omelet / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The omelet wasn't quite as good as the one I had at the Wave on my last visit for breakfast. But, it was still very tasty. The breakfast potatoes here are always a winner. You can ask for them to be served without the peppers and onions if they bother you, as they are simply topped on the potatoes rather than being cooked with them.
The Wave - Gluten Free Sweet Potato Pancakes / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Probably the biggest reason I decided to get the breakfast buffet on this visit were the gluten free and dairy free Sweet Potato Pancakes. These are a must-do and a signature Wave breakfast item. You do need to ask the chef if they have the right batter available and ready to go as sometimes they do run out. Essentially, they add sweet potato puree to the allergy-friendly pancake and waffle batter. Thankfully, they did have it on this visit, though it took quite a bit of time to get them. Unfortunately, these pancakes are a little tricky to work with, and I found out later that they had to make them 4 times in order to get them to the texture and consistency they wanted! I really appreciated the chef's efforts to make these for me.
One important note about these pancakes. They are a bit mushy. That's partially due to the moisture from the sweet potato. So, if you prefer a pancake that's a bit more classic in texture, you might want to avoid these. I personally love the for something a bit different. But, I wouldn't want them all the time either. Still, topped with some 100% pure maple syrup, and you have a real breakfast winner!
Overall
The Wave continues to be a good go-to restaurant for a solid meal, great special diets offerings, and a low-key atmosphere. When my brother and I went, it was busier than normal. But, it's usually fairly quite, making it a nice place to dine and not feel rushed. Overall, I think I prefer the a la carte breakfast menu options over the buffet as a whole. But, there's lots to enjoy when you dine at the Wave.
Have you been to the Wave? What did you order when you dined there?
The BOATHOUSE Dinner Review
*This gluten free dining experience took place in August 2018. Notes about dairy free options and modifications are included in this post.
Dinner at The BOATHOUSE
The BOATHOUSE, located in Disney Springs, is a table service restaurant that is non-Disney owned and operated. It opened a few years ago in Disney Springs and quickly became a guest favorite for quality food and great atmosphere. We recently stopped by The BOATHOUSE for dinner after seeing a movie at the AMC Dine-In movie theater in Disney Springs. We did not have a reservation. So, we took a gamble trying to get a walk-up. Luckily, they had outdoor seating available for us, which was perfect for a quick and low-key meal.
Atmosphere
The BOATHOUSE is beautiful and chic looking restaurant. With a modern nautical theme, the exterior and the inside reflect those touches.
The Boathouse / Photo taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I love how vast the restaurant is inside. You wouldn't think it from looking at it, but the restaurant is actually quite large. Each room has a slightly different theme/décor that's nautical inspired.
The BOATHOUSE - Table / Photo taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On this visit, we were seated outside. We had never dined outside, so we were curious about the seating and how hot it might given that we dined there in August. Luckily, for us, we were seated near a shaded area of the restaurant with access to fans above us and due to its proximity to the inside dining, we also got lots of air conditioning draft too. This made for a pleasant al fresco dinner, even with the high temperatures.
The BOATHOUSE Outdoor Seating / Photo taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
We also had a lovely view of the boat launches and Saratoga Springs Resort in the distance. We timed it just right with sunset, so we had some great views.
The Food
The BOATHOUSE does not have an allergy-friendly menu. But, a chef will come to the table to speak with you about options. On this visit, the chef gave the rundown of the menu, which has an impressive amount of options that are naturally gluten free or can be easily made gluten free. They can also work with a variety of special dietary needs too. I've been there and ordered things dairy free, as well, and had no issues, which is great.
The BOATHOUSE - Gluten Free Roll / Photo taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The chef did offer to bring me a gluten free bun toasted with some butter since they do not have any other options for bread service. I did nibble on this a bit, but not a lot since I had ordered a burger that also came with a bun. They are currently serving Udi's Gluten Free buns which are gluten free, dairy free, nut free, and soy free. They do not currently have a vegan or dairy free butter alternative.
The BOATHOUSE Pimento Cheese Burger / Photo taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On my last visit, I ordered the Classic Cheeseburger and enjoyed. This time, based on the chef's recommendation, I ordered the BOATHOUSE Barbecue Bacon Burger with Creamy Coleslaw, Smokey BBQ Sauce, Pimento Cheese, and House BBQ Spice Rub. This burger is gluten free, when served on a gluten free bun. It does contain dairy, since I've reintroduced that back into my diet. But, if you're dairy free, there are a variety of sandwiches and burgers you can order without dairy in it or easily removed.
The BOATHOUSE Pimento Cheese Burger / Photo taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Because The BOATHOUSE does not have a dedicated fryer, French Fries are not an option here. I have had different vegetables as sides, with no issues. On this visit, I opted for the Sea Salt Baked Potato. It is served plain and comes with butter and sour cream on the side. If you can't have dairy, this may not be a great option, since they do not carry dairy free or vegan butter alternatives.
I have to say that I was super impressed with this burger. The chef did warn me that the pimento cheese had a bit of a kick, which it did. But, it wasn't so spicy that I couldn't eat it or enjoy it. In fact, the spiciness in the cheese paired really well with the sweetness from the barbecue sauce. The burger itself was very flavorful too. Hands down this is the best burger I've had at The BOATHOUSE, and I would definitely get it again. If you like pimento cheese or just want a burger that's a bit different, this one is for you.
If you're gluten free and dairy free, I highly recommend the classic cheese burger, minus the cheese, if you're craving a burger.
Overall
As always, The BOATHOUSE is a real winner for a delicious meal. While we tend to stick with burgers, sandwiches, and more affordably priced dishes, there are a lot more options to choose from that include fresh seafood and steak. I really appreciate that the chefs always come to your table to discuss options with you when you visit and that they do a great job at accommodating special dietary needs. Plus, the food is just delicious. This is a restaurant we'll definitely keep coming back to again and again.
Have you been to The BOATHOUSE? What did you think of the special dietary needs options?
Liberty Inn Dinner Review
*This gluten free dining experience took place in August 2018. Notes about dairy free options and modifications are included in this post.
Dinner at Liberty Inn
Liberty Inn is a quick service restaurant located in the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot's World Showcase. It's been my go-to spot for allergy-friendly chicken tenders at Epcot for many years now and is always a solid option for a quick lunch or dinner in the park. On this particular occasion, we stopped by Liberty Inn for dinner while attending the Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic event in the park. The event included a complimentary meal for DVC members at several restaurants. Liberty Inn was one of the restaurants listed. So, I knew allergy-friendly chicken tenders were in order.
Atmosphere
We totally forgot to take a lot of photos during dinner this evening, so I'm included a photo from a visit in December. As you can see, Liberty Inn has a colonial theme to it -- though it's not quite as detailed as say Columbia Harbour House in the Magic Kingdom.
Liberty Inn Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
One of the things that threw us on this visit was that it was jam packed. Usually when we go to Liberty Inn it's busy, but not jammed. On this visit, it was the busiest I've seen it in years.
Liberty Inn - Ordering / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
That's probably due to the fact that almost everyone in Liberty Inn was getting their complimentary meal for the DVC Moonlight Magic event before the restaurant closed for the night. So, both Brandon and I were a little worried about ordering allergy-friendly chicken tenders and having to wait a long time.
Liberty Inn - Exterior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On our way out, I did snap a quick pic of the inside of the restaurant. It was still pretty busy in there and seating was at a premium.
The Food
Like most restaurants owned and operated by the Disney Company, Liberty Inn has an allergy-friendly menu. Of course, both Brandon and I knew what we wanted -- the allergy-friendly chicken tenders!
Liberty Inn Allergy Friendly Lunch and Dinner Menu / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Once you place your order, you are asked to go to a counter near the end of the restaurant. From there, a manager will bring you your special diets order. On this visit, I have to admit, we waited longer than usual. But, given how crowded the restaurant was, we were not surprised or that upset by it. Since we were standing away from the main counters, we didn't feel like we were in anyone's way either.
Liberty Inn -- Allergy Friendly Chicken Tenders / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
When the manager brought our allergy-friendly chicken tenders to us, Brandon got so excited. He prefers the current brand of allergy-friendly chicken tenders served on property (Ian's) over the new allergy-friendly chicken tenders that they are testing out at locations like Columbia Harbour House. I really enjoy both. So, any allergy-friendly chicken tender is alright by me!
The Ian's brand allergy-friendly chicken tenders are free of the top common allergens but are often not soy friendly due to the oil used in the allergy fryers. Sometimes you can find them baked at select locations for those who are soy free.
Overall
As always, we both really enjoyed the allergy-friendly chicken tenders. They are always a great go-to when it comes to a quick and filling meal in the parks. We both love them and always look forward to getting them. Liberty Inn continues to be a good go to spot for them too!
Have you been to Liberty Inn? What did you order when you dined there?
Frontera Cocina To Go Counter Review
*This gluten free dining experience took place in August 2018. Notes about dairy free options and modifications are included in this post.
Dinner at Frontera Cocina To Go Counter
Frontera Cocina is a table service restaurant located at Disney Springs. For those guests on-the-go, Frontera Cocina offers a to-go counter for tacos, chips and guacamole, and margaritas. The to-go counter has been one of my favorite spots for a quick dinner when we're at Disney Springs seeing a movie at the AMC theater. On this particular visit, I stopped by before we went to a movie just so I could try one of their newest tacos on the to-go menu -- the Grilled Hatch Green Chile Tacos. I had seen them on Twitter and confirmed with the restaurant that they were gluten free before even heading to the booth.
Atmosphere
As far as atmosphere, there really isn't any at the Frontera Cocina To-Go Counter. It's exactly what you expect from a quick, grab and go spot.
Frontera Cocina To Go Counter / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
One of the biggest challenges of the Frontera Cocina To-Go Counter is that it's pretty hidden. You wouldn't realize there's a counter there, unless you knew about it or noticed the sign. The only thing that I think has helped lately is the addition of some tables for those guests who order to sit at. But, it's still a pretty inconspicuous spot.
The Food
One of the things that I like most about Frontera Cocina, which is not owned and operated by Disney, is that they mark common allergens on their menu. So, if a dish contains gluten or dairy, it will say so on the menu. Of course, I do always recommend that you consult with your server, a manager, or another cast member to confirm that the dish is safe for your special dietary needs. When I got to the to-go counter, I double-checked the sign and with a cast member to confirm that the tacos were gluten free. Thankfully, almost everything at Frontera Cocina is naturally gluten free, which is great.
Green Chile Tacos at Frontera Cocina To Go Counter / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Currently, Frontera Cocina's To-Go Counter offers tacos a la carte. So, you pay per taco. You used to order them in sets of three. But, this changed a while back. On this visit, I ordered the Grilled Hatch Green Chile Chicken Tacos with Grilled Chicken with Hatch Green Chile Crema, Caramelized Onions, Warm Corn Tortillas, and Tomato Cilantro Salsa. The tacos are gluten free but do contain dairy and cannot be modified. They are $3.50 each. So, you can mix and match with other tacos too, if you like.
Overall, I really loved these tacos. They were definitely spicier than I anticipated, but not so spicy that I thought it was overpowering. If you do like a bit of a kick, you will enjoy these tacos. I would definitely get these again too, though I might get one taco and a side of chips and guacamole instead.
For those who are dairy free, the Beef Barbacoa Tacos on the to-go menu may be an option. The last time I visited I got these and were told the only modification to be made dairy free was omitting the cheese. So, it's always worth asking if you're interested in them.
Overall
Frontera Cocina's To-Go Counter is a great spot to grab a quick bite to eat. While, they don't have a huge variety, they do offer several delicious gluten free dishes that you can enjoy and even mix and match depending on your mood. I think the new Grilled Hatch Green Chiles are a fantastic addition to the menu. And, I hope they'll be around for a bit, so I can get them again.
Have you been to Frontera Cocina or it's to-go counter? What did you think of the special diets options?
Ale & Compass Breakfast Review
*This gluten free dining experience took place in September 2018. Notes about dairy free options and modifications are included in this post.
Breakfast at Ale & Compass
Ale & Compass, formerly known as Captain's Grille, is a table service restaurant located at Disney's Yacht Club Resort. Renovated in 2017, it offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual setting. On this particular occasion, I decided to stop by for breakfast before heading to Epcot for the International Food & Wine Festival to check out the gluten free offerings at the festival.
Atmosphere
Ale & Compass has a theme and atmosphere that is modern nautical chic. Everything is fairly simple and elegant.
Ale & Compass - Restaurant Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I do really like the tables and most of the seating -- although I was not as much of a fan of the booths. The booth seating in some areas of the restaurant are quite low and uncomfortable to sit in. The restaurant is also a bit dark inside. My recommendation is to ask for a seat near the exterior windows of the restaurant for a lot more light and brightness.
Ale & Compass - Restaurant Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I was seated near the middle of the restaurant. It wasn't all that busy. But, I did find that table spacing was quite close -- making it a bit more "cozy" when you dine (which can be a good and bad thing).
The Food
Like most Disney restaurants, Ale & Compass does carry an allergy-friendly breakfast menu. When I visited back in July, the menu was fairly large. But, when I stopped by this time, I noticed it had been really reduced. My guess is that they are trying to encourage guests to dine at the breakfast buffet that is newly being offered at Ale & Compass.
Ale & Compass - Menu / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On my last visit, I spoke with a chef about gluten free options and was able to get the Eggs Benedict gluten free. On this visit, I knew I might be eating a lot at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival later in the day, so I decided to just get the American Breakfast which is marked as safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. Interestingly, it does not mention dairy free, as you can easily modify the dish to be dairy free too.
If you are dairy free, I recommend speaking with a chef directly about options. I do know that the American Breakfast, Allergy-Friendly Mickey Waffles, and even a modified version of the Breakfast Protein Bowl can all be made dairy free.
Ale & Compass - Iced Tea / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On a side note, this is the first dining experience I've had since the new "straws only upon request" policy. I have to say that they definitely did not think about the glasses used at Ale & Compass for beverages without straws. I found it actually a bit more difficult than I would have thought without a straw due to the shape of the glass. So, if you think you need a straw, do make sure to ask!
Ale & Compass - American Breakfast / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
My entree, American Breakfast came with Eggs Any-Style (I got them over-easy), breakfast potatoes or fruit (I chose potatoes), bacon, and a grilled tomato. When I asked my server about gluten free toast, he said he could include that in the dish as the regular non-allergy friendly version had a toast option.
Ale & Compass - Allergy Friendly toast / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Overall, I thought this was a perfectly fine breakfast. It wasn't anything fancy. But, all of the flavors tasted good, and everything was well cooked and seasoned. I do like that the breakfast potatoes are a combination of potatoes. The bacon was also very hearty, not the normal stringy bacon that you find so often at Disney restaurants.
For toast, I was served Udi's Gluten Free bread, which is both gluten free and dairy free. I also asked for Earth Balance vegan buttery spread too. There wasn't anything to write home about this -- though I was surprised they only gave me one slice of bread for my entree, instead of two. Typically, Disney does serve two pieces of special diets friendly bread with breakfast entrees.
Overall
Ale & Compass serves a solid, but just OK breakfast. The different breakfast entrees I have tried haven't been anything to write home about. But, they definitely were filling. Probably the biggest negative of breakfast at Ale & Compass is their limited a la carte menu. While I haven't tried the breakfast buffet yet, I'm guessing that it is pretty similar in options that you can find on the a la carte menu. Ale & Compass is the only non-character breakfast at the Epcot area resorts. While it may not be anything special, it's definitely a great option for those who want a low-key and quiet breakfast to start the day.
Have you been to Ale & Compass? What did you think of the breakfast options?
Sanaa Dinner Review
*This gluten free dining experience took place in August 2018. Notes about dairy free options and modifications are included in this post.
Dinner at Sanaa
Sanaa, located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village, has long been one of my favorite table service restaurants to dine at. While it used to be a bit of a hidden gem of a restaurant on property, word has gotten out and Sanaa is now an extremely popular dining location known for its delicious and unique food options and theming. Recently, we dined at Sanaa with friends who were visiting from out of town. They also have special dietary needs, so we're sharing some of the dishes that we ordered and they ordered on this visit.
Atmosphere
When it comes to atmosphere and theming, Sanaa is simply one of the best themed restaurants at Disney World. Inspired by the flavors of Africa and India, you'll find touches of this theme throughout the restaurant.
Sanaa Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Sanaa also means "Work of Art," in Swahili, and you'll find this restaurant a true work of art in its food and decor.
Sanaa - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I love that it feels like you are dining al fresco under the trees. You'll notice that posts and light fixtures help reflect that theme.
Sanaa - Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The restaurant also has ample window seating, perfect for gazing out onto the Savannah where Sanaa is set. We had dinner in the late evening. So, unfortunately, we did not get a good view of the animals out on the Savannah that night.
If you're looking for a good time to view animals, we absolutely love the morning time when Sanaa offers a quick service breakfast. The views are stunning, and it's a perfect way to enjoy a low-key meal with an amazing view. You can read more about this in our breakfast review of Sanaa.
Sanaa - Bar Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Sanaa also has a charming bar/lounge area. We love this as a place to grab a drink and the gluten free and dairy free bread service offered at this restaurant. You can also order any items off the regular menu at the bar/lounge too.
The Food
Of course, our favorite part about Sanaa is the food. We love the African and Indian inspired options that are super flavorful and delicious. Like most Disney World restaurants, Sanaa does carry an allergy-friendly menu. But, we recommend speaking to a chef directly as many dishes not listed on the allergy-friendly menu are actually either gluten free or can be easily modified to be gluten free or even dairy free.
Sanaa - African Mint Mojito / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
While we were waiting to speak with a chef, we decided to order some drinks. Brandon ordered the African Starr Mojito which is a rum-based drink. We love the freshness of this drink, which is perfect for the summertime.
Sanaa Gluten Free Bread Service / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I just can't go to Sanaa without ordering the bread service. That's because they can make a version of their traditional bread service with gluten free and dairy free naan bread. All of the dips that come with this bread service are gluten free and only the cucumber raita dip contains dairy. So, if you're gluten free, dairy free, or even vegan, you'll have a ton of choices with this appetizer.
Though Brandon is not gluten free, he eats gluten free dishes a lot. And, admittedly, he has not always enjoyed every gluten free version of certain dishes. However, he agrees that the gluten free and dairy free bread service at Sanaa is a total winner. And, we both happily scarfed down the bread service.
Sanaa Mango Chutney / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Ever the condiment queen, many of you know that I love a good dip or sauce. Thankfully, the bread service accompaniments are all outstanding. My favorites includes the Mango Chutney, shown here, which is sweet with a slight bit of spiciness.
Sanaa Tamarind Chutney / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I am also a big fan of the Tomato Date Chutney and Coriander Chutney too. Brandon's favorite dip was the Tamarind Chutney which has a bit of a sweet and sour taste to it.
Scallop Chana at Sanaa / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
One of our friends also ordered the Scallop Chana which comes with Seared Scallops, Chana Dal, Wilted Greens, and Citrus Gastrique. It is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish, and Soy Allergies.
Because we did not request this dish be marked as an allergy, we did not try this appetizer. Our friend said it was quite good and that the scallops were well cooked.
Sanaa - Sustainable Fish / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
When it came to entrees, we had quite a few special diets dishes. I ordered Today’s Sustainable Fish with Pan-roasted Swordfish over Geelrys Rice, Sukama Wiki, and Citrus Butter. Oddly, this dish was marked as safe for Egg, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Shellfish Allergies but not Gluten/Wheat. But, the chef said it was able to be prepared gluten free. I'm still not sure what ingredient contained gluten, as I received all the listed components.
Overall, this was definitely a solid dish. The swordfish was slightly overcooked. But, all of the components were delicious and paired well together. This was definitely an improvement from the last version of the Sustainable Fish that I had and wasn't wowed by.
Sanaa - Grilled New York Strip / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Brandon ordered the Grilled New York Strip with Warm New Potato Salad, Harvest Vegetables, and Bain’s Butter. This dish is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. He asked for the potato salad to be swapped for mashed potatoes, which the restaurant was able to do with no issues. Overall, he said this was very good. And, as you can see, the portion was quite large!
Sanaa - Custom Meal / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
One of our friends who dined with us has an extensive number of special dietary needs that include avoiding gluten/wheat, dairy, soy, corn, tomatoes, peas, onions, vinegar, and sugar. With this in mind, he definitely needed to speak to a chef about a customized option. The chef did a great job at creating a composed dish that included sautéed vegetable stir-fry and braised beef in a coconut milk sauce.
Overall, he was very happy with what he was served. And, we were all impressed with how accommodating and creative the chef was at creating something tasty and safe for my friend.
Sanaa - Tapioca Pudding / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
It was also my friend's birthday. And, the chef prepared a no sugar added (and no fake sugars) tapioca pudding made with coconut milk, cinnamon, and fresh fruit. We all had a chance to taste this. Overall, I was impressed given my friend's restrictions and the flavors of the dish served. As expected, the tapioca pudding wasn't overly sweet. But, it had a nice hint of sweetness with the fruit.
Overall
Sanaa continues to be one of my favorite Disney restaurants. I love the variety of options and how special diets friendly the menu is. Add in a great theme and amazing view of the Animal Kingdom Lodge Savannah, and you have a restaurant that is a must do. In fact, we almost always bring friends visiting to Sanaa for something unique and memorable. Want to learn more about Sanaa's special diets meal options? Check out this recent review from my friend Alexis from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures.
Have you been to Sanaa? What did you think of the special dietary needs options when you dined there?
D-Luxe Burger Dinner Review
*This gluten free dining experience took place in August 2018. Notes about dairy free options and modifications are included in this post.
Dinner at D-Luxe Burger
D-Luxe Burger, located in Disney Springs, is a quick service restaurant that serves up some of the best burgers on Disney property. It's also one of the few dining locations in Disney Springs that is owned and operated by the Disney Company, which means that they follow Disney protocol when it comes to handling special dietary needs. Plus, it's just plain delicious. Recently, we stopped by D-Luxe Burger for a quick dinner.
Atmosphere
D-Luxe Burger has a rustic theme and charm. It's meant to fit into the bigger story of Disney Springs (and is based off a former rancher), which is a nice touch. You can read about the restaurant's back-story in my post about my first visit to D-Luxe Burger.
D-Luxe Burger Exterior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
There's lots of charm in this restaurant from the moment you walk inside.
D-Luxe Burger Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Probably the only negative about D-Luxe Burger is the size. It's relatively small for a quick service restaurant. And, seating can be hard to find sometimes. Usually, Brandon and I find ourselves seated at the counter seating near the back of the restaurant because it's the only available option. The restaurant also doesn't have a bathroom. So, you'll need to use the facilities located nearby.
The Food
Of course, we visit D-Luxe Burger for the food. I think we would both have to agree that they have the best burgers on Disney property, especially compared to normal quick service burgers. There are lots of options available too. D-Luxe does not currently have an allergy-friendly menu. But, you will get to talk to a chef when you visit. They will make sure that your food is prepared safely and answer any questions you might have.
D-Luxe Burger Pager / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
After placing your oder, you'll be given a pager and your meal will be brought to you. If you have a special dietary need, your meal will be served in a to-go bag and not on a tray (if you're dining in).
D-Luxe Burger Classic Duo / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Brandon and I ordered the Classic Duo combo. This can be easily made gluten free by swapping out the regular bun for a gluten free bun or lettuce wrap. The combo comes with two classic cheeseburgers, a regular French Fry, and two soft drinks. For those guests who are dairy free, you can order this combo without cheese to make it safe for your special dietary need.
The classic cheeseburger at D-Luxe Burger is served with lettuce, pickle, tomato, and onion. And, you can customize as needed. Brandon typically orders his without pickle or tomato. So, simply ask the cast member to remove these items from your order. If you want ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise, you can add as much or as little as you want after your burger arrives to your table.
D-Luxe Burger French Fries / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The French fries at D-Luxe Burger are naturally gluten free and dairy free and are made in a dedicated fryer. This means that you don't have to worry about cross-contamination issues.
The fries have been a little inconsistent in our opinion. On some occasions, we have felt they tasted like they had been sitting around for a while or fried in very old oil. On this visit, we were pleasantly surprised and thought they were the tastiest we have had in a long time.
D-Luxe Burger Dipping Sauces / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Of course, ever the condiment queen, I can't help but enjoy lots of dipping sauces. And, D-Luxe Burger has plenty of them! All of the sauces at D-Luxe are gluten free. Be sure to speak to a chef about dairy free options. The last time I asked, the 3 Honey Mustard and Curry Ketchup (both pictured here) were both gluten free and dairy free. These two sauces, along with the chipotle mayonnaise, are my three favorite sauces. They are so delicious with the fries or even with your burger!
Overall
D-Luxe Burger continues to be one of our go-to quick service options in Disney Springs. With outstanding burgers, delicious fries, and tasty dipping sauces, you can customize the options to your heart's content. We've never had a bad burger here either. It is important to note that the prices are also a little on the high side. And, we recommend the combos as a potential option for cost savings. If you're craving burgers and fries, you really can't go wrong with D-Luxe Burger.
Have you been to D-Luxe? What did you order when you dined there?
Sanaa Breakfast Review
*This gluten free dining experience took place in July 2018.
Breakfast at Sanaa
Sanaa, located in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village, is a table service restaurant for lunch and dinner that offers a quick service style breakfast from 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. daily. I had the chance to stop by and try this breakfast for the first time back in February 2018. And, I loved it so much, that I was super excited to go back again recently when I had breakfast with my friend Alexis from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures who was at Disney World on vacation with her family.
Atmosphere
I have written many blog posts over the years about Sanaa and its amazing theming. It's beautifully decorated. And, you simply cannot beat the view of the Savannah and the animals there.
Sanaa Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
One of the things that I love about breakfast is that the restaurant is very bright during the daytime. It gives it a totally different feel from the evening.
Sanaa - Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
When you arrive at the restaurant, you do not have to have a reservation or check-in at breakfast. Simply walk-in to the right, where you will find a grab and go station and a cash register for ordering freshly prepared meals too.
Sanaa Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Seating is up to you. And, you can sit wherever you would like. We had a lovely view of the side of the Savannah and got a chance to see lots of animals throughout our breakfast.
Sanaa Table Number / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I also love that you get these adorable numbered animals for your order. This helps the cast members identify what tables to bring food too. Ever the cat lover, I love that I got a cheetah.
The Food
Unlike lunch and dinner, Sanaa does not carry an allergy-friendly breakfast menu. The cast member at the cash register can let you know what items are currently marked gluten free on the register. But, we recommend speaking to a chef to discuss options, especially if you have questions or additional dietary needs. If you're just gluten free, you'll find a ton of options and almost every item on the menu can be made gluten free, easily.
Sanaa - Boere Breakfast / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I opted for the Boere Breakfast with Two Cage-free Eggs served any style with Tomato Chutney, Tanzanian Hash Browns, Boerewors Sausage, and Bacon. It is normally served with a Johnny Cake, but it is not gluten free. In speaking with Chef Fallon who was working at Sanaa when we visited for breakfast, I asked if I could get a single allergy-friendly Simba Waffle in place of the Johnny Cake, and she was happy to accommodate.
The Boere Breakfast can be made both gluten free and dairy free, which is great. As I learned on my last visit, the hash browns don't contain any dairy either -- another great feature of the menu. Overall, it's hard not to order this entree because I really enjoy it. The savory sausage (which is my favorite) works really well with the eggs, hash browns, and the tomato chutney. This is an all-around delicious breakfast entree.
Sanaa - Allergy Friendly Simba Waffle / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I absolutely adore the Allergy-Friendly Simba Waffles served here. They're just so cute! They currently make these waffles using a combination of Bob's Red Mill Pancake & Waffle Mix and Namaste Pancake & Waffle Mix and prepare them in a dedicated allergy waffle maker. Topped with some maple syrup, and you have one sweet ending to your meal.Alexis ordered the Safari Waffles which included four allergy-friendly Simba Waffles that were topped with Seasonal Berries. These looked delicious. And, I might have to order these on another visit. You can read more about Alexis's dining experiences at Disney on her blog Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures.
Overall
Sanaa continues to be a great quick service breakfast option. If you're looking for a bit more variety or items like Bobotie, we recommend heading to The Mara at Jambo House at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. But, they both offer something unique and tasty for breakfast. I think I prefer Sanaa just a little bit over The Mara mostly for those delicious hash browns, the sausage, and those adorable Simba Waffles. They make for a perfect way to start your day.
Have you been to Sanaa for quick service breakfast? What did you order when you dined there?
Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' Kitchen -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Disney Springs
*This gluten free dining experience took place in July 2018.
Dinner at Homecomin' Kitchen
Homecomin' Kitchen, a table service restaurant, has quickly become one of the most popular restaurants in Disney Springs. Serving up homestyle, Southern cuisine with local Florida ingredients, Homecomin' Kitchen is pure comfort food. The restaurant was created by Chef Art Smith, who was Oprah's personal chef, a James Beard Foundation award winner, and has been featured on shows like Top Chef Masters. He also is originally from Florida, and his connection to Disney started when he was a cast member in the college program. So, Homecomin' Kitchen really is a homecoming for Chef Art Smith. We've heard nothing but rave reviews from friends and family about the food served at Homecomin' Kitchen. But, admittedly, I've been a bit nervous to visit, assuming there wouldn't be a lot of special dietary needs options. Recently, I went with family and was pleasantly surprised by my experience.
Atmosphere
Homecomin' Kitchen serves up comfort food and Southern hospitality all in a welcoming and brightly lit restaurant.
The restaurant includes tons of spacious indoor seating, outdoor seating, and a bar/lounge area.
We dined at Homecomin' Kitchen on a weekend around 3:30 p.m. in the afternoon. And, wow, the restaurant was jammed. We were impressed by how busy it was and by how many large parties were dining there.
As you can tell by the photos, Homecomin' Kitchen is very family friendly and includes lots of large tables for big parties to dine.
The Food
Homecomin' Kitchen is not owned and operated by the Disney Company. This means that they do not have an allergy-friendly menu. The restaurant does mark on the menu items that are gluten free. And, a manager will come by your table to discuss additional options and other special dietary needs.
The manager that spoke with us noted that there were some additional options available, including three of the four sandwiches. These could be served on a gluten free bun and a side could be substituted as they do not currently have a dedicated fryer. The manager also mentioned that the braised beef entree is now gluten fee, though not currently marked as such. He also suggested several salads and even the Key West Shrimp Cocktail as an appetizer, which could be made gluten free minus the crackers.
While pondering the options, I had to order unsweetened iced tea. Not only is this one of my favorite go-to non-alcoholic drinks, but if you're at a Southern restaurant, tea is a must. I missed getting the sweet tea, as I have to be in a mood for it. But, I'm totally getting at least one glass of it next time. Either way, tea is perfect, especially on a hot summer Florida day, like it was when we visited.
My mom really wanted us to get an appetizer that I could eat. So, we ended up getting the Church Lady Deviled Eggs which are marked gluten free on the menu. I did not ask about dairy, but I'm guessing these either didn't have dairy in them or could easily be made dairy free.
Oh man, were these good. They were super rich and creamy -- just as a deviled egg should be. They were topped with some Country Ham which added a nice bit of texture and sprinkled with some smoked paprika. I highly recommend adding a dash of their house hot sauce too. It added a nice kick to the deviled eggs.
For my entree, I ordered the HFK Barbecue Bun which included sweet and spicy barbecue chopped pork piled high on a gluten free bun and topped with southern slaw. This dish is normally served with chips. But, because they do not have a dedicated fryer, I was able to order another side. I had a hard time choosing one. But, I ended up just getting the classic Mashed Potatoes. These are marked gluten free on the sides menu, but do contain dairy. For those guests who are dairy free, sides like KC Greens would be a good option.The sandwich was just excellent. I absolutely loved the BBQ pork topped with Coleslaw. I also got an extra side of BBQ sauce (ever the condiment queen that I am) for some added flavor. I really enjoyed that the coleslaw wasn't heavily mayonnaise-based too. This one was just bright and flavorful and paired really well with the BBQ. The mashed potatoes were also excellent and were very creamy. If you can have dairy, these are a great side dish for gluten free guests.
As we were leaving the restaurant, we got a chance to meet Chef Art Smith himself. I love that he is often at the restaurant too. When we visited, he was not only greeting guests but also helping bus tables and keep the kitchen running smoothly. How awesome is that? He kindly took a photo with me and my brother, who is also a chef, which was really neat.
Overall
I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the gluten free options and my meal at Homecomin' Kitchen. While I will say that dining here dairy free would be a challenge, it's not impossible. Guests who are gluten free will find quite a few more options and variety too. Add in that they have some hefty portions and great atmosphere, and you have a solid choice for a meal in Disney Springs. If you do want to dine at Homecomin' Kitchen, be sure to make an ADR, as this restaurant is popular!Have you been to Homecomin' Kitchen? What did you order when you dined there?
Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' Kitchen Gluten Free Lunch & Dinner Menu
Chef Art Smith's Homecoming Gluten Free Lunch & Dinner Menu (as of 7/2018) – This is strictly a gluten free menu. Check with the restaurant for additional offerings.*Note: Chef Art Smith's Homecoming is not owned and operated by the Walt Disney World Company and may or may not adhere to the standards set forth by the Walt Disney World Company when handling special dietary needs.
Starters
Church Lady Deviled Eggs - HFK-style whole deviled eggs - $12
Main Plates
Shrimp & Grits - Pan-seared shrimp with Tomato Gravy and Tasso Ham Served Over Creamy Bradley's Grits - $26Florida Grouper - Fresh Grouper grilled and served over KC Greens accompanied by Carrot Souffle - $32
Sides
Creamy Mashed Potatoes - $7Grilled Corn Succotash - $7KC Greens - Braised Kale and Collard Greens - $6Southern Slaw - $5Bradley's Grits - $6
As always, make sure to contact a culinary team member when ordering so that they can ensure the best standards for dealing with cross contamination, etc.
If you have a new special dietary needs menu and want to share it with readers, you can send it to me via email at gfdf.wdw@gmail.com
The Edison -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Disney Springs
*This gluten free dining experience took place in July 2018.
Dinner at The Edison
The Edison is one of the newest table service restaurants opened in Disney Springs. The restaurant offers lunch and dinner table service meals and becomes a 21+ nightclub in the evening -- making it one of the more unique dining locations at Walt Disney World. Recently, I stopped by The Edison for dinner with Alexis from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures while she was here on vacation. It's always so nice to catch up with a good friend and check out a new dining spot!
Atmosphere
The Edison has a retro 1920s steampunk vibe to it. From the moment you walk in, you'll find industrial gothic style decor that will take you on a trip back in time.
Even the exterior of the restaurant sets the tone and theme for the restaurant.
The Edison reminds me a bit of Toothsome Chocolate Company, another steampunk inspired restaurant, located at Universal Orlando. The big difference is that The Edison provides nighttime entertainment, like live music and cabaret dancers, while Toothsome Chocolate Company is more of a full service restaurant all day.
When you arrive at The Edison, you will find yourself on the 2nd floor. Guests can either dine on this level or the level below, where a lot more of the action is.
As you can see, the theming is quite extensive and the overall look and feel of the restaurant is really well done.
I really enjoyed checking out all the little details throughout the restaurant. It's the little details, like the fact that the gears on this giant industrial clock actually worked.
We were seated at a high-top table on the lower level near one of the restaurant's many bars. I can't say I loved the high-top tables, as the seats were actually fairly wobbly and the backs of the seats moved a lot. I couldn't see sitting here for a long time comfortably (which might be part of the point!).
The Food
The Edison is not owned and operated by the Disney Company, which means they do not offer an allergy-friendly menu. However, our server seemed quite knowledgeable about the gluten free options available in the restaurant and also noted that he could check with the kitchen on any questions we might have.
First up though, we had to try a signature drink from The Edison. I ordered The Clock Strikes Orange made with Gin, Aperol, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, and Absinthe Wash. This was an absolutely delicious drink that wasn't too sweet or too bitter. I loved the combination of flavors and ordering a more old fashioned style drink.Alexis ordered Mistress (also shown in my photo above) with Vodka, Prosecco, Grenadine, and Lemon Juice. Our server mentioned that these were both newer drinks on The Edison's extensive drink menu.
For an appetizer, we split the DB 'Clothesline Candied Bacon' served with Maple, Black Pepper, Fruit Mustarda, Sweet and Spicy Pickle. The presentation was super unique, which made for a fun appetizer option. This is gluten free, and I have heard from other readers that this is also dairy free, though I did not ask on this visit.Both Alexis and I liked the candied bacon. I think the bacon might have been a little more soft than I was expecting, and I found the candied bacon flavor to be a bit milder too. I would have loved to have seen the candied flavor pop a little bit more. Adding the fruit mustarda (a combination of essentially jam and stone ground mustard) actually really helped enhance the flavor. So, I would recommend that if you like condiments.I'm not sure if I would order this again, mostly because the price was a lot for only 4 pieces of bacon.
Unfortunately, The Edison does not currently carry any gluten free or allergy-friendly buns for sandwiches. I wasn't in the mood for steak or fish that night, so I ended up getting the Edison Burger without a bun. On the plus side, the restaurant does have a dedicated fryer, so I was able to order their French Fries with no worries.The burger is made with a Signature Beef Blend of Sirloin, Short Rib, and Brisket topped with Cabot Cloth Bound Cheddar, Smoked Bacon, House-made Pickles, Lettuce, Tomato, and Special Sauce. You can make this dairy free by omitting the cheese. In terms of flavor, I found the burger to be good, but definitely nothing special. In fact, it was just a bit bland for a burger with a higher end beef blend. Honestly, if you want a good burger with or without a gluten free bun, my recommendation is to get one from D-Luxe Burger also in Disney Springs. They have hands down some of the best burgers on Disney Property.The French Fries, though, were really good. They were the definite stars on my dinner plate.
If you are a fan of condiments, I highly recommend The Edison's Special Sauce. It's essentially Thousand Island Dressing and tastes great. You can definitely tell this isn't the stuff from a bottle, which was a nice touch. This sauce was great both on the burger I had and the as a dipping sauce for the French Fries. You know I can't resist a dipping sauce, and this was an excellent one.
Overall
While I thought my food wasn't bad, I also didn't think it was amazing either. I think both Alexis and I thought it was just OK. And neither one of us feel it's a restaurant that we'll be rushing back to soon. I'm really glad that The Edison does have some options for special dietary needs guests. But, I'm not sure it's really a sit-down meal kind of place. I think if we go back in the future, we'll plan to order drinks and maybe an appetizer or two, but not a full meal. For more about her experience at The Edison, check out Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures too!Have you been to The Edison? What did you think of your dining experience there?
Terralina Crafted Italian -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Disney Springs
*This gluten free dining experience took place in July 2018.*Full Disclosure: We were invited guests of Terralina Crafted Italian Restaurant for a complimentary dinner; however, I was not required to write this post and all opinions are my own.
Dinner at Terralina Crafted Italian
Terralina Crafted Italian, located in Disney Springs, is the newest table service restaurant to open in Disney Springs. Occupying the space where Portobello Country Italian Trattoria was located, Terralina is a newly themed restaurant from James Beard Award winning chef, Tony Mantuano, highlighting the food and decor of Italy's Lake District. Recently, the team at Terralina reached out to us after I sent them a note asking about gluten free options at the restaurant and invited us to check out the options ourselves in person.
Atmosphere
Admittedly, we had never dined at Portobello Country Italian Trattoria while it was open. So, we can't really compare the theming and decor from the original restaurant. Brandon's parents were huge fans of Portobello and did mention to us that they were excited for Terralina to open, as they felt the original decor at Portobello was feeling a bit dated.
Terralina features bright but clean colors on the entrance sign and throughout the restaurant.
When we walked in to the restaurant, we noticed a cozy fireplace with cushy chairs. This is a great spot to sit while waiting for your table.
With a theme based on Italy's Lake District, you will find a lot of rustic charm throughout Terralina. Even the light fixtures and wood beaming, help reflect that theme.
One thing that we noticed is that they had a variety of different seating areas and seating area styles.
If you're seated towards the back of the restaurant, the decor is a little darker. But, you get some great views of the kitchen.
They also had a lot of seating available for larger groups too, which was nice.
We were seated in a brightly lit front area of the restaurant with wicker chairs and a great view of the lake and Disney Springs. Perfect for recreating that Lake District vibe at Disney.
Our meal was a bit earlier in the evening. So, initially, we had this brightly lit room all to ourselves (as you can see by the photo with me in it!). But, as the restaurant got busier and the evening got a bit later, the room was quiet full. Thankfully, there's lots of seating in the restaurant and even al fresco dining outdoors to accommodate.
The Food
Terralina Crafted Italian Restaurant is not a Disney owned and operated restaurant. This means that they do not offer an allergy-friendly menu. However, upon being seated, our server Yarielly (who was awesome throughout our entire meal) told us that she would have the chef come out and speak to us about options.
Chef Claudio walked us through the menu, noting that they offer gluten free pasta for guests. Unfortunately, they do not currently offer a dedicated fryer. So anything fried, like polenta fries, roasted potato planks, or the house-made potato chips are not currently a safe option for guests with celiac disease. But, there are definitely some sides you can swap out or substitute easily. For those who are interested in gluten free pizza, Chef Claudio did note that they do not have gluten free pizza crust, although they are looking at this as an option in the future.
Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDWPrior to our appetizers, I was brought a plate of Ener-G gluten free and dairy free bread served with a side of house-made giardiniera (pickled vegetables). Overall, I enjoyed the house-made giardiniera, as I thought the flavors were well-balanced and the vinegar wasn't too overpowering.
But, I have to say that I preferred my bread a bit more with the Terralina blend of extra virgin olive oil. It was slightly grassy and fruity and definitely a high quality EVOO.
Up first for our meal was the Antipasti Tower with Prosciutto, Spicy Capicola, Grana Padano, Bocconcini, Tomatoes, Pickled Vegetables, Grilled Zucchini, Parmesan Crisp, and Olives. This is entirely gluten free, except the House-made Pecorino-Truffle Potato Chips due to a shared fryer. They did bring Brandon a bowl of these on the side, and he said they were really delicious.
As you can see, this is a huge appetizer. It is listed as serving 4 people, and I definitely believe that! That's a lot of food.
Without question, this was my favorite part of our meal at Terralina. I absolutely adored the different kinds of meats, cheeses, and vegetables. There was a ton of variety and ways to mix and match your antipasti plate.
I appreciated that there were lots of vegetables on the tower too. From an arugula tossed in lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil to pickled carrots and grilled zucchini, there was a lot of variety in both textures and flavors.
My favorites on the Antipasti Tower were grilled zucchini, pickled tomatoes, roasted red peppers, prosciutto, marinated olives, and the various cheeses. This is truly one of those appetizers that Brandon and I could order and make an entire meal of. Add in some gluten free bread and a wine flight, and you have a perfect summertime meal. The price of the Antipasti Tower is absolutely worth it for what you get with it.
We also enjoyed a few drinks with our Antipasti Tower. I ordered The Springs with Liv vodka, St. Elder elderflower, rosemary, mint, and Zardetto private cuvee prosecco. The vodka served with this was potato based for those looking for vodka that is not made with gluten containing grains. This was a very light and flavorful drink. I'd definitely order it again.
During our meal, we ordered a wine flight and opted for the Medium & Elegant Wine Flight, which the sommelier who brought it to our table said was his favorite of the flights. If you're eating a steak, pork, or a red sauce, this wine flight is the perfect option too. We both agreed that wine #3 on the flight was our hands down favorite of the trio.
For my entree, I has having a hard time deciding what to get. I'll admit that Italian food, especially pasta, is probably my least favorite type of food. However, our server Yarielly recommended that I try the gluten free pasta at least once when I visited. I ended up ordering the Pasta Bolognese with gluten free pasta.Overall, I liked this but didn't love it. This was partially due to my personal preferences and not really enjoying pasta or red sauces. But, I'm also not sure if this is the actual Bolognese they serve or a modified version, as the ingredients did not seem to match the ingredient listing on the menu. I didn't find any pancetta or beef in the Bolognese but instead it tasted like pork sausage and ground pork. I wouldn't say that's a bad thing, but I would probably order something non-pasta based on my next visit.
Brandon ordered the Ribeye with Pickled Onions and Mashed Potatoes. The dish can be made gluten free by swapping out the Polenta Fries, which we did. It's also made fish/shellfish free by swapping out the Polenta Fries too, due to the same issue of a shared fryer with seafood. Brandon loves mashed potatoes, so this was totally fine with him.He really enjoyed his steak and said it was well-cooked and very flavorful. He also said the mashed potatoes were some of the best he's had in a long time. They looked super rich and creamy too. Since we didn't specifically ask for this dish to be gluten free, I did not try it. But, everything looked and smelled great.
As if we could barely eat another bite at this point, we just couldn't resist dessert. I had heard rave reviews about the desserts at Terralina. And, they did not disappoint. We tried two gluten free desserts (both contained dairy).The first was a Lemon Panna Cotta with Candied Thyme. Brandon was not a fan of this, but I loved it. Super bright in flavors, I really enjoyed the tart lemon and the addition of candied thyme. That was very unique and added a nice texture and flavor to the dessert. It's weird to describe it as such, but the textures were both super rich and light if that makes sense. I suppose that's a sign of a really good panna cotta!
We both agreed that the Flourless Chocolate Cake with Hazelnut-Mascarpone Filling was the definite winner of the two desserts. This was rich, decadent, and just pure chocolate goodness. The exterior included a rich chocolate coating, and the inside was filled with a Mascarpone. I could have sworn that the nut used in this was walnut, but the menu did note it included Hazelnut. Either way, we both thought it was a delicious dessert.
Overall
We really enjoyed our dinner at Terralina Crafted Italian Restaurant. For us, we thought the appetizers, drinks, and desserts were the absolute stars of our meal. While we both liked our entrees, we both thought on our next visit, we would order the Antipasti Tower, desserts, and a wine flight for a perfect meal. They were all that good. We were also impressed that the restaurant is working hard to ensure that guests with special dietary needs are able to enjoy a safe and delicious meal. I'd love to see a dedicated fryer and gluten free bun for sandwiches added in the future too and look forward to seeing how the restaurant grows and evolves over time. Thanks again to the team at Terralina for inviting us and for working to accommodate special dietary needs guests.Are you interested in dining at Terralina Crafted Italian Restaurant? What are you most interested in ordering?
Beaches and Cream -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Beach Club Resort
*This gluten free dining experience took place in July 2018.
Dinner at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop
Beaches and Cream Soda Shop is a small table service restaurant located at Disney's Beach Club Resort that serves classic soda shop fare, like burgers, fries, and ice cream. It's long been one of my favorite spots for a gluten free and dairy free ice cream sundae. But, it can often be hard to get an advanced dining reservation for, due to its size and popularity. With the summertime heat here in Orlando, Brandon and I didn't feel like cooking one evening for dinner. So, we looked for openings for dinner at Disney World. As luck would have it, a random reservation was available at Beaches and Cream, which meant ice cream sundaes and sandwiches for us!
Atmosphere
One of the first things you'll notice about Beaches and Cream is its bright colors and 1950s soda shop theming.
There is both a walk-up counter for ice cream and a full table service restaurant inside, which gives you a few choices for dining options. Since the restaurant is quite small, it can be hard to get a walk-up without a long wait.
Inside, you'll see brightly colored booths alongside one wall, a large counter (which resembles the old fashioned soda shops), and table seating in the middle of the restaurant. As a two-top table, we usually get a seat in the middle of the restaurant. But, the booths always look so cozy!
Do take some time to look around too. You'll see some of the cutest decor straight out of an era gone by. There's even a vintage jukebox too.
The Food
Like many other Disney restaurants, Beaches and Cream Soda Shop does carry an allergy-friendly menu. My biggest recommendation when dining there is to be sure to speak with a coordinator or manager on duty. That's because many items that are available to special dietary needs guests are not actually listed on the allergy-friendly menu.In fact, I can't think of a visit where I haven't ordered something off the menu. Often, it's just a simple modification that's easy to do. For instance, on this visit, I asked if the Reuben Sandwich could be made gluten free. And, after investigating, we found out it was just a swap of the bread, which was great news. They also don't list French Fries as an option for gluten free and dairy free guests. But, if you ask, they can make you fries in a dedicated fryer. We were told on our most recent visit by Ashley the coordinator that it might take a bit longer to get my food due to preparing my meal in another kitchen space.
With that in mind, we did get a giant bowl full of French Fries made in a dedicated fryer served before my sandwich. These are safe for those guests who are gluten free and dairy free. Though I don't have a photo here, Brandon's fries were the thick cut steak fries, while mine were the classic thin cut Disney fries. On other occasions, I have been served the thick cut steak fries from a dedicated fryer. So, my guess it it depends on availability.These were good, as always. And, both Brandon and I nibbled on these while we waited for the rest of our meal, as these actually arrived before any other food. It was definitely nice that the coordinator was working to ensure my wait didn't feel too long.
I was super excited to try Reuben Sandwich with Corned Beef, Sauerkraut, Swiss, and Thousand Island Dressing on Gluten Free Bread. This can be made gluten free with the bread swap and might be able to be made dairy free minus the cheese. I don't think there's any dairy in the Thousand Island Dressing (at least there isn't usually). So, it's always worth asking a coordinator or manager about it.
Hands down, this is the best meal I've ordered at Beaches and Cream. The Reuben was super flavorful and tasty. I gave Brandon a bite of this, and he agreed that it might be the best sandwich we've ordered there. The only negative was that they used Udi's Gluten Free Bread, and it got super soggy. I am guessing the combination of the bread with the moisture from the meat, sauerkraut, and sauce just made it a little more soggy than it should normally be. But, that being said, I'd totally get it again, soggy bread or not! This will probably be my new go-to sandwich when we dine there.
Because we can't go to Beaches and Cream without ordering ice cream (yes, this is totally a rule in our family), I had to get my favorite sundae. Like the rest of the allergy-friendly menu, the specialty sundaes are not listed on the menu. It's always worth asking if certain ones can be modified. In fact, I've had readers share photos of dairy free and gluten free versions of the Mini Kitchen Sink. So, there's definitely some options!For me though, it's always all about the No Way Jose Sundae. I get mine with gluten free and dairy free ice cream, peanut butter sauce, and chocolate sauce. If you're just gluten free, you can get hot fudge, whipped cream, and even chocolate chips on it.
The modified No Way Jose Sundae is huge! I ordered mine with chocolate and vanilla Tofutti non-dairy vegan ice cream. But, you can also get So Delicious Coconut Milk Ice Cream or Vanilla Flavored Rice Dream too, depending on your preference and special dietary need. I just love the combination of chocolate and vanilla flavors along with tons of peanut butter sauce and chocolate syrup. The No Way Jose Sundae never fails to disappoint. And as much as I want to try other sundaes, I just can't resist this one.
Overall
If you're looking for a reasonably priced table service location or epic ice cream sundaes (or in our case, both!), you can't go wrong with Beaches and Cream. It's a great spot for a meal, and within walking or boat distance from Epcot and Hollywood Studios. We do recommend that you make ADRs prior to your visit, as this can be a popular restaurant, especially during summertime. If you prefer to just get ice cream and not sit in the table service dining area, you can also get special dietary needs ice cream options at their walk-up window too!Have you been to Beaches and Cream Soda Shop? What did you enjoy when you visited there?
Columbia Harbour House -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Magic Kingdom
*This dining experience took place in July 2018.
Dinner at Columbia Harbour House
Columbia Harbour House, located in Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom, is a one of my go-to quick service restaurants in the theme parks for allergy-friendly chicken tenders. Even though the allergy-chicken tenders are typically the same across Disney property, for some reason, I just like the way they cook them at Columbia Harbour House. Recently, we stopped by the restaurant for a quick early evening dinner as Brandon and I were both craving allergy-chicken tenders.
Atmosphere
There's something really charming about Columbia Harbour House's theme. It's meant to reflect a Colonial era sea-faring town (like Boston).
From the decor to the cast member costumes, everything definitely says Colonial times.
One of my favorite spots in the restaurant is the second floor. It's a great spot to enjoy a quiet meal and get away from the hustle and bustle of the theme park crowds. Plus, it's perfect for getting a bird's eye view of the restaurant and Liberty Square outside.
As you can see by this photo, there is ample seating on the second floor. But, depending on the time of day, you just might have the restaurant seating to yourself. We dined around 4 p.m., and as you can see it was pretty quiet.
The Food
Like most restaurants in Disney World, Columbia Harbour House does carry an allergy-friendly menu. Although I didn't think much of it when we ordered, I did notice that the menu had changed slightly from our most recent visit in March 2018.
We ordered two orders of the allergy-friendly chicken tenders and were given a pager to come back when they were ready.
When we arrived back at the counter, the manager at Columbia Harbour House presented us with our allergy-chicken tenders. But, both Brandon and I noticed immediately that they looked completely different from the Ian's brand allergy-friendly chicken tenders that Disney has been serving at locations across property. We both asked if this was a new change, and the manager told us he was told that this was a property wide change that would be happening due to issues with supply for the Ian's brand.
He also offered to show us the packaging for the the chicken tenders, which were Chef's Line brand. These are gluten free, dairy free, and egg free and may cover some other special dietary needs, as well. They are also certified gluten free. You can find out more about the brand and ingredients on their website.As we learned from some blog readers, Disney's Special Diets Department has advised guests that they are testing out several different allergy-friendly chicken tender brands, including those that are top 8 free. Many readers have expressed disappointment that these contain soy. Unfortunately, even when Disney has served soy free allergy-friendly chicken tenders, they have not been an option for soy free guests at some locations due to the oil used to fry them. So, sadly, the allergy-friendly chicken tenders have been hit or miss with those are who soy free. Still, it's nice to know that Disney is testing a variety of options to ensure the tastiest and safest options for guests.
As you can see, two orders of Allergy-Friendly Chicken Tenders and Fries made in a dedicated fryer is a ton of food. So, if you're not that hungry or have a small appetite, you can easily split one order. I also always ask for Ken's Steakhouse Cocktail Sauce, which is gluten free and a nice condiment for the chicken tenders and fries.
Once we were seated, we had to dig in and see how the new allergy-friendly chicken tenders tasted. The verdict? I think they taste very similar to the original AllergyFreeFoods brand of allergy-friendly chicken tenders that Disney used to serve. So, if you had that particular brand and loved them, you will really enjoy these chicken tenders. They do have more breading on them, so under-cooking is a bit more of a potential too (which Brandon noticed).If you are a fan of the crunchier Ian's brand allergy-friendly chicken tenders, you might be disappointed by these. Brandon much prefers the Ian's brand, so he was pretty saddened by the new brand change. He doesn't mind the new ones, but he loves the Ian's brand, so this was a bummer for him. Of course, taste is all subjective, so it completely depends whether you will like one version or the other. I like both, and didn't mind the new version for some different variety.
Overall
Columbia Harbour House is still our go-to spot for allergy-friendly chicken tenders at Disney World. We'll be interested to see how the new allergy-friendly chicken tenders changes continue. And, we're interested to try some other brands too. In the meantime, we might be at Hollywood Studios at ABC Commissary or the Backlot Express for the Ian's brand allergy-friendly chicken tenders so that Brandon can get his cravings in before they switch to a new brand.Have you been to Columbia Harbour House or another location for allergy-friendly chicken tenders? What did you think of the brands served at Disney?
Geyser Point Bar & Grill -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Wilderness Lodge
*This gluten free dining experience took place in July 2018.
Dinner at Geyser Point Bar & Grill
Geyser Point Bar & Grill, located at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, offers al fresco dining with a view of Bay Lake. The food and drinks served there are inspired by the Pacific Northwest. We dined there once last year and absolutely loved the relaxed atmosphere and low-key vibe, but we haven't had a chance to go back. Recently, we decided to go back on an evening when the temperatures were really mild for the summertime and made for a beautiful evening dining outside.
Atmosphere
The Wilderness Lodge has always been one of my favorite Disney resorts. Taking the walk from the main lodge to the new Disney Vacation Club area (Copper Creek) where Geyser Point is located definitely reminds me how much I love the resort.
When we arrived at Geyser Point, we had two dining options. Go to the walk-up window to order or be seated in the bar area. We definitely recommend and prefer the bar seating area with all of its cozy seats and perfect views of Bay Lake. On an evening when the temperatures are mild, it's a perfect spot for outdoor dining.
Initially, we were offered a seat in the back of the bar/lounge area. But, we asked if we could have a seat closer to the water, and they were able to accommodate us as the restaurant wasn't too busy.
You can also sit at the bar area too, if you're not ordering food or just prefer the high top seating.
Over the course of our meal, the day went from sunset to dark in the course of an hour. Just in time for Fireworks and for the Electrical Water Pageant. You'll get great views of the Water Pageant from here (a classic!) and if you move closer to the water you can see the fireworks with a better view too.
The Food
Geyser Point Bar & Grill does not carry an allergy-friendly menu. However, a chef will come out to speak with you about options. Chef Connie took care of us and was fantastic. I asked about the burger and waffle fries -- both of Chef Connie said could be made gluten free. The waffle fries are made in a dedicated fryer, so you can eat waffle fries with abandon! (and we probably could have; they are that good).
Keeping it simple that night, I ordered the Classic Bacon Cheeseburger with Bacon, Tillamook Cheddar, Lettuce and Tomato served on a Gluten Free Bun and served with Waffle Fries. These were made gluten free but the entree could be dairy free by omitting the cheese on the burger. I also asked for a side of the Marionberry Barbecue Sauce and Garlic Aïoli that are normally served with the Bison Burger.The burger itself was very good. While it's not quite as good as the burgers at D-Luxe (which I think are hands down the best quick service burgers at Disney World). But, it was good. What really made the burger was the thick cut bacon and Tillamook Cheddar. The sides of Garlic Aioli and Marionberry Barbecue Sauce were also nice touches too. If you're not a fan of sweet barbecue sauce, I might avoid this one as it is very sweet -- almost like a jam. It's good, but a little bit goes a long way. The garlic aioli was perfection and made for an awesome dipping sauce for my waffle fries.The hands down winner of this meal were the waffle fries. Oh my goodness gracious. These are delicious. Seasoned and crispy and just perfect. It's so rare to get waffle fries out at a restaurant, so I'll never turn down an excuse to order them when I can safely. And, these were downright addicting. We actually contemplated ordering another side of these; they were that good!
Overall
If outdoor dining is something you enjoy on occasion or you're just looking for a quick service meal that's a bit more relaxed and off the beaten path, you can't go wrong with Geyser Point Bar & Grill. The food here offers some solid special diets options. And, the dishes we have tried have all been very good. It's definitely a location we'll plan to visit again on cooler evenings for a low-key and affordable meal...and those delicious waffle fries!Have you been to Geyser Point Bar & Grill? What did you order when you dined there?
ABC Commissary -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Hollywood Studios
*This dining experience took place in July 2018.
Dinner at ABC Commissary
ABC Commissary, located in Disney's Hollywood Studios, offers quick service lunch and dinner with a more fast-casual vibe during dinner time. On this particular occasion, we decided to stop by for a quick dinner while visiting the newly opened Toy Story Land one night. Unfortunately, we did not have the best experience at Woody's Lunch Box, so we opted to dine somewhere else in the park instead. It's been a while since we've been to ABC Commissary, so we thought we'd check it out.
Atmosphere
ABC Commissary is meant to resemble a backlot commissary, where you'd find cast and crew of tv shows and films enjoying a meal in between filming. With that in mind, the theming really does resemble what you would imagine a large cafeteria style commissary would like like.
I wouldn't say there's anything special about the theming and decor in ABC Commissary. It's all fairly bland and non-descript.
One of the best things I like about the interior is that they have small live trees in inside. Although, both Brandon and I were pretty confused as we kept seeing guests come by this one tree and shake it. So bizarre.
The seating in ABC Commissary is pretty spacious, though we both agreed the seats have very low backs, which don't make them very comfortable.
The Food
The last time we visited ABC Commissary for dinner, we were given an allergy-friendly dinner menu. But, when we asked a cast member this time, we were told they did not have any. The cast member did note that most of the items on the dinner menu can be made gluten free. But, we asked if we could get the allergy-friendly chicken tenders, which are on the lunch menu but not the dinner menu. Thankfully, you can get allergy-friendly chicken tenders any time of day if you ask!
After you place your order at ABC Commissary, guests are given a pager style device, and the food is brought to your table by a cast member. At dinner, ABC Commissary has paper plates that look a bit fancier and also include silver plastic silverware, hand wipes, and mints that help give the meal a more upscale quick service vibe.Both Brandon and I ordered the allergy-friendly chicken tenders which are gluten free, dairy free, and free of many other allergens too. As always, we love the allergy-friendly chicken tenders at just about any location we get them at. Both of us agreed that the chicken tenders at ABC Commissary seemed extra crispy and almost a little overcooked, but they were still very good.
Because ABC Commissary also serves fried shrimp, I had a feeling they would serve Ken's Steakhouse Cocktail Sauce. I asked a cast member about this, and they happily brought me several cups of it. I love that Ken's Steakhouse condiments are gluten free, and I really like dipping my fries and tenders in this particular sauce whenever I can get it.
Overall
ABC Commissary doesn't have any special theming or extra special food items. But they do provide a solid quick service meal for lunch and dinner. While lunch is a bit more basic, dinner has some more filling items like ribs. We personally love the allergy-friendly chicken tenders any time of day for a filling and tasty meal, and we're glad that ABC Commissary can provide us with this and several other options.Have you been to ABC Commissary? What did you order when you dined there?