The BOATHOUSE Dinner Review
The BOATHOUSE, a table service restaurant in Disney Springs, quickly rose in the ranks as one of our favorite restaurants in the Disney Springs area at Walt Disney World. Though not owned and operated by the Disney Company, both Brandon and I have been impressed by the level of service and quality of food served there. About a month or so after my resection surgery for Crohn's disease, we ended up attempting to get dinner there for my first dinner eating out at Disney post-surgery. Thankfully, the chefs there were able to customize a dish for me and serve me something I could easily tolerate while my body was still healing.
*This gluten free dining experience took place in December 2018. It includes notes about dairy free options and modifications.
Dinner at The BOATHOUSE
The BOATHOUSE, a table service restaurant in Disney Springs, quickly rose in the ranks as one of our favorite restaurants in the Disney Springs area at Walt Disney World. Though not owned and operated by the Disney Company, both Brandon and I have been impressed by the level of service and quality of food served there. About a month or so after my resection surgery for Crohn's disease, we ended up attempting to get dinner there for my first dinner eating out at Disney post-surgery. Thankfully, the chefs there were able to customize a dish for me and serve me something I could easily tolerate while my body was still healing.
Atmosphere
Both Brandon and I love the atmosphere of The BOATHOUSE. It's nautical theme reminds me of restaurants I might dine at in an East Coast coastal town.
The BOATHOUSE Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The BOATHOUSE includes both indoor and outdoor seating. Because we did not have a reservation that night, we ended up getting a walk-up table for outdoor seating only. That was OK by us because the temperatures were really pleasant when we visited, making outdoor dining perfect.
The BOATHOUSE Water View / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Plus, the views of the lake here were pretty spectacular from where we were seated. So, we enjoyed watching the ferries and boats sail on by.
The Food
Because The BOATHOUSE isn't owned and operated by the Disney Company, they do not currently offer an allergy-friendly menu. But, a chef will always come talk to you about options.
The Boathouse / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
While we were waiting for the chef to come out, our server brought our drinks. I am a huge iced tea drinker, and I have to shout-out the iced tea at The BOATHOUSE. It's some of the best iced tea on property.
After the chef arrived, I mentioned that I was interested in the Cedar Planked Norwegian Salmon entree, figuring that fish would be easy for my stomach to tolerate. However, the dish came with a salad and green beans. Because I knew my stomach wasn't up for this yet, I asked the chef if he could make me something super simple. He offered to bring some plain vegetables and plain potatoes for me to try. He also noted that the only seasoning on the fish would be salt, pepper, and olive oil.
The Boathouse / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
While the chef was preparing my entree, I was brought a gluten free roll with butter. This roll is both gluten free and dairy free the last time I checked, but they do not have Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread available for dairy free guests. If you're dairy free, I would recommend asking for extra virgin olive oil as a dipping sauce.
The roll that they bring out is really just their gluten free bun. I'm pretty sure it's Udi's brand from the taste and texture. It's not something I always eat. But, I'm glad they bring out some type of "bread" service for special dietary needs guests.
The Boathouse / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
When my entree arrived, I was really pleased to see a super simple meal. The salmon was the best part of the entree and was so full of flavor and freshness. Being prepared simply really brought out how high quality the seafood is at The BOATHOUSE.
The roasted potatoes and sauteed green beans were also nice. I didn't much of the green beans, mostly because they were just a little too crunchy for my taste. This dish was both gluten free and dairy free too, so this might be a good option for those with multiple dietary needs.
Overall
I really enjoyed my salmon entree, even if I couldn't eat all of it at the time. I would definitely order it again. I also really appreciated that the chef was willing to customize and be flexible with my special dietary needs and needs post-surgery. This will definitely continue to be a go-to restaurant for us in Disney Springs.
Have you been to The BOATHOUSE? What was your experience dining there?
Rainforest Cafe Dinner Review
Rainforest Cafe is a jungle-themed table service chain restaurant owned by the Landry's company and has two locations at Walt Disney World -- Disney Springs and Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. It has been years since I've dined at a Rainforest Cafe. And, recently, Brandon and I decided to have dinner here after watching a movie at the AMC Theater in Disney Springs. After our recent positive experience at T-Rex Cafe in Disney Springs (another Landry's restaurant), we decided it was worth a revisit.
*This gluten free and dairy free dining experience took place in February 2019.
Dinner at Rainforest Cafe
Rainforest Cafe is a jungle-themed table service chain restaurant owned by the Landry's company and has two locations at Walt Disney World -- Disney Springs and Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. It has been years since I've dined at a Rainforest Cafe. And, recently, Brandon and I decided to have dinner here after watching a movie at the AMC Theater in Disney Springs. After our recent positive experience at T-Rex Cafe in Disney Springs (another Landry's restaurant), we decided it was worth a revisit.
Atmosphere
Even though it's a chain restaurant, every Rainforest Cafe location has a slightly different theme, at least on the exterior. The location at Disney Springs looks like a Volcano outside. And, you can even see the volcano erupt if you time it right.
Rainforest Cafe Disney Springs Exterior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
One thing is for sure. The interior of the restaurant definitely fits the jungle theme. Everything is bright and screams tacky jungle, which I kind of love.
Rainforest Cafe Disney Springs Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
When you first arrive at the restaurant, you'll see a gift shop with just about every tropical and jungle inspired souvenir you can imagine. It's a lot of fun to look around if you get the chance.
Rainforest Cafe Disney Springs Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Because Brandon and I are Landry's Select Club members, we did not make a reservation at Rainforest Cafe. Typically, as a member, you get priority seating. And, we've had very good luck with this. I think the most we've ever waited for a table has been 10 minutes at any Landry's restaurant located at Disney.
After showing our Landry's card, we were told to go to the Gorilla line (shown in the photo above). We were seated about 10 minutes after that. For this alone, I highly recommend a Landry's Select Club membership. You pay $25 for the membership. And, you get the $25 right back to use. On this visit, we actually used my $25 birthday reward, which you get every year on your birthday.
Rainforest Cafe Disney Springs Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The seating area of Rainforest Cafe continues the jungle theme. There are lots of large animatronic jungle animals and lots of theming from the floor to ceiling. It's definitely a restaurant you want to look around in. And, it's perfect for kiddos who will absolutely love the theme.
The Food
Because Rainforest Cafe is not owned and operated by the Disney Company, they do not have an allergy-friendly menu. But, I was pretty pleased that they bring a chef to your table to discuss options.
Rainforest Cafe Disney Springs Menu / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Before the chef came to the table, I took a look at the menu to get an idea of what options I thought might be safe for me. At every Landry's restaurant I've been to, the chefs tend to recommend steak as an easy gluten free option. The chef did also note that the restaurant had gluten free buns available for sandwiches but that they did not have a dedicated gluten free fryer for French fries. They also offer a quinoa pasta.
Because I'm still not 100% after my resection surgery from Crohn's disease, I'm trying to take it a bit easy with food. I asked if the Honey-Sriracha Salmon with Sweet Honey-Sriracha Glaze, Steamed Rice, Asian Green Bean Stir-fry, and Cilantro could be made gluten free. The chef noted that they could make this option for me and that the dish was also dairy free.
Rainforest Cafe Disney Springs / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
When my entree arrived, I noticed that it did not have the Sweet Honey-Sriracha Glaze which I had asked for on the side. Our server was excellent, and he double-checked with the chef who said the sauce did, in fact, contain gluten. I'm glad that they took measures to ensure I avoided any sauces that were not a safe option.
Essentially, what I was served was pan seared salmon, sticky rice, and sauteed vegetables. While it wasn't anything fancy, it was quite good. The salmon was well-cooked, and I really liked the sauteed vegetables. I would have liked a bit of sauce with this. But, it was still good without one.
Overall
While I wouldn't say the food at Rainforest Cafe is the best I've ever had at Disney, I appreciate the fact that there were several options available to me. I also was really glad to see that a chef came to the table to talk through options and customization too. We both agreed that of the Landry's restaurants at Disney World, Yak & Yeti is by far our favorite. We also think T-Rex is a bit better too, in terms of options and atmosphere. But, if you and your kiddos want to have a wild time at a jungle themed restaurant, Rainforest Cafe is the perfect option for you.
You can also read reviews from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures about her experiences with Rainforest Cafe on her blog.
Have you been to Rainforest Cafe? What was your experience with special dietary needs options?
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant Dinner Review
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, located in Hollywood Studios, is one of those quirky and unique restaurants at Disney World that I absolutely love. There's just something so fun and nostalgic about this retro theme and unique dining room. Plus, over the years, we've found the gluten free and dairy free options to be really good. On this recent visit, Brandon and I decided to go to Sci-Fi Dine-In for dinner last minute so that we could enjoy the holiday decorations and shows at the park. We did not have a reservation, so we were very lucky that we were able to do a walk-up for dinner that evening.
*This gluten free dining experience took place in November 2018. It includes notes about dairy free options and modifications.
Dinner at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, located in Hollywood Studios, is one of those quirky and unique restaurants at Disney World that I absolutely love. There's just something so fun and nostalgic about this retro theme and unique dining room. Plus, over the years, we've found the gluten free and dairy free options to be really good. On this recent visit, Brandon and I decided to go to Sci-Fi Dine-In for dinner last minute so that we could enjoy the holiday decorations and shows at the park. We did not have a reservation, so we were very lucky that we were able to do a walk-up for dinner that evening.
Atmosphere
Sci-Fi Dine-In is inspired by classic 1950s drive-in theaters. That means inside the restaurant, you'll find a giant movie screen that shows retro sci-fi movie clips and commercials along with a set that looks like an actual drive-in.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
You can't miss the giant glowing sign that lets you know you've found Sci-Fi Dine-In at Hollywood Studios.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant - Vintage Car / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I love the retro touches before you even enter the restaurant. This vintage car and movie poster sign outside the restaurant are the perfect backdrops for fun photos.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant Movie Screen / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Once you are inside the restaurant, a "parking attendant" will take you to your car or your flying saucer (aka a table). Most of the restaurant has tables that look like vintage cars -- all lined up to watch those classic movie clips.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
There are all sorts of sizes, shapes, and colors of cars which makes the restaurant super fun to look around.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater - Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On this particular visit, we were seated at one of the "flying saucers" in the back of the restaurant. These are picnic table style seating areas that are often reserved for small parties or for those who have walk-up reservations. This was actually the first time we've ever been seated in this area, and we actually liked it a lot. We were able to talk a bit more and the lighting was so much better.
The only downside is that most of the chairs at these tables do not have backs. So, if you have back problems or just don't like seating without backs to them, you may want to avoid this seating area. We both agreed we would sit there again though.
The Food
Like most Disney restaurants, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant does carry an allergy-friendly lunch and dinner menu. I do encourage you to speak with a chef at this location if you have any questions or don't see options available for your special dietary need. For instance, you can get a gluten free, dairy free, and vegan milkshake if you ask. But, it's not listed on the allergy-friendly menu.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On this visit, I debated between a few options, as there were quite a few gluten free dishes that I was interested in.
Sci-Fi Dine In / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I ended up ordering the Oven-roasted Turkey Wrap with Oven-roasted Turkey, Crispy Bacon, Lettuce, and Vine-ripened Tomato with Cilantro-Avocado Aioli on an Allergy-Friendly Wrap. This is listed on the menu as being safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies.
At first, I was a little dubious about how tasty this sandwich would be when I saw the gluten free wrap was a standard rice flour wrap that I've had before. I'm not usually a big fan of these, but the restaurant did a good job of heating the wrap tortilla up. The sandwich itself was quite tasty, and I really enjoyed the flavors. I ended up somehow missing the bacon but only realized that after we left the restaurant. My favorite part of the sandwich was the cilantro-avocado aioli. I only wish there would have been a bit more on the sandwich.
The best part of this entrée may have been the French fries. Both Brandon and I were just wowed by the fries that night. They were super crisp and very well seasoned. I'm not usually a big steak fry fan. But, they cooked them a little more on the well-done side, so I really enjoyed them a lot.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For dessert, I ordered the gluten free brownie. It is the OMG It's Gluten Free brand and does contain dairy. I did ask if I could get vanilla Tofutti and Hershey's chocolate syrup with this, as it normally comes with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge. Even though I do eat dairy now, ice cream is just a little too much for me. So, I always ask for dairy free ice cream when possible.
The brownie was nicely heated, and the Tofutti and chocolate syrup were the perfect toppings for this. I would definitely get this again, although I really do love their gluten free, dairy free, and vegan milkshakes too.
Overall
Both Brandon and I really enjoyed our meals at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant. We both thought the food was excellent when we went and our service was fantastic too. Shout-out to our server Vanessa who was seriously one of the best servers we've had at Disney in a while. For reasonable prices, good food, and a fun atmosphere, we'll definitely continue to have Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant on our short list of fun, affordable restaurants at Disney.
Have you been to Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant? What was your experience dining there?
Room Service on the Disney Dream
On our 3-day cruise on the Disney Dream in October 2018, we did get a chance to try room service with a special diet. Although we only ordered room service once, I wanted to write-up a bit about our experience and what we ordered. For those who have not been on a Disney Cruise, select food and beverage are included in your cruise fare and do not cost any extra. That means, you can order room service "for free" when you sail.
*This gluten free dining experience took place in October 2018. It includes notes about dairy free options too.
Room Service on the Disney Dream
On our 3-day cruise on the Disney Dream in October 2018, we did get a chance to try room service with a special diet. Although we only ordered room service once, I wanted to write-up a bit about our experience and what we ordered. For those who have not been on a Disney Cruise, select food and beverage are included in your cruise fare and do not cost any extra. That means, you can order room service "for free" when you sail. There are a few exceptions to this, such as alcoholic beverages and certain food items.
Castaway Cay View / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
We decided to order room service in the afternoon on our Castaway Cay day. We had come back to the room after spending time at Serenity Bay and wanted to rest and relax with our amazing view, shown here, of the island. It made for the perfect back-drop as we sat on our verandah before we sailed away.
Castaway Cay / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Castaway Cay is pretty gorgeous, so we definitely wanted to soak as much of this sunny view as we could!
Disney Cruise - Room Service / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I ended up calling room service to see if they could make the cheese plate gluten free. We also noted that the Greek Salad and Fresh Fruit Bowl were listed as GF on the room service menu. When I called, they said they could make the cheese plate gluten free by swapping out the crackers, which was great. We ended up ordering that and some Angry Orchard Hard Cider, which is naturally gluten free.
There are definitely other options that can be made gluten free too. So, it's always worth calling to ask.
Our room service arrived with our cheese plate (and Brandon's gluten-filled mac & cheese) along with our hard cider. Do be careful when ordering this. We ordered two Angry Orchards because we assumed that they were the normal glass bottles of hard cider. But, when they arrived, we had two giant wine sized bottles of hard cider. We ended up having the cast member take one back, as we both only wanted a glass of hard cider and two bottles would have served 4 glasses in total.
Disney Cruise - Cheese Plate - Room Service / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Sitting on the verandah was the perfect spot to enjoy views of Castaway Cay along with our cheese plate and hard cider. The cheese plate came with several types of cheese, grapes, celery, and gluten free crackers. I believe they were Mary's Gone Crackers, but I did not confirm that with room service. They were definitely a grainier type of gluten free cracker.
Overall
We were both so glad we took a chance and called room service to see if they could accommodate a gluten free cheese plate. It was the perfect late afternoon snack on our verandah and made spending our last few hours on Castway Cay relaxing and magical.
Have you ordered room service on the Disney Cruise ships with a special dietary need? What did you order?
Enchanted Garden Debarkation Breakfast on the Disney Dream
Enchanted Garden is one of the three main rotational dining restaurants located on the Disney Dream. On our 3-day cruise on the Disney Dream in October 2018, we ended up skipping Enchanted Garden dinner because we had dinner reservations at Palo on our last night. After our cruise, we both wished we had gotten to get dinner there because we prefer the dinner there than at Animator's Palate. The only time we ended up eating at Enchanted Garden was on debarkation morning before we left the cruise. Debarkation breakfast was served at 7:15 a.m., as we had early dining throughout the cruise.
*This gluten free dining experience took place in October 2018. It includes notes about dairy free options too.
Enchanted Garden is one of the three main rotational dining restaurants located on the Disney Dream. On our 3-day cruise on the Disney Dream in October 2018, we ended up skipping Enchanted Garden dinner because we had dinner reservations at Palo on our last night. After our cruise, we both wished we had gotten to get dinner there because we prefer the dinner there than at Animator's Palate. The only time we ended up eating at Enchanted Garden was on debarkation morning before we left the cruise. Debarkation breakfast was served at 7:15 a.m., as we had early dining throughout the cruise.
Atmosphere
Enchanted Garden is themed after the gardens of Versailles in France. There are statues, a fountain, and other touches that will remind you of these famous gardens.
Enchanted Garden / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
When you arrive at Enchanted Garden, you'll notice that the lighting in the restaurant is quite bright. However, if you're eating dinner there, you'll notice the lighting dim and fade throughout your meal. At breakfast, the lighting remained bright.
Enchanted Garden - Fountain / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
There is a small fountain in the middle of Enchanted Garden. At the top of the fountain is this charming Mickey statue.
Enchanted Garden - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
One of my favorite things about Enchanted Garden's theme are these amazing booths. These are super cute and cozy. We've had the good fortune to sit in them a few times -- both at embarkation and debarkation meals. I have heard that these booths used to rotate but haven't done so in years.
Enchanted Garden Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
As you can see by the photo here, Enchanted Garden is bright and spacious. After thinking about it, I think Brandon and I might like the theme in Enchanted Garden best of the three main rotational dining restaurants.
Enchanted Garden - Table / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I also adore the art nouveau style dishes served at Enchanted Garden.
The Food
Like embarkation lunch, debarkation meals are a bit more limited than a normal breakfast menu that you would find on your cruise. It's also very early in the day, so I can't say that either one of us was super hungry at that point.
Enchanted Garden - Debarkation Menu / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Both Brandon and I wanted to get something in our stomachs before we headed home. So, we tried to eat a little lighter. Unfortunately, our server Jude had other plans!
Enchanted Garden - Debarkation Menu / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Brandon ordered the Eggs for the Road entree, while I just ordered some items a la carte.
Enchanted Garden - Drinks / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Before then, we both needed some beverages to get us going. Iced tea and apple juice for me are always a good breakfast combo.
Enchanted Garden - Muffins & Donuts / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Jude brought Brandon and I some fresh fruit. He also gave Brandon some gluten-filled pastries, while I got gluten free and dairy free donuts and a chocolate chip muffin. These are all made by Kinnikinnick Foods. The chocolate chip muffin is one of my all-time favorites, and I used to get this at Disney World at select restaurants for breakfast. But, Disney World stopped serving it a few years ago. So, you can bet I was very excited to have this muffin. The donuts are always excellent, and I enjoyed the cinnamon sugar one that morning
Enchanted Garden - Omelet / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I knew I wanted a bit of protein for the road. So, I asked for a ham and cheese omelet, which is listed on the debarkation menu. This was just OK. It wasn't anything special but was tasty enough. If you are dairy free, you can opt for a variety of egg options too.
Enchanted Garden - Allergy Friendly Pancakes / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
My last request for breakfast were gluten free and dairy free pancakes. On debarkation day, they do not offer allergy-friendly Mickey waffles and only have Van's gluten free frozen waffles on hand. So, I usually ask for pancakes. I have to admit that on this visit, I was very disappointed. I think that the cruise ships are now using the Carbon’s Golden Malted Gluten Free Waffle and Pancake Mix.
Not only is the mix absolutely terrible tasting, but the company does not disclose shared lines that are used to make the mix. The product is certified gluten free. But, the company’s transparency is pretty concerning. Next time I will actually ask about the mix before ordering, just like I do at Disney World. I’ll also be letting Disney Cruise Line know my thoughts on this mix and encourage them to use Namaste and Bob’s Red Mill mixes which are must tastier and safer options.
Overall
While our breakfast wasn't anything fancy, we always appreciate having one last table service meal before we leave our cruise. Our entire service team, especially Jude, made sure we weren't super rushed and that we had plenty of food before we headed home. It was the perfect way to end a fantastic 3-day cruise on the Disney Dream.
What do you think of debarkation breakfast options on the Disney Cruise ships?
Palo Dinner Review on the Disney Dream
Palo is an adults-only restaurant located on all of the Disney Cruise Line ships. This is a restaurant that is not one of the main rotational dining options on the ships and must be reserved in advance to dine at. It also has an additional per person fee to dine there (currently $30). Palo offers both brunch and dinner. And, on our October 2018 3-day cruise on the Disney Dream, we decided to have dinner there on our final night of the cruise. Both Brandon and I loved Palo brunch, so we were looking forward to dinner on this cruise.
*This gluten free dining experience took place in October 2018. It includes notes about dairy free options too.
Dinner at Palo
Palo is an adults-only restaurant located on all of the Disney Cruise Line ships. This is a restaurant that is not one of the main rotational dining options on the ships and must be reserved in advance to dine at. It also has an additional per person fee to dine there (currently $30). Palo offers both brunch and dinner. And, on our October 2018 3-day cruise on the Disney Dream, we decided to have dinner there on our final night of the cruise. Both Brandon and I loved Palo brunch, so we were looking forward to dinner on this cruise.
Atmosphere
Palo is a restaurant that serves Northern Italian inspired food. And, the theme of the restaurant is inspired by Venice, Italy. Palo means "pole" in Italian, so you'll find nods to Venice's beautiful waterfront and gondolas throughout the restaurant.
Palo - Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
We dined at Palo for dinner. And, I'm absolutely amazed at how this restaurant transforms from day to night. We noticed a huge difference in the atmosphere during brunch versus dinner. The evening was nice, as we arrived before sunset and got to experience the restaurant shift from day to night.
Palo Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
As you can see, the Venice theme is throughout the restaurant, from the artwork to the tables.
Palo Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On this trip, we also noticed there was some outdoor seating, as well. I'm not sure if this is only offered during brunch or at night too. You can see a lot more photos of the restaurant's interior in our brunch review.
Palo - Ocean View / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Our table was located at the "front" of the restaurant with a lovely view of the ocean. We absolutely adored the ocean view throughout our meal.
Palo - Table / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Prior to our dinner at Palo, we met up with blog readers Sue and Joe, which was an absolute treat. Joe also has celiac disease, and we got a chance to chat about the options on the cruise. Sue and Joe had dined at Palo the evening before we did, and they recommended that we request Mircea to be our server, as they had rave reviews about him. We were able to make that request. And we knew we were in for a treat when we met Mircea who was very lovely throughout our meal.
The Food
Unlike the main rotational dining restaurants on the ship, Palo does not note if an item is gluten free or dairy free on the menu. That is because Palo operates like a traditional restaurant on land. They will prepare your food and customize it as you order it, instead of preparing it in a catering kitchen. This means that you may have more options and customization at your meal both at Palo and Remy, the other adults-only restaurant on the Disney Dream.
Palo - Gin & Tonic / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Prior to our meal, we met up with readers Sue and Joe at Meridian, which is a lounge located in between Palo and Remy. Meridian is a must visit lounge for me, as they have a gin and tonic cart, where you can make customized gin and tonics.
Though I've mentioned it before, most distilled alcohol, like gin, are gluten free due to the distillation process, despite being made with gluten-filled grains. According to the University of Chicago Celiac Disease and peer-reviewed scientific research, “As for pure spirits, (vodka, gin, scotch), the distillation process makes these beverages safe because the protein is removed. However, flavored spirits may contain malt, and should be avoided.” If a certain type of distilled alcohol does not agree with you, always be sure to trust your gut and avoid. For instance, I can't tolerate vodka well -- enough those that are potato based and do not contain gluten prior to distillation -- but gin is fine with me.
With that in mind, I ended up with a dry London gin and some aromatic spices. It was very refreshing and earthy tasting. Definitely one I'd get again.
Palo - Iced Tea / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
One of my most favorite things about Palo is their iced tea. That's because they used iced tea ice cubes instead of regular ice cubes. This helps ensure that your tea never gets diluted with water and retains its flavor and concentration. It's the little things in life that make me happy. And, iced tea ice cubes is one of those things!
Palo - Antipasti Plate / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Before our meal, the antipasti cart came to our table. The manager actually prepared our antipasti plate and was super friendly every time we spoke with him throughout the evening. The antipasti cart items are naturally gluten free and include a variety of meats, vegetables, and Parmesan cheese. You can make it dairy free by omitting the cheese. In 2014, my mom and I had dinner here while I was still dairy free and enjoyed the antipasti plate minus the cheese.
Palo - Antipasti Plate / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Here's a close-up of the plate that Brandon and I shared. We both loved the prosciutto and Parmesan cheese with balsamic vinegar on it. He also enjoyed some of the other meats, while I loved the marinated artichokes and olives.
Palo - GF Bread / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
While we were enjoying our antipasti plate, we were both brought bread to enjoy. I received a basket of Udi's Gluten Free Pizza Crust cut into wedges and toasted with extra virgin olive oil, basil, and other herbs. This is both gluten free and dairy free. It's so good and ranks at the top of my favorite bread services of all time. And, this photo shows food and drink duo that makes me so happy -- the bread service and iced tea.
Palo - GF Bread / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Here you can see the bread service, up close. You can tell there's lots of garlic and herbs on this bread, which makes it oh so tasty.
Palo - GF Calamari / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For my starter, I asked in advance during embarkation at the dining session offered if I could get the calamari and shrimp appetizer served at Palo gluten free. I learned is a possibility with advance notice from my friend Alexis at Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures. As the manager and chef told me on this visit, if you do not pre-order and arrive at the restaurant early, your chances of getting it deep-fried is pretty slim. That's because the restaurant does not have a dedicated fryer and needs to fry the gluten free calamari and shrimp before they begin using the fryer for the night. I was so thankful that they were able to make this happen for me on our visit.
The Fritto di Calamari e Gamberi is a mixture of gluten free fried shrimp and calamari, sweet peppers, fresh herbs, and lemon served with two sauces -- a lemon-garlic mayonnaise and marinara sauce. The seafood is fried in corn flour and the batter was very light. This worked perfectly with the delicate seafood. Never a big fan of marinara sauce, I preferred the lemon-garlic mayonnaise for both the shrimp and calamari. Although I know it takes some advance notice to get, I think it was worth the effort.
Palo - GF Scallops / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Up next, Mircea suggested we get either pasta or seafood. Brandon opted for pasta because he's allergic to fish and shellfish. And, I took Mircea's recommendation and ordered the Sea Scallops with Celery Root Puree, Baby Vegetables, and Crispy Leeks served with a Prosecco and Black Truffle Sauce. This is gluten free but does contain dairy.
Overall, I really enjoyed this seafood dish and thought the scallops were cooked perfectly. The celery root puree was also really tasty. While I liked the prosecco and black truffle sauce, I thought it was a bit too rich for the delicate scallops. But, it added some nice flavor in small doses. If you're dairy free, I might recommend the tuna if you're interested in a fish course, as this seemed to be the most dairy free friendly.
Palo - Lemon Sorbet / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
In between this course and our main entree, we were served lemon sorbet with blueberries. This is both gluten free and dairy free and makes for a nice palate cleanser in between courses.
Palo - Steak / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For our entree, both Brandon and I ordered the Grilled Prime Beef Tenderloin with Pancetta Potato, Sauteed Spinach, Barolo Chinato Wine Sauce, and Gorgonzola Cheese Sauce. This is gluten free and fish/shellfish free but does contain dairy. I think this dish could be easily modified to be dairy free too.
Wow. Both of us thought this dish was super decadent. We both really enjoyed our steaks, and we both agreed that mixing the sauces together was actually the tastiest combination. I really enjoyed the potatoes and spinach too. I have to admit, that I probably should have ordered something a bit less rich than the scallops as my second course and next time I would get a caprese salad or soup instead. That's because I couldn't finish this due to the richness. Thankfully, it did not go to waste as Brandon happily enjoyed the remainder of my steak.
Palo - GF Chocolate Soufflé / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For our dessert course, I ended up debating but ultimately ordered the gluten free version of the Chocolate Soufflé with Vanilla Bean Gelato and Vanilla and Chocolate Sauce. This has lots of dairy in it, so if you're dairy free, I would order another dessert instead, as it won't be able to be modified. But, if you can have dairy, I highly recommend this dessert.
I can't say that I've ever had a gluten free soufflé out at a restaurant, so this was a real treat. The soufflé itself was super chocolatey and very tasty. I skipped the vanilla bean gelato but did enjoy the vanilla and chocolate sauces on top of my soufflé. If you're gluten free, you can order this dessert without advance notice too, which is great. Brandon and I both agreed we would get this dessert again.
Palo - Birthday Wishes Plate / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Funnily enough, I had forgotten about Brandon's birthday notification. Our cruise was originally slated a few weeks after Brandon's birthday, so we had noted his birthday. Because we switched the cruise dates last minute, the birthday notification was still on the reservation. Mircea sweetly brought a lovely plate with early birthday wishes for Brandon, which was very thoughtful.
Palo - Orange Almond Cake / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Mircea had also heard me debating desserts, as I had ordered the Warm Orange Almond Cake with Orange Fennel Salad with Rhubarb Puree and Lemon Cream on the cruise I took in 2014. The cake itself is gluten free and dairy free. And, the dish can be entirely dairy free by omitting the lemon cream.
After I chose the soufflé, Mircea offered to have room service bring me the orange almond cake to our stateroom so that I could enjoy it later. That was such a thoughtful touch, and I was so pleased that they could let us enjoy this outside of the restaurant. I have been told that Palo is pretty strict about taking any food out of the restaurant, so I'm lucky that we were able to get this delivered to our stateroom that evening.
Though I'm glad I had the soufflé in the restaurant, this is definitely a great gluten free dessert option that I can highly recommend too. It's a little dense but the flavors are very light. And, the dish isn't too sweet. So, if sweets aren't your thing, this might be a good option for you too.
Overall
We enjoyed a very lovely and delicious meal at Palo. Both of us agreed that the food was very good and definitely decadent. My favorites of the night had to be the calamari and the chocolate soufflé. But, everything was really delicious and well-cooked. After dinner, we both agreed that we prefer brunch over dinner just a bit more mostly because we liked the meal offerings at brunch better overall. But, both brunch and dinner at Palo are excellent and a great option for any adults sailing on the Disney Cruise Line.
Have you been to Palo? What do you prefer, brunch or dinner?
Cookie's BBQ Lunch Review on Castaway Cay
*This gluten free dining experience took place in October 2018. It includes notes about dairy free modifications and options too.
Lunch at Cookie's BBQ
Cookies's BBQ is a buffet style BBQ restaurant located on Castaway Cay, Disney's private island. On our October 2018 3-day cruise on the Disney Dream, Castaway Cay was one of our ports of call. Both Brandon and I adore Castaway Cay, so we were so thrilled to be heading there again. On our previous cruise, we had a rather mediocre lunch at Serenity Bay BBQ at the adults only beach area. And, this cruise, we decided to go to Cookie's BBQ for additional options and better handling of special dietary needs.
Atmosphere
Somehow I managed to forget to take a photo of the entrance and sign for Cookie's BBQ. We had run the Castaway Cay 5K that morning and were definitely a bit tired and hungry and missed photos.
Cookies BBQ / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
One of the things that Brandon and I liked most about Cookie's BBQ is that it's fairly large. There was a lot of picnic bench seating, and it was shaded too, which helps on a very sunny day. On our visit, we sat in the back area of the covered seating as it was a bit quieter and calm back there.
On a side note, Cookie's BBQ does open at 11:30 a.m. for lunch. We expected it to be really busy like Serenity Bay BBQ was on our last cruise. But, we found it to be pretty low-key. But, we may have just been lucky that day with an easy-going lunch. So your mileage may vary on crowds and busy times.
The Food
The last time I went to Cookie's BBQ back in 2014 with my mom, I had an OK experience. I had a decent meal with a good amount of options though I did end up waiting a bit for my food because I did not pre-order it. I had friends on the same cruise who had pre-ordered food and received very bland, boring options. So, when our server Jude recommended that I pre-order on this trip, I was a little nervous.
I ended up asking for specific items that I knew they had at Cookie's BBQ, like the mahi mahi, chicken, and a cheeseburger. Jude also recommended adding fries to that pre-order too.
When we arrived at Cookie's BBQ, I asked a cast member where I needed to go for pre-orders. She directed me to a spot where two cast members would assist me. From there, they found my pre-order sheet and told me that they would begin preparing my food then. I was given a table marker and told I could sit anywhere that I liked and that they would bring me my lunch. With that, I went to go get a drink and some fresh fruit.
Cookies BBQ - Fruit / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Getting fresh fruit is a must-do anytime I'm at Castaway Cay. I absolutely love the fresh pineapple, papaya, grapes, and other fruit offered there.
Cookies BBQ / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
While I waited for my food, Brandon went to the buffet to get his lunch. I have to admit that I expected a long wait. But, my food came out in about 10 minutes, which was great.
Cookies BBQ - Burger & Fries / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I was so happy to have a Cheeseburger with French Fries. The fries are made in a dedicated fryer. And, I believe only pre-orders get these as I've never seen French fries anywhere else on Castaway Cay. The burger was served on an Ener-G bun, which was a bit dry, but worked OK. The burger itself was nothing special. But, there's just something about ordering one on Castaway Cay. If you're dairy free, you can simply order without the cheese to make it gluten free and dairy free.
In the background of the photo above, you can also see the roasted chicken they served me. Super flavorful and really delicious, it's another must-do when I'm eating on Castaway Cay.
Cookies BBQ - Mahi Mahi / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I also got the Mahi Mahi with fresh salsa on it. I would say it was good, but not as good as it has been on previous visits. Still, it's another must-do for any Castaway Cay lunch.
Overall
While my lunch wasn't anything fancy, I was really pleased with what I ate and how efficient the pre-order option was. It was fairly quick, and I had a good amount of options. I could have also had items like potato chips, coleslaw, and potato salad too upon request. After this experience, both Brandon and I agreed that we would go to Cookie's BBQ instead of the other restaurant options on the island for variety and the ability to pre-order there. It was the perfect spot to fuel us for the rest of the day chilling on Castaway Cay.
Have you been to Castaway Cay? Where do you dine when you visit?
Animator’s Palate Dinner Review on the Disney Dream
*This gluten free dining experience took place in October 2018. It includes notes about dairy free options too.
Dinner at Animator’s Palate
Animator's Palate is one of the three main rotational dining restaurants on the Disney Dream. On our October 2018 3-day cruise, we had dinner at Animator's Palate on the second day of our cruise. It was both pirate night and Halloween costume night, as well, since we sailed on a Halloween on the High Seas themed cruise. During the shorter cruises, the pirate night menu is the same as the regular rotational night, so you won't get any special menus when you go. Both Brandon and I were looking forward to this restaurant the least on our cruise, because neither one of us liked the menu here all that much.
Atmosphere
Both Brandon and I love the theme of Animator's Palate, which is inspired by Disney animation. Our biggest complaints about the restaurant are that it's very noisy and that the seats are pretty close together.
Animator's Palate - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
We do love all of the decor and theming. But, as you can see, it's a pretty packed restaurant in terms of space.
Animator's Palate - Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I have to admit that I was absolutely loving all of the Halloween costumes on our cruise. Shout-out to the table next to us that dressed up as life-size Beanie Babies!
Animator's Palate / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
One of my favorite little touches in Animator's Palate is the table marker you get on your table. I love that it looks like an paint bucket with brushes in it.
Animator's Palate / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Since it was both pirate night and Halloween night, we decided to go with the pirate theme. We each wore the pirate bandanas given to us in our stateroom. As you can see, I decided to wear mine in a subtle way. The great thing is you can dress up or not in whatever way you feel most comfortable, which is great.
Animator's Palate - Table Games / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Although not a theme of the restaurant, I do love that your servers will share table games with you. On this trip, our assistant server shared several with us. A few we recognized, but some of them really tricked us. I won't share any secrets or surprises, but it's a nice touch when you dine during dinner.
The Food
Animator's Palate, like all of the main rotational dining restaurants, have menus that note which items are gluten free and dairy free on their menu. Having dined at Animator's Palate for dinner back in May 2018, I knew that I wasn't all that excited about the menu options. In fact, I actually used a few pro-tips to help make a fantastic meal this trip. Keep reading for those!
Animator's Palate - GF Rolls / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Up first, our server Jude brought me some Ener-G rolls with extra virgin olive oil and herbs. While I still don't love the Ener-G rolls, I will give our service team props for making sure they were well-heated on the trip. Both Brandon and I really liked the extra virgin olive oil with herbs too.
Animator's Palate - Salmon Appetizer / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The one thing I had to order at Animator's Palate was the Smoked Salmon Tartar with Dill, Capers, Onions, Pickles, and a Horseradish Cream. It is marked gluten free on the menu but does contain dairy. Oh goodness is this appetizer good. I loved the smoky salmon and the combination of salty flavors with the rich salmon. It is a must-order anytime I'm Animator's Palate. And, I highly recommend it for anyone who likes seafood and can have dairy.
Animator's Palate - Chicken / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Here's where my pro-tips started to come in. On our last dinner at Animator's Palate, I ordered Lemon-Thyme Marinated Chicken and just found it to be very boring and bland. I had learned prior to this cruise that you can actually order any dishes from the other main dining rotational restaurants when you have dinner. So, I asked if I could get the Marjoram Scented Roast Chicken with Crushed Sweet Potatoes, Buttered Baby Spinach, and a Thyme Red Wine Chicken Jus from Enchanted Garden. I was so happy to hear that this was an easy request.
This is such a delicious entrée, and I love all the accompaniments with it. It didn't disappoint again this time either. Everything was very flavorful and the chicken was super moist. I have to admit that if we have dinner at Animator's Palate again, I'll probably request this dish if we aren't dining at Enchanted Garden due to adult dining reservations. It's so good.
Animator's Palate - Indian Food / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
My other pro-tip is that the Disney Dream actually prepares Indian food just about every night of your cruise. It's not listed anyway, and you kind of have to know it exists. On our last cruise, I got some bonus Indian food when the table next to us got it one night. This time, I actually spoke to John, our head server, about it and pre-ordered a gluten free plate of Indian food the night before our dinner. I was also told that the Indian food menu changes every night too.
Omigosh was this amazing. I got what I had on our previous cruise, and it was the hands down best thing I ate on the cruise. Of course, I love Indian food, so I am easily pleased by any plate of curry. I was served Curry Chicken, Spiced Potatoes, and Basmati Rice. Everything was expertly cooked, and I seriously could have eaten platefuls of this. I may have to order Indian food every night on my cruise from now on!
Animator's Palate - Walnut Cake / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For dessert, I ordered the Crunch Walnut Cake with Dark Chocolate Mousse and Raspberry Coulis. This is marked gluten free on the menu and does contain dairy. I really enjoyed it last cruise. So, I knew I had to get it this time too. Next time, I may skip dessert because I was SO full from everything I ordered during dinner. But, it was so worth it for the Indian food.
Overall
While both Brandon and I love the theme, we both agreed that Animator's Palate just isn't our favorite restaurant. We find it way too noisy and crowded when we dine there. We both would skip this in favor of dinner at Palo or Remy on our next cruise. That being said, I loved the smoked salmon and being able to get an entrée from Enchanted Garden and my bonus plate of Indian food.
Have you been to Animator's Palate? What did you think of your experience there?
Royal Palace Lunch Review on Disney Dream
*This dining gluten free experience took place in October 2018. It includes notes about dairy free options too.
Lunch at Royal Palace
Royal Palace, located on the Disney Dream, is one of the three main rotational dining restaurants on the ship. On our October 2018 3-day cruise on the Disney Dream, we ate at Royal Palace quite a bit. That's because it's one of the restaurant options for breakfast and lunch, in addition to dinner. On this particular occasion, we had lunch at Royal Palace on the day we were in Nassau, Bahamas. We had opted to stay on the ship most of the day and wanted to get a quick bite for lunch.
Atmosphere
Royal Palace has a Disney princess theme -- complete with artwork featuring several different princesses. We absolutely loved the theme of this restaurant and found it to be simple, understated, and the most spacious feeling of the three main restaurants on the ship.
Royal Palace - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Royal Palace definitely has a lot of seating and many large tables for group dining. We were seated at a 4-top table during our dinner at Royal Palace because we requested to dine by ourselves.
Royal Palace - Wallpaper / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
You can read a bit more about the theme in my dinner and breakfast review of Royal Palace. But, you can see some charming touches in the photos shown here. I loved the intricate wallpaper found in the restaurant shown in the photo above.
The Food
I have to admit, Brandon and I both weren't really that hungry before we went to lunch. We had already enjoyed a filling breakfast at Royal Palace and decided to have a late lunch after spending some time relaxing in the Rainforest Room in Senses Spa. Because I had pre-ordered lunch, both Brandon and I thought we should at least go to lunch and then eat as lightly as we could. Of course, we both forgot how much food you tend to get on the ship -- even when you try to eat light!
Royal Palace - Menu / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The lunch menu at Royal Palace included a variety of options. And, like breakfast and dinner, options that are gluten free and dairy free are marked on the menu. You can always still ask about other options too. I have found that breakfast and lunch had a lot more flexibility to customize than dinner.
Royal Palace - Gin & Tonic / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Up first, Brandon and I did each order a Signature Gin and Tonic from the lunch menu. It included fresh apple slices and berries which was a nice twist on my favorite drink. For those who aren't sure what alcohol is gluten free, you can always bring a list of options before your trip. Typically, hard alcohol made distilled with gluten containing grains are considered gluten free, due to the distillation process. Gin does not seem to bug me (vodka does), so it's one that I have found I can tolerate.
Royal Palace - Tuna Nicoise / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Up first, I was served the Ahi Tuna Nicoise Salad. This was marked gluten free and dairy free on the menu. Disney Cruise Line's salads are typically pretty boring and bland. I have no idea why, but they just are. This particular salad, however, was really good. The tuna was absolutely outstanding and all of the other ingredients were perfect. The Dijon Mustard Dressing was light, flavorful, and well-seasoned. Definitely a home-run. Because I wasn't that hungry, I could have honestly just had this, my gin & tonic, an allergy-friendly roll and have been completely satisfied. I will definitely be ordering this again on a future cruise.
Royal Palace - Halibut / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For my main entrée, I ordered Grilled Filet of Halibut with a White Wine Tomato, Olive, and Garlic Reduction served with Saffron Rice. It was marked gluten free on the menu and contained dairy in some way. Overall, I thought this was just OK. The fish was overcooked. The rice was decent. But, I really did not like the sauce that came with this dish. I am not a red sauce fan, and this one was just oddly flavored. It's not one I would prioritize ordering again.
Royal Palace - Sundae / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For dessert, I was given "chef's choice," again. I wasn't at all hungry and tried to tell them that I did not want to have dessert. But, I was still given one anyway. It was a modified version of the Italian Style Ice Cream Sundae and included Dulce de Leche Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce, and Whipped Cream.
I really do not like regular dairy filled ice cream, even though I've reintroduced dairy back into my diet. I find it way too sweet and rich. I did take a few bites and thought it was definitely way too sweet and rich for me. Brandon ended up eating part of my sundae and thought it was pretty good but preferred the chocolate molten cake he ordered.
One of the biggest lessons I learned on this cruise was to be very specific about desserts. It was probably the only part of any of my meals that I wasn't all that keen on. Next time, I'll be making specific requests instead of going with "chef's choice."
Overall
Both Brandon and I were pleased with our lunch options at Royal Palace. Brandon enjoyed his cheese plate and lamb burger, and I absolutely loved my Ahi Tuna Nicoise Salad. We both agreed that next time we'd eat lighter but that we'd definitely eat lunch at Royal Palace for table service again on another cruise.
Have you been to Royal Palace for lunch on the Disney Dream? What did you think of the options?
Royal Palace Breakfast Review on the Disney Dream
*This dining gluten free experience took place in October 2018. It includes notes about dairy free options too.
Breakfast at Royal Palace
Royal Palace on the Disney Dream is one of three main rotational dining rooms on the ship. And, during the day, Royal Palace was one of the dining rooms open for table service breakfast and lunch. On our most recent cruise, we ended up dining at Royal Palace on day 2 of our cruise, which was our Nassau, Bahamas day. Both Brandon and I prefer the table service restaurants on the ship instead of dining at Cabanas, mostly because we like how much calmer it is and how much easier it is for special dietary needs.
Atmosphere
Royal Palace - Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
You can read a bit more about the atmosphere of Royal Palace in my dinner review. But, here's is a photo that shows you a bit more of the main dining room at Royal Palace.Both Brandon and I thought the theming of Royal Palace, which is themed after the Disney princesses, was our favorite. We especially liked how spaced out all of the tables were in the restaurant. It felt the most spacious to both of us for dining.
The Food
During our dinner the evening before, our server Jude recommended that we pre-order our meals for the next day. On the other two cruises that I have taken, including our most recent cruise in May 2018, our servers said it wasn't necessary to pre-order our food. But, I have to admit that pre-ordering on this trip made some of our dining experiences a lot easier. So, I can definitely see why you might want to take advantage of it. For our breakfast, I did pre-order several items.
Royal Palace - Breakfast Menu / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Like the dinner menus on the Disney Dream, items that are gluten free or dairy free are noted on the menu. But, I have found that breakfast and lunch have a lot of flexibility for getting modifications to dishes, so be sure to ask your server about options.
Royal Palace Eggs Benedict / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Like our cruise in May, I ordered the Eggs Benedict gluten free. The only modification to the dish was to serve the eggs on allergy-friendly buns. This dish does contain dairy and cannot be modified. So, if you're dairy free, I would recommend ordering another dish. You can get eggs any style, most of the breakfast meats, pastries, and other options gluten free and dairy free, which is great.
If you can have dairy, this is definitely a must-order gluten free. I don't know why but ordering this is just now a tradition for me. I absolutely must get it at least once on our cruise. I love Eggs Benedict, and while this one isn't anything fancy, I've found it to be a really solid breakfast entrée. This visit to Royal Palace it didn't disappoint either.
Royal Palace - Allergy Friendly Mickey Waffles / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
In addition to the Eggs Benedict, I also ordered the Allergy-Friendly Mickey Waffles. These are both gluten free and dairy free. I always love allergy-friendly Mickey waffles, and I was very excited about these after having them at Palo brunch on our recent May 2018 cruise. The ones I had at Palo were so good. So, I was pretty sad when the ones I got at Royal Palace just tasted off.
At first I thought maybe they were using Namaste mix. But, after having some absolutely dreadful gluten free and dairy free pancakes on debarkation day, I'm pretty sure they are also now using the Carbon's Golden Malted Gluten Free Waffle and Pancake Mix.
This is such a huge disappointment because not only is the mix absolutely terrible tasting, but the company does not disclose shared lines that are used to make the mix. The product is certified gluten free. But, the company's transparency is pretty concerning. Next time I will actually ask about the mix before ordering, just like I do at Disney World. I'll also be letting Disney Cruise Line know my thoughts on this mix and encourage them to use Namaste and Bob's Red Mill mixes which are must tastier and safer options.
Overall
Both Brandon and I really enjoyed the low-key atmosphere of our breakfast at Royal Palace. And, we both liked our main entrees. I would definitely get the Eggs Benedict again, though I would probably skip the allergy-friendly Mickey waffles unless they were using one of the mixes that I prefer for taste and safety. Overall, Royal Palace provides a substantial and easy breakfast for anyone who wants to dine at a table service restaurant instead of the buffet in the morning on the ship.
Have you been on the Disney Cruise Line? What's your preference for breakfast options?
Royal Palace Dinner Review on the Disney Dream
*This gluten free dining experience took place in October 2018. It includes notes about dairy free options too.
Dinner at Royal Palace
Royal Palace is one of the main rotational restaurants located on the Disney Dream. This means that it is one of three restaurants that you will dine at on your cruise for dinner. It is included in your cruise fare and does not have any additional charges (except for alcoholic beverages or select beverages on the menu). On our recent cruise on the Disney Dream in May, we missed out on dining at Royal Palace due to dinner reservations at Remy on our last night. For our cruise in October, we actually requested with Disney to dine at Royal Palace on our first night, if possible. Luckily, this request was accommodated. And, we also dined at Royal Palace for breakfast and lunch on our cruise.
Atmosphere
Royal Palace has a theme of Disney princesses. You'll find lots of art work and decor themed to several of the princesses, including Cinderella and Aurora.
Royal Palace - Menu / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
We requested our own table in advance and were excited to see that our request had been granted. We were seated at a 4-top table and had a nice view of the restaurant from our location.
Royal Palace - Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Our table was in a section devoted to Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty. As you can see, there was a lot of artwork to represent the animated film.
Royal Palace - Table Marker / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I also loved our table number that was also themed to the restaurant. Ours had a image of Cinderella and Prince Charming on it.
The Food
Unlike the Disney World theme park, the Disney Cruise Line does not have allergy-friendly menus for meals. Their regular menus do have listings that note GF or DF for dishes that are gluten free or dairy free. However, these typically aren't the only offerings available at a restaurant. And, unlike Disney World, you don't typically speak with a chef on a Disney Cruise. So, I often find myself ordering through a head server which then gets relayed to the kitchen. It feels a bit like a telephone game sometimes. But, I've gotten pretty good at navigating things on the ship.
On this particular occasion, I actually stopped by the Dining Session offered on embarkation day to pre-order two dishes at Royal Palace. Pre-ordering is simply a way for you to request a dish that might need a slight modification instead of ordering directly off the menu with its limited gluten free offerings. I had heard from Christy at Pack Your Pixie Dust that you could pre-order the Chateaubriand steak and even get the deep fried Brie made gluten free with advance notice. When I went to the Dining Session, which was held at Enchanted Garden on our cruise, they made a notation in my reservation and said they might be able to make these requests happen.
After arriving at Royal Palace, our server Jude noted that he had my pre-order request ready to go, which was amazing. As an aside, we absolutely loved our server Jude. He was so on top of both of our special dietary needs and ensured we had delicious food at every meal.
Royal Palace - Ener-G Rolls / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
First up, I was given Ener-G brand rolls. On the cruise I was also served regular butter because I have reintroduced dairy back into my diet. On previous cruises, I was told they did not have Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread, but I have heard reports that it might be available now on the Disney Cruise Line upon request. Overall, I wouldn't say I really love the Ener-G rolls, but for the most part, they actually heated my rolls well throughout the cruise, which makes a huge difference.
Royal Palace - Seafood Appetizer / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
First up, I received the Iced Lobster and Jumbo Shrimp appetizer, which is served with asparagus, horseradish cream, and dill dressing and is marked gluten free on the menu. This was absolutely delicious and a dish I would order again without hesitation. I love seafood, and this was light and refreshing.
Royal Palace - GF Fried Brie / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Up next was the Breaded and Deep Fried Brie, which was made gluten free with advance notice. It was served with an orange and cranberry chutney. Brandon ordered the gluten-filled version of this and also tried mine. He thought both were really good and that mine was a nice alternative for guests who can't have gluten (he actually finished my Brie because I couldn't eat it all). I loved the orange and cranberry chutney that came with it. That was a nice contrast to the rich and buttery fried Brie.
Royal Palace - Chateaubriand / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For my entrée, I ordered the Chateaubriand-Roasted Filet Steak with Crushed Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, and Red Wine Jus. This was made gluten free with advance notice. Overall, I thought the steak was well cooked and seasoned. I also enjoyed the potatoes a lot. The green beans were pretty bland, so nothing special there. The Red Wine Jus was excellent, but I have to admit that I wished I had more on the plate. The only entrée on the menu at Royal Palace marked gluten free was the duck, which I am not a fan of, so I would definitely order this again instead of opting for duck.
Royal Palace - Creme Brulee / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For dessert, I was given "chef's choice," which is a fancy phrase for whatever gluten free dessert they can find. One thing I learned on this cruise was to be very specific if I have requests, because I had several desserts I did not really enjoy. The Creme Brulee I was served here was definitely not one that I enjoyed. I have never been a fan of creme brulee, mostly because I do not like the texture. This version was no different, so I really didn't eat more than a bite or two of it. It seemed like it was a decent creme brulee, just not my personal preference. Next time I'd ask for something chocolate based instead.
Overall
Both Brandon and I agreed that Royal Palace was our favorite main dining room option on the cruise. We liked the food a lot there, and we both felt that the restaurant was much calmer and quieter than say Animator's Palate which is always very crowded and noisy. We would definitely make sure we get to Royal Palace on our next cruise on the Disney Dream instead of skipping it for adult dining.
Have you been to Royal Palace on the Disney Dream? What did you think of this restaurant?
Beaches and Cream Dinner Review
*This gluten free dining experience took place in September 2018. It includes notes about dairy free options.
Dinner at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop
Beaches and Cream Soda Shop, located at Disney's Beach Club Resort, is a charming table service restaurant that serves up classic soda shop fare like burgers, fries, and ice cream sundaes. Both Brandon and I love the sundaes at Beaches and Cream. Recently, we took Brandon's parents there for dinner and ice cream sundaes and to celebrate Brandon's mom's birthday.
Atmosphere
One of the things we love most about Beaches and Cream is the 1950s soda shop theme. It's kitschy and retro in such a delightful way.
Beaches & Cream - Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The only big downside we have found to Beaches and Cream is the size. It's a very tiny restaurant, so wait times to be seated can be pretty intense. On this particular visit, we waited 30 minutes past our time. And, I swear we only got seated because we asked about it several times.
Beaches & Cream Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
As you can see from the photo, the restaurant is very popular. Do make sure to make ADRs for Beaches and Cream if you're interested in dining there or be prepared for either a long wait or to go to the to-go counter.
Beaches & Cream - Jukebox / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
There are so many fun details in Beaches and Cream. I love the retro jukebox and bright colorful decor.
The Food
Beaches and Cream does have an allergy-friendly lunch and dinner menu. But, I do highly recommend speaking to a manager or coordinator about options. That's because I have found that Beaches and Cream can accommodate with a lot of additional options or easy modifications if you ask.
On this visit, we started off with an odd interaction with our server. He asked about my special dietary need, and I noted that I had celiac disease. He asked me if I was OK with cross-contamination. Um, no. With that question, I immediately asked to speak with a manager and was brought a server who is noted as the coordinator. Because of the small space in Beaches and Cream, typically a cast member designated to assist with special dietary needs will work with you instead of a chef. Overall, I've not had any issues with this in the past. But, this visit would prove to be a challenge overall.
I asked the coordinator if I could get the gluten free reuben (which I ordered on our last visit) with fries. I was told this would not be an issue. Everyone else placed their order. Then our server came back and asked if he could bring everyone else's food out since mine was not ready. And, then I waited. And waited. And waited. A full 30 minutes later my food arrived, only after I asked our server and manager about my food.
Beaches & Cream - Gluten Free Reuben Sandwich / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
As you can see by this photo, everyone in our party had already finished their main meal by the time mine arrived. My gluten free Reuben sandwich was soggy and cold as were my French Fries. The fries come from a dedicated fryer at Hurricane Hannas -- the restaurant at the pool area of the Beach Club. While I loved this sandwich on our last visit, this time it was pretty mediocre at best.
When my food arrived, I asked if I ordered my dessert then if it would take this long as everyone else was going to order sundaes. I was advised that it wouldn't. But, I still ordered it anyway. The coordinator told me that the sandwich took so long because that's how special diets orders work there. I did note that we have eaten there multiple times and never had this issue. However, it seemed like no one working that day was very concerned about the length of the wait or the quality of the meal.
Beaches & Cream - Gluten Free & Dairy Free No Way Jose Sundae / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Funnily enough, my gluten free and dairy free version of the No Way Jose Sundae arrived before everyone else's did and while I was only halfway through eating my sandwich. So, sadly, timing was a major issue at Beaches and Cream that day. My sundae, which contained chocolate and vanilla Tofutti, Hershey's Chocolate Sauce, and peanut butter sauce was delicious as always. But, the overall experience at the restaurant was just pretty disappointing. In fact, we all agreed that next time we would just order ice cream and that was it.
Overall
I have had pretty good experiences at Beaches and Cream over the years, but this one was not good. So much so that I did contact Disney Guest Services about it. My main meal was not great -- mostly due to the temperature and condition of the food when it arrived. My sundae was outstanding. But, it's also pretty hard to mess a sundae up. I would recommend being prepared for waits when you dine at Beaches and Cream if you order food besides the sundae. This is definitely a restaurant that we would skip for a while based on the service and food quality.
Have you been to Beaches and Cream Soda Shop? What was your dining experience there?
Liberty Tree Tavern Dinner Review
*This gluten free dining experience took place in November 2018. It includes notes about dairy free options and modifications.
Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern
Liberty Tree Tavern, located in Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom, is a table service restaurant that serves classic Thanksgiving-style meals in a setting inspired by colonial America. Recently, we had dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern before Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party to enjoy a meal that made us think of the holidays. I've been to Liberty Tree Tavern quite a few times over the years. But, this was Brandon's first visit, and I was looking forward to hearing what he thought of the all-you-care-to-enjoy meal there.
Atmosphere
Liberty Tree Tavern - Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Liberty Tree Tavern - Fireplace / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Liberty Tree Tavern - Christmas Tree / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Liberty Tree Tavern - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Liberty Tree Tavern is set to resemble a colonial style inn. And, you can see touches of this theme as soon as you approach the restaurant.Once you step inside the restaurant, you'll find lots of colonial style touches, including a large fireplace when you first enter the building.Although the fireplace isn't functional, it does really add to the theming of the restaurant. I also love all the other touches, like colonial style cookware and china.During the holiday season, Liberty Tree Tavern has simple, but festive decor, including this charming Christmas tree.You'll dine in one of 6 themed rooms that represent important figures from American history. This includes: Benjamin Franklin
Thomas Jefferson
John Paul Jones
Paul Revere
Betsy Ross
George Washington
Liberty Tree Tavern Betsy Ross Room / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Liberty Tree Tavern Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
While you can request specific rooms, depending on when you visit request may not be able to be accommodated due to how busy it is.On this visit, we were seated in the Betsy Ross Room. Because Betsy Ross was credited with making the first American flag, you'll see touches of this throughout the room. That includes several flags and sewing tools.There is a ton of detail in every dining room in Liberty Tree Tavern. So, I definitely encourage you to take a look around after your meal to check it all out.
The Food
Of course, we were there for the Thanksgiving-style food. We were both starving and definitely ready for a hearty meal. And, we were definitely not disappointed with our experience at Liberty Tree Tavern. If you have a special dietary need, you'll be given an allergy-friendly menu before ordering. Everything at the restaurant is served family style. Depending on your special dietary need and those dining with you, you may be brought platters to share or your own platter. On this occasion, our server noted that we would each be given our own plates to ensure safety.
Liberty Tree Tavern - Allergy Friendly Rolls / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Up first, I was brought Deanna's Gluten Free brand rolls. These are my favorite on Disney property. And, they were well heated at Liberty Tree Tavern. The rolls are gluten free and dairy free. If you are also dairy free, be sure to ask for Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread, which the restaurant has on hand. If you can have dairy, you will be served butter with your rolls.
Liberty Tree Tavern - Salad / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Next up was a platter of Declaration Salad which is safe for gluten/wheat, egg, fish/shellfish, milk, peanut/tree nut, and soy allergies. I was a bit sad when I learned that the salad dressing was no longer a strawberry vinaigrette -- which Liberty Tree Tavern has been serving for years -- and is not instead a honey-shallot vinaigrette. While the salad was just OK, I found the honey-shallot vinaigrette to be pretty bland, especially when compared to the original vinaigrette served here. Neither one of us ate that much salad, as were weren't that impressed with the dressing, and we were saving room for the rest of the meal.
Liberty Tree Tavern - Dinner Plate / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The great part about Liberty Tree Tavern is that you can get an entire Thanksgiving-style meal gluten free and even dairy free. That's because the restaurant has made easy modifications to prepare dishes that are safe for a variety of special dietary needs. On this visit, I was served a plate that included gluten free mashed potatoes, green beans with garlic, stuffing, cranberry sauce, turkey, roast pork, pot roast, and gravy. The only component on my plate that contained dairy were the mashed potatoes. But, if you're dairy free, you'll be able to get a dairy free version of the mashed potatoes too.
In terms of the meal quality, I was super impressed. Both Brandon and I agreed that the mashed potatoes were excellent and that all of the meats were really good too. Of the meat, we both thought the pot roast was the most flavorful. The turkey was also good. We both liked the roast pork the least, and I think that's primarily due to the sauce that was on it. It was some type of spicy mojo sauce that did not fit in at all with the meal or the theme of the restaurant. I really do miss the days when they had ham on the menu. My favorite parts of the meal had to be the gluten free (and dairy free) stuffing and gravy. Goodness gracious I could eat both of these everyday. I also have to have to give Liberty Tree Tavern credit for making really flavorful green beans too.
Liberty Tree Tavern - Dinner Plate / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
One of the benefits of an all-you-care-to-enjoy restaurant is that you can order as much as you want. I did end up getting a second plate with turkey, pot roast, gravy, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. I'm not gonna lie, I was plain stuffed from all the stuffing I ate at this meal!
Liberty Tree Tavern - Gluten Free Brownie / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For dessert, I was served a gluten free brownie with ice cream. If you're dairy free, you can get allergy-friendly cookies or sorbet for dessert as an option, which I've had in the past. I have to admit that I probably should have asked for sorbet because I was so full. But, Brandon and I ended up splitting the brownie as he actually preferred it to the Ooeey Gooey Toffee Cake that he was served. I believe they used the OMG It's Gluten Free brand brownie, and we both thought it was delicious, especially because it was nice and warm. Next time, I would probably just order the sorbet or the brownie minus the ice cream.
Overall
Both Brandon and I thoroughly enjoyed Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner. We both thought the meal was very tasty and extremely filling. Although we both agreed that this is a restaurant that we wouldn't go to all the time, we love the idea of dining here during the holiday season for a holiday inspired meal. It was absolutely perfect for as our dinner before Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. If you're interested in going to Liberty Tree Tavern but don't want the all-you-care-to-enjoy dinner, you can also dine here a la carte for lunch. That's definitely a much lighter way to enjoy Thanksgiving-style food.
Have you been to Liberty Tree Tavern? What did you enjoy when you dined there?
The Wave Lunch Review at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
*This gluten free and dairy free dining experience took place in November 2018.
Lunch at The Wave
The Wave, located at Disney's Contemporary Resort, is a table service restaurant that Brandon and I have come to love for a low-key and delicious dinner at Disney World. I also really enjoy breakfast at The Wave. But, I've had just OK experiences at lunch. Recently, my mom came into town for holiday shopping. And, we decided to get lunch at The Wave to see if lunch had improved.
Atmosphere
Although I did not take many photos on this particular visit, you can read a bit more about the theme and decor inside The Wave on some of my previous reviews of the restaurant.
The Wave - Restaurant Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
One of the things that I loved about our recent visit was that the restaurant had some holiday decorations up in the entrance and waiting area.
The Wave - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
When we dined at The Wave, the restaurant was pretty quiet, so it was nice for a low-key lunch.
The Food
The Wave does offer an allergy-friendly lunch menu, and you can also speak to a chef at any time to discuss any questions that you might have. On this particular visit, I opted to order an entrée directly off the allergy-friendly menu. But, I probably should have asked to speak with a chef, as our server lacked much knowledge and was quite honestly one of the worst servers that we have had at Disney in years. So, when in doubt, do be sure to speak with a chef.
The Wave - Chicken Sandwich / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I ended up ordering the Grilled Chicken Sandwich which included Herb Marinated Chicken Breast, Avocado, Applewood-smoked Bacon, Lemon Ailoi, Lettuce, and Tomato on an Allergy-Friendly Bun. This dish was listed as being safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies.
Because my server could not tell me what the allergy-friendly side would be, I was pleasantly surprised to see waffle fries. I confirmed with another server that the fries were made in a dedicated allergy fryer. And, even better, they were the exact same waffle fries that are currently being served at Geyser Point Bar & Grill that Brandon and I love.
Overall, I thought the chicken sandwich was excellent. The combination of avocado, bacon, lemon aoili (aka mayonnaise), and chicken was perfect. Everything was well-seasoned and very flavorful. Add to it some delicious waffle fries, and you have a hearty and affordable lunch. My sandwich was $14, and I thought that was very reasonable given Disney's table service prices, even at lunch. I would definitely order this sandwich again.
Overall
While my mom and I both agreed that the food was excellent and the prices reasonable, we both felt the service made the lunch experience less than magical. That being said, Brandon and I have had some of the best servers on property take care of us at The Wave, so I'm guessing this experience was just a random fluke. I would definitely recommend The Wave for any meal offered there. I still think lunch is its weakest meal offering, but the lunch we had this time was the best we've had at The Wave. And, I would recommend it.
Have you been to The Wave? What's your favorite meal there?
Backlot Express Dinner Review
*This gluten free and dairy free dining experience took place in November 2018.
Dinner at Backlot Express
Backlot Express, located in Disney's Hollywood Studios, is a quick service restaurant that serves burgers, fries, and chicken tenders. Although it's nothing fancy, it's long been one of our go-to spots for a quick and easy dinner at Hollywood Studios. Both Brandon and I love it for their allergy-friendly chicken tenders and fries. On this visit, we decided to stop by for a quick dinner on a weeknight while checking out the Flurry of Fun festivities in the park. We also used it as a test for the mobile ordering which now allows some special dietary needs ordering options.
Atmosphere
Backlot Express has a theming that represents a working studio backlot -- complete with props and other set design elements. Even though the theming isn't immediately that noticeable, if you stop to look around for a bit, you'll see lots of great detail in the restaurant's theme.
Backlot Express Ordering Counter / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The main ordering area is a little sparse. But, if you keep exploring you'll find lots of cool details.
Backlot Express Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
We usually sit on the side of the restaurant where the theming is focused on set-design and studio safety. But, on this visit, we sat on the opposite side, closer to where the backstage of the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular is. In fact, we heard the show going on during in. And, even cooler? We noticed that all of the theming details on this side of the restaurant reflected stunt design. Talk about a nice touch!
The Food
Since Brandon and I were doing mobile order, we took some time to look at the allergy-friendly options in the mobile ordering portion of the My Disney Experience App prior to ordering. The app ordering for special diets is based on dietary need and is formatted similarly to the allergy-friendly menus.
Unfortunately, if you have multiple special dietary needs, you can only order through the mobile ordering with one notation. This is a major limitation of the ordering in our opinion, and I hope they'll work to improve this feature. For instance, on this visit, we only ordered the allergy-friendly chicken tenders under gluten/wheat allergy. If I were dairy free, for instance, I couldn't order it as gluten/wheat allergy AND dairy/milk allergy.
Backlot Express - Mobile Ordering Station / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Once you order and pay, you'll have a spot on your app that lets you "check in" when you are at or near the restaurant, so the restaurant can prepare your food. In our case, we checked in about 2 minutes away from the restaurant. We were notified that we could get an alert when our food was ready. I would say we waited probably another 5 minutes or so before we got that notification. Once we received the alert, we went to the area that was designated for mobile ordering pick-up.
Both a manager and another cast member were waiting for us at the mobile ordering pick-up. They not only had prepared our allergy-friendly order as they normally do, but prior to giving us the food, they confirmed our special dietary needs. Our meal was also served on a different color tray like it usually is for special diets orders.
Backlot Express - Allergy Friendly Chicken Tenders / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
As you can see by the photo, we received a mobile order receipt with our order too. Both of us ordered the allergy-friendly chicken tenders which are both gluten free and dairy free. This is a favorite of ours. And, we both appreciated getting extra fries on this visit and that everything was very fresh and piping hot. They are always a winner in our book!
Overall
The food was delicious, as always. And, the mobile ordering app was easy to use. But, I would definitely give Disney feedback about allowing guests with multiple dietary needs to flag their meals as such. Unfortunately, the mobile ordering only seems to be really good for those who have one special dietary need. Hopefully, as they continue to refine this service, they'll add in more options and flexibility for guests with special dietary needs. If you do need to order with multiple special dietary needs, I would recommend ordering as you normally would and speaking with a manager prior to ordering.
Have you been to Backlot Express or used mobile ordering? What was your experience?
Animator's Palate Embarkation Lunch Review on the Disney Dream
*This gluten free dining experience took place in October 2018. It includes notes about dairy free options too.
Embarkation Lunch at Animator's Palate
Animator's Palate, located on the Disney Dream, is one of the ship's main rotational dining restaurants for dinner. On our most recent cruise in October 2018, we learned that Animator's Palate was now the restaurant available for guests interested in having a table service lunch on embarkation day. On our previous cruise on the Disney Dream in May 2018, it was Enchanted Garden. On embarkation day, guests can dine either at the table service restaurant that is open or have lunch at Cabanas -- the ship's buffet option. We always prefer the table service option because it's much quieter and it's also much quicker for guests with special dietary needs. I have found Cabanas to always be extra slow when it comes to bringing out my food. So, Animator's Palate it was when we arrived on the ship.
Atmosphere
Animator's Palate is inspired by Disney animation. And, you'll find lots of design elements reflecting art and animation.
Animator's Palate - Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Animator's Palate is a restaurant that is currently on every single Disney Cruise Line ship -- although the theme and focus is slightly different in each version of the restaurant. On the Disney Dream, you'll find a show that features Crush from Finding Nemo. It's sort of like Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot. During embarkation lunch, there is no show. But, you do get to enjoy the restaurant's elaborate theming.
Animator's Palate - Table / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I love how the table markers look like a film reel and a paint bucket filled with paint brushes. It's just another great touch to the theme.
Animator's Palate - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
As you can see from this photo, the dining room includes chairs that resemble Mickey Mouse, ceiling posts that look like pencils and paintbrushes, and other various touches of animation. I actually really loved that our embarkation lunch was at Animator's Palate so we could look at the restaurant's décor more closely while the restaurant was slower.
The Food
Embarkation Lunch includes a specific lunch menu that is unique to that meal. It is a bit more limited than other menus for dinner or even the regular lunches offered during the cruise. The menu does list items that are gluten free and dairy free. But, I do recommend speaking to your server about options.
Animator's Palate - Embarkation Lunch Menu / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On our previous embarkation lunch at Enchanted Garden, I ordered items that were marked GF directly from the menu. On this visit, I did ask if the Leek and Potato Soup might be a safe gluten free option minus the bread. The server noted that he would check with the chef to confirm.
Animator's Palate - Beverages / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
While we waited, we did order drinks. We always get a gin & tonic to celebrate our cruise upon embarkation and did so on this visit too. I also ordered an unsweetened iced tea. One quick note about straws. Like Disney World, the Disney Cruise Line is getting rid of straws. You can get paper straws if you ask though.
Animator's Palate - Ener-G Rolls / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Before our soups arrived, I was brought Ener-G rolls with butter. Currently, Disney Cruise Line does not carry Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread, so if you're dairy free, you'll want to ask for extra virgin olive oil or another substitute for the butter. I am never a big fan of the Ener-G rolls -- mostly because they are not well heated. I was pleasantly surprised at lunch to find that they were actually well heated, which was great.
Animator's Palate - Leek Soup / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Our server also brought me the Potato and Leek Soup minus the bread, as he confirmed that this soup is gluten free (it's also naturally fish/shellfish free) with that simple modification. The soup does contain dairy. So, if you're gluten free and dairy free, I recommend getting a salad or smoked salmon appetizer at embarkation lunch for a gluten free and dairy free option.
Brandon and I both got this soup, and I was pretty impressed with it. I liked the texture and flavors and would definitely order this again.
Animator's Palate - Sirloin / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
We also both ordered the Sliced Roasted Beef Sirloin with Double Baked Potato, Green Beans, and a Thyme Red Wine Jus. This was marked gluten free and is also fish/shellfish free too. Since we had ordered this on our last cruise in May, we both knew we enjoyed it and that it would be great option. I did have better steak options throughout the cruise. But, this definitely hit the spot on embarkation day. We both agreed that we thought the best part of this entrée is the double baked potato.
Animator's Palate - Chocolate Mousse / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For my dessert, I was given the "chef's choice" which turned out to be a chocolate mousse with white chocolate candy swirl and a raspberry mousse. This was gluten free but did contain dairy. Overall, I really liked this dessert, though I think I liked the mousse I had at Enchanted Garden during embarkation lunch on our last cruise a little bit more than this one. Still, it did end up being one of my favorite desserts of the trip. I always recommend speaking to your server about additional options if you're gluten free and dairy free, as they do have desserts for both special dietary needs.
Overall
We enjoyed the embarkation lunch at Enchanted Garden. The table service embarkation lunch continues to be our personal preference. And, we'll definitely be dining at whatever location is open for this on any future cruises that we take. We love the quieter atmosphere and convenience that it provides for guests with special dietary needs.
What has your experience been with embarkation lunch on the Disney Cruise Line?
Coral Reef Dinner Review
*This gluten free dining experience took place in October 2018. It includes notes about dairy free options and modifications.
Dinner at Coral Reef
Coral Reef is a table service restaurant located in The Seas pavilion in Future World at Epcot. It serves up a variety of seafood and coastal inspired meals with exceptional views of the coral reef and its marine life in The Seas. It has been nearly 9 years since I'd dined at Coral Reef and Brandon had never been. We decided to go one evening on a whim to try it out.
Atmosphere
The theming of Coral Reef is set to resemble, well, a reef. Its main focal point are the panoramic views of the Coral Reefs in The Seas pavilion. So, the restaurant has excellent views fo the marine life depending on where you are seated.
Coral Reef - Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
When we arrived at the restaurant, we were there around 8 p.m. -- about an hour before IllumiNations began. Because we were closer to the end of the evening, we asked if it would be possible to get a seat with a better view of The Seas. They said it might be a little bit of a wait, but we were seated within in 5 minutes after arriving at the restaurant.
Coral Reef Restaurant - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The photos here are as we were leaving the restaurant, when it was nearly empty. One of the biggest things we noticed about Coral Reef is that the decor seems a bit dated. While it does a good job at reflecting the marine life theme, it just felt like it could really use a refurbishment.
Coral Reef Restaurant - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
We were seated near the front of the restaurant with a view of The Seas marine life. We thought this gave a great view. Our only complaint was that the restaurant's tables seemed very close together. And, because the restaurant was a bit dated, the chairs were extremely old and uncomfortable. We would have preferred a booth and would definitely ask for that next time.
Coral Reef Restaurant - Fish Tank / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
We were both in awe of the marine life at The Seas. Disney has said that there are are 4,000-plus sea creatures and 85 species of tropical fish in the pavilion. It was so neat to see them up close. Our server Joshua was also a wealth of knowledge and gave us a ton of information about the marine life there. You'll also be given a small guide to help identify some of the marine life too.
The Food
Coral Reef does have an allergy-friendly lunch and dinner menu. You can also ask to speak with a chef if you have questions or need further assistance with ordering due to multiple special dietary needs. On this visit, I opted to order directly from the menu without speaking to a chef, as I felt comfortable with the options I was ordering.
Coral Reef - Ener-G Rolls / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
First up, our server Joshua brought me some Ener-G rolls and Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread. I usually don't love Ener-G rolls, mostly because they are never well-heated, but on our visit to Coral Reef I was extremely impressed at how well-heated they were. Even Brandon commented that they were really good. I was also glad to see the Earth Balance served with the rolls.
Coral Reef - Mahi Mahi Entree / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For my entree, I ordered the Seared Mahi Mahi with Jasmine Rice, Coconut and Cilantro-Lime Sauce, and Avocado-Mango Salsa. It is listed as safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Milk, Peanut, Shellfish, and Soy Allergies on the allergy-friendly menu. I am always a big fan of fish and rice, so this was a good dish for me to order. Overall, I enjoyed it a lot. The fish was a bit overcooked, but I loved the flavors of the sauces and salsa which were bright and citrusy.
Coral Reef Restaurant - Steak / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Since Brandon is allergic to fish and shellfish, we made sure that we were extra careful on this visit, as restaurants with a lot of seafood are a higher risk for him to eat at. He ended up getting the 10-oz Grilled Top Sirloin Steak with Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Bacon, Creamed Spinach, and Bercy Butter.
This is also listed on the allergy-friendly menu with some modifications (roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables in place of the mashed potatoes and spinach). We confirmed that the dish he ordered was safe for fish and shellfish allergies. It was also gluten free. Guests who are gluten free and dairy free can order the version off the allergy-friendly menu for a safe option. Overall, he said he enjoyed this steak -- though it wasn't his favorite. He really enjoyed the mashed potatoes.
Coral Reef Restaurant - Chocolate Wave Dessert / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I don't normally order dessert, but on this visit, I had to try the Chocolate Wave dessert. I've always heard that it was amazing for guests who are gluten free. So, it was a must order now that I've reintroduced dairy back into my diet. The Chocolate Wave is a Warm Flourless Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Curls and Raspberry Gelato. It is listed as safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies.
Overall, I really enjoyed this dessert. Was it my favorite chocolate dessert? No. But, it was really delicious. I loved the addition of the raspberry sauce and gelato. Brandon, on the other hand, was not a fan of those additions, but liked the chocolate cake portion of the dessert. I would definitely order this if we visited Coral Reef again.
Overall
While I wouldn't say that Coral Reef is on the top of our lists of restaurants to eat, we both agreed that the food was good and the atmosphere was excellent. It's also nice to dine at a restaurant in Epcot that has an allergy-friendly menu and is run by Disney directly. Since many of the restaurants in the World Showcase are not owned & operated by Disney, they may or may not follow the same special dietary needs protocols. So, Coral Reef can be a great option for those who feel safer with Disney owned restaurants. We would definitely visit again, though I'd love to see this restaurant get a bit of a refurbishment, as it feels somewhat dated. Overall, though, we had a safe and pleasant meal in a unique setting.
Have you been to Coral Reef? What did you think of your dining experience there?
ABC Commissary Dinner Review
*This gluten free and dairy free dining experience took place in November 2018.
Dinner at ABC Commissary
ABC Commissary is a quick service restaurant located in Disney's Hollywood Studios. It offers burgers, salads, and chicken tenders during lunch time and offers a bit more upscale meal options at dinner. You can read a bit more about some of the other dishes that we have tried in previous visits for dinner here on the blog. On this visit, we stopped by ABC Commissary specifically for allergy-friendly chicken tenders which both Brandon and I love. You can also get them at Backlot Express but Brandon really loves the thick-cut steak fries offered at ABC Commissary.
Atmosphere
ABC Commissary's theme is set to reflect an actual commissary at a working TV and film studio. With that in mind, it includes a lot of extra seating and sparse décor.
ABC Commissary Entrance Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
One of the things that Brandon and I frequently comment on about ABC Commissary is that the interior is pretty dated. The seats aren't the most comfortable and all of the carpet and furnishings look like they haven't been changed since the mid-1990s.You'll see the classic 90s pastel colors throughout the restaurant too.
ABC Commissary Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
We ended up finding a nice cozy corner where there weren't a lot of other guests for dinner, so we had a good view without feeling like we were in a crowded space. As you can see from the photos, the restaurant does have a lot of tv show posters and memorabilia throughout the restaurant -- keeping with the commissary theme.
ABC Commissary Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The Food
I was excited going to ABC Commissary because I thought I might be able to finally use the mobile ordering for special dietary needs. Unfortunately, when I got into the mobile order section of the My Disney Experience App, I noticed that the allergy-friendly chicken tenders were not listed as an option for guests to order. So, we ended up going through the regular line to order. If you're not getting allergy-friendly chicken tenders, you can find a variety of options listed as gluten friendly in the app.
ABC Commissary Gluten Free Mobile Ordering / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
ABC Commissary Gluten Free Mobile Ordering / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Since we did not order through the app, I also didn't get a chance to see if you can order special diets options with multiple special dietary needs. Hopefully, we'll get a chance to try this out soon.
ABC Commissary - Allergy Friendly Chicken Tenders / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Thankfully, you can still order allergy-friendly chicken tenders with French fries at ABC Commissary. We each got an order. And, I asked for a few sides of Ken's Dressing Cocktail Sauce which is gluten free. Everything I ordered was both gluten free and dairy free.
When you order at ABC Commissary, you will be given a pager for your table, and a manager will bring you your order. This is a really nice feature, and we're both big fans of this method or ordering at quick service restaurants. It's so much better than waiting around the counter while they make your food.
Although I don't typically love steak fries as much as the thinner fries offered at Disney, I thought the ones we got that evening were really well cooked. Everything was piping hot and fresh from the fryer. As you can see, ABC Commissary (at the time of this review) was still serving the Ian's brand allergy-friendly chicken tenders.
Overall
We both enjoy grabbing a quick dinner of allergy-friendly chicken tenders and fries whenever we are at ABC Commissary. It never disappoints, and we always get plenty of food. One of these days, we will have to try some of the other dishes offered too!
Have you been to ABC Commissary? What do you order when you dine there?
Geyser Point Bar & Grill Dinner Review
*This gluten free dining experience took place in September 2018. It includes notes about dairy free options.
Dinner at Geyser Point Bar & Grill
Geyser Point Bar & Grill, located at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort, is a hybrid of quick service and table service dining options. That's because you can order from a quick service counter or dine in the lounge/bar area of the restaurant. We really enjoy Geyser Point Bar & Grill for it's affordable and delicious sandwiches -- and especially for their gluten free waffle fries! Recently we stopped by Geyser Point for a late dinner after a movie at Disney Springs.
Atmosphere
Because it was late, I totally spaced on taking any photos at the restaurant. Here's a photo from a previous visit. As you can see it shows the covered al fresco dining area at Geyser Point Bar & Grill. If you want to see more photos of the restaurant, check out a previous review I wrote here on the blog.
Geyser Point Bar & Grill Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
One of my favorite things about Geyser Point is dining there in the evening and sitting closer to the water so that we can watch the fireworks or the Electric Water Pageant. There's just something relaxing and magical about that!
The Food
I am always so surprised at how great the food is at Geyser Point Bar & Grill. There are plenty of gluten free options too. Currently, the restaurant does not have an allergy-friendly menu. But, you will get a chance to speak with a chef who will go over options with you. On this visit, I opted to order something different instead of the burger that I usually get.
Geyser Point Bar & Grill - GF Turkey Sandwich / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The chef prepared for me the Smoked Turkey Sandwich which comes with Lettuce, Tomato and Cranberry Mayonnaise served with Waffle Fries. The only modification to this dish is the gluten free (and dairy free) bread. In fact, this dish was entirely gluten free and dairy free with just that modification.
I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by this sandwich. It was very flavorful and the turkey was really delicious. I loved the cranberry mayonnaise which added the perfect amount of tang to the dish. It was nice and light -- perfect for a late dinner in the evening or on a hot day. Of course, the waffle fries made in a dedicated fryer continue to be my favorite thing at Geyser Point. I don't know what it is but these waffle fries are epicly good!
Overall
Geyser Point Bar & Grill continues to be a low-key and pleasant place to get a quick service style meal that's filling, delicious, and not too pricey. It's best enjoyed when the temperatures are a little "cooler" or later in the day when the sun has gone down. For us, the combination of food and atmosphere make it a must-do on our regular rotation of Disney restaurants.
Have you been to Geyser Point Bar & Grill? What did you think of the special dietary needs options?
Everything Pop Dinner Review
*This gluten free dining experience took place in September 2018. It includes notes about dairy free options.
Dinner at Everything Pop
Everything Pop is a food court style quick service restaurant located at Disney's Pop Century Resort. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner options for guests and includes a lot of retro inspired meals. It's been a while since I've dined at Pop Century. Recently, I stopped by for dinner while I was visiting friends who were staying at the resort.
Atmosphere
Everything Pop's theming is inspired by nostalgia. From the 1950s to the 1990s, there's a bit of retro fun for every generation. Before you walk into the food court, you'll find a shopping area too.
Everything Pop Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Once you're past the shopping area, you'll find a brightly lit seating area and food court style dining area. I do find that there's ample seating in the restaurant, which is nice because it definitely can get busy at Everything Pop.
Everything Pop Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
My favorite spots to dine at Everything Pop do tend to be some of the booths near the sides of the restaurant where it can be a little quieter.
The Food
Everything Pop has offered allergy-friendly menus in the past. But, every time I've visited, a chef has come out to talk to me about options and has told me that I don't need to use a menu. I really do appreciate that the chefs work to customize and make delicious meals for you (and give you more options!). On this visit, I was greeted by Chef Williere, who I haven't seen in ages. He used to work at 50s Prime Time Café back in the day and used to call me the "chicken lady" because I ordered the gluten free & dairy free fried chicken so much. He also used to work at Whispering Canyon Cafe too. So, it was great to see a familiar face.
He told me that I could get a lot of options. This included:
Seared Salmon
Carved Rotisserie Turkey Breast (You can choose several dairy free sides)
Seasonal Risotto
Allergy-Friendly Chicken Tenders (both gluten free and dairy free)
Hamburgers (dairy free) and Cheeseburgers
Various Sandwiches
Of course, this isn't a full list but it gives you an idea of the types of meals they could make. I'm pretty sure Chef Williere would have made me just about anything I asked for too -- he was that accommodating.
Turkey Dinner - Everything Pop
I ended up ordering the Carved Rotisserie Turkey Breast with mashed potatoes and green beans. For some reason this just sounded good! Everything on the plate was gluten free. But, the mashed potatoes do contain dairy. If you're dairy free, you can easily swap out the mashed potatoes for another side too, which is nice.
Overall, I really liked this dish. The turkey was super moist and tender and not dry (which I feared from a food court style quick service). The green beans were well seasoned and had lots of flavorful garlic in them. My favorite part of the meal was actually the mashed potatoes, which were super creamy and rich. And, as you can see, the entire dish was a huge portion and could easily be split by two people!
Overall
If you are staying at Pop Century, Everything Pop is an excellent restaurant to get delicious and safe food that has a lot of flexibility for options and customization. I consistently hear rave reviews about the chefs at Pop Century for their willingness to work with any special dietary needs to offer lots of variety for their guests. Although I don't go there often, I'm really glad that Everything Pop works to provide a great variety of options.
Have you been to Everything Pop? What do you think of the special dietary needs options there?