8/26/19 8/26/19

Cove Cafe on the Disney Dream

When we're cruising the Disney Cruise Line, one of our favorite places to relax and chill is Cove Cafe. This adults-only coffee shop is the best spot for a good cup of coffee or a specialty coffee drink. You can also get snacks throughout the day and cocktails in the evening too. On our most recent 3-day cruise on the Disney Dream, our stateroom was just one deck below Cove Cafe. So, we spent a lot of time in this relaxing coffee shop.

*These gluten free dining experiences took place in May 2019. It also include notes about dairy free modifications and shares information about the fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free options available through this coffee shop too.

Cove Cafe on the Disney Dream

Atmosphere

Both Brandon and I really love the low-key and relaxed atmosphere of Cove Cafe. There's plenty of cushy seating throughout the cafe. Whether you're grabbing a quick caffeine boost on-the-go, or want an after-dinner cocktail, you'll find all types of options for seating to accommodate.

Cove Cafe on the Disney Dream / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We especially enjoyed the seats near the front of the cafe that are have large windows and are brightly lit during the day. This was a particularly favorite spot for us during the afternoon. We got a chance to chat with our favorite barista Agung from Indonesia while we were seated there too.

In the evenings, we both prefer the back of Cove Cafe, which is a bit more chill and quiet. Of course, no matter what preference you have for seating, you'll find lots of great options in the cafe.

Food & Drink at Cove Cafe

Unlike most locations on the Disney Cruise Line, the beverages served at Cove Cafe are NOT included in your cruise fare. This includes all of the coffee and tea drinks, as well as any other beverages (including water and alcohol). The food options, such as pastries and antipasti offered at Cove Cafe ARE included in your cruise fare and will not cost extra. If you're unsure about pricing, one of the friendly baristas at Cove Cafe can help go over the options.

If you are a coffee drinker, do make sure to pick up one of the Cove Cafe Coffee Club cards! We made sure to get one on our cruise, and we were able to get a free specialty coffee drink by the end of our cruise. It's definitely well worth picking up. And, it does not expire. So, you can use it on multiple cruises. In fact, we have one at home just waiting for our next cruise!

I wouldn't consider myself a big coffee drinker anymore. I gave up coffee for many years after my Crohn's disease diagnosis. But, I've been able to reintroduce it a bit here and there. So, I am always happy to find other options besides coffee at a coffee shop.

Cove Cafe does carry Republic of Tea hot and iced tea. For those who are gluten free, you'll appreciate that The Republic of Tea is the first and only tea brand in the United States to obtain certification by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).

On one of our visits, I did get the iced Darjeeling tea. It was good and a lot larger than I expected. Given that most of the iced tea served on the Disney Cruise Line is Gold Peak Tea, this was a huge step-up for an iced tea lover. I may have to try some of the other teas the next time we're on a Disney Cruise!

I did try coffee on a few other occasions on our cruise. The first time I got a latte with almond milk. One of the great things about the ship is that they do also offer non-dairy milk options too. I believe they also carried soy milk in addition to almond milk on the Disney Dream.

If you are concerned about cross-contamination, you can always ask your barista to use a clean frother for your non-dairy milk.

On another occasion, I ordered an iced latte with almond milk. Because we were cruising during the warmer months in the Bahamas, I definitely preferred the iced latte format.

For those who might be interested in coffee syrup flavors, always double-check the ingredients in the syrups. I believe Cove Cafe was using the DaVinci brand of coffee syrups at the time of our sailing.

Because of being gluten free, I tend to stick to simple coffee drinks. But, Brandon ordered quite a few more elaborate coffee drinks during our visits to Cove Cafe. First up was the Mocha Latte. As you can see, he ordered his drink with regular milk which was much more frothy and than the drinks I ordered with almond milk.

Brandon said the mocha latte was really excellent and would get it again. As you can see from the photo here, our barista Agung was awesome at making sure that both Brandon and I got delicious drinks and that they were beautifully presented!

But, by far, Brandon's favorite coffee drink was the Moka Experience offered by Cove Cafe. At $12, it's a little pricey, but it was well worth it for what you get.

This dish included chocolate truffles, espresso, chocolate syrup, RumChata, and whipped cream -- among other things. He said it was rich and decadent and by far the best coffee drink he ordered.

No matter what type of drink you order, don't forget to pair it with a snack or two. I can't have any of the breakfast pastries, but I'm always a big fan of the antipasti options during the evening time at Cove Cafe. Brandon and I tend to get a little snack at Cove Cafe a few hours before dinner, especially if we have late dining.

The antipasti options included Parmesan cheese, prosciutto, and marinated olives. We both skipped the olives and opted for just Parmesan and prosciutto on our visits.

If you're gluten free or have other special dietary needs, don't hesitate to ask the baristas to bring you fresh items from the back area of the coffee shop too. They are always willing to accommodate too! Generally, I find the evening snacks to be much safe and limited in gluten because they are typically antipasti platter items.

As you can see, we got antipasti options on several different trips. If you're a fan, it's definitely worth a visit.

Overall

Cove Cafe is one of our favorite go-to spots for coffee and tea drinks. With options for gluten free, dairy free, and vegan guests -- including non-dairy milk -- there's something for everyone at Cove Cafe. If you're a fan of snacks, you can often find evening time snacks that are gluten free there too. If you have allergies like fish/shellfish and peanut, you'll be in fairly good shape there too. If you have other nut allergies, do make sure you check ingredients, especially in flavored syrups!

No matter what your special dietary needs are, you're sure to enjoy Cove Cafe as much as we do too!

Have you been to Cove Cafe on any of the Disney Cruise Line ships? What was your experience with this coffee shop?

8/22/19 8/22/19

Room Service on the Disney Dream

The Disney Cruise Line does an excellent job at accommodating guests with special dietary needs in their various restaurants. But, I'm always pleasantly surprised by how well they can also accommodate with their room service options. On our recent cruise on the Disney Dream in May 2019, we took advantage of room service a few times on our 3-day cruise.

Room Service on the Disney Dream

Though we're usually just too stuffed to order a lot of food from room service, on this cruise we did order a few things. The first was an allergy-friendly cake. I had always been curious about the allergy-friendly cakes on the Disney Cruise Line -- especially after reading about the gluten free Mickey Mouse cake that Alexis' Gluten Free Adventures ordered on one of her Disney Cruises.

Ordering cakes from Disney Cruise Line at the time of our cruise required us to order a cake using an online PDF form that we had to fax to Disney Cruise Line at least 7 days before our cruise. You can see this form and the variety of special dietary needs friendly cake options on their website.

But, if you're planning on ordering a cake on an upcoming Disney Cruise, you'll now be able to order a special dietary needs cake online through their new Onboard Gifts portal. I did recently look up the options for our cruise to Alaska next year, and it looks like they have reduced the allergy-friendly cake offerings (or our cruise is limited on options). Here's a screenshot of the options available for our cruise in the Onboard Gifts portal.

Disney Cruise Line Allergy-Friendly Cake Options / Photo Copyright Disney Cruise Line

We really enjoyed our cake a lot, so we may have to order the Mickey Mouse allergy-friendly cake for our next cruise too. I'll also be curious to see if their options expand or if these are the only options they'll be providing to cruise guests now and in the future.

Disney Dream / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I would say that Brandon and I both aren't super sweets people. We both like dessert, but it's not always our favorite part of a meal. That being said, we are both suckers for good chocolate cake. I decided to pre-order the Chocolate Cake with Dark Chocolate Mousse Filling and Chocolate Glaze.

This cake was ordered to be gluten free, peanut free, and hazelnut free. The cake and frosting were also dairy free, but some of the decorations on (like the chocolate tuiles) contained dairy. The cake was priced at $21 and said it contained 4-6 servings.

The cake was set to deliver to our stateroom on embarkation day at 5 p.m. Since Brandon and I both really enjoy sitting on our verandah and sailing away from port on embarkation day, we thought this might be a nice way to celebrate sailing away. Our cake arrived about 5:15 p.m., so fairly on time for our preferred delivery time.

Disney Dream Room Service / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

As you can see, the cake was beautifully decorated and presented. We were both really impressed by the overall appearance and how nice it looked. I admit, I think we both expected a rather plain cake to arrive. So, seeing all the decorations and fresh fruit was pretty exciting.

We each tried a small serving of the cake as we sailed away from Port Canaveral. I think both of us thought it would taste OK, but we were both really pleasantly surprised by how good it was. Brandon said it was the best chocolate cake he's had in a long time -- gluten free or not. We both agreed that we would definitely order this again.

Because the cake was quite large for two people, we actually ate the cake throughout our cruise. We had to do some shifting to keep it in the refrigerator. But, it was totally worth the effort. The cake held up very well over the course of our 3-day cruise.

As an aside, the cake is very rich. So, I'm glad it took us the entire length of our 3-day cruise to eat this cake because it was a lot!

Because our cruise was fairly short, we didn't order too much more room service. We do always order room service in the afternoon on our Castaway Cay day after we've returned from the ship and before the ship departs from the island.

Brandon always order the Mac & Cheese -- which contains gluten but is fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free. He has said it's not the best mac & cheese in the world, but it's still pretty good.

Disney Dream - Room Service Cheese Plate / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We also usually order the gluten free cheese plate. Depending on your cruise, you may or may not be served gluten free crackers (like we have been on our previous cruises). On this cruise, we were served the cheese plate minus the crackers because they did not have any in stock. Either way, we always enjoy the cheese plate which is gluten free, fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free.

If you're interested in other special dietary needs options, I recommend speaking with room service about the options available on your cruise. I have heard from other guests that you can also order special diets cookies (usually boxes of Enjoy Life Foods cookies) and even allergy-friendly chicken tenders too.

Overall

While room service isn't always at the top of our list on our shorter Disney Cruises, I'm so glad they have options for guests with special dietary needs. Both Brandon and I love the cheese plate. And, we were especially impressed with the allergy-friendly cake that we ordered on this cruise too. We'll definitely be ordering another allergy-friendly cake on an upcoming cruise now!

Have you been on a Disney Cruise? What's your experience with special dietary needs options through room service?

7/29/19 7/29/19

D-Luxe Burger Lunch Review

D-Luxe Burger is my go-to quick service restaurant whenever I'm in Disney Springs. Unlike most restaurants in Disney Springs, D-Luxe Burger is owned & operated by the Disney Company, which means they follow Disney's strict food allergy protocols for guests with special dietary needs. Even better, you also get to a talk to a Disney Chef too. On my most recent visit, I met up with my friend Ron who was in town visiting Disney World for a quick lunch.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in June 2019. It includes notes about dairy free modifications.

Lunch at D-Luxe Burger

Atmosphere

I managed to forget to take photos on this visit. But, I've written quite a few reviews about D-Luxe Burger.

D-Luxe Burger Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

To learn more about its theme and extensive back-story, check out the review I wrote when the restaurant first opened in May 2016.

The Food

Unlike most Disney owned restaurants, D-Luxe Burger does not currently offer an allergy-friendly menu. But, guests with special dietary needs will get to speak with a Disney chef about options. I always appreciate this and that the chefs here take great care to answer questions and prepare your food safely.

D-Luxe Burger - Gluten Free Burger — D-Luxe Burger / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Because we were having dinner at 'Ohana that night, we decided to split a D-Luxe Cheeseburger served on a gluten free bun with a side of French fries made in a dedicated fryer. We also ordered three dipping sauces -- the curry ketchup, chipotle mayo, and three honey mustard. These are all gluten free, but the chipotle mayo does currently contain dairy.

When it comes to burgers, you really can't go wrong with a burger from D-Luxe. And, we both agreed that the cheeseburger was outstanding. One big change that threw us both was the gluten free bun. In the past, D-Luxe Burger has used the Local Oven brand gluten free and dairy free bun. On this visit, it was a totally different (and much improved) bun. At first, we were both concerned we got a gluten-filled bun. But, we realized it was just a different brand. Although I haven't gotten 100% confirmation, I have heard from other readers that the buns are now Deanna's Gluten Free brand. Both of us agreed that the buns were a big improvement over the previous brand.

I think the one slight disappointment at D-Luxe Burger are the fries. They used to be really amazing. But, lately, we've noticed a big decline in the taste and texture of the fries. More often than not, they just taste a little stale. I'm sure they are fresh, but the overall texture and taste isn't as good as it used to be.

In fact, we noticed a big difference in the fries we got at Hangar Bar recently. The chef there told us they are the exact same fries as D-Luxe Burger. But, we all agreed, they were way better at the Hangar Bar. While it's not a reason to avoid D-Luxe Burger, it is something to think about when you order the fries there. Of course, I smother them in enough sauces that it helps too!

Overall

The burgers at D-Luxe Burger always impress. The flavors are outstanding, and there's always a good amount of options for guests with special dietary needs. While we usually stick to the basic cheeseburger, we've also had other specialty burgers on the menu with great success. If you're looking for a quick service restaurant in Disney Springs, this is definitely a great option for a low-key and filling meal.

Have you been to D-Luxe Burger? What did you think of their options?

7/27/19 7/27/19

Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory Lunch Review

Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory, located at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort, is a quick service restaurant that serves up New Orleans inspired meals. It's also the spot where you can get allergy-friendly beignets at Disney World -- making it the perfect place for a meal or a snack. Recently, I had lunch at Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory with my good friend Ron who was visiting the Disney Parks & Resorts.

*This gluten free & dairy free dining experience took place in June 2019.

Lunch at Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory

Atmosphere

Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory is inspired by the classic New Orleans celebration of Mardi Gras. In fact, if you look around, you'll notice that the restaurant looks like a warehouse for Mardi Gras floats.

Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

If you look at the drink station in the middle of the quick service dining area, you'll notice that it actually resembles a float.

Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

You'll also find lots of Mardi Gras float touches throughout the restaurant.

Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Even the light fixtures look like Mardi Gras beads! It's pretty neat to see all of the fun touches throughout the restaurant.

The Food

Of course, the real reason we come to Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory is the food! While I have gotten different lunch and dinner options on previous visits, on this visits both Ron and I really just wanted allergy-friendly chicken tenders and French fries along with the allergy-friendly beignets. Yep, it was all about the gluten free & dairy free fried foods on this visit!

Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory - Allergy-Friendly Chicken Tenders — Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory currently serves the Ian's brand allergy-friendly chicken tenders along with steak fries. These are both gluten free and dairy free.

Made in a dedicated fryer, these were well-fried and really delicious. I'm not usually a big steak fry fan. But, these were also well-fried too. The chef was generous with the portion too, so we were glad that we decided to split an order since we had dinner reservations at Cape May Cafe that night.

Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Of course, we couldn't leave the restaurant without ordering their allergy-friendly beignets. That is always the real reason to come to Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory! These are both gluten free & dairy free and oh so delicious. The beignets are currently made with Bob's Red Mill Pizza Crust mix, which is fairly allergy-friendly but does have a potential cross-contamination with nuts -- so do make sure you check with a chef depending on your special dietary need.

While the photo isn't very pretty, the beignets were outstanding on this visit. They were piping hot, smothered in powdered sugar, and surprisingly light for a gluten free dough. I know that some guests have mentioned that they find the dough quite dense. But, the chefs seemed to have adjusted the recipe lately. And, I have found them to be much lighter on recent visits.

Overall

Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory never disappoints -- especially when it comes to serving one of the most unique and delicious sweet treats. The chefs there are always very accommodating, and they do a great job at providing safe meals that will make say "Let the good times roll" whenever you dine there. It's always a great go-to for me, and I always recommend it, especially for the allergy-friendly beignets!

Have you been to Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory? What did you think of the special diets options there?

7/27/19 7/27/19

Homecomin' Kitchen Brunch Review

Homecomin' Kitchen is a table service restaurant located in Disney Springs. Owned and operated by Chef Art Smith -- a James Beard award-winning chef who grew in fame thanks to working with Oprah. This restaurant offers guests a taste of Florida local flavors and Southern dishes. It's one of my brother's favorite places in Disney Springs. And, he always wants to dine there whenever we have family in town. So, recently, I had brunch there with my brother, mom, and stepdad.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in July 2019.

Brunch at Homecomin' Kitchen

Atmosphere

Like its food, Homecomin' Kitchen's theme represents Florida and Southern staples.

Homecomin' Kitchen Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

It's a very inviting and charming restaurant -- with a brightly lit interior and big cushy chairs.

Homecomin' Kitchen - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I love how some of the lighting fixtures actually use potato sacks to adorn them. It's super charming and very rustic.

Homecomin' Kitchen - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Homecomin' Kitchen is very popular. So, my only negative on the theme and restaurant space is that it can feel quite crowded. We came during brunch, and the restaurant was pretty packed. If you're not that comfortable sitting in the middle of the restaurant, I recommend asking for a booth.

The Food

Because Homecomin' Kitchen is not owned and operated by Disney, they do not have an allergy-friendly menu. The menu does mark some items GF for those dishes that are gluten free. But, I always recommend speaking to a manager here, because there tends to be a few more options that are listed GF on the menu.

On this visit, I was interested in the brunch offerings -- though I could have ordered from the regular menu too. The brunch menu did not list any of the main dishes as gluten free. But, the manager told me many of them were easily modifications. The Grand-Daddy Plate and the Short Rib Hash were the two dishes with the easiest modifications. The only modification was to remove the cheddar cheese drop biscuit.

Homecomin' Kitchen - Short Rib Hash — Homecomin' Kitchen / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I decided to order the Short Rib Hash which came with Two Eggs Sunny Side Up over a Short Rib Hash with Grilled Corn Succotash, Potatoes, Onions, Red Bell, and Fresno Peppers. I was also able to order a side with this entree, so I chose the Pecan Smoked Bacon. Everything was gluten free. I did not ask about dairy free modifications on this visit. But, I would guess that this may have been dairy free or easily made dairy free.

Overall, I really enjoyed this breakfast entree. The eggs were well-cooked, and the hash was really delicious. It did have a bit of a spicy bite to it. So, if you're not a fan of spicy food, this dish might be a little too spicy for you. But, I didn't think the dish was overly spicy for anyone who is a spice fan. The pecan smoked bacon was really delicious. And, I definitely could have eaten my weight in it for sure!

One of my biggest complaint would be the price of this restaurant for brunch. $22 for eggs, hash, and bacon seemed a little much -- especially when you consider most Disney table service breakfast options are around $15 for an entree. But, it was tasty, and I was full by the meal's end.

Overall

While I enjoyed the brunch at Homecomin' Kitchen, I'm not sure it will be a regular on my breakfast rotation at Disney World. I enjoyed my meal, but the limited options and price point make it an OK option but not my first choice for breakfast. I did enjoy my lunch at Homecomin' Kitchen, and you can read that review here on the blog too.

Have you been to Homecomin' Kitchen? What did you think of the special diets options there?

7/20/19 7/20/19

Sunshine Seasons Dinner Review

Sunshine Seasons, located in Epcot, is a food court style quick service restaurant in the Land Pavilion in Future World. If you're looking for quick service options that aren't burgers and fries, Sunshine Seasons might be a great option for you. It's been ages since I've dined at this restaurant. And, we recently decided to get dinner there on a whim while in the park getting photos from the 2019 Gluten Free & Dairy Free Guide to WDW.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in May 2019. It includes notes about dairy free modifications.

Dinner at Sunshine Seasons

Atmosphere

Unfortunately, I somehow managed to not get any photos of the actual seating area of food court area while we were there. But, if you've been to the Land Pavilion in Epcot, you'll recognize the seating area and food court areas too.

Sunshine Seasons Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For me, the theme is fairly basic. But, I do enjoy that the restaurant has ample seating. I especially love the back area near the Living with the Land attraction. It's a nice quiet spot to rest and recharge.

The Food

Sunshine Seasons is one of the few Disney-owned restaurants in Epcot. Because most of the World Showcase restaurants are owned & operated by outside companies, you won't usually find allergy-friendly menus. Sunshine Seasons not only has an allergy-friendly menu, but they also have chefs on hand to chat about options.

Sunshine Seasons - Salmon — Sunshine Seasons / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

One of my favorite things about Sunshine Seasons is that their Grill Station has been entirely gluten free for many years now. This means that it's a really safe bet for guests with celiac disease and for avoiding cross-contamination. Unfortunately, on this visit, I noticed that they have introduced gluten-filled corn bread at the station (they used to make a GF cornbread). So, do be sure to consult with a chef and ask for items from a separate area if you are concerned about cross-contamination.

On this visit, I ordered the Oak-Grilled Salmon with Cheese Grits and Andouille Corn Succotash. This is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. The grits do contain dairy and cannot be modified. But, they will let you swap out sides if you ask.

Overall, I really enjoyed the dish. The salmon had a great grill flavor and blackened spices on it, and the grits were really good too. I also was pleasantly surprised by the succotash which was super flavorful and also had a good bit of spice to it thanks to the andouille sausage. Although I thought the presentation was pretty lackluster, I'd definitely get this dish again.

Pork - Sunshine Seasons — Pork / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Because Brandon has multiple allergens, including uncommon ones like chicken & turkey, we did ask to speak with a chef. He was interested in getting the Pork Chop and was able to get it safely minus the barbecue sauce. On his plate is Pork Chop with Mashed Potatoes. This entree was safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. It is also chicken & turkey free.

He really enjoyed this entree and said the pork and mashed potatoes were both very good for a quick service restaurant. The portion was also fairly big, as the pork chop was super thick cut.

Sunshine Seasons / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We did notice a few grab and go allergy-friendly snacks in Sunshine Seasons on our way out -- like these Surf Sweets Fruity Bears. We opted to skip any additional snacks. But, this is a great location for grab and go allergy-friendly options.

Overall

While our meal wasn't anything fancy and was fairly no frills, we both enjoyed the dishes we got. The food court style experience isn't our favorite, but I am always really glad to find a lot of safe, non-sandwich options when we visit Sunshine Seasons. Add in that you can talk to a Disney chef too, and you have a great quick service location for guests with special dietary needs in Epcot.

Have you been to Sunshine Seasons? What did you think of the special diets options there?

7/19/19 7/19/19

Kona Cafe Dinner Review

Kona Cafe, located at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, has become an instant favorite with us (and especially Brandon) after we visited a few months ago when they launched their new all-day lunch & dinner menu. We enjoy the low-key atmosphere and some of the new menu items, along with classic favorites.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in July 2019. It includes information about dairy free modifications, fish/shellfish, peanut, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Dinner at Kona Cafe

Atmosphere

The Polynesian Village Resort is one of my favorites on Disney property. I absolutely love the retro Mid-Century Modern / Tiki vibe.

Polynesian Village Resort / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On the night we went for dinner, the weather was pretty stormy outside -- perfect for a tropical storm vibe, but not so great for guests planning on going to the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show. In fact, we both commented on how busy the lobby and general public areas of the resort were. It's definitely the busiest I've seen it in a long time.

Kona Cafe Menus / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Because it was so busy, we were told that we would be seated close to our reservation time instead of early. So, we took that time to wander the surrounding shops and found a nice cozy spot to sit and relax before dinner.

Kona Cafe Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I forgot to take too many photos while we were in the restaurant -- mostly because the restaurant was really extremely crowded. I usually only see Kona that crowded during breakfast, so this was definitely a surprise. The photo I took above was taken as we were leaving the restaurant and the table seatings were started to empty a bit.

As you can see, the restaurant is open to the second floor, so it's very open and you can watch a lot of the action nearby, including the lines for the monorail!

The Food

Like most restaurants at Disney World, Kona Cafe does offer guests an allergy-friendly menu. I do always recommend that you speak with a chef too, if you have any questions or want to talk about other potential options for you to enjoy. I also especially recommend this if you have multiple special dietary needs.

Kona Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

After we ordered our meals, our server brought us bread service to enjoy. I was served the Deanna's Gluten Free allergy-friendly rolls. These are gluten free, dairy free, and cover several other special dietary needs, as well. I was served regular butter, but you can request Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread too.

I can pretty much make a meal out of these and some sushi when we dine here for an easy and filling meal. I've had good luck with the rolls being properly heated here, and they have been enjoyable on every visit I've been there. For some reason 'Ohana right next door never seems to properly heat these rolls, which is a bit odd since they share kitchen space.

Because Brandon can have gluten, he was brought the classic rolls served at the restaurant. These are peanut free.

Kona Cafe - Cheddar Burger — Kona Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my entree, I ordered the Crispy Baked Cheddar Cheeseburger with Smothered in Crispy Cheddar, Maple-Black Pepper Bacon, Roasted Tomato, and Braised Onions. This is served on a gluten free bun. It is also marked safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. It does contain dairy, but you could get a burger plain without cheese.

If you're a cheese person, this is a must-order burger at Kona Cafe. There was so much cheese, that it was kind of a bit ridiculous. I absolutely loved the crispy baked cheddar crisp served on the burger. And, I especially loved the maple-black pepper bacon and braised onions. This was a pretty big burger, and all of the toppings were super flavorful. If you can have dairy, this is definitely a great option. One word of caution, the burger is fairly messy and greasy. So be prepared!

The fries served with it were also good (and made in a dedicated allergy fryer), but these are the fries you can get pretty much everywhere at Disney. So, they weren't anything special.

Kona Cafe - California Roll — Kona Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

If you can't have dairy or are looking for something a bit lighter or seafood-based, look no further than Kona's sushi options. On a previous visit, I ordered the California Roll. This is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. I am always really impressed with the quality of their sushi. They do a great job, and everything always tastes really fresh. Plus, they have gluten free soy sauce on hand too!

Kona Cafe - Pork Belly Ramen — Kona Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon has been loving the Pork Belly Noodle Bowl with Bone Broth, Rice Noodles, Soy Egg, Mushrooms, Bok Choy, and Hot Sesame Oil. This is marked safe for Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies and it's also chicken & turkey free too. He's ordered this three times now, so I'd say it's a winner.

One interesting note about this dish and even the mashed potatoes he's ordered several times. We both have noticed that these are not consistently prepared. The noodle bowl, for instance, sometimes has one type of mushroom and other times not. And, on this visit, his pork belly looked quite different from previous visits. He was also served the soy marinated egg, which he has not always had in his noodle bowl. We double-checked everything, but we were still noticing that the dish seems to vary depending on the night we visit.

Brandon also really enjoys the mashed potatoes. These contain dairy but are safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies and are also chicken & turkey free. These are super creamy and rich. So, they're a good side to order if you really love mashed potatoes.

As you can see from this photo and the one above, the mashed potatoes have also been slightly inconsistent too. On Father's Day, when we took Brandon's dad out, we were served potatoes with the skins mashed into the dish. On this occasion, they weren't, and we had the addition of green onion. So, I'd say consistency could be an issue at this restaurant. Thankfully, despite the consistency issues everything has tasted great for both of us, even with the variations.

Overall

With a much larger all-day menu that includes sandwiches, entrees, noodle bowls, and sushi, there's just about something for everyone at Kona Cafe. Add to that a good amount of options for guests with special dietary needs, and you have the makings for a great table service option for lunch and dinner. Both of us agreed that this is definitely a location we'll keep going back to for an easy-going and filling meal in one of our favorite resorts.

Have you been to Kona Cafe? What do you think of their new lunch & dinner options?

7/19/19 7/19/19

Royal Palace Debarkation Breakfast Review on the Disney Dream

It's amazing how quickly a cruise can go by. Just like that our 3-day cruise on in May on the Disney Dream was over. Because we dined at Royal Palace the evening before, we were assigned Royal Palace as the location for our debarkation breakfast. Guests also have the option to dine at Cabanas the morning the cruise debarks. But, we always prefer the assigned rotational dining option for an a la carte breakfast. Because we had late dining, our debarkation breakfast was around 8 a.m. -- early, but not nearly as early as our previous debarkation breakfasts.

*This gluten free review took place in May 2019. It includes information about peanut free, fish/shellfish free, and chicken and turkey free options.

Debarkation Breakfast at Royal Palace

Atmosphere

It's always so sad on the day we leave the ship! I do appreciate that Disney Cruise Line has magical touches, even as you're debarking.

Disney Cruise Line - See Ya Real Soon / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I always get a few photos of the See Ya Real Soon signs throughout the ship. It's both sad and gives us something to look forward to because we're always thinking about our next cruise!

Royal Palace - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Even though we had a later breakfast, as you can tell, Royal Palace was pretty deserted. A lot of guests do skip breakfast or head to Cabanas instead.

Royal Palace - Sarah with Menu — Royal Palace / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I may be smiling in this photo, but we both didn't want to leave the ship at all. Three day cruises never feel like enough time when you're sailing on a Disney Cruise ship.

The Food

Breakfast during debarkation includes a limited menu. This means that if you're interested in items like allergy-friendly Mickey waffles, they won't be options. That's because the ship is essentially debarking and re-embarking the same day. So, the crew really has a tight turn-around to get the ship ready for the next set of cruising guests.

Royal Palace / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Although Brandon is not a big breakfast person, he did get breakfast during debarkation. We both ordered cold beverages, including orange juice.

Usually, I try to order easy but filling breakfast items to help fuel us for our drive home. I got a ham and cheese omelet which is gluten free. It can be made dairy free by omitting the cheese. Overall, as omelets go, this was good but nothing special. Still, given how quickly debarkation breakfast goes, I was pleasantly surprised by how decent this was.

Even though you can't order allergy-friendly Mickey waffles during debarkation breakfast, you can get allergy-friendly pancakes. These are gluten free and dairy free, and they are made using the King Arthur Flour Gluten Free Pancake & Waffle Mix. I have to admit, that I think I liked the pancakes better than the waffles. Super tasty and definitely a breakfast option I'll get again.

Royal Palace - Eggs — Royal Palace / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon opted for something very simple -- scrambled eggs and bacon. His breakfast entree was fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free. He is happy with something simple and small, though we both agreed he got a fairly substantial portion.

Overall

While debarkation breakfast is never fancy, we always appreciate being able to get one last meal on our cruise. It's a nice way to cap off the sailing and get a little bit more of the Disney Cruise Line magic in before we head back home.

Have you been on a Disney Cruise? How do you dine for breakfast on debarkation day?

7/16/19 7/16/19

Royal Palace Dinner Review on the Disney Dream

A three day cruise goes by fast! And, on our last night of our 3-day cruise on the Disney Dream, we had our last rotational dinner at Royal Palace. It didn't feel too much like a new experience that night because we'd been at Royal Palace so much over the course of three days. But, we both really enjoy the Royal Palace dinner and the options available to us there.

*This gluten free review took place in May 2019. It includes information about peanut free, fish/shellfish free, and chicken and turkey free options.

Dinner at Royal Palace

Atmosphere

Because I've posted so many Royal Palace reviews, I won't share too many photos of this Disney princess inspired restaurant. But, you can see and read more about it in my breakfast and lunch reviews.

Royal Palace Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I'm not sure if I mentioned it in earlier reviews, but we had the later dinner seating at 8:15 p.m. This was our first cruise dining this late. And, while we were both a bit skeptical about it at first, we actually really loved late dining. In fact, we both agreed that we will always book the second dining on every trip from now on. For us, it gave us a lot more time to digest and not feel rushed in the afternoon after excursions, relaxing, or getting back on the ship.

I did want to include a comparison photo for you of dinner. As you can see, the atmosphere is totally different in the evening when the restaurant is much more crowded. That's one of the reasons I love eating there at breakfast and lunch. The low crowds are just such a nice change of pace.

Royal Palace - Table Setting / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I love the adorable napkin shapes throughout the ship's restaurants. This one is perfectly themed for Royal Palace.

The Food

Royal Palace is hands down our favorite of the three main rotational dining options for the food. While we Enchanted Garden is our favorite restaurant overall, we both agree that the food at Royal Palace tends to be much more our speed. So, we actually ate food that was entirely from this restaurant instead of requesting items from other dining locations!

Another shoutout to our assistant server Cristel from Mexico! She completely rocked the entire cruise and really made our dining experience pleasant. From start to finish, she really made sure we enjoyed our meals and always had our double drinks!

I forgot to take a photo of the Ener-G allergy-friendly rolls. But, we did manage to get a shot of the olive tapenade that was served as an accompaniment to the rolls. I really loved the saltiness of the olives, while Brandon preferred to skip the tapenade and just use butter on his rolls.

Royal Palace - Iced Lobster & Shrimp — Royal Palace / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For the second time on the cruise, I ordered the Iced Lobster and Jumbo Shrimp. This is gluten free but contains dairy. It can be easily made dairy free by omitting the sauces. If you are a seafood lover, this is an excellent classic steakhouse appetizer.

For Brandon's appetizer, he ordered the Breaded and Deep Fried Brie. This is fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free. This is one of his favorite appetizers because he is a huge brie fan.

Although I didn't order it this time, I have actually been able to pre-order this dish to be gluten free on a previous cruise. If you're gluten free and really love the idea of this, I highly recommend pre-ordering it, as they cannot make it on the fly.

Royal Palace - Leek Soup — Royal Palace / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We both also ordered the Leek and Potato Soup. It's one of our favorites, and it is gluten free, fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free. It is also vegetarian. If you enjoy soup, I highly recommend this option, especially for gluten free guests since it requires no modifications to be gluten free.

Both of us also ordered the Chateaubriand-Roasted Filet Steak with Crushed Potatoes and Green Beans. Neither one of us could have the Bernaise Sauce that normally comes with it. With this modification, this dish was gluten free, fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free. The potatoes do contain dairy, so if you're interested in this, you may be able to swap out the potatoes with advance notice.

Both of us really enjoyed the entree. And, we both agreed that the mashed potatoes were actually the best part of the plate. I think that's partially because our steaks were both overdone. Mine was especially well-done.

Brandon's was a bit more rare, so be sure to tell your server if you have a particular concern about meat temperature and cook.

Royal Palace - Creme Brulee — Royal Palace / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For dessert, we were both served Tahitian Vanilla Creme Brulee. This dessert is both gluten free and peanut free. Brandon said it was just OK, and I skipped this because I do not like Creme Brulee usually.

I was also extremely bummed because I had pre-ordered the Grand Marnier Souffle, which my friend Alexis from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures has ordered on her cruises and raved about. When I asked our server Allen about it, he said the kitchen told him they couldn't make it. I will definitely be asking about it again on a future cruise, just in case they can make it on that sailing.

Allen did bring out the allergy-friendly dessert of the night, which was the same dessert Brandon had at our embarkation lunch. A combination of a cookie and brownie topped with raspberry sorbet, it was a much better option than the creme brulee. This dessert is gluten free, dairy free, vegan, peanut free, and free of the top common allergens. I am still bummed I didn't get the Grand Marnier Souffle I pre-ordered, but I'm at least glad I had a decent dessert option.

Overall

Royal Palace is definitely a great meal during your rotational dining options. It's a favorite of ours for the excellent food options and overall experience. If you are on your cruise, don't skip out on this restaurant during your sailing. It's definitely worth the experience, especially if you're a fan of French and steakhouse inspired fare.

Have you been to Royal Palace on the Disney Dream? What did you think of the dinner options there?

7/16/19 7/16/19

Cookie's BBQ Lunch Review on Castaway Cay

Cookie's BBQ is one of three restaurants on Castaway Cay, Disney's private island. On our recent 3-day cruise on the Disney Dream, we had lunch at Cookie's BBQ, which is the main restaurant on the island, and the location that handles special dietary needs requests. On our last two cruises, we've pre-ordered our lunches, and this has worked really well for us. So, Cookie's BBQ is our go-to spot to eat.

*This gluten free review took place in May 2019. It includes information about peanut free, fish/shellfish free, and chicken and turkey free options.

Lunch at Cookie’s BBQ

Atmosphere

Somehow I always manage to forget to take a lot of photos of Cookie's BBQ when we eat there. I'm sure this is due to being super relaxed and chill while we're on the island!

Cookies BBQ - Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

When you go to Cookie's BBQ, you'll want to find the giant boat with potato chips on it. This is exactly where you need to go to check in if you're pre-ordered food or to talk to a coordinator about special diets options.

Cookies's BBQ Potato Chips / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

You can always grab a bag of plain Lay's potato chips too while you're there. These are individually packaged and gluten free and dairy free too!

Cookie's BBQ - Fruit — Cookie's BBQ / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

One of the things I always appreciate about the food options with Disney Cruise Line is that they always have lots of fresh fruit and vegetables around for guests to grab and take with them. Cookie's BBQ is no exception. They have tons of fresh fruit available. And, I always make sure to grab at least one plate of fresh pineapple, mango, and grapes.

Cookie's BBQ / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Another nice touch is that while you're on your way to your picnic bench to enjoy lunch, you'll find fresh condiments individually prepared by cast members. This is great for those of us with special diets who need to avoid cross-contamination.

The Food

Although we didn't pre-order food at any other location, we always make sure to pre-order our lunch on Castaway Cay. In May 2018, we didn't pre-order and attempted to eat at the Serenity Bay BBQ (the adults only restaurant). And, I had very limited options. So, we've pre-ordered on the last two cruises and had great success.

One important note about pre-ordering. It does not guarantee that you get your food the moment you walk up to the restaurant. What it does is help the restaurant and coordinators prepare the right amount of food for special diets guests and help streamline the process when you arrive. We sadly saw a guest who came to Cookie's BBQ who was extremely irate that the special diets food options for her kids was not ready immediately. For us, even with a small wait, we're just grateful we can eat safely while we're on our cruise, so I do recommend having a little patience and understanding with the cast members who are helping make your experience safe and delicious.

After speaking with a coordinator who found our order, we were given a number to take with us to whatever picnic table we wanted to sit at. While Brandon grabbed us a table, I went to get some fresh fruit. I don't know what it is, but I swear the fruit on the cruises is so fresh. I could eat the pineapple they serve for days!

Cookie's BBQ - Gluten Free Burger — Cookie's BBQ / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

A cast member arrived at our table with only one of our orders. Unfortunately, the coordinator got confused and only grabbed my pre-order and not Brandon's. So, the cast member went to prepare Brandon's food, which did arrive pretty quickly considering.

I pre-ordered a cheeseburger on a gluten free bun, French fries, and grilled mahi mahi. Everything was gluten free, and the burger could have been made dairy free by omitting the cheese. While I wouldn't say anything we get at Castaway Cay is super amazing, we both really just enjoy a basic grilled burger while we listen to the ocean nearby. I also really enjoy the grilled fish too.

You'll find that there are other options that are gluten free safe too -- like the grilled chicken, potato salad, and coleslaw. Always double-check with a coordinator to confirm that the items you're interested in are safe for your special dietary need. I also recommend that when you pre-order that you ask for specific items that you want. We have found that if you're too vague, you're likely to get plain and bland food. The more specific you are, the better your experience!

As you can see, Brandon got virtually the same thing -- minus the fish because of his allergies. This burger was fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free. He was served a regular gluten-filled bun since that was safe for his special dietary needs.

Overall

We both really enjoy the simple pleasures of getting classic BBQ food when we eat at Cookie's BBQ on Castaway Cay. There's something charming and nostalgic about eating BBQ at a picnic table and lounging afterwards on the beach. If you have special diets, I strongly recommend pre-ordering your food and eating at Cookie's BBQ (and avoiding Cookie's Too and Serenity Bay BBQ) for the best special dietary needs options while you're at Castaway Cay.

Have you been to Cookie's BBQ on Castaway Cay? What did you get when you dined there?

7/16/19 7/16/19

Royal Palace Breakfast Review - Disney Dream

Royal Palace on the Disney Dream really was our home away from home on our 3-day cruise on the Disney Dream. That's because it's not only one of the three main rotational dining options on the cruise ship, but it's also the location for a la carte breakfast and lunch while you're on your cruise. So, we ate there a lot!

*This gluten free dining experience took place in May 2019. It includes information about peanut free, fish/shellfish free, and chicken and turkey free options.

Breakfast at Royal Palace

On day 3, I had breakfast at Royal Palace as we docked at Castaway Cay. Since Brandon is not a breakfast person, I went down for some allergy-friendly Mickey waffles while he woke up and got around for our relaxing day on Castaway Cay.

Atmosphere

Because we dined at Royal Palace so much on this cruise, you'll see lots of photos in all of my reviews of breakfast and lunch.

Royal Palace Entrance Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Since Royal Palace is themed after the Disney princesses, you'll find lots of royal touches throughout the restaurant, including paintings and other decor.

Royal Palace Breakfast Menu / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

During my breakfast, I was seated near the porthole windows on the side of the ship.

While it didn't make for the most amazing views in the restaurant, I really didn't care because I had some fantastic views of Castaway Cay.

Royal Palace View / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

There's nothing quite like enjoying a leisurely breakfast while your cruise ship docks into port at Castaway Cay. If you dine early at Royal Palace (the restaurant typically opens at 8 or 8:30 a.m.), do ask for a seat by the windows. It's worth asking for the amazing views!

The Food

Because we were at Castaway Cay and would be having BBQ lunch on the island, I wasn't planning on ordering anything too filling at breakfast.

I do always order an iced tea for a little bit of caffeine and an apple juice to get my day started.

After I had been seated, our server Cristel from our main rotational dining experiences saw me. She wasn't a part of my breakfast server team, but she did come over to say "hello." She noticed I didn't have any gluten free pastries at my table and insisted on bringing me some, which was very nice of her. I ended up with two of the Kinnikinnick brand cinnamon sugar donuts. These are gluten free, dairy free, and free of the top common allergens. I always enjoy these donuts and do tend to get them at least once on our cruises.

Since I'd already ordered my favorite gluten free Eggs Benedict earlier on the cruise, I knew I wanted to get allergy-friendly Mickey waffles this time. I was able to get Allergy-Friendly Mickey Waffles with Blueberry Compote, Strawberry Cream, and Bacon.

The waffles are gluten free, dairy free, vegan, and free of the top common allergens and are made using the King Arthur Flour Pancake & Waffle Mix. This is change from previous cruises where they were using mixes like Namaste to make the waffles.

Overall, I really liked the waffles, especially with the blueberry compote and strawberry cream (the cream contains dairy). You can also get your waffles served with plain maple syrup too. The combination of the blueberry compote and strawberry cream were just perfect and made the waffles really special -- as opposed to getting them with just maple syrup. I would definitely get these again on a future cruise.

Overall

Royal Palace continues to be my go-to spot for a la carte breakfast on the Disney Dream. I'm really glad it's there as an option, because I much prefer the low-key and relaxed atmosphere there than at Cabanas, which can get really busy some mornings. Plus, these allergy-friendly Mickey waffles and toppings might be my new favorite breakfast entree on the Disney Dream. They were the perfect way to start my day on beautiful Castaway Cay.

Have you been to Royal Palace on the Disney Dream for breakfast? What did you think about their special diets options?

7/16/19 7/16/19

Enchanted Garden Dinner Review on the Disney Dream

Enchanted Garden on the Disney Dream is one of the three main rotational dining restaurants. On our recent Disney Cruise in May, we had dinner here on our second night, which was also pirate night on the ship. After our last several cruises, Enchanted Garden has become one of our favorite restaurants to dine in for its charming theme and delicious entrees.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in May 2019. It includes information about peanut free, fish/shellfish free, and chicken and turkey free options.

Dinner at Enchanted Garden

Atmosphere

Enchanted Garden is themed after the gardens of Versailles. So, you'll see lots of beautiful garden-inspired touches throughout the restaurant.

Enchanted Garden Entrance Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

From the moment you step inside, you'll see beautiful garden murals and lights.

Enchanted Garden Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The lighting does change throughout your meal and goes from day time to sunset. I love some of the charming seating options in here, including the tea-cup inspired booths. We've been lucky enough to have been seated in these several times and always love them.

Enchanted Garden Fountain / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The centerpiece as you walk into the restaurant is a beautiful water fountain. I absolutely love getting photos of it after our meal when the lighting looks more like twilight.

Enchanted Garden Lighting / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We always look up, down, and all around whenever we're in a Disney restaurant. That's because you'll see so many beautiful and themed elements just about everywhere. My favorite in Enchanted Garden are these beautiful flower lights.

Enchanted Garden - Table / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We were seated towards the middle of the restaurant, and we had a good vantage point of the restaurant without being in too congested of an area.

The Food

Because we were on a 3-day cruise, even though we dined at Enchanted Garden during pirate night, the menu was still Enchanted Garden's regular rotational dinner menu.

Enchanted Garden / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For our bread service, we were both brought the Ener-G allergy-friendly rolls, which are gluten free, dairy free, peanut free, vegan, and free of the top common allergens, with some hummus. While Brandon ate the rolls, he's not a fan of the hummus, so he skipped that. Overall, I enjoyed the bread service. If you're a hummus fan, you'll enjoy this version which is fairly mild in flavor.

I have to shout-out our assistant server, Cristel from Mexico. She was a total rockstar throughout our cruise and really took great care of us. She was also super on top of beverages. In fact, she learned quickly what drinks we liked to order and brought us double drinks at all times throughout the meal.

She was also awesome when I saw her during breakfast at Royal Palace and even insisted on bringing me gluten free pastries when she saw I didn't have any. And she wasn't even my server during that meal! She was really excellent and definitely went above and beyond during our cruise, so if you get a chance to have her as a part of your service team, you'll be well taken care of.

While we absolutely love Enchanted Garden's theme and the entrees served there, sometimes we go a little off-book when we dine there. Luckily, we learned several cruises ago that you can order items served at any of the three main rotational dining options during your meal. Because I'm not a big fan of any of the appetizers at Enchanted Garden, I requested the Iced Lobster and Jumbo Shrimp that is normally served at Royal Palace.

This dish is marked gluten free on the Royal Palace menu and can be made dairy free by omitting the sauces. This is always one of my favorite appetizers. And, I like it so much that I ordered it twice on this cruise. If you're a seafood fan, this is always a great option.

Enchanted Garden - Soup — Enchanted Garden / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon was also not feeling any of the appetizer choices from Enchanted Garden that night. He ended up getting the French Onion Soup from Royal Palace again. This dish is fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free. He really enjoys this soup a lot. And, he was still so glad that he could get soup on the cruise pretty much as much as he wanted. This continues to be a real winner in his book.

Enchanted Garden - Indian Food — Enchanted Garden / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Because I wasn't all that excited about the Indian food options I had the previous night at Animator's Palate, our server Allen wanted to make sure I got some options that I really loved. I was served a plate of curry chicken, scented rice, and curried potatoes. This was all gluten free.

This second serving of Indian food did not disappoint. And, as you can see in this photo, I was one happy camper.

My favorite main dining entree is also at Enchanted Garden. So, Allen brought me a plate of the Marjoram Scented Roasted Chicken too. Although I couldn't eat everything, I did put a major dent in the dinner. The roasted chicken is so flavorful and tender, that it continues to be tops for me for entrees. I also really enjoyed the whipped sweet potatoes, sautéed spinach, and the chicken jus served with this too. This entree is marked gluten free on the Enchanted Garden menu.

For Brandon's entree, he ordered the Slow Roasted Prime Rib. This was a gluten free (marked on the menu), fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free. Overall, Brandon really liked it, but did think the prime rib was quite fatty for his taste. We both totally forgot until after he'd ordered that he had loved the seared pork tenderloin medallions served at this restaurant on our last cruise. He could have ordered this, but chose not to because he was already feeling pretty full.

Even after stuffing myself silly with all the food I ordered, I still managed to have some room for dessert. Though it's not marked gluten free on the menu, I was served the Orange Yogurt Cake. Having been to Palo many times, this was absolutely the same orange almond cake served there for dessert.

The cake itself is gluten free and dairy free, but the accompaniments contained dairy. I loved the actual cake itself -- it's one of my favorite desserts on the ship. But, the solidified yogurt rectangle served on the plate was just weird and kind of gross. Next time, I'd just ask for the dessert minus the yogurt and cream sauce.

For Brandon's dessert, he ordered Chocolate Garden Torte which came with a coffee cream and was peanut free. Even though he's not a big dessert person, he loves chocolatey desserts. This one was a real winner, and one he'd get again.

Overall

We both really enjoy the atmosphere and entrees served at Enchanted Garden. With a beautiful garden theme and pleasant dim lighting, we always look forward to our dinners at this rotational dining location.

Have you been to Enchanted Garden? What did you think of the restaurant and food?

7/16/19 7/16/19

Royal Palace Lunch Review on the Disney Dream

Royal Palace always feels like our home restaurant when we're cruising on the Disney Dream. That's because we tend to eat there quite a few times for a la carte breakfast and lunches throughout our sailing. On our recent May cruise on the Disney Dream, we ate there several times, including once for lunch. I had already had breakfast there that morning. So, we had a late lunch after a relaxing few hours in the Rainforest Room in Senses Spa. It's a great way to rest, relax, and recharge. And, after our time there, we decide a refuel at lunch was in order.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in May 2019. It includes information about peanut free, fish/shellfish free, and chicken and turkey free options.

Lunch at Royal Palace

Atmosphere

As I mentioned in my breakfast review of Royal Palace, the restaurant is themed after Disney princesses.

The restaurant has a very different feel to it during the day time. And, we both really enjoy how relaxed and low-key it is. We went closer to the end of lunch service, so it was quite empty. But, our overall service and experience were still beyond excellent.

Royal Palace Seat View / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We were docked in Nassau, Bahamas that day, and so our view wasn't the most amazing, it was still nice to have a window seat with some views outside.

Royal Palace Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Our table was also in a nice cozy corner, which we really appreciated. It was nice to just relax and not feel rushed during our lunch.

The Food

On this cruise, we didn't pre-order any of our lunches, as we have on previous cruises. Both of us agreed that you don't really need to pre-order a meal, unless you have a really special request. We have found the restaurants to be really accommodating even with all of our special dietary needs.

Royal Palace Lunch - Allergy Friendly Rolls — Royal Palace Lunch / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We were each brought a bread service -- I was served the Ener-G allergy-friendly rolls, which are gluten free, dairy free and free of the top common allergens and vegan. During lunch, they weren't that well-heated. But, if you can get them well-heated, they are always a nice accompaniment to any meal.

Brandon was given the regular bread service as the bread was peanut free. He wasn't too keen on the bread throughout our cruise and felt that the gluten free rolls were sometimes better than the gluten-filled ones he was served.

Royal Palace - Ahi Tuna Nicoise — Royal Palace / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my appetizer, I ordered the Ahi Tuna Nicoise which is marked gluten free and dairy free on the Royal Palace lunch menu. This has been a go-to appetizer for me on several cruises now. I really love the fresh flavors and how light is is. It's a great way to start a meal or as a main entree if you're feeling like eating light.

Royal Palace Lunch - Meat & Cheese — Royal Palace Lunch / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon started with the Sliced Serrano Ham with Manchego Cheese and Tomato Bread. This was fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free. Overall, he really enjoyed the meat and cheese portion of this appetizer but wasn't as keen on the tomato bread. He's ordered this on several cruises too and enjoys it quite a bit. If you're gluten free, they can make this GF by omitting the bread.

My friend Alexis from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures had posted about some really tasting looking allergy-friendly chicken tenders on her Baja cruise on the Disney Wonder. They looked totally different than any of the ones that you can get at Disney World, so I knew I had to try them on our cruise.

I was able to order allergy-friendly chicken tenders, French fries, and steamed vegetables during lunch. The tenders and fries are made in a dedicate fryer to avoid cross-contamination. Overall, I was so happy I ordered these. There were super crispy and really delicious.

In hindsight, I should have asked what brand they were using. But, I was enjoying them too much and too relaxed and just plain forgot! I will absolutely be ordering these again and investigating where else I can order them on the ship. I have heard that you can get them at Cabanas, Flo's Cafe, all of the main rotational dining restaurants, and through room service.

Brandon really wanted to get the lamb burger on the Royal Palace lunch menu, but it contained fish in the burger patty, so it could not be modified. Instead, he got the Classic Cheeseburger and French fries. His fries were also made in a dedicated fryer, and the entire meal was fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free. Brandon did enjoy the burger but said it wasn't anything too special.

Royal Palace Lunch / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my dessert, I was served the allergy-friendly dessert of the day -- a vanilla cake with vanilla frosting layers, raspberry non-dairy whipped topping, and fresh fruit. This was gluten free, dairy free, vegan, and free of the top common allergens. Overall, I really enjoyed this. The cake was a little dry and dense, but the light and airy raspberry whipped cream on it was fantastic and really made the dessert. I would definitely order this dessert again.

For his dessert, Brandon was served the Italian Style Ice Cream Sundae with Dulce de Leche Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce, and Whipped Cream. This was peanut free, and I believe he did not have the biscotti crumble that is normally in the sundae included in the version he was served. Brandon is not a huge dessert person, so while I think he enjoyed it, I'm not sure it's something he'd go out of his way to order.

Overall

Royal Palace for lunch continues to be our preferred way to enjoy lunch when we're dining aboard the Disney Dream. It's low-key and relaxed and gives us a lot of options and flexibility for our special dietary needs. I think I may have found my go-to lunch choices on this visit too!

Have you been to Royal Palace on the Disney Dream for lunch? What did you think of the options available to you?

7/15/19 7/15/19

Royal Palace Breakfast Review on the Disney Dream

Royal Palace, on the Disney Dream, is one of the three main rotational restaurants for dinner. It also happens to be open for a la carte breakfast and lunch during your cruise. On our recent cruise in May on the Disney Dream, I had breakfast at Royal Palace on two of our cruise mornings.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in May 2019. It includes information about peanut free, fish/shellfish free, and chicken and turkey free options.

Breakfast at Royal Palace

I much prefer breakfast at Royal Palace to the buffet options at Cabanas or Enchanted Garden because I like the ability to get a variety of options without the hassle or worry of a buffet and cross-contamination. I also find that Royal Palace tends to be fairly quiet, making for a much more pleasant overall breakfast experience.

Atmosphere

Royal Palace is inspired by Disney princesses. So, you'll see lots of royal touches throughout the restaurant. Because we dined at Royal Palace a lot during the cruise for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, I'll be showing lots of photos of the overall theme throughout those reviews.

One of my favorite parts about breakfast at Royal Palace is how calm and low-key it is.

As you can see from the photos here, there really aren't a lot of people dining a la carte each morning.

Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

One tip that I always have for dining here during breakfast or lunch is to ask for a seat near the windows -- especially if you can get one with a lovely ocean view. I have often had great views in the morning when sitting near those windows.

On this visit, I had an interior table, but it was close to the hallway which had portholes. So, there was still plenty of sunshine flooding through.

The Food

Royal Palace's a la carte breakfast menu does mark some options gluten free. But, you can also talk to your server about additional options too. Dishes like allergy-friendly Mickey waffles aren't on the regular menu but are available upon request.

You can also pre-order your breakfast at Royal Palace by ordering your meal the night before with your server. Because we've been on the Disney Dream quite a few times, I decided not to pre-order for breakfast on this cruise. But, we have pre-ordered in the past, and it can be really helpful, especially if you have specific plans or activities to go to. It won't ensure your meal is ready the moment you sit down, but it will help speed the general preparation process a bit.

Day two of our cruise was our Nassau, Bahamas day. Brandon is not a huge breakfast fan, so while he was getting up and showered, I went down for breakfast at Royal Palace before we disembarked to get our passports stamped and a brief look around of Nassau.

I started the meal with a few breakfast beverages -- my favorite iced tea and apple juice -- while I looked over the menu.

Royal Palace - Eggs Benedict — Royal Palace / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

One of my favorite breakfast entrees is the gluten free modified Eggs Benedict. You can order this gluten free by swapping out the gluten-filled English muffin for gluten free buns. I ordered the classic Eggs Benedict. But, you can also order two other versions gluten free too (one has salmon and the other has rosemary ham).

If you can have dairy, this is a terrific breakfast option. I ordered this a few times on our Disney Cruises, and I have always found the eggs to be well-poached, and the Hollandaise sauce to be excellent. This is always a must-order for me at least one of the mornings on a cruise.

Royal Palace - Muffins — Royal Palace / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

My server also offered me Udi's Double Chocolate Chip Muffins. On our last cruise, I was served Kinnikinnick Chocolate Chip Muffins which are one of my favorites. But, Disney Cruise Line is no longer serving these. So, Udi's it was. I wasn't all that keen on the muffins (which are gluten free and dairy free) because they just taste like dry chocolate cake to me. But, I'm glad they are available to guests!

Overall

Royal Palace's a la carte breakfast is a must-do for me when I'm on the Disney Dream. It's a great way to have a low-key and filling breakfast. As you'll see from other reviews, you can also get other items like allergy-friendly Mickey waffles and pancakes. If you're on the Dream, definitely make plans to have breakfast there for delicious and safe options without the hassle or rush of the buffet at Cabanas.

Have you been on the Disney Dream? What did you think of the breakfast options at Royal Palace?

7/15/19 7/15/19

Animator's Palate Dinner Review on the Disney Dream

On the first night of our 3-day cruise on the Disney Dream in May, our dinner was at Animator's Palate. Having already had embarkation lunch there earlier that day, we were getting double-duty with Animator's Palate on day one. But, since this is our least favorite of the rotational dining options on the ship, we weren't too sad to be dining there all in one day and eating at the other restaurants the rest of the cruise.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in May 2019. It includes information about peanut free, fish/shellfish free, and chicken and turkey free options.

Dinner at Animator's Palate

Atmosphere

In my review for embarkation lunch, I talked a lot about the theme of Animator's Palate. I won't post as many photos in this review. But, I would definitely encourage you to read through the embarkation lunch post if you're interested in learning more or seeing additional photos.

Animator's Palate / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For our cruise, we were designated table 32 at all three of the main rotational dining restaurants. Prior to our cruise, we requested to have a table with no other guests. And, we were both happy to see that this request was able to be accommodated. It's never a guarantee, even with a request, but we've been lucky to have it honored every time we've cruised.

One of the main differences from the embarkation lunch to dinner is that the restaurant does change its lighting quite a bit from light, bright colors at the beginning of your meal (similar to what you see during embarkation lunch) to a bit more dark during the end of your meal.

The visual cues are a nice way to transition the start and finish of your dining experience. You'll also notice this use of lighting in Enchanted Garden too, which we'll talk about in our review of that restaurant.

You'll also see lots of turtle and Finding Nemo inspired art throughout the restaurant too.

Brandon snapped this photo of me with my Animator's Palate menu. I love that if you move the menu side to side or up and down, the animation actually changes.

The Food

As I mentioned, Animator's Palate is our least favorite restaurant on the ship. Part of this is the very loud atmosphere (even with second dining, we found the acoustics in the restaurant make it quite loud). The other part is the food. Neither one of us gets very excited about most of the food offered there.

Animator's Palate - Salmon Tartare — Animator's Palate / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I have two exceptions to that. The first is the Smoked Salmon Tartar. This is marked gluten free on the Animator's Palate menu and does contain dairy. If you can have dairy and like seafood, this is an outstanding appetizer. It's super flavorful and really surprised me the first time I had it. I always order this every time we dine at Animator's Palate. It's that good.

Since Brandon is also not that keen on the Animator's Palate menu, he was struggling with what to order. One of the best tips I've learned over the years is that if you don't like something on a menu, you can actually request items from the other main rotational dining restaurants during your meal.

With this in mind, Brandon requested by the Leek and Potato Soup and French Onion Soup from Royal Palace. Both of these are made with vegetable stock, so they are also vegetarian options. They are also fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free. Brandon loves both of these soups, so this was a double soup win for him.

Animator's Palate - Indian Food — Animator's Palate / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Another great tip that I've learned is that you can often ask for Indian food, as the ship prepares various Indian dishes every night of your cruise. They aren't listed on any menu, but your server can help arrange options for you, depending on your special dietary need. In my case, since I wasn't feeling like any of the entrees from Animator's Palate, I asked for Indian food on our first night.

Unfortunately, I should have been more specific about what I was interested in with our server Allen. That's because I ended up with two gluten free, dairy free, and vegan dishes that I wasn't particularly fond of. I was served some plain rice, curried okra, and lentils in a tomato sauce. The lentils weren't terrible, but I really disliked the okra. It was poorly cooked and very slimey. Allen did offer to bring me any other entrees that I might like, but since I'd already eaten quite a lot with bread and my appetizer and planned on ordering dessert, I skipped any additional food. So, lesson learned. Be specific whenever you can!

Animator's Palate - Beef Tenderloin — Animator's Palate / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon ordered the Ginger-Teriyaki dusted Angus Beef Tenderloin. This was fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free. He said that while the steak was well-cooked, he wasn't all that keen on the sauce included with the entree.

The other dish that I always order when we dine at Animator's Palate is the Crunchy Walnut Cake. It is marked gluten free on the menu, and is so delicious. I absolutely love the candied walnut crust and the soft chocolate cake in this dessert. It doesn't look like anything fancy, but it's a great dessert.

For Brandon's dessert, he ordered the Cookies n' Cream Sundae. This was a peanut free dessert. This has been a dessert he's ordered several times on our past cruises, and I know it's one of his go-to's for an easy dessert. I don't think it's anything special, but if you can have ice cream and gluten, it's not a bad option.

Overall

While Animator's Palate isn't our favorite of the main rotational dining options on the Disney Dream, we were both glad that the restaurant could easily accommodate us -- even going above and beyond to bring us Indian dishes and appetizers from other restaurants. The next time we cruise on the Dream, I could see us skipping this restaurant in favor of going to Palo or Remy (the adult dining locations) instead.

We are looking forward to trying Animator's Palate on one of the classic ships like the Magic and Wonder. You can read more about those from our friend Alexis at Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures.

Have you been to Animator's Palate on the Disney Dream? What do you like or dislike about this restaurant?

7/15/19 7/15/19

Animator’s Palate Embarkation Lunch Review on the Disney Dream

In May 2019, we were lucky enough to take another 3-day cruise on the Disney Dream. While it was a short cruise, we always love being able to get away from it all -- even if it's just for a short long weekend. Departing from Port Canaveral, it's an easy drive for us and the Disney Cruise Line terminal at this port makes it super easy to get in and on the ship early in the day. After an easy embarkation, our first stop is always embarkation lunch.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in May 2019. It also includes information about peanut free, fish/shellfish free, and chicken and turkey free options.

Embarkation Lunch at Animator’s Palate

Embarkation lunch options on the Disney Dream include an all-you-care-to-enjoy lunch at Cabana's -- the ships buffet restaurant -- or an a la carte lunch, which is currently being held at Animator's Palate. Because of our special dietary needs, we always choose to go to the a la carte lunch. It's much easier to navigate and talk through our special dietary needs without feeling like we're being rushed and without worrying about major issues of cross-contamination.

This was also Brandon's first cruise after being diagnosed with peanut, chicken and turkey allergies (we already knew about his fish and shellfish allergies), so we really wanted to ensure that he was safe and that we could speak with the service team about lunch options for him too.

Atmosphere

Animator's Palate is one of the three main rotation dining restaurants on the Disney Dream. It's also the only main rotational dining restaurant on all of the four current Disney Cruise Line ships. Each one has their own twist on Disney animation. On the Dream, Animator's Palate is inspired by Crush the turtle from Finding Nemo. If you've ever been to Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot, you'll find this restaurant's theme very familiar, especially during dinner where Crush will actually talk to you.

Animator's Palate Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

During embarkation lunch, Animator's Palate is usually fairly quiet and low-key. You'll get plenty of opportunity to explore the restaurant and take a look at its impressive animation theme.

Animator's Palate - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I love how touches from the support beams to the decorative elements all take inspiration from classic animation.

Animator's Palate - Carpet / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Even the carpet is pretty magical too! Check out the adorable not-so-hidden Mickey on the carpet near our table.

Animator's Palate - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The theming truly covers every inch of the restaurant. Even the tables and chairs get in on the theming action.

I love how the table markers on your table even look like paint brushes.

The Food

Embarkation lunch at Animator's Palate includes a small but varied menu of options. Guests with special dietary needs will notice that the lunch menu includes a few notations like gluten free, dairy free, and vegetarian. But, we always recommend you talk to your server about options. Even on this visit, I was able to get something not marked gluten free with an easy modification.

With Brandon's allergies, we definitely needed to consult with our server team too because nut free and other allergens are not listed on the embarkation menu.

Animator's Palate - Embarkation Lunch Menu / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Unlike Walt Disney World, you will rarely have a chef come to your table to discuss options. Usually, you'll tell your server dishes you might be interested in, and they will consult with the kitchen to see if it's safe. It can take a little bit of time, but in our opinion, it's well worth the effort.

While we pondered our appetizers and entrees, our server team brought us rolls to start once the kitchen team confirmed they were safe for us. I was given a basket of Ener-G allergy-friendly rolls with butter and margarine. These rolls are gluten free and also cover the top common allergens too. While, I wouldn't say they are the best rolls I've ever had, if they are well-heated, they are a nice addition to any meal.

Animator's Palate - Bread Service — Animator's Palate / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Bread service in this photo contains gluten but is fish/shellfish, peanut, chicken & turkey free.

During this meal, Brandon was served the regular bread service. Depending on the meal, sometimes he was given regular gluten-filled bread, and at other meals he was served the Ener-G rolls. It really depended on what bread they were serving that day. He was not particularly fond of this bread service, as he said the rolls were not heated and very hard and crunchy.

One of Brandon's favorite things when we dine on the Disney Dream is soup. We were both quite concerned that he would not be able to get soup on this cruise because chicken broth is a common soup base. We were super excited to learn that many of the soups were vegetable broth based so that they could also be vegetarian (and in some cases vegan).

Both of us ordered the Leek and Potato Soup. This is gluten free, fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free. It does contain dairy and cannot be modified to be dairy free. If you're gluten free, be sure that they do not serve the soup with the soda bread. We both really enjoy this soup, and it's one I actually ordered on multiple occasions during this cruise. It's very mild in flavor and a great comfort food soup.

Animator's Palate - Embarkation Lunch Empanada — Animator's Palate / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Because Brandon didn't think he'd be able to get soup, he also asked if the Beef Empanada with Red Chimichurri was safe for him to eat. He was doubly surprised when he got both the soup and the empanada. The empanada was fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free.

While Brandon said it wasn't his favorite thing during lunch, he said he would definitely order it again.

On our previous other cruises, I have ordered Sliced Roast Beef Sirloin, which Brandon ordered on this cruise. I have really enjoyed that entree, but on this cruise, I was looking for something a little lighter during lunch. I mentioned that I was interested in the Chicken Caesar Salad if it could be made gluten free.

Luckily, this was an easy gluten free modification and only needed the croutons removed to be GF. This was the perfect lunch option for me, as it wasn't too heavy, but it had a nice amount of protein with it. This made eating several courses and dinner later that night a lot easier too! While the dressing contains dairy, you might be able to get a different dressing to make it dairy free. On our next cruise, I'd definitely order this again.

Animator's Palate - Embarkation Lunch Beef — Animator's Palate / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon ordered the Sliced Roast Beef Sirloin. This dish was gluten free as is. But, it needed the sauce removed to be fish/shellfish, peanut, and chicken & turkey free. I believe the sauce contained chicken broth.

Brandon said this was as good as it has been on the previous cruises, though we both agree that we find the embarkation lunch sirloin a little on the fatty side compared to the cuts we've had during dinner. Still, if you're a red meat person, this is a great hearty lunch option.

Animator's Palate - Embarkation Lunch GF Dessert — Animator's Palate / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For dessert, I was served the Chocolate Marquise Bombe with chocolate mousse and raspberry sauce. This is the no sugar added dessert on the lunch menu and is gluten free, as is. While I typically really dislike sugar free desserts, this mousse is really good. I had it on our last cruise and really loved it. I was super excited to get this again, and it was just as good as it was the first time I had it. I will definitely continue to order this at embarkation lunch!

Animator's Palate - Embarkation Lunch Allergy-Friendly Dessert — Animator's Palate / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon was served a dessert that we both ended up getting a few times during the cruise. This is an allergy-friendly dessert that is part chocolate chip cookie and part brownie. It is topped with raspberry sorbet. The dessert is gluten free, dairy free, egg free, fish/shellfish free, peanut/tree nut free, and vegan.

Brandon liked this dessert better than I did, as I would have preferred it to be either a cookie or a brownie instead of the combination of both. I think I'd also rather have a non-dairy ice cream instead of sorbet too. But, Brandon really enjoyed this at lunch and on future dinners too.

Overall

Both Brandon and I agree that we both much prefer the low-key and relaxed atmosphere of the a la carte embarkation lunch at Animator's Palate to the busy and chaotic buffet lunch at Cabana's. Though the lunch menu may be limited, we both found excellent options during our embarkation lunch. It's definitely a much less stressful experience for guests with special dietary needs and gets your cruise started on a positive and delicious note.

For more about Cabana's, check out the reviews from our friend Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures on her blog.

Have you been on a Disney Cruise? Where do you have lunch on embarkation day?

7/7/19 7/7/19

Planet Hollywood Dinner Review

Planet Hollywood, located in Disney Springs, is a table service restaurant that is not owned & operated by the Disney Company. It serves a variety of burgers, sandwiches, entrees, and salads -- really something for just about everyone and is often an easy restaurant to get a table at when most of Disney Springs' table service restaurants are booked. Last month, we had dinner there before heading to a movie. We both enjoyed our burgers at that dinner. So, recently, we decided to grab another quick bite there when we were craving a sit-down restaurant with decent burgers.

*These gluten free dining experiences took place in June 2019. It includes information dishes safe for peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Dinner at Planet Hollywood

Atmosphere

Planet Hollywood's Disney Springs location is themed after an observatory. So, you'll see the "star" theme throughout the restaurant in its decor as an observatory and with the Hollywood movie star memorabilia.

Planet Hollywood Exterior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I have to admit that I personally find the theming a bit odd. And, both Brandon and I were saying that if they stuck with one theme or another (movies versus the observatory theme) that the theming would be stronger and more cohesive. As of right, the theme feels very jumbled.

Planet Hollywood - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On our most recent visit, we were seated on the main floor. And, it was very loud. That's probably the most noticeable thing when you dine there. The volume can be very loud, depending on where you're seated. If you're concerned with noise, I might recommend the bar/lounge areas that are a bit more removed from the noise and crowds.

Planet Hollywood - R2D2 / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I do still love all the movie props at Planet Hollywood. Of course, we both immediately found the Star Wars memorabilia and had to take a photo of R2D2!

The Food

Because Planet Hollywood is not owned and operated by the Disney Company, they do not offer guests an allergy-friendly menu. On our previous visit, the manager came to our table to discuss options. On this visit, we were greeted by Chef Alejandro, who was super helpful and friendly.

Both Brandon and I wanted to get the same thing we ordered the last time -- the Prime Time American Kobe Burger. Chef Alejandro was talking through the modifications and said he was surprised we were both served essentially plain burgers last time. He said that he recommends to always ask to speak with a chef directly as he was able to make custom items for us and that the managers often err on the side of caution and order dishes plain. He was also extremely apologetic which surprised us both. Neither one of us was upset that we got plain burgers on the last visit because they were still really good (and we both would rather have something plain than get sick).

Planet Hollywood / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

About 5 minutes after we ordered our food with Chef Alejandro, he came back with a surprise treat for us. He said he felt so terrible that we had misinformation from the previous visit, that he brought us a makeshift nacho plate to enjoy while we waited for our food to be prepared. This was really nice and unexpected and shows how much chefs at Disney World, even if they don't work at Disney owned restaurants, care about special dietary needs guests.

While nothing special, we both enjoyed nibbling on the nachos, which were gluten free, fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free.

Planet Hollywood - GF Burger — Planet Hollywood / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my Prime Time American Kobe Burger, Chef Alejandro made me some caramelized onions instead of adding the onion jam normally served on the burger. I also had lettuce, onion, tomato, and pickle on the side (not shown in the photo). Even with less toppings than the "normal" version, this burger is still really good.

Instead of French fries, Chef Alejandro gave me pan-fried potato wedges, which were just as good as the previous visit.

For Brandon's Prime Time American Kobe Burger, he was served the onion jam and onion straws (made in a dedicated fryer) along with French fries -- also made in a dedicated fryer. Brandon was told to avoid the Donkey Sauce because it contains anchovies in it.

He was really pleased with his burger and enjoyed all the elements. It was also really nice to see that Chef Alejandro could keep most of Brandon's burger intact for fish/shellfish, peanut, and chicken & turkey allergies with minimal modifications.

Overall

While it's nothing fancy, our recent experience at Planet Hollywood was a good one. We bought think the burgers there are really good and not too badly priced. Thanks to Chef Alejandro for making sure we were well-taken care and safe throughout our meal. And for the bonus nachos! Planet Hollywood isn't our top choice in Disney Springs, but we're always glad it's an option and that guests with special diets can get a variety of dishes when they dine there.

Have you been to Planet Hollywood? What's your experience at this restaurant been?

7/7/19 7/7/19

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar Dinner Review

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar, a Disney-owned bar and lounge located in Disney Springs, is one our favorite go-to spots in Disney Springs for a quick bite and drink. It's been a while since we've been, but when my good friend Ron was here for a visit, we decided to have a get together at Hangar Bar. Recently, the Hangar Bar's menu changed too, so we were looking forward to seeing what special diets options they had available.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in June 2019. It includes information about dishes safe for peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Dinner at Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar

Atmosphere

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar is themed after Indiana Jones and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Jock Lindsey was a pilot in the film. And, while he was only featured the film for a brief moment, his legacy is now immortalized in the Hangar Bar. And, fun fact, the actor who portrayed Jock Lindsey recently celebrated his birthday there. How cool is that?!

Hangar Bar Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

If you're an Indiana Jones fan, you'll absolutely love the theme of the Hangar Bar.

Hangar Bar - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

You'll find loads of memorabilia, trinkets, and nods to the film series throughout the restaurant. Near the table we sat at, you could see Indy's trademark messenger bag, along with other props inspired by the movies.

Hangar Bar - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

One of our favorite places to sit is the diving bell located in the back of the lounge. It's great for a large party. But, it's also very popular, and hard to get! On this occasion, we had a high-top table near the back of the lounge with a great view of the restaurant.

The Food

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar is owned and operated by the Disney Company. But, it does not offer an allergy-friendly menu. Do be sure to let your server know that you have a special dietary need, and they will bring a chef to your table.

On this visit, we got to chat with Chef Mike, who went above and beyond to ensure Brandon, Ron, and I all had safe and delicious meals. He talked us through all of the options and was very conscientious about Brandon's special dietary needs. And, as he talked through the options, we were all pretty impressed with how many options were available to us.

Hangar Bar - Queso Fundido — Hangar Bar / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Up first, we ordered the Doctor Astorga's Queso Fundido. This was made gluten free, fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free by frying the chips in a dedicated fryer.

After reading the review that Alexis from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures wrote, I knew I wanted to try this dish. And, I was definitely not disappointed. The cheese dip was really tasty, and the fresh pico de gallo on top was a great balance to the rich cheese. We agreed this is a definite order again appetizer.

Hangar Bar - Flank Steak — Hangar Bar / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For our dinner, both Brandon and I ordered the Lomo Saltado Peruvian Flank Steak. This was made with Thinly Sliced Grilled Flank Steak with Piquillo Peppers, Pickled Onions, and Crispy Potatoes with Tamari-Lime Dressing and Yellow Pepper Aïoli. Chef Mike noted that the lounge uses a gluten free Tamari to marinate the steak so that it's naturally gluten free. They also use a dedicated fryer for the French fries. Chef Mike told us these are the same fries from D-Luxe Burger. But, we all agreed that the fries here were much better cooked than the ones we've been getting at D-Luxe Burger lately.

Overall, this was a big winner for all of us, and we were thrilled that the dish could be easily made gluten free, fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free without a lot of modifications. It was so good that Brandon and I both want to go back and order this again soon. And, at $14, it was a great bargain for what you go too!

Hangar Bar / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Hangar Bar just recently added a new dessert to the menu, that I had been dying to try. The Temple of Bacon is served with Thick-Cut Applewood Smoked Bacon dipped in Ganachery Milk Chocolate and Chipotle Ganache. It's naturally gluten free and is also fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free.

Here are a few photos of the epic presentation. Chef Mike brought the bacon out himself and put on a great show removing the bacon from the smoke cloche that it was resting in. It was pretty epic and worth ordering at least once just for the presentation alone!

Hangar Bar - Temple of Bacon — Hangar Bar / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

With 5 pieces of bacon, it was a decent size portion (and a much better value than the clothesline candied bacon from the Edison). The chocolate was a perfect balance to the very smoky bacon. And, the little bits of bacon and chipotle chocolate were nice additions too. Overall, this is a very rich dessert. So, one piece of bacon was more than enough for each of us. I can't say we'd order it every time we go. But, if we're craving something salty and sweet, this is a great option.

Overall

We were pretty pleased with the new menu changes at Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar. This restaurant always tends to change the menus up, which can be a good and bad thing. But, we all agreed that the new changes are welcome additions. Add in a fantastic chef like Chef Mike who really went above and beyond to ensure that we had a great meal, and you have the makings of a great snack or meal experience. Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar continues to be a great option if you're in Disney Springs and want a bite to eat without having to dine at a full table service restaurant.

Have you been to Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar? What has your experience been at this lounge?

7/7/19 7/7/19

Whispering Canyon Cafe Lunch Review

Whispering Canyon Cafe, located in Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort, is a table service restaurant that is known for its wild West theme and server antics and hijinks. This is one of those restaurants, similar to 50s Prime Time Cafe that people either love or hate, depending on their enjoyment of the antics and hijinks. I admit, I can take or leave the antics, but my family is partial to Whispering Canyon Cafe. So, when my mom and stepdad were in town recently, they requested lunch at Whispering Canyon when it's a little more low-key and for the 20% off lunch prices for Annual Passholders.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in June 2019. It includes information about dairy free options.

Lunch at Whispering Canyon Cafe

Atmosphere

I have to admit that if the restaurant didn't have such high energy hijinks, I'd probably eat at Whispering Canyon Cafe a bit more. I absolutely love the theme of the Wilderness Lodge and the wild West theme throughout the interior of Whispering Canyon Cafe, which is located off the main lobby of the Lodge.

From the moment you walk inside, you'll find charming wild West touches -- from the carpet to the chairs. I always feel like Whispering Canyon Cafe looks exactly as I would imagine a childhood Lincoln Log project to look like if it came to life.

Whispering Canyon Cafe - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Whispering Canyon Cafe is spacious and the seating is quite comfy too.

I also really enjoy any of the tables near the windows, because you get a nice chance to enjoy the wooded area near the Lodge.

The Food

Whispering Canyon Cafe offers guests with special dietary needs allergy-friendly menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also always speak to a chef at any time if you have questions or wish to discuss additional options too. '

On my last visit for dinner, I had a terrible experience with a server who did not want to break character when I mentioned having celiac disease. Thankfully, on this visit, the server was excellent and really gauged our level of interest in antics, so that made my dining experience much more pleasant.

Side note, I absolutely love that all the drinks at Whispering Canyon Cafe are served in Mason jars. Super cute!

Also, for those who are concerned about paper straws now being served at Disney World and gluten, check out the Disney Mom's Panel response from Special Diets about this. The gist is that if it's a Disney-owned restaurant, they are using Aardvark brand paper straws that are 100% paper and do not contain gluten. Always trust you own judgement and comfort level if you're concerned about potential gluten in the straws.

Whispering Canyon Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my entree, I ordered the Slow-smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich. This was made gluten free by serving it on a gluten free bun and with fries made in a dedicated fryer. The sandwich itself was served with Caramelized Onion and a Vinegar-Barbecue Sauce. It also had coleslaw on the side too. I did not ask about the dairy free modifications for this dish, but I would guess this could be made dairy free by omitting the caramelized onions.

Overall, the sandwich was good, but not amazing. Both my mom and I ordered this, and we both agreed that the sandwich was on the dry side. We got some additional BBQ sauce, but I am not a huge vinegar sauce fan. I actually ended up adding the coleslaw to the sandwich and that worked perfectly for a bit of moisture and texture. The fries were nothing special, but I always enjoy Disney French fries whenever I can get them.

Normally, I'm not a huge dessert person, but I had to order the Whispering Canyon Pioneer Chocolate Cake. It was marked as safe for Gluten/Wheat, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies.

I'm so glad I ordered this because wow, was it good! The cake was served in an adorable little campfire dish and was topped with a chocolate syrup. Our server told us that the version on the regular menu is the same as the gluten free version, which is pretty great. Essentially, it is a flourless chocolate cake that was super rich and delicious. My mom, stepdad, and I all got this, and we all agreed it was the star of the meal. Next time, I might just go there for an appetizer and this dessert! This is definitely a must-order if you're visiting Whispering Canyon Cafe and love chocolate.

Overall

While I don't always love the antics and hijinks at Whispering Canyon Cafe, I do really enjoy the atmosphere and food at this table service restaurant. If you're like me and prefer a more low-key meal, lunch and breakfast at Whispering Canyon Cafe are always good options. You'll still get lots of delicious food and the restaurant vibe is definitely more relaxed. Of course, no matter when you go, be warned if you ask ketchup, you're going to get more than you bargained for!

Have you been to Whispering Canyon Cafe? What's your experience dining there been like?

7/6/19 7/6/19

Boma Breakfast Review

Boma: Flavors of Africa, located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House, is a table service restaurant that serves all-you-care-to-enjoy African-inspired food. Serving breakfast and dinner, breakfast is by far my favorite of the two meal offerings. And, it's hands down one of my favorite places to eat breakfast at at Disney World. On this visit, I had breakfast with my mom and brother. None of us had been to Boma in a while, so it was definitely time for a visit.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in June 2019. It includes information about dairy free options.

Breakfast at Boma

Atmosphere

The name Boma means enclosure. And, you'll see touches of this theme all around the restaurant. From the moment you step into the Boma restaurant area, you'll be inspired by the beauty of African art and cuisine.

Boma - Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Do take a moment to look around when you dine at Boma. You'll see touches of the "boma" theme from thatched roofs near the buffet to fabric coverings throughout the restaurant.

Boma - Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I absolutely love the seating area in Boma too. I love how intricate and unique the tables and chairs are. In fact, more often that not, you'll find that the chairs at your table don't actually match. I love this touch that gives Boma it's distinct theme.

Boma - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On our visit, we had a table around the perimeter of the restaurant. This was nice because we were seated away from the main buffet area, which gets very busy. And, we could also see a lot of the nice views outside.

The Food

Because Boma is a buffet style restaurant, you'll be presented with an allergen guide. This guide helps you navigate what items served on the buffet are safe for your special dietary need. However, I always recommend that you speak directly with a chef who can talk to you about additional options not on the buffet or to bring you items safely from the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination.

Boma - Allergen Guide / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On this visit, I was greeted by Chef Frank -- who has been at Boma for several years now. He is a bit of a rockstar in my book and really goes above and beyond to accommodate guests with special dietary needs.

Boma - Buffet / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Because I've been to Boma so many times and know Chef Frank from previous visits, I knew more or less what I wanted to eat that morning. I ordered several things to be prepared in the kitchen by Chef Frank and chose to get a small plate of a few select items from an area that's almost entirely gluten free to avoid cross-contamination, while Chef Frank made the rest of my food.

Boma / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

While I was chatting to Chef Frank, our server brought out Jungle Juice -- a combination of passion fruit, orange juice, and guava juice. It's a must have whenever I go to Boma -- though I can't drink too much of it. It's very sweet!

Going up to the buffet, I chose to get a few items from the station nearest to the carving station. Everything there is gluten free, including the turkey bobotie, pap, and asparagus. I also got bacon, sausage, and a slice of the carved ham. For guests who are dairy free, the bobotie, pap, and ham all contain dairy. The pap can be made without dairy upon request, but unfortunately, the ham on the carving station is now glazed with butter. The turkey, which is only served at breakfast on select days, is gluten free and dairy free and a great option if it's available.

I have to admit that I prefer the original version of the ham. This version is a little sweeter for my taste, though it was still good. Everything else was fantastic, as always, too!

In an attempt to have some healthy options in my meal, I always get a small bowl of hot quinoa and fresh pineapple. The quinoa is served with grapes and apples, and it's really delicious. Do be sure to avoid the oatmeal if you're gluten free, because the restaurant does not currently use certified gluten free oats.

For fruit, don't skip the pineapple if you're a fan. Even though there's nothing special about their pineapple, for some reason I always think it tastes amazing there.

Boma - Breakfast Plates — Boma / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

As I was finishing up the items I got from the buffet, Chef Frank came with a mountain of food. Yep, there was no way I was leaving Boma hungry, that's for sure!

First up, was the custom omelet. I had one made with ham, onion, and cheese, but you could easily omit the cheese and add in your favorite toppings for a dairy free version.

I also got tater tots made in a dedicated fryer next door in the Mara. If you go to Boma and you can get them, do it. I was in tater tot heaven! The tots were super crispy and coated in a light dusting of African spices. They are hands down my favorite thing on the Boma brunch menu, and I'm always so happy when I can get them.

Boma - Waffles — Boma / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I also got several allergy-friendly items. This included allergy-friendly Mickey waffles, gluten free and dairy free Udi's bread toasted, and a Kinnikinnick brand cinnamon sugar donut. Boma also serves both regular butter and Earth Balance vegan buttery spread depending on your special dietary need too.

For my allergy-friendly Mickey waffles, Chef Frank made a banana foster and pecan praline combination sauce for me. I could have also had 100% pure maple syrup too (which I usually get). But, if you can have dairy and like sweets at breakfast, you're sure to love this sauce. It was super rich and sweet and perfect for breakfast. I'm glad I had this last because it was a great way to end the meal.

Overall

Boma always continues to impress for breakfast. Whether you're looking for more traditional breakfast options or something a bit more unique, you'll find Boma has it all. Add in some amazing chefs who really go above and beyond to assist guests with special dietary needs, and you have the perfect breakfast spot to visit on your next trip to Walt Disney World. For me, it's a restaurant I always go back to again and again.

Learn more about Boma breakfast in my YouTube video!

Have you been to Boma? What did you think of the breakfast options there?

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Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW