2/17/20 2/17/20

Royal Palace Breakfast Review on the Disney Dream

On our recent 3-day cruise on the Disney Dream, I had breakfast a couple of the mornings at Royal Palace. This dining option, located on deck 3, midship, is my go-to spot for a la carte breakfast. It's my personal preference, as I find Cabanas (the buffet) on the ship to be a little overwhelming. I personally don't enjoy the lengthy waits to get even simple items like gluten free muffins, so I opt for Royal Palace breakfast almost every time. On this visit, I dined by myself (as Brandon is not an early morning person), and I also pre-ordered my breakfast the night before.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in January 2020. It includes information about dairy free options.

Breakfast at Royal Palace

Atmosphere

I actually prefer dining at Royal Palace during the day because it's much brighter and lighter inside. And, you get great views of wherever you are in port or at sea.

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

Because it was early, I had a good chance to relax and enjoy a low-key meal experience.

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

Royal Palace currently opens on the Disney Dream around 8 or 8:30 a.m. I found that on both days, the restaurant was fairly quiet around that time.

I had a nice cozy corner booth, which was very nice. It gave me a chance to just wake up and take in some of the beautiful Disney princess inspired decor and theming.

The Food

Unlike the main rotational dinner options, breakfast and lunch on the Disney Dream do not currently offer an allergy-friendly menu. This is no probably though, because you can either 1) pre-order your food the evening before with your head server or 2) the server team at breakfast can help you navigate any options.

On this visit, I did pre-order breakfast at the suggestion of our head server Sudhir. He and I chatted quite a bit the night before because I asked about pre-ordering Indian food. Sudhir is from India, and he promised he'd make sure I got Indian food every night for the rest of the cruise.

When I was pre-ordering breakfast, Sudhir made several suggestions and asked if I wanted hash browns. On previous cruises, I was told this was not an option. But, Sudhir said he would work Disney magic to make this happen. I would recommend that you always talk to your server to discuss options and ingredients, because from my experience ingredients and product offerings can change from sailing to sailing.

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

After I was seated at breakfast, I ordered my normal morning drinks of Apple Juice and Iced Tea.

I had planned on only getting my pre-ordered breakfast, but my server insisted I get something else while I wait. Because I didn't want anything too heavy, I opted to get the fresh fruit plate, which came with mango, papaya, strawberries, grapes, and blueberries. This was a nice light way to start my morning, and Disney always has excellent fresh fruit on the ships.

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

For my entree, I always get Eggs Benedict on a gluten free bun, at least once on our cruise. It's a must-order for me, and it's become a cruising tradition. While it's not the best or fanciest Eggs Benedict, it's really tasty. I am always pretty amazing that they manage to perfectly poach the eggs too. If you're dairy free, do ask the servers about other options like allergy-friendly Mickey waffles, omelets, scrambled eggs, and more.

And, of course, the hash browns were amazing. They were extremely hot and very fresh. I would definitely get these again, and I'm so glad that Sudhir made Disney magic happen with these. So good!

If you're interested in learning more about this meal experience or want to see what else we did on our Disney Cruise, check out our Disney Cruise Vlog!

Overall

Royal Palace never disappoints when it comes to a delicious and relaxed breakfast experience. I absolutely love the breakfast options there. It's a great way to start the day, and I'm always glad that I get up early and take the time to go there. It's a must-do on every Disney Cruise!

Have you had breakfast at Royal Palace? What did you think of the special dietary needs options?

2/17/20 2/17/20

Royal Palace Dinner Review on the Disney Dream

On our recent 3-day cruise on the Disney Dream, our first rotational dinner was at Royal Palace. Located on deck 3, mid-ship, this Disney princess inspired restaurant is one of our favorite restaurants on the Disney Dream. We also spend a lot of time there (as you'll see by our cruise reviews), because it's one of the a la carte options for breakfast and lunch on the ship.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in January 2020. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as a review of fish/shellfish free, peanut free, cabbage free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free options.

Dinner at Royal Palace

This was our first experience with the allergy-friendly dinner menus too on the ship, so we were looking forward to checking it all out. I will say that it might have been my least favorite meal of the cruise, which is unusual for Royal Palace. But, that's because I totally branched out and tried a few dishes that I would not normally order. That being said, it's still a great rotational dining option for guests with special dietary needs.

Atmosphere

As I mentioned, Royal Palace is inspired by Disney princesses. I do love the murals, paintings, and decor throughout the restaurant.

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

On this particular visit, I didn't get too many photos because the ship was rocking quite a bit due to waves and wind. It was our first time cruising in January, and as we learned, winter on the high seas can include slightly rough waters!

We had the second dining of the night, which is at 8:15 p.m. So, the restaurant was a bit dark. And, as you can see from the portholes in this photo, it's pretty dark outside too!

We were seated at a 4-top table in the middle area of one of the dining sections. It wasn't my favorite location that we've had in Royal Palace, but it was by no means terrible. We were seated by ourselves, which we personally prefer. You can request to be seated at a table by yourself both in advance by calling Disney Cruise Line or by asking at one of the ship's dining sessions on embarkation day.

The Food

We had learned that the Disney Dream had started offering allergy-friendly dinner menus to guests with special dietary needs sometime in late fall 2019. Our last cruise was in May 2019, so we were looking forward to checking the menus out ourselves.

As you can see by this photo of Brandon with the allergy-friendly dinner menu, there were a ton of options. Almost every single dish on this menu is top 8 allergy free (gluten/wheat, egg, fish/shellfish, milk, peanut/tree nut, and soy), which was fantastic! There were SO many choices!

I do have to shout-out our server team. Our Assistant Server Gedde was just awesome, and once he learned our drink preferences, he made sure we were ready with drinks as soon as we arrived at our meals. By the end of the cruise, he was bringing me double iced teas as soon as we were seated!

Up first were Ener-G rolls with butter. If you're dairy free, do ask about dairy free butter options or other dipping sauces. Both Brandon & I were served these rolls on this visit to ensure that our special dietary needs were covered. These are gluten free, dairy free, egg free, fish/shellfish free, peanut/tree nut free, soy free, and vegan.

For my starter, I ordered Iced Lobster and Jumbo Shrimp with Green Asparagus, Sun-Dried Tomato Aioli, and Dill Dressing. This dish is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies.

I've been getting this dish for quite a long time on the Disney Dream, and it never sails to disappoint. If you love seafood, this is a fantastic option. I probably should have ordered it again on another night, because boy, is it delicious.

I couldn't help but try one of the new allergy-friendly menu options -- the Potato Gnocchi tossed in Provencal Sauce, garnished with Cremini Mushrooms and Caramelized Grape Tomatoes. It is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies.

Oh boy. I wanted to love this dish. I really did. Especially because it's so rare to get something like gnocchi gluten free when dining out. But, I was not a fan. The gnocchi itself was extremely gummy and tasteless. And, the sauce pretty much tasted like bad pizza sauce. Overall, I cannot recommend this unless you really really love pizza sauce or have your heart set on trying it. I'm glad I did try it, but I'll be skipping this one next time.

Brandon was extremely happy to be able to order not one but two soups. He got the classic French Onion Soup and Potato Leek Soup. Neither are listed on the allergy-friendly menu. But, they are listed on the regular Royal Palace dinner menu. The kitchen confirmed that both soups contained vegetable broth, making them safe for Brandon's fish/shellfish, peanut/tree nut, and chicken & turkey allergies. The Potato Leek soup is also gluten free.

As a quick aside, if you're interested in ordering something from the regular menu, you can still do so. We ordered a bit from the allergy-friendly menu and the regular menu at every meal. In fact, the regular menus do still have GF, DF, and vegetarian notes still on them. And, you can also still look for items not marked safe for a special dietary need that can be modified easily too. My rule of thumb is, if you're interested in a dish, ask your server!

For my entree, I ordered another dish that was new on the allergy-friendly menu -- Oven-Baked Salmon with a White Bean, Pancetta, and Swiss Chard Ragout. This was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, Shellfish, and Soy Allergies.

Overall, I was not impressed with this dish. The salmon itself was super tasty. But, the ragout was not. I guess I should have expected it to be tomato-based, but I was a bit surprised when it came. I was not at all a fan of the ragout which included touch, almost crunchy white beans and way too much tomato.

Next time, I'd go for the Chateaubriand steak or the tuna for safer bets.

Speaking of steak, Brandon ordered a dish we both usually get -- the Chateaubriand-Roasted Filet Steak which featured a Roasted Filet Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus, and a Red Wine Jus. The Jus was omitted for Brandon due to the chicken broth in it, and Brandon got mashed potatoes instead of the Sage-Rosemary Roasted Potatoes listed on the allergy-friendly menu.

His version was safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, Soy, Chicken & Turkey Allergies. You can get it dairy free too by getting the roasted potatoes.

Overall, Brandon said this was very good and a dish that he always enjoys whenever we have dinner at Royal Palace.

For dessert, we both got desserts from the allergy-friendly menu. Brandon got the Warm Chocolate Cookie Brownie which came with chocolate sauce and raspberry sorbet. This dish is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies.

Brandon is a big fan of this dessert and has gotten it quite a few times on previous cruises. Funnily enough, I think he likes it more than I do, as I haven't been as big of a fan when I've gotten it. He said it was great, as usual.

For my dessert, I got the Raspberry and Cream Cake layered with Raspberry Jam and Whipped Cream. This dish is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut Allergies.

While I liked this cake, I didn't love it. The cake was Namaste brand, and I found it to be a bit on the dry side. The dairy free whipped cream and frosting, on the other hand, was outstanding. It was definitely not a bad dessert, and I'd probably get it again because I enjoyed the flavors -- even with a dry cake.

If you're interested in learning more about the allergy-friendly options, our initial reactions and thoughts, or just want to see a bit more of our cruise experience, check out our Disney Cruise Vlog. Our Day 1 video includes this meal and more!

Overall

Royal Palace is always a great meal experience with a lot of special dietary needs options. With the addition of the new allergy-friendly menus, there's even more to enjoy. While I didn't love all of the dishes I tried, there's still a lot of the classic dishes at Royal Palace for dinner that I do really enjoy. I'll look forward to our next cruise and ordering some of those favorites again.

Have you been on the Disney Dream? What do you think of Royal Palace?

2/17/20 2/17/20

Animator’s Palate Embarkation Lunch Review on the Disney Dream

Recently, we just returned from a wonderful 3-day cruise on the Disney Dream to celebrate my birthday. It was a great way to spend a long weekend, relaxing, and enjoying all that Disney Cruise Line has to offer. The Disney Dream currently departs from Port Canaveral, so a weekend getaway on DCL is a lot easier for us as Orlando locals. One of our favorite traditions whenever we board the Disney Dream is to get embarkation lunch. Currently, it's located at Animator's Palate.

Embarkation Lunch at Animator’s Palate

As guests with special dietary needs, both Brandon and I prefer dining at the a la carte embarkation lunch instead of going to the ship's buffet - Cabanas. That's because we feel like we can talk through the options and not feel like we're waiting forever for our meal. This method works well for us, but of course, if you do dine at the buffet, be sure to speak with a head server and chef to help ensure you have safe and delicious options. If you're curious about the process at Cabanas, check out my friend Alexis from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures blog posts about Cabanas on the Disney Cruise ships.

Atmosphere

I have to admit, that Brandon and I both find Animator's Palate to be our least favorite of the three main rotational dining options on the Disney Dream. This is a restaurant that you'll dine at at least once while you're aboard the Disney Dream. And, it's also open during embarkation lunch currently.

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

One of the reasons we don't like the restaurant as much is because it can get quite loud. To add to this, we generally find the combination of classic Disney animation with what is essentially Turtle Talk with Crush from Epcot into one restaurant a bit odd. While we don't hate the restaurant, we just don't love the atmosphere and food overall during main rotational dining meals.

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

At embarkation lunch, we find the restaurant to be a little more relaxed, though on this visit, we both agreed it was a bit louder than it has been in the past.

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

There are a lot of cute Disney touches throughout the restaurant. I do like the Mickey Mouse inspired chairs.

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

And, I have to say I personally think my favorite part is the sparkly Disney-inspired carpet. I don't know why, but I just love it.

The Food

The Disney Dream introduced allergy-friendly dinner menus for each of the three main rotational dining options on the ship sometime in late 2019. We'll go into detail about these at our dinner, but it's important to know that they don't offer allergy-friendly menus at any other meal. This includes embarkation lunch.

Your server team will work to ensure you have safe options throughout your meal. We had a great experience at our last embarkation lunch when we cruised in May 2019 and knew we'd be fine this visit too.

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

After we were seated, our server team noted our special dietary needs and quickly brought us some Ener-G rolls to start our meal. These are gluten free, dairy free, egg free, fish/shellfish free, peanut/tree nut free, and soy free. They are also vegan.

While I'm always served these rolls, it depends on the restaurant we're dining at and the regular bread served there for Brandon. Because of his peanut and hazelnut allergies, he is often brought Ener-G rolls too to help avoid cross-contamination. Both Brandon and I actually enjoy these rolls when they're well-heated. In this case, they definitely were, and they were a great way to start the meal.

One of Brandon's favorite things about the Disney Cruise Line is that he can usually enjoy the soups served in the restaurants. Because he's allergic to chicken & turkey, we always have to ask about the soup base to ensure it's vegetarian. Brandon loves soup, so it's always disappointing when he can't enjoy it. On this visit, he was able to get his two favorite soups on the Disney Dream, including this Potato Leek Soup.

We both ordered this as an appetizer. The soup is gluten free, fish/shellfish free, peanut/tree nut free, and chicken & turkey free. It does, unfortunately, contain dairy. If you're dairy free, I do recommend either the smoked salmon appetizer or a side salad if you're dining at the a la carte Embarkation lunch.

Animator's Palate - Food in Photo is NOT Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW — Animator's Palate - Food in Photo is **NOT** Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon ordered a second appetizer as a back-up just in case the soup was not going to be safe for him. so, the restaurant brought him both. He ordered the Beef Empanada with Red Chimichurri. This was fish/shellfish free, peanut/tree nut free, and chicken & turkey free. This contains gluten, so this is not an option that is safe for those who are gluten free.

For the most part, Brandon does enjoy this dish. He's ordered it before and found it to be tasty, though maybe not his favorite thing.

For my entree, I ordered the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad. It can be made gluten free by omitting the croutons. The dish does contain dairy and fish, so if you have those special dietary needs, you'll want to avoid this one. If you can have dairy and are looking for something a bit lighter, I highly recommend this. It's definitely a nice easy-going lunch, and I never leave feeling too full when I order this at embarkation lunch.

Brandon got the Sliced Roasted Beef Sirloin with Double Baked Potato and Green Beans. This is a dish I've ordered in the past and one of the dishes, the servers almost always recommend to me as a gluten free option. This dish is gluten free, fish/shellfish free, peanut/tree nut free, and chicken & turkey free.

This has been Brandon's go-to entree at the Embarkation Lunch for quite a while now, and it's definitely one he will be getting again. He's a big fan of the baked potato especially.

For dessert, I always get the Chocolate Marquise Bombe which is the restaurant's no sugar added dessert. I usually hate no sugar added desserts, but there's just something about this chocolate mousse. I find the flavors to be light, creamy, yet rich. I can definitely recommend this to guests who are gluten free and can have dairy.

Brandon usually gets the Welcome Aboard Ice Cream Sundae, but the servers brought him the Cookies n' Cream Cheesecake before we could even request dessert. He's not usually a big fan of cheesecake, so he said this was OK, but not amazing. This dish was safe for fish/shellfish, peanut/tree nut, and chicken & turkey allergies.

If you're interested in seeing and hearing our first impressions or want to see a bit of our cruising experience, check out our Disney Cruise Vlog that we did while we sailed on the Disney Dream. Day 1 includes this Embarkation Lunch and lots more!

Overall

While it may not be anything special in terms of the options, both Brandon and I really do enjoy the Embarkation Lunch at Animator's Palate on the Disney Dream. We love the relaxed atmosphere and the servers ability to help ensure we have a safe meal without feeling rushed or in the way like we do at Cabanas. We also really enjoy some of the standard dishes at the a la carte lunch. They make for a perfect way to begin any Disney Cruise.

Have you been on a Disney Cruise? Which do you prefer - a la carte lunch or buffet lunch during embarkation?

2/16/20 2/16/20

Yak & Yeti Dinner Review

Yak & Yeti is our go-to table service restaurant located in Disney's Animal Kingdom. While not owned and operated by the Disney Company, we've been pretty impressed over the years by this Landry's restaurant. Recently, we stopped by for dinner with one of our friends and to redeem my $25 Landry's Select Club birthday reward.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in February 2020. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as a review of fish/shellfish free, peanut free, cabbage free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free options.

Dinner at Yak & Yeti

Atmopshere

Because we've been to Yak & Yeti a lot, I do have a ton of reviews on the blog where I go into a lot of detail about the theme. In this review, we'll take a look at it briefly.

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

Set in the Asia section of the Animal Kingdom, Yak & Yeti is perfectly themed and fits right into the fictional village of Anandapur. I especially love going here at night because it just looks so beautiful during this time of day.

Yak & Yeti - Entrance Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On this visit, we were with a friend, so I admit I didn't take a ton of photos. I don't think I've ever photographed the lobby area much. But, here it is. As you can see there weren't very many people there -- making it the perfect photo opportunity. I do love how the theming starts from the moment you step inside the restaurant.

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

We were seated on the first floor (the restaurant has two floors for seating), near the staircase. It was a little busy in this area, but as we enjoyed our meal, the restaurant did clear out quite a bit. I love the unique tables and chairs throughout Yak & Yeti.

Yak & Yeti - Stairs / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The restaurant is beautifully designed and decorated. I absolutely love the staircase to the second floor and the second floor seating area especially. Being seated so close to the stairs was definitely an interesting location to dine at!

The Food

Because Yak & Yeti isn't owned and operated by the Disney Company, they do not offer a traditional allergy-friendly menu. They do, however, have a gluten-sensitive / allergy-friendly menu. I highly recommend speaking directly to a chef any time you dine here, as many of the dishes on this menu may not be safe for those with celiac disease or those with allergies.

On this visit, we chatted with a chef who talked through the options. Since Brandon and I have eaten here a lot, we had a pretty good idea of what we wanted, which made it easy to discuss. Thankfully, I have found the restaurant to have a good amount of Asian-inspired options that are gluten free if you ask a chef about them.

Yak & Yeti / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On this visit, I didn't want anything super heavy. So, I decided to get the Atlantic Salmon which is grilled, brushed with garlic ginger butter and served with jasmine rice and sautéed seasonal vegetables. I was also able to get gluten free tamari on the side too. This dish is gluten free but contains dairy with the butter. If you're dairy free, the chef can omit the butter on the salmon -- everything else is dairy free.

Overall, I thought this was an excellent dish. It was exactly what I was craving that night. Nothing too heavy, but flavorful. The salmon was just slightly overcooked, but the flavors were great. I especially loved the sauteed vegetables, which were super yummy and well-cooked. This is definitely a dish I'd get again.

Brandon just about always gets his go-to -- the Beef Stir-Fry. It is made with rice noodles and gluten free tamari, so it's actually gluten free and dairy free on top of being fish/shellfish free, peanut free, cabbage free, and chicken & turkey free.

I've had variations of this dish too, and both Brandon and I are huge fans of this stir-fry. The chefs have been great at customizing the dish as needed too. I usually get bok choy in my stir-fry, but since it's a member of the cabbage family, they omit it for Brandon's. And, as you can see, they made sure in this version that Brandon had plenty of carrots, green onions and beef to round out the dish.

Overall

We always really enjoy our meals at Yak & Yeti. While it may not be everyone's favorite, we like it a lot for the variety of options we get and for something different. It's not that easy to get good gluten free Asian inspired fare out at a restaurant, so I really appreciate the offerings at Yak & Yeti. It's definitely a location we liked to visit when we can, and we always feel the chefs that we've encountered there have been excellent at accommodating our special dietary needs.

Have you been to Yak & Yeti? What did you enjoy when you dined there?

2/16/20 2/16/20

Sanaa Dinner Review

Sanaa, located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village, is a long-time favorite of mine and my family's. In fact, we've been going to Sanaa since it's opened back in 2009. I remember the days when this restaurant was totally off-the-beaten-path and a hidden gem. Of course, now everyone knows about Sanaa and its fantastic special dietary needs options. Recently, Brandon surprised me with a reservation to Sanaa to celebrate my birthday. He knows how much I love Sanaa, so it was such a sweet surprise to celebrate there on my birthday.

Dinner at Sanaa

Atmosphere

Sanaa means "work of art" in Swahili, and this restaurant truly is a work of art. From the moment you arrive, you'll see beautiful decor inspired by its African roots.

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

Sanaa has a variety of seating options that include excellent views of the savannah at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort. On this visit, we were seated in a cozy corner away from the main seating area and the outdoor viewing areas. Given that it was late and dark outside, neither of us minded being tucked away a bit.

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

The restaurant was quite busy and the seating areas near us did fill up quickly. I do love that it felt a bit removed from the rest of the restaurant.

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

When you dine at Sanaa, you'll notice that the decor resembles trees in a forest. You'll see lots of interesting theming and beautiful decorations. I especially loved the light fixtures near our table.

Sanaa - Hidden MIckey / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

And who doesn't love a hidden Mickey? Not only is there a hidden Mickey in the table design, but the plates on our table created a hidden Mickey too!

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

We were both very excited to enjoy the menu that evening and enjoy a relaxing and delicious meal.

The Food

Like most Disney owned restaurants, Sanaa does offer an allergy-friendly dinner menu. Guests with special dietary needs can also speak directly with a chef if they have questions or are interested in items not listed on the allergy-friendly menu. On our visit, we opted not to speak with a chef -- primarily because we are very familiar with the menu.

Of course, no visit to Sanaa is complete without ordering their allergy-friendly bread service. This includes allergy-friendly naan bread that is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies.

The bread service also comes with a variety of sauces. All of the sauces are gluten free and dairy free, except the cucumber raita which contains dairy. If you're dairy free, simply swap out the raita with a double of your favorite sauce!

If you want to experience a unique bread service, the one from Sanaa is truly unique. The allergy-friendly naan bread is always so good, and even Brandon as a gluten eater absolutely loves this bread. We both enjoy the sauces, and each of us has our favorites. Mine have to be the mango chutney, coriander chutney, roasted red pepper hummus, and tomato date chutney. Brandon loved the tomato date chutney, tamarind chutney, and the red chili sambal.

One side note. I had heard that Sanaa might be upcharging for the allergy-friendly bread service. On our visit, we paid the $18 normal rate and were not charged an $5, and our server didn't mention it either. I'm hoping that if they were charging an upcharge that this was for a very brief period and that they have stopped. Disney has never upcharged for any allergy-friendly product in my 11 years of dining there with a special dietary need, and it was definitely be frustrating if they started this. If you've been to Sanaa recently, be sure to let me know what your experience was too!

I debated back and forth between so many of the Sanaa entrees. I love them all! I ended up ordering the Potjie-inspired entrees because it's ages since I've ordered any of their curries. I opted to get the Goan Seafood Curry and the Cilantro-Coconut Vegetables. Both of the dishes are gluten free, and the cilantro-coconut vegetable dish was dairy free and vegan.

I'm glad I ordered the Cilantro-Coconut Vegetables because wow, was the Goan Seafood Curry spicy! In the past, it hasn't lived up to the Goan curry reputation, but it sure did on this visit. Thankfully, I had a milder and not at all spicy second dish to help cool down the spice of the seafood curry. Both were excellent, and I would definitely get this combination again.

Brandon ordered the Grilled New York Strip with Mashed Potatoes, Harvest Vegetables, and Bain’s Butter. This was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. It was also safe for cabbage, chicken & turkey allergies.

Overall, Brandon said his entree was very good. He really liked the mashed potatoes, and he said the steak was well-cooked. I think the only major criticism with his steak was that it was maybe a little fattier than he would have liked. But, overall, a solid option if you're a steak fan and less inclined to order some of the more spicier dishes at Sanaa.

For dessert, I ordered the African Triple Chocolate Mousse. This is made with Nyangbo Dark Chocolate from Ghana, Tanariva Milk Chocolate from Madagascar, Orelys Blond Chocolate, Chocolate Almond Biscuit, and Strawberries. It is almond flour based, so the dish is gluten free, as is (but contains dairy). If you do have nut allergies, we were advised that Brandon should avoid this with his hazelnut and peanut allergies.

Overall, this is a fantastic dessert, and if you can have dairy, one I highly recommend. It's rich and decadent and the perfect way to end a meal at Sanaa.

As an aside, my friend Alexis from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures asked if we were offered the complimentary birthday Kulfi which is often given out to guests with birthdays. Unfortunately, we were not. But, if you have a birthday, it's always worth asking about. Most of the Kulfis should be gluten free (contains dairy). You can read more about them on Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures.

Overall

Sanaa never fails to disappoint. I absolutely love the flavors of all of the dishes I've had at the restaurant. And, I love that so many dishes are already naturally gluten free (and dairy free) or can be easily modified. Plus, they have one of the best bread services on Disney property! I'm so glad we got to enjoy a meal here, and even better that I got to enjoy my birthday there with Brandon. It was definitely a wonderful and memorable experience.

Have you been to Sanaa? What is your favorite thing to order when you dine there?

2/16/20 2/16/20

The Wave Lunch Review

The Wave, located at Disney's Contemporary Resort, is a favorite in our family. We love it for both breakfast and dinner, but it's not one we go to as much for lunch. Recently, my family came into town to celebrate my birthday, and we decided to try The Wave out again for lunch.

Lunch at The Wave

Atmosphere

I've written a lot of posts about The Wave, so I won't go into a lot of detail about the restaurant itself. I have a blog post from late in 2018 where I took a ton of photos and discussed that theming that you might be interested in if you're less familiar with the restaurant.

The Wave - Restaurant Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Because the restaurant is inspired by the ocean and "waves," you'll find lots of touches throughout the restaurant from the moment you step in the restaurant. Somehow I forgot to take a photo of the entrance this visit, so here's a photo from a previous visit (in December with holiday decorations!)

The Wave - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

As you can see, there are waves everywhere you look in the restaurant -- even the chairs!

You'll even find those wave touches on the napkins in the restaurant too.

And, probably the most subtle of the wave touches is in the lighting fixtures.

The Food

Like most Disney owned restaurants, The Wave does offer an allergy-friendly lunch menu. Guests with special dietary needs can also always speak directly with a chef for additional questions that you might have too.

The Wave / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On this visit, both Brandon & I ordered fairly simple options -- both of which were listed on the allergy-friendly menu. For my lunch, I ordered the Grilled Chicken Sandwich which includes Herb Marinated Chicken Breast, Avocado, Applewood-smoked Bacon, Lemon Ailoi, Lettuce, and Tomato on an Allergy-Friendly Bun. This is marked safe for gluten/wheat, fish/shellfish, milk, and peanut/tree nut allergies. It was also served with waffle fries made in a dedicated fryer.

Overall, this sandwich is really good. This is the second time I've ordered it, and it's a sandwich I'd definitely get again. My only slight negative on the sandwich is the bun. The Wave currently uses Local Oven gluten free & dairy free buns, and I found the bun to be very crumbly. It fell apart pretty quickly into eating the sandwich. I'll admit, I've gotten spoiled by some of the newer bun options on property, like the Bloomfield Farms one served at Three Bridges Bar & Grill. The flavor & texture of that bun is a lot better than the one served at The Wave.

The fries are made in a dedicated fryer, and they're the same ones served at Geyser Point Bar & Grill. Since we knew that's what they served at The Wave too, we actually ordered a side order for me & Brandon to split too! You can't go wrong with waffle fries!

The Wave Food in photo is NOT Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon ordered the Signature Burger which can be made gluten free, but in this case, it was served on a regular gluten-filled bun. The Burger includes Signature Blend of Beef, Applewood-smoked Bacon, Cheddar, Red Onion, House-made Pickles, Lettuce, and Tomato and is served with waffle fries. This burger was safe for fish/shellfish, peanut/tree nut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies. If you're gluten free & dairy free, swap out the bun and omit the cheese.

As an aside, both Brandon and I raved about the thick cut bacon served on both of our sandwiches. It's nice to have decent bacon at a Disney restaurant and not that stringy Disney bacon we normally get served. So, if you're into good bacon, The Wave has got you covered.

The Wave - Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC Baby Yoda Cake / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Because it was my birthday, my mom special ordered a cake from Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC in Disney Springs to be delivered to The Wave. You can find out more information about pre-ordering a cake by visiting the bakery's website or calling them directly.

This cake was a Baby Yoda inspired cake that featured mint green frosting (that was mint flavored) and a chocolate cake decorated with Baby Yoda ears. It was a super delicious cake, and one of the best ones I've ever from Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC. It tasted super fresh and held up pretty well for a few days afterwards too.

Overall

While I wouldn't say The Wave's lunch menu features the restaurant's strongest offerings, it's still a great, affordable option for those who want a table service restaurant that is a little bit out of the way. Breakfast and dinner are still the best meals at The Wave, but I'm always glad lunch is an option too. Shoutout to our server Tim too who was awesome and really helped make the meal and the birthday cake surprise extra magical!

Have you been to The Wave? What's your favorite meal there?

2/16/20 2/16/20

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Dinner Review

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, located in Disney's Hollywood Studios, has to be one of our favorites for an affordable and unique table service option in the parks. We eat there fairly frequently, and it's a popular choice with our friends and family too. Recently, we had dinner at Sci-Fi Dine-In with one of our friends who was celebrating his birthday. This was his request for a dinner at Disney, and we were happy to help him celebrate at this restaurant.

Dinner at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater

Atmosphere

We've probably posted ad nauseam about the theme of Sci-Fi Dine-In, so while I won't go into a lot of detail, I still wanted to highlight how cool this restaurant is.

Sci-Fi Dine-In - Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I recently got the iPhone 11 Pro, and it's the first camera I've ever owned that takes photos that does this restaurant justice. As you can see from all of the photos, the exterior and interior are brightly lit, colorful, and just plain fun!

Sci-Fi Dine-In - Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The inside of the restaurant can be seriously dark. But, that doesn't stop the restaurant from including brightly colored cars that serve as your tables and other cool details.

One of our favorite places to sit is actually the back of the restaurant in the "Flying Saucers." These tables are pretty nifty, and if you're concerned about lighting, they actually have a lot more lighting available too. I've got a few photos of the flying saucers in my previous review. And, you'll see me at our table during this dining experience at the end of this review.

The Food

Like most restaurants owned and operated by the Disney Company, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater does have an allergy-friendly lunch and dinner menu. Of course, you can always ask to speak with a chef directly to discuss options, which we always do when we dine here.

Sci-Fi Dine-In - Table / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On this visit, we did chat with the chef there and somehow I forgot to write down her name. That's a shame because she was phenomenal and deserves to be shouted out. Brandon and I are both always so impressed with the chefs at Sci-Fi Dine-In, because they do always go above and beyond to help ensure we have lots of options and a safe meal.

On this visit, we asked lots of questions because we were interested in a few different options not marked gluten free on the allergy-friendly menu. But, first, we asked the chef if we could get a basket of French fries for the table to start with some dipping sauces. We did this on a previous visit, and it was a great way to start the meal.

Sci-Fi Dine-In / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Somehow I forgot to take a photo of the basket of fries we got made from a dedicated fryer. They were gluten free, dairy free, fish/shellfish free, peanut free, tree nut free, chicken & turkey free.

Do always ask about the fryers at Sci-Fi because they do have a vegan fryer and a gluten free fryer to help out with options. We like this a lot because anytime a location serves allergy-friendly chicken tenders, Brandon often can't have the fries because they only have one type of allergy-friendly fryer. So, always ask if you're not sure!

The reason I think I forgot to take a photo is because of the EPIC plate of dipping sauces we were served. Many of you know I love a dipping sauce, and I mentioned this to the chef. She brought out so many gluten free dipping sauces that I couldn't eat keep them straight!

While many of them did have dairy in them, there were some (like BBQ and Honey Mustard) which were dairy free. One of the sauces did contain gluten free tamari, and while I did trust the chef to know ingredients, I did actually skip this sauce. Overall, all of the sauces were fantastic, and I especially loved the horseradish dipping sauce, blue cheese dipping sauce, chipotle mayonnaise. Our friend said the sauce with the GF tamari was fantastic but spicy.

For my entree, I tried something completely different. I asked the chef if they could make the Appetizer Sampler which normally comes with fried pickles which are not gluten free. The chef said that she could make everything else gluten free (the allergy-friendly chicken tenders, shrimp and crab fondue) and that she'd swap out the pickles for more French Fries.

If you can have dairy, this was such a fantastic, fun, and different meal at Sci-Fi. I wouldn't do it every time, as I was completely and utterly stuffed (and couldn't finish it). The shrimp and crab fondue is an appetizer I've been dying to try. It was a little on the fishy side but not bad. I'd definitely get it again because it went great with the freshly fried tortilla chips.

The allergy-friendly chicken tenders were served without sauce so that I could use the dipping sauces we already had at the table. This was perfect, because I found the buffalo sauce (that they're normally served with) to be almost too spicy for my personal taste. Plus, who doesn't want to dip allergy-friendly chicken tenders in lots of different sauces?!

Sci-Fi Dine-In - Food in Photo is NOT Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For Brandon's entree, he ordered a Bacon Cheeseburger with French Fries. This dish was safe for fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies. It can also be made gluten free by swapping out the bun and dairy free by omitting the cheese.

Brandon always raves about the burgers here, and I can second that they do a great job with the burger options. Of course, we both absolutely love the steak fries at Sci-Fi Dine-In. I'm not sure what they do there, but they fry them super well!

As if we hadn't already had a ton of food, I got roped into ordering the gluten free and vegan cookie milkshake. The chef mentioned I should get it in a to-go cup because you get more when you do that. She was not kidding! My to-go cup was stuff to the brim with a house-made coconut whipped topping, non-dairy ice cream, chocolate syrup, and non-dairy ice cream. It's definitely a favorite of mine, and I love that I can get a gluten free & dairy free milkshake there with no issues.

Sci-Fi Dine-In - Sarah with Milkshake — Sci-Fi Dine-In / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

If this photo is any indication, I was stuffed but making a solid effort to try to drink my milkshake!

Overall

For us, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater continues to be a favorite. We loved the fun, relaxed vibe, and we absolutely love the affordable and approachable gluten free and food allergy friendly options. Add in lots of great chef interactions and the ability to customize dishes, and you have one out-of-this-world restaurant!

Have you been to Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater? What's your experience been at this table service restaurant?

2/16/20 2/16/20

City Works Eatery & Pour House Dinner Review

City Works Eatery & Pour House is the newest table service restaurant to open in Disney Springs. Officially opening on February 6, 2020, this sports bar style restaurant features 90 beers on tap, lots of hard ciders (for us GF folks who can't have beer), and classic American bar fare. Recently, the team at City Works Eatery & Pour House invited us to come visit the restaurant to check out their special dietary needs options.

*Disclosure: We were invited guests of City Works Eatery & Pour House for a complimentary dinner; however, I was not required to write this post and all opinions are my own.

Dinner at City Works Eatery & Pour House

Atmosphere

Located next to the NBA Experience and across from the House of Blues and Cirque du Soleil, City Works Eatery & Pour House definitely fits the vibe of this area of Disney Springs.

City Works Eatery & Pour House - Exterior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

You can't miss the entrance area and brightly lit screens featuring sports games.

City Works Eatery & Pour House - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Both Brandon and I were pleasantly surprised by the interior of City Works Eatery & Pour House. I'm not sure entirely what I expected, but I suppose I thought it would resemble more of a classic sports bar. To me, the restaurant was extremely modern and chic.

There's plenty of seating in the restaurant for all types of guests -- including ample classic bar seating, high top tables, booths, and even outdoor seating.

Do take a look not only at your menu but also the giant billboard signs featuring all of their beers and ciders on top. It's pretty impressive!

We were seated at a high-top table, which we really liked. You can see that the tables were simple with cushy chairs.

I think Brandon mentioned this in our vlog, but the restaurant itself is surprisingly long. I have to admit that makes it feel quite unique from the other restaurants at Disney Springs. It definitely helps make the restaurant feel larger and also more open too.

The Food

City Works Eatery & Pour House is not owned and operated by the Disney Company, so they do not currently offer an allergy-friendly menu. But, the menu does indicate some dishes that are gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan. And, your server along with a manager will talk you through any options and special dietary needs accommodations including cross-contamination concerns.

City Works Eatery & Pour House - Hard Cider / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Both Brandon and I did decide to get drinks. It is a pour house after all! While Brandon opted for a Goose Island Beer Co. Bottlenectar beer (not gluten free), I opted for a glass of Ace Perry Hard Cider. Most hard ciders are gluten free, but of course, be sure to ask any questions you might have about potential gluten containing ingredients (such as added flavors).

Ace Hard Cider is labeled gluten free, and I have had their ciders on quite a few occasions. It's a nice option when you're looking for a gluten free alcoholic beverage. While this pear hard cider wasn't my favorite (a little to sweet for me), I think it's a solid option if you like a classic hard cider.

City Works Eatery & Pour House - Kung Pao Cauliflower — City Works Eatery & Pour House / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Up first, I decided to get the Kung Pao Cauliflower as a starter. This was marked gluten free and vegan on the menu. The dish includes roasted cauliflower, sweet peppers, green onions, garlic, ginger, arbol chiles, fried peanuts, chili oil, sweet and spicy tamari.

Because of Brandon's peanut allergy, I did ask about the peanuts and was told that they could be removed -- making the dish peanut free. Unfortunately, I was served a version with peanuts, so Brandon was unable to try this. Thankfully, his allergy is not so severe that he can't be near peanuts, but we did take proper protocols afterwards to ensure that both he and I were gluten free and peanut free to avoid any cross-contamination. Generally, we try to be as peanut free as possible to avoid any potential for allergic reactions.

Overall, I really liked this dish a lot. It was a little sweet and definitely quite spicy. I especially loved the combination of cauliflower and spices. It was a super unique appetizer, and I'm glad I tried it. I might actually consider ordering this with chicken or shrimp next time and making it my meal. It was the surprise hit of the dishes I tried.

City Works Eatery & Pour House - Food in image is NOT gluten free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW — City Works Eatery & Pour House - Food in image is **NOT** gluten free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Because Brandon can have gluten, he decided to try the Pretzel Bites. These most definitely are NOT gluten free -- both the bites and the cheese sauce contain gluten (beer in the cheese sauce). Brandon said these were outstanding and would definitely get these again.

These were fish/shellfish free, peanut free, hazelnut free, cabbage free, and chicken & turkey free.

City Works Eatery & Pour House - GF Cheeseburger — City Works Eatery & Pour House / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my entree, I decided to get the Bacon Cheeseburger on a gluten free (and vegan) bun. The restaurant currently does not offer an allergy-friendly dedicated fryer. So, if you're gluten free or have other allergies, you'll need to choose a non-fried side. I ended up with a side salad with a house vinaigrette. The salad itself was nothing too special but it was a nice solid little side to the massive burger I ended up with!

This photo truly does not do this burger justice. It was huge! The thick-cut candied bacon was phenomenal. And, if you can have cheese, you'll love the combination of aged Vermont white and yellow cheddar cheeses. If you're dairy free, the only modification you need is to omit the cheese. The burger itself was solid, but the cheese, candied bacon, and the Hilltop Hearth gluten free bun really made it. I would definitely get this burger again.

City Works Eatery & Pour House / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon decided to try the Filet Medallions which was marked gluten free on the menu. This dish came with pan-seared filet medallions, bleu cheese mashed potatoes, sauteed baby arugula, red wine demi-glace.

I'm not exaggerating when I say that Brandon scarfed his filet medallions down so quickly that I barely realized he was done. They were that good! Because we had both been cross-contamination with peanuts and gluten, we didn't share any dishes, so I didn't get to try this. But, Brandon raved all night about it.

His only suggestion was to reduce the amount of arugula served with this dish and increase the amount of mashed potatoes a bit. Of course, Brandon is a huge mashed potatoes fan, so he'll never turn down more mashed potatoes! If you're looking for an entree option, the filet medallions are a solid bet.

Brandon decided to get dessert, and the only real option that we could both get was the Root Beer Float. Served with regular vanilla ice cream and root beer, Brandon really said this was a nice dessert option. And, as you can see, it was a huge portion too!

If you want to see our full review as we dined, check out our vlog. It's another fun way to share the experience with all of you and our initial thoughts about the restaurant and our meal.

Overall

Both Brandon and I agreed that City Works Eatery & Pour House is a solid addition to Disney Springs. There really wasn't a sports bar style restaurant in Disney Springs prior to this. And, I think that will serve it well, as it's just another option for guests to choose from. Both of us really enjoyed our meal options -- though I think my one suggestion for the restaurant would be to consider a dedicated allergy-friendly fryer in the future. So many restaurants in Disney World offer this, and it's a nice feature that will encourage guests with special dietary needs to come visit even more!

A huge shout-out to the team at City Works Eatery & Pour House for inviting us to come to the restaurant and check things out. Special shout-out to our server Reuben and manager Riley who were both phenomenal! We're looking forward to visiting City Works Eatery & Pour House again soon.

What do you think of the special dietary needs options at City Works Eatery & Pour House? What would you want to order if you dined there?

1/2/20 1/2/20

Primo Piatto Dinner Review

Primo Piatto is a quick service restaurant located in the newly opened Riviera Resort at Disney World. Like the resort, the restaurant is inspired by the European Riviera. Recently, Brandon and I stopped by the resort to have a bite to eat at this new restaurant and check out the special dietary needs options.

Dinner at Primo Piatto

Atmosphere

This was our first time at the resort, and not only did we really love the resort's decor, but we really liked the charm of Primo Piatto.

Primo Piatto Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

You can enter the restaurant from both outside and inside. I loved the exterior entrance sign at night.

Primo Piatto Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

One of the things we learned quickly during our first visit was that the restaurant is quite small. The seating area is comfortable but with the holiday crowds, it felt very crowded. This photo was taken later in the evening after the crowds dwindled a little and the restaurant was nearing closing time.

Speaking of small, the restaurant only has two cash registers to order from. Not once in the entire hour we were there did the line ever not back up and go out the door. This definitely seemed to present a major challenge in the flow of ordering at the restaurant, and I hope they'll be able to adjust it a bit as the restaurant continues to get its footing.

Primo Piatto contains lots of bright open space that makes it very feel airy and light. It definitely has a European cafe feel to it. I did also really like that they had a variety of seating options including booths and high-top tables.

Primo Piatto - Sarah at Booth — Primo Piatto / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I absolutely loved the art, photographs, and pops of color & design in the restaurant. My favorite had to be the colorful fabric on the benches in the seating area. You can see how vibrant and rich the designs were in this photo of me that Brandon took.

*Unrelated to the theme or food, I should mention that if you're going to visit Disney's Riviera Resort and are driving or renting a vehicle, parking can be a challenge. Currently, the resort is quite strict about guests visiting who do not either have a dining reservation or are not staying at the resort. In fact, we were advised we could not park at the resort because of this. We were able to visit by entering through Caribbean Beach Resort, but it's worth mentioning, particularly if you're interested in dining at Primo Piatto which is a quick service and does not offer reservations. This is a fairly common practice at Disney resorts during peak times and is alway good to remember.

The Food

Like most Disney owned restaurants, Primo Piatto does carry an allergy-friendly lunch and dinner menu. Guests can also, at any time, speak with a manager at this location about options. We spoke with cast member Taylor who was just a delight. She also has food allergies and really went above and beyond to assist us with options.

The only bummer of this visit was that the restaurant isn't currently offering their after 4 p.m. dinner options. We were told by several cast members that Primo Piatto hopes to bring these back after the holiday season. I hope that is true because some of the dishes sounded really good.

Primo Piatto / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Once we placed our order with Taylor, we were given a place tracker to take with us to a table. All orders at Primo Piatto are made to order, and we were told they would bring the meals to our table. Taylor did advise us that we might have a slight wait time as the restaurant was both very busy and because we were getting baked allergy-friendly fries. While it was a slight wait, I wouldn't say it was excessive by any means.

Because the after 4 p.m. entrees weren't available, Brandon and I decided to get burgers on our first visit. I ordered the Riviera Burger which normally comes with Grilled Portobello Mushroom, Swiss Cheese (lactose free), Caramelized Onions, and served on an Allergy-Friendly Bun. I did ask for my burger to have the mushroom removed, as I'm not a huge fan.

This burger was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. If you're dairy free, you can omit the cheese to make this dairy free or order with vegan cheese (I believe they carry Daiya brand currently).

Overall, I was very impressed with the burger. The flavors were really good, and the quality of the actual burger was excellent. My favorite part was by far the Swiss cheese & Caramelized Onions. I would have liked to have had some type of sauce on the burger or some type of lettuce to bring it all together as it felt like there was one slight thing missing. This might have been because I omitted the portobello mushroom, but I would have liked just another texture or taste profile to add to the burger. But, I would definitely get it again.

The baked fries were just OK, in my opinion. Brandon really loved them, but I wasn't overly impressed. Next time we go, we'll be sure to ask about the Romano Parsley which we were told was safe but was missing from all of our fries.

Brandon ended up ordering the Bacon Cheddar Burger which came with Applewood-Smoked Bacon, Aged Cheddar, and served on a regular gluten-filled bun. Like me, Brandon really enjoyed his burger and thought the actual burger patty itself was excellent. I think he was a little jealous of my cheese, as he said he thought mine looked tastier. But, he did say the bacon was really good. He also loved the baked fries.

His sandwich was safe for fish/shellfish, cabbage, peanut, hazelnut, and chicken & turkey allergies. I could have also ordered this gluten free, and dairy free guests could get this dairy free by omitting the cheese.

Overall

Both Brandon and I were highly impressed by our first visit to Primo Piatto. We really enjoyed the quality of the food, felt the prices were fair for what we received, and appreciated how helpful the cast members at this quick service restaurant were. Despite a few hiccups trying to park at the resort, we would definitely go back to Primo Piatto. We both want to try to go back soon, especially once they relaunch the after 4 p.m. dinner options, which sound great! I look forward to future visits to this great new quick service addition to Disney World.

Have you been to Primo Piatto? What was your experience dining there?

1/2/20 1/2/20

Contempo Cafe Dinner Review

Contempo Cafe, located in Disney's Contemporary Resort, is a quick service restaurant that serves classic American fare -- from burgers and sandwiches to pizza. Recently, we had dinner at Contempo Cafe with my family when they were on vacation at Disney World.

*This dining review took place in December 2019. It includes information about gluten free options, in addition to dairy free, fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, peanut free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free options.

Dinner at Contempo Cafe

Atmosphere

Contempo Cafe is located on the Grand Canyon Concourse of the Contemporary Resort. This is where Chef Mickey's, shopping, and the entrance for the monorail are all located. It's definitely a hub, and you'll find that Contempo Cafe is situated directly in the middle of it all.

Contempo Cafe Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

In my opinion, the theme of the restaurant itself is pretty bland. There's really not much to it. It's some basic seating and an ordering area. But, what the restaurant lacks in theme is made up for by the amazing atmosphere of the Grand Canyon Concourse.

Contempo Cafe - Ordering / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

One of my favorite things about the concourse is watching the monorail and looking at the Mary Blair art designs. The 90 foot mural of It's a Small World is directly next to Contempo Cafe, and it's always so much fun to look at.

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

There is a good amount of seating in this quick service restaurant. But, it can get pretty busy. We did see a lot of guests ordering food to-go while on their vacations. We had a rather large party, so we were able to put together several sets of tables for our group of 10 people.

The Food

When dining at Contempo Cafe, guests with special dietary needs will need to speak directly to a manager about options. In the past, the restaurant did offer an allergy-friendly menu, but I haven't seen one for this location in years. In my opinion, talking to a manager or chef directly is a much better option at quick service locations, especially at resort locations where you can discuss options and modifications.

On our recent visit to Contempo Cafe, manager Kelsey was absolutely fantastic and really went above and beyond to ensure that both Brandon and I had safe and delicious meals.

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

I decided to order the Barbecue Chicken Pizza based on Kelsey's recommendation. It was served on Udi's Gluten Free Pizza Crust layered with Barbecue Sauce, Allergy-Friendly Chicken Tenders, Triple-Cheese Blend, and topped with a Kale-Apple Slaw. The pizza does normally come with caramelized onions, but Kelsey said she wasn't sure about potential cross-contamination issues.

Can I just say how wowed I was by this pizza? It doesn't look all that appetizing, but the flavors were absolutely incredible. I loved the combination of the crispy allergy-friendly chicken tenders with BBQ sauce, lots of cheese, and the Kale-Appple Slaw. The slaw was the real star of the dish! I would definitely get this again, and I'm so glad Kelsey convinced me to try it.

On a side note, if you're dairy free, the restaurant does carry Daiya brand dairy free & vegan cheese, as well.

Brandon's meal turned out to be a bit of a disappointment, but he was very appreciative that Kelsey worked to make sure his meal was safe. He really wanted the Contempo Smokehouse Burger but too many of the components were no deemed safe for his special dietary needs. He ended up with a Bunless Bacon Cheeseburger with Baked French Fries. This dish was gluten free, fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, peanut free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free.

As we learned, Contempo Cafe has a dedicated allergy fryer that cooks allergy-friendly chicken tenders in it and does not currently offer a vegan fryer. This meant that Kelsey needed to bake Brandon's fries. He actually really liked them and said he thinks he prefers the baked versions to the fried ones.

The restaurant also warned Brandon against many of the bread options due to potential peanut cross-contamination with the bread production. You'll want to talk to the manager about options and use your best judgement with regard to cross-contamination. We were able to get him a gluten free bun that was peanut free.

For dessert, I did try out the Flourless Chocolate Cake. This is naturally gluten free (contains dairy), but Kelsey did get me a fresh one that was not housed in the bakery case to avoid cross-contamination concerns. While it wasn't my favorite dessert, it was very good. If you're a chocolate fan, you will really enjoy this particular option because it's very rich and chocolatey. For those with peanut and tree nut allergies, Kelsey did advise Brandon to avoid this dessert.

Overall

While Contempo Cafe hasn't always been my favorite quick service restaurant on property, I was pretty impressed with the food on our recent visit. Not only were the gluten free options great, but the Disney Cast Members there really went above and beyond to help ensure we had a safe and delicious meal. We likely won't dine here a lot because it was a challenge for Brandon to find many options, but we're both glad to know that we can get a meal here if we're at the Contemporary Resort.

Have you been to Contempo Cafe? What did you think of the special dietary needs options?

1/1/20 1/1/20

The BOATHOUSE Dinner Review

The BOATHOUSE is a table service restaurant that is one of our favorites in Disney Springs. We often dine here with family & friends visiting or for special occasions, like birthdays. It's definitely become a popular dining destination for us because it has a lot of variety and accommodation for guests with special dietary needs and the quality of the food & service is top notch. Recently, we had dinner here twice -- once when a dear friend was visiting and another for Brandon's birthday celebration with his family.

*This post contains two dining reviews that took place in December 2019. It includes information about gluten free options, in addition to dairy free, fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, peanut free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free options.

Dinner at The BOATHOUSE

Atmosphere

We love the theme of The BOATHOUSE, which is, of course, nautical in nature.

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

From the moment you walk up to The BOATHOUSE, you'll find lots of boats and waterfront decor.

The BOATHOUSE - Holiday Decorations / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I love that even during the holiday season they decorated with nautical elements.

Even inside the restaurant, the theming had a holiday flair.

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

The BOATHOUSE has several different dining room areas -- each with a different look and feel. On Brandon's birthday, in particular, he requested that we dine near the back of the restaurant in one of the rooms that features a fireplace, dark wood, and dim lighting. As he refers to it, it resembles a much more modern version of the classic 1980s and 1990s look of a Red Lobster chain restaurant.

The Food

Though The BOATHOUSE is not owned and operated by the Disney Company and does not carry an allergy-friendly menu, we have been really impressed with their attention to special dietary needs accommodations.

I have to admit, I've heard a few horror stories from blog readers about their experiences here, but for us, our experiences have always been excellence. I do highly recommend speaking to a chef directly -- even if a server encourages you to just order from the menu. The chefs there are always very helpful and knowledgeable.

The BOATHOUSE / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On both occasions, our server and the chef offered me gluten free "rolls." Really, these are just Udi's gluten free buns heated up and served as a roll. The buns are both gluten free and dairy free, but the restaurant doesn't currently offer a dairy free buttery spread. You can get extra virgin olive oil instead. While these aren't the best bread service I've ever had, it is nice to have on occasion.

When my dear friend Kate visited, she and I both got the Grilled Fresh Fish Tacos served with Cabbage Slaw, Chipotle Crema, Pickled Red Onions, and Avocado Salsa. This dish is naturally gluten free (and can be made dairy free by omitting the crema). It was also peanut free and sesame free too based on Kate's allergies, as well.

I really love these fish tacos. Currently being made using swordfish, the flavors were outstanding, and the quality of the fish was excellent. I especially love the chipotle crema and avocado salsa, which our server brought us extras of on the side. This is a dish I've had several times and one I'll keep ordering for sure.

Brandon ordered the Filet Mignon Sliders with a baked potato on the side. Unfortunately, the restaurant does not offer a dedicated allergy fryer, so fries are out for both of us. But, Brandon really enjoys the baked potatoes they serve at the restaurant. This dish was fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, hazelnut free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free.

For those who have nut allergies, we were advised that there is potential cross-contamination for the rolls and buns served at The BOATHOUSE due to peanuts being in the same space where the rolls and buns are made. Both Kate and Brandon have peanut allergies and both felt comfortable eating these. But, those with peanut allergies should take care when consuming any bread products from The BOATHOUSE.

I don't normally get dessert at The BOATHOUSE, but I couldn't turn down the seasonal Chocolate Peppermint Mousse. This is gluten free but does contain dairy (and cannot be modified). Holy cow was this good! If you can eat dairy, this seasonal dessert is worth ordering. I absolutely loved the rich chocolate mousse and peppermint flavor. It was even more festive with the crushed candy cane on top. It was so good that I wish they had it year round!

During Brandon's birthday visit, I ordered the Broiled Wild Caught Swordfish Steak with Blackening Spice, Jambalaya Style Rice, Andouille Sausage, Crawfish Tails, and Louisiana Hot Sauce Butter. This is gluten free but does contain dairy and cannot be modified. The chef advised me that this is a newly GF dish too, as it used to contain gluten. But, they got so many requests for it to be gluten free, that they modified the recipe to make it naturally gluten free, which is great!

I was very impressed with the flavors of this dish. The swordfish was cooked perfectly, and the rice was excellent. If you like spicy food, this is definitely one to get. While I wouldn't get it all the time, this was a nice treat to enjoy on a special occasion.

Because it was Brandon's birthday, he went with a Petit Filet Mignon with salt crusted baby potatoes. His dish was not only gluten free but also dairy free, peanut/tree nut free, fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free. Brandon raved about the quality of the steak. It was definitely a great dish to celebrate his birthday with!

The BOATHOUSE - Dish is NOT Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon also ordered the mac & cheese, which is one of his favorites. This dish is fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, hazelnut free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free. If you can have gluten and dairy, this is a great cheesy decadent dish that Brandon always raves about.

For dessert, Brandon was served a birthday cupcake. This does contain gluten and dairy and to my knowledge, guests who are gluten free & dairy free do not have a birthday cupcake option. The chef assured us there were no peanuts or hazelnuts in the cupcake. Brandon said it reminds him of a hostess chocolate cupcake, so if you enjoy those you'll really like this birthday cupcake.

Overall

With lots of options, excellent seafood and steak, and attention to special dietary needs, The BOATHOUSE continues to be our go-to restaurant in Disney Springs. We both really love the food and have enjoyed our meals whether it was a light lunch or a birthday celebration. We'll definitely continue to frequent this restaurant with our friends and family.

Have you been to The BOATHOUSE? What has your experience been with special dietary needs dining there?

1/1/20 1/1/20

Kona Cafe Dinner Review

Kona Cafe, located in Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, is one of our favorite go-to spots for an affordable dinner on Disney property. Brandon and I really enjoy the pan-Asian flavors highlighted in the meals at Kona. Recently, we had dinner at Kona on a few occasions -- once with a friend who'd never been before and once with my family who were at Disney World on vacation.

*This post contains dining reviews took place in November and December 2019. It includes information about gluten free options, in addition to dairy free, fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, peanut free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free options.

Dinner at Kona Cafe

Atmosphere

Kona Cafe is a true lobby restaurant, located on the second floor of the Polynesian Village resort's main building and lobby area.

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

With an open-air concept, you can actually view guests walking by and see the monorail entrance, as well.

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

Kona Cafe has bright colors and lots of Polynesian touches, though as I've mentioned in several reviews, I do think the restaurant could use a refurb. I feel like the decor is a bit stuck in the late 1990s as far as color scheme and patterns.

As you can see from the photos here, the restaurant is quite spacious, with lots of different types of seating. On our second visit, we were one of the last tables in the restaurant for the night, and I was able to get a few rare photos of the restaurant virtually empty.

The Food

Like most Disney owned restaurants, Kona Cafe does carry an allergy-friendly menu. In addition to this, guests can also speak to a chef directly about questions, modifications, and other special dietary needs.

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

On both visits, our servers brought Brandon and I allergy-friendly rolls, which are Deanna's Gluten Free brand. These are both gluten free and dairy free. I have also been served both regular dairy-filled butter and Earth Balance vegan buttery spread. The Earth Balance is available upon request. Lately, Kona Cafe has been hit or miss on how well these rolls have been heated. Sometimes they're great and other times they are not.

Kona Cafe - GF Airline Chicken — Kona Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On our first visit, I was determined to try something different because I often get sushi or a sandwich there. Based on the recommendation of our server, I ordered the Asian-Marinated Airline Chicken with Sticky Rice, and Bok Choy. It was supposed to come with an Asian glaze, but I was told the glaze contains gluten, so I was brought gluten free soy sauce on the side. This dish was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies.

Of all the dishes I've had at Kona Cafe, this was my LEAST favorite dish. Not only was the chicken fairly bland, but the portion was oddly small. It doesn't look as small in this photo, but when it was brought to the table everyone started laughing because it was served on a large plate and looked even tinier. I would definitely avoid this dish and can't recommend it to anyone who visits Kona.

Kona Cafe - Beef Pho — Kona Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On our second visit, I had the Beef Pho. This was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. Overall, I really enjoyed this dish, though I wouldn't say it's the best pho I've ever had.

The beef was extremely tender and flavorful, and I really enjoyed the vegetables in the dish. The weakest spot of the dish was the broth -- something that should be spot on for pho. It had a good amount of seasoning, but there was just something lacking in it. It wasn't bad enough that I wouldn't get it again. But, it also wouldn't be at the top of my list for gluten free dishes served at Kona.

On both visits, Brandon ordered the Pork Belly Noodle Bowl. This dish is marked safe for Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies on the menu, and with some modifications (including swapping the bone broth out for vegetable broth) it was also cabbage free and chicken & turkey free.

This continues to be one of Brandon's most favorite dishes at Kona. He absolutely loves the pork belly and says the flavor combinations are always outstanding.

Overall

While my dishes were a bit hit or miss on these last two visits, both Brandon and I do very much enjoy Kona Cafe. I think the restaurant shines with their sushi, noodle bowls, and sandwiches. In the future, those will continue to be at the top of our list for dishes to try when we dine at Kona Cafe.

Have you been to Kona Cafe? What did you enjoy when you dined there?

1/1/20 1/1/20

Three Bridges Bar & Grill Dinner Review

Three Bridges Bar & Grill, located at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, has quickly become one of our favorite new restaurants on Disney property. Both Brandon and I love the food, the low-key atmosphere, and the affordable prices. Recently, we stopped by Three Bridges Bar & Grill a few times, once with my friend Christy from Pack Your Pixie Dust and another just before the December holidays.

Dinner at Three Bridges Bar & Grill

Atmosphere

Three Bridges Bar & Grill is located in the middle of Lago Dorado – the large lake at Coronado Springs Resort. And, the restaurant itself is actually inside a building labeled Villa del Lago.

Three Bridges Bar & Grill - Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The location feels remote yet close to everything. We always enjoy the nice stroll on the bridges that connect the restaurant to the mainland.

Three Bridges Bar & Grill - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Three Bridges Bar & Grill offers al fresco dining. That means there is no inside dining room. While everything is open to the water and elements, don't let this deter you from dining there. When it's chilly out, they offer heaters, and when it's really warm out, they have lots of fans to help keep you cool.

Three Bridges Bar & Grill - View / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Both Brandon and I especially love dining here in the evening time just after sunset. The views from the restaurant are incredible, and it's just a really lovely and pleasant way to enjoy a meal.

Three Bridges Bar & Grill - Bar / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We do prefer eating at the traditional tables at the restaurant, but you can also sit at their standard bar area for drinks and food. There are lots of different seating options in the restaurant, which is great.

The Food

The biggest reason we go to Three Bridges Bar & Grill is the food! After our first visit, Brandon and I were a bit obsessed with signature burger which is truly phenomenal.

Three Bridges Bar & Grill / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The restaurant does offer an allergy-friendly menu. But, I would highly encourage you to speak directly with a chef. The though menu doesn't list many gluten free items, almost the entire menu can be easily made gluten free (including sandwiches).

Three Bridges Bar & Grill - Cup — Three Bridges Bar & Grill / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We usually speak with Chef Paul when we dine at Three Bridges Bar & Grill. Formerly at Disney's Port Orleans Resorts and the Hangar Bar in Disney Springs, you can expect Chef Paul to ensure you have great, safe options to choose from. On both visits, he went over the options for us. But, of course, both Brandon and I have a hard time NOT getting the burger.

Three Bridges Bar & Grill - GF Burger — Three Bridges Bar & Grill / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On both visits, both Brandon and I couldn't resist the Three Bridges Signature Burger. It comes with crispy potato, Manchego cheese, roasted garlic-lemon aïoli, arugula, and tomato served with smoked paprika fries or fruit.

If you're gluten free, the chefs will swap out the bun for a gluten free one (currently Bloomfield Farms brand) and fry the crispy potato and French fries in a dedicated fryer. If you're dairy free and gluten free, the only modification needed is to omit the cheese (and swap the bun out). On both visits, my burgers were gluten free and dairy free.

Brandon's burger was exactly as is on the menu, including the regular gluten-filled bun, with his fries being made in the dedicate fryer. His meal was fish/shellfish free, peanut free, hazelnut free, cabbage free, and chicken & turkey free.

On our second visit, our burgers took just a little bit longer to prepare. As we learned from Chef Paul, this is because they now use the allergy-friendly fryer to fry gluten free churros, in addition to the other allergy-friendly fried items. The gluten free churros do contain dairy. So, if you're dairy free or have other allergy concerns with the Cup4Cup flour being used in the churros, you'll want to have the chef prepare a fresh pot of oil to fry your fries safely.

On our first visit, Christy from Pack Your Pixie Dust ordered the Grilled Sirloin Steak which was served on gluten free & dairy free Bloomfield Farms buns with pepper relish, 63° egg, and a chimichurri sauce on the side.

Christy and I shared samples of our meals with each other. And, we both agreed that while the steak was good, the burger was much better in terms of flavor. I do recommend asking for the chimichurri sauce (which we were told is not a regular accompaniment with the steak) to go with the sandwich. Both Christy and I thought the dish was too sweet without another sauce to compliment the sweet pepper relish. If you are a steak lover, this is a nice option.

Overall

We just can't quit the outstanding signature burger at Three Bridges Bar & Grill. Both Brandon and I love the flavors, and we really enjoy everything about the restaurant. One of these days, I will actually order something else besides the burger! There are a lot of other options, like the chicken wings, that I'd definitely like to try in the future. If you crave a good burger in a relaxed setting, you can't go wrong with Three Bridges Bar & Grill. One word of note, this restaurant is only open for dinner daily.

Have you been to Three Bridges Bar & Grill? What did you enjoy when you dined there?

12/31/19 12/31/19

Liberty Tree Tavern Dinner Review

Liberty Tree Tavern, located in the Magic Kingdom, is a table service restaurant that serves Thanksgiving-style meals year-round. Recently, Brandon and I went to Liberty Tree Tavern just before Thanksgiving to celebrate the season with a holiday meal we didn't have to cook ourselves.

*This gluten free dining review took place in November 2019. It includes information about dairy free, fish/shellfish free, peanut free, hazelnut free, cabbage free, and chicken & turkey free options too.

Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern

Atmosphere

Because Liberty Tree Tavern is located in Liberty Square, the restaurant's theme is based on a colonial inn. The restaurant serves both lunch and dinner, with lunch including a la carte options and dinner serving an all-you-care-to-enjoy Pilgrim's platter.

Liberty Tree Tavern Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I absolutely love the charm of Liberty Tree Tavern. It's been a restaurant that my family has been going to since 2003, and it holds a lot of nostalgia for me. I especially love that the colonial theme has pretty much stayed the same since the first time I visited the restaurant.

Liberty Tree Tavern Lobby / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

When you enter the restaurant, you'll notice a classical colonial scene, including a fireplace and lots of decor by the hearth.

Liberty Tree Tavern - Holiday Tree / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

During the holiday season, they also have a lot of colonial themed holiday decor. I really loved this Christmas tree which featured lots of fruit and hand woven decorations.

Liberty Tree Tavern - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The restaurant's dining rooms are themed to represent important figures from American history. This includes:

Benjamin Franklin
Thomas Jefferson
John Paul Jones
Paul Revere
Betsy Ross
George Washington

Liberty Tree Tavern - Jefferson Room / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On this visit, we dined in the Thomas Jefferson room. On our previous visit, we dined in the Betsy Ross room, which I think might have been a bit better themed. But, the Jefferson room was quite charming. I especially loved the fireplace lined in toile designed tiles.

The seating area in the Jefferson room was fairly standard -- though we both felt the seating was a little close together. Still, you can see that the cozy room was filled with dark wooden decor, adding to the colonial theme.

The Food

Of course, the main reason we dine at Liberty Tree Tavern is the Thanksgiving-style food. Over the years, the menu has changed some, with different options being featured on the all-you-care-to-enjoy menu. The past several years has included allergy-friendly stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy -- definitely a big reason why we visit the restaurant!

Like most Disney owned restaurants, Liberty Tree Tavern offers an allergy-friendly menu. Guests with special dietary needs can also speak directly to a chef about options too. On this occasion, we looked at both the menu and talked to a chef directly too, as we had a lot of questions related to Brandon's special dietary needs.

Liberty Tree Tavern / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

As we started our meal, the chef brought Brandon and I the Declaration Salad to share. This is served family style, and our version was gluten free, dairy free, fish/shellfish free, peanut free, cabbage free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free.

The salad dressing was a honey shallot vinaigrette that was very mild but tasty. We both liked it a lot, though I thought it could have used just a bit more vinaigrette. You can, of course, always ask the chef and your server for additional vinaigrette if you need it.

Both Brandon and I were served our own platters, rather than sharing them. This is because we both have very different special dietary needs, and the chef wanted to ensure we both had a lot of options.

For my platter, I was served a Pilgrim's platter that included: roasted turkey breast, pot roast, oven roasted pork, mashed potatoes, herb rice stuffing, seasonal vegetables, and gluten free gravy. Everything on this platter was gluten free and dairy free.

I am a huge fan of Thanksgiving-style food, so I always love the Pilgrim's platter at Liberty Tree Tavern. My only slight complaint this year was the gluten free stuffing. I have been a pretty big fan of it in year's past. But, this year, I found the texture to be really gummy. The flavor was still good, but the texture was just a bit off. They also used different bread it seemed, and the stuffing was much chunkier than it had been before too. I'm not saying I wouldn't eat it again, but it definitely wasn't my favorite version of this stuffing. Everything else was fantastic as usual.

Liberty Tree Tavern - GF Mac & Cheese — Liberty Tree Tavern / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I had heard from blog readers that if you ask at Liberty Tree Tavern that you can get gluten free mac & cheese. I did ask our chef about this, and he brought me a plate of Amy's GF mac & cheese.

I wouldn't say this was anything to write home about, but it was nice that they offer this to gluten free guests. (Note that this version does contain dairy, and I do not believe they offer the gluten free & dairy free version of Amy's at this time.)

For Brandon's Pilgrim's Platter, they brought out a similar but slightly different version. Because he cannot have chicken & turkey, he couldn't have the roasted turkey, herb stuffing, or gravy. Generally, Brandon isn't a stuffing or gravy fan, so he was pretty OK with those omissions. His platter was fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, peanut free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free.

Both Brandon and I really enjoyed our platters, and we both said we thought the pot roast was the best part of the meal. You'll also notice from the photos that Brandon's meal has two allergy picks on the platter. The chef made sure to mark my food with one pick and Brandon's with two so that he could ensure neither of our food got switched in any way. That was a nice touch and definitely something I hadn't seen before.

Liberty Tree Tavern - Mac & Cheese — Liberty Tree Tavern / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon was also served mac & cheese, but he got the regular gluten-filled version. Like mine, he said his wasn't anything to write home about. We both liked having it as an option but it wasn't the best part of the meal by any means.

As you can see by this photo Brandon took of me, we were served a ridiculous amount of food. It definitely lived up to the Pilgrim's platter name. And, if you're still hungry after round one, you can actually order more of anything you like. We both opted to have small second helpings of our favorites like the pot roast and mashed potatoes.

Liberty Tree Tavern - GF Brownie — Liberty Tree Tavern / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For dessert, the chef brought me a gluten free brownie. This was the Sweet Street brand, which is one of the newer brands now served at Disney. Unfortunately, it does contain dairy.

Dessert really isn't the reason I come to Liberty Tree Tavern, and I'm usually way too full by the time we get to dessert. On this trip, I did eat a bit of this but only a few bites. The chef did bring me a side cup of raspberry sorbet too, which was gluten free and dairy free.

One of the things that we noticed on the allergy-friendly menu was that the dessert options listed the gluten free brownie and Oooey Gooey Toffee Cake as safe for peanut allergies. I knew that the Sweet Street brand GF brownie had a peanut cross-contamination warning, and as we confirmed with the chef neither of the dessert options were safe for peanut allergies -- despite being listed safe on the allergy-friendly menu. Because of this Brandon was served pre-packaged Enjoy Life Foods Cookies and raspberry sorbet.

If you have any type of nut allergy, I would highly recommend double-checking with a chef, as we were both pretty sure before talking to him that neither dessert was an option. Unfortunately, allergy-friendly menus aren't always accurate and can sometimes have misinformation, especially if the restaurant makes a product change.

Overall

While the dessert component wasn't great, the rest of the meal we had at Liberty Tree Tavern was. We both really enjoyed getting a Thanksgiving-style meal that was perfectly customized for both of our special dietary needs. And, I'm always really excited when I get to eat a restaurant that serves gluten free stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy! It's definitely become a yearly tradition to eat at Liberty Tree Tavern during the holiday season, but it's a great option year-round too.

Have you been to Liberty Tree Tavern? What did you enjoy when you dined there?

12/31/19 12/31/19

Yak & Yeti Dinner Review

Yak & Yeti, located in Disney's Animal Kingdom, is our go-to table service restaurant in the park. Recently, we stopped by Yak & Yeti a few times over the holiday season, including once to use Brandon's birthday reward as Landry's Select Club members.

*This post contains two dining reviews that took place in November and December 2019. It includes information about gluten free options, in addition to dairy free, fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, peanut free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free options.

Dinner at Yak & Yeti

Atmosphere

Yak & Yeti can be found in the Asia area of the Animal Kingdom. And, its theme reflects its location acting as a home in the fictional land of Anandapur that has been turned into a restaurant.

Yak & Yeti Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Landry's did an exceptional job with the theme of this restaurant, and you'll be transported to a far off place the moment you walk up to the Yak & Yeti's entrance.

Yak & Yeti Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The restaurant includes two levels for dining. On our first visit, we dined on the first floor in an area that has posters and other artifacts related to traditional Bollywood films.

On the first floor, you'll also find various artifacts -- some in fact are actually from locations throughout Asia, which is really neat.

On our second visit, we dined on the second floor, which both Brandon and I prefer. We both remarked that the second floor seems to have a lot more artifacts and cozy areas to dine. But, no matter where you are in the restaurant, you're bound to enjoy the delightful and charming theme.

The Food

Because Yak & Yeti is not owned and operated by Disney, they do not have a traditional allergy-friendly menu. They do, however, offer a gluten sensitive menu for guests. If you dine at Yak & Yeti, I always recommend that you speak directly with a chef.

As I learned awhile back, the gluten sensitive menu is not necessarily safe for those with celiac disease, as some items are actually made in shared fryers. On both visits, we looked at both the gluten sensitive menu and spoke directly with a chef.

On our first visit, both Brandon and I got noodle bowls. I ordered a beef and shrimp noodle bowl (a modified version of the vegetable bowl listed on the menu), which was made using rice noodles and gluten free tamari sauce. This dish was both gluten free and dairy free.

While I really enjoyed this dish, it's not my favorite at Yak & Yeti. In fact, the previous time we visited, I had a modified Teriyaki Beef and Shrimp Stir-Fry from the seasonal menu. And, it was by far my favorite dish that I've had at Yak & Yeti in a while. Unfortunately, it's no longer on their seasonal menu, so I opted for a noodle bowl instead. It's definitely a solid option and one I try to get every once in a while.

Brandon absolutely loves the noodle bowls at Yak & Yeti. He ordered the beef noodle bowl, which was made fish/shellfish free, peanut free, hazelnut free, cabbage free, and chicken & turkey free. The big differences between my bowl and his was the GF tamari sauce and the omission of bok choy and shrimp. His dish was also made with rice noodles.

As per usual, Brandon really loved this dish a lot. He got it again on our next visit, though the chef that time made some slightly different changes to the vegetables in his noodle bowl.

Yak & Yeti - GF Consomme — Yak & Yeti / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On our second visit, I wasn't feeling like a super heavy meal, so I decided to try one of their new salads and the Chicken Consomme soup. The soup is both gluten free and dairy free and contains Chicken Broth, Tofu, Onions, and Carrots. I've had this on several visits, and I do really enjoy it. I would say that the flavors are very mild and understated, but it's definitely a nice change of pace for something lighter. Like everything at Yak & Yeti, the portion for the soup was really big too.

Yak & Yeti - GF Wedge Salad — Yak & Yeti / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my entree, I ordered the Asian Wedge Salad which is gluten free and contains Baby Iceberg Lettuce, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Blue Cheese Crumbles, Carrot Ginger Dressing, and Pork Belly. I also opted to add Grilled Cilantro-Lime Chicken to the dish too.

The chef recommended this to me, and while I was a bit dubious at first, because the flavors sounded a bit odd to me, I was actually pretty impressed with the salad. I absolutely loved the carrot ginger dressing, and the addition of pork belly was a great one. Oddly, the blue cheese worked really well, and all of the flavors ended up making for a great meal. Next time, I probably would just order a salad and not get any appetizer (like the soup), because this salad was legitimately huge. Yak & Yeti definitely does not skimp on the portions.

Yak & Yeti - Noodle Bowl — Yak & Yeti / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon went with the beef noodle bowl again on our second visit. This time, the chef only included carrots, green onions, and some cilantro instead of the vegetable medley he had on the first visit. Brandon loves both carrots and green onions, so he was pretty good with this vegetable medley. As per usual, he really enjoyed his noodle bowl a lot.

Overall

Yak & Yeti has been a consistently great option for us for a table service meal when we're visiting Disney's Animal Kingdom. We both really enjoy the pan-Asian food, and we've been pretty impressed with the options and the attention that the chefs give to guests with special dietary needs. It's definitely a location we'll keep going back to again and again.

Have you been to Yak & Yeti? What do you think of the special diets options there?

12/31/19 12/31/19

T-Rex Cafe Lunch Review

T-Rex Cafe, located in Disney Springs, is a restaurant owned and operated by Landry's. Recently, I had lunch at T-Rex Cafe with my family while they were here on vacation at Walt Disney World. My nephew loves dinosaurs, so we knew this would be a fun place to have a meal with the whole family.

*This gluten free dining review took place in December 2019. It also includes information about dairy free options.

Lunch at T-Rex Cafe

Atmosphere

Like Rainforest Cafe, T-Rex Cafe has a pretty impressive theme. T-Rex Cafe is entirely dinosaur themed, so you'll see lots of giant dinosaur animatronics throughout the restaurant.

T-Rex Cafe - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I didn't get a chance to take many photos, but as you can see from the few I took here, the restaurant is massive. I loved all the bright colors and fun theme. My nephew and niece, in particular, really loved this, so it's great for kiddos.

The restaurant does have a "show" about every 20 minutes or so, with a big meteor shower. The kiddos in our party were a little nervous about it at first, but after a while, they were having a blast with the animatronics and the meteor showers.

T-Rex Cafe - Ice Cave / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

In addition to the main area, there's a really cool section called the Ice Cave. This was a super cool area, and I hope to eat in there one day.

The Food

Like Rainforest Cafe, I wouldn't say the food at T-Rex Cafe is going to high-end by any means. But, the restaurant does have quite a few options, with a good amount of variety for guests who are gluten free and dairy free. Because it is not owned and operated by Disney, T-Rex Cafe doesn't have an allergy-friendly menu. But, Landry's restaurants at Disney, like Yak & Yeti, have been quite good at accommodating special dietary needs.

I did speak with a chef directly, and he told me that I could have a variety of options from sandwiches to steaks and salads. The restaurant does carry gluten free pasta and allergy-friendly buns (in this case, Udi's brand), though the restaurant does not have an allergy-friendly fryer.

T-Rex Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On this visit, I opted to get the Paleozoic Chicken Sandwich. Served on a gluten free & dairy free bun, it came with marinated chicken breast, candied applewood smoked bacon, swiss cheese (which is lactose free), lettuce, tomato, and mayo. The sandwich was gluten free, and I could have made it dairy free by omitting the cheese.

Because there is no dedicated fryer, I couldn't have the fries. But, there were a variety of sides I could get, like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and seasonal vegetables. I opted for coleslaw since we were dining at lunch, and I didn't want something super heavy.

Overall, I was very pleasantly surprised by this sandwich. The portion was huge (enough to feed a dinosaur!), and the flavors were excellent. I really loved the candied bacon, and the chicken was perfectly cooked. I would definitely get this sandwich again.

Overall

With a fun theme and decent special diets options, T-Rex Cafe makes for a great family-friendly choice for a meal in Disney Springs. My family, especially my nephew and niece, really loved it. And, I definitely enjoyed my meal. While it's not a restaurant I'd go to all the time, I was pleasantly surprised at how good the food was at T-Rex Cafe. As Landry's Select Club members, Brandon and I may have to go here a bit more in the future.

Have you been to T-Rex Cafe? What did you think of the special diets options?

12/31/19 12/31/19

Restaurantosaurus Lunch Review

Restaurantosaurus, located in Dinoland U.S.A. in Disney's Animal Kingdom, is a quick service restaurant with a charming dinosaur theme that serves classic American style food. Recently, I stopped by Restaurantosaurus with my family (who were at Disney World on vacation) for lunch.

*This gluten free and dairy free dining experience took place in December 2019.

Lunch at Restaurantosaurus

Atmosphere

Dinoland U.S.A. is one of my favorite themed lands in any Disney park. I just love the charm and retro vibe of this dinosaur themed land. Restaurantosaurus fits right into this theme with a quick service restaurant set to resemble a dino-themed dorm room for the paleontology students who once stayed at Dinoland U.S.A.

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

If you or your family love dinosaurs, this is a great place to visit and eat.

Restaurantosaurus Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I especially love how the building and rooms look like essentially a summer camp bunkhouse filled with lots of paleontology decor. From the books to decorative elements and photos, there's a lot to look at and explore while you're dining there.

Every inch of the restaurant fits into its theme, with so many great hidden and not so hidden dinosaur touches.

For even more fun, I highly recommend dining in the Hip Joint. It's a rec-room style space that is supposed to be the entertainment room for the paleontology students who stayed there. From the outside, you can see part of the rec room is actually housed in a vintage RV. It's definitely very cute and super fun.

The Food

When it comes to meal options, Restaurantosaurus serves standard theme park fare -- including burgers, fries, sandwiches, and chicken tenders. If you have special dietary needs, you'll find an allergy-friendly menu for the restaurant. Guests can also speak to a manager at any time to discuss options too.

On this visit, I decided to go with something super simple -- the allergy-friendly chicken tenders. These tenders are gluten free and dairy free (and cover other allergens, as well, such as fish/shellfish and peanut/tree nut). The allergy-friendly chicken tenders are fried in a dedicated fryer, as are the French fries. If you have any questions about the frying process, be sure to speak to a manager about it.

The allergy-friendly chicken tenders at this location were Ian's Brand. I always really enjoy these chicken tenders, and I really love how crunchy they were on this visit. The manager did a great job frying these and not over or under cooking them.

This may sound odd, but I almost always eat my allergy-friendly chicken tenders with Ken's Steak House Cocktail Sauce, when a Disney owned restaurant has it. The sauce is marked gluten free and is also dairy free too. I don't know what it is, but I just really love the combination of the fried chicken tenders with this cocktail sauce. I found this pre-packaged sauce at the restaurant's toppings bar. But, in many Disney restaurants, you'll need to ask for it, as it's located behind the counter.

Overall

While nothing fancy, I always appreciate Restaurantosaurus' casual theme park options. It's definitely my go-to place in the Animal Kingdom for burgers and allergy-friendly chicken tenders.

Have you been to Restaurantosaurus? What did you enjoy when you dined there?

12/31/19 12/31/19

Rainforest Cafe (Animal Kingdom Park) Dinner Review

Rainforest Cafe is a chain of restaurants owned and operated by Landry's with two locations at Walt Disney World. This review is specific to the location at Disney's Animal Kingdom, though Brandon and I have also been to the Disney Springs location too. We recently had dinner at the Animal Kingdom location as we had several Landry's Select Club rewards that we needed to use before the end of the year.

Dinner at Rainforest Cafe

Atmosphere

The Rainforest Cafe chain has been around since the early 1990s. And, I've been to several locations throughout the U.S. When we dined at the Animal Kingdom location, we were told by our server that it's the largest Rainforest Cafe. After dining in there, I can definitely believe it because the restaurant is pretty large.

Rainforest Cafe Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

While all Rainforest Cafes have a similar look and feel, each one is somewhat unique. The location in Disney Springs, for instance, has a giant volcano attached to it, while the Animal Kingdom location is more tropical in nature.

Rainforest Cafe Holiday Decorations / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

One of the things I really enjoyed about this visit and the restaurant's theme is that they actually decorated a bit for the holidays. I joked that it felt like we were dining in the Jingle Cruise (the holiday overlay of the Jungle Cruise at the Magic Kingdom) because many of the animatronics had holiday attire one.

Rainforest Cafe Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

There was definitely a lot of great atmosphere, and every 20 minutes or so, you can expect the restaurant to have some type of "show" that happens and the animatronics come to life.

Rainforest Cafe Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We went on a weekday, about an hour before the park closed. The restaurant itself did have quite a few people in it, but the spacious seating area didn't make it feel too busy or crowded.

As you can see, there was a lot to look at throughout the restaurant. So, no matter where you're seating, you're bound to get a fun view.

Rainforest Cafe Waterfall / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Continuing the Jungle Cruise theme, I present to you the backside of the Rainforest Cafe waterfall!

The Food

Because Rainforest Cafe is not owned and operated by Disney, they do not have an allergy-friendly menu. But, a chef will come and speak to you about options. The chef we met on this visit was very friendly and helped talk through what options might be safe for each of our special dietary needs.

Rainforest Cafe - Sarah with Menu — Rainforest Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The menu is quite large, both literally and figuratively! There were many items from salads to pasta and steaks that could be easily made gluten free (and dairy free).

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

I ended up ordering the Bollywood Chicken & Shrimp dish which included Sautéed Chicken and Shrimp, Stir Fry Vegetables, Spicy Curry Sauce served with White Rice. The chef told me that this dish is naturally gluten free as long as you omit the fried shallots normally served on top. I really enjoy curry so I was excited to try this option.

While I did enjoy this, I found the curry to be very spicy. I'm a big spicy food fan, and this was almost too spicy for me. So, if spicy foods are not your favorite, I would definitely recommend avoiding this. I'm not sure I'd get this again, simply because I thought the spice level was just a bit too much. I think I prefer the salmon I got at the Rainforest Cafe at Disney Springs over this dish.

Brandon opted to get something simple and easy to make allergy-friendly for him -- The Primal Steak. This dish is not only gluten free, but it's also fish/shellfish free, peanut free, cabbage free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free too. The dish normally comes with mashed potatoes and a choice of another side, but Brandon decided he wanted double mashed potatoes that night. He said the steak was excellent, as were the mashed potatoes. And, as you can see, the portion was huge too!

Overall

While it wasn't the best meal I've ever had at a Rainforest Cafe location, both Brandon and I agreed that both the food and that the special dietary needs accommodations were solid. The chef seemed very willing to make a variety of dishes and provide several suggestions to us. And, the food was overall fairly good. While I didn't necessarily love the spice level on my curry, it was a sizable portion with good flavor. I would probably try something else on our next visit, but it's definitely worth going back again -- although Brandon and I do prefer Yak & Yeti (another Landry's restaurant) located in the Animal Kingdom.

Have you been to the Animal Kingdom Rainforest Cafe location? What did you think of the special dietary needs options?

12/31/19 12/31/19

Teppan Edo Dinner Review

Teppan Edo, located in the Japan Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase, is a Teppan-yaki-style restaurant that offers a fun and unique Japanese dining experience for guests. Brandon and I had dinner with blog reader Sarah C. and her family at Teppan Edo this past summer for the first time ever and really loved the experience. Recently, we went back with Brandon's family for a fun and delicious meal.

*This dining review took place in November 2019. It includes information about gluten free, dairy free, fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, peanut free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free options.

Dinner at Teppan Edo

Atmosphere

Teppan Edo is located in the Japan Pavilion in the World Showcase on the second floor above the Mitsukoshi shopping area. It shares space with Tokyo Dining, as well. So, when you enter the restaurant area, you actually walk through the Tokyo Dining area before heading into Teppan Edo.

Teppan Edo Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Unlike Tokyo Dining, when you enjoy a meal at Teppan Edo, you'll be seated at a table with 8 other guests. This means it's communal style dining, similar to Biergarten in the Germany Pavilion. This is a great restaurant to go to if you have a large party, because you can virtually have an entire table/grill station to yourself. On this visit, there were four of us, so we were half of the table we were seated at.

Teppan Edo - Menu / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

During the meal, you choose what protein you want, and your meal is prepared in front of you by one of the very talented chefs. If you have a special dietary need, your food will typically be prepared in the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination, especially if you have celiac disease or other allergies.

Teppan Edo - Menu & Napkin / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

As we began our meal, we were all given hand wipes and menus to choose our proteins from. Before the chef came out, the manager did meet with Brandon and I to discuss options with us. Though we got to watch the cooking, which is really the biggest reason to dine at Teppan Edo, all of our meals were prepared directly in the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination. I inadvertently glutened myself on our last visit, so on this visit, we made sure everything was as safe as it could be.

Teppan Edo - Cooking / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

As I said, the real atmosphere here is the cooking. And, Chef Rumi did not disappoint. She was so fun and really did a great job not only cooking for everyone but also at getting us involved in the cooking fun.

From volcano onions to Chef Rumi singing Disney songs, the entire meal was fun from start to finish.

Everyone in our party had a great time, and Brandon's family was super impressed by the experience.

In addition the photos here, you can watch the video that Brandon took of our dining experience and see for yourself how much fun Chef Rumi and our dining experience was.

The Food

Teppan Edo, is not actually owned and operated by Disney, so the restaurant does not carry an allergy-friendly menu. But, as I mentioned earlier, at Teppan Edo, a manager will come speak to you about special dietary needs options.

Both Brandon and I have been impressed by how seriously the restaurant takes special dietary needs. They went over all of the options and made sure that our chef, the servers, and everyone in between were aware of our order to ensure our safety. Because of all of our special dietary needs, the manager made sure all of our food was prepared in the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination on the grill.

Teppan Edo / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Up first, the entire table was brought Garden Salads to start. Brandon was served a garden salad with the traditional dressing that included soy sauce in it. I was served a similar salad, and the only difference was that I was served a gluten free yuzu dressing. It was very citrusy and had quite a vinegar punch to it, but I really enjoyed it. Brandon has said that the salad at Teppan Edo is one of his very favorites. He loves vinaigrette and light, bright flavors.

Brandon's salad was dairy free, fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, peanut free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free. My salad was gluten free and dairy free (and likely free of many other allergens too).

For those who are gluten free, you'll be served Kikkoman gluten free soy sauce upon request. I really enjoyed having this for my rice and vegetables.

For my entree, the kitchen prepared Scottish Salmon which was served with spicy yuzu, Yum Yum sauce, stir-fried vegetables, and steamed white rice. My meal was entirely gluten free and dairy free. I ordered this on our previous visit, and while I was tempted to try something new, I just loved the salmon so much that I had to order it again. From the rice, to the vegetables, the salmon, and the sauces, I absolutely loved everything about this meal. Honestly, it's something I could eat every single day and not bored! It was so flavorful, delicious, and filling.

Teppan Edo - Steak — Teppan Edo / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon opted for the NY Cut Steak, which came with a Soy-Ginger Sauce, Yum Yum sauce, udon noodles with stir-fried vegetables, and steamed white rice. His meal was dairy free, fish/shellfish free, peanut free, hazelnut free, cabbage free, and chicken & turkey free. Like my meal, his was also prepared in the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination. He also loved his meal, and he especially loves the steak and udon noodles. Both of us agreed that this is one of our favorite kinds of meals.

Overall

Both Brandon and I have quickly become huge fans of Teppan Edo. I always avoided the restaurant fearing that I wouldn't have a lot of options or that it would be a challenge to eat there safely. But, we have been been very impressed by the level of attention the restaurant takes to ensure that we have a safe meal. While we don't necessarily get to eat the food that's prepared at the table, we still both love watching the show and participating in the fun. Overall, it continues to be a new favorite and a restaurant we'll definitely be back to again soon.

Have you been to Teppan Edo? What was your experience dining there?

12/31/19 12/31/19

Whispering Canyon Cafe Dinner Review

Whispering Canyon Cafe, located in Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort is a table service restaurant that offers hearty Western-style fare in a unique setting that includes colorful cast members who treat you to good food and hilarious shenanigans throughout your meal. Recently, I had appetizers and dessert there with my friends Alexis from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures and Christy from Pack Your Pixie Dust.

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

Dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe

Atmosphere

I absolutely love Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort, especially during the holiday season. Both Whispering Canyon Cafe and the lodge have a fantastic design and rustic feel to them.

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

I really loved seeing all the seasonal decor throughout the restaurant and the resort.

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

I somehow didn't manage to get many photos that night though, so if you're interested in seeing more about the restaurant, I recommend checking out my previous lunch review that I wrote. I included a lot more photos and discuss the theme in more detail.

The Food

On this visit, none of us wanted anything too heavy, so we opted for appetizers and dessert instead of a full meal. One of these days, I do want to go back for their dinner skillets, especially since they've added some new options.

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

Like most Disney-owned restaurants, Whispering Canyon Cafe does have an allergy-friendly dinner menu. You can also always speak to a chef or manager at any time to discuss options. On this visit, we ordered directly from the allergy-friendly menu because we ordered just a few simple dishes.

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

For a while now, I've been wanting to try out the "Burnt Ends" Nachos which are marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. Christy and I decided to split these because we both really enjoy nachos.

Overall, we both really enjoyed these, though I think the weakest part of the nachos was the cheese sauce. I'm always super excited to see a nacho cheese stye sauce, but this one was pretty bland. And, I think we all agreed that the brisket, pulled pork, pico de gallo, and tortilla chips were all really good, despite the so-so cheese sauce. I would still get these again and split them as a starter -- though I wouldn't want to order them for a full meal.

For dessert, Christy and I attempted to split the Whispering Canyon Pioneer Chocolate Cake, which is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. But, when it came to the table, we noticed it looked pretty burnt. In fact, we tried to eat it and neither one of us could get it out of the dish. We each took a bite and decided that the cake was indeed completely burnt and inedible. This was a real shame because I'd had it on previous visits and thought it was delicious. Because it was late, and we'd eaten a lot of nachos, we opted to send the cake back and not get a replacement. It was definitely a bit of a bummer to see the cake so poorly prepared.

Overall

While I do generally enjoy the food at Whispering Canyon Cafe, this visit had hit or miss dishes. The nachos were definitely a dish I'd order again. And, while I've had delicious versions of the Pioneer Chocolate Cake before, this time the dessert was completely inedible. I might try to get it again, but it will be a long time before I do so. I think the restaurant shines with its Western fare, so I would recommend Whispering Canyon Cafe for breakfast or dinner if you like BBQ style or Western inspired meals.

Have you been to Whispering Canyon Cafe? What was your experience when you dined there?