*This dining experience took place in December 2015.
Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is an intimate signature dining location that often gets overlooked by Disney guests. Serving Pacific Northwest inspired fare in a rustic setting, Artist Point truly reflects the theming of the Wilderness Lodge Resort and then some.
Dining here in the past, I’ve had hit or miss experiences. On my last visit back in April 2015, I dined with Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando after they had recently launched the allergy friendly menus at Disney restaurants. Both Alexis and I enjoyed the meal overall (you can read her full review on her blog), though I didn’t have a huge desire to go back anytime soon. However, that changed when I heard they had a new chef at the helm of the restaurant.
On this particular occasion, we dined at Artist Point in celebration of my boyfriend’s birthday. Brandon is originally from the Pacific Northwest, and so, we thought this was the perfect location to celebrate his birthday dinner.
Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
After being seated, I was presented with the updated allergy friendly dinner menu at Artist Point. The menu lists a good amount of options on it, but I did ask to speak with a chef, as there were some menu items that sounded enticing that I was hoping would be easily gluten free and dairy free. I was in luck, as I was able to order the Pacific Seafood Cioppino which sounded delicious.
Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
While waiting for our drinks, our server brought out Deanna’s Gluten Free Rolls (formerly known as GNI Brand Rolls). I was pleasantly surprised to find them well heated. Oddly, Artist Point in visits past have not heated these rolls well.
Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
If you are a gluten free diner, you can indeed order the cheese plate gluten free. They will remove and/or place the gluten-filled accompaniments on the side to avoid cross contamination, which is a nice touch. If you’re able to tolerate goat or sheep milk cheeses, Artist Point offers several on their cheese board, which makes for a great non-cow’s milk option.
Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The Pacific Seafood Cioppino was a perfect entree for Artist Point. The black cod, which was the highlight of this dish, was cooked perfectly, as was all of the other seafood that accompanied it. The Carolina gold rice was delicious, and the pigeon peas were a unique addition to this version of cioppino. It was hands down one of the best entrees I’ve ever had at Artist Point, and I wouldn’t hesitate to order again!
Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Brandon’s entree was the Grilled Filet Mignon which came with crushed new potatoes, charred local eggplant, green onions, and herb vinaigrette. Listed as gluten free on the allergy friendly menu (not dairy free), he said the filet was excellent, as were the crushed potatoes. He wasn’t keen on the eggplant, as the texture wasn’t very appealing (and it tasted rather bland).
Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
After our very filling meal, neither one of us really wanted dessert. I could have ordered the no sugar added berry cobbler as an option, though having had it in the past, I hadn’t been very impressed with it. Brandon opted for an espresso and was treated to a birthday macaron. And, our server also brought out two flutes of champagne to help celebrate the occasion, which was a wonderful Disney magic moment.
Overall, we both really enjoyed the meal at Artist Point, as well as our service. The restaurant’s atmosphere made our meal quiet and cozy, which was the perfect way to celebrate Brandon’s birthday. We both agreed that with the new menu we’d definitely be up for going back again for dinner.
Have you been to Artist Point since their new chef arrived? What did you think of the menu offerings?
