5/24/20 5/24/20

Enchanted Garden Dinner Review on the Disney Dream

Enchanted Garden just might be our favorite rotational dining restaurant located on the Disney Dream for its atmosphere and for excellent meal options. On our recent 3-day cruise on the Disney Dream in January 2020, Enchanted Garden was our rotational dining for the final night of of our cruise. Both Brandon and I had been looking forward to it, and I was especially looking forward to the new allergy-friendly menu options there.

*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 Enchanted Garden

Atmosphere

Enchanted Garden is themed after the Gardens of Versailles. You'll begin your meal in a bright and cheerful restaurant and as your meal continues, you'll experience sunset in the gardens.

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

I'll admit that on our first Disney Cruise together, both Brandon and I weren't all that excited about eating at Enchanted Garden based on its menus descriptions. But, since then, we've been blown away by its charming decor and delicious food.

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

I absolutely love these artfully designed teacup style booths that line the restaurant. We've been lucky enough to dine in them on several cruises, though on this cruise, we were seated in a corner in the back of the restaurant.

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

The small but elegant fountain featuring Mickey Mouse also greets you when you enter the restaurant, and it's definitely a great photo op as the restaurant lighting changes.

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

Our table was located in a tucked away corner of the restaurant near the portholes. Both Brandon and I enjoyed the location, which gave us a chance to look at the charming light fixtures, elegant carpet, and little hidden touches on the wall.

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

You'll see beautiful trellis style decor. If you've ever seen photos of the Cafe Parisien from the Titanic, it harkens back to this cafe style restaurant both in style and theme.

Brandon and I did take the Art of the Theme tour several cruises ago on the Disney Dream, and the cast member who led the tour mentioned that classic ships inspired the DCL designs. So, I'm not surprised to see some similarities between Enchanted Garden and the Cafe Parisien.

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

Here's a photo of our table. How cute are the chairs in this restaurant? They have the cutest flourishes that resemble a hot air balloon!

Since this was the last night of our cruise, we wanted to get some photos with our amazing service team. Our head server, Sudhir, did an awesome job of making sure we were taken care of -- and bonus, he totally hooked me up with Indian food throughout the cruise.

Our assistant server Gede was just a hoot. He kept us entertained and laughing throughout the cruise.

And, finally, our server Elisa was super friendly and made sure our special dietary needs were taken care of and that we had delicious food options every night. We couldn't have asked for a better service team!

The Food

Like the other main rotational dining options on the Disney Dream, Enchanted Garden offered an allergy-friendly menu. I'm not going to lie. This was by far the allergy-friendly menu I was the most excited. Had this been the first night or a longer cruise, I would have tried a lot more of the options because everything sounded so good!

Up first, Gede always made sure Brandon and I had plenty of beverages. I enjoyed iced tea on our final night.

Our bread service included hummus and Ener-G gluten free and allergy-friendly rolls. Both Brandon and I really love these rolls when they are well-heated, and we lucked out with that this cruise for sure. Brandon wasn't a fan of the hummus. But, I really enjoyed it for something different with our bread service.

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

For my starter, I ordered the Vegetable Potsticker which were Pan-Seared, served with a Citrus Slaw. These were marked as safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies on the allergy-friendly menu.

Omigosh. These were by far one of the best appetizers I've ever had on the Disney Cruise Line. These were outstanding and super flavorful. The exterior was crispy, and I loved the fresh flavors of the accompanying citrus slaw. Had I know they would be this good, I might have ordered them every night of the cruise. This was a hands down winner, and I hope DCL keeps these around!

Enchanted Garden - Food in Photo is NOT Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon's first appetizer actually came from Royal Palace. He had somehow forgotten to order the Fried Brie during our dinner at Royal Palace. So, he asked our server Elisa for these for dinner on our last night.

This version of the fried Brie is fish/shellfish free, chicken & turkey free, cabbage free, peanut free, and hazelnut free. You can also pre-order a gluten free version of this too if you ask your server.

As always, these were a hit with Brandon, and he said he'd wish he'd order these every night because he enjoys the fried Brie so much.

For his other appetizer, Brandon also ordered the French Onion Soup from Royal Palace. It's another favorite of his, and he wanted to get soup one last time before our cruise ended. This was safe for fish/shellfish, peanut, cabbage, hazelnuts, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Because of Brandon's chicken & turkey allergies, soup can be super tricky to get because many soup's have chicken broth or stock as its base. But, we're always so glad he can get great soups on DCL because they use vegetable stock (typically) instead of meat-based versions.

I ended up getting two entrees on our visit to Enchanted Garden. The first was Caramelized Sea Scallops with Allergy-Friendly Pasta tossed in Cilantro-Pesto, Roasted Vine Tomatoes, and served with Roasted Meyer Lemon. This was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies.

I admit, I wasn't expecting to like this, as I'm not always a fan of pasta, especially on the Disney Cruise ships. But, this dish blew me away. The pasta was perfectly cooked and had a lovely pesto sauce that was flavorful and well-seasoned. And, the scallops were just perfection. I would 100% get this entree again. It was that good!

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

For Brandon's entree, he chose the Slow-Roasted Prime Rib carved and served with Thyme-Roasted Vegetables, Fondant Potato, and Natural Jus. It was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. It was also chicken & turkey free too.

Overall, while it wasn't Brandon's favorite steak of the cruise, he said he enjoyed the prime rib and especially liked the fondant potatoes.

For my second entree, Sudhi made sure I got another Indian food platter. This time, I was served a spicy lamb curry and split peas. The peas were absolutely fabulous and definitely a little on the spicy side. I liked the lamb curry, but I'll admit I'm not a huge lamb fan overall. Still, it was great to try a few different curries that I hadn't had on previous cruises!

If you are interested in Indian food (whether it's gluten free, vegan, or dairy free options), be sure to ask your server about pre-ordering this. It's definitely one of my favorite hidden tips for cruising.

Because there were so many great things on the menu, I knew I had to order several of the allergy-friendly desserts. Brandon and I decided that splitting them was the way to go. Up first was the Carrot Cake served with Poached Carrot Strips and Berry Salad. It was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies.

I really loved this dessert. It was surprisingly tasty, and I loved the cream cheese style frosting. This would definitely be a get again dessert!

For our second dessert, we ordered the Warm Apple Pudding served with Vanilla-Coconut Milk Frozen Dessert. It was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut, and Soy Allergies.

At first, I think I liked this dessert better as it was heated, and I liked the apple compote on top. But, the cake itself was a little on the tough side. Overall though, it was a solid dessert that I'd get again despite the slightly tough/chewy cake.

If you want to see more about our cruise experience and our dining reviews as we experienced them, check out our cruise vlog!

Overall

Enchanted Garden never fails to disappoint on excellent entrees, wonderful theming, and a great meal experience. We're looking forward to getting back on the Disney Dream and enjoying another great meal at Enchanted Garden. AND, I'm even more excited to dine there with a fantastic allergy-friendly menu.

Have you been on the Disney Dream? What was your experience at Enchanted Garden?

5/22/20 5/22/20

Cookie's BBQ Lunch Review on Castaway Cay

Cookie's BBQ located on Castaway Cay is the main restaurant on Disney's private island. There are two other dining locations: Cookie's Too and Serenity Bay BBQ that also provide guests with meals during their visit on Castaway Cay. On our recent cruise in January 2020, we enjoyed a lunch at Cookie's BBQ, which is the recommended location for all guests with special dietary needs (because it's the location that accommodates pre-ordered meals). We always look forward to a BBQ lunch at Cookie's!

Lunch at Cookie's BBQ

Atmosphere

Any day at Castaway Cay is a great one (in my opinion), and on our visit, the skies were clear and it was a beautiful sunny day.

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

Bright and cheery, Cookie's BBQ is always an inviting place to enjoy lunch. I love the signs and details that let you know your meal at Cookie's BBQ is all about the barbecue food.

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

The restaurant features many different buffet style stations. I especially love the fruit station which features just about every fruit you can think of from grab and go options, like apples & bananas, to freshly sliced fruit like papaya and pineapple.

Every aspect of Cookie's BBQ is bright and inviting. And, you'll be ready to dig in to great BBQ food when you smell the grills going at Cookie's BBQ too!

The Food

Cookie's BBQ typically does not offer an allergy-friendly menu; however, on our most recent cruise, we were presented with a gluten free and dairy free menu the night before we arrived at Castaway Cay that featured many items available at Cookie's BBQ. In addition to the items listed, you can also request other items like French fries made in a dedicated fryer too!

We pre-ordered several items, including our favorite burgers and fries combo. We were also excited to pre-order some desserts, which haven't been as easy to order on Castaway Cay on previous cruises.

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

When we arrived at Cookie's BBQ, we went to the station where you talk to a coordinator about your pre-order. It's usually in the middle of the restaurant area. If you're not sure where to go, as a cast member! They're always happy to direct you.

Once our pre-order was confirmed, Brandon went and found a picnic table, and I picked up some fresh fruit from the fruit station. I don't mind getting fruit from the station, because it's completely removed from the regular buffet and only contains fruit. But, you can always request fruit to be brought with your pre-order too.

I don't know what it is, but the fresh fruit on Disney Cruise Line, and especially at Castaway Cay, is always so fresh. Pineapple is always a must, and it never fails to disappoint! So good!

Our pre-order arrived, and we didn't waste any time digging in. Both Brandon and I got burgers and fries. The burgers are served on a gluten free, dairy free, peanut/tree nut free, egg free, and vegan Ener-G bun. While it's not our favorite, I'm always glad we have a bun option. The burgers can be made gluten free and dairy free by omitting the cheese; or, you can add cheese if you do not have an allergy or can tolerate it.

Fun fact! Only guests with special dietary needs can get fries on Castaway Cay. They are a pre-order item only, and a very special treat to get when you're on the island. We always enjoy them lots and are super grateful that they offer guests with special dietary needs this option!

For dessert, we were served a Namaste chocolate cake with fresh fruit. This was gluten free, dairy free, egg free, peanut/tree nut free, and vegan. While I usually love Namaste cake, for some reason this one wasn't very good.

We both agreed that the cake was very rubbery and hard to chew. I'm not sure if it was over-baked, sat too long, or had some other issue with the replacement ingredients to make it allergy-friendly. All the desserts we had the ship that were top 8 allergy free were fantastic, so we figured this was just a weird fluke. But, I'm so glad to see Disney Cruise Line step up their game with lots of additional options!

If you want to see our visit to Castaway Cay in video form, check out our vlog, which includes our lunch review of Cookie's BBQ!

Overall

Cookie's BBQ is always such a fun tradition for us for lunch whenever we visit Castaway Cay. The BBQ vibe always feels just right for being on the island, and you can't beat burgers and fries and fresh fruit! There are also a lot of other options that we didn't get on this visit, but you can read some of our older reviews for options too. We can't wait til our next cruise and visit to Castaway Cay and Cookie's BBQ for delicious food in an island setting.

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

3/2/20 3/2/20

Royal Palace Breakfast Review on the Disney Dream

Leisurely breakfasts on the Disney Dream are one of my favorite ways to start a morning whenever we cruise. While many people enjoy Cabanas, the ship's buffet, I prefer dining at Royal Palace -- the a la carte option each morning. On day 3 of our cruise, we were arriving at Castaway Cay (Disney's Private Island), so I headed to Royal Palace for some allergy-friendly Mickey waffles while we docked.

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

Breakfast at Royal Palace

Atmosphere

I've written quite a few reviews of the atmosphere at Royal Palace, so definitely check them out if you're interested in more full-scale descriptions of the theming.

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

I will say that breakfast at Royal Palace is so relaxed compared to dinner. I love being able to be seated in a cozy corner and enjoy a great meal.

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

I also love how bright and chipper the restaurant is during the day. There's something especially bright about it when we arrive at Castaway Cay on a sunny day!

The Food

That morning, I was feeling just a bit on the tired side. So, like you do when you're tired, you order coffee!

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

I ended up getting a latte with almond milk. Do be sure to ask your server team about cross-contamination or safety if you're concerned with dairy cross-contamination and the frother. As an aside, Disney Cruise uses Almond Breeze almond milk. While I do prefer the coffee at Cove Cafe, this was still a pretty solid option for coffee lovers out there.

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

Taking a cue from my breakfast the previous morning, I opted to start my meal with a Fresh Fruit Plate. I found that this helped ensure I wasn't overly full and that my server team didn't keep asking me if I wanted more food. It was a good compromise to not over-order and still enjoy a few things.

I was asked to pre-order my meal the night before. And, I asked for the allergy-friendly Mickey waffles with Blueberry Compote and Strawberry Cream. Unfortunately, something got lost in translation because they gave me strawberry jam instead and no blueberry compote. This wasn't a huge deal, but I would definitely be more specific next time I pre-order!

The Allergy-Friendly Mickey Waffles are gluten free and dairy free (and free of most of the top common allergens & vegan too). They are currently being made on the Disney Dream using the King Arthur Flour Gluten Free Pancake & Waffle Mix. While they aren't my favorite allergy-friendly Mickey waffles, they still are pretty good and a perfect way to start the day!

The bacon, which I didn't take a photo of was just OK.

If you want to see more of our overall cruise experience and our dining reviews on video, check out our YouTube channel vlogs!

Overall

Having breakfast at Royal Palace on the Disney Dream is always a must-do anytime I cruise. And, ordering the Allergy-Friendly Mickey Waffles is on my must order list at least once on the cruise too. Thankfully, I can get my waffles and a relaxed atmosphere all in one place at Royal Palace. It's a location I'll keep visiting again and again!

Have you been to Royal Palace for breakfast on the Disney Dream? What did you order when you dined there?

2/17/20 2/17/20

Royal Palace Lunch Review on the Disney Dream

On our recent 3-day cruise on the Disney Dream, Brandon and I had lunch on day 2 of our cruise at Royal Palace in between getting off the ship at Nassau, Bahamas and a bit of relaxation in the Senses Spa Rainforest Room. I had already enjoyed breakfast there earlier in the day, but I always look forward to lunch at Royal Palace.

Lunch at Royal Palace

Atmosphere

I mentioned this in another review, but one of the things that I truly love about eating at Royal Palace during the day is getting to really see and enjoy the restaurant. As you can see by this photo Brandon took, the restaurant is elegant and spacious.

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

Lunch at Royal Palace is currently offered from noon to 1:30 p.m. on the Disney Dream. Admittedly, we got there around 1 p.m. as we had been at the Rainforest Room relaxing just previously. I'm always surprised at how empty the restaurant can be during lunch. There were very few tables with guests, so we truly had a relaxing and chill lunch which was nice.

Brandon and I did not pre-order our meal for lunch, so we talked through the options with our server team. Both of us have been to Royal Palace for lunch so many times that we have a pretty good idea what the options were. We both quickly ordered, then took in the atmosphere.

I love that at lunchtime you can get beautiful views of wherever you are docked. I loved the crystal blue Bahamas waters that we could see from the portholes near our table.

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

Here's a much better photo of the large dining area at Royal Palace. As you can see, there's lots of space and different kinds of seating options for guests and parties of all sizes.

The Food

Unlike dinner, there is no allergy-friendly menu offered at lunch. You can see some gluten free, dairy free, and vegetarian options marked on the regular lunch menu. And, you can always talk through the options with your server.

Because we've been so many times, we both already knew what we wanted to eat. Neither one of us wanted a huge meal either, so we stuck with main entrees, dessert, and allergy-friendly rolls.

Up first, we were brought a bowl with lots of Ener-G allergy-friendly rolls. These are gluten free, dairy free, egg free, fish/shellfish free, peanut free, soy free, chicken & turkey free, and vegan. We both agreed that throughout our cruise, the DCL cast members did an excellent job heating the rolls every meal. When these rolls are well-heated, they are great!

For my entree, I ordered gluten free and allergy-friendly chicken tenders, which I had on our last cruise and loved. You can imagine my surprise and delight when I was served a kids plate version of the allergy-friendly chicken tenders. On our last cruise, I had a regular plate. I have to admit, this was a pretty fun way to enjoy my meal. They even gave me BBQ sauce in the shape of mouse ears too! How cute!

If you are craving gluten free and dairy free chicken tenders, I highly recommend ordering these. I forgot to ask what brand they're using (again!), but they are just fantastic. They're nice and crispy and crunchy -- just the way allergy-friendly chicken tenders should be. The steak fries I got were also very good, and of course, I made sure I ate all of my veggies too!

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

Brandon ordered a cheeseburger, and on this visit, it was served on a gluten free bun. Essentially, he had a burger that was gluten free, fish/shellfish free, peanut/tree nut free, and chicken & turkey free. While Brandon wasn't too keen on his gluten free bun (it wasn't well-heated and fell apart a bit), he did enjoy the burger and his fries.

For dessert, we were both given gluten free ice cream sundaes. Although I do eat dairy now, I do avoid certain kinds of dairy and limit my dairy when I can. I rarely eat any dairy-based ice cream, so I passed on this one. Brandon enjoyed it, but we both agreed we'd much prefer something else for dessert besides a sundae.

If you want to see and hear our initial thoughts on this dining experience, check out our Disney Cruise Line Vlog. We not only cover our dining experiences, but we also share some of our other cruising fun too!

Overall

Royal Palace is always an excellent option for a la carte lunch on the Disney Dream. Once I discovered that I can get allergy-friendly chicken tenders there, it quickly became a must-go to spot at least once on our cruise. Plus, we enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the ability to not feel rushed or overwhelmed when we dine there. It's definitely a location we'll go to again and again on our Disney Dream cruises.

Have you been to Royal Palace? What did you think of their lunch options?

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 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.

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.

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?

7/15/19 7/15/19

Royal Palace Breakfast Review on the Disney Dream

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

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

Breakfast at Royal Palace

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

Atmosphere

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

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

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

Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

7/15/19 7/15/19

Animator's Palate Dinner Review on the Disney Dream

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

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

Dinner at Animator's Palate

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

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

7/15/19 7/15/19

Animator’s Palate Embarkation Lunch Review on the Disney Dream

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

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

Embarkation Lunch at Animator’s Palate

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

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

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

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

7/7/19 7/7/19

Planet Hollywood Dinner Review

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

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

Dinner at Planet Hollywood

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

7/7/19 7/7/19

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar Dinner Review

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

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

Dinner at Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

7/7/19 7/7/19

Whispering Canyon Cafe Lunch Review

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

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

Lunch at Whispering Canyon Cafe

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

7/6/19 7/6/19

Boma Breakfast Review

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

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

Breakfast at Boma

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

Learn more about Boma breakfast in my YouTube video!

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

7/6/19 7/6/19

'Ohana Dinner Review

'Ohana, located at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, has been a favorite dinner spot for my family since 2003. It's seen a lot of changes over the years, but I can't help but love the atmosphere, charm, and food served at this all-you-care-to-enjoy family style table service restaurant. And, it's not just my family that loves it. Like Cape May Cafe, this is one of those must-do restaurant traditions to enjoy whenever my good friend Ron is visiting Disney World. And, recently, he came to visit, so dinner at 'Ohana it was!

*This dining review took place in July 2019. This post contains a gluten free dinner review. It also includes information about dairy free options.

Dinner at 'Ohana

Atmosphere

I love everything about the theme at 'Ohana. It truly hasn't changed since I started dining there in 2003. And there's something magical and nostalgic about the Polynesian theme.

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

When you arrive at 'Ohana, you'll be greeted by a classic tiki theme. And, you'll even spot a few menehune too.

'Ohana - Exterior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I have no idea why, but I always associate Polynesian themes with mid-century style. Maybe it's because it was really popular back in the 1950s and 1960s. The Polynesian Village Resort combines these two themes a lot in their decor too. So, you'll see lots of this inside and outside of the restaurant.

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

On this visit, we got a great table location -- smack dab in the middle of the restaurant, near the open-flame grills and next to the windows with a spectacular view.

'Ohana - View / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We were having dinner pretty early that day, but if we had been there during the Magic Kingdom fireworks, this would have been a fantastic view. Of course, even without fireworks, it was a pretty great location.

The Food

'Ohana does not offer an allergy-friendly menu or allergen guide. But, a chef will come to your table and talk to you about options. On this visit, we caught up with Chef Bodie, who has helped us on our last several visits to the restaurant. He let us know that most of the menu continues to be gluten free (and dairy free) and that he'd take care of us.

He did bring us some Deanna's Gluten Free rolls to start with Earth Balance vegan buttery spread. But, both Ron and I agreed that the rolls were pretty dried out and not properly heated. It's weird because 'Ohana shares a kitchen space with Kona Cafe, and Kona always heats the rolls well. Of course, we both agreed, we don't come to 'Ohana for gluten free rolls!

'Ohana - Salad / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Up first was a salad. This was both gluten free and dairy free. On this visit, the salad was totally different from the salad that 'Ohana was serving for the past few years. It now includes spinach, kale, arugula, and radicchio with a honey-lime vinaigrette and dried cranberries. I have to admit, that I was pretty disappointed by the salad.

The salad was just OK tasting, but I was not a fan of the kale, which was super tough. I also would have liked to have seen some other elements in the salad -- some red onion or crunchy nuts. It just felt a little boring and underwhelming. The positive to the salad was that it was very fresh, and I was happy to see the honey-lime vinaigrette back at 'Ohana (which was a staple for many years).

'Ohana - Wings — 'Ohana / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Up next, we were served heaps of steamed rice, stir-fry vegetables, and chicken wings. Everything on the plate was gluten free and dairy free. The 'Ohana Honey-Coriander Chicken Wings have been a favorite of my for more than a decade. They have always been so crispy and delicious. And, on this visit...well, they were another big disappointment. Of the entire meal, I think this was the dish I was most sad to see changed.

Our wings were actually greasy and slimy because they hadn't crisped up the chicken wings usually are. I'm not sure if this is how the restaurant has been serving them or if we just got a really bad batch that night. Either way, we both ate just a little and gave up on the wings.

On the upside, the rice and stir-fry vegetables were all good. We were also served sweet and sour sauce and peanut sauce -- both of which were gluten free and dairy free. I liked both, but next time I will ask to see if they still have the gluten free teriyaki sauce on hand. I much prefer that than the peanut sauce.

'Ohana - Meats — 'Ohana / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The best part of our dinner were the meats served at 'Ohana -- all of which are gluten free and dairy free. We both agreed that they were outstanding on our visit, and we both happily gobbled down steak, chicken, and shrimp. The best meat of the night was the chicken. And, it was literally falling off the skewers tender. The meat, veggies, and rice along with the sauces were the perfect dinner combo and reminded me why I love 'Ohana so much.

'Ohana / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I was way too full to fuss much with dessert. But, Chef Bodie brought us Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC gluten free and vegan chocolate chip banana bread with fresh fruit, ice cream, and chocolate sauce. I forgot to ask for non-dairy ice cream, so I just picked it off mine. The bread itself was quite good -- though a bit filling after a meal at 'Ohana. Next time, I might ask to see if they have the gluten free and vegan tapioca pudding that you can get next door at Kona Cafe. That has been one of my favorite new desserts recently, and it would be a great lighter way to end a heavy meal.

Overall

While there were a few misses in terms of food options at 'Ohana, the overall meal experience was great. Both of us agreed the service we had was excellent and that the chef was very accommodating to special dietary needs. If you like Polynesian inspired food, you'll really enjoy the ambiance and meal you get at 'Ohana. It's definitely a restaurant I always look forward to going to.

Learn more about the options at 'Ohana in my YouTube video!

Have you been to 'Ohana? What do you think of this table service restaurant?

7/6/19 7/6/19

Cape May Cafe Dinner Review

Cape May Cafe, located at Disney's Beach Club Resort, is a table service restaurant that's a seafood lover's delight. Serving up a variety of seafood options in an all-you-care-to-enjoy setting, you won't have to worry about leaving Cape May Cafe hungry. Recently, I had dinner at Cape May Cafe with my good friend Ron while he was in Orlando visiting. Having dinner here has become a tradition whenever he visits, so it was great to enjoy a meal and good company. I also realized that I haven't eaten at Cape May Cafe for two years and was super excited to eat crab legs to my heart's content.

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

Dinner at Cape May Cafe

Atmosphere

When it comes to theming, Cape May Cafe is inspired by the New England seaside. I will admit that I think the interior has become a little dated -- it's definitely got a 1990s color scheme going on. But, there's something charming about the retro seaside vibe combined with restaurant nostalgia that I truly love.

Cape May Cafe Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

There's not a lot to look at -- because let's face it, when you're at Cape May Cafe, it's all about the seafood feast. But, you'll find a few charming interior designs to appreciate.

Cape May Cafe - Hidden Mickey / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I spied this adorable hidden Mickey as we entered the restaurant too!

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

As you can see from this photo, the 1990s pastels abound. I think the restaurant could use a bit of a refurbishment, but it could be worse in terms of dated theming (I'm looking at you, Electric Umbrella!).

Cape May Cafe - Buffet / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The centerpiece of the restaurant is the large buffet. It has an impressive amount of options for guests who enjoy seafood, or who aren't allergic to fish and shellfish like Brandon.

The Food

When you arrive at Cape May Cafe, you'll be given an allergen guide, which walks you through the buffet options and lets you know if a dish is safe for your special dietary need. I always recommend that you use this guide as a starting point and speak to a chef directly about options.

On this visit, we asked to speak with a chef who both walked us through the buffet line and also offered to bring us items directly from the kitchen. On this visit, I chose to get most of my items directly from the buffet, as they do a pretty good job of separating the gluten-filled items.

For those who are looking for Chef T.J. -- who recently transferred to Cape May Cafe from Trail's End -- as of this post, our server said that his schedule hadn't been settled on yet. So, we did not get an epic Chef T.J. meal on this visit. Just an excuse to go back, right?!

Cape May Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

First up, I got a plate "appetizers." This included my favorite marinated olives and peel and eat shrimp with cocktail sauce. Both of these along with the Jonah crab claws on the plate were gluten free and dairy free. These are all delicious and a great way to start your meal. I also may or may not have eaten my weight in peel and eat shrimp on this visit too. They're so good!

I was super sad to learn that my favorite citrus salad from Cape May is no longer being served. In its place is a cherry chocolate salad. It sounded pretty odd to me (who puts chocolate in a salad?!). But, I was willing to try it. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised, and the chocolate brittle in the salad was my favorite part. I can't say it's number one on my list of things to get at Cape May Cafe. But, it wasn't bad by any means. For those who are dairy free, this dish contains dairy with the chocolate. The cheese on my plate also contained dairy.

Cape May Cafe - Buffet Plate — Cape May Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Next, it was onto the main course -- crab legs. The steamed crab legs, clams, and mussels are all gluten free and dairy free. Do, keep an eye out on the mussels though, if you're not able to have dairy because one version on the buffet had dairy and one did not.

I also enjoyed the seasonal fish, which was a baked salmon that was also gluten free and dairy free. This was really nice and was a good balance with all of the shellfish.

Another tops for me was the paella, which is gluten free but does contain dairy (in the form of butter). I had seconds of this, and I loved the spicy chorizo in the paella even more than the seafood in it.

Cape May Cafe - Buffet Plates — Cape May Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

As you can see, I had pretty hearty portions of seafood and sides. I have to admit that I went up for seconds, but boy did both Ron and I leave this restaurant stuffed.

Cape May Cafe - Desserts — Cape May Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For dessert, the chef pointed out several gluten free items on the dessert buffet. I really liked that they were mostly in individual containers. This helped a lot with potential cross-contamination. We actually grabbed desserts at the beginning of the meal to avoid any issues, since the desserts were virtually untouched at that point.

The chef also noted that he had other items in the back too. On previous visits to Cape May Cafe, they have served a variety of Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC items for guests with special dietary needs. I didn't ask on this visit, but I'm guessing they probably still have these on hand.

Both Ron and I were so full at this point, that we really just picked at the desserts. Both of us agreed that none of them were very good. The flan was odd tasting. The lemon curd was really sour, and the flourless Mickey chocolate cakes were essentially frosting. So, that being said, I would ask for whatever other special dietary needs options they had from the kitchen next time I visit. Still, I rarely get much for dessert at Cape May Cafe, so it wasn't too much of a loss.

Overall

Cape May Cafe never disappoints if you're a seafood lover. With a variety of options in a buffet setting, you really can't go wrong with whatever you choose. I always end up full and satisfied from the options -- with plenty to choose from as a special dietary needs guest. It's definitely a great option if you love seafood and continues to be a must-do for me.

Have you been to Cape May Cafe? Which do you prefer? Breakfast or Dinner?

6/4/19 6/4/19

Raglan Road Irish Pub Brunch Review

Raglan Road Irish Pub, located in Disney Springs, has been one of my favorite places to dine at Disney World for years now. Serving up classic Irish fare for lunch and dinner daily and brunch on the weekends, I always find that there's something for everyone to enjoy at Raglan Road. On this particular visit, I had brunch at this table service restaurant with a friend.

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

Brunch at Raglan Road

Atmosphere

Raglan Road is all about its Irish roots. You'll feel like you were transported to an Irish pub from the moment you walk into the restaurant.

Raglan Road Irish Pub Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

One of my favorite things about Raglan Road is how authentic it is. They actually shipped in wood from Ireland to build the bar and other areas of the restaurant. How cool is that?

Raglan Road - Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

During our brunch, we were seated in a cozy back area of the restaurant, near their second bar. This area was charming and has lots of nods to Ireland with photos of famous Irish folks. The restaurant also features live Irish bands and Irish Stepdancers on the weekends too that starts at noon. We were having brunch a bit before the live music, so it was nice and quiet throughout our meal.

The Food

Of course, my favorite reason for visiting Raglan Road is the food. This restaurant is not owned & operated by the Disney Company, so they do not have an allergy-friendly menu. But, your server will discuss options with you. And, the restaurant is very special diets friendly. In fact, the first thing our server asked was if anyone had a special dietary need.

Raglan Road - Pear Cider — Raglan Road / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

While we were looking over the brunch menu, my friend and I decided to enjoy a pint of Magners Pear Hard Cider. It's a great boozy way to start a brunch. And, the pear cider is very light and bubbly -- making it a great brunch drink. Currently, Raglan Road has Magners plain hard cider and pear both on tap. You can also order bottles of several types of cider too.

Raglan Road - Happy Marriage Omelet — Raglan Road / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

After some debating, I decided to order the Happy Marriage Omelet. This included Slow braised chicken, bacon jam, sautéed spring onions and crispy diced potatoes. This is a gluten free dish, and though I didn't ask on this visit, I think it's probably easily made dairy free too.

Overall, I enjoyed this omelet. I would say that I was a bit surprised by it, as I expected the potatoes to be served on the side and not in the omelet itself. The chicken was very tasty and the bacon jam provided a good bit of acidic punch throughout, which was really nice. I am pretty sure the jam was made using balsamic vinegar because that taste was pretty strong when you got bites of the jam.

The overall omelet was actually much milder in taste than I expected. But, it was a huge portion. So, if getting a lot of for you money is important or you're really hungry, this is a great. option. In the future, I might skip this and order the Pork Hash Tagged, which I love, or the classic gluten free & dairy free fish and chips. It's not that this dish was bad. It just wasn't my favorite thing I've ordered at Raglan Road.

Overall

I am always really happy when I get to eat a meal at Raglan Road. The food is always excellent, the service great, and the special diets options extensive. If you're gluten free (and even dairy free), you'll find a lot of choices in this classic Irish pub themed restaurant.

Have you been to Raglan Road Irish Pub? What was your experience during brunch like?

6/3/19 6/3/19

Planet Hollywood Dinner Review

Planet Hollywood, located in Disney Springs, is a table service restaurant that is not owned & operated by the Disney Company. They serve burgers, sandwiches, salads, and entrees in a Hollywood themed restaurant. Recently, we stopped by Planet Hollywood in between a rare double-feature movie day for us with our AMC A-List subscription. It was a busy Saturday night, and Planet Hollywood was one of the few places we could get a walk-up table without a reservation.

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

Dinner at Planet Hollywood

Atmosphere

Planet Hollywood has been at Disney Springs for years. A few years ago, the restaurant got a bit of an overhaul with a bit of new theming. We dined there a few years ago just after the refurbishment and found the restaurant to be just OK overall.

The restaurant is set to resemble the inside of an observatory. You'll see a giant screen in the middle of the restaurant that spans multiple floors for everyone to see. You'll see music videos and movie clips throughout your dining experience.

One word of caution. If noise is an issue for you, you might want to steer clear of this restaurant or ask for a seat that's not as close to the giant screen. We found it to be pretty loud on both visits we've made.

As you walk through the restaurant, you'll notice that the observatory theme follows you whether you're dining on the main floor or third floor.

On this visit, we were seated inside a bar area on the second floor. As we walked up to the second floor, we saw a ton of movie memorabilia, including props from the classic Christmas movie, Home Alone. I think the combination of an observatory and movie memorabilia is a bit odd. But, it is neat to see all the movie costumes and props throughout the restaurant.

The Food

Planet Hollywood does not currently offer an allergy-friendly or gluten free menu. You can speak to a chef or manager about safe options. On our previous visit, a chef came to the table to talk to me. On this visit, a manager came and discussed options with us.

Both Brandon and I weren't sure what options he would have with his newly diagnosed allergies -- specifically with fried options. We were both glad to hear that they use a dedicated fryer for their French Fries, which was fantastic.

For my entree, I ordered the exact same thing I got on my first visit -- The Prime Time American Kobe Burger. This burger was served on a gluten free bun. While the restaurant does have a dedicated fryer for French Fries, the fries themselves are coated in wheat. If you're gluten free, you can order a variety of sides, like potato wedges (which I ordered), mashed potatoes, or a side salad.

Oddly, my entree was missing the lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and Donkey Sauce that normally comes with it. All of those items are gluten free (and the sauce is also dairy free), but for some reason they were not included with my meal. The manager who brought our entrees to us did bring me those accompaniments after I asked.

Overall, my burger was quite good. The quality of burger was excellent. And, I really liked the flat top style of cooking the patty. The bun was Udi's Gluten Free (which is both gluten free and dairy free). The potato wedges were pretty good too, with a nice bit of crisp and perfect for dipping in the Donkey Sauce which is made with mayonnaise, roasted garlic, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. If you're dairy free, this burger can be easily made safe by omitting the cheese.

Brandon also got the Prime Time American Kobe Burger. His burger was considered safe for his peanut, fish/shellfish, and chicken & turkey allergies, minus the crispy onions. He was also able to get the French Fries from a dedicated fryer, which he said were really good.

Overall

We both agreed that our burgers were really good. But, that we'd rather go to other table service restaurants at Disney Springs for the price, what we got, and for the special dietary needs accommodations. If we're looking for a tasty burger, we'd also head to D-Luxe Burger over Planet Hollywood next time. Overall though, it wasn't a bad experience at Planet Hollywood. But, it wasn't spectacular either. For us, this will continue to be a good back-up for us when we have a hard time getting into other Disney Springs restaurants.

Have you been to Planet Hollywood? What was your experience dining there?

5/31/19 5/31/19

Frontera Cocina Dinner Review

Frontera Cocina is a table service restaurant located in Disney Springs. Not owned and operated by Disney, this is a restaurant owned by James Beard Award Winning Chef Rick Bayless. I am a huge fan of Frontera Cocina and Chef Rick Bayless, and I really appreciate that the restaurant can accommodate a variety of special dietary needs. Recently, I had dinner at Frontera Cocina with my friend Kate who was passing through Orlando on her way to Miami. She also has special dietary needs, so a dinner at Disney was definitely in order!

*This gluten free dining experience took place in May 2019. It includes information about dairy free modifications and peanut/tree nut and sesame free options.

Dinner at Frontera Cocina

Atmosphere

I have to apologize that I forgot to take photos during our dinner of the restaurant. I do have some photos on some older reviews that I've written about dining at Frontera Cocina.

Frontera Cocina Menu / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Overall, the theme in Frontera Cocina is modern and clean. There are pops of bright colors, like orange and blue, along with Mexican-inspired decor that's very inviting.

My biggest complaint on this visit was that the restaurant was fairly crowded, which made the seating and volume a bit challenging. We were seated so close to the table next to us, that it actually was difficult getting out of the booth area. We also dined at happy hour, so the bar located in the middle of the restaurant was very crowded and quite loud. If you're looking for a quieter experience, I would recommend dining at lunch or during off-hours.

The Food

Of course, my main reason for dining at Frontera Cocina is always the excellent food. I love Mexican food, and Frontera Cocina does an excellent job with authentic offerings.

When you dine there, you won't get an allergy-friendly menu. But, you'll find that the regular menu actually notes common allergens on it. For instance, if a dish contains gluten, it will note that or if it has milk it will too. You can also discuss options with your server too. I've found the servers at Frontera Cocina to be quite helpful at navigating special dietary needs options. On this visit, we did ask several questions as Kate is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame.

Frontera Cocina - Chips and Guacamole — Frontera Cocina / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The first priority on our must-order list was getting chips and guacamole. It's my hands down favorite appetizer at Frontera Cocina. Our server did let us know that since we were dining during happy hour, we could get the Verde Guacamole half off. Talk about a bargain!

The Verde Guacamole includes roasted poblanos, roasted tomatillo, toasted pepitas (aka pumpkin seeds), cilantro and onions. The chips are made in a dedicated fryer, so if you have celiac disease like me, you can actually enjoy safe tortilla chips. The chips and guacamole were gluten free, dairy free, peanut free, tree nut free, and sesame free. It's also very likely that it's vegan too -- though I did not ask. We both agreed the chips and guacamole were outstanding and would not hesitate to order them again.

Frontera Cocina / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my entree, I ordered the Pork Belly Tacos with crispy pork belly, smoky bacon, grilled knob onions, black beans refritos with queso fresco, guacamole, red onion, cilantro, and three chile agave sale. This dish is gluten free but does contain dairy. Dairy free guests should check with their server, as I was told the only dairy free modification would be the queso fresco.

These tacos were so good! The pork belly was super crispy and had great flavor. I admit that I was not expecting the tomato based sauce that the pork belly was cooked in. But, it was really delicious. You do get warmed corn tortillas served on the side to make your own tacos, and the tortillas do help soak up some of the sauce. Overall, I would definitely get these again.

Kate ordered the Grilled Chipotle Chicken Tacos with grilled chicken in a tangy chipotle sauce, caramelized red onions, black beans refritos with queso fresco, guacamole, and chipotle salsa. Her tacos were gluten free, peanut free, tree nut free, and sesame free. Like the pork belly tacos, these contained dairy. But, I believe the only modification is the cheese on the beans.

Our server did let Kate know that these tacos might be a little spicy. But, Kate said that overall they weren't that bad. The looked delicious and both of us agreed that the tacos were excellent choices.

Overall

Frontera Cocina is a great restaurant if you're craving Mexican food while you're at Disney World. I especially love that I have lots of options and that items, like tortilla chips, that are often off-limits to me at Mexican restaurants are safe options for me at Frontera Cocina. And, now that I know they have half off guacamole during happy hour, I just might have to go back again soon!

Have you been to Frontera Cocina? What did you order when you dined there?

5/31/19 5/31/19

Kona Cafe Dinner Review

Kona Cafe, located at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, is a table service restaurant with a la carte options that include sandwiches, sushi, and ramen bowls for lunch and dinner. Brandon and I have both been fans of dinner here for their rice and noodle bowls for meals that are easy, filling, and reasonably priced. On this visit, we stopped by for a quick dinner after returning from a 3-day cruise on the Disney Dream. Neither one of us wanted to cook dinner the day we got back and Kona Cafe is always easy to get last minute reservations to for dinner.

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

Dinner at Kona Cafe

Atmosphere

Both of us love the atmosphere of Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. As one of the first resorts opened at Walt Disney World back in the 1970s, we both appreciate the nostalgia and retro vibe that this resort has too.

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

When the lobby of the Polynesian Village Resort was refurbished back in 2015, I was pretty sad to see the water fixture that was a mainstay in the lobby go. But, I have to admit, some of the new updates, like the decorative lights shown in the photo above, were pretty terrific additions.

Kona Cafe is located on the 2nd floor of the Polynesian Village Resort -- just above the lobby. With an open-air concept, the restaurant really feels like a lobby restaurant. You'll get plenty of chances to people watch while you dine.

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

Inside the restaurant itself, the colors are bright and vibrant -- though I do think it could use a bit of an update. It feels a little like the decor is stuck in the 90s with Polynesian flair. Still, the seating is fairly comfortable and the theming is generally pleasant and low-key -- a bit like the overall experience I feel you get at Kona Cafe. It's all very nice, but I wouldn't say it's particularly special.

The Food

Like most restaurants on Disney property, Kona Cafe does carry an allergy-friendly lunch and dinner menu. You can, of course, always ask to speak with a chef when you visit too to discuss options and potential customization. I recommend asking for a chef, because the menu is often very easy to accommodate for gluten free guests (and even dairy free) with simple modifications.

On this visit, we requested to speak with a chef due to Brandon's new allergies. Our biggest concern were his chicken and turkey allergies, which are fairly unusual. The chef was fantastic at talking through options and ensuring that Brandon had something safe for his special dietary needs.

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

After speaking with the chef, our server brought us rolls for the table. I had the Deanna's Gluten Free Rolls which are gluten free, dairy free, and free of the top common allergens. Kona Cafe serves the rolls with Macadamia Nut Butter or Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread, depending on your special dietary need.

Brandon was given the regular gluten-filled rolls, as they were safe for his peanut allergy.

Since we had been eating a ton on the cruise ship, I wasn't all that hungry. I opted to get the Seafood Coconut-Curry Soup which was listed as safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies.

This was a really delicious but spicy soup. The flavor was excellent, but I think I would have not enjoyed it if it was much spicier because it was fairly close to being too spicy for me. I also enjoy spice a lot, so if you're not a fan of spicy food, you may want to skip this soup. Overall, it was very good and had a good amount of seafood in it. So, I would definitely order it again.

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

For my entree, I chose to get sushi. Many of the sushi options are gluten free or can be easily modified. I opted for the classic California Roll with Jumbo Crab, Citrus Mayonnaise, Cucumber, and Avocado. This is listed as safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies.

I have to say that Kona Cafe always does an excellent job with sushi. If you're looking for reasonably priced sushi at Disney, this is a great option. I always find that the seafood in my sushi is really fresh and very tasty. They also have gluten free soy sauce/tamari on hand for sushi too. Be sure to ask the chef and your server about it.

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

Brandon was really craving the noodle bowl that Kona Cafe used to serve. But, since it's no longer on the menu, he ordered the Pork Belly Noodle Bowl with Bone Broth, Rice Noodles, Soy Egg, Mushrooms, Bok Choy, and Hot Sesame Oil. This dish was listed safe for Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies, and it was also safe for Chicken and Turkey Allergies too.

Brandon raved about this Ramen bowl. He said the broth was really flavorful. And, he loved the crispy pork belly. I was shocked as he was eating it just how much pork belly they included in the dish. So, if you're looking for a hearty portion, the noodle bowl is definitely a great value.

Kona Cafe - Mashed Potatoes — Kona Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon didn't think the noodle bowl would be very big, so he asked to order a side of mashed potatoes. Clearly, we were both still on cruise mode asking for lots of options! You can imagine how surprised we both were when we were brought a giant platter of mashed potatoes. The serving was huge and definitely a shareable dish meant to accompany one of the steaks on the menu.

The Creamy Mashed Potatoes were very good. Were they the best mashed potatoes we've ever had? No. Would we get them again? Maybe depending on what we ordered. We both agreed that next time we'd stick with our main entrees and skip the side.

The mashed potatoes are safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies.

Kona Cafe - Tapioca Pudding — Kona Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I had heard that Kona Cafe and 'Ohana both had a vegan tapioca pudding dessert. When the chef mentioned that the desserts came in smaller portions, I decided to give it a try.

The Coconut Tapioca with a Pineapple-Coconut Jam base topped with Fresh Fruit and Assorted Boba is safe for Gluten/Wheat and Milk allergies and is vegan. Brandon did not want to try this, so we did not ask about peanut or tree nut allergies.

Overall, I really enjoyed this dessert, but I didn't love it. I really really dislike boba balls, so I made sure to remove these immediately. I just do not like the texture of them at all. The pudding itself was creamy and rich tasting. And, I loved the fresh crushed pineapple on the bottom of the dish. It added a nice bit of sweetness and acidity to a very rich dessert. I would definitely order this again minus the boba balls.

Overall

Both Brandon and I really enjoyed our dinner at Kona Cafe. Neither one of us thought the new combined lunch and dinner menu was that amazing. But, we really enjoyed what we ordered. We both agreed that we'd come back again for the sushi and noodle bowls without hesitation. We'd skip it for steaks though because there are far better restaurants for steak on property. But, if you're looking for sandwiches, sushi, or noodle bowls, Kona Cafe is a great choice.

Have you been to Kona Cafe at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort? What did you think of the dinner options?