Ohana -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Polynesian Village

*This dining experience took place in November 2015. Ohana means family, and this restaurant, located at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is a favorite among my family and friends. It's one we repeatedly go to for special occasions and big get-togethers or when my friends come into town for a visit. There's just something about the family style meal and tropical atmosphere that makes Ohana fun for everyone.On this particular occasion, I had dinner with my friend who was in for a visit to Disney World. Both he and I love Ohana and having dined at Boma on a previous visit, knew we wanted another all-you-care-to-eat meal (yep, we're totally foodies for life!). Both of us dined gluten free and dairy free, so our food was easily shared among us -- something that rarely happens when I dine out, so it was nice to have a "normal" meal experience.Ohana does not have an allergy friendly menu currently, but the chef will still come out and speak with you. The chef let us know that he would bring us safe rice, chicken wings, sauteed vegetables, and sauces, and that the grilled meats and salad were all safe for us to eat as is.First up, he brought out GNI brand rolls for us with Earth Balance vegan margarine. The rolls weren't as well heated as they could be and were a bit crumbly, so neither of us really ate much of the rolls. And let's face it; we were there for the grilled meats that Ohana is famous for!The Lilikoi Salad has been at Ohana for a bit now. It replaced my beloved house salad with honey lime dressing (oh, how I miss it!). I will say that I do like this salad a lot. It's got a bit of a sweet and sour taste and the addition of the edamame, red onions, and shredded vegetables is nice. It's not my favorite part of any meal at Ohana, but I do often go back for seconds on it, which is saying something for a family style salad.After our salad, the chef brought out a plate filled with heaping amounts of white rice, sauteed vegetables, and chicken wings. We were also given gluten free sweet and sour sauce and teriyaki sauce. The teriyaki is definitely my favorite of the two, but both are really good and great for adding to your rice and veggies.The piece de resistance of Ohana are the grilled meats prepared over an oak wood open flame found directly in the center of the restaurant. In years past, only some of the meats were safe but now, the shrimp, beef, and chicken are all gluten free and dairy free. Of the three, my hands down favorite is the shrimp. Grilled to perfection and smothered in a sweet and slightly spicy chili sauce, these peel and eat shrimp are worth every bit of effort you have to give in peeling them. Don't worry, you'll be given a warm washcloth to help with any messiness from the shrimp.The steak and chicken were both also delicious. The chicken probably being my second favorite meat. I love the marinade on the beef but find that the beef can be either perfect for my tastes or too underdone. It's hit or miss for me when I dine there. But the flavor is great on the steak for those who are steak lovers.By the time dessert came, my friend and I had already indulged in several rounds of meat skewers and oh too many chicken wings to count. Suffice it to say, we were stuffed. The chef did bring out some Rice Dream, fresh fruit, Enjoy Life cookies and Hershey's chocolate syrup as a dessert option, but both of us had a hard time eating it. We were just too full! This is one of those restaurants where I really don't feel badly skipping dessert.Overall, we really enjoyed our meal at Ohana. We both left completely stuffed, which is exactly what I expect every time I dine there. It continues to be a favorite.Have you been to Ohana? What did you think of your meal experience there?

Morimoto Asia -- Lunch/Dinner -- Table Service -- Disney Springs

*This is a series of dining experiences that took place in October and November 2015.Morimoto Asia, located in Disney Springs, is Disney's latest collaboration with a celebrity chef -- this time, Chef Morimoto of Iron Chef fame. While I wasn't super excited about the opening of this new location (certainly not like I am for Chef Rick Bayless' restaurant to open in Disney Springs), I was very hopeful we'd have a new option for gluten free options while at Disney Springs.This review combines multiple experiences showing the evolution of the restaurant's handling of gluten free diners, from the opening where they seemed to be much more flexible to my last visit in mid-November where I got very sick and had very few options on their new gluten free menu to choose from (and no ability to have any other dishes off those menus modified). You can also read Gluten Free in Orlando's reviews on Morimoto Asia, as she has been several times, as well.To begin with, I will say that the restaurant decor is gorgeous. When I entered the restaurant the first time, I felt like I was dining in a location more suited to a large city like New York or Los Angeles. It's clean and modern decor is lovely, and they even have some very subtle Disney references (like hidden Mickey's) too. The large chandelier is impressive; the entire restaurant looks remarkable at night. Very beautiful.I like the tables and table-ware -- all of which reflect the clean, modern Japanese theme.On my first visit, Morimoto Asia did not have a gluten free dinner menu and a manager came over to discuss the options with me and my friend (who was gluten free and vegan). While waiting, I ordered a drink from the bar. It's been a while, but I believe I ordered the Lemongrass Mojito or at least a version of this, as it was during the restaurant's first few weeks of opening. The drink itself was a bit sweet for my taste but something different to try. I liked the fresh sugar cane and kafir lime leaves.After speaking with the manager at length, I was told that I could have the spicy tuna without the spicy mayo or the California roll -- both of which could only be served on brown rice due to gluten in the white rice (as an aside, I get deeply disappointed when any restaurant says their sushi rice might contain gluten, as traditional sushi rice is both not remotely glutenous and also very easy to make). Since then, I've been able to get white rice (which was changed to be gluten free). Note that currently, the California roll is no longer listed as gluten free on their gluten free menus. (I'm told they've had some distributor changes in products and product preparation).Morimoto Asia does carry gluten free soy sauce, and it is made available to guests upon request. This was great for the sushi, though I will say it couldn't really save these rolls from being anything more than just pedestrian versions of California Roll. I found them to be fairly average, and to be honest, I would order sushi at Splitsville, Kona Cafe Sushi Bar, or California Grill over Morimoto Asia. The California Luau Roll at Kona Cafe is bananas good.Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDWDuring my first visit, we also ordered the sesame balls, which are a bit savory and, at the time, could be ordered as a starter or for dessert. If you are a mochi person, this is a winner. Sadly, these are no longer gluten free due to a distributor change, as of December 2015 (see Gluten Free in Orlando's review for more info).On my first visit, the manager recommended the Singapore Laksa Noodles, as this was both gluten free and dairy free without the soy marinated egg. This was a delicious, warm, and filling entree. I liked that the meatballs didn't contain filler or were too heavy. The coconut milk broth was spicy but flavorful. It was a dish I would definitely order again. Unfortunately, after that first visit, I was told this was no longer a modifiable option.On my second visit, I dined during lunch and tried the chicken pad thai which also contained tofu. Pad that is a dish that I love but often find that it's a bit too sweet for my tastes, if made to be more appealing to the Western palate. Sadly, this was very sweet. The tamarind sauce was unique and added some depth to the dish, but in my opinion the dish was woefully over-sauced and sweetened. The crispy tofu was a nice addition, but overall, I wasn't that keen on my pad thai and would not order it again.On my third and final visit, I dined for dinner and ordered the wok fry shrimp, which sounded good. It did not come with rice, and though I requested it and asked for it several times, I was never brought any. During this meal, I had both the California Roll gluten free and this dish and became very sick afterwards. I am still not sure if I was glutened or if my stomach with Crohn's had a hard time with all of the vegetables. Either way, this experience, along with the restaurant's inability to modify dishes in any way shape or form now (a statement that they were very adamant in reiterating to me) pretty much solidified that I won't be dining here for a long time.It's unfortunate, as I believe the restaurant has a lot of potential to be a great restaurant for gluten free and special diets diners. Restaurants like the newly opened Skipper Canteen (which is owned and operated by Disney and therefore does adhere to very strict special dietary standards and accommodations), have a plethora of gluten free options with Asian flavors. Because of this, I will be sticking to those locations over Morimoto Asia. And, of course, there are always amazing locations at Disney Springs, like Raglan Road Irish Pub that are fantastic with gluten free options.Have you been to Morimoto Asia? How was your dining experience there?

Louie's Italian Restaurant -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Universal Studios

*This dining experience took place in October 2015.On the mean streets of New York at Universal Studios Orlando sits Louie's Italian Restaurant, a quick service dining location that serves up pizza by the slice. With some additional salad and pasta offerings, Louie's Italian Restaurant is mostly gluten-filled but does have a few options for those who are gluten free.During Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, we stopped by Louie's Italian Restaurant, as the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley had closed, and our group was not thrilled with the idea of getting burgers again (and I'd recently been glutened by Mel's Drive-In at Universal Studios). I wasn't sure if I'd have any options but was surprised to learn from the manager that the restaurant carried gluten free pasta. Oddly, they didn't have gluten free pizza for those who consume dairy. The only options were a salad (Caesar, which contains cheese) or plain pasta (without cheese).A little leary of gluten-free pasta, I confirmed that they cook it in separate areas and containers. The manager told me the wait would be a bit longer but offered to bring it directly to my table so I didn't have to wait at the counter the entire time.Once it arrived, I knew it probably wasn't going to be the best thing I'd ever eaten. The chicken was tender and somewhat flavorful (tasting mostly of Italian herbs), but the pasta was overcooked and bland. The marinara sauce didn't add much to the dish either. Unfortunately, it just wasn't very good at all.Universal Studios Orlando does have some tastier options throughout the parks (especially in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and City Walk), but this at least filled my stomach, safely, with something to eat. Knowing how limited the options are at Louie's Italian Restaurant, I wouldn't dine here again. Still, I was glad to see the precautions that the manager and team took to ensure that my dish was safe for me to eat.Have you been to Louie's Italian Restaurant at Universal Studios Orlando? What did you order there?

Hollywood Brown Derby -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Hollywood Studios

*This dining experience took place in November 2015.The Hollywood Brown Derby, located at Disney's Hollywood Studios, recalls the glamour and glitz of old Hollywood. Set to resemble the original Hollywood Brown Derby, you'd swear that Humphrey Bogart or Judy Garland might stroll into the restaurant at any moment. With swanky decor, this signature dining location is the perfect spot for dinner or a late lunch in Hollywood Studios.On this particular occasion, I had dinner with a friend who was on vacation at Disney World. We both enjoy the Brown Derby, but it had been a very long time since I'd eaten at there. I was looking forward to getting their famous cobb salad (which is easily made gluten free and dairy free without the cheese) and to see what other options were available.Upon arrival, I was given an allergy friendly menu to look over and was told I could speak with a chef if I had any additional questions. Immediately, I noticed that the cobb salad wasn't listed as a gluten free or dairy free option. I did, however, notice they had crab cakes listed as both gluten and dairy free on the menu. After speaking with the server, I was told that they can make the salad safe, which made me very happy. So, we ended up ordering both the crab cakes and the salad as appetizers.The crab cakes were quite delicious, and I was thrilled to see these as an option on the menu. Though pricey, I was glad I got to try them - though I probably wouldn't order again due to the price. The sweet chili sauce on the plate were a perfect accompaniment to the crab cakes. So good!Of course, the classic cobb salad is always outstanding here. It's hands down my favorite dish at the Brown Derby. You can order an appetizer size or the full entree size which is a nice option. I often get the cobb salad and some GNI rolls for a more affordable meal at the Brown Derby. This may very well be my most favorite salad on Disney property!For my entree, I ordered the Pan-seared Pork Tenderloin stuffed with Apricots, Baby Spinach, Chanterelles, Yukon Gold and Purple Potato Hash and served Cranberry Gastrique. This is marked gluten free on the menu but can be made dairy free, as well. I really enjoyed this dish, though I thought the pork was a bit too undercooked for my liking. If you do not like any pink in your pork, order it well done and not medium. The hash was probably my favorite part of this dish, along with the tangy cranberry gastrique. I'm not sure I'd order it again but was glad I tried it.For dessert, I was given raspberry sorbet. I have to admit, the presentation of this was not very nice, given how nicely plated the rest of the meal was. It felt like a bit of an afterthought. It wasn't anything special, just plain 'ole sorbet.Overall, I really enjoyed the meal at the Hollywood Brown Derby. The crab cakes and cobb salad were the highlights of the meal, and I would gladly order both of them again. You can read Gluten Free in Orlando's review of the Brown Derby on her blog too for a gluten free only review.Have you been to the Hollywood Brown Derby? What did you order there?

Leaky Cauldron -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Universal Studios

*This dining experience took place in August 2015.Wizards and Muggles alike love Diagon Alley located at Universal Studios Orlando. Filled with magical whimsy, the details of this well-themed "land" goes above and beyond any theme park area I've ever been to (and yes, that does include Disney!). From the shops to detailed nooks and crannies, there's so much going on at Diagon Alley that you can literally wander for hours and explore new things.The detailed theming even goes into the restaurants located at Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade (another part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter). During the summer, I had a chance to dine at the Leaky Cauldron, the quick service location at Diagon Alley.Before I visited the Leaky Cauldron (and Diagon Alley, for that matter), I checked both Eating Out Without and Gluten Free in Orlando's blogs. I knew that likely my dining option would be a chicken sandwich, but I was OK with that. I also wanted to try their specialty drinks after reading Eating Out Without's post on the drinks (and their allergens).After arriving, we spoke with a team member at the register, who brought out a chef to discuss options with me. There, we looked at the allergy binder, and I decided on the chicken sandwich minus cheese and the apple butter (which contains dairy). I also ordered a Tongue Tying Lemon Squash, as it was very hot out and sounded so refreshing.The Leaky Cauldron brings your food out to you, so we grabbed our magical food order number and grabbed a seat, enjoying a cold beverage.I have to say that I really enjoyed the Tongue Tying Lemon Squash. Very tart, it was the perfect summer day drink. It had a slight taste of "fake" sugar or preservatives in it, but overall, I really liked it a lot. It's one I'd definitely get again, especially in the summer months.Our wizard runner arrived fairly quickly with our food. As you can see, the chicken sandwich was fairly sizeable. The bacon was delicious and plentiful, and the chicken itself was nicely seasoned. The bun appeared to be Udi's Gluten Free. I would have liked to have had some type of sauce (mayo or otherwise), as the sandwich became a bit dry with nothing additional on it. The side salad with Italian Dressing was fairly bland but OK. I'd love to see them add in safe potato wedges or a vegetable.Here is a version of the sandwich with cheese on it, which, as you can see would add a bit more flavor overall for those who are gluten free only.Overall, I had a magical experience at the Leaky Cauldron and would definitely dine there again. I would probably go to the Three Broomsticks over the Leaky Cauldron because there are more options than the chicken sandwich there for those who have special dietary needs. However, it definitely hit the spot for this Muggle!Have you been to the Leaky Cauldron? What did you think of the dining options there?

Whispering Canyon Cafe -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Wilderness Lodge

*This dining experience took place in August 2015. Whispering Canyon Cafe, located at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, is one of those fun-filled dining experiences at Disney World. The cast members really get into character, and hijinks most definitely ensue. Don't believe me? Just ask for ketchup one time dining here, and you'll see what I mean.On this particular occasion, I dined with two blogger friends of mine, Amanda from Eating Out Without and Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando. Both are huge foodies like me, so it's great to enjoy a meal with fellow special dietary needs foodies.Remember those hijinks I mentioned? If you're not into all the fun, you can always observe from a distance by flipping a card at your table that states you prefer to watch. My family loves all of that, so this was a rare occasion where I didn't participate.Though the restaurant does have an allergy friendly menu, we did have some questions for the chef, including seeing if the dinner skillet could be make both gluten and dairy free, for the chef. I was excited to see that I could still get the skillet, and I couldn't wait to dig in.Up first was a house salad made with an apple vinaigrette. This was light and fresh and a nice beginning to our meal.The next course was the allergy friendly cornbread, which is a not to be missed side for dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe. Made with Namaste vanilla cake mix, it has a sweet taste to it, and is a lovely dense, cake-like, cornbread. It's a hands down favorite with some Earth Balance vegan margarine.For my skillet, I received corn on the cob, green beans, roasted potatoes (instead of mashed potatoes), baked beans, roasted chicken, brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. I have to say the pork and chicken were probably my favorites of the meal. The brisket being my least favorite. I liked the sides well enough, though I wasn't a big fan of the beans. Overall, it's a huge portion, and I was completely stuffed from this meal.I don't normally get dessert, but I absolutely had to try the new campfire style chocolate cake. I topped mine with Rice Dream non-dairy ice cream and with the heated chocolate cake, it was the perfect topping. Overall, this was a delicious way to end the meal. It was nice to have something a bit different, and I loved the ooey gooeyness of the cake. I wouldn't hesitate to order this one again.This meal was definitely a good one. Though I didn't love everything in my skillet, I enjoyed the overall meal experience and offerings. The skillet is a great value and will fill you up easily.Have you been to Whispering Canyon Cafe? What did you order when you dined there?

Antojitos -- Dinner -- Table Service -- City Walk -- Universal Studios

*This dining experience took place in September 2015.Antojitos, located at Universal Studios Orlando City Walk, offers authentic Mexican food and great atmosphere. I first tried Antojitos in August and absolutely loved it and their gluten free offerings.On this particular visit, I dined with my brother, and we wanted to get something quick before going to see a movie at the AMC located at City Walk. We both had been eyeing the fajitas on the menu, and since neither of us were very hungry, decided to split an entree of fajitas and dig into the complimentary chips and salsa.Our server seemed fairly knowledgeable about the gluten free cross contamination needs and assured me that the chips were safe. I'd had them on a previous visit and am always glad when restaurants have dedicated chip fryers. Both my brother and I enjoyed the salsa, which contained green olives in it, for a different twist.When the fajitas were brought out, my brother and I were both a bit surprised that they were not accompanied by any rice or beans like many of the entrees at Anjtojitos are. We were only brought tortillas and fajita toppings (like lettuce and guacamole). Another server brought our food, and while I had asked for corn tortillas, were brought flour and corn with the corn right on top of the flour tortillas. Our server quickly came out and made sure to bring me a fresh and non-contaminated batch of corn tortillas.Because my family is used to sharing food with me, my brother and I quickly and safely divided up the food so that he could eat his fajitas with flour tortillas without worrying about glutening me.Overall, we liked the fajitas but thought the portion, even for one person, to be rather on the small side. For the price, we didn't think it was a good value, since you got no other accompaniments. We both agreed that in the future, we'd stick to other options when we dined here. That being said, we both loved Antojitos food and wouldn't hesitate to go back.Have you been to Antojitos? What did you think of their gluten free offerings?

World Premiere Food Court -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- All Stars Movies

*This dining experience took place in September 2015.World Premiere Food Court, located at All Stars Movie Resort, offers quick service fare with a movie themed cafeteria style restaurant. Fairly newly refurbished, it is set to resemble a cinema, complete with retro theme.On this particular occasion, I stopped by for a quick dinner and wanted something easy. Though I didn't get to see their allergy friendly menu, I've seen the ones for All Stars Music and Sports, and they all look the same to me. Based on my desire for something easy, I went with allergy chicken tenders and French fries.While I waited for my chicken tenders, I also grabbed an Angry Orchard hard cider, which is gluten free. It's a bit expensive per bottle at Disney, so if you are staying on property, I highly recommend buying your hard cider or alcoholic beverages at a local gas station or at the grocery store, as these can quickly add up.

My chicken tenders definitely hit the spot and tasted delicious. They were well fried and made for a great quick dinner. I can't say that I'd frequent the World Premiere Food Court but it's nice to know that they have some good options here. You can also read Gluten Free in Orlando's review of the World Premiere Food Court on her blog.

Have you been to World Premiere Food Court? What did you order when you dined here?

Kona Cafe -- Lunch -- Table Service -- Polynesian Village

*This dining experience took place in September 2015.Kona Cafe, located at Disney Polynesian Village Resort, is one of my regular restaurant visits for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast offers my favorite modified Big Kahuna and lunch is almost always the Kona Island Chicken Sandwich with sweet potato fries and curry mango mayonnaise. It's a hands down must for me.On this particular occasion, I got a chance to check out the new allergy friendly menu. While I was tempted to order something different, I couldn't help but order that Island Chicken sandwich. The sweet potato fries and curry mango mayonnaise pull me in every time! The sandwich was served on a GNI brand bun, which, unfortunately, fell apart pretty easily. The chicken was grilled perfectly, and I absolutely love the bacon they use at Kona (not that awful stringy Disney bacon). The curry mango mayonnaise is divine, and I always ask for a side of it to dip my sweet potato fries in.Overall, I really enjoyed this entree, as always, though maybe next time I'll try something different. For other options at Kona Cafe, check out Gluten Free in Orlando's lunch reviews from September, as well.Have you been to Kona Cafe? What did you order when you dined there?

Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Port Orleans French Quarter

*This dining experience took place in August 2015.Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory, located at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort, is one of my favorite quick service locations. With N'Awlins inspired food and decor, you'll be ready to "let the good times roll" when you dine here...especially since it's home to gluten free & dairy free beignets!On this particular occasion, I was greeted by Chef Tony. He showed me the new allergy friendly menus, and after some debating, I settled on the 1/3 lb Angus Avocado Burger with French fries and a side of remoulade. On my previous visit, I had the grilled fish sandwich which I enjoyed a lot but wanted something different.As you can see from my photo, I had a huge sandwich and serving of fries and a giant container of remoulade. Yes, you know the chefs know you well when they serve you condiments in a large container.The sandwich itself was served on a Local Oven bun and well cooked. I enjoyed the addition of the avocado on the sandwich, and, of course, added some remoulade on it to round out the flavors. The French fries dipped in remoulade continue to be my favorite way to eat fries. So so good (trust me on this one!).For dessert, I had to get some beignets. Deep fried and smothered in powdered sugar, even though I was totally full from my dinner, I had to enjoy these sweet treats. Piping hot is the best way to eat them, and they really are perfect for any meal. (Go ahead, eat them for breakfast like they do in New Orleans; no judgement here!)Have you been to Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory? What did you order when you dined there?

Contempo Cafe -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Contemporary

*This dining experience took place in August 2015.Contempo Cafe, located at Disney's Contemporary Resort, is the resort's standard quick service location. While I can't say I've ever been blown away by the food options here, I do love the atmosphere and the fact that I can watch the monorail whiz by as I dine.On this particular occasion, I stopped by for a quick lunch and was hoping to get something a bit different, or at least, not allergy chicken tenders. After reading the allergy friendly menu ahead of time (thanks to Gluten Free in Orlando), I was hoping to get the Maine Lobster Sandwich.After speaking with a manager, who confirmed the sandwich was also dairy free, I ordered this along with French fries. The restaurant gives you a pager, so I spent some time taking in the sights while my food was being prepared.The sandwich itself was fairly pricey, and after eating it, I didn't think it was worth the money. The sandwich was overly mayonnaised which took away from the fresh taste of the lobster. There was a good amount of lobster in this sandwich, but I preferred some other versions, like the one I had at Raglan Road.  Still, it was nice to be able to order a lobster roll.Overall, I liked my meal well enough at Contempo Cafe. It's not a location I frequent much, but I'm glad that they have safe options and have expanded their gluten free menu offerings a bit.Have you been to Contempo Cafe? What did you order when you dined there?

Raglan Road Irish Pub -- Lunch/Dinner -- Table Service -- Disney Springs

*This dining experience took place in August 2015.Raglan Road Irish Pub, located in Disney Springs, proves that you don't need the luck of the Irish for great food when you're dining at Disney Springs. Raglan Road serves up authentic and hearty Irish fare that you're sure to love. From sandwiches and entrees to proper fish and chips (fried in a dedicated fryer), there's something for everyone to enjoy here.I adore their gluten free fish and chips and fried onion rings (especially with sweet chili jam and tartar sauce); however, on this particular occasion, I decided to go with something a bit different.First up was a Magner's Hard Cider, which you can find on tap at Raglan Road. It's a must whenever I visit there! For my entree, I ordered the burger served with Irish bacon (more like Canadian bacon) on a gluten free bun with fries (aka chips) on the side. I will say that I liked the cornichon that they topped my burger with, which was more of a sweet pickle versus savory dill. I ended up not asking for any condiments, which I should have, as the burger was a wee bit dry.Overall, I liked the burger as an option at Raglan Road, though I think I'd likely stick to the other sandwiches or the fish and chips here. Still, they consistently put out a solid meal, and I really do love the restaurant and pub vibe. In my opinion, it's the best gluten free dining option in Disney Springs!Have you been to Raglan Road Irish Pub? What do you love ordering here?

Olivia's Cafe -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Old Key West

*This dining experience took place in August 2015. Olivia's, located at Disney's Old Key West Resort, is a great quiet and cozy dining location. I often dine here for breakfast when I'm looking for something easy and quick. And, I loved the super chill and relaxed vibe here. Recently, I stopped by for dinner and checked out the allergy friendly menu they now have at the restaurant.The last several times I've been here for lunch or dinner, I've ordered the Mallory Square Cobb Salad which has shrimp and crab on it and is insanely delicious. I was craving this again but oddly noticed it wasn't on the allergy friendly menu. I was able to talk to one of the chefs there who confirmed it could be made gluten free.While waiting for my salad, I was brought Udi's Gluten Free rolls (most locations carry the GNI Brand rolls, so it was surprising to see these) with Earth Balance vegan margarine. The rolls were a bit tough, so I didn't eat too much of them.My salad, on the other hand, was so delicious. Filled with avocado, bacon, tomato, chopped egg, crab, and shrimp and topped with a key lime vinaigrette, it was very fresh and flavorful. Perfect for a hot Florida summer evening. This salad continues to rank high on my favorite Disney salad list, so it's one I will definitely order again.Overall, I enjoyed my meal at Olivia's. Next time, I hope to try some of the other dinner entrees served there. If you're a DVC member, don't forget to show your member ID for 10% off.Have you been to Olivia's? What did you order when you dined there?

Mara -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House

*This dining experience took place in August 2015. The Mara, located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House, may very well be one of my most favorite quick service locations on property. I love that you can get standard Disney fare like burgers and fries but also get quick service options that are totally different than anywhere else on property. From African Stew to Pap, there's something unique to try at any meal at the Mara. And the best part? Many of their unique items are naturally gluten free and/or dairy free.On this particular occasion, I stopped by for dinner and wanted something easy. The restaurant does now carry the allergy friendly menus, but don't let that deter you from speaking to a chef if you are interested in something outside of the main menu. During this meal though, I opted for the chicken tenders straight off the allergy friendly menu.Once ordered, I was given a pager and told to come back when the pager went off. I would say there was about a 10 minute wait overall, which gave me some time to explore the quick service location, and pick up a bottle of South African wine to take back to my DVC room for the evening. The Mara has a great selection of reasonably priced wines available for purchase. This one was a bit sweet for my taste but not bad.The allergy friendly chicken tenders, as always, were delicious. Super crisp and perfectly fried. They are great with a side of French fries. Do note that there has been some changes in the distributor of the allergy friendly chicken tenders as of Fall 2015, so these tenders may not be the same when you dine at a Disney restaurant. At press time, they are currently using Saffron Road chicken tenders.Have you been to the Mara? What did you enjoy when you dined there? 

Whispering Canyon Cafe -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- Wilderness Lodge

*This dining experience took place in October 2015.Whispering Canyon Cafe, located at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, is sure to be a rootin' tootin' good time when you dine there. Well-known for its cast member hijinks and antics (ask for ketchup, and you'll soon find out what I mean), Whispering Canyon Cafe has long been a family favorite.On this particular occasion, we dined there for breakfast, before we headed to the Magic Kingdom for a full day of in park fun. Like most Disney restaurants now, Whispering Canyon Cafe has an allergy friendly menu. You can also still talk to a chef, which I did, as I was interested in a gluten free and dairy free version of the breakfast skillet.I love how the restaurant serves up drinks in Mason jars. Watch out if you drink a lot, you might get yourself a gallon jar!My modified skillet included breakfast potatoes, scrambled eggs, bacon, apple raisin sausage, and allergy friendly Mickey waffles. If I were gluten free only, I also could have gotten biscuits and gravy with this skillet. You can read a gluten free only review on Gluten Free in Orlando's blog.For the most part, I didn't find this breakfast to be anything special. It was good, and there was a lot of food. My favorite part was actually the apple raisin sausage which had a mild sweet flavor to it and was something different.If you're looking for a filling and hearty breakfast, Whispering Canyon Cafe fits the bill nicely. It's not someplace I'd go all the time, but every once in a while, it's great. And for $16.49, the all-you-care-to-eat breakfast skillet is a great value.Have you been to Whispering Canyon Cafe? What did you enjoy about this restaurant?

Jiko -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House

*This dining experience took place in August 2015.Jiko, located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House, is the signature dining location of AKL. Set to resemble an African sunset, the restaurant is a gorgeous place to have a celebratory meal or romantic evening. Even more amazing is that the lighting in the restaurant subtly changes throughout the evening to reflect the actual African sunset. How amazing!On this particular occasion, I dined at Jiko but wanted to sit at the open air chef's table, which is a lovely and approachable way to dine solo at Disney. I also knew I didn't want a full meal, so getting a glass of wine and a gluten free flatbread seemed like a great option.I haven't been to Jiko in a few years, and a recent stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge gave me the perfect excuse to visit. One of Jiko's amazing features is that they have the 2nd largest collection of South African wines in the world (the first location is actually IN South Africa), so if you are a wine lover, this is a restaurant for you.If you're dining solo, I can highly recommend the Chef's Table. You get a chance to watch the action and even interact with members of the culinary team.Since Jiko is known for their South African wines, I ordered the Black Pearl which is a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz. It was delicious and a great red wine to order with my meal.Though the restaurant does have an allergy friendly menu, I did ask to speak to the chef, as I was hoping they might be able to make me a flatbread gluten free. As the chef noted, they don't normally carry the Udi's gluten free pizza crusts at Jiko anymore, but he offered to get one from the Mara so that I could have a flatbread. He said this might take a bit of time, so he brought me some Udi's Gluten Free rolls with extra virgin olive oil, and I ordered a salad.I opted for the Jiko Salad which was Poached Pears, Heirloom Spinach, Kobocha Squash and Pear Vinaigrette and marked gluten free and dairy free on the allergy friendly menu. I can't say I loved this salad. It seemed underdressed, a little too bitter, and bland.For my flatbread, I ordered the Roasted Cauliflower flatbread which had Bhuna Masala, Roasted Cipollini Onions, and normally comes with Lamb Chopper Cheese. I have been trying to experiment with non-cow's milk cheese, so I asked if they could add a small amount of goat cheese to the flatbread. The Purple Haze goat cheese worked really well with this dish, and I'm excited that I am being able to add some sheep and goat milk into my diet successfully on occasion.This flatbread was outstanding, and one I wouldn't hesitate to order again. The flavors were so good, and if you loved roasted cauliflower (like I do), you will love this. Hands down a big winner for me.I love going to Jiko for an appetizer and drink. It's such an affordable way to experience the restaurant without breaking the bank. As a DVC member, I also saved 10% which also helped with affordability. You can read Gluten Free in Orlando's full dinner review on her blog.Have you been to Jiko? What did you order when you dined there? 

Sanaa -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village

*These dining experiences took place in August, September, and October 2015.Sanaa, located in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village, continues to be one of my favorite restaurants on Disney property. Not only is the food amazing but the atmosphere is unlike any other. Where else can you sit and watch zebras and giraffes while eating dinner? It really is incredible.This review covers 3 separate visits that I had throughout the months of August, September, and October. Many times, I went just for drinks and appetizers which is a great way to cap an evening. I could sit at the Sanaa bar area for days. It's so relaxing! And, if you don't have a reservation and want a quick bite, the bar is the perfect place to grab a meal, as you can order everything off the regular menu in the bar area.Perhaps my most favorite drink on Disney property is the African Starr Mint Mojito. The simplicity of rum, fresh mint, and simple syrup makes this a refreshing drink, perfect for cooling off after a long day in the hot parks. This drink never disappoints, and I think Sanaa has the best mojito on property!Bread service is a must whenever I go to Sanaa. Since the launch of a gluten free and vegan naan bread offering this summer, I have been back a ridiculous amount of times to order their bread service. It's best piping hot from the oven and tastes amazing with any of the dips offered.Equally amazing is the Sanaa soup. Though not currently listed on the allergy friendly menu, the soup is still gluten free. It can be made dairy free by removing the addition of cream. Trust me, this soup is so delicious you won't miss the cream at all! I can highly recommend the soup and bread service combo as a winning option when dining at Sanaa.Sanaa also has some new appetizers out, and one evening I did try out the Oxtail Umngqusho, which is made of cracked hominy, black-eyed peas, and braised oxtail. I enjoyed this dish a lot though I would have liked to have had a bit more oxtail in the dish. This dish has a unique taste and was very filling. The oxtail tastes a bit like short ribs, so while oxtail might not sound appetizing, it's actually quite delicious!Whenever I get bread service, the biggest decision is to get all of the dips or just 3. I'm partial to the mango chutney, red pepper hummus, and coriander chutney, but I love so many of the others too. The only one that isn't dairy free is the cucumber raita, and you can easily swap out that dip for a second of your favorite one when ordering the full bread service. For me, that always means more red pepper hummus! I have to admit though, the tomato date chutney has been my new favorite dip that they've added recently. So good!The Sanaa dinner menu has changed somewhat, and I was curious to try some of the dishes. On my most recent visit, my friend and I both ordered the Braaivleis, which is marked as gluten free and dairy free naturally. It comes with Boerewor (a sausage), lamp chop, pork tenderloin, Tunisian olive oil crushed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.I loved the Tunisian olive oil crushed potatoes, as they were very flavorful. The sausage was milder than I expected it to be, which was great. I loved the pork tenderloin, though I should have asked to have it cooked longer. Cooked medium still seems a bit to raw for my tastes. And speaking of raw, if you are concerned about raw meat, avoid the lamb or ask them to cook a wee bit longer (which be warned, may toughen the meat). My lamb was entirely too rare for my liking but I found the flavors of the lamb delicious.Overall, if you visit Sanaa, you won't regret it. It's a one of a kind restaurant at Disney, and is very affordable and approachable. The bread service is a must! I can't wait to go back again to try some of the new dinner offerings.You can also read Gluten Free in Orlando's reviews on Sanaa too.Have you been to Sanaa? What did you love about this restaurant? 

Ohana -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Polynesian

*This dining experience took place in November 2015.Aloha! Ohana located at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort has long been one of my family's favorite restaurants on Disney property. We love the fun and friendly atmosphere, the Polynesian theme, and, of course, the food! The menu itself has changed a lot over the years, and while we often lament some of our favorites that are no longer on the menu (oh, how I miss the honey lime vinaigrette salad dressing), we still very much enjoy the offerings available at Ohana.On this particular occasion, I visited with a friend, who also happens to be gluten free and dairy free too. It's always fun to dine out with friends, and especially those that have special dietary needs!I actually dined at Ohana this summer, but I realized I hadn't blogged about it yet (yikes! We'll chalk that one up to all the new job and moving craziness). But, as I was telling my friend, I actually haven't dined at Ohana in a couple of years because it's often hard to get a reservation when you are local and don't make 180 day in advance plans (I know, I know, local problems!). So, it was awesome to be dining here twice in the span of a few months!Both my friend and I were ready to dig into our meal at Ohana and both knew going in we were going to be plenty full by the time the meal was over. Ohana definitely keeps the food coming, as a family style dining option.After being seated, the chef greeted us and let us know that we would be getting salad (with the removal of wontons), GNI brand rolls with Earth Balance vegan margarine, white rice, sauteed veggies, chicken wings, sweet and sour sauce, and could enjoy all three grilled meats: Shrimp, Chicken, and Steak. I also asked if they still had the gluten free teriyaki sauce (which they do) and was able to get that as well. And, of course, everything began to come out quickly...Let the food photos begin!First up was the salad. This contained shredded vegetables (such as carrot), mushrooms, edamame, and red onion along with a vinaigrette. I really enjoyed this in July but both my friend and I found it to be woefully underdressed this time.The GNI rolls we received were also poorly heated. Very crumbly and dry, while I ate one of them, my friend opted to skip, because -- of course -- it's all about the other food here!We also got a plate to share of steamed white rice, sweet and sour sauce, teriyaki sauce, sauteed vegetables, and chicken wings. The chicken wings continue to be a favorite with a nice spicy dry rub. I also love having some rice and veggies along with the sauces they provide. Overall, it's definitely a good mix of options.But, the best part about Ohana are the grilled meats that come out Brazilian Steakhouse style on skewers. All three grilled meats are now gluten free (which I love). I do miss their pork but the new sauces and rubs on the meats have definitely improved the meats offered. The steak that I had in July was perfectly cooked to my liking and nicely seasoned. This time, I found the meat to be just a bit too rare for my taste, so I didn't go for a second round. The chicken had a nice sweet and sour sauce on it and was delicious. Yep, I totally went for seconds on that. And, my hands down favorite is the shrimp. Sure, you have to peel them, and they are messy, but if you aren't enjoying a messy meal like this...you're doing it wrong! Between my friend and I, I think we ate our weight in shrimp!Between all the courses, we were both quite stuffed. Though we were brought dessert both of us didn't eat much of it.Dessert at Ohana is always underwhelming. But, then again, it's not why I go there. Served Tofutti with Enjoy Life cookies, fresh fruit and Hershey's Syrup, it was just OK. Still, props for the cute hidden Mickey on the plate!Overall, we both really enjoyed our meal at Ohana. Our main courses were exactly why we dined here and while some of the sides were just OK, we both left the meal satisfied and totally stuffed. Ohana is definitely a must do tradition for my family and friends. Plus, the entertainment there is great. Kiddos can get in on coconut racing and the live singing is delightful.Have you been to Ohana? What did you enjoy most there?

Everything Pop -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Pop Century

*This dining experience took place in August 2015.Everything Pop located at Disney's Pop Century Resort is one groovy place to grab a bite to eat. With a retro inspired menu and atmosphere, you can't help but get into the nostalgic spirit when dining here.On this particular occasion, I stopped by for a quick dinner. Gluten Free in Orlando had posted on her blog that the quick service location did have allergy free menus, though at the time I visited, I did not get a chance to see one. The manager, however, did a great job of making sure I had safe options to choose from.The options were pretty extensive, from sandwiches, salads and more. That made it hard to choose! I finally settled on the Salmon Burger, which was a house-made salmon burger served with wasabi Thai curry mayonnaise, slaw, and French fries. The chef did have to make my burger separately, so as to make it gluten free, which meant I had a bit of a wait. The chef gave me a pager, so that I could meet him back in the food court when it was ready.I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised with this sandwich. I absolutely loved it. The burger itself was well cooked, and the salmon wasn't too fishy. What made this dish though were the wasabi thai mayo and the slaw which had sesame oil in it. Those components really helped pull the dish together. I wish I had asked for some extra wasabi thai mayo because it would have been an amazing dipping sauce for the French fries. Yes, you know I can't help but add extra dipping sauces when it comes to fries!Overall, I loved the sandwich I got at Everything Pop. Generally, I've found the food there to be pretty basic, but this sandwich was a highlight on their menu for me.Have you been to Everything Pop? What do you typically order here?

Antojitos -- Lunch/Dinner -- Table Service -- City Walk -- Universal Studios

*This dining experience took place in August 2015.If there's one thing I know, it's that I love good Mexican and Tex Mex food. Some of my favorite places at Disney World include San Angel Inn and La Hacienda de San Angel -- both are delicious options while at Epcot. But what about the options at Universal Orlando? I've been long wanting to try out Antojitos, the Mexican restaurant that opened at Universal City Walk last year.I knew before visiting Antojitos that there would be gluten free and dairy free options, thanks to Amanda from Eating Out Without's blog post about gluten free and dairy free options at Universal Studios. So, I was pretty stoked to find that Antojitos was a terrific options for me to dine at.I love the vibe of Antojitos. A large restaurant with an upstairs and downstairs and even an open kitchen, this authentic Mexican restaurant is bright and cheery with great seating and lighting. If you go at the right time you'll be treated to live music. It's definitely a place to sit back, chill, and hang out with friends.In addition to a pretty extensive menu (with gluten free options marked), they also have a very large drink menu. While my brother, who dined with me, had a classic margarita, I ordered the Handsome George, which used George Clooney's Tequila brand along with a very mild lime splash. I can highly recommend this drink, though if you're looking for the best bang for your buck, I would suggest ordering a margarita. They were huge!Antojitos chips and salsa are gluten free and the chips are made in a dedicated fryer. For something fancier, you can order table-side guacamole, which we did on this occasion. I can't ever turn down guacamole, though I will say this version was a bit mediocre. I might try it again but wouldn't make it a regular occurrence since it was priced at a steep $13.99.For my entree, I ordered the shrimp tacos al pastor. These were outstanding. Served in a corn tortilla, the shrimp was marinated and topped with fresh coleslaw and a pineapple mint salsa, which was insanely good. The entree also came with rice and beans both of which were quite good. For the price and compared to many dishes at Disney Mexican restaurants, this entree was a good bargain.Overall, we enjoyed Antojitos a lot. The food was terrific and the atmosphere was great. It will definitely be on my regular rotation of Universal Orlando restaurants to dine at. If you're a Universal Orlando Annual Passholder, you also get 10% off your meal when you dine here, which is a nice bonus.Have you been to Antojitos at Universal Orlando City Walk? What did you order when you dined there?