Raglan Road Irish Pub -- Brunch & Dinner -- Table Service -- Disney Springs
*These dining experiences took place in June 2017.
Brunch and Dinner at Raglan Road Irish Pub
Raglan Road Irish Pub, located in Disney Springs, is one of my favorite table service restaurants at Disney World. It has consistently great food, fantastic atmosphere, and tons of gluten free and dairy free options. It's always a winner and a restaurant I go back to again and again. Recently, I stopped by Raglan Road for both brunch and dinner, so I'm including both visits in this review.
Atmosphere
One of the things that I love most about Raglan Road is that you'll feel like you were transported to Ireland when you walk in the door. From the outside dining areas to the charming interior, it all has an authentic Irish feel to it.
Of course, on one of the days we visited, it was pouring rain, which made it perfect for a cozy Irish pub meal.
The interior of the restaurant is dark, with lots of wood and cozy corners. There are two bar locations and a main stage for live entertainment, which you can see nightly and during the brunch time.
It can get a bit loud in Raglan Road, so if you prefer a quieter area of the restaurant, I recommend asking for a table near the side of the restaurant. It's tucked away and much quieter and calmer.
You'll also find lots of touches and nods to the pub's Irish roots in the restaurant, and we found a lot of them when we were seated on the side of the main dining room.
For lots of excitement and action, you can also sit in the main dining area, which is a rollicking good time. You'll find a stage in the middle of the dining room and a main stage at the front -- all for live music and Irish step dancers. When we visited for brunch, we were seated right in front of the main stage and next to the smaller stage, so we got to see it all up close.You can check out some of the live music we saw that day on my video on YouTube.
The Food
Of course, the best part about Raglan Road is the food. Chef Kevin Dundon has done a fantastic job at making sure the restaurant has tons of gluten free and celiac safe options to choose from. And, that's good news for anyone who loves fried foods because you can get a ton of gluten free and dairy free fried foods made safely in dedicated fryers at Raglan Road.Raglan Road does not carry an allergy friendly menu, but you can find gluten free options listed on their website. You can also ask your server for assistance too. Because Raglan Road isn't owned by Disney, they don't necessarily follow the same Disney allergy menu protocols, but I can tell you they do a great job handling requests. On both visits, the first thing our server asked was if anyone had special dietary needs, which is great.
But, before your main meal, don't forget to enjoy a good beverage. They have plenty of delicious non-alcoholic drinks like iced tea.
Or, you can enjoy a pint of Magners Irish Hard Cider, which they have on tap. It's a must-do whenever I go.
When we went for brunch, I couldn't help but order the Onion Rings, which can be made gluten free and dairy free. They are served with a mild mayonnaise mustard combination but also taste amazing with other condiments, like cocktail sauce.*Note: A few readers reached out to me and told me that the gluten free onion rings could not be made dairy free anymore (they have been dairy free for years). But, thanks to a live from Raglan Road report from Erica from Celiac and the Beast, who spoke with the management team and was told they can still be made dairy free. 
I also ordered the Fish and Chips, which can be made gluten free and dairy free. The tartar sauce that comes with it is also gluten free and dairy free too. This is always a hands down winner. Where else can you get proper gluten free and dairy free fried fish and chips?!If you like sauce as much as I do, definitely ask for extra tartar sauce because it's amazing with the fish and the chips.The chips served here are thick cut, steak fries. They do a great job frying them, and they pair really well with the fried fish. I do always recommend that you add a squeeze of fresh lemon and some salt on the fish and chips before you eat them. Sometimes, I find the fish and chips to be undersalted here, but it's an easy fix, and you can adjust it to your personal taste level.
A brunch, they also serve the Pork Hash Tagged, which is both gluten free and dairy free. My mom ordered this and really enjoyed it, and I've ordered it before too. One note, the eggs are served over-easy, so if you want them cooked a bit harder, let them know. My mom hates runny egg yolk, so she asked for them to be cooked longer.If I visit Raglan Road again for brunch, I need to order this again. It's so good!
My brother ordered the Kevin's Heavenly Ham entree that includes Irish Mist glazed loin of bacon with savoy cabbage, colcannon potatoes, parsley cream sauce and a raisin cider jus. It can be made gluten free by removing a bread component to the dish. Since my brother didn't request it to be gluten free, I didn't get a chance to try it, but you can see more or less what it would look like.I may have to order this one sometime because it looked amazing, and my brother said it was really good.
When Brandon and I went back for dinner, our server mentioned that they had a special for the night -- Wild Boar Burger made with local wild boar. It sounded intriguing, and he checked with the chef to confirm it could be made gluten free. Thankfully, it could be, and I believe the only change was to a gluten free bun.I have to say, this may have been one of the best things burgers I've had out in a restaurant in a while. I didn't know how the wild board would taste, but I was pleasantly surprised to find it to be very mild. It was a cross between a regular burger and a pork burger, but super tender and flavorful.The burger was topped with blue cheese and a pear compote, which added some tanginess and sweetness that went perfectly with the boar. I also find that pork of any type and fruit flavors go really well together, and this just really worked.There was a small side of slaw on the side, which was lightly dressed in a vinaigrette or oil of some type. It didn't have a ton of flavor on it, but it worked beautifully when added to the burger for some crunch.The burger was served with steak fries, but I asked to substitute them for Garlic & Parmesan Truffle Chips, which can be made gluten free. Since I've reintroduced some dairy back into my diet, these are a must do on occasion. The rich parmesan and truffle oil make for a perfect French fry. I also loved the richness of these fries along with the richness of the wild board burger. It definitely felt like a decadent and rich meal.I do hope they continue to have this and other specials on the menu. It was super unique, and I was so glad I got to try it.
Overall
Raglan Road consistently wins me over with excellent service (both of our servers were outstanding), terrific atmosphere, and fantastic food. There are always so many gluten free and even dairy free options, that I find myself wanting to try something new on every visit (even though, I'm prone to ordering the fish and chips over and over again). Everyone raved at both meals, and I can't wait to enjoy another visit again soon at this must-do Disney Springs table service restaurant.Have you been to Raglan Road Irish Pub? What's your special diets must-order on the menu?
The Wave -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Contemporary
*This dining experience took place in May 2017.
Dinner at The Wave
The Wave, located at Disney's Contemporary Resort, is a table service restaurant located on the main floor of the resort. It's a little tucked away, but that's definitely one reason why it can be a great dining option for guests looking for a last minute reservation or someplace a bit more quiet. We have dined at the Wave twice recently for dinner after I had a really great breakfast experience here. We'd both never been for dinner, so we wanted to check it out. And, we were really glad that we did because the restaurant really surprised us.
Atmosphere
The interior of the Wave always seems to get mixed reviews. I find the theming to be a bit basic, but it does really represent the "wave" theme.
You'll see touches of the wave motif everywhere -- from the menus to the lighting.
The restaurant itself isn't that large, but it can have some really nice cozy seating. I'm not a fan of sitting smack dab in the middle of a restaurant, but I love the side seating they have and booths a lot.
As you can see, the wave theme is subtle but visible in every detail -- even the chairs.
We also got a chance to see one of the side rooms that is used during busier / peak dining times. Our server Jim showed us some of the cool food art in there, as we were mentioning that we liked the food art on the walls in the main room.
The Food
I have to admit that the Wave hasn't always been high on my list of dining options. I've had some really lackluster experiences and some really not so great meals. But, over the last few years, I've found that the options have expanded and that the food quality is really great. This is definitely one reason why we came back to the Wave twice recently (that and 20% off our meal as Disney annual passholders helps too).
The second night we went, it was really busy, so we went to the bar to get drinks. I love the bar area at the Wave, and it's nice that you don't have to make reservations to go there or to even order food. The bar was jammed though when we went on a weekend night.As always, I tend to order my favorite -- a gin and tonic. A word on gluten free and alcohol, according to the University of Chicago Celiac Disease and peer-reviewed scientific research, "in pure spirits, the distillation process makes these beverages safe because the protein is removed. However, flavored spirits may contain malt, and should be avoided." With this in mind, I do drink gin and I feel no adverse reactions.Know that if you don't feel comfortable drinking different kinds of spirits, Disney does carry hard cider and some gluten free alcohol options. I would, however, avoid Omission Beer served at Disney (a gluten-removed beer, which has been the subject of some major studies recently showing that the gluten, in fact, is not removed). Of course, trust your own gut and judgement when consuming alcohol.
After being seated on both of our visits, our servers brought me Udi's Gluten Free Bread and Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread, which I requested (the buttery spread, not the bread). I will say, I was bummed they didn't have Deanna's Gluten Free rolls on hand. The Udi's bread is OK but the first visit, it was not heated and extremely dry and crumbly.
On our first visit, Brandon ordered the Cheese Plate and requested it be made gluten free. Because I've reintroduced dairy back into my diet, I definitely have become a fan of the cheese plates at Disney, and this one was a really good one. It included a blue cheese, a goat cheese, and a cheddar. We'd definitely get this one again. Note, it is not listed on the allergy-friendly dinner menu, but can be made gluten free if you ask.
On our second visit, we ordered the Bacon and Eggs appetizer which is Gluten Free, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Free. It does contain dairy.Holy moly! Was this good!The dish is composed of Maple-lacquered Pork Belly with a Poached Egg and Tillamook Smoked Cheddar Grits. Talk about decadent. The pork belly was super rich and tender, and the grits were so creamy. All in all, this was an outstanding appetizer choice that we both gobbled down quickly.
On our first visit, I ordered the Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Glazed Root Vegetables, Fingerling Potatoes, and Red Wine Reduction. This was listed as Gluten Free, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Free. Overall, I really enjoyed this but found that the potatoes were under-seasoned and the steak was a bit overcooked. Next time, I'd probably request it be cooked to medium to ensure it wasn't too overdone. The steak itself had a great char on it, and the flavors were nice. I would have loved more red wine reduction on this too. It was my favorite part of the dish.
On our second visit, I ordered the Grilled Pork Chop with Sweet Potato Puree, Winter Greens, Pancetta, and Autumn Spiced Fruit Preserves. It is listed as Gluten Free, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Free (it contains dairy in the puree).This was outstanding! I'm so glad I ordered this entree, as it was super flavorful. The pork chop was cooked perfectly to medium and was very moist and tender. The sweet potato puree was really smooth and creamy and mixed really well with the bitter greens, pancetta, and the fruit preserves. All in all, this was a really solid and composed dish and one I'd order again.
Overall
We really loved the Wave on both visits. While there were a few tweaks here and there to the food, we really found the appetizers and most of our entrees to be extremely well prepared and flavorful. To add to it, we had some of the best service we've had at Disney on both occasions. The manager Oliver was excellent and remembered us on our second visit, and we highly recommend both Jim and Alan as servers. We're both still talking about our dinners there, and we will definitely be going back again soon.Have you been to the Wave? What did you enjoy when you dined there?
Grand Floridian Cafe -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Grand Floridian
*This dining experience took place in May 2017.
Dinner at Grand Floridian Cafe
The Grand Floridian Cafe, located at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is a table service restaurant that offers sandwiches, steaks, pasta, and other entrees for dinner. Admittedly, I've only ever dined at the Grand Floridian Cafe for breakfast, so Brandon and I decided recently to check it out for dinner. We were both craving something substantial but not something too fancy or pricey, so off to the Grand Floridian Cafe we went.
Atmosphere
The Grand Floridian Cafe is located inside the 1st floor of the Grand Floridian Resort. It's tucked away in a small corner and, like the resort, has a turn of the century Victorian theme to it.
You'll notice the theme quickly, with the floral wallpaper and paintings to the ruffled curtains and elaborate tables and chairs.
I prefer to be seated tucked away in one of the restaurant corners, but we were seated in the middle of the restaurant when we visited.
Thankfully, it wasn't too crowded, so we didn't feel like we were stuck in the hustle and bustle of it all. I've been there for breakfast when it's been swamped, but I've also enjoyed a leisurely quiet breakfast too, so I think it really depends on the time you go.
The Food
Since I had never been for dinner before, I made sure to check out the Allergy Friendly Dinner Menu on my site before we went along with the updated one when we arrived. I will say that the menu was sorely lacking in options (especially dairy free ones, if you are dairy free), but I always recommend speaking to a chef whenever you dine at a restaurant to talk about options and customization. I always find that dairy free is usually an easy modification when you ask.
First up, we were brought bread service. Brandon got regular bread, while I got the Deanna's Gluten Free rolls, which I love. I have had a hard time finding these lately, so it was a welcome treat to have these. These rolls are gluten free, dairy free, and cover many other special dietary needs too.I'm not gonna lie, I gobbled these up quickly. Pro Tip: If you ask, Grand Floridian Cafe does carry Earth Balance vegan buttery spread for a dairy free alternative.
Brandon is always a huge fan of cheese plates, and now that I'm including dairy back into my diet, I am a fan of them too. Brandon ordered a Cheese Plate (which can be made gluten free upon request), and I have to admit, this was our least favorite cheese plate we've ever tried at Disney.The cheese plate consisted of a wedge of Brie and 3 cheddar cheeses. The cheddar cheeses were not that different from each other, making it a very poorly balanced cheese plate. One actually reminded me of Kraft processed cheese. The accompaniments were nice, but nothing fancy.There was also a huge gap missing on the plate, from what we figured was bread. I was surprised that they didn't offer to bring Brandon bread on the side (which they usually do) so that he can have that part of the cheese plate. Overall, we found this cheese plate to be just...meh. It was good, so far as cheese is always good, but just boring and not that amazing. We'd skip this one on the next visit.
Alexis from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures has raved about the lobster burger at the Grand Floridian Cafe. And, with this in mind, I was hoping to try it out. Sadly, when I asked about it, I was told it was no longer gluten free. They would not bring the chef out, but I was relayed that they could make me burger with a plain piece of lobster on it. I decided to pass. I like lobster and burgers as much as the next, but I couldn't justify getting charged for the full lobster burger and getting a very poor version of it.I opted to order the Artisanal Burger with bacon and cheddar on it. This was made gluten free by serving it on a gluten free bun. It can also be made dairy free by removing the cheese.
I did have to request condiments, which were brought to be after a fairly lengthy wait (even though I asked for them when I ordered the burger).
Overall, I thought the burger was fine, but really nothing special. They actually over-cooked the burger, and it was pretty dry. If I hadn't had cheese on it, I think it would have been pretty unappetizing. Thankfully, condiments and extra toppings can help salvage a poorly cooked burger.The French Fries were really good, but they are the same basic fries you can get pretty much everywhere -- including many quick service locations.
Overall
After our dining experience, we actually will skip Grand Floridian Cafe for a while. We were both underwhelmed by the food quality and the service at the restaurant was very poor. The restaurant wasn't busy, but we waited a very long time between courses. Add in that the chef would not come out to speak to me (a Disney rarity), and it's just not someplace we'd make a special visit to go to. It's a shame because I think it has a lot of great potential -- it's just not well executed. Brandon also found that his non-gluten free meal was equally underwhelming too. If we go again, it would probably be for breakfast instead.Have you been to the Grand Floridian Cafe? What did you think of the options there?
Sanaa -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village
*This dining experience took place in June 2017.
Dinner at Sanaa
Sanaa, located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, is a table service restaurant I go back to again and again. The food is delicious, the gluten free and dairy free options plentiful, and the atmosphere is amazing. Where else can you eat a meal with zebras, giraffes, and other animals? On this particular occasion, I met up with Alexis from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures and her daughters for dinner.
Atmosphere
You really can't go wrong with Sanaa for atmosphere and theming. In fact, it's the restaurant I recommend most to anyone coming to Disney for the first time or for locals looking to have a unique dining experience that they can't get anywhere else. Being able to dine on the savanna and view all of the amazing animals at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is pretty special.
I recommend dining at Sanaa a bit earlier for dinner. This way, you can still see out onto the Savanna in the daylight and not miss out on seeing the amazing animals there. Around 5-6 p.m. is usually feeding time for the animals, so they are also often pretty active during that time too.
Inside Sanaa is set to resemble the African forest, with trees and tree branches above you. Sanaa also means "work of art" in Swahili, so you'll see plenty of African inspired artwork too.
The Food
Sanaa has some of the most consistent food options for gluten free and dairy free diners visiting Disney World. The food here is mostly African and Indian inspired, but, even if you don't usually like that kind of food, I would encourage you to try it. I've taken even the pickiest of eaters to Sanaa, and they've really enjoyed it.If you're not sure what you might want to order, you can also take a look at their allergy friendly dinner menu before you go. But, I always recommend speaking with a chef about options. I have ordered several things off the regular menu that can easily be made gluten free and dairy free (including the dish I ordered on this visit).
One of my must-do's on any Sanaa visit is their bread service. It comes with gluten free and dairy free naan bread, made using Cup4Cup Wholesome Flour Blend, and accompanied by a variety of sauces and dips. It's just outstanding.Believe it or not, you can actually just order the gluten free, dairy free, and vegan naan bread a la carte instead of ordering the whole bread service (which is around $15). I ordered 2 pieces of the gluten free and vegan naan, along with a side of roasted red pepper hummus.This was a great way to enjoy naan without having to order a whole batch. I admit, that it probably wasn't the most cost effective (I think it was around $5), but it's nice if you don't want a huge portion or don't have a group to share it with.
For my entree, I ordered the Chicken Biryani, which can be made gluten free and dairy free by removing a few side accompaniments. They serve the Biryani with crispy fried onions coated in a gluten free and dairy free flour blend (I believe Cup4Cup Wholesome Flour Blend), which are super delicious.This Biryani was different from the last version I ordered and was smaller in portion size and included a lot more sauce. I still preferred the other version, but I liked this one too. I adore the crispy Brussels Sprouts in it, along with the toasted almond slices, crispy onions, and seasonal vegetables. It's nice for something different too.I'd definitely get this again, though I might try shrimp on the next visit. You can also order this without protein to make it a vegetarian dish too (and I believe, it could be vegan, as well).
Overall
You really can't go wrong with Sanaa. It's a regular dining spot for me, and one I can't say enough good things about. I'll admit, I've been a bit dubious of their recent menu changes, but it's nice to see the restaurant switching it up with a few new options. There's always plenty for me to choose from and to try. If you want to read more about Sanaa, check out Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures for her reviews of the restaurant too.Have you been to Sanaa? What's your favorite things to order there?
Backlot Express -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Hollywood Studios
*This dining experience took place in May 2017.
Dinner at Backlot Express
Backlot Express, located at Disney's Hollywood Studios, is a quick service restaurant that serves burgers, sandwiches, chicken tenders, and fries. It's your basic theme park quick service fare and an easy option for lunch or dinner when you're visiting Hollywood Studios and don't want to dine at a table service location.We recently stopped by Backlot Express for dinner. It was a quick option and currently offers 20% off your total bill for Disney annual passholders -- making it a great choice for us for an easy, affordable meal. They also carry an allergy friendly menu with several options for me to order which is great too.
Atmosphere
If you've never been to Backlot Express, I recommend walking around after your meal. It might not seem like much from the outside, or even the inside, but with a bit of careful looking you'll start to see that the restaurant is set to resemble a true backlot of a movie studio.
It has a warehouse feel to it, but there are just so many details to look at. Of course, I somehow managed to not get any good photos of the unique decor while we were there, but I definitely recommend going and checking it all out.
The Food
I had planned on ordering the allergy chicken tenders at Backlot Express. These are gluten free, dairy free, and cover many of the top common allergens too. After I received my chicken tenders, I was surprised to see that they were not the AllergyFreeFoods brand which Disney has been carrying for years (and that I love).After some sleuthing, I have a bad feeling that the company is no longer in business as their website is not active anymore, and their social media accounts are severely out of date.A few years ago, Disney had experienced a shortage of the AllergyFreeFoods brand allergy chicken tenders, and they began serving two other brands. You can read more about them on Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures. She shared info about the different allergy chicken tender brands being served last year during part of the brand shortage.
I'm pretty sure the brand I received on my last visit were from Ian's. Overall, I found them to be pretty good. I still miss and prefer the old brand of allergy chicken tenders, but these are still good too. They are definitely more crispy and crunchy. I will say that the Backlot Express was extremely generous with their portions. It was a huge portion of chicken tenders and fries! I definitely left full.
Overall
Backlot Express is a solid place to visit when you need a quick service special diets meal in Hollywood Studios. I usually get the allergy chicken tenders there, but you can also order burgers and salads too. Add in the discount, and you're talking a real winner.Overall, I don't find that there are a ton of options for quick service meals at Hollywood Studios right now either. ABC Commissary turns into a fast casual location at dinner with steaks and more formal dinner plates. We have not found PizzeRizzo to be open on any of our recent visits either. So, Backlot Express really is the best option when we want quick service in the park.If you're curious about the allergy friendly chicken tenders, here's a list of where you can find allergy chicken tenders throughout Disney World.Have you been to Backlot Express? What was your experience dining there?
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe -- Lunch -- Quick Service -- Magic Kingdom
*This dining experience took place in May 2017.
Lunch at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe
It's the wildest meal in the wilderness, when you dine at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe, located in Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom. You'll have a rootin' tootin' good time enjoying Southwestern inspired burgers and rice bowls. Pecos Bill's has long been a favorite lunch and dinner spot for Disney guests, and I've always enjoyed the special diets options here.In the past few years, Pecos Bill's has changed its menu, going from burgers, fries, and chicken tenders to more Southwest inspired foods. They've brought back a burger option but have stuck with the Southwest theme with rice bowls and more. It's a solid option if you're looking for something different and filling when you're in the Magic Kingdom, and I stopped by recently with my brother to grab a filling lunch.
Atmosphere
The interior of Pecos Bill's is pretty much what you would expect it to be from a Frontierland restaurant. It's rustic and southwest-inspired. Depending on where you sit in the restaurant will depend on your view, but I have to say that my favorite room is the one directly to your left when you enter the seating area. It includes some building exterior that makes you feel like you're eating outside.
Seating in Pecos Bill's can get tight. I like to sit in a cozy corner or nook if I can to get away from the crowding and close quarters. But, sometimes that is hard to avoid -- especially during peak hours. Overall, I do always love the cozy atmosphere in Pecos Bill's.
The Food
Of course, my favorite thing about Pecos Bill's is the food. This quick service restaurant does carry an allergy-friendly menu, which covers the top 8 common allergens. If you have any questions or have multiple dietary needs, I do recommend speaking with a manager. I also recommend speaking with a manager if you're concerned about cross-contamination and Pecos Bill's famous fixins bar.On my last visit, I ordered a chicken rice bowl, which came with seasoned rice. Because I've been re-introducing dairy back into my diet over the past few years, on that visit, I got only gluten free options and not dairy free. This is an important note because previously the seasoned rice contained dairy (cheese).When we went this time, all special diets options, including gluten free only dishes contain white rice. The seasoned rice is now gone. I'm wondering if they changed vendors or products and the seasoned rice now contains gluten. It's a good thing there's plenty of fixins to make the rice bowls tasty no matter what kind of rice they serve.I did ask to speak to a manager on this visit, and I asked for toppings from the fixins bar to be brought from the kitchen. This is to help avoid cross-contamination from gluten. The manager told me this was no problem and offered to bring me all the fixins.
As you can see from the photo, I ordered the Chicken Rice Bowl. It was listed as both gluten free and dairy free. I only indicated gluten as a special dietary need, so I was given all the toppings you see in the photo plus cheese and sour cream -- which I gave to my brother, as I try limit my dairy consumption.Of the toppings, my favorite has to be the roasted corn salsa, but I was also glad to see some fresh limes along with the other toppings. This added a nice fresh flavor to the rice bowl. The rice bowls are a solid option, and they are so filling. This is really true if you add a lot of fixins to your dish. The fixins really do make it too, so be sure not to miss out!
Overall
I always find Pecos Bill's to be a solid option for lunch and dinner at the Magic Kingdom. It's a great quick service spot that offers a lot of options for special dietary needs. Plus, the food is filling and plentiful. It's a regular on my Magic Kingdom quick service list and a restaurant I tend to visit again and again. Plus, at the time this post is being published, annual passholders get 20% off their meal, which makes it pretty affordable too!Have you been to Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe? What do you think of their options?
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe -- Lunch -- Quick Service -- Magic Kingdom
*This dining experience took place in May 2017.
Lunch at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe
It's the wildest meal in the wilderness, when you dine at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe, located in Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom. You'll have a rootin' tootin' good time enjoying Southwestern inspired burgers and rice bowls. Pecos Bill's has long been a favorite lunch and dinner spot for Disney guests, and I've always enjoyed the special diets options here.In the past few years, Pecos Bill's has changed its menu, going from burgers, fries, and chicken tenders to more Southwest inspired foods. They've brought back a burger option but have stuck with the Southwest theme with rice bowls and more. It's a solid option if you're looking for something different and filling when you're in the Magic Kingdom, and I stopped by recently with my brother to grab a filling lunch.
Atmosphere
The interior of Pecos Bill's is pretty much what you would expect it to be from a Frontierland restaurant. It's rustic and southwest-inspired. Depending on where you sit in the restaurant will depend on your view, but I have to say that my favorite room is the one directly to your left when you enter the seating area. It includes some building exterior that makes you feel like you're eating outside.Seating in Pecos Bill's can get tight. I like to sit in a cozy corner or nook if I can to get away from the crowding and close quarters. But, sometimes that is hard to avoid -- especially during peak hours. Overall, I do always love the cozy atmosphere in Pecos Bill's.
The Food
Of course, my favorite thing about Pecos Bill's is the food. This quick service restaurant does carry an allergy-friendly menu, which covers the top 8 common allergens. If you have any questions or have multiple dietary needs, I do recommend speaking with a manager. I also recommend speaking with a manager if you're concerned about cross-contamination and Pecos Bill's famous fixins bar.On my last visit, I ordered a chicken rice bowl, which came with seasoned rice. Because I've been re-introducing dairy back into my diet over the past few years, on that visit, I got only gluten free options and not dairy free. This is an important note because previously the seasoned rice contained dairy (cheese).When we went this time, all special diets options, including gluten free only dishes contain white rice. The seasoned rice is now gone. I'm wondering if they changed vendors or products and the seasoned rice now contains gluten. It's a good thing there's plenty of fixins to make the rice bowls tasty no matter what kind of rice they serve.I did ask to speak to a manager on this visit, and I asked for toppings from the fixins bar to be brought from the kitchen. This is to help avoid cross-contamination from gluten. The manager told me this was no problem and offered to bring me all the fixins.As you can see from the photo, I ordered the Chicken Rice Bowl. It was listed as both gluten free and dairy free. I only indicated gluten as a special dietary need, so I was given all the toppings you see in the photo plus cheese and sour cream -- which I gave to my brother, as I try limit my dairy consumption.Of the toppings, my favorite has to be the roasted corn salsa, but I was also glad to see some fresh limes along with the other toppings. This added a nice fresh flavor to the rice bowl. The rice bowls are a solid option, and they are so filling. This is really true if you add a lot of fixins to your dish. The fixins really do make it too, so be sure not to miss out!
Overall
I always find Pecos Bill's to be a solid option for lunch and dinner at the Magic Kingdom. It's a great quick service spot that offers a lot of options for special dietary needs. Plus, the food is filling and plentiful. It's a regular on my Magic Kingdom quick service list and a restaurant I tend to visit again and again. Plus, at the time this post is being published, annual passholders get 20% off their meal, which makes it pretty affordable too!Have you been to Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe? What do you think of their options?
Everything Pop -- Breakfast -- Quick Service -- Pop Century
*This dining experience took place in May 2017.
Breakfast at Everything Pop
I recently met up with Travel Planner Mary Morales for breakfast at Everything Pop food court at Disney's Pop Century Resort. The last time I visited was last year for breakfast, and I was looking forward to trying out some of the other breakfast options. I don't often get to this resort, so it's always nice to get a chance to try something a little out of my ordinary Disney restaurant routine -- especially for breakfast.
Atmosphere
When you enter Disney's Pop Century Resort, you'll notice the retro theme, which I love. I adore the 50s, 60s, and 70s vibes to the whole place. It's super charming and kitschy. And, a lot of the food options reflect some of the retro vibe.
I love the signs and theming throughout the food court. Given that it's a large food court, they actually do a pretty nice job of making it feel inviting and fun.
When we visited, the Everything Pop food court was jammed.Pro Tip: 9:30 a.m. in the morning on just about any day is completely nuts here. I am a big fan of getting to Disney food courts earlier in the day to avoid all the rush of people. As you can see from the photo, it really was pretty busy.
The Food
When we arrived at the food court, I found a cast member near the kitchen area (to the far left side of the food court) and asked if I could speak with a chef or manager. You can, of course, just get in a line for any of the food stations and ask to speak with a chef when you arrive at the food ordering counter. But, I usually try to find a chef earlier rather than later, since I know I'll have to wait a bit. This system works pretty well, but you can always do what you feel most comfortable with.Everything Pop used to have an allergy-friendly breakfast menu. But, I had heard reports from readers that they were no longer carrying one. When the chef greeted me, I did ask about it. But, I wasn't given a clear answer. He just kept saying, "You tell me what you want." So, I'm inclined to believe they don't typically give out the allergy-friendly menus anymore.Based on the old allergy-friendly breakfast menu, I asked if they could do French Toast gluten free and dairy free. On my last visit, I had gluten free (not dairy free) chocolate chip pancakes, and they were really good. But, I wanted to try out something different and something that was both gluten free and dairy free, since I limit the amount of dairy I consume still.
I ended up with a modified version of the Bounty Platter. This included scrambled eggs, plain breakfast potatoes, sausage, bacon, and French Toast in place of the biscuit. Everything in my plate was gluten free and dairy free. The French Toast was made using Udi's Gluten Free bread, egg, and rice milk. I did have to ask for 100% pure maple syrup, as the kind out near the drink stations are made with corn syrup.Overall, I enjoyed my breakfast. It was super hearty, and the French Toast was very filling. I didn't find it to be the best gluten free and dairy free French Toast I've ever had, but it was good. I'll be honest, I'd rather just make homemade Tonga Toast from Kona Cafe with Bread SRSLY gluten free and dairy free sourdough which is amazing. But, if you're visiting Disney and need a French Toast fix, this is a good option.The eggs, breakfast potatoes, bacon, and sausage were all good -- nothing special, but satisfying.
Mary has fish and shellfish allergies. And even though there's no fish and shellfish on the breakfast menu, the chef offered to make her food too. She ordered the Western Omelet with toast. She also ended up getting gluten free and dairy free toast with her meal, and her omelet was gluten free (not dairy free).The omelet looked really good -- filled with ham, green peppers, onions, and tons of cheese. In fact, it might have been one of the cheesiest omelets I've ever seen! The omelet is a really good option if you want something filling and protein-based.
Overall
Everything Pop always serves a solid and consistent special diets breakfast. There's plenty of options, and the chefs are always willing to customize and make things specified to your dietary needs. There is sometimes a bit of a wait. But, you get a pager from the chef, which means you can pay, get drinks, and relax while your food is being prepared. All of that makes Everything Pop a great option for those staying at this resort or staying nearby who want a solid meal with lots of options.Have you been to Everything Pop? What did you think of their breakfast options?
Satu'li Canteen -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Pandora: World of Avatar -- Animal Kingdom
*This dining experience took place in May 2017.
Dinner at Satu'li Canteen
We recently had the chance to go to a Disney Annual Passholder preview of Pandora: The World of Avatar -- a new land located in Disney's Animal Kingdom. We were so excited to check out all the attractions, the new places to explore, and of course, the food! I'd been hearing great things about the quick service restaurant, Satu'li Canteen, located in Pandora and couldn't wait to check it out. Here's a recap of our visit. Since this was our first visit, this is a bit of a lengthy post with lots of photos of the atmosphere and the food!Be prepared to be hungry!
Atmosphere
The entire land of Pandora is beautifully themed. As you enter the Valley of Mo'ara where the land is located, you'll notice floating mountains, lush plants and flowers, vibrant colors, and lots of cool sounds. It's pretty impressive. Tucked in a corner of the land is Satu'li Canteen, a fast-casual quick service restaurant.
When you enter, you notice that the Satu'li Canteen is a re-purposed mess hall, formerly used by the RDA, a group that previously (as we learned in the movie) tried to strip Pandora of its rich resources. No longer in use now that RDA is gone, ACE (Alpha Centauri Expeditions) has re-claimed the space for a new dining experience for visitors to Pandora. They serve food that highlights the natural abundance of Pandora.So, it's gotta be good, right?! But, first, let's explore the theming of the restaurant. The first thing that you notice is this combined use of a former mess hall and a new cafeteria. There's a bit of an industrial feel to it, but it's been transformed with local cultural decorations.
There's both indoor and outdoor seating for guests. We chose to sit in a large booth inside, since we dined here about an hour before they closed for the evening.
There's a lot of really detailed touches throughout the seating area, and I wish we would have spent more time here looking around. But, we had so much to get in on such a short amount of time!
Here are a few more photos from the dining area, including the outdoor seating.
Once we moved past the seating area, we went to order food. The ordering area looks pretty industrial and generic. It oddly reminded me of Cosmic Ray's, probably because the ordering area looked very similar.
There's a bit of a lengthy queue area, which is helpful when it gets crowded.
Overall, we thought the interior of the restaurant was very well done. We loved the story-line and thought the general theming really fit well with the movie and vibe they were setting up in Pandora.Of course, there was so much in the park that I want to share with you all that's not food related! If you want to see a bit of Pandora, check out Brandon's video walkthrough, including a short video clip of Satu'li Canteen and our meal there!
The Food
But, of course, we all want to know about the food options! With a new restaurant, it's always exciting to see how special diets friendly it will be. And, I'm pleased to report that I found Satu'li Canteen to be very special diets friendly. Plus, the food was just delicious.When we first arrived, we were handed a regular menu for the restaurant.
I asked a cast member for the allergy friendly lunch and dinner menu, which I was given when we entered the ordering area.
If you compare both menus, you'll find that the gluten free and dairy free options are pretty extensive. And, pretty much everything is naturally gluten free and dairy free on the bowl section of the menu. How cool is that?! Literally, the only thing I couldn't get in a bowl was the fish and the black bean vinaigrette.It also seems very vegetarian and vegan friendly too -- though the only vegan sauce would be the charred onion chimichurri.Of course, I do recommend that you speak with a cast member about any questions you might have with the menu. I spoke with a manager, and she brought out an iPad, instead of an ingredients binder, to go over with me. I was most curious about the creamy herb dressing which said it was dairy free. It does contain egg (it's mayonnaise based), but I was happy to see a creamy sauce as an option.
Satu'li Canteen also serves breakfast, and I was able to see the allergy friendly breakfast menu too. I really want to go back for the Pork Hash, which sounds delicious. The breakfast menu seems like I might need to ask a lot more questions, but it's nice to see so many gluten free options.Both Brandon and I decided to get bowls for our meals. The bowls are completely customized. This means you choose your protein, your base, and your sauce. So, there's lots of combination opportunities, depending on your dietary need. With so much being gluten free and dairy free, I was psyched for the choices.
I decided to order the Chopped Wood-Grill Chicken Bowl with Mixed Whole Grain and Rice and Charred Onion Chimichurri and Creamy Herb Dressing on the side. Each of these components were gluten free and dairy free.All I have to say is wow.It was that good. I was so impressed with the flavors and the quality of the food -- especially for a quick service. I also loved that we got real plates, silverware, and trays. It was all beautifully presented.
I chose the chicken because I'd been hearing great things about the flavor, and it did not disappoint. There was a ton of grill flavor, and the chicken wasn't dry at all. I opted for rice because I really hadn't seen many reviews with rice included. Plus, I love rice so much. I found the rice to be well seasoned and the perfect base for my chicken -- though I will definitely have to try the red and sweet potato hash too.On top of my dish was a vegetable slaw that was light and refreshing. Both Brandon and I both enjoyed it a lot. I did not receive any Boba Balls on my tray. I'm not sure if there is gluten in it (I think there must be if it was omitted), but I know that it does contain yogurt, so it's not dairy free. Brandon tried them on his bowl and did not enjoy them at all.
Because I love a good condiment, I had to try both of the gluten free and dairy free sauce options. The Charred Onion Chimichurri is on the right of this picture and was outstanding. I can't say it was something super unique or special, but I love the bright herby flavors of a good chimichurri. This would go really well with the steak.The Creamy Herb Dressing was good, but I have to say that I didn't love it. I'd get it again for sure, but I'd choose the Chimichurri over the Creamy Herb Dressing. Still, I'm happy anytime something that is on the creamy-side is dairy free.Overall, I can't say enough good things about my bowl and the combination that I chose. Of course, now it just makes me want to go back to order different variations!
Brandon got the Slow-Roasted Sliced Grilled Beef with Red and Sweet Potato Hash and the Charred Onion Chimichurri on the side. This dish is also gluten free and dairy free. Unfortunately, we mistakenly forgot to order his as an allergy too, so that I could try it. I didn't want to take a chance since it wasn't prepared as an allergy, even though the dish is naturally gluten free and dairy free.Overall, he really enjoyed this. If you like a rarer steak, I think you would enjoy the texture of the beef. If you like more well done beef, this might not be for you. I have to say that his portion of potatoes were huge. So, if you want the best bang for you buck on a filling meal, the potatoes are the way to go.
Here's a close-up of Brandon's steak bowl. You can see the Boba Balls on his slaw, which weren't on mine. If you have any texture preferences or don't like yogurt, I'd recommend just picking them off or requesting the meal without them. We actually saw a button the cashier screen to remove them from a dish.
As you can see by the trays, our meals were beautifully presented and looked great. The real trays (they weren't plastic) were fantastic, and I really hope they don't change these down the road.On a quick note, I did try the Banshee Chardonnay, a wine made elusively for Pandora. (Brandon got the Mo'ara High Country Ale, which is most definitely NOT gluten free). I have to say at $9.00 the portion was small, and the wine wasn't very good. It's not something I'd order again. We were also surprised that there was not one gluten free dessert option, so we skipped dessert here.
Overall
I can't say enough good things about Satu'li Canteen at Pandora. It's a welcome addition to the theme park, and a real step up for quick service food. The food quality was exceptional, the special diets options were good, and the atmosphere was great. We plan on going back again for breakfast and for lunch or dinner too. I'm dying to try out some of the other bowl combinations when I visit!What do you think about the offerings at Satu'li Canteen? What would you order?
Three Broomsticks -- Lunch -- Quick Service -- Universal Studios Orlando
*This dining experience took place in March 2017.
Lunch at the Three Broomsticks
Recently, we went to Universal Studios Orlando with friends visiting from out of town. And, we spent a lot of time in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It's one of our favorite places in the parks, and they consistently have some of the best food options for special diets guests. On one of the days, we decided to go to the Three Broomsticks, a quick service restaurant located in Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure. I always find the options here to be pretty solid and better than most of the food you can get at Universal Studios. So, I was glad we stopped here for a meal.
Atmosphere
I really can't describe how immersive and...well, magical...that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is. It's truly like walking onto a movie set or actually being in a real life Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley. I can explore these areas for hours, and I'm always impressed by the level of detail, even in the restaurants.
Even right down to the light fixtures and the walls, you really feel like you're in a place that's been around for a long time.
I love the inn-like details in Hogsmeade. It feels like an old inn that has a dining area and pub and also space for guests to rent rooms upstairs too. The mismatched chairs and benches are a nice touch too.I'm pretty sure that whoever designed this restaurant is friend's with Gaston from Beauty and the Beast...because, well, he also likes antlers in all his decorating! (and there's a lot in the Three Broomsticks, as you can see in the photo here)
There's so much rustic charm in the Three Broomsticks. It's a great place in the afternoon to grab a drink from the Hogshead pub next door and just rest. We found a nice cozy booth and enjoyed the good food, drinks, and air conditioning after a long and hot day in the park.
The Food
My last visit to the Three Broomsticks was a little over a year ago, and I ordered the same thing on both visits. One thing that I do love is that a chef will come out and talk to you at this restaurant. It's really one of the few places at Universal Studios where this happens. I was greeted by two chefs at this restaurant -- one in training, and they were super helpful. They went over the options for me, and as you can see by the photo Brandon snapped of me, I was feeling good with the choices.
Gotta love the big thumbs up from me!If you're curious about the different options available at the Three Broomsticks, including breakfast, check out the gluten free and dairy free options listed by Amanda from Gluten & Dairy Free Reviews.
I decided to get the Roasted Chicken Platter. It comes with a half of a roasted chicken (which is huge!), roasted potatoes, and roasted corn. This dish is both gluten free and dairy free. If you want butter, they will give you butter packets on the side for the corn and potatoes. But, if you ask me, you really don't need the butter for this corn. It's always been delicious and super sweet on every visit.I love this dish because it's hearty and satisfying and not your typical theme park fare. Sadly, most of what's available at Universal Studios are burgers. So, this is a nice change of pace.
We also got some drinks at Hogshead, the pub connected to the Three Broomsticks. They serve Strongbow Hard Cider here which is both gluten free and dairy free naturally. The serving sizes are pretty substantial, so that's a nice bonus.
Overall
I really enjoy dining at the Three Broomsticks. The food is substantial and delicious. And, it's nice to get something just a bit different. Add in a great theme, and you've got a good meal option when you dine here. I keep meaning to go here for breakfast sometime. I'm dying to try out the gluten free pancakes!Have you been to the Three Broomsticks? What did you think of the options?
Skipper Canteen -- Lunch -- Table Service -- Magic Kingdom
*This dining experience took place in April 2017.
Dinner at the Skipper Canteen
The Skipper Canteen, located in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom is a table service restaurant themed after the Jungle Cruise attraction. If you're a fan of the Jungle Cruise, chances are you're going to love the Skipper Canteen. On a recent visit to the Magic Kingdom, I met my mom and stepdad for lunch here. It's always fun to visit the Skipper Canteen, because the theme and cast members here are terrific.
Atmosphere
The Skipper Canteen has a terrific backstory that ties into the Jungle Cruise attraction. The theme and backstory make for the perfect backdrop for a restaurant. To learn a bit more about the theme of the restaurant and its backstory, check out my review of our first visit for dinner at the Skipper Canteen. One of my favorite things about the restaurant are the uniquely themed dining rooms. There are three of them: the S.E.A. Room, the Falls Family Parlour, and the crew's mess hall.
We were seated in the Crew's Mess Hall. It's the largest dining room in the restaurant and also the first room that you'll see when you enter the Skipper Canteen. Though I like the theming, I do find it to be the most generic room of the three compared to the impressive Falls Family Parlour and S.E.A. Room -- but there's still a ton of detail in the room.
Dining in the mess hall gives you a lot of backstory about the history of the restaurant, and there's tons of details everywhere you look. Don't forget to look up too -- there's tons of hidden and not-so hidden details on the second floor of the mess hall too.
The Food
One of the reasons I keep going back to the Skipper Canteen is the food. Sure, the theming is great, but what I really love is that the restaurant has an extensive allergy-friendly lunch and dinner menu with a ton of gluten free and even dairy free options. I really appreciate that the restaurant thought of special diets when they created the menu and made sure to use gluten free tamari and even made some dishes gluten free so that there was no modifications needed for gluten free diners.
After ordering our meal on this visit, I was brought Ener-G rolls along with Fenugreek-infused Honey. I also asked for some Earth Balance too. I have to admit that of all the things I've been served at the Skipper Canteen, I'm the most let down by these rolls. They don't seem to be able to heat them properly, so they turn hard almost instantly. It's a shame because I like the honey and having a unique bread service option. I've heard that some people have gotten Deanna's Gluten Free Rolls here (formerly GNI brand), but I forgot to ask about them on this visit.
My mom ordered the Orinogo Ida’s Cachapas. This dish replaces the arepas that were formerly on the menu. I really liked the arepas, so I was surprised to see them gone. But, the cachapas are basically the same type of dish, just changed up a bit. The cachapas are gluten free on the menu (but do contain dairy). They include mojo-braised pork, black bean salad, and avocado cream. My mom said they were really delicious, and they looked delicious too! If you're gluten free, it sounds like these are worth ordering as an appetizer or even your main meal.
For my entree, I ordered the Tastes Like Chicken” Because It Is! dish which includes Crispy Fried Chicken, Citrus and Ginger-scented Rice, Chili Glaze, and Seasonal Vegetables. I ordered this on my last visit and was blown away at how good it was. Believe it or not, it's made naturally gluten free for every single diner in the restaurant. The chicken is coated in cornstarch which is gluten free! How cool is that?!This dish is gluten free and dairy free and just outstanding. The chicken is super crunchy and delicious. I always ask for the chili glaze, which has gluten free tamari in it, to be served on the side. That way I can dip my chicken in it along with my seasonal vegetables and gets lots of extra sauce. Everything in this dish is excellent and really makes a complete meal. While, I contemplated ordering something else, this dish is just too good to pass up.
Overall
When it comes to a lot of gluten free and dairy free options with an pan-Asian flare, you can't go wrong with the Skipper Canteen. Some of the dishes on the menu may be a bit exotic, but there's a bit of something for everyone. Plus, there are very few places where you can get actual gluten free fried chicken, so it's a must-do for me. Add in a great theme and cast member interactions, and you've got a great meal in the Magic Kingdom.Have you been to the Skipper Canteen? What did you think of the special diets options?
Polite Pig -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Disney Springs
*This dining experience took place in April 2017.
Dinner at the Polite Pig
When it comes to good BBQ, I can't say there are a ton of options at the Disney Parks & Resorts. So, I was excited when I heard about the opening of the Polite Pig, a quick service BBQ restaurant located at Disney Springs. The Polite Pig is the sister restaurant to the Ravenous Pig, a very well-known restaurant in Winter Park, FL. The Polite Pig isn't owned and operated by the Disney Company, but does have serious culinary street cred associated with it. The owners are James Beard Award nominees (a pretty big deal in the culinary world), so I had some high hopes for the restaurant. Recently, we stopped by for dinner before going to a movie at the AMC Disney Springs and checked out some of the dinner offerings.
Atmosphere
The restaurant itself is actually bigger than I thought on the inside and seats around 200 guests. When you enter the restaurant, you'll order your meal quick service style (like you do at other similar restaurants like D-Luxe Burger), and your food is brought to your table. There's seating both in the main dining area and in the bar area, as well as outdoor seating too. I liked the mix of high top tables, counter seats, and regular tables and booths.
We chose a regular table in the main dining area. This gave us the perfect chance to check out everything in the restaurant with a great view and lots of space to spread out and eat too.
Brandon and I both agreed that the decor in the restaurant was charming, if just a bit sparse. There were areas where we thought more decor was needed, and it almost seemed like it wasn't quite finished. The industrial theme was great, and I liked a lot of the attention to detail. Plus, the logo and use of pigs throughout the restaurant was quite cute, though it may not appeal to everyone.
There was tons of faux exposed brick and other details that made the restaurant look like it had been around for a long time or was a bit of a hole in the wall restaurant. Having been to some great BBQ cities and states, I've seen lots of restaurants like this, and I appreciated that they tried to model the look after some of these restaurants.
The Food
Of course, we were both looking forward mostly to the food. I'll admit, I'd read quite a few hit or miss reviews of the Polite Pig before we dined there. Some people have really loved it and others have felt like it didn't live up to the hype. I love BBQ and have had some really amazing versions, so I was trying to keep my expectations low going in. Plus, I didn't know if there'd be many gluten free options to try.
When I got to the restaurant, I asked the cast members about gluten free options. I was given a menu with items noted on it that were gluten free. Unfortunately, some that were listed as "safe" included gluten-filled items like breadcrumbs in the dishes. When I pointed this out to the cast member, she gave me another marked up menu that she said was "more complete." Because this restaurant isn't owned by Disney, no manager or chef came out to talk to me, but I was told that they would mark the order as an allergy and the kitchen would change gloves, etc. to prepare my meal.I've also heard conflicting info about the gluten free options. Some people have reported being served the Brussels sprouts, which I was told were not safe but really wanted to try. So definitely speak with a cast member and ask to see ingredients if you're feeling uncomfortable or have more questions. I'd love to see a better gluten free and allergy friendly menu listed.One word about dairy free, vegetarian, and vegan. If you're dairy free or vegan, you may have a hard time at the Polite Pig. A lot of the sides contain dairy. I decided to try them on our visit, as I've been re-introducing a bit of dairy back into my diet. But, if you're vegan or have a dairy allergy, this may not be the best choice for you at Disney Springs.
The Polite Pig is definitely known for its beverage menu. They have tons of drinks, including a Bourbon Bar. We opted for a gin and tonic that came pre-mixed from the tap. I've never seen a gin and tonic like this before, so it was interesting to try. For $10, we were hoping it wasn't too watered down. Both Brandon and I were pleasantly surprised that it was fairly strong and tasted quite good. I wouldn't say it was worth $10 by any means, but I'm glad we tried it at least once.
In addition to ordering drinks at the regular quick service line, you can also order drinks at the indoor and outdoor bar. We both thought coming here for a drink might be the way to go on our next visit. I was told you can also order food along with drinks from the bar area too.
For my meal, I decided to get the pulled pork. It comes served with coleslaw and your choice of one side. For an upcharge, you can add a premium side to replace the coleslaw for a total of two sides. I decided to skip the coleslaw and go for grilled corn on the cob and the potato salad with kale. Brandon got two gluten-filled dishes, including the mac & cheese and the sweet potato tots (which are sadly not gluten free).The pulled pork was good. But, I wouldn't say it was amazing. There was a bit too much fat on the pork for my taste, and the spice rub on the pork seemed a bit unbalanced and heavy-handed. Brandon tried it and really like it, while I thought it was just OK. I think it would have been better on a sandwich.The grilled corn with lime butter was my favorite of the three items I tried. I can't say there was much lime butter flavor to the corn, but I really loved the flavor from the corn being charred and grilled. It look like the butter on the corn was more like clarified butter, as it virtually had no taste to it. I'm not sure if you can order the corn plain with no butter or not, as I did not ask on this visit.The potato salad with kale was entirely too dairy filled for my taste. I like potato salad that's mayonnaise based, but I really dislike versions with sour cream. And, this one seemed to be sour cream based. I tried some and really enjoyed the bacon pieces and kale in the salad, but otherwise, I thought it was bland and just OK.I do wish the restaurant had gluten free buns, because the sandwiches seemed like the most flavorful and interesting items on the menu.
I did ask if the BBQ sauces at the Polite Pig were gluten free, and I was told they all are. You can get them at self-service stations in the restaurant, or you can ask a cast member for some from the kitchen. I tried 3 of the BBQ sauces and thought the Layla's Sweet Sauce was the best of the bunch.
Overall
In general, we thought the Polite Pig was good, but not amazing -- at least for our first visit. I liked everything I ordered, but I wasn't wowed by anything either. Still, it's a solid quick service option with some gluten free options. The prices were a bit steep and reminded me a bit of D-Luxe Burger, but I was glad to see they were honoring discounts for both Annual Passholders and DVC members. 10% is 10% when you're paying nearly $20 for quick service BBQ.I'd like to go back to the Polite Pig again sometime to check out some different menu options. Plus, as a new restaurant, I think they'll be working to adjust and refine their menu in the coming months too.Have you been to the Polite Pig? What are you looking forward to trying there?
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Magic Kingdom
*This dining experience took place in March 2017.
Dinner at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe
When it comes to quick service options at the Magic Kingdom, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe and Columbia Harbour House have long been my two favorite spots. Pecos Bill's has always offered burgers and the famous fixins' bar, but over the past year or so, they restaurant has changed its offerings from burgers and fries to more Tex-Mex inspired options. On a recent visit, we checked them out for dinner. I've become a fan of their rice bowls, so it was nice to grab a solid meal in between riding attractions.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Pecos Bill's is bustling. It seems like it's always busy in here, which sort of goes well with the Frontierland theme of a nearby saloon or watering hole. The seating in here is ample, but usually pretty full. I do love that the interior of the building looks like you're outside. There's lots to look at when you explore the restaurant, and my favorite room has to be the one to your immediate left when you enter the seating area (pictured below). If you go further into the restaurant, you'll actually wind up in the seating area for Tortuga Tavern in Adventureland, since they are technically right beside each other.
The Food
When it come to Pecos Bill's, it's all about the rice bowls. Pecos Bill's does have an allergy-friendly menu, and you can also speak to a manager about special diets options. In fact, when I ordered, I asked to speak to a manager so that I could make sure I got fixins' from the fixins' bar from the back of the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination. The manager I spoke with was happy to oblige, and I was able to pick and choose the fixins' I preferred. The process to get my meal took about 10 minutes or so, which wasn't too bad.
I ordered the Chicken Rice Bowl. Because I'm reintroducing dairy back into my diet, I did not ask for white rice, which is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. The regular seasoned rice contains dairy (cheese) in it. If you have an allergy or want to avoid dairy, do make sure to ask for white rice when you order your rice bowl.My rice bowl came with seasoned rice, black beans, and chicken. On the side, I received several very generous portions of fixins'. I got guacamole, cheese (which I use sparingly), regular salsa, and corn salsa. You can also get other toppings like jalapenos, salsa verde, and sour cream -- depending on your special dietary need. My favorite topping has to be the corn salsa. It's ridiculously good.Overall, the rice bowl was good. It's not the best I've ever had, but compared to some of the other quick service options in the Magic Kingdom, it's a pretty good option. Plus, it's super filling. If you add enough toppings, you can easily split them with your family.On a site note, someone asked me about the Secret Nachos Rio Grande Challenge at Pecos Bill's and if you could get it gluten free. At first the manager told me yes. Then she said no. She mentioned the chips were safe. Then said they weren't. And, she also noted that the ground beef would need to be swapped. With this in mind, I'd say proceed with caution if you're interested in the nachos. Of course, I wasn't getting them so I didn't ask to see the ingredients list which would have helped a lot. For me, I'm sticking to the rice bowls for now!
Overall
Pecos Bill's always hits the spot when I visit there. If you are looking for a solid quick service meal that's filling, Pecos Bill's is definitely a place to go to. Plus, those fixins' from the back make a perfect addition to the rice bowl.Have you been to Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe? What did you think of the rice bowls and other options there?
Yak & Yeti Restaurant -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom
*This dining experience took place in March 2017.
Dinner at the Yak & Yeti Restaurant
The Yak & Yeti is a table service restaurant located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park. Owned & operated by Landry's (who also owns the Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex Cafe), the Yak & Yeti is a restaurant that I haven't dined at in a long time. In fact, I realized that I hadn't dined there since October 2010, so it's been a long time. On this particular occasion, we decided to stop by the Yak & Yeti Restaurant for dinner, while touring the Animal Kingdom Park on a hot day. We all needed to get inside air conditioning, hydrate, and of course, eat!
Atmosphere
I'm always so impressed when I dine at the Yak & Yeti. Even though it's not owned and operated by the Disney Company, it seems like the Yak & Yeti follows Disney's attention to detail and style when it comes to the restaurant theming.
In fact, as we learned from our hostess, all of the artifacts on display in the Yak & Yeti are authentic to their native regions. How cool is that? Both Brandon and I want to go back, not just for the food but to look around and check out all the detail. The restaurant is beautifully themed and decorated.
We were seated on the 2nd floor of the restaurant with a fantastic view of park. It was also much quieter up there too. So, if you're looking for a quieter spot, do ask if you can be seated upstairs.
The Food
I was really looking forward to trying my meal at the Yak & Yeti. After reading other more recent reviews, like this one from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures, I knew that the Yak & Yeti had expanded their gluten free (and dairy free options) to include things like lettuce cups. I wasn't feeling that great on our visit (way too much sun for me), so I opted to get just an entree instead of an appetizer too.Because the restaurant isn't owned by Disney, they don't necessarily have to follow Disney's standards for special diets accommodations. This means you won't find an allergy-friendly menu here. But, thankfully, the chef came out to walk me through the options which was great. Dairy free is super easy with most Asian / Pan-Asian food. And, Yak & Yeti has gluten free soy sauce on hand to make dishes with, which is great. So, there were a lot more choices, than I expected.
One of my favorite things is rice. And, since I wasn't feeling great, I decided to get a version of the noodle bowl but with rice. The dish had both chicken and shrimp in it along with several vegetables including carrots, green onion, and cabbage. With a nice gluten-free soy sauce added, it was the perfect dish for my dinner. Plus, the portion was HUGE! I ended up taking half of it home, it was that large. I would definitely get this dish again, though I'm also wanting to try some of the other dishes there too. I've got to get those gluten free and dairy free lettuce cups sometime!
Overall
I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised with my meal at the Yak & Yeti. The food was delicious, the portions large, and the chef accommodating. Even the non-special diets diners with me all enjoyed their meal. Brandon got the gluteny version of the dish I got and said it was fantastic too. I definitely want to make sure I get back to the Yak & Yeti again soon and maybe even check out the quick service options they serve outside too.Have you been to the Yak & Yeti? What did you enjoy when you dined there?
Sanaa -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village
*This dining experience took place in March 2017.
Dinner at Sanaa
When it comes to favorite restaurants at Disney, I gotta admit, I keep going back to Sanaa. This table service restaurant, located in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is a not-so-hidden gem these days. It seems the word on how amazing Sanaa is has gotten out, and it's become pretty popular. With African and Indian inspired food that might not seem so approachable for a lot of guests, it's a pretty big testament to how great the food is! On this particular occasion, we had dinner at Sanaa with friends who were visiting from out-of-town. I knew they'd enjoy the food and the amazing atmosphere.
Atmosphere
Sanaa is a gorgeous restaurant with a beautiful theme. Sanaa means work of Art in Swahili, and you can see lots of art and artifacts throughout the restaurant.
The restaurant is set to look a bit like you're in the African woods. It's pretty amazing. Plus, even more amazing is the view. If you're ever wanted to dine with giraffes, zebras, spring bok, and other African animals, Sanaa is the place to do it. Sanaa overlooks the savanna at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the views really are amazing.
The Food
In addition to an amazing theme and view, the food at Sanaa is delicious. Even though the food may seem a bit exotic, you'll find that Disney uses these flavors in approachable ways, so you won't end up with super spicy or totally unappealing dishes. If you're not sure what might be safe for your special dietary need, do check out the allergy friendly dinner menu for Sanaa. And, if you see something on the menu that isn't listed, ask to speak with a chef. They can often make easy modifications to dishes (you'll see that first-hand with my meal on this visit too).
The first thing I ordered on this visit was the African Starr Mint Mojito. It's my hands down favorite drink at Sanaa. It's made with rum (typically gluten free), fresh mint, and simple syrup. So tasty and a refreshing alcoholic drink on a hot day.
Up next, our group ordered the Sanaa Bread Service, which is a must do. All of the dips are currently gluten free, and only one dip contains dairy. How awesome is that? Plus, they make gluten free & vegan naan. So, I'm basically in heaven when I get bread service...because...gluten free carbs and dips! The gluten free & vegan naan is made with Cup4Cup Wholesome Flour Blend, which is gluten free and dairy free. If you're craving it at home, you can even make yourself with this recipe for the gluten free and vegan naan.
The chef served my bread on a separate plate, and before everyone else dug into the dips, I made sure to scoop what I wanted onto a safe clean plate for myself. You can always ask for separate containers of dip too (though this may include an upcharge, depending on how many dips your group orders). My favorite dips still include the roasted red bell pepper hummus, tomato date chutney, coriander chutney, and mango chutney. They are so good (and all are gluten free and dairy free).
For my entree, I asked about the Sustainable Fish. I thought it would be similar to the old version of their sustainable fish dish, which included a light curry broth and vegetables. I was told that they could make it gluten free with a few modifications (I did not ask for it to be dairy free, as I have been reintroducing a bit of dairy back into my diet). So, you can imagine my surprise when the tile fish I ordered arrived.I gotta admit, it looked nothing like what I imagined. The little peppers included were actually quite sweet and not spicy at all. They added a bit of punch and flavor to the fish and pap (aka grits) which were both a bit bland. The sauce tasted like coconut milk, but since the dish wasn't listed as dairy free, I'm guessing there was either butter, cream, or milk in the sauce and/or the pap. Everything was tasty, but it definitely wasn't the best thing I've ever ordered at Sanaa. Next time, I'd skip this and go back to some of my favorites like the Durban Shrimp, Goan Seafood Curry, and Grilled New York Strip.
Overall
I can't say enough good things about Sanaa. The restaurant theme is amazing. The view is incredible. And the food is outstanding. There are a ton of gluten free and dairy free options on the menu, and the chefs there are amazing at customizing and modifying dishes. Plus, they have one of the best bread service options for guests with special dietary needs, which is a rarity!Have you been to Sanaa? What do you enjoy about dining there?
Cookes of Dublin -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Disney Springs
*This dining experience took place in March 2017.
Dinner at Cookes of Dublin
Recently, we stopped by Cookes of Dublin for a quick dinner before we caught a movie at the AMC Disney Springs. I'm such a huge fan of Cookes of Dublin and their huge variety of gluten free and dairy free fried foods. Cookes is a non-Disney owned quick service restaurant but does an amazing job with special diets. It's owned by Irish celebrity Chef Kevin Dundon, who is extremely dedicated to making gluten free and special diets options for guests. So, when you go to Cookes of Dublin or Raglan Road Irish Pub next door, you're going to have a great meal. On this occasion, I had been hoping to get the entree Hog in a Box, with roasted ham and potatoes that can be made gluten free. Sadly, it was sold out that night, as it's extremely popular! But, no worries. I can always get a good meal at Cookes of Dublin.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere in Cookes of Dublin is exactly what you'd expect from a hole in the wall pub or fish and chips shop. It's nothing fancy, but it's clean and bright and the perfect spot for a nice meal or drink.
The Food
What you really go to Cookes of Dublin for is the food. I'm a huge fan of their gluten free and dairy free fried fish and chips. I've also recently fallen in love with their battered burger, which sounds a bit crazy but is so delicious! On this particular visit, I was looking for something different. So, I decided to get the herb chicken sandwich. It's fairly simple -- grilled chicken, mixed greens, tomato chutney, and an herb aioli (aka mayo). If you want the dish to be dairy free, just ask for the herb aioli to be removed, as it contains a bit of dairy to it. Served on a gluten free bun, it's a nice option that's not greasy and is so flavorful.
Of course, I had to get something fried at Cookes of Dublin...because gluten free and dairy free fried foods!! I decided to swap out the fries that come with the chicken sandwich for onion rings. The great thing is on this visit, I didn't get charged extra for the swap either. I'm not sure if that's normal, but it was nice to see no upcharge. The onion rings were perfect. Super crispy, not greasy, and just delicious. I always ask for some cocktail sauce and tartar sauce (both are gluten free and dairy free) to dip my onion rings in too. So good!
Overall
Cookes of Dublin continues to be one of my favorite quick service spots at Disney Springs. It may not be the newest restaurant at Disney Springs anymore, but it's such a delicious and solid choice. If you're on a special diet and craving gluten free and dairy free fried foods, this is the place to go for a fast quick service meal. It always satisfies my fried food cravings, and I really appreciate how safe they are with preparing my food in dedicated fryers.Have you been to Cookes of Dublin? What's your favorite thing to order?
Geyser Point Bar and Grill -- Lunch -- Quick Service -- Wilderness Lodge
*This dining experience took place in March 2017.
Lunch at Geyser Point Bar and Grill
Geyser Point Bar and Grill is Disney's newest restaurant to open. Located in the new Disney Vacation Club Boulder Ridge Villas area of Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Geyser Point Bar and Grill offers quick service food in an open-air bar setting. It's a unique concept that includes a quick service counter to order breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with a seated lounge area that includes the quick service menu along with a special bar menu that offers additional food options. I've been hearing a lot about the new restaurant, so we finally had a chance to check it out. I dined with a large group, including some friends who were visiting from out-of-state, so we got a chance to see a lot of the menu.
Atmosphere
I have to say that the restaurant / lounge seating area is very nice. It's all open-air which means, you'll be technically eating al fresca (aka outside) with a covered roof. At this time of year, the temperature was perfect with a nice breeze and a bit of warmth, but I can see that it could get a bit uncomfortable in very hot or cold temperatures. They do have fans and heaters so it will be interesting to see how it is at less than ideal temps.
We had a big table near the edge of the restaurant with a great view of the water. I really loved the big comfy chairs, though I'll admit they presented a bit of a challenge trying to eat later on. But, if you're there just getting appetizers in drinks, you'll be so comfortable that you may not want to leave. We sure didn't!
The seating area does include a large bar. I really liked that they had the cocktail menu on a screen along with Disney park information too.
The best part about this restaurant is the view. The outdoor dining on a nice breezy and warm day was just perfection. The views of the water were so nice and just made for a really relaxing and low-key meal.Unfortunately, I didn't get as many photos as I would have liked to. For more photos of the interior of the restaurant area, definitely check out Disney Food Blog's review for tons more photos!
The Food
I've been dying to check out the food options here. I've always had great luck at the Wilderness Lodge restaurants, so I was figuring I would have the same great options at Geyser Point Bar and Grill. Currently, they do not have an allergy-friendly menu, but I was able to speak with a chef. They must be really popular with special diets now, as I was asked to come up with several options prior to ordering as the chefs were busy and may not be able to speak with me that long.I had been eyeing the salmon BLT, bison burger, and crab cakes on the regular menu. I didn't ask about the lounge menu, but I really want to next time because it looked like there were some nice options. When the chef came out, he said that the crab cakes were not gluten free (they contain panko) and that the cheeseburger, bison burger, and Salmon BLT could all be made gluten free. The waffle fries are also gluten free and made in a dedicated fryer. Well, you know what I had to order...waffle fries!
I asked the chef his recommendation, and he said the Salmon BLT, which is what I ordered. He noted that the Bison Burger was a bit gamey, and it's not something everyone likes. Brandon and his friend ordered the Bison Burger did mention that it was a bit gamey, so if you're not a fan of game meat, you may want to get a regular burger instead.The Salmon BLT was served on Udi's Gluten Free bread with arugula and a Lemon Caper Mayonnaise. I found the sandwich to be good, but not amazing. I actually thought the Salmon was not the best quality. It definitely wasn't as amazing as the Salmon BLT I got at the Boathouse. The mayonnaise on it was good but definitely nothing too special.The best part of my meal were the waffles fries. Holy cow they were good. Everyone at the table raved about them. They had a slight seasoning to them and were extremely well fried. I seriously could have eaten a plate of them. On the side, I actually tried the Marionberry Barbecue Sauce that comes with the Bison Burger, and it was good. It's more like jam and sweet, so if you're not up for sweet barbecue sauce, you may want to avoid it. I seriously just wanted to take it home and put it on gluten free toast in the morning.On a side note, I did not ask about dairy free at this meal. Because I've been reintroducing dairy back into my diet a bit, I did just ask about gluten. I would suspect that the only potential dairy in this dish was in the mayonnaise. Otherwise, none of the other components would have had dairy. That being said, there are definitely dairy free options here if you ask.
Overall
We all thought that Geyser Point Bar and Grill had solid lunch options. The portions were large and the food quality was definitely a step up from most quick service options. I would definitely like to go back again and try some other dishes, especially from the lounge menu. Brandon and I loved the view here and can see just coming back for a drink and relaxing. Plus, it looks like it'd be a killer place to have brunch!What do you think of the newly opened Geyser Point Bar and Grill? What would you like to order on the menu.
D-Luxe Burger -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Disney Springs
*This dining experience took place in March 2017.
Dinner at D-Luxe Burger
When it comes to getting a good burger on Disney property, D-Luxe Burger, located at Disney Springs is a good place to get your burger fix. A quick service restaurant owned & operated by Disney, D-Luxe Burger is a solid quick service option, with simple, yet delicious options for guests who are gluten free and dairy free. They also carry a veggie burger (though I'm told it's not vegan or gluten free), for those looking for vegetarian options. Recently, we stopped by for dinner before going to see a movie at the AMC Theatre at Disney Springs.
Atmosphere
D-Luxe Burger has a charming back-story. You can read all about it on my post from my first visit. I do love the rustic theme. There's tons of exposed brick and cool light fixtures. My only complaint is that the restaurant is oddly set up. There are only two cash registers, which causes frequent bottle-necking and huge lines out the door. There's also a bit of seating in the front, and I always sort of feel bad for those folks sitting there, as they are right in the middle of the action, as the crowds pour in. The restaurant could have done with removing some of the seating up-front and adding in more cash registers.
My favorite section of the restaurant is in the far back. It includes some cozy benches and ample seating. Plus, it just feels a little less removed from all the hubbub up front.
On this visit, we ended up sitting outside in the covered seating area. Unfortunately, there just weren't good seating options inside. Thankfully, it wasn't too hot out, so we could enjoy eating outside without too much humidity and heat. But, in the summer, outside seating can be brutal -- even with fans and shade.
The Food
But, I don't go to D-Luxe Burger for the atmosphere. To me, it's all about those burgers and fries. And, oh yes, they are worth a trip. On this visit, I decided to keep it simple with a cheeseburger and fries. Because I've been re-introducing dairy back into my diet a bit, I opted for the cheeseburger, but you can easily get a burger without cheese. I also got a side order of fries, which are made in a dedicated fryer, along with my favorite dipping sauces.If you can have dairy, get the chipotle mayo. You will not regret it! I also love the 3 mustard and honey (which is gluten free and dairy free) and chipotle mayo (also gluten free and dairy free). One word about the sauces. Do check with the chef when you order. I've been told by some readers that the 3 mustard and honey dip contains dairy, but I've been told by the chefs it doesn't. So, definitely check the ingredients before you consume.
Overall, I really enjoy the burgers here. They are a major step up from the typical frozen burger patties you find on Disney property. Plus, the toppings are top notch. I got my cheeseburger with a Local Oven gluten free bun. You can also get your burger in a lettuce wrap. I know that Alexis from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures prefers the lettuce wrap. You can read about her experience on her blog.
I have to admit, that my favorite part of the meal might be the fries. They are just insanely good. Fresh and handcut, they remind me of the type of fries from a fair or even at a restaurant like 5 Guys. The best part is that they are completely gluten free and dairy free and fried in a dedicated fryer.
Overall
D-Luxe Burger continues to be a solid choice for me whenever I got to Disney. The burgers are great and the fries are equally delicious. My only complaint would be the prices. It's expensive. For $10-$15, you are only getting a burger and need to pay another $5 for fries. If you're an annual passholder, there is currently a 20% discount which helps a lot. I know my burger and fries on this visit were around $12.75 with the discount for both, making it much more affordable. But, I've also paid around $25 at full price for a specialty burger and fries. Yikes. Still, if you're craving a good burger, D-Luxe is a good option with solid choices. If you're looking for less pricey options, you may be better off going to a table service restaurant for around the same price, or maybe a bit cheaper. But, if you're at Disney Springs, it's definitely a good go-to.Have you been to D-Luxe Burger? What did you think of the options?
Liberty Tree Tavern -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Magic Kingdom
*This dining experience took place in March 2017.
Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern
Hear ye! Hear ye! Liberty Tree Tavern, located in Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom is a table service restaurant that offers a la carte offerings and a family-style all-you-care-to-eat dinner. I've always enjoyed my meals at Liberty Tree Tavern because it's like getting Thanksgiving style food any time of the year. Plus, where else can you get gluten free and dairy free stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy?! The last time I visited was at lunch-time, where you can get a version of their dinner Pilgrim's Feast. I haven't been to dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern in at least a good year & 1/2, so I was excited to go when my family made reservations to dine there.
Atmosphere
Liberty Tree Tavern's theme reflects the colonial times in America. It's rustic and homey. Just like you'd expect from an inn if you stopped by for a meal after a long day's journey. The outside has nice benches where you can sit and relax while you wait to be seated. It's generally very relaxing there!
Once inside, you'll find the rustic theme keeps going. You'll find a fireplace in the main lobby and every inch of Liberty Tree Tavern is decorated in a colonial fashion. You just about expect George Washington to join you for dinner.
Even more lucky, you can dine in the cozy rooms, including the George & Martha Washington room, where we ate. The room is filled with paintings and knickknacks and is quite charming.
And pro tip. It's the only room in the restaurant with a hidden Mickey. It's in this picture, though it might be hard to find unless you are there in person.Overall, you'll find the theming of Liberty Tree Tavern to be perfectly matched with the comforting food.
The Food
I love Liberty Tree Tavern for its simple and delicious food. I admit, I miss the days when they served carved ham instead of roasted pork and offered two seasonal vegetables instead of one. But, you really still can't go wrong with a meal from Liberty Tree Tavern.
To start your bill of fare, you'll be served the Declaration Salad which is pretty simple but comes tossed in a strawberry vinaigrette. It's really light and super yummy. Our entire group, gluten and gluten free eaters shared the same salad bowl, but you can ask for a separate one too, if you are concerned about cross-contamination if you're family is enjoying rolls with their meal.
On this visit, I was served Ener-G brand allergy friendly rolls (they are also vegan) along with Earth Balance vegan buttery spread. I'm not sure what the chef did to these rolls, but they were actually well-heated and tasted quite good. Usually, I find the Ener-G rolls to be poorly heated and a bit like styrofoam, so this was a welcome change.
But, the real star of the meal is the Pilgrim's Feast. Served family style it includes roasted pork, roast beef, roast turkey breast, seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes, gravy, and stuffing. On some visits, I've had this served communally where everyone can eat the vegetables and meats, while I've been given separate platters for gluten free and dairy free stuffing and mashed potatoes. But, on this visit, I got my own platter.For my preferences, the roast turkey is the best meat offered. I found the beef to be too rare and very fatty. We actually asked to get some more well-cooked beef at the table, and we received a plate of microwaved beef. It both looked gross and tasted terrible too. The roasted pork was good, but I don't think it fits well with the meal theme. The pork actually had cumin in it, which was good, but it really did not go in any way with a "Thanksgiving" type dinner. I know that they share a kitchen with the Skipper Canteen, so I half wondered if the pork is there so it can be used for both restaurants. Either way, it just wasn't my favorite.The stars of my meal were the gluten free and dairy free stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy. I loved them all. Getting gluten free and dairy free stuffing anywhere besides home is such a rarity. So, it's nice to see Liberty Tree Tavern add this to their menu. The same goes for dairy free mashed potatoes too. These were quite good.And even better?I got a whole gravy bowl of gluten free and dairy free gravy to enjoy. It's so good that my family actually prefers it over Liberty Tree's regular gluten-filled version. So, we usually get gluten free gravy for the whole table.
For dessert options that are gluten free and dairy free, your only options are fruit and sorbet (or both). I do wish they had some better dessert options like they used to have. A few years ago, Chef Alfonso created a gluten free & dairy free waffle with non-dairy ice cream and cranberry compote. It was SO good, and I wish they still had this for special diets guests.Of course, I was really full after my meal, so sorbet wasn't a bad option when you're stuffed to the brim with gluten free & dairy free stuffing!
Overall
Liberty Tree Tavern is a great place to have dinner. It's comfort food and holiday food, perfect for just about any day of the year. Plus, the fact that they offer gluten free and dairy free stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy is a huge bonus. It's a restaurant that has solid options and will satisfy your holiday meal cravings for sure.Have you been to Liberty Tree Tavern? What did you like when you dined there?
Maple Popcorn -- Snacks -- Quick Service -- Magic Kingdom
*This post contains ingredient information from March 3, 2017. Always double-check with a cast member to ensure that an item is safe for your special dietary need before consuming. I admit it. I'm a popcorn addict. I love just about any kind of popcorn, as long as it's gluten free, dairy free and fresh. So, you can imagine how excited I got when I read on the DisneyFoodBlog that there was a new fresh popcorn option in Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom -- Maple Popcorn. I love fresh kettle corn, so knowing that the maple popcorn was similar, I knew I had to at least go to the stand to see if the ingredients would be safe for me to eat.I stopped by the Frontierland Popcorn Cart recently, and asked the friendly cast member there if I could look at the ingredients binder. The ingredients binder will let you know all of the ingredients in a particular snack item at a kiosk and notes allergens. I was super excited to see that the Maple Popcorn ingredients didn't indicate any gluten or dairy in it -- making it gluten free and dairy free. It's also free of many other allergens too, but does contain soy, tree nut (coconut), and corn. It also appears to be vegan, which is great!
But, let's get to the popcorn! We decided to get a regular popcorn container of the Maple Popcorn. At $5.25, it is definitely pricey and more expensive than the regular freshly popped popcorn (which is also gluten free, dairy free, and vegan). But, I'm told that if you buy a regular popcorn bucket in the park, you could easily get the $1.50 refill with Maple Popcorn, which would be a great deal.Of course, if you ask me, the $5.25 was totally worth every penny. Plus, if you're on the Disney Dining Plan, it is a snack credit too.
We were lucky enough to get freshly popped Maple Popcorn. It was slightly sticky and warm, and a cross between kettle corn and caramel corn. The popcorn itself was sweet, but not overly sweet and a little salty. And, yes, if you like kettle corn, you're gonna love maple popcorn. I wouldn't say the maple flavor was very strong, but it definitely had a slight hint of maple.
To put it simply. It was SO good!I can't tell you how excited I was to see that this popcorn was gluten free and dairy free and that it lived up to my expectations. I can't wait to go back to the Magic Kingdom again, just so I can get this!What do you think of the Maple Popcorn offered at Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom? Is it on your must try list?