11/7/20 11/7/20

Le Cellier Dinner Review

Le Cellier, located in the Canada Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase, is a signature table service restaurant that both Brandon and I haven't been to in years. We both have really enjoyed our meal experiences at Le Cellier over the years, but we haven't been in so long due to the hefty price of this steakhouse's meals. In September, during our mini-staycation at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, we decided to finally make a visit back to Le Cellier for a late afternoon/early evening dinner.

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

Dinner at Le Cellier

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

On this particular visit, we made reservations for the restaurant several weeks before we dined there using the My Disney Experience app. The app worked as it normally does, and we were able to add in our special dietary needs in the app and alert cast members of our needs when we arrived at the restaurant. We also utilized online restaurant check-in when we arrived at Le Cellier. Online check-in includes using your My Disney Experience app to check-in yourself. It’s super easy, and I hope Disney keeps this going forward too.

All cast members wore facial masks and some cast members wore protective shields, as well. All servers in the restaurant wore both facial masks and protective shields. Throughout Epcot, we did see many cast members cleaning, and there were many opportunities to sanitize, including hand washing stations and hand sanitizer stations throughout the park.

As a note, at the time of writing this review, we have been to Epcot and Animal Kingdom theme parks along with several of the Disney Resorts, including the Contemporary Resort, Coronado Springs Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Old Key West Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, and Riviera Resort. All locations have the same protocols, as far as we have observed. Be sure to check with restaurants and the official Disney World website for additional information about current guidelines and recommendations.

Atmosphere

One of the things that we love most about Le Cellier is the cozy atmosphere. It's meant to resemble a wine cellar in a Canadian chateau. You'll notice that the moment you walk-up to the restaurant, where you'll see the entrance nestled below a sprawling chateau.

Le Cellier - Exterior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Even more impressive before you even walk into the restaurant is the area's recreation of Boutchart Gardens, located in British Colombia. The exterior really helps transport you to Canada.

As you enter the restaurant, the feelings of a wine cellar are ever present -- with beautiful wine bottles displayed, rich dark woods, and the subtly dimmed lighting. Everything about the theming really works.

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

Once seated, you'll notice some of the more elegant and elaborate features of the restaurant -- the beautiful woodwork. The colors of the wood are rich and dark, helping reinforce that cozy vibe. And, I absolutely love the beautiful metalwork edged above the wood the highlights cities and areas within Canada. In fact, if you look closely, you'll see that each section of the restaurant is broken up by Canadian provinces.

On our visit, we were seated in Ontario. I was so excited to see a tribute to Prince Edward Island, because one of my favorite book series from childhood was Anne of Green Gables.

It really is worth the time to take a look at the impressive handiwork throughout the restaurant. It's one of the things that makes Le Cellier's theme even better.

The Food

Like most restaurants at Disney World, Le Cellier does offer an allergy-friendly menu. But, I highly recommend speaking directly to a chef when you dine at Le Cellier. Chef Tony, who works here, is fantastic at accommodating and making amazing dishes that are safe for a variety of special dietary needs, if you ask!

Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On this visit, we spoke with Chef Tony, and he was able to make quite a few things for us that were either slightly modified or aren't listed on the menu -- like gluten free & vegetarian (and easily made dairy free and vegan) poutine!

Le Cellier - Montreal 75 Drink — Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Before we started our meal, Brandon and I did order drinks. I wanted to highlight the drink that I got -- the Montreal 75. Spirits can be tricky when you're gluten free. And while most medical research indicates that spirits distilled with gluten-containing grains are considered safe (unless they've had added flavors that have gluten added to them after distillation), they can still be an issue for many who have celiac disease.

I wanted to highlight my drink because it contains Dillon's Small Batch Gin produced in the Niagara Region in Canada and is made entirely from Niagara grapes and is not made with any gluten-containing grains. So, if you're a fan of gin drinks and are gluten free, this is a great option. Plus, the gin is really tasty and has a unique flavor that's really refreshing for a slightly different take on gin. I recommend this gin and the drink I had at Le Cellier -- which is essentially a twist on a French 75 -- highly.

Le Cellier - Whiskey Drink — Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon, ever the whiskey fan, got a whiskey drink and really enjoyed it too.

For our bread service, Chef Tony brought out Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread and extra virgin olive oil for me. It's always nice to know that you can get a dairy free or vegan butter option in most Disney-owned restaurants.

The Earth Balance worked perfectly with the Bloomfield Farms Gluten Free & Dairy Free Rolls I was given. Even better? Chef Tony brought me a container of maple sugar to add to my Earth Balance for a sweet and salty twist to bread service.

I have to admit, this might be one of the best bread service options I've had in a while. I absolutely loved the subtle, sweet flavors in the maple sugar on the warm gluten free & dairy free rolls. Definitely be sure to ask about the maple sugar when you dine at Le Cellier!

Le Cellier - Bread in this photo is NOT gluten free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW — Le Cellier - Bread in this photo is **NOT** gluten free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon was able to get the regular gluten-filled bread service. If you're nut free, of course, always speak with a chef to determine cross-contamination risks and your comfort level for consuming breads.

The bread service included a multi-grain roll, sourdough roll, and pretzel rolls. Of all three breads, Brandon said the pretzel bread was by far his favorite.

When we arrived at Le Cellier, I had a feeling that poutine was going to be off the table for me and Brandon -- primarily due to all of our special dietary needs. Imagine our surprise when Chef Tony said that we could get a poutine that was not only gluten free, but chicken & turkey free for Brandon's allergies. Though not listed on the menu, you can request a vegetarian (and easily made vegan and dairy free by swapping out the cheese for a DF option) poutine.

The version we received was made with a gluten free and vegetarian/vegan/dairy free gravy. While our version had a small amount of regular dairy-filled cheese on it, you can order it dairy free and vegan. The restaurant is currently using Violife gluten free, dairy free, nut free, and vegan cheese for those DF/vegan guests.

Goodness gracious was this poutine amazing. We were both expecting it to be tasty, but we were entirely unprepared at how good it would be. The gluten free, dairy free & vegan gravy was rich and had a depth of flavor that really surprised me. It had an almost meaty taste to it, and I think even the biggest of meat eaters would enjoy this.

Both Brandon and I devoured this dish quickly, and we both said we'd love to come back to Le Cellier for drinks and orders of poutine. It's just that good. If you're debating on an appetizer at Le Cellier, just order this poutine. You won't regret it!

Le Cellier - NY Strip — Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For our main entrees, I ordered a modified version of the USDA Prime New York Strip Steak. I was able to swap out the potatoes it normally comes with for the mushroom risotto usually served with the filet mignon. This entire dish was easily made gluten free & dairy free by swapping out the side dish.

The mushroom risotto usually contains cheese and butter, but those are added as finishing touches to the dish. So, you can easily get it gluten free & dairy free by omitting the cheese and butter. Easy peasy!

Overall, I can't say enough good things about the dish. The steak was cooked perfectly and was really well-seasoned. The chimichurri that comes with the steak was absolutely delicious. I also really enjoyed the mushroom risotto, which was super rich and creamy -- even without the dairy. This was definitely a solid dish that I would highly recommend to anyone who is gluten free & dairy free.

As a bonus, Chef Tony brought out a side dish of Brussels Sprouts, as he said I had to try them. And, like the poutine, I was absolutely blown away by this dish.

The Brussels Sprouts are gluten free, dairy free, vegan, and top 8 allergy-friendly. Made with maple syrup and a lot of roasting, the Brussels Sprouts were sweet, salty, and just perfection. I would 100% get these again. In fact, I'm not sure I could go to Le Cellier and NOT get them. They were that good.

Le Cellier - Filet — Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For Brandon's entree, he opted for the Filet Mignon. Like me, his dish was slightly modified. Instead of the risotto, he was able to get mashed potatoes with this dish. His dish was safe for his allergies: fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, chicken/turkey, and cabbage. It is also gluten free too.

Brandon also said his filet was perfectly cooked and that the mashed potatoes were excellent.

Le Cellier - Regular Mac & Cheese — Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Of course, Brandon loves gluten-filled macaroni & cheese, and he just couldn't pass up ordering a side of the version from Le Cellier. It contained 5 different types of cheeses, and Brandon raved at how good it was. You know it's high praise when Brandon says it's a must order after a few bites -- which he said with this version from Le Cellier!

If you want to get more information about our visit to Le Cellier, we did film our visit and included it in our Mini-Staycation video day on our YouTube channel.

Overall

While it's been many years since we've been to Le Cellier, Brandon and I were beyond impressed by our most recent visit. Not only was the atmosphere just as cozy and inviting as we remembered, but the food there was absolutely delicious. If you're a steak lover, you'll really enjoy the well-cooked, high-quality steaks at Le Cellier. If you're vegetarian, vegan, or not a steak fan, you'll find plenty of options and the ability to get customized dishes too. And, don't forget to order poutine on your visit. There are several other options, beyond the version we tried, and we can't recommend the poutine enough! Overall, we had a great time and really appreciated how accommodating the restaurant was for all of our special dietary needs. We'll definitely be back again sooner, rather than later.

Have you been to Le Cellier? What was your experience dining there?

9/7/20 9/7/20

Sanaa Dinner Review

Sanaa, located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village, reopened in July 2020 after the Disney Parks & Resorts closed temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It's hands down one of my favorite restaurants at Disney World. In fact, just before the parks & resorts closed temporarily, we had enjoyed a great meal there for my birthday. In August 2020, we took a mini one day staycation at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort. So, dinner at Sanaa was a must on that visit.

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

Dinner at Sanaa

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

On this particular visit, we made reservations for the restaurant a few days before we dined there. I used the My Disney Experience app and found that there was a late evening seating, which we decided to book (the restaurant closed at 9 p.m.). The app worked as it normally does, and we were able to add in our special dietary needs in the app and alert cast members of our needs when we arrived at the restaurant. We also utilized online restaurant check-in when we arrived at Sanaa. Online check-in includes using your My Disney Experience app to check-in yourself. It’s super easy, and I hope Disney keeps this going forward too.

The Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort itself featured many mechanisms to provide sanitization, social distancing, and safety for both guests and cast members. All cast members wore facial masks and some cast members also wore protective shields, as well. All servers in the restaurant wore both facial masks and protective shields. In addition, there were many portable hand sanitizer stations for guests to use. We also saw cast members regularly cleaning surfaces and restrooms throughout our visit.

While Jambo House was very quiet during our mini staycation, we found that Kidani Village -- where Sanaa is located -- was a bit busier. There was a bit of crowding in the lobby area of Sanaa. We think this may have been due to guests waiting for to-go/takeaway orders along with other guests waiting to be seated. We were able to social distance as best we could, but we found the lobby to be a little more crowded than we would have liked. Currently, Sanaa is the only restaurant open between both sides of the resort. So, it's not a surprise that the restaurant was busy. Once we were seated, we felt much more comfortable with the social distancing spacing in place versus the lobby.

As a note, at the time of writing this review, we have been to several of the Disney Resorts, including the Contemporary Resort, Old Key West Resort, and Riviera Resort. All locations have the same protocols, as far as we have observed. Be sure to check with restaurants and the official Disney World website for additional information about current guidelines and recommendations.

Atmosphere

Sanaa means "work of art" in Swahili. And, the restaurant itself truly is a work of art.

Sanaa - Check-In Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Even when you arrive at the check-in counter, you'll be treated to beautiful African and Indian inspired decor.

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

Inside the restaurant, you'll find uniquely designed chairs, bright colors, and beautiful decorations. I absolutely love the unique designs in the restaurant -- making it feel truly special.

My favorite part of the restaurant is actually above you when you dine. If you look, the main interior of the restaurant resembles a tree, its branches, and leaves. All of the light fixtures in the restaurant are especially beautiful.

As you can see from this photo, the seating area was well set-up for social distancing. In fact, so far, it might be the best social distanced seating we've experienced at Disney World. Brandon and I had a great seat right by the window where we could enjoy a view of the giraffes, zebras (including the new baby zebra), and other animals on the Savannah. But, even if you don't get a window seat, there is plenty of amazing theming to take in while you dine at Sanaa.

The Food

Like most restaurants at Disney World, Sanaa does offer an allergy-friendly menu. We also spoke directly to a chef, as well, to discuss options. Chef Kimi was excellent at helping us navigate the menu to ensure that we had the most up-to-date information about options and customizations for our special dietary needs.

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

My biggest recommendation with allergy-friendly menus is to always look at the regular menu too. Sanaa is extremely gluten free and dairy free friendly. And, many dishes that are naturally gluten free may not be listed on the allergy-friendly menu as an option. I always ask and double-check because there are so many great dishes on the menu to enjoy.

Up first, we had to start with the Allergy-Friendly Bread Service. It's a must order anytime we dine at Sanaa. And, neither of us could ever visit the restaurant without ordering it. The Allergy-Friendly Bread Service can be customized for a variety of special dietary needs.

The allergy-friendly naan bread (which is made in-house, so use your own judgement and comfort level regarding cross-contamination) uses the Cup4Cup Wholesome Flour Blend and is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut, and Soy Allergies on the menu. To my knowledge, there are no actual tree nuts in the bread. But, they use coconut milk which is classified by the FDA as a tree nut (even though it's a fruit). Be sure to speak directly to a chef about this or any other special diets concerns that you have to ensure you feel safe consuming any item.

The dips/sauces included in the allergy-friendly bread service are all amazing. The regular line-up of dips are all gluten free & dairy free EXCEPT the cucumber raita which contains dairy. You can easily swap out a sauce and double-up on your favorite depending on your special dietary need.

We were both so thrilled that the allergy-friendly bread service was on the temporary allergy-friendly menu, as it's truly one of our favorite parts of any Sanaa meal. It didn't disappoint on this visit either!

For my entree, after a lot of debating on what to order (because everything is amazing at Sanaa), I decided to get the Sustainable Fish prepared with Geelrys Rice, Sukama Wiki, and Citrus Butter. It is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Peanut/Tree Nut, Shellfish, and Soy Allergies on the allergy-friendly menu. I believe it can be made dairy free. But, you'll want to speak with a chef about that option.

Overall, this was an outstanding dish. The fish was beautifully cooked and well-seasoned. And, the rice offered a sweet and sour twist that paired really well with the fish. It's a dish I've ordered many times. And, I would definitely get it again.

I do also love the curries at the restaurant too. So, be sure to check out some of the other options, like the Cilantro-Coconut Vegetables, which is so flavorful and delicious (and naturally gluten free & dairy free).

Sanaa - The Mac & Cheese in this Photo is NOT Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW — Sanaa - The Mac & Cheese in this Photo is **NOT** Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For Brandon's entree, he ordered the Grilled New York Strip with Roasted Potatoes Vinaigrette, Harvest Vegetables, and Bain’s Butter. This dish is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. He also ordered a side dish of the kid's Macaroni & Cheese, which was made safe for Brandon's fish/shellfish, peanut, cabbage, hazelnut, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Usually the Sanaa menu has mashed potatoes listed as a side dish option, which Brandon usually gets in place of the roasted potatoes -- which he is not a fan of. But, Sanaa is not currently offering mashed potatoes during this time. So, he thought he'd give them another try. Like previous visits, he was not a fan of the seasoning and vinegar on the potatoes. He did, however, absolutely love everything else including the steak and mac & cheese.

During our visit, Sanaa was offering to-go/takeaway orders for their full menu. So, even though we dined in the restaurant, I asked if I could get a dessert to go. I debated back and forth between the Kheer (which is dairy free and plant-based and can be made gluten free) and the Triple Chocolate Mousse (which is gluten free as is but contains dairy).

Ultimately, I decided to get the gluten free Triple Chocolate Mousse and enjoy it in our room later in the evening. If you're gluten free, this is a fantastic dessert that isn't overly heavy but has great flavor. Thought not listed on the allergy-friendly menu, the restaurant almost always has seasonal Kulfi (ice cream) and tapioca pudding that are both usually gluten free (and the tapioca pudding is both gluten free & dairy free). So do be sure to ask a chef about options!

If you want to get more information about our visit to Sanaa, we did film our visit and included it in our Mini-Staycation video day 1 on our YouTube channel.

Overall

Sanaa has always been and continues to be one of my most favorite restaurants at Walt Disney World. With a menu that is extremely special diets friendly and delicious food, there's truly something for everyone on the Sanaa menu. It's definitely a restaurant that we recommend to anyone visiting Disney World for something unique and delicious.

Have you been to Sanaa? What was your experience dining there?

9/6/20 9/6/20

Topolino's Terrace Dinner Review

Topolino's Terrace, located at Disney's Riviera Resort, reopened in July 2020 after the Disney Parks & Resorts closed temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the parks & resorts closing, we hadn't had a chance to have dinner or breakfast yet at Topolino's Terrace since the resort itself has only been open since December 2019. So, when we were able to find a reservation for the restaurant recently, we decided it might be a good time to finally dine there.

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

Dinner at Topolino's Terrace

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

On this particular visit, we made our reservation a few days before we dined at Topolino's Terrace. I used the My Disney Experience app and found that there was a 5:05 p.m. seating, which we decided to book (the restaurant opens at 5 p.m. nightly). The app worked as it normally does, and we were able to add in our special dietary needs in the app and alert cast members of our needs when we arrived at the restaurant. We also utilized online restaurant check-in when we arrived at Topolino's Terrace. Online check-in includes using your My Disney Experience app to check-in yourself. It’s super easy, and I hope Disney keeps this going forward too.

The Riviera Resort itself featured many mechanisms to provide sanitization, social distancing, and safety for both guests and cast members. All cast members wore facial masks and some cast members also wore protective shields, as well. All servers in the restaurant wore both facial masks and protective shields. In addition, there were many portable hand sanitizer stations for guests to use. We also saw cast members regularly cleaning surfaces and restrooms throughout our visit. The resort itself was moderately busy but social distancing was fairly easy in most places (except the lobby, which is a bit on the smaller side). The restaurant was extremely quiet during our visit and the social distancing for diners made it feel even less crowded, which was great.

Atmosphere

The Riviera Resort and Topolino's Terrace are inspired by the European Riviera. The restaurant is specifically inspired by both the French and Italian Riviera. The most notable aspect of this inspiration is the different food options.

Topolino's Terrace - Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The restaurant is located on the 10th floor of the Riviera Resort. Upon exiting the elevator, you'll find yourself in front of the restaurant's entrance. This is currently where cast members will take your temperature prior to you dining in the restaurant. There were also several hand sanitizing stations, as well (and the restrooms are nearby too).

Topolino's Terrace - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Both Brandon and I were absolutely wowed by the decor in Topolino's Terrace. We both loved how modern, clean, and bright the restaurant was. Both of us loved the color palette of the chairs, carpet, and lighting.

In addition to plentiful traditional table seating, there were also several cozy booths and ample bar/lounge seating.

We both felt the restaurant was elegant and chic. And, we both felt the ambiance reminded us of the Disney Cruise Line with the music and decor. In short, we both really loved the restaurant's decor.

Topolino's Terrace / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Topolino's Terrace also has a moderately sized terrace with outstanding views of Walt Disney World. This would be the perfect location to watch fireworks when they are restarted again, while enjoying a delicious cocktail.

The Food

Like most Disney owned restaurants, Topolino's Terrace currently offers an allergy-friendly dinner menu. We were also told by our server, Christopher, that we could speak with a chef at any time. As far as protocols and offerings, we found the restaurant to be just as accommodating as they are during normal times.

The menu itself is a bit limited right now. So, it's a good idea to look at both the allergy-friendly menu and the regular menu too. There are often dishes not listed on the allergy-friendly menu that can be adjusted to fit a special dietary need, if you ask.

As someone who is an unsweetened iced tea fan, I have to do a quick shout-out to Topolino's Terrace for serving decent iced tea -- which is sometimes hard to find on Disney property. If they had used iced tea ice cubes like they do on the Disney Cruise Line at Palo and Remy, that would have made this iced tea perfect!

Their cocktail menu is also not to be missed if you enjoy a cocktail with your meal. Brandon loved the Riviera Resort branded ice cube in his drink, the Modern Fashioned -- a take on an Old Fashioned.

For those with special dietary needs, there are a variety of cocktails that can work with your specific needs -- whether you're gluten free, vegan, or have food allergies. We both especially loved that the cocktails available at Topolino's Terrace were a bit more unique than we've seen at some other Disney restaurants that serve standard cocktails.

Prior to our meal, we were served an Amuse Bouche that was safe for both of us to eat. I described it as a fancy loaded baked potato -- which is exactly what it looked like. The amuse bouche included a tiny new potato, pickled red onions, cheese, parsley, and creme fraiche. It was made safe for gluten/wheat, fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.

We both really loved this little tasting that was brought to our table. And, it definitely got us both really excited for the rest of the meal that we were about to enjoy.

Next up was the complimentary bread service. Because of our special dietary needs, we were each brought our own bread service and bowls of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. For my bread service, I was given Bloomfield Farms Allergy-Friendly Bread which is free of the top 8 common allergens (including gluten and dairy).

While the bread itself was good, it was the extra virgin olive oil that really blew me away. The quality and taste of the olive oil was outstanding. I was so impressed by the flavors. In fact when our server Christopher told us that the Reserve Jean Reno olive oil that they use is also available for purchase for $35 a bottle (you can also get an additional 10% off if you're an Annual Passholder), I decided to actually buy it. It's not something that I would normally do, but I was so excited to have this olive oil at home -- as it's perfect for homemade gluten free bread service!

Topolino's Terrace - Bread in Photo is NOT Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW — Topolino's Terrace - Bread in Photo is **NOT** Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon was served the French Style bread called Epi as his bread service. He was told this was a safe option for his nut allergies. Brandon really enjoyed this bread and said it was an excellent bread option.

As a starter, Brandon and I decided to share the House-Made Ricotta served with Tomato, Aged Balsamic, Cracked Pepper, and Basil. It is marked safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies on the allergy-friendly menu and can be made gluten free by swapping out the bread accompaniment for a GF alternative (in this case, the Bloomfield Farms bread that I had).

Both of us had minimal expectations for this appetizer, and we were blown really blown away by the flavors. The house-made ricotta itself was super mild in flavor but rich and creamy. The tomato jam, balsamic, and olive oil really brought added depth to the dish and shouldn't be skipped over.

Both of us said we wouldn't hesitate to get this again -- although I am looking forward to trying some of their other appetizers as their menu re-expands after reopening.

For our entrees, both Brandon and I ordered the exact same dish -- the Filet Mignon with Truffle Mashed Potatoes, Charred Torpedo Onion, Forest Mushroom Puree, and Vinaigrette. This dish is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut, and Soy Allergies. It was also made safe for cabbage, hazelnut, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Both Brandon and I were blown away by this entree. And, without exaggeration, both of us said this might be one of the best steaks that we've ever had on Disney property. The steak is grilled on an oak fire, and you can definitely taste this flavor throughout the steak. Cooked perfectly and seasoned perfectly -- it was exactly the kind of steak you want and expect from a signature dining experience.

The accompaniments -- especially the truffle mashed potatoes -- were all fantastic too. Both of us agreed that it would be hard not to get this every time we have dinner at Topolino's Terrace. It was that good.

While we don't normally get desserts at restaurants, we both couldn't resist the ones served at Topolino's Terrace. I had heard such great things about the Gluten Free Pistachio Mousse from my friend Alexis at Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures, that I had to try it. If you're gluten free & dairy free, the Fruits of the Forest dessert modified is an option too (and it's one that I want to try the next time we visit).

I was particularly wowed by this gluten free dessert. The presentation and flavors were just outstanding. The mousse itself was light and creamy with a pleasant taste of pistachio (which I love). I also loved the Morello Cherries on the side which added a bit of sweet & sour punch to the dish. If you're gluten free, this is a fantastic dessert option.

Topolino's Terrace - Dessert in this Photo is NOT Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW — Topolino's Terrace - Dessert in this Photo is **NOT** Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For Brandon's dessert, he opted for the Warm Valrhona Chocolate Cake which was recommended by our server Christopher. It was made safe for Brandon's nut allergies. As far as flourless chocolate cakes go, Brandon said this was an excellent one. If you are a chocolate fan and can eat gluten, this is going to be a great option for dessert.

If you want to get more information about our visit to Topolino's Terrace and the Riviera Resort, check out our vlog that we recorded on our YouTube channel.

Overall

We were absolutely blown away by our experience at Topolino's Terrace at Disney's Riviera Resort. Both Brandon and I agreed that the restaurant might just be our favorite signature restaurant on Disney property right now. From the incredible theming to the outstanding food (and variety of special diets options) -- everything about Topolino's Terrace was excellent. We also would be remiss if we didn't mention our server Christopher, who was one of the best servers that we've ever had at Disney World. He made our meal a really wonderful experience. Both of us can't wait to go back to Topolino's Terrace for dinner again -- and the character breakfast too!

Have you been to Topolino's Terrace? What was your experience dining there?

9/6/20 9/6/20

Olivia's Cafe Dinner Review

Olivia's Cafe, located at Disney's Old Key West Resort, reopened in July 2020 after the Disney Parks & Resorts closed temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It's been several years since we've dined at Olivia's. So, we were looking forward to dining there after a several year gap. On this visit, we opted for a late dinner, as we had found the later seatings to be a bit quieter. It also gave us some extra time before our meal to explore the resort too.

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

Dinner at Olivia's Cafe

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

On this particular visit, we made a last minute reservation on the same day that we dined. I used the My Disney Experience app and found that there was a 8:30 p.m. seating, which we decided to book (the restaurant closed at 9 p.m.). The app worked as it normally does, and we were able to add in our special dietary needs in the app and alert cast members of our needs when we arrived at the restaurant. We also utilized online restaurant check-in when we arrived at Olivia's Cafe. Online check-in includes using your My Disney Experience app to check-in yourself. It’s super easy, and I hope Disney keeps this going forward too.

Old Key West Resort itself featured many mechanisms to provide sanitization, social distancing, and safety for both guests and cast members. All cast members wore facial masks and some cast members also wore protective shields, as well. All servers in the restaurant wore both facial masks and protective shields. In addition, there were many portable hand sanitizer stations for guests to use throughout the resort. We also saw cast members regularly cleaning surfaces and restrooms throughout our visit. The resort itself was a bit busier than we expected, but we had no issues being able to socially distance. The restaurant wasn't that busy but did include several large parties of guests. But, overall, the restaurant did an excellent job at spacing out tables and seating for social distancing.

Atmosphere

Olivia's Cafe is located near the main lobby and the gift shop of Old Key West. The restaurant and the resort all have a tropical Florida Key West vibe. I love the bright and chipper colors and general decor.

Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Olivia's is the only table service at the resort and is a very popular location to dine. We have always loved the homey atmosphere, as everything feels very inviting and laid-back.

The interior of the restaurant almost feels like a small restaurant that you might find in Key West. There are two rooms and patio dining, as well. We were seating in one of the comfortable booths which was tucked in a back corner of the restaurant.

I do always recommend taking a look at the decor -- there's lots of fun photos and nods to Key West.

Here is a photo of the main room. The decor may not be the most spectacular as far as Disney restaurant theming goes. But, I always find dining at Olivia's to be comfortable, relaxing, and nostalgic -- as it's been a restaurant that my family and I have been dining at for a very long time.

Olivia's Cafe - Photos / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

One of my favorite features at Olivia's Cafe is being able to look at the walls of photographs of families who are DVC members and call Old Key West their home resort. It's pretty neat to see all of the Disney history and a tradition that took place back when Old Key West was the only DVC resort.

The Food

Like most restaurants at Disney World, Olivia's Cafe does offer an allergy-friendly menu. We were also told by our server that we could speak with a chef at any time. As far as protocols and offerings, we found the restaurant to be just as accommodating as they are during normal times.

Olivia's Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I always recommend looking at both the allergy-friendly menu and the regular menu of any Disney restaurant that you dine. That's because there are often dishes that may be able to be easily modified to fit your special dietary need -- if you ask. On this visit, both Brandon and I ordered directly from the allergy-friendly menu.

To start our meal, our server brought us bread service. Depending on the restaurant that we dine, sometimes we share the allergy-friendly bread service. And, other times, Brandon is given his own bread.

On this visit, I was brought a separate basket of Bloomfield Farms Allergy-Friendly Rolls, which are free of the top 8 common allergens (including gluten/wheat and dairy). I was served butter on this visit, but the restaurant also carries Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread.

Hands down, Olivia's Cafe heated these rolls up by far the best of any restaurant that we've dined at recently. They were super well heated and tasted great. As Brandon and I always say, heating gluten free rolls well can be the key to them tasting really good or being awful. In fact, Brandon ended up preferring the allergy-friendly rolls over the gluten-filled rolls that he received.

Olivia's Cafe - Rolls in this Photo are NOT Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW — Olivia's Cafe - Rolls in this Photo are **NOT** Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon's bread service included a Pineapple-Coconut Bread. If you have a nut allergy, be aware that this bread is made in a facility that may include peanuts. Use your own judgement and comfort level on any item made in a shared facility.

Overall, Brandon said the rolls were fine but not amazing. And, as I mentioned, he ended up eating the allergy-friendly rolls instead as he preferred them.

For my entree, I debated on several dishes including the Fish of the Day which was gluten free and dairy free. However, I opted to get the Seven Mile Sea Scallops which was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies.

Overall, I really enjoyed this dish. It wasn't the best scallop dish I've ever had, but it was still really tasty. The scallops were cooked really well, and I loved the succotash in the dish. The polenta was the weakest part of the dish, as it needed a bit more seasoning. But, overall, all of the flavors went really well together, and I could see myself ordering it again.

For Brandon's entree, he ordered the Grilled New York Strip. It is normally served with Parmesan-Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, and Herb Chimichurri. But, Brandon asked if he could get mashed potatoes instead. This dish was marked safe on the allergy-friendly menu for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Shellfish Allergies.

Overall, Brandon said this was a solid dish. Like me, we both thought everything was very tasty and a nice solid meal option. He also really liked how the steak was cooked and seasoned. I have to admit, the chimichurri on the steak looked really great!

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

Normally, we don't get desserts at restaurants. But, I was so curious about the Tropical Chocolate Tart made with Avocado-Chocolate Ganache and topped with a Mango-Lime Sorbet. This dessert was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, and Milk Allergies (and it was also vegan). Whenever there's a gluten free & dairy free dessert that is more than sorbet, I have to try it!

Overall, I really enjoyed the dessert. I could definitely detect a bit of avocado flavor -- so be aware that it could have a slight avocado taste (especially if you're not a fan of avocado). But, if you ate the cake, sorbet, and mango sauce all at once, you really couldn't tell there was avocado in the cake. The sorbet was by far my favorite part of the dish -- as I love sorbet that is a bit different. While it wasn't my favorite dessert, I would definitely get this again and would recommend it to gluten free & dairy free guests.

For Brandon's dessert, he got the Ice Cream Sundae which was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. Neither Brandon or I expected the sundae to be deconstructed. But, Brandon had fun adding in the chocolate sauce and cute Mickey sprinkles to his ice cream.

Like me, Brandon enjoyed his dessert and would get it again -- especially as he's a fan of ice cream sundaes.

If you want to get more information about our visit to Olivia's Cafe and Old Key West Resort, check out our vlog that we recorded on our YouTube channel.

Overall

We were both pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed our meal at Olivia's Cafe. Both of us agreed that the meal and overall experience wasn't anything special. But, it was super relaxed and a really pleasant meal. I'd love to go back to Olivia's for breakfast sometime -- as that is always my family's favorite meal at the restaurant (and it's been years since I've been). Overall, we're both really glad we went to Olivia's and hope that we don't go as long as we did this last time in between visits.

Have you been to Olivia's Cafe at Disney's Old Key West Resort? What was your experience dining there?

9/5/20 9/5/20

Yak & Yeti Lunch Review

Yak & Yeti Restaurant, located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, reopened in July 2020 after the Disney Parks & Resorts closed temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Brandon and I consider Yak & Yeti to be our favorite table service in the Animal Kingdom theme park for affordable meal options that work well for our special dietary needs. We hadn't been to both the theme park or Yak & Yeti since February 2020, so we were both really looking forward to this visit to the restaurant on our recent mini-staycation at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort.

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

Lunch at Yak & Yeti

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

On this particular visit, we did not make a dining reservation for Yak & Yeti, as we were unable to find any reservation openings. The restaurant is owned and operated by Landry's, and on this visit, we utilized our Landry's Select Club membership ($25 one time purchase) that offers priority seating for guests. We've found this membership really worth it for us as locals, particularly when dining at Yak & Yeti and the other Landry's restaurants on Disney property (Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex Cafe). With this in mind, we inquired at the restaurant about wait times and priority seating and were pleasantly surprised to be able to get a walk-up priority seating with a very short wait.

Yak & Yeti itself featured many mechanisms to provide sanitization, social distancing, and safety for both guests and cast members. All servers in the restaurant wore both facial masks and protective shields. Seating was modified to offer social distancing, and we noticed hand sanitizer available for use in the lobby of the restaurant. Unlike the Disney owned restaurants that we've experienced in the resorts, we were not required to have temperature checks. However, we both assumed this was because we had to have temperature checks to enter the theme park itself. Since this is currently (at the time of writing this review) the only theme park restaurant we've been to, we're not sure if this is standard across the parks and restaurants.

As a note, at the time of writing this review, we have been to several Disney Resorts, including the Contemporary Resort, Old Key West Resort, and Riviera Resort. We have also only been to Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. All locations have the same protocols, as far as we have observed. Be sure to check with restaurants and the official Disney World website for additional information about current guidelines and recommendations.

Atmosphere

We've written a lot about the theme of Yak & Yeti Restaurant. Located in the fictional area known as Anandapur, which is inspired by Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Nepal, and Thailand. You can see a lot of this inspiration in the Yak & Yeti Restaurant itself.

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

Perhaps our biggest recommendation for those guests dining at Yak & Yeti is to look around at all of the decor. We have been told that much of the decor is authentic or is a reproduction of authentic artifacts.

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

We especially love sitting on the second floor where you can get incredible views of the Asia section of the Animal Kingdom (if you're lucky enough to sit by the windows) and get a chance to see a lot of the beautiful decor.

The second floor, in particular, always feels very well decorated with a lot of unique and interesting artifacts. I also love how the seating includes mismatched chairs and beautiful wooden designs.

As you can see by the photo on this visit, social distancing seating was in place at Yak & Yeti -- with signs on tables currently unavailable for use.

The Food

Because Yak & Yeti Restaurant is not owned and operated by the Disney Company, the do not offer the standard allergy-friendly menu that you see at many Disney owned restaurants. They do offer a gluten-sensitive and allergy-friendly menu that guests can review along with the ability to speak directly with a chef -- which I highly recommend.

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

We have learned throughout our visits that the gluten-sensitive menu is a great starting point but does list options that are not safe for those with celiac disease (such as French Fries that are made in a shared fryer).

If you have celiac disease or food allergies, it is always advised to speak directly to a chef. We have found that the chefs there take special dietary needs very seriously and have always gone above and beyond to accommodate us so that we can enjoy a safe meal. I also recommend looking at the regular Yak & Yeti menu, as many dishes may be able to be easily modified for special dietary needs.

On this visit, I chose to order the Grilled Salmon brushed with Garlic Ginger Butter served with Jasmine Rice and Stir-Fry Seasonal Vegetables and a side of gluten free soy sauce (tamari) which is gluten free but does contain dairy. If you are dairy free, the only modification in this dish is to omit the garlic ginger butter on the salmon -- otherwise, the vegetables, rice, and GF soy sauce are all great GFDF options.

This is one of my go-to dishes at Yak & Yeti for something that is filling, tasty, but not overly heavy. I always love the flavors of the grilled fish and the stiry-fry veggies are always so delicious too. This is definitely a dish that I will continue to get again and again.

Brandon ordered the Lo Mein, which normally comes with chicken or shrimp. Because Brandon has both a fish/shellfish allergies and a rare allergy to chicken & turkey -- he was able to get beef in his Lo Mein instead.

Brandon is also allergic to cabbage, so the chef ensured that they did not include Bok Choy in his dish. In addition, if you have a fish/shellfish allergy, do speak with a chef, as they usually have to adjust the sauce normally used in the Lo Mein. Usually, they make Brandon's noodles with gluten free soy sauce to ensure there are no issues with his allergies. All in all this dish is made to be safe for fish/shellfish, peanuts, cabbage, hazelnut, and chicken & turkey allergies.

This is Brandon's must order anytime that we go to Yak & Yeti. He has tried other dishes, like steak, at the restaurant. But, overall, he the noodles are by far his favorite dish. If you like noodles, this is a great option.

As an aside, I have also ordered the Lo Mein here before. The noodles are rice-based, and like Brandon's version, they will use GF soy sauce in place of their standard Lo Mein sauce. So, if you're gluten free and dairy free -- this is another good option to choose too.

If you want to get more information about our visit to Yak & Yeti, we did film our visit and included it in our Mini-Staycation video day 1 on our YouTube channel.

Overall

Yak & Yeti Restaurant continues to be our top table service restaurant in Disney's Animal Kingdom. We absolutely love the decor, the special dietary needs options, and the chefs who have always gone above and beyond to help us enjoy safe meals. We were so glad to dine there after so many months of not being able to and look forward to whenever we get to go back to the restaurant again.

Have you been to Yak & Yeti Restaurant? What was your experience dining there?

9/4/20 9/4/20

Kona Cafe Dinner Review

Kona Cafe, located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, reopened in July 2020 after the Disney Parks & Resorts closed temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kona Cafe is one our favorite resort table service restaurants for a reasonably priced and delicious special dietary needs safe meal. So, Brandon and I were thrilled to be able to finally get back to the restaurant for a meal when we went in August 2020.

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

Dinner at Kona Cafe

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

On this particular visit, we made a last minute reservation on the same day that we dined. I used the My Disney Experience app and found that there was a 8:30 p.m. seating, which we decided to book (the restaurant closed at 9 p.m.). The app worked as it normally does, and we were able to add in our special dietary needs in the app and alert cast members of our needs when we arrived at the restaurant. We also utilized online restaurant check-in when we arrived at Kona Cafe. Online check-in includes using your My Disney Experience app to check-in yourself. It's super easy, and I hope Disney keeps this going forward too.

The Polynesian Village Resort itself featured many mechanisms to provide sanitization, social distancing, and safety for both guests and cast members. All cast members wore facial masks and some cast members also wore protective shields, as well. All servers in the restaurant wore both facial masks and protective shields. In addition, there were many portable hand sanitizer stations for guests to use. We also saw cast members regularly cleaning surfaces and restrooms throughout our visit. The resort itself was fairly quiet — making social distancing very easy. The restaurant was a little busier than expected (it is currently the only table service restaurant open in the resort), but the tables were well spaced out to provide social distancing.

Atmosphere

Kona Cafe has Polynesian inspired decor. The restaurant decor hasn't been updated in many years, so the restaurant theme does feel a bit on the dated side. Still, there's a lot of charm and nostalgia for me in this restaurant.

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

Kona is located on the second floor of the main building at the Polynesian Village Resort and is open to the second floor lobby area. It's a good spot to watch other guests walk by as they head onto the monorail and other Disney destinations.

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

The restaurant is definitely very bright and cheerful. There's a lot of seating options including standard tables and booths with plush seats.

During our visit, we both agreed that we felt in terms of the seating that the front area of the restaurant, with the booths and plusher seating, seemed to be more of a challenge for social distancing. We were seated in the far back of the restaurant and felt the spacing there was definitely more comfortable for our personal preference.

We did also dine at one of the last seatings of the evening, so your mileage may vary on seating and capacity depending on the time that you visit.

The Food

Like most restaurants at Disney World, Kona Cafe does offer an allergy-friendly menu. We were also told by our server that we could speak with a chef at any time. As far as protocols and offerings, we found the restaurant to be just as accommodating as they are during normal times.

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

The only interesting part about our visit was that the allergy-friendly menu that we were sent by a reader from the week before was different than the one that we received on our visit. So, on whatever visit you have to a Disney restaurant, be aware that the menus can change depending on supplies and availability. For the most part, the biggest changes we have seen in the past few months is that restaurants are slowly adding more dishes back to their menus, which is great news.

To start our meal, Brandon and I were served the Bloomfield Farms brand Allergy-Friendly dinner rolls. These are gluten free, dairy free, egg free, nut free, and vegan. We were also served regular butter, but the restaurant does offer Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread, as well.

We have had these rolls at pretty much every Disney restaurant that we've dined at this summer. So far, Kona Cafe was the restaurant that did the worst on heating these rolls up well, but overall, we enjoy the flavors of these rolls and love having them as an allergy-friendly option whenever we dine out at Disney.

Brandon wasn't initially a fan of these rolls, but he has come to enjoy them a lot -- especially if they are well-heated.

For my entree, I asked if I was able to get the Gluten Free and Dairy Free Chicken Teriyaki Stir-Fry that had been on the allergy-friendly menu the previous week (but wasn't on the menu when we visited). I was glad to hear that this was not an issue and easy to accommodate.

The dish included rice noodles, grilled chicken, lots of veggies, and gluten free teriyaki sauce. Overall, I really enjoyed this dish, especially because they used the GF teriyaki sauce that is normally served at 'Ohana. So, I totally had 'Ohana vibes at our meal.

My only slight criticism was that the stir-fry was heavily sauced. I probably would have cut the sauce in half as it was a little too much sauce for my taste (and I am a huge fan of sauces!). I would definitely get this again if it's still on the menu the next time we visit.

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

For Brandon's entree, he ordered his favorite dish at Kona Cafe -- the Pork Belly Noodle Bowl. It is marked safe for Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. They also swapped the broth out and used vegetable broth instead to make this dish chicken & turkey free. And, they also made sure to not include bok choy, as Brandon is also allergic to cabbage.

If you have read any of our other reviews of Kona Cafe, you know just how much Brandon loves this noodle bowl. It's a must on any visit to Kona for him.

The other dish that Brandon always orders at Kona Cafe is the Mashed Potatoes. Normally, you can order a large side of these. But, on this visit, Brandon was served a small bowl -- as the potatoes aren't currently on the menu (but were available that night the the short ribs entree).

Creamy, rich, and super tasty -- the mashed potatoes at Kona Cafe are a great gluten free, fish/shellfish free, and peanut free side dish.

If you want to get more information about our visit to Kona Cafe and the Polynesian Village Resort, check out our vlog that we recorded on our YouTube channel.

Overall

Kona Cafe is always a must-visit restaurant for us at the Disney Resorts. It's a restaurant that we visit again and again for solid special dietary needs food options, delicious meals, and reasonable prices. We are hoping that it remains open to guests during the upcoming refurbishment of the resort too, because would hate to miss out on this great restaurant for a year.

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

8/3/20 8/3/20

California Grill Dinner Review

California Grill, located at Disney's Contemporary Resort, recently reopened in July 2020 after the Disney Parks & Resorts closed temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It's a restaurant that is typically one we only go to for special occasions or with friends and family who are visiting Disney World.

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

Dinner at California Grill

Our experience visiting the Disney Parks & Resorts this summer has been limited, with only one visit to Disney Springs at dinner at The BOATHOUSE in June. After some discussion about risk management and seeing what other bloggers and vloggers were posting, we decided to try a late night dinner at California Grill and a visit to the Contemporary Resort in early July. In this review, I'll highlight not only our meal experience but also how the restaurant handled safety protocols during our visit.

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

On this particular visit, we made a last minute reservation on the same day that we dined. I used the My Disney Experience app and found that there was a 9:50 p.m. seating, which we decided to book. The app worked as it normally does, and we were able to add in our special dietary needs in the app and alert cast members of our needs when we arrived at the restaurant. We also utilized online restaurant check-in when we arrived at California Grill, which I'll talk about a bit in our review.

The Contemporary Resort itself featured many mechanisms to provide sanitization, social distancing, and safety for both guests and cast members. All cast members wore facial masks and some cast members also wore protective shields, as well. In addition, there were many portable hand sanitizer stations for guests to use. We also saw cast members regularly cleaning surfaces and restrooms throughout our visit. The resort itself was fairly quiet -- making social distancing very easy. The restaurant was a little busier than expected (it turns out it was opening night, but we didn't realize that until after we made our reservation), but the tables were well spaced out to provide social distancing.

As a note, at the time of writing this review, we have not been back to the Contemporary Resort or other Disney Resorts, so be sure to check with the restaurant and the official Disney World website for additional information about current guidelines and recommendations.

Atmosphere

California Grill has a modern, yet classic theme to it. In some ways, it feels very contemporary but also mid-century modern -- all combined in one theme. Both Brandon and I agree that we love the decor in the restaurant (the acoustics, on the other hand, are quite loud -- even when the restaurant isn't that busy).

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

As you can see by this photo, you arrive on third (I think it's the third!) floor of the Contemporary Resort. There you will fine a subtle but easy to find check-in counter. From there, you will take an elevator up to the top floor of the resort. Though it doesn't show in this photo very well, there's actually plexiglass at the check-in area.

California Grill - Mobile Check-In / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

When we arrived, the cast member at check-in recommended that we utilize the mobile check-in. It was super easy and can be done all through your My Disney Experience app. Our special dietary needs notes popped right up, and check-in was fast and efficient. We did have to wait quite a while to be seated, and this was primarily due to the socially distanced table spacing and opening night adjustments.

California Grill - Bar Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We were seated in the bar/lounge area, which we both weren't all that thrilled about initially. However, we absolutely loved the seating and actually found the lounge area to be even more socially distanced than the main dining area. It also gave us a great view of the bar area, which is bright and colorful. I so want the barstools featured there!

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

Here is a photo of the main dining area during our meal. It was busier than we expected initially, but Disney did a good job of spacing out tables. You can also get a good look at the modern, clean decor of the restaurant.

We found that the restaurant really cleared out about 15-20 minutes into our meal, and by the end of the meal we were the only guests in the restaurant. It was a very unique experience seeing it so empty!

No matter where you are in the restaurant, you get amazing views of Disney World. We especially loved seeing the Magic Kingdom in all its glory that evening. At the time of this review, Disney is not currently offering fireworks, but you can see great views of them if you dine at California Grill when they are offered. I also highly recommend going out on the deck, where you can view them too (side note: they had social distance markers outside on the deck for those who chose to go outside for the view and photos).

Here's a view of some of the great art and decor in California Grill minus guests!

California Grill / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

As you can see, our visit by the end of the evening was quite empty. It was a great time for a few photos of the experience.

A very popular restaurant, you can see just from these photos why so many enjoy California Grill. It certainly is modern yet gives me retro vibes too.

The Food

Like most restaurants at Disney World, California Grill does offer an allergy-friendly menu. We were also told by our server that we could speak with a chef at any time. As far as protocols and offerings, we found the restaurant to be just as accommodating as they are during normal times.

Some of the menus are available online, while we were given a physical allergy-friendly menu. This was disposable, so we actually got to keep these too!

Because it had been so long since we'd eaten at a Disney restaurant, we celebrated with a few drinks. I miss the old Contemporary Resort branded swizzle sticks, and this is the first time I've ever visited where they didn't have them. Still, our drinks were great and a nice way to start the meal.

For bread service, I was served Bloomfield Farms allergy-friendly rolls along with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, tomato, and basil. The bread service was both gluten free and dairy free.

This was the first time that I had tried the Bloomfield Farms rolls. I've had the buns many times at locations like Three Bridges Bar & Grill and really love them. The rolls were great. They were well-heated, which always makes a big difference. I think I might prefer the Deanna's Gluten Free brand rolls (also served at Disney) over these, but I think I need to try them a few more times before I can fully decide which I prefer.

The extra virgin olive oil was a nice option -- though I will say that I enjoyed it much more than Brandon did (we received separate dishes to avoid cross-contamination). All in all, it was a nice way to start our meal.

California Grill - Bread in this photo is NOT gluten free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW — California Grill - Bread in this photo is **NOT** gluten free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon was served the regular bread, which is was a sourdough loaf. He really enjoyed this and said it was a great bread starter.

/ Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For an appetizer, we decided to split the cheese plate. They modified this to be not only gluten free but also nut free for Brandon by serving the nut related accompaniments on the side, which I was told were safe for me and the gluten-filled crackers on the side which were safe for Brandon.

I will say that I skipped the nut accompaniments, as they had a white substance on them -- which I guessed was cornstarch but didn't ask. We had so many dishes to try that skipping them was fine with me that night. But, I always recommend asking questions and speaking to a chef if you're concerned about a dish or ingredient and special dietary needs.

While I liked the cheese plate, Brandon loved it. We were served, I believe 3 different goat cheeses. If you're lactose intolerant or can tolerate goat's milk, this might be a good option. I really enjoyed the fresh peaches, honeycomb, and peach puree that came with the cheese plate too. While it wasn't my personal favorite cheese plate, it was still quite good, and I appreciated that the restaurant deconstructed the cheese plate so that we both could enjoy safely.

For my entree, I ordered the Black Grouper with Herb Basmati Rice, Cashew Chutney, Bok Choy, Baby Shiitake, and Kaffir Lime-Coconut Nage. This was marked safe for Egg, Milk, Peanut, and Shellfish Allergies on the allergy-friendly menu. It was modified to be gluten free (I believe the adjustment was gluten free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce).

Can I just say wow? This was an absolutely stunning entree and one of the best fish dishes that I've had out in a restaurant in a very long time. The grouper itself was perfectly cooked, and the accompaniments were just so flavorful and fantastic. I'm a huge fan of Asian inspired dishes, and this was just outstanding. The flavors were so well-balanced too. I would absolutely get this dish again without hesitation. I think it may be the best entree that I've ever had at California Grill.

Brandon decided to get the Oak-Fired Filet of Beef with Aged Gouda Macaroni and Cheese and Roasted Potatoes. Normally, this dish comes with Brussels Sprouts, but because Brandon is allergic to vegetables in the cabbage family, we were able to swap them out for potatoes. This dish is marked safe for Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies on the allergy-friendly menu. It was also made safe for cabbage and chicken & turkey allergies.

Our last visit to California Grill included great theming and company, but both of agreed the food wasn't as spectacular as we were hoping. This visit, Brandon said his steak was outstanding, so we both got really great dishes. He said it was cooked perfectly and very flavorful.

California Grill - Mac & Cheese in photo is NOT gluten free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW — California Grill - Mac & Cheese in photo is **NOT** gluten free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

He was also a big fan of the mac & cheese, and I think this might have been his favorite part of his entree. As you can see, it was very cheesy but also had a nice bread crumb topping too.

He also had roasted potatoes, which he agreed might not have been the best potatoes in the world, but they were very good. This was great to see he could easily swap out sides for his entree so that he could safely enjoy.

Brandon decided to skip dessert, but I was tempted by California Grill's cashew cheesecake. As an aside, I asked if I could get it to-go so that we weren't keeping the cast members there all night, as we were the last guests in the restaurant. However, our server while she was happy to oblige, she insisted that I eat it there and enjoy. I happily devoured this dessert while Brandon took some photos so that we could leave after I finished my dessert.

The Cashew Cheesecake includes Coffee-Cashew Cheesecake coated in Chocolate Glaze. It is not only gluten free, but it's also dairy free and vegan too. I have had this before, and it's a really lovely rich dessert. It's a great way to experience cheesecake in a totally different way. It's one I definitely recommend guests to try if they want something rich and decadent to end their meal that's gluten free and dairy free.

If you want to see more about our experience and our visit to Disney's Contemporary Resort, check out our vlog on our YouTube channel.

Overall

While California Grill has never been our top signature restaurant on property, we were blown away by the quality of the food and level of service on our recent visit after the restaurant reopened. Both Brandon and I thought our meal was the best we've ever had at California Grill. We also really appreciated the restaurant's commitment to provide a safe and pleasant dining experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. While we probably won't be back for a while, we had a lovely meal and experience at California Grill.

Have you been to California Grill? What was your experience at this signature dining location?

8/3/20 8/3/20

The BOATHOUSE Dinner Review

The BOATHOUSE is one of our go-to table service restaurant locations whenever we want to dine in Disney Springs. We have always enjoyed their special dietary needs accommodations and terrific meals. On this occasion, we had an impromptu dinner at The BOATHOUSE during a visit to Disney Springs in early June after it had reopened after it closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this review, we'll not only share our meal experience, we'll also explore how the restaurant handled social distancing and other safety measures during our visit.

*This post contains a dining review that took place in June 2020 after Disney Springs reopened after the closure related to COVID-19. It includes information about gluten free options, in addition to dairy free, fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, peanut free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free options.

Dinner at The BOATHOUSE

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

On this particular visit, we did not make a dining reservation at The BOATHOUSE, but were able to get a walk-up seating due to low-crowds and attendance when we went to Disney Springs. You can still make dining reservations via the My Disney Experience, DisneyWorld.com, and Open Table. We have heard that Disney Springs is a bit busier now, so reservations are recommended.

In terms of safety protocols, the restaurant not only had social distancing markers outside the restaurant, but inside the restaurant, tables were greatly reduced with different color table cloths on some tables to indicate more than 6 feet apart (and which were not used to seat guests). All cast members wore masks.

As a note, at the time of writing this review, we have not been back to Disney Springs, so be sure to check with the restaurant and the official Disney World website for additional information about current guidelines and recommendations.

Atmosphere

We love the theme of The BOATHOUSE. It's decidedly nautical, and we love everything about it.

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

On our visit, you can see that while this restaurant did still have guests, it wasn't too busy. This photos gives you a good idea of the restaurant's theme too with the neat amphicars that you can ride in along with a giant boat above the restaurant's entrance.

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

While we had one table with people near us (the table is shown above) for about the first 5-10 minutes of our meal, we did not have any other guests nearby for most of our dining experience. It was not only very reassuring from a safety perspective, but it made for some great photos, as well.

We were seated in the dining room at the very far end of the restaurant. Brandon loves this room, as he says it reminds him of many restaurants from the 1980s and 1990s, with dark wood features and unique light fixtures.

Here's a more expansive shot of the dining room. And, as you can see, there was literally no one in there by the time we were done with our meal.

There are a lot of other wonderful dining areas in The BOATHOUSE. We both love how each dining room is different in theme and decor. Here's a photo from another dining room. You can see the giant nautical artwork along with lighter colored chairs too.

The Food

Though The BOATHOUSE is not owned and operated by the Disney Company and does not carry an allergy-friendly menu, we have always been impressed by how well they can accommodate guests with special dietary needs. Because we were visiting just a few weeks after Disney Springs had reopened, we weren't sure how plentiful the food options would be or if any protocols had changed.

We were both pleasantly surprised to see the same protocols in place and offerings too. The menu was slightly reduced, but both Brandon and I noted that it was still fairly large. We had the option to speak with a manager or a chef, which was great.

The BOATHOUSE - Gluten Free Dinner Roll — The BOATHOUSE / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

One of the biggest concerns that I have heard from other Disney guests about the reopening has been whether or not Disney and non-Disney owned restaurants would still still have special dietary needs products. I am happy to report that at The BOATHOUSE, we were still able to get their allergy-friendly rolls with no issues.

This roll is essentially their gluten free & dairy free bun (I believe Udi's brand), so it's nothing fancy. But, I was so glad to be offered this both as a starter and if I wanted a sandwich. The only slight negative on this visit is that it wasn't heated very well.

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

Brandon and I decided that since this was our first dining experience in a restaurant in nearly 3 months that we would get whatever we wanted for our meal. We decided that we wanted an appetizer, and we ordered the Wedge Salad to split. This dish was made to be safe for gluten/wheat, fish/shellfish, peanut, cabbage, hazelnut, and chicken & turkey allergies. If you have other needs, like dairy free, there are some other great salad options that can be made dairy free too.

We both absolutely loved this salad. And, can you believe that the photo above is only half a portion of it?! The manager offered to split the salad for us, and we were both shocked when it arrived as the salads were huge. I will give credit where credit is due. The BOATHOUSE does not skimp on portions! Both of us agreed that we'd definitely split this salad again for its fresh flavor.

This is a terrible photo of the fish tacos that I ordered, as I somehow managed to forgot to take a photo at the restaurant (and had to screenshot the image from our YouTube video). The dish can be made gluten free by omitting the side of tortilla chips (because they are made in a shared fryer). If you're dairy free, ask them to omit the crema.

While the fish in the tacos was outstanding, the overall tacos were just OK. I absolutely loved the old version of these fish tacos, which I ordered regularly. This version was good but couldn't compare to the amazingness of the original fish tacos. It definitely felt like the tacos were missing something. Next visit, I would order something else.

The BOATHOUSE - Steak & Potatoes — The BOATHOUSE / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon went with a classic steak, which came with steamed baby red potatoes that were tossed in a parsley butter and Old Bay seasoning. Brandon said that both the steak and the potatoes were outstanding, and he was very pleased with his meal choice. This dish was made safe for fish/shellfish, peanut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies. This should also be gluten free or easily made GF too.

If you're a steak fan, The BOATHOUSE has excellent options, so we always recommend them if you're not a fan of seafood or have seafood allergies.

The BOATHOUSE - Mac & Cheese is NOT gluten free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW — The BOATHOUSE - Mac & Cheese is **NOT** gluten free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

A must have on any visit for Brandon is the gluten-filled macaroni & cheese. The portion is beyond huge, and Brandon loves how cheesy this mac & cheese is. It's definitely a sharing dish, so keep that in mind! We actually took leftovers home of this because he couldn't finish it.

As a side note, I've heard several reports of gluten free guests being able to get gluten free mac & cheese at The BOATHOUSE. I might have to ask about this whenever we visit next to learn more!

If you're curious about our visit to The BOATHOUSE and Disney Springs and want to see more, check out our vlog from this visit. We shared highlights from Disney Springs along with our meal experience too.

Overall

The BOATHOUSE continues to be a great option if you're visiting Disney Springs. On this visit, we both enjoyed our meals and were pleasantly surprised by how well the restaurant handled safety protocols in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Add in excellent special diets accommodations, and it's definitely a location we'll continue to visit for a great and safe meal.

Have you been to The BOATHOUSE? What did you enjoy when you dined there?

8/2/20 8/2/20

Three Bridges Bar & Grill Dinner Review

Three Bridges Bar & Grill, located at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, is one of our favorite resort table service restaurant locations. We absolutely love the special diets accommodations and great food. Plus, we love the al fresco dining in a quiet and peaceful dining location. On this particular visit, Brandon and I had dinner at Three Bridges Bar & Grill just a week before the Disney Parks & Resorts closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

*This dining experience took place in March 2020 before the Disney Parks & Resorts closed temporarily due to COVID-19. It includes information about gluten free options, in addition to dairy free, fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, peanut free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free options.

Dinner at Three Bridges Bar & Grill

Atmosphere

Like the newly opened Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs, Three Bridges Bar & Grill has less of the Southwest flare that is featured in the rest of the resort and focuses more on Spanish inspired themes, especially with its food.

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

The restaurant gets its name from being located in the middle of three bridges at Coronado Springs Resort. It's a little confusing because the location is also called Villa Del Lago, but the restaurant itself is Three Bridges Bar & Grill. We love the beautiful building and the greenery all around the restaurant's entrance.

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

The restaurant features al fresco (aka outside) dining with spectacular views of the resort. It's set in the middle of the lake, so you get a nice breeze that can be wonderful when it's a little hot out and can make things a bit chillier in the winter months. Thankfully, Three Bridges Bar & Grill has both fans and heaters depending on the season.

On this particular visit, I managed to forget to take too many photos. If you're interested in seeing more of the theme and restaurant decor, check out the previous posts I've written on the restaurant.

The Food

While we love the theme and relaxed atmosphere at Three Bridges Bar & Grill, there's no doubt that the biggest reason we visit is the food. Both Brandon and I absolutely adore the burgers there, and even though the menu is small, the restaurant is very accommodating for guests with special dietary needs.

When you arrive, you'll be given an allergy-friendly menu. If you're gluten free or dairy free, don't despair when you read the limited menu. Even though dishes are not marked safe, almost all of the dishes on the menu can be modified to be safe, especially for gluten free guests. I always recommend speaking directly to a chef about options.

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

On this visit, we decided to try one new dish to split as an appetizer. The Warm Manchego and Oaxaca Cheese Dip features Chorizo, Poblano Peppers, and Tortilla Chips made in a dedicated fryer. This dish is marked safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies on the allergy-friendly menu, and it can be made gluten free by making the chips in a separate fryer.

Wow. If you can have dairy and love cheese dip, this is a fantastic option. Brandon was a little nervous about this dish, as he's not a big fan of Chorizo. But, he proclaimed it one of the best cheese dips that he has ever had. I loved the rich taste of Manchego cheese, and the spice level, which was just a little spicy but not overpowering. I think our biggest complain was that we wanted more dip! This will definitely be a dish we'll order again and again.

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

Both Brandon and I ordered the Three Bridges Signature Burger with Crispy Potato, Manchego Cheese, Roasted Garlic-Lemon Aioli, Arugula, and Tomato. This dish is marked safe for Fish/Shellfish and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies on the allergy-friendly menu. It can also be made gluten free by swapping out the bun and frying the components in a dedicated allergy-friendly fryer. It can be dairy free by omitting the cheese (that's the only modification needed!). The burgers we got were also safe for chicken & turkey allergies and cabbage too (Brandon's additional allergies).

This is a must get every time we go to Three Bridges Bar & Grill. The burgers are phenomenal, and we both absolutely adore everything about them. I think it's truly the best burger on Disney property right now. If you're gluten free and dairy free, this location uses the Bloomfield Farms allergy-friendly buns, and they are fantastic. Even Brandon has enjoyed his burgers on these buns -- and he's not always a fan of GF bun options.

If you want to see more of our experience, check out the vlog that we did on our visit. We highlight the restaurant, showcase the food we ordered, and give you a bit of a tour of the resort.

Overall

Three Bridges Bar & Grill never fails to disappoint. We absolutely love everything about it -- from the theme, to the service (and amazing cast members), to the food. It's a great option, especially if you're staying at Coronado Springs Resort or have a car and easy access while you're visiting Disney World. We especially recommend it during the cooler months of the year when outside dining is at its best at Disney World. We're so glad we got to visit before the parks & resorts closed, and cannot wait to be going back again when the resort re-opens to guests.

Have you been to Three Bridges Bar & Grill? What did you think of the food and atmosphere there?

5/24/20 5/24/20

Enchanted Garden Dinner Review on the Disney Dream

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

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

Dinner at Enchanted Garden

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

5/22/20 5/22/20

Cookie's BBQ Lunch Review on Castaway Cay

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

Lunch at Cookie's BBQ

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

5/13/20 5/13/20

Homecomin’ Kitchen Dinner Review

Homecomin' Kitchen, located in Disney Springs, is one of those restaurants that I rarely go to. Not because it's not good. But, because it's so popular that it's hard to get a reservation or be able to dine here as a "walk-up." Brandon and I have tried to eat at Homecomin' nearly a half a dozen times without success. On this visit, we stopped by in January later in the evening and were pleasantly surprised that the walk-up wait time was only 20-30 minutes. So, we decided it was finally time to have a meal there together, because while I had been there several times, Brandon had never eaten there.

Dinner at Homecomin' Kitchen

Atmosphere

Homecomin' Kitchen's theme is decidedly Florida Southern. There's lots of bright colors, cozy chairs, and plenty of Southern hospitality.

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

I especially like all of the wood throughout the restaurant. The cheery decor is both rustic and chic.

Homecomin' Kitchen - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I also the cozy chairs at the tables. It feels very welcoming and inviting. If I had one complaint, it's that the tables are entirely too close together with the cozy chairs.

We were seated at a table really close to others and in a spot that seemed to be causing issues with servers moving through with food and drinks. If you have any specific seating preferences, like a booth or corner, it's good to let the Homecomin' Kitchen team know ahead of time.

The lighting fixtures and murals are some of the best decor features of Homecomin' Kitchen. Both Brandon and I really loved the potato sack lined chandelier in the middle of the restaurant.

There are so many great nods to Florida and local features -- including this beautifully crafted wooden table. Overall, the theme of the restaurant really is very inviting.

The Food

Homecomin' Kitchen has become so popular -- mostly because of its Southern and Florida local fare. As a gluten free and dairy free guest, I would recommend going to another restaurant, as this location is very dairy heavy (though there are a few dishes that are options). How and what they can accommodate will definitely depend on your special dietary needs.

Because Homecomin' Kitchen is not owned and operated by Disney, they do not have an allergy-friendly menu. However, some of the menu notes items that are gluten free (as is). And, you'll also be able to speak directly with a manager to talk through options. On this visit, the manager (whose name I have forgotten) was fantastic at working with us to ensure both us had a great and safe meal.

Homecomin' Kitchen / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my meal, I opted to order the Country Club with grilled chicken, topped with white cheddar, pecan-smoked bacon, red jalapeño jelly, lettuce & tomato served on an Udi's gluten free bun with a side of mashed potatoes. This dish was gluten free but contained dairy. Guests can order this gluten free by omitting the cheese and choosing a different side dish.

Overall, the sandwich was very good. The chicken was very flavorful, and I love the restaurant's pecan-smoked bacon. I also really loved the red jalapeño jelly, which gave the sandwich a sweet and spicy kick. The mashed potatoes (if you can have dairy) and rich and creamy and quite tasty.

I'd get this entree again, though next time I might get a dairy free side like collard greens or Southern slaw. Because the restaurant doesn't have a dedicated fryer, you are a bit more limited on options at the restaurant.

Homecomin' Kitchen - Mac & Cheese in this Photo is NOT Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW — Homecomin' Kitchen - Mac & Cheese in this Photo is **NOT** Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon ordered the Art Burger which came with two beef patties topped with American cheese, Art's special sauce, tomato-bacon jam, lettuce, tomato, onion & pickles. Somehow neither Brandon or I could find a picture of the burger. I don't know if we forgot to take a photo, which is possible, because his meal came out a little later than mine.

Because of Brandon's allergies to fish/shellfish and chicken & turkey, the manager recommended that he order a burger and that the kitchen cook it in a pan to avoid cross-contamination. We were both really impressed that the manager was proactive and took extra steps to ensure Brandon's safety. Unfortunately, something happened during the prep process, as they put chips on his plate. The chips weren't safe for either of us due to a shared fryer, so the manager had the kitchen re-make Brandon's burger. We were so grateful for this and really appreciative of the manager keeping a close eye on our meals.

In between, the manager brought Brandon a plate of macaroni & cheese so that he could enjoy some food while we waited for his burger (and so my food didn't get cold). He also came back several times and when Brandon said how much he loved the mac & cheese, the manager actually gave us a to-go package of it to heat up at home since we had to wait for Brandon's burger. That was another nice touch, and I was glad to see the Homecomin' Kitchen team going above and beyond during our meal. And, Brandon was pretty happy with at home mac & cheese too!

Overall

Both of us enjoyed our meals, despite the slight hiccup with Brandon's meal. Both of us agreed that it's not our favorite place at Disney Springs, but that we liked it a lot. I don't think there's a ton of variety for either of us as special dietary needs guests. But, if we're craving some Southern cooking, it's a nice spot for a meal. I also really enjoy the brunch at Homecomin' Kitchen too.

Have you been to Art Smith's Homecomin' Kitchen? What did you order when you dined there?

5/11/20 5/11/20

Regal Eagle Smokehouse Dinner Review

A salute to all foods, but mostly BBQ. That's what we were looking forward to with the newly opened Regal Eagle Smokehouse in the America Adventure Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase. Brandon and I had been both excited and a little worried to see what was in store for this quick service location that was once Liberty Inn. And, about a week after opening, we had a chance to check it out.

*This gluten free and dairy free dining experience took place in February 2020. It includes information about fish/shellfish free, peanut free, cabbage free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free option too.

Dinner at Regal Eagle Smokehouse

Atmosphere

Both Brandon and I had minimally seen photos from blogs and other Disney outlets about what the newly refurbished quick service location (now rethemed to a Muppets BBQ restaurant) looked like.

Regal Eagle Smokehouse - Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Because Regal Eagle Smokehouse is located in the American Adventure Pavilion, it has a slightly colonial feel to it. The building's exterior really hasn't changed much. But, I do love the very regal sign featuring the one and only Sam Eagle himself.

Regal Eagle - Entrance Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The entrance has changed slightly, in that there is a to-go window for drinks and snacks next to the main entrance. Everything is decidedly patriotic with lots of flags and colonial inspired decor.

Regal Eagle - Smoker / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Because Regal Eagle Smokehouse is a BBQ themed restaurant, there's a giant smoker near the entrance. I've heard mixed reports on whether this is actually functional or not. Based on our visit, I think Brandon and I both agreed that this is more of an ambiance smoker and not a real functioning meat smoker.

Regal Eagle - Interior Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Inside the restaurant, there are subtle nods to the Muppets. You'll see Sam Eagle in a variety of locations along with some Muppet themed signs and decor here and there. It's definitely much more understated with Muppet theming than I expected.

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

Even thought the restaurant is no longer Liberty Inn, there are a lot of details that make me feel a little nostalgic for the older version of this quick service location. I do love all the little details and nostalgic nods.

Regal Eagle - Sam Eagle Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

As I mentioned, the Muppets are definitely present in the Regal Eagle Smokehouse but really subtly so. This just might be the most Muppety thing in the whole restaurant!

Regal Eagle / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I do recommend if you're dining at Regal Eagle to take a bit of time to look around. There's a lot of great features and details in the restaurant's retheming.

The Food

Of course, the main reason we went to Regal Eagle Smokehouse was the food! I had seen the allergy-friendly menu prior to visiting the restaurant, and I was super excited about all of the options.

In addition to the allergy-friendly menu, I do recommend speaking directly to a coordinator or manager to discuss options. We had a lot of questions on our first visit about dedicated fryers, cross-contamination, and dedicated toasters. The manager on duty was very helpful and gave us a lot of information.

A few details we learned at the time of our visit (and always subject to change) is that the location has a small dedicated toaster for allergy-friendly garlic toast. This is removed from the main kitchen area to avoid cross-contamination.

We also learned that the restaurant does not have a dedicated allergy-friendly fryer; however, the French fries are the only things fried in their fryer. That being said, the manager assured us she would fry a new batch and use fresh tongs and containers to get fries for us to avoid cross-contamination. So, be sure to ask a manager about this and use your own judgement when consuming fries. We actually watched the manager prepare all of our food and were glad to see how cautious she was at preparing things safely.

Another bit of information we learned was cross-contamination with smoked meats for those with specific meat allergies. Because Brandon is allergic to chicken, the manager recommended he get a burger instead as all of the meats are cooked in the same smoker. So, if you have any kind of meat allergy, you'll want to consider the smoked meats.

Regal Eagle Smokehouse / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

As you can see, we ordered a bounty of BBQ! Everything you see on this platter is gluten free, and the only item that contains dairy is the cheeseburger that Brandon ordered. It was kind of amazing how gluten free & dairy free friendly the entire menu was.

Brandon's entree was the gluten free cheeseburger on allergy-friendly garlic toast served with French fries. He said it was actually a pretty good burger but that this was mostly due to the allergy-friendly garlic toast. We both agreed that the garlic toast was beyond amazing. It's made with Bloomfield Farm's allergy-friendly bread, and topped with Earth Balance. It's so good. Greasy, but totally worth it!

I wanted to try several things. First up, was the kids grilled chicken drumstick which came with fries and coleslaw. The coleslaw was not only gluten free & dairy free, but it was also vegan. At first I wasn't a huge fan, but I have to admit the coleslaw actually grew on me throughout the meal. It was actually nice to add on top of the brisket sandwich I ordered.

Up next was the beef brisket sandwich served on allergy-friendly garlic toast served with fries and BBQ baked beans. We had so many fries, so Brandon definitely ate a lot of them while I tried out the other sides. The BBQ baked beans were my least favorite of all the items we ordered. I am not a huge fan of baked beans with a strong ketchup flavor, and the brisket in the beans was very fatty and unpleasant. Next time, I'd skip those.

The beef brisket sandwich, on the other hand, was outstanding. This was the hands down best thing I ordered at Regal Eagle Smokehouse, and I'd definitely get it again. The beef was slightly dry, but by adding coleslaw and BBQ sauce, it would be perfect. As an aside, all of the BBQ sauces at Regal Eagle Smokehouse are gluten free. You'll want to check with a manager about the dairy free ingredients and to get safe versions from the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination.

If you'd like to see our full review and initial reactions to the restaurant, check out our vlog review!

Overall

Both Brandon and I are really looking forward to going back to Regal Eagle Smokehouse again when the Disney Parks & Resorts re-open. We both really enjoyed the food there, and we were both impressed by the amount of gluten free & dairy free options there. It's a great addition to Epcot, especially for guests with special dietary needs!

Have you been to Regal Eagle Smokehouse? What did you enjoy when you dined there?

3/2/20 3/2/20

Royal Palace Breakfast Review on the Disney Dream

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

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

Breakfast at Royal Palace

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

3/2/20 3/2/20

Animator's Palate Dinner Review on the Disney Dream

On day 2 of our 3-day cruise on the Disney Dream, we had dinner at our second rotational dining option -- Animator's Palate. Admittedly, both Brandon and I don't love this restaurant as much as the others on the Disney Dream, both for the theming and food. We just find the general experience underwhelming, and neither of us really likes the combination of classic Disney animation with what's essentially Turtle Talk with Crush from Epcot. Everyone has different preferences though, and we both did find dishes that we enjoyed while dining at the restaurant.

Dinner at Animator's Palate

Atmosphere

Animator's Palate is inspired by Disney animation and classic Disney characters. I do enjoy some of the brightly color nods to animation and the fun designs featured in the carpet and chairs.

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

I do kind of miss the old table markers at Animator's Palate, but these new ones featuring a paint brush are still pretty cute too.

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

Our visit to Animator's Palate was during the cruise's Pirate Night, so we both got into the theming a little bit with pirate bandanas!

We both enjoyed the restaurant's color scheme as it changed throughout our meal, which is definitely very charming. If you want to read more about the restaurant's theme, check out some of our other reviews, including our review from this cruise of our embarkation lunch.

The Food

When you sail on the Disney Dream for 3-night cruises, you don't get a special pirate menu. But, other guests who have sailed on 4-night cruises on the Disney Dream have shared the newly launched Pirate Night allergy-friendly menu.

On this cruise, we were given the regular rotational allergy-friendly menu for Animator's Palate. Since this was our first cruise with the new allergy-friendly menus, we were looking forward to checking out the options. It's important to note that we were given these menus the night before and asked to pre-order our meal, which we did. We ordered items both from the allergy-friendly menu and the regular menu, as well.

Already on day 2, our Assistant Server Gedde was well-prepared for me and my unsweetened iced tea love. In fact, throughout most of our cruise, he made sure I always had two iced teas so that I was never without a beverage, which was so nice.

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

Both Brandon and I were served the allergy-friendly Ener-G rolls to start. We both agree that when well-heated, these rolls are super delicious.

For my appetizer, I ordered the Sliced Serrano Ham with Grilled Zucchini and Squash with Marinated Olives and Roasted Peppers from the allergy-friendly menu. This dish was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies.

Overall, I really enjoyed this appetizer. The Serrano ham was so good, and I loved the olives and grilled zucchini & squash. This is a dish I would definitely order any time we're at Animator's Palate. It was light and refreshing and the perfect start to a meal.

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

Brandon ordered the Sliced Serrano Ham with Manchego Cheese and Olive Tappenade from the regular Animator's Palate menu. This dish was safe for Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, Cabbage, and Chicken & Turkey Allergies.

Brandon has ordered this several times when we've dined at Animator's Palate and always says it's very good.

Whenever I got to Animator's Palate, I simply must order the Salmon Tartare. This dish is marked gluten free on the regular menu and does contain dairy.

If you can have dairy and love fish, this is an excellent appetizer to get. The flavors are fresh, bright, and vibrant. And, the quality of the salmon is excellent. It's a hands-down must get for me every trip and didn't disappoint this trip either!

Animator's Palate French Onion Soup in Photo is NOT Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW — Animator's Palate French Onion Soup in Photo is **NOT** Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon couldn't help but order his two favorite soups again from Royal Palace. This included French Onion Soup and Potato Leek Soup. Both of these were safe for Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, Cabbage, and Chicken & Turkey Allergies.

One of the great hidden facts about Disney rotational dining is that you can always order dishes from any other restaurant menu that's being served the same night as your meal. So, if you like a dish from another restaurant, you can always request it! Just check with your server. Because Brandon can't easily get soup with his chicken & turkey allergies, he definitely eats as much of it as he can when we're cruising and they're safe options.

I'm not usually very keen on the entrees served at Animator's Palate. And, I have to admit, even the new allergy-friendly options didn't seem all that appealing either. I ended up choosing Animator's Palate night to order one of my favorite things on the Disney Cruise Line -- Indian Food. Our Head Server Sudhir took care of my request and ensured I had some tasty Indian food to enjoy on night 2.

My Indian food meal included lentils, chicken curry, and basmati rice. Everything was gluten free, and I believe everything may have been dairy free too. This entree didn't disappoint, and I was so excited to enjoy it. Everything was so flavorful! If you're interested in Indian food while on your Disney Cruise, be sure to ask your server team about this as an option.

For Brandon's entree, he ended up getting the Lamb Chops, which I believe were from Royal Palace. The entree normally comes with Brussels Sprouts which are a part of the cabbage family (which Brandon is allergic to). They modified the dish to remove the Brussels Sprouts and add double potatoes instead. This dish was safe for Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, Cabbage, and Chicken & Turkey Allergies.

Overall, Brandon said this was a good dish -- though I think his biggest complaint is that he never feels like there's enough meat with lamb chops. He enjoyed the potatoes a lot and is always glad when he gets double potatoes!

For dessert, I ordered the Chocolate Fudge Brownieserved with Raspberry Cream. This dish was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut Allergies.

This dish was outstanding, and it might have been my favorite dessert of the entire cruise. The dairy free & vegan raspberry cream was so good. Light and fluffy and not too overpowering with raspberry flavor. And, the chocolate fudge brownie was super rich too.

For some reason, I could not find a photo of Brandon's dessert. I'm not sure if this is because we were served the same dessert or if he skipped it. The hazards of not writing up your review until a month after your cruise!

If you want to see more about our overall cruise experience and see our dining reviews on video, check out our vlog series that we posted on YouTube!

Overall

While Animator's Palate may not be our personal favorite restaurant of the Disney Dream's 3 main rotational dining options, we were impressed by the allergy-friendly menu appetizer and dessert menu options. And, we always appreciate that our server teams go above and beyond to ensure we have delicious and safe meals each night of our cruise.

Have you been on the Disney Dream? What do you like to order when you dine at Animator's Palate?

2/24/20 2/24/20

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop Dinner Review

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop located at Disney's Beach Club Resort, has been a long-time favorite of ours for delicious special dietary needs ice cream sundaes and its retro charm. Recently, Brandon and I stopped by Beaches & Cream to check out the updated menu and restaurant since it's refurbishment and expansion in late 2019.

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

Dinner at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop

Atmopshere

One of the things that I love the most about Beaches & Cream has always been its small size and retro nostalgia. If you have never been, the previous version of this restaurant before the refurbishment was very small and always very crowded because of its size. I also loved its slightly 90s look and feel for a 1950s inspired diner.

Somehow in our visit to this restaurant, we failed to take many photos. That's because we were actually recording a lot of video for a vlog that we put together (you can find the full video at the end of this review or on our YouTube channel).

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

I can't believe we missed all the photos, because there's a lot of great features for the new restaurant. I especially liked the light fixtures and some of the artwork on the walls. Of course, if you want to see more of the restaurant interior, check out our YouTube vlog.

Overall, I think we both agreed that while the expansion and refurbishment were nice (and needed given how popular the restaurant is), the end result was sort of mixed. We liked the art and light fixtures, but we found the restaurant to be a lot more generic feeling.

And, as an added layer, it is now extremely loud in the restaurant. Somehow during the refurbishment, the acoustics got a bit wonky. So, do be prepared for a rather noisy dining experience.

The Food

In addition to checking out the refurbishment, we also wanted to check out the updated menu. While there were still a lot of dishes that have been on the menu for a long time, there were some new options like tater tots that we were dying to check out.

Like most Disney owned restaurants, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop does carry an allergy-friendly lunch & dinner menu. You can also speak directly with a manager at this restaurant too. I highly recommend speaking with a manager because many of the options, including the tater tots, weren't listed on the allergy-friendly menu but could be easily modified or accommodated for.

On this visit, we talked to manager Neicy, who was awesome. She explained that both the tater tots and French fries are made in a dedicated fryer. Even better? Now that the restaurant has expanded, the kitchen space can accommodate for dedicated fryers in the restaurant. In the past, if you wanted allergy-friendly fries, you would have to wait a bit while they got fries from Hurricane Hanna's Grill (the Beach Club's pool restaurant). So, this was a big improvement!

Beaches & Cream / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon and I simply could not resist tater tots. We ended up with a version of the Cheese and Bacon Tots, featuring cheese sauce, bacon, red onion, and green onion (we omitted the ranch dressing that normally comes with this dish).

This dish was made safe for gluten/wheat, fish/shellfish, peanut/tree nut, and chicken & turkey allergies. It does contain dairy, but you can order some dairy free versions of the tater tots (including a plant-based chili version with non-dairy cheese).

We were both really impressed with the tater tots. Of course, both of us absolutely love tots in general and the addition of cheese, bacon, and onion was just perfect. We both agreed after devouring our bowl of tots that we'd 100% come back to Beaches & Cream for these loaded tots and ice cream sundaes just about any day. They were really good!

For my entree, I ordered the Salmon Sandwich with Bacon Aïoli, Bibb Lettuce, and Tomato on a Bloomfield Farms Allergy-Friendly Bun and a side of plain tater tots (in place of regular French fries). This dish was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Shellfish Allergies.

Overall, I will say the sandwich was good but not great. The bacon aioli was somewhat lacking in flavor, and I would have loved to have seen some other addition to the sandwich like bacon. The salmon itself was actually fairly flavorful and cooked well. And, of course, the tots were outstanding! I would order this again, but I'd be more likely to try another option next time.

As an aside, I'm glad that more Disney locations are using the Bloomfield Farms gluten free and allergy-friendly bun. I really like this a lot, and it might be the best gluten free bun that they're using on property right now.

Brandon ordered an Angus Beef Burger with Cheddar, Lettuce, and Tomato on a Freshly Baked Bun. His dish was safe for fish/shellfish, peanut/tree nut, and chicken & turkey allergies. But, you can also order a version of this that is also gluten free, dairy free, and soy free too.

Brandon's burger came with fries from a dedicated fryer, as well. And, like me, he also said his burger was good, but nothing special. I think we both agreed that the main entrees are just OK at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. But, it's the appetizers and desserts that really shine.

When visiting Beaches & Cream, you have to get ice cream sundaes. It's a must! I ordered a gluten free and dairy free sundae that featured Tofutti non-dairy chocolate & vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, and marshmallow sauce. I do usually get the No Way Jose Sundae modified to be dairy free, but with Brandon's new peanut allergy, I try to avoid peanut if at all possible.

I have to say that I was very impressed with this sundae. The portion was huge, and they were very generous with the toppings. Plus, the combination of chocolate & vanilla non-dairy cream, chocolate sauce, and marshmallow sauce was just plain delicious. This will definitely be my new go-to sundae at Beaches & Cream. So good!

Brandon also got an ice cream sundae, but he opted for regular dairy ice cream. He got a sundae with mint chocolate chip and vanilla ice cream flavors topped with chocolate syrup and whipped cream. Like me, he agreed that his sundae was outstanding and one to get again.

If you want to see more of the restaurant's interior or see our initial reactions to our dishes, check out our vlog on YouTube.

Overall

While we weren't necessarily wowed by our entrees, we were very impressed with our tater tots and ice cream sundaes. With a refreshed look and larger space, we both appreciated Disney's efforts to keep the Beaches & Cream nostalgia alive. It still has a lot of charm to it too. There are a few drawbacks with the new space, like the noise level, but we'll definitely be going back to Beaches & Cream Soda Shop for those amazing tater tots and ice cream sundaes!

Have you been to Beaches & Cream Soda Shop? What did you order when you dined there?

2/17/20 2/17/20

Royal Palace Lunch Review on the Disney Dream

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

Lunch at Royal Palace

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

2/17/20 2/17/20

Royal Palace Breakfast Review on the Disney Dream

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

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

Breakfast at Royal Palace

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

2/17/20 2/17/20

Royal Palace Dinner Review on the Disney Dream

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

Dinner at Royal Palace

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

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

2/17/20 2/17/20

Animator’s Palate Embarkation Lunch Review on the Disney Dream

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

Embarkation Lunch at Animator’s Palate

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

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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