Toledo Dinner Review

*This gluten free dining experience took place in January 2022. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Dinner at Toledo

Toledo, located at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, is a table service restaurant that offers Spanish inspired food with impressive views of Disney World from the top of the Gran Destino Tower. On this visit, we made an impromptu dinner reservation. Our reservation was just at opening (5 p.m.), and we were looking forward to a nice low-key meal out.

Atmosphere

Toledo is inspired by the surrealist art created by Salvador Dali. The ceiling includes brightly colored stained glass, and there are even trees in the middle of the restaurant!

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

We absolutely love dining at Toledo just around sunset. The lighting is beautiful and very inviting. The restaurant also includes lots of brightly colored chairs, tableware, and flooring.

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

There are lots of different seating style options too. We love these cozy booths found around the exterior of Toledo. Though we haven’t had a chance to be seated in these yet, we already think these are our favorite seating options in the restaurant.

View from Toledo / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We did have a nice two-top table located by the exterior of the restaurant. It included some amazing views of Disney World, including a nice view of the lake at Coronado Springs and the resort.

The Food

Like most restaurants owned and operated by Disney, Toledo does have an allergy-friendly menu. Of course, you can always speak to a chef if you have questions or want to discuss additional options or modifications for your special dietary needs. On this visit, we did speak to the chef who was very helpful at talking through options and modifications.

Toledo - Gluten Free Charcuterie Plate / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We can’t go to Toledo without ordering the modified version of The Spaniard — a charcuterie plate for two. Though it’s not listed on the allergy-friendly menu, this item can be easily made gluten free by swapping out the bread for GF bread. For peanut and tree nut allergies, the almonds can be omitted. If you’re dairy free, they can remove the cheese.

This is hands down one of our favorite charcuterie plates on Disney property. Both of us agree that the quality of the meats and cheeses and all of the accompaniments are top notch. We especially love the fig jam. And, I personally love the olives.

Although this charcuterie plate is a bit on the pricey side at $35, we both feel the quality of the meats and cheeses and the portion do make it worth it for us. If you’re looking for some cost-savings at Toledo, the restaurant does offer a dinner for two that includes this along with a shared entree and desserts.

Toledo - Potatas Bravas / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon really wanted to try some of the side dishes at Toledo. To the surprise of no one, Brandon — the potato connoisseur, settled on the Patatas Bravas. These were marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. The sauce does contain egg.

Both of us really liked these potatoes. They were super well cooked, generously salted, and the sauce was a bit spicy and tangy.

Toledo - Sustainable Fish Entree / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my entree, I ordered the Black Grouper with Cauliflower, Cipollini Onions, and Valencia Orange. This dish is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Peanut/Tree Nut, Shellfish, and Soy Allergies. The sauce does contain dairy, but you can get alternative options if you’re dairy free.

I liked this dish, but I didn’t love it. The fish was a bit overcooked, and I found it to be a little “fishy” tasting. The Valencia Orange added a nice touch, and I loved the cauliflower. Next time we visit, I would probably order something else. But, if you’re a fish fan, this could be an option for you. I have heard the scallops entree is amazing, so I may have to try that next time.

Toledo - Filet / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For Brandon’s entree, he ordered the Filet of Beef with Olive Oil-Potato Purée, Forest Mushrooms, Date Jam and Sherry Vinaigrette. This dish was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. It was also made safe for Brandon’s additional allergies of chicken, turkey, and cabbage.

Brandon absolutely loved this entree. He loved the cook on the steak, the flavors, and especially the date jam. I had this entree on a previous visit, and both of us agreed that the dish could use more jam because it’s just so good. This is definitely a go-to entree that Brandon will get again on our next visit to Toledo.

If you want to hear more about our experience at Toledo, check out the vlog we did for our YouTube channel for more information.

Overall

We both really enjoy the theme and food served at Toledo. The charcuterie plate is a highest of high marks for us. And, we both agree that the entrees are always solid. Add in that the restaurant has “moderately” priced food for Disney, and you have a very nice table service option at a Disney resort. Even if you’re not staying at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, we both feel it’s worth visiting if you want great views of Disney property, good food, and a more relaxed “top of the world” experience. We look forward to going back again or enjoying the Dahlia Lounge just next door to Toledo for drinks and appetizers.

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

Enchanted Rose Lounge Review

*This gluten free dining experience took place in February 2022. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Drinks and Appetizers at Enchanted Rose Lounge

Enchanted Rose Lounge, located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, is a Beauty & the Beast inspired lounge inspired specifically by the live action film. Formerly the location of Mizner’s, Brandon and I have both been wanting to go this lounge for a while now — though admittedly a little nostalgic for the now-closed Mizner’s. We stopped by Enchanted Rose Lounge during Valentine’s Day weekend before our dinner at Citricos.

Atmosphere

Enchanted Rose Lounge takes inspiration from the live action Beauty and the Beast film. There are two distinct rooms for the lounge, and we ended up in the room that represents the formal library. It had plenty of cozy spots to sit, relax, and grab some libations before our dinner.

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

We both really like the theming of the Enchanted Rose Lounge. The contrast of pastel blue, golden yellow, and rose red is really pretty.

Enchanted Rose Lounge / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The library seating area includes lots of comfortable chairs, couches, and seating arrangements for small and larger groups.

Enchanted Rose Lounge / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

It also includes lots of windows for views of the Grand Floridian Resort. Everything feels very inviting and cozy.

Sarah at Enchanted Rose Lounge / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We ended up sitting at a couch near a beautiful display of library books and art. Although I hadn’t planned it, I think my dress ended up matching the decor inside of Enchanted Rose Lounge!

The Food

Although Enchanted Rose Lounge is owned and operated by Disney, they do not currently offer an allergy-friendly menu. However, you can talk to your server and a chef about options if you are interested in ordering any food. Our server Mary was very helpful.

Enchanted Rose Lounge - Aura in Me / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

But, first drinks! Brandon and I have been eying the fun cocktails on the Enchanted Rose Lounge for ages. There are a lot of unique and interesting drinks on the menu. I opted for the Aura in Me. This was made with gin, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, honey, pink peppercorn, cardamom, and lemon. If you’re allergic to egg, you’ll want to avoid this, as it does contain egg whites.

As an aside on alcohol and celiac disease, although most alcohol (spirits) with gluten containing grains are considered gluten free because of the distillation process, many with celiac disease do not feel comfortable consuming these kinds of spirits. Always use your own judgement and comfort level when consuming certain kinds of alcohol. And, of course, unless it’s specifically gluten free beer — most beer will not be gluten free.

Wow, this drink was surprisingly refreshing. I absolutely loved the combination of flavors. I was a little worried that the cardamom would be overpowering, but it wasn’t! There was so much depth of flavor in the drink. I would definitely get this drink again.

Enchanted Rose Lounge - Old Fashioned / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon is a huge fan of Old Fashioneds. So, of course, he had to try the version from Enchanted Rose. While he said it was just OK — the price compared to other Old Fashioneds he’s had on Disney property was a little steep. Next time, he said he’d skip this again get another drink instead.

Enchanted Rose Lounge - Truffle Fries / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

While we didn’t end up ordering a ton of small plates because we were eating at Citricos, we did decide to get the Truffle Fries. These were made in a dedicated fryer and were gluten free, fish/shellfish free, peanut/tree nut free & chicken/turkey free. These can be made dairy free with some modification.

Omigosh, were these amazing! While we’re sure there was truffle oil in the fries, what really impressed us were the small slices of actual truffle. This gave the fries a wonderful earthy taste. The truffle aioli really made these fries a homerun. And, even Brandon, who is usually not a condiment fan, absolutely adored the truffle aioli. Dip, those truffle fries with abandon! And, if you’re like us…ask for two cups of truffle aioli next time!

If truffle fries aren’t your thing, we were told that both the Brisket Sliders and Cheese Plate can be made gluten free too.

If you want to hear more about our experience at Enchanted Rose Lounge, check out the vlog we did for our YouTube channel for more information.

Overall

We absolutely loved the theme of Enchanted Rose Lounge. It was cozy, and a very comfortable place to get drinks and relax. While I loved my drink, Brandon’s was just OK. We both felt that the drinks were quite expensive compared to other locations on property though — and that makes Enchanted Rose a special occasion only kind of visit for us. But, we definitely want to go back for those amazing truffle fries sometime. Those were some of the best we’ve ever had.

Have you been to Enchanted Rose Lounge? What was your experience there?

Nomad Lounge Dinner Review

*This gluten free dining experience took place in February 2022. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Dinner at Nomad Lounge

Nomad Lounge, located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, is a lounge that serves both small bites and a variety of beverages. We have always enjoyed going to Nomad Lounge for a drink and small snacks when we’re in the park, especially in the evening. The lounge is connected to Tiffins, the park’s signature dining location and includes both indoor and outdoor seating. On this visit, we had an impromptu dinner at Nomad Lounge.

Atmosphere

Nomad Lounge is a cozy and inviting lounge. Like Tiffins, its theme highlights the locations and travels that have inspired Disney Imagineers. Travel and adventure are definitely prominent features of the lounge.

Nomad Lounge Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

You’ll see that Nomad Lounge is directly connected to Tiffins. At the time of this review, Nomad Lounge does not currently accept dining reservations. You can, however, join a walk-up list to dine here. This is a very popular lounge, so we recommend joining the waitlist if you’re looking to dine there. On our visit, we joined the waitlist and because it was about an hour before the parked closed, we only waited about 5 minutes to be seated.

Nomad Lounge Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Nomad Lounge includes both indoor and outdoor seating. If you’re visiting Disney World when the weather is a bit milder, we highly recommend eating outside. We absolutely love eating outside on “cooler” Florida evenings — and February is one of our favorite times of the year to do that.

As you can see, you get lovely views of the water and nearby entrance to Pandora: World of Avatar. On our visit, it was a lovely sunny evening with breezy, pleasant temperatures — perfect for outdoor seating at Nomad Lounge.

Nomad Lounge Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Both indoor and outdoor seating includes a combination of regular tables and more lounge seating, like couches. On this visit, we were seated at a small two-top table near the water outside.

The Food

Like most restaurants owned and operated by Disney, Nomad Lounge does offer an allergy-friendly menu. However, we highly recommend speaking to a chef at Nomad Lounge because there are often additional options not listed — and the Nomad Lounge Specials Menu is rarely listed on the My Disney Experience app.

Nomad Lounge Menu Specials / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We ordered almost all of our dishes entirely from the specials menu on this visit, and though items weren’t marked safe, we were able to both order with our server Alex and talk to a chef about options.

Nomad Lounge - Gluten Free Charcuterie Plate / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Up first, we decided to split the Charcuterie plate. This was able to be made gluten free. The platter does contain pistachios which can be omitted and a duck rillette if you have any allergies to poultry. Though Brandon is allergic to chicken & turkey — he isn’t allergic to duck, but he avoids it due to potential cross-contamination with other poultry that he is allergic to.

When the charcuterie first came out, we were both a little confused, as it looked like we were served regular bread. Our server Alex asked if we wanted to speak to a chef, which we ended up doing. It turns out that Nomad Lounge is actually using Cup4Cup gluten free flour to make an in-house gluten free garlic cheese bread. It was great to chat with a chef, as he went over the ingredients and we got to talk about all the items they’re making GF naturally for all guests dining at Nomad Lounge. It’s pretty impressive that the restaurant is taking these steps to make safe and tasty options for gluten free guests.

Once we determined the ingredients, we dug into our charcuterie plate. Brandon really enjoyed the cheese and Tazo Ham, while I devoured the venison sausage, olives, and duck rillette. We both absolutely loved the garlic cheese bread. While we didn’t think the charcuterie plate was one of our favorites on Disney property — it was still great, and that GF bread really made it a winner. We’ll definitely get that again if we’re just popping by Nomad Lounge for drinks and light snacks.

Nomad Lounge - Tempting Tigress / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We did also get drinks on our visit. I got a simple rose sparkling wine (not pictured). Brandon ordered his favorite drink from Nomad Lounge — the Tempting Tigress. This bourbon drink is always a winner, and fun fact, they actually make the tamarind syrup in house at Tiffins & Nomad Lounge! How cool is that?

Nomad Lounge - IMPOSSIBLE Plant-Based Sliders / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my main meal, I decided to get the IMPOSSIBLE Burger Sliders served with regular French fries. Although it is only marked safe for Fish/Shellfish Allergies on the allergy-friendly menu, it is actually super easy to make gluten free, dairy free, egg free, and vegan. For gluten free guests, simply swap the bun for a GF one (in this case a Bloomfield Farms brand roll). For those who need plant-based options — the only major modification is to omit the chipotle aioli. Definitely speak to a chef, because these are a delicious option!

Overall, I really enjoyed these. The IMPOSSIBLE sliders had a great cook on the plant-based patties — they were super crispy. The slaw that came with it added some nice texture and tangy flavor that balanced perfectly with the slightly spicy chipotle aioli. These were tiny but might sliders packed with a lot of flavor. I would definitely order these again.

Nomad Lounge - Beef Sliders / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon ordered the regular beef sliders which were also a gluten free and dairy free option with some slight modifications. Because Brandon is allergic to cabbage, his was served without the slaw. He said they were very flavorful and the beef was well cooked. If you prefer beef to the plant-based options, you’ll enjoy these.

Nomad Lounge - Mac & Cheese (NOT Gluten Free) / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For those who can eat gluten, the lounge does offer a lobster Mac & Cheese. Brandon was able to get this without the lobster because he is allergic to fish & shellfish. He said it was one of the best mac & cheese dishes that he’s had in a long time. However, we both had a bit of sticker shock when we saw the bill. We both though the mac & cheese would be at a lower price point, but we discovered that we were charged the regular rate as if the dish had lobster on it. Yikes!

Though Brandon did love this dish, we both agreed for the price ($25) that it was not worth getting again.

Nomad Lounge - Gluten Free Mandazi / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

And, finally, the best part of the meal has to be dessert! For the month of February 2022 only, Nomad Lounge was offering a special dessert option that happened to be gluten free. They were serving Mandazi which a fried dough from Africa that is similar to beignets. Unfortunately, these do contain dairy, as they are made with the regular Cup4Cup gluten free flour that contains dairy. If you are gluten free and peanut/tree free, these will be a safe option for you.

The Mandazi were served with two sauces, a vanilla creme to replace a sauce that contains nuts and a coffee sauce. We both agreed that the coffee sauce was the winner and paired perfectly with the fried dough. We both really enjoyed these, and though we prefer the allergy-friendly beignets at Port Orleans French Quarter, these were still pretty great too.

If you’re looking for a gluten free dessert at Nomad Lounge anytime of year, we highly recommend the GF Churros! These are a Nomad Lounge staple and are just so good (also contain dairy). You can read more about them in a previous review we wrote here on the blog.

If you want to hear more about our experience at Nomad Lounge, check out the vlog we did for our YouTube channel for more information.

Overall

We are both really glad we ended up dining at Nomad Lounge during this impromptu visit. Not only was the food fantastic, but we also got a chance to check out some new items that we hadn’t had before — including the limited time Mandazi. If you’re going for drinks and small plates, you can’t go wrong with Nomad Lounge. The chefs here go above and beyond to ensure that there are tasty and safe options for lots of special dietary needs — and we definitely need to make another visit again soon!

Have you been to Nomad Lounge? What was your experience dining there?

Citricos Dinner Review

*This gluten free dining experience took place in July 2021. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Dinner at Citricos

Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a signature dining location that serves food inspired by both Florida and the Mediterranean. In 2021, the restaurant re-opened with a new theme inspired by the film Mary Poppins Returns. Both Brandon and I have never been to Citricos, so the new theme was definitely an excuse to check it out. On this visit, we dined at the first meal seating around 5 p.m.

Atmosphere

Citricos is now heavily inspired by Mary Poppins Returns. So, this means that you will see lots of floral decor, pretty pastels, and lots of hidden features — all inspired by the film. The overall theme is bright and inviting.

Citricos Lobby / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

When you check into Citricos, you will be seated in a main seating area that is reserved for both Citricos and the restaurant Victoria & Alberts. The main waiting area is not rethemed, and we both remarked that the chairs are definitely a bit on the dated side.

Citricos Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Once inside the restaurant, you’ll find bright and cozy tables and even lots of booths for guests to be seated. We enjoyed our meal at a small table near the windows. This gave us a great view of the resort and the restaurant.

Citricos Seating & Bar Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The restaurant also has cozy bar seating for guests who prefer to dine in a lounge style atmosphere or who do not have reservations at Citricos. The lounge was not busy on our visit. So, if you’re staying at the Grand Floridian, this could be a nice option for walk-up dining if you do not have a reservation.

Citricos Table / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Both of us really liked the tableware too. The cups are unique and brightly colored. And, we loved the way that the tableware from the glasses to the napkins to the silverware all reflect the new theme and color scheme.

The Food

Like most restaurants owned and operated by Disney, Citricos does have an allergy-friendly menu. We were given a paper menu on our visit, and you can find the allergy-friendly menu options on the My Disney Experience app or Disney’s website. We have noticed that Citricos allergy-friendly dessert options were not listed online but were listed on the print menus.

Brandon with Allergy-Friendly Menu / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Once seated, our server Robin took great care of our special dietary needs. While we did order directly with Robin instead of speaking with a chef, you can always ask to speak with a chef if you have any questions or wish to discuss options.

Brandon’s Drink - 1806 Old Fashioned / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Before our food arrived, we did order several alcoholic beverages. Brandon ordered the 1806 Old Fashioned. He really liked this drink a lot. It’s a great one to order if you like whiskey.

Sarah’s Drink - Amaro Grapefruit Spritz / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my drink, I ordered the Amaro Grapefruit Spritz. This drink had a beautiful presentation, and I really enjoyed the flavors a lot. This is not a sweet drink. So, if you are not a fan of more dry and bitter drinks, I would skip this. If you’ve ever had an Aperol Spritz and enjoy them, this is a drink for you. I really enjoyed the refreshing flavors and would definitely order again.

As an aside on alcohol and celiac disease, although most alcohol (spirits) with gluten containing grains are considered gluten free because of the distillation process, many with celiac disease do not feel comfortable consuming these kinds of spirits. Always use your own judgement and comfort level when consuming certain kinds of alcohol. And, of course, unless it’s specifically gluten free beer — most beer will not be gluten free.

Gluten Free Bread Service / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For our bread service, I was served the Bloomfield Farms allergy-friendly rolls. These are gluten free, dairy free, and top 8 allergy-free and vegan. I was served my rolls with regular butter, but you can ask for vegan buttery spread or extra virgin olive oil instead if you’re dairy free or vegan.

The rolls were well heated and tasted good, as usual. But, the winner was the sea salt on the butter. Both Brandon and I really enjoyed the high quality butter and salt that added a lovely flavor to the bread service.

Brandon’s Drink - 212 Manhattan / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

While waiting for our appetizers, Brandon did order a second drink. He got the 212 Manhattan. Like the first drink he had, he really enjoyed this — and this ended up being his favorite of the two drinks.

Citricos - Sweet Corn Bisque / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my appetizer, I ordered the Sweet Corn Bisque with Pickled Fennel, Popcorn, and Fennel Oil. This was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies.

This was a super unique soup in terms of presentation, flavors, and textures. The pickled fennel and other ingredient were served in the bowl, and the soup was then poured over all of the ingredients. The soup was a bit sweet and definitely a very rich soup. While I wasn’t sure if I’d like the fennel in this, the pickled fennel added a great touch to the dish. And, of course, having some freshly popped popcorn in the corn soup was also a bit whimsical too! Although I would not order this every time I ate at Citricos, I would get it again.

Citricos - Berkshire Pork Belly / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For Brandon’s appetizer, he chose the Berkshire Pork Belly with Boniato and Plantain Croquette, Salsa Verde and Jícama. This dish was marked safe for Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. It was also made safe for Brandon’s additional allergies of chicken, turkey, and cabbage. Unfortunately, this dish was not gluten free.

Brandon absolutely loved this dish. He said it’s the best pork belly dish that he has ever had. The pork belly itself was falling apart and super tender. And, Brandon enjoyed the salsa verde and even the croquette. This is a dish he said he could eat again and again. If you can have gluten, this is a must get! And, I have to admit, I’m still a bit jealous that I could not get this appetizer. It just looks incredible.

Citricos - Domestic Golden Tilefish / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my entree, I ordered the Domestic Golden Tilefish with Jupiter Rice Chorizo "Risotto", Key West Pink Shrimp, and Confit Tomatoes. This dish was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies.

Omigosh, was this dish one of the best entrees that I have had at Disney in a very long time. Probably the only two other dishes that compare would be the Filet at Topolino’s Terrace or the Tamarind Braised Short Rib from Tiffins. In terms of fish dishes, it’s one of the best I’ve ever had at Disney World.

The fish itself was beautifully cooked. The seasoning on the fish was strong but didn’t overpower the delicate tilefish. And, the rice, chorizo, shrimp, and vegetables — along with the lovely broth — made this dish a hands down winner for me. If you’re gluten free, dairy free, and love fish, get this dish! It was so good.

Citricos Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For Brandon’s entree, he ordered the Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon with Potato Purée, Broccolini, Cipollini Jam, and Bordelaise. This dish was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. And, if you’re dairy free, this can be modified to be made safe.

Brandon really enjoyed his filet. He said the flavors were fantastic, and the accompaniments were all great too. Although he said it doesn’t beat the filet from Topolino’s Terrace as his favorite steak at Disney World, it ranks pretty high on his filet list. If you’re a steak fan, this is definitely worth considering ordering when you dine at Citricos.

Citricos - Gluten Free Chocolate Torte / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

As if we hadn’t ordered enough of the menu already, we couldn’t pass up dessert! There were two desserts that could be made gluten free — the Chocolate Torte and the Orange Blossom Flan. I’m not a huge fan of flan or creme brulee, so I opted for the Chocolate Torte, and boy am I glad I did! Look at this presentation!

The Chocolate Torte was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat and Fish/Shellfish Allergies. This was beautifully presented, with edible chocolate designs on the plate, gorgeous chocolate work, and even some edible gold. Inside, there is a rich, dense mousse, and cherries. If you like chocolate and cherries, this is a must get.

Unfortunately, Brandon couldn’t get this dish because of his nut allergies, and of course, there is dairy in this. The one disappointing part of the dessert menu is that there was not a great option for gluten free and dairy free guests. If you’re both GF and DF, I would recommend speaking with a chef about potential options.

Citricos - Orange Blossom Flan / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Most of the desserts at Citricos had nut allergy challenges. So, Brandon ended up ordering the Citrus Blossom Flan. To be made gluten free, I believe the shortbread base needs to be omitted when the dessert is plated, but of course, always talk to a server and the chefs about modifications. With this in mind, I did not try this dessert.

The dessert is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. Overall, Brandon thought this dish was just OK. He was a bit bummed by his dessert choices and said next time he’d just skip dessert and stick with ordering the pork belly appetizer instead.

If you want to hear more about our experience at Citricos, check out our vlog on our YouTube channel from the visit.

Overall

We were both pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed Citricos. Neither of us went into this meal with super high expectations, as our experiences at other Grand Floridian restaurants have been a bit hit or miss — and we weren’t wowed by Narcoossee’s. But, Citricos had not only outstanding food and drinks, but the service decor and overall experience really made it an excellent visit. We highly recommend our server Robin, who was phenomenal too! And, of course, we cannot wait to dine at Citricos again. It’s at the top end of our favorite signature dining locations on Disney property.

Have you been to Citricos since it re-opened? What did you think of the restaurant’s retheming and the food?

Tusker House Dinner Review

*This gluten free dining experience took place in June 2021. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Dinner at Tusker House

Tusker House, located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is an all-you-care-to-enjoy restaurant that typically serves a buffet style meal and features Disney character dining. When the restaurant recently re-opened in June 2021, the offerings switched to family style — meaning you still could enjoy all the food you wanted but the food was brought directly to the table versus going to a buffet and the menu was a bit more limited. It’s been years since I’ve eaten at Tusker House either for breakfast or dinner, and Brandon had never eaten at the restaurant. Since Brandon is such a fan of socially distanced character meals now, we decided to give the restaurant a try.

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

On this particular visit, we made reservations in advance on the day reservations were first available for booking for Tusker House. If you’re having a hard time finding options for a specific restaurant that you’re interested in, we always recommend checking the My Disney Experience app a day or two ahead of when you’re interested in dining at a restaurant. We actually get a lot of last minute dining options this way, so it’s always worth checking.

When we arrived at the restaurant, we were able to check-in either through the app itself or by speaking with a cast member at the restaurant’s entrance. Both work well, and we had no issues getting seated for our meal. However, we have had a few restaurants require us to also check-in at the restaurant with a cast member in addition to using the check-in feature on the app. So, it’s always good to double-check a restaurant’s current practice with check-in.

On this specific visit, we noted that the restaurant’s social distance seating for guests dining at the restaurant in its main dining room areas at the time of our visit was more or less back to normal pre-pandemic closure seating in most of the main areas. But, because of the way that the restaurant is set-up and how they spaced out guests dining, we felt fairly comfortable with where we were seated. If you have any concerns about seating, it’s always worth mentioning to a cast member to discuss options, and we always recommend doing what you feel most comfortable with.

We also recommend checking Disney’s current guidelines and recommendations. On this visit, mask rules were different than they are currently at the Disney Parks & Resorts, so it’s always worth checking before you go.

Atmosphere

Tusker House is located in Harambe in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. And the restaurant’s exterior and interior reflect this with African inspired decor.

Tusker House Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The restaurant itself might feel a bit hidden, as it’s located in a corner of Harambe close to Festival of the Lion King. You’ll see large signs directing you to the check-in podium which is near the Dawa Bar.

Tusker House / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Inside, you will feel like you’re in an open air market and an extension of the outside areas of Harambe. There’s some really neat touches to help you feel like you’re actually outside.

Tusker House / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

There are also a few smaller rooms in the restaurant. Here is a photo of one of those rooms, where the tables are spaced out a bit which is especially helpful as the characters came through all of the rooms on a fairly regular basis.

Tusker House - Daisy Duck / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We were seated in one of the main areas of the restaurant, which was great for seeing all the characters. Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Mickey were all there — each in their own safari outfits. The restaurant included a song played every time the characters came out, which was so much fun. Daisy Duck was super sassy on our visit and really made sure to interact with all the guests — even if socially distanced.

Tusker House - Goofy / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Although I didn’t include a lot of character photos here, we did get quite a few photos plus video. All of the characters were so great, and we had such a fun time interacting with them. Donald and Daisy were definitely our favorites though! If you want to see more of the character interactions and fun hijinks, check our our vlog dining review on our YouTube channel.

The Food

Like most restaurants owned and operated by Disney, Tusker House does have an allergy-friendly menu. On this visit, we were given a family-style allergy-friendly menu, but the restaurant has also offered an allergen guide for guests with special dietary needs, when the restaurant is a full buffet.

Brandon with Tusker House QR Menus / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Of course, we always recommend speaking to a chef directly, if you have questions or want to discuss additional options for your special dietary needs. We especially recommend speaking to a chef when you have multiple special dietary needs or those that are not covered in the allergy-friendly menu options.

Tusker House - Hard Cider / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

It was a really hot day when we dined at Tusker House. We both decided to start our meal with a cold Angry Orchard Hard Cider — which is naturally gluten free. It was super refreshing and a great way to start our meal.

Tusker House - Salad / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For our starter and bread service, Brandon and I shared the dishes which were made safe for us. This included African Inspired Salads (Kachumbari and Arcadian Green Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette Dressing). The salads were marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies on the allergy-friendly menu. Brandon is also allergic to cabbage and this was cabbage free too.

While neither of us thought the salads were amazing, we both enjoyed them a lot. I think Brandon may have enjoyed the salad more than I did! The main salad was light and refreshing — though it was very minimally dressed with the citrus vinaigrette. If you are fan of lots of dressing, you may want to ask for a side of vinaigrette to add what you like to the salad. The cucumber, tomato, and red onion salad was also very refreshing and simple. It was a nice way to get started on our meal.

Tusker House - Gluten Free Bread Service / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For our bread service, we were served what felt like a mini Sanaa bread service. If you have read our reviews over the years, you know that we absolutely love the gluten free bread service from Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This version was served with three of the dips normally served at Sanaa — Mango Chutney, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, and Coriander Chutney. They all happen to be my favorite dips from Sanaa too! In addition, we were served poppadums and Bloomfield Farms allergy-friendly rolls.

The dips and poppadum were all great, and we both enjoyed those thoroughly. We normally love the Bloomfield Farms rolls but on this visit, they were not heated…at all. They were extremely cold and dense and didn’t make for a great bread option. We could have asked for bread to be heated up, but we decided to just enjoy the poppadum and dips and mostly skip the rolls. Side note, how cute is the board that the bread service was served on?!

Tusker House - Gluten Free Skillet / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For our main dishes, we were each brought our own platter of food — although after reviewing what we got and the amount given, we both agreed that we could have had the platter be shared and had the chicken — which was the only thing Brandon couldn’t eat — served on the side.

The main skillet contained the following items:

• Moroccan-spiced Beef

  Marked Safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies

• Berber-Marinated Pork

  Marked Safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies

• Spit-roasted Herb Chicken

  Marked Safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies

• Jasmine Rice

  Marked Safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies

• Roasted Potatoes

  Marked Safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies

• Green Beans with Carrots and Corn

  Marked Safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies

Each of us really enjoyed the items in our skillets. Both of us thought the pork and beef were well-cooked. And, Brandon, of course, loved the potatoes (ever the potato fan). I thought all the rice and veggies were great and that the chicken was very tasty too.

Gluten free mac and cheese is not available, but Brandon was able to get a gluten-filled mac and cheese and said it was very good. We also didn’t order it, but you can get a Durban Curry made with Impossible brand vegan meat upon request that is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut Allergies.

Tusker House - Green Curry Shrimp / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I did get a side dish of Cape Malay Green Curry Shrimp which is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. This was one of my favorite parts of our meal. The shrimp were very tasty and well-cooked, and the green curry was very flavorful. It wasn’t overly spicy but packed a lot of flavor into a small dish. My only complaint on this dish was that there was not enough shrimp!

Tusker House - Gluten Free Chocolate Cake / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For dessert, I was given one gluten free dessert — a flourless chocolate honeybee cake. This did contain dairy, so I’m not sure what options would be available if you’re gluten free and dairy free — as the dairy free and vegan mousse available contains gluten.

Though not my favorite dessert ever, I will give Tusker House some kudos for making something that was both beautifully decorated and unique for gluten free guests. The chocolate sponge cake was good, but I have to admit the layers had some rather odd textures to them. So, if you don’t like spongy style cakes, this might not be your favorite dessert. It was also very sweet, so something to keep in mind if you’re not a big sweets fan like me. I could have used a cup of coffee or something else to cut the sweetness of the dish. But, overall, I was super pleased that they offered this and that it wasn’t sorbet or allergy-friendly cookies.

Tusker House - NOT Gluten Free Dessert Trio / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon received a trio of desserts — two of which contain gluten but were nut free. He liked all of them including the gluten free cake but said the brownie cake in the middle of the photo above was is favorite. Sure, these desserts weren’t anything fancy, but we both appreciated the effort into making them a bit fun and whimsical.

If you want to hear more about our experience at Tusker House, check out the vlog we did for our YouTube channel for more information.

Overall

We were both really impressed with our meal at Tusker House. Everything was solidly cooked and tasted great. We each felt we had plenty of options and a lot of food. We absolutely loved the character aspect of the dining experience and thought that it really made the entire meal. We both agreed that we would definitely come back for dinner and would love to check out the character breakfast at some point too. This might be one of the most fun character meals we’ve had in the past year and definitely had a great time with good food.

Have you been to Tusker House? What was your experience dining there?

Garden Grill Lunch Review

*This gluten free dining experience took place in May 2021. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Lunch at Garden Grill

Garden Grill, located in the Land Pavilion in Epcot, is a family-style all-you-care-to-enjoy meal with Farmer Mickey and friends (including my favorites Chip & Dale). It’s been years since I’ve dined at Garden Grill, so when our friend came to visit and suggested Garden Grill, we decided it was the perfect time to check it out. Brandon had never been to the restaurant and was very excited to dine there, especially knowing that the restaurant rotates slowly around the Living with the Land attraction which we both love.

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

On this particular visit, we made reservations in advance since we planned it ahead of time. If you’re having a hard time finding options, especially in Epcot, we always recommend checking the My Disney Experience app a day or two ahead of when you’re interested in dining at a restaurant. We actually get a lot of last minute dining options this way, so it’s always worth checking.

When we arrived at the restaurant, our friend checked in at the podium in front of Garden Grill. But, you can also check in through the app. We’ve had some hit or miss experiences with checking in only through the My Disney Experience app, so it’s definitely worth checking with a cast member when you arrive at a restaurant too.

On this visit, the restaurant was still implementing social distance seating, and we were seated in a rather large booth. Garden Grill also has two levels for dining. At the time that we dined there, the top level was only being used for Disney characters and no guests were seated in that area for their meal. However, this may be different when you dine there.

We also recommend checking Disney’s current guidelines and recommendations. On this visit, mask rules were different than they are currently at the Disney Parks & Resorts, so it’s always worth checking before you go.

Atmosphere

Because Garden Grill is located in the Land Pavilion in Epcot, it has a very garden and nature inspired theme. It also slowly rotates around the Living with the Land attraction, which means you can actually see different parts of the ride as you dine.

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

There’s a lot of nostalgia in this restaurant for me because it hasn’t changed much in the almost 2 decades that I’ve been visiting Disney regularly.

Garden Grill Mural / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

My favorite part is getting to see different views of the Living with the Land attraction. I love this hidden mural that you pass by in the restaurant.

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

Here are a few images from our booth as the restaurant rotated. Up first, the classic prairie scene of the attraction.

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

You’ll also see the farmhouse from the attraction from a totally different angle. It’s such a great touch that they have part of the house decorated and visible from only the restaurant — so you get to see something unique and a bit hidden!

Farmer Mickey at Garden Grill / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

But, of course, one of the best parts of Garden Grill is seeing Farmer Mickey and all his friends. Because this meal was socially distanced, the characters did not come to your table for autographs. Instead, they came by behind each booth to wave and pose for photos.

Pluto at the Garden Grill / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The characters on our visit included Mickey, Pluto, and Chip & Dale. They all came around several times, and we had a lot of fun interacting with them.

Dale at Garden Grill / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Of course, my personal favorite are Chip & Dale. They were getting into their normal hijinks and made the meal just so much fun.

Having fun with the characters at Garden Grill / Photo Taken by our friend Shawn

You can see a bit behind the scenes of us getting to interact with the characters from this photo that our friend took. I was super excited to see Chip & Dale!

Hidden Mickey at Garden Grill / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We had some really cute table-ware set for us too. Gotta love the hidden Mickey!

The Food

Like most restaurants owned and operated by Disney, Garden Grill does have an allergy-friendly menu. You can also always speak to a chef when you dine at any Disney owned location for questions you might have or to discuss options for your special dietary needs, especially if they are not listed on the allergy-friendly menu.

Brandon with Allergy-Friendly Menu at Garden Grill / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On this visit, our server recommended we speak to a chef to discuss options, and we reviewed the allergy-friendly menu given to us prior to speaking with a chef. Thankfully, the options were fairly easy for us with just a few simple modifications.

Garden Grill Table / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Side note, how cute are the mason jars that your drinks are served in at Garden Grill?! Such a fun touch.

Garden Grill - Gluten Free Rolls with Dairy Free Buttery Spread / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The main allergy-friendly menu offers a top 8 free platter that is gluten free, dairy free, egg free, fish/shellfish free, peanut/tree nut free, and soy free. With that in mind, I was served the Bloomfield Farms brand GF rolls with Earth Balance vegan buttery spread. These were well-heated and tasted great along with the Earth Balance.

Garde Grill - Salad / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Our table also had a shared garden salad that featured a vinaigrette, tomatoes, cucumbers, and kalamata olives. This was also gluten free, dairy free, egg free, fish/shellfish free, peanut/tree nut free, and soy free. As an aside, the salads served at this pavilion are usually made with fresh greens and other veggies grown in the pavilion, which is so neat.

Since this was a shared dish, we worked to ensure that we avoided any cross-contamination, by sharing salad before eating any gluten-filled bread products. All of us agreed that the salad was very tasty. The vinaigrette offered a lot of fresh flavors, and of course, having the veggies in the mix was great too. It may not have been anything special, but we all really liked it and felt it was a great way to start the meal.

Garden Grill - Gluten Free Skillet / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For our entrees, we were each served a skillet. The chef brought both Brandon and I are own skillets to avoid cross-contamination, and boy, was it a lot of food! For the main course, I was served: Grilled Beef Chimichurri, Roast Turkey Breast, Rice Pilaf, Corn & Lima Beans, Sautéed Green Beans, and Mashed Potatoes. The mashed potatoes contained dairy, but everything else on the platter was gluten free, dairy free, egg free, fish/shellfish free, peanut/tree nut free, and soy free. I believe the mashed potatoes may also have soy in them, so you’ll want to double-check as some locations will note that potatoes contain both dairy and soy.

Overall, I was really pleased with everything I was served. The beef and turkey were well-cooked and tasted great. The corn & lima beans were pretty plain and were probably my least favorite part of the entree, but the rice pilaf, green beans, and mashed potatoes were all very good. It was a lot of food, and I definitely left the restaurant full!

Garden Grill - NOT Gluten Free Skillet / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon was served a very similar platter to mine, but his did not include the roast turkey and included an addition of herb stuffing. We were advised that the stuffing is made with vegetable stock — which is good to know if you’re vegetarian or have any poultry allergies. Brandon’s meal was fish/shellfish free, peanut/tree nut free, chicken & turkey free, and cabbage free.

Like me, Brandon thought this was a solid entree. He really loved the mashed potatoes and beef and ordered seconds for both of these items. He’s not a huge vegetable or stuffing fan, but if you are, you’ll have some decent options with the sides, as well.

Garden Grill - Gluten Free Shortcake / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my dessert, I was served a massive portion of a house-made allergy-friendly berry shortcake that was marked gluten free, dairy free, egg free, fish/shellfish free, peanut/tree nut free, and soy free. It was also vegan. I was not sure what to expect with this dessert, and I was pleasantly surprised. The shortcake itself was a bit dense but tasted great. It wasn’t overly sweet and was almost like a cross-between Angel Food Cake and a muffin. I am guessing that the restaurant used a Namaste brand mix to make the cake, but I didn’t ask the chef on this visit.

The berries were a bit on the sweet side, so I would have loved a dairy free whipped topping on the shortcake — which some Disney locations are now serving. But, I would definitely be happy to get this dessert again. It was nice to have something just a bit different and that wasn’t sorbet!

Garden Grill - Enjoy Life Cookes & Chocolate / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon is not at all a berry fan, so he asked the chef if there were any Enjoy Life Foods cookies or candy bars on hand. Luckily, the chef said they did. They brought Brandon a ricemilk crunch bar and some double chocolate chip cookies. Brandon has had these before (even if he forgets that sometimes like he says in the video) but really liked the chocolate bar. It’s always good to know that these are an option if you don’t really love the current dessert offerings available at a restaurant.

If you want to hear more about our experience, check out the vlog we did on our YouTube channel.

Overall

While our meal at Garden Grill wasn’t the best we’ve ever had in Epcot or at a character meal, we both were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and the options. Add in a fun and unique location and Disney characters, and you have a solid meal option in the park. One day we’d like to try the character breakfast at Garden Grill too and look forward to making another trip back at some point.

Have you been to Garden Grill? What was your experience with the food and character dining?

Les Chefs de France Dinner Review

*This gluten free dining experience took place in June 2021. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Dinner at Chefs de France

Chefs de France, located in the France Pavilion in Epcot, is a non-Disney owned restaurant that offers classic French cuisine. It’s a location that, quite honestly, I’ve avoided for years — having heard hit or miss reviews of the food and the special dietary needs accommodations. Brandon and I decided to finally give it a try since we’re hoping to dine at every restaurant at Disney World at least once. On this visit, we had dinner in the late afternoon as they transitioned from lunch to dinner in the hopes that it wouldn’t be too crowded in the restaurant.

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

On this particular visit, we made reservations in advance since we planned it ahead of time. If you’re having a hard time finding options, especially in Epcot, we always recommend checking the My Disney Experience app a day or two ahead of when you’re interested in dining at a restaurant. We actually get a lot of last minute dining options this way, so it’s always worth checking.

When we arrived at the restaurant, we were able to check-in either through the app itself or by speaking with a cast member at the restaurant’s entrance. Both work well, and we had no issues getting seated for our meal. However, we have had a few restaurants require us to also check-in at the restaurant with a cast member in addition to using the check-in feature on the app. So, it’s always good to double-check a restaurant’s current practice with check-in.

On this specific visit, we noted that the restaurant was not implementing any social distance seating and were seated at a small two top table very close to another party. Because we were not comfortable with the seating, we did ask if we could be seated where there was a bit more space and were accommodated in our request. If you have any concerns about seating, it’s always worth mentioning to a cast member to discuss options. The restaurant was busier than expected on our visit, so we always recommend doing what you feel most comfortable with.

We also recommend checking Disney’s current guidelines and recommendations. On this visit, mask rules were different than they are currently at the Disney Parks & Resorts, so it’s always worth checking before you go.

Atmosphere

Chefs de France is a decidedly French restaurant, and you will feel like you have been transported to Paris when you dine there.

Chefs de France Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

From the exterior to the classic French style inside, the restaurant reflects the theme and location really well.

Chefs de France Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Both Brandon and I really liked the tiled floors and the other charming decor like the ceiling lights and tile work. In some ways, the restaurant seems a bit dated, but there is a lot of charm in the classic design that feels like it’s been this way since it opened in Epcot.

Chefs de France Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We were seated in an area right by the large windows at the front of the restaurant. We both said it was great for people watching and were glad to see a bit more space between these seats than some of the tables further in the restaurant. During the day it was bright and cheerful and a very pleasant dining area. It would be nice to see what it looks like inside at night too.

Chefs de France Table / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Each table had paper placemats with the Chefs de France name and culinary hat designs — which was a nice touch.

The Food

Because Chefs de France is not owned and operated by Disney, they do not have an allergy-friendly menu. Most non-Disney owned locations also have somewhat different protocols for handling special dietary needs. So, it’s always good to speak with your server about the options and if you can speak with a chef or manager.

Chefs de France - Brandon with QR Code Menus / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

In our case, our server facilitated some of our questions with the chef. But, we did see a chef come out to several tables. So, if you feel more comfortable speaking to a chef directly, it’s always worth asking.

Chefs de France - Gluten Free Bread / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Both Brandon and I were served a bread service. Brandon received a classic French baguette with butter. I was served this gluten free roll and butter. You can also ask for extra virgin olive oil in place of butter if you’re dairy free. I do not know what brand of gluten free roll that they used. I did ask our server if she could ask the chef, but we never did find out what brand it was.

Overall, it was nice to have a bread option, but I have to admit, it wasn’t great. The inside of the roll was almost entirely air and the roll crumbled and fell apart pretty easily. I much prefer the Bloomfield Farms brand rolls that Disney is currently using at their restaurants.

Chefs de France - Gluten Free French Onion Soup / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon and I opted to get the prix fixe meal which came with an appetizer of our choice, entree, dessert, and glass of wine. For my appetizer, I ordered the French Onion Soup which could be made gluten free by swapping the bread option out. My soup included the gluten free roll that I had chopped up into small pieces and topped with cheese. This dish is gluten free but does contain dairy.

Of the French Onion soups that I’ve had, this was just OK. If you like soup and especially like getting French Onion soup, it’s definitely worth getting — because if you’re gluten free, its not always an option when eating out. It was also a huge portion, making it a great value for the 3-course meal. I’m really glad that I tried it, but I would opt for a different appetizer if we go back to Chefs de France.

Chefs de France - Goat Cheese & Endive Salad / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Oddly, Brandon’s options were more limited than mine at Chefs de France due to his chicken allergy. The French Onion soup, for example, is made with chicken stock. The server told us that the chef recommended that Brandon order the Baked Goat Cheese Salad with endive. However, when the dish arrived, we noted that the goat cheese was just a standard wedge of cheese instead of baked. Our server said that whatever breading they use had some issue with chicken — something that seemed odd to us, but we were glad that it was served plain for him instead. This was also an option if you are gluten free and would be served exactly the same way.

Brandon really liked this salad a lot. He loves cheese and said the goat cheese was great. He also really enjoyed the vinaigrette in the salad too. I think we both wish we would have gotten each other’s appetizer, but overall, we both had a decent option to start off our meal.

Chefs de France - Gluten Free Salmon / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my entree, I chose the Baked Salmon with rice and a champagne sauce. This was the dish the server told us would be the easiest for me to get without modifications. I like salmon and rice, so it seemed like a good fit for me too. This dish is gluten free and contains dairy. But, you can get it modified to be dairy free as we learned from one of our blog readers when we saw her at the restaurant.

Overall, I really liked this entree a lot. The fish was well cooked and tasty. I liked the pesto-style sauce on the salmon and the mix of lemon and lime citrus. The rice and vegetables were pretty plain but paired well with the salmon. The champagne sauce had a mild flavor to it, and you could taste the champagne ever so slightly. I would definitely order the salmon again.

Chefs de France - Beef Tenderloin / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For Brandon’s entree, he chose the Grilled Beef Tenderloin. Due to his chicken allergy, he could not have the sauce that normally comes with the dish. But, he said that the steak was flavorful and the mashed potatoes were extremely creamy and rich. If you’re gluten free, this would be another option. If you’re dairy free, you would need to swap out the very dairy-filled mashed potatoes from this entree.

Chefs de France - Kids Chocolate Mousse / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

As a gluten free diner, I was told my only primary dessert option was creme brûlée, which I’m not a fan of. Our server checked with the chef and mentioned that the chocolate mousse on the kids’ menu was also an option. I had asked about macarons which I had heard from Paleo Disney might be a dessert option when dining here but was told that they were not available.

I decided to get the chocolate mousse and goodness was this a rich dessert. If you’re gluten free and like chocolate — this was a very decadent option. It was so rich and thick that it almost had the consistency of frosting. If you’re dairy free or vegan, fresh fruit is the only other option available on the menu.

While I liked this and found myself eating the entire thing, it was definitely a dessert that I wouldn’t get every time because it was so decadent. If you’re a chocolate fan, you’ll definitely want to consider ordering this.

Chefs de France - Creme Brulee / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon ended up ordering the Creme Brûlée, which is gluten free, as mentioned. He said that the best part of the creme brûlée was the caramelized sugar on top of the dessert. He said it was good as far creme brûlée goes, but like me, isn’t necessarily the biggest creme brûlée fan. If you like this kind of dessert, Brandon said he would recommend it.

If you want to hear more about our experience at Chefs de France, check out our vlog on our YouTube channel from the visit.

Overall

We found Chefs de France to be a just OK restaurant for our special dietary needs. We were glad to know that the restaurant can accommodate and that we could eat there safely. The food itself was good, but we both though for the price that we would probably choose another restaurant in Epcot instead. I will say that for the value, the prix fixe meal was a good bargain given it included a beverage option like a glass of wine — so if you’re looking for a meal that includes appetizer, entree, and dessert, this could be a good bet for you. We’re both really glad we finally decided to dine at Chefs de France, but it may be a bit before we go back again. We both would really like to check out Monsieur Paul located above Chefs de France and for which we’ve heard great things.

Have you been to Chefs de France? What was your experience dining there?

‘Ohana Breakfast Review

*This gluten free dining experience took place in July 2021. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Breakfast at ‘Ohana

‘Ohana, located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, has long been a favorite Disney restaurant for my family. The first time we dined there was in 2003, and it’s been a family favorite ever since. We all love the Polynesian decor and family friendly atmosphere…and, of course, the outstanding food. With the restaurant being closed since March 2020, I was very excited to hear that it would be re-opening during summer 2021. I hadn’t been to ‘Ohana for any meal since July 2019, and I was very much looking forward to heading back. However, after looking at the new updated menus, both Brandon and I decided that we would prefer to dine there at breakfast since the dinner options weren’t as appealing to us as the options on the old ‘Ohana menu were. So, breakfast it was!

The current breakfast available at ‘Ohana is $25 per adult and $14 per child and is an all-you-care-to-enjoy family style meal. ‘Ohana breakfast is typically a character meal featuring Lilo & Stitch. But, the restaurant is currently not offering character dining. So, this meal experience may be slightly different than what you might experience during a character meal.

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

On this particular visit, we made reservations in advance when reservations opened up for ‘Ohana. We knew it would be a popular dining option, so we wanted to make sure we booked ahead of time. If you’re having a hard time finding options, we always recommend checking the My Disney Experience app a day or two ahead of when you’re interested in dining at a restaurant. We actually get a lot of last minute dining options this way, so it’s always worth checking.

When we arrived at the restaurant, we were able to check-in either through the app itself or by speaking with a cast member at the ‘Ohana check-in kiosk. Both work well, and we had no issues getting seated for our meal. However, we have had a few restaurants require us to also check-in at the restaurant with a cast member in addition to using the check-in feature on the app. So, it’s always good to double-check a restaurant’s current practice with check-in.

Once seated, we noted that the restaurant was more or less seating as it normally would. This means there was no or limited social distancing in place. If you have any concerns about seating, it’s always worth mentioning to a cast member to discuss options. We did notice that the restaurant was serving people in clusters, grouped together. We assumed this was both for the servers, as well as for cleaning. We noticed a large section of the restaurant being cleaned (with no guests in the area) during our visit.

We also recommend checking Disney’s current guidelines and recommendations. On this visit, mask rules were different than they are currently at the Disney Parks & Resorts, so it’s always worth checking before you go.

Atmosphere

‘Ohana has a decidedly Polynesian vibe to the atmosphere and decor. The restaurant itself really hasn’t changed in the almost 20 years that I’ve been going there, and I absolutely love the retro/vintage charm it has.

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

We’ve been to Polynesian Village Resort quite a few times this past year, and it’s always a bit sad when we pass the empty ‘Ohana restaurant. I was so excited to be taking photos of the sign and entrance when we got there knowing it was finally re-opened.

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

I love all of the tiki style carvings that you’re greeted by as you enter the restaurant’s main entrance area.

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

From there, you’re seated in a very large dining room. As you can see by the photos we took at the end of our breakfast (which was during the last seating of the day at noon), the restaurant is quite large and there are a lot of tables. I completely love the cushy retro chairs at ‘Ohana.

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

The tables themselves are rather big, and you’ll notice a lot of larger dining parties when you eat at ‘Ohana. It’s definitely all about family!

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

My favorite area of the restaurant to be seated is by the large windows that overlook the resort’s pool area and has direct views of the Magic Kingdom. If you eat dinner at ‘Ohana and time it right, you can even see the fireworks from the restaurant (they even pipe in the fireworks music too). There are a lot more cozy two top tables at the window, which is nice if you’re a couple.

Brandon at ‘Ohana / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Our only major complaint of our visit was that we were seated at a very large table for just the two of us. As you can see by this photo of Brandon, it was a lot of space. Granted, we did get a lot of food at our meal, but we both agreed that we would have much preferred some of the more smaller tables for our meal. Of course, it did make for some pretty hilarious photos that really emphasized just how large the table was!

The Food

Like most Disney owned restaurants, ‘Ohana does have an allergy-friendly menu for breakfast. On this visit, we were encouraged to view the allergy-friendly menu on the My Disney Experience app instead of getting a paper menu. Not every restaurant has their allergy-friendly menu currently updated on the app, so we always make sure to add these to the menus page here on our website so that we can easily refer to them too.

Guests with special dietary needs can also always ask to speak with a chef if you have additional questions or want to discuss options. On this visit, our server recommended speaking to a chef directly, which we did. Chef Eric was really helpful and even offered to bring us bacon which is not on the allergy-friendly menu, donuts from Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC, and even some Bloomfield Farms rolls.

POG Juice & Fruit at ‘Ohana / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

To start our breakfast, we were served POG Juice and fresh fruit. Both are gluten free and allergy-friendly. The POG Juice is made with passion fruit, orange, and guava juice and is a must when you dine at ‘Ohana. Both Brandon and I loved this, and we each had several glasses. When you haven’t had POG Juice in years, you gotta enjoy it! And, our server made sure we had plenty of POG Juice to enjoy.

The fresh fruit was just OK. I was personally a bit bummed that we did not have any pineapple in the fruit bowl — almost the entire bowl was made up of watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe. This was not anything special and was probably the least memorable part of the meal.

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC Donuts at ‘Ohana / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Instead of the gluten-filled bread normally offered, we were served Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC Cinnamon Sugar donuts. While I would liked a bit of variety in donuts (the Samoa donuts made at the bakery would have been awesome at this meal), we were both really glad we had this as a breakfast option. We are both big fans of the donuts and thought these were just as tasty as ever.

As a note, if you have nut allergies, the Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC donuts are made with Bob’s Red Mill gluten free all purpose flour. The company does process almonds, cashews, coconut, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans and walnuts in the gluten free facility but does have practices in place to minimize cross-contamination. Always use your own judgement on products like this and if this is a concern for your nut allergy and comfort level.

Breakfast Platter at ‘Ohana / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For our breakfast skillet, we shared a platter of scrambled eggs, pork sausage, ham with pineapple compote, and breakfast potatoes. Everything on this platter was gluten free and safe for Brandon’s special dietary needs. If you’re dairy free, the eggs were the only item that contained dairy and can be made dairy free upon request. If you have an egg allergy, they also offer the Just Egg scrambled “eggs” as an option for guests too.

Both of us really enjoyed everything in the platter. The eggs were really tasty. In fact, Brandon liked them so much he ordered a second plate of eggs because they were so good. We both thought the potatoes were really tasty, and I loved the ham with pineapple compote. While nothing on the platter was super impressive — everything was well cooked and tasted great.

Bacon at ‘Ohana / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Oddly, ‘Ohana does not have bacon listed on its breakfast menu. But, when we asked Chef Eric about bacon, he said he would be happy to bring us a platter of bacon. He did not disappoint, and we had ample bacon to keep us full! The bacon was pretty standard Disney bacon but tasty nonetheless.

Allergy-Friendly Waffles, Bloomfield Farms Rolls & Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC Donuts at ‘Ohana / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We were also served allergy-friendly Mickey and Stitch shaped waffles. These are gluten free, dairy free, top 8 free, and vegan. Chef Eric did let us know that they were using the Bloomfield Farms gluten free pancake & waffle mix currently — which both Brandon and I like a lot. We were served 100% pure maple syrup with our waffles, and we both agreed that they were very tasty. These were a great way to end our meal.

You can also see in this photo that we were served Bloomfield Farms rolls. I enjoyed these while I ate my main meal and appreciated getting a gluten free & dairy free bread option for the breakfast too.

If you want to see more about our experience at ‘Ohana for breakfast, check out our YouTube video/vlog from our visit.

Overall

We really enjoyed the non-character dining experience at ‘Ohana. Our meal started out a little strange with some unexpected seating and a few weird things that happened, but overall, the meal shaped up to be a very solid and enjoyable one. We both felt the food, while simple, was well cooked and tasted great. For the price, you got ample food and would definitely not leave the restaurant hungry. We were especially thankful to Chef Eric who was super helpful and made sure we had a great meal. Although we would probably choose other breakfast options on Disney property, if you love ‘Ohana or are staying at the Polynesian Village Resort, this is a solid breakfast for those with special dietary needs.

Have you been to ‘Ohana? Do you prefer the character breakfast or do you plan on visiting when there aren’t characters?

Be Our Guest Restaurant Dinner Review

*This gluten free dining experience took place in March 2021. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant

Be Our Guest Restaurant, located at the Magic Kingdom, is a table service dining location in Fantasyland that is inspired by Beauty & the Beast, as you dine in the Beast's castle. Brandon and I have been here for lunch together and really enjoyed it. I have dined there for dinner but it's been years. So, we finally decided to give the restaurant a try for dinner with a late night seating to try out their updated fixed price meal offerings. 

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

On this particular visit, we made reservations for the restaurant about a week before we dined there. I used the My Disney Experience app and found that there was a later evening seating, which we decided to book (the restaurant closed at 8 p.m. when we dined there). 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 were able to easily check in using the mobile app, though we have found checking in using the app to be very hit or miss. 

The restaurant itself featured many mechanisms to provide sanitization, social distancing, and safety for both guests and cast members. We were actually asked to wait outside versus inside before our table was ready to ensure social distancing. 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.

As a note, at the time of writing this review, we have been to several of the Disney Resorts, including the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk Resort, Contemporary Resort, Coronado Springs Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Old Key West Resort, Polynesian, Riviera Resort, and Wilderness Lodge Resort along with all of the theme parks. 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

Be Our Guest Restaurant is inspired by Beauty and the Beast and like Cinderella's Royal Table is located inside a castle. The restaurant features three unique dining rooms that will make you feel like you're transported into the animated film.  

Be Our Guest Restaurant / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We dined later in the evening, so it was fairly dark outside the restaurant when we arrived. But, as you'll see from the photos, they include colorful lighting at night for a totally different look and feel depending on what time of day you eat at Be Our Guest. 

Be Our Guest Restaurant / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I especially love the grand entrance, which features busts and stained glass features. It's all really elegant and beautifully designed. 

Be Our Guest Restaurant / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Do take a bit of time to look at the stained glass throughout the restaurant's entrance and front interior. You'll see moments from the story of Beauty and the Beast in these intricate designs. 

Be Our Guest Restaurant - West Wing / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Once inside the restaurant, you'll be seated in one of three rooms: The Grand Ballroom, The West Wing, and the Castle Gallery (which I've also seen referred to as the Rose Gallery too). We were seated in the West Wing -- which is the Beast's study -- and is dimly lit and features elements from the film. 

Be Our Guest Restaurant / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The West Wing includes the iconic rose slowly losing its petals. Be sure to check it out no matter what area you're seated in the restaurant. 

Be Our Guest Restaurant - West Wing / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon lightened up a photo of the West Wing so you could see a bit more of what it looks like. Here's a bit of the seating area and some of that unique decor. 

Be Our Guest Restaurant - West Wing / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For comparison, you can see a photo that is a bit more dark that also highlights what the Grand Ballroom looks like. As you can see, the lighting is very different between the two rooms and really distinguishes the different themes in each of the spaces. 

Be Our Guest Restaurant - Ballroom / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The Grand Ballroom is probably the most impressive of the three rooms with ornate chandeliers, pillars, and even a unique fresco in the ceiling. I especially love the floor to ceiling windows in the back of the ballroom that features a snowy landscape that actually "snows" while you dine there. 

Be Our Guest Restaurant - Ballroom / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The biggest downside from our viewpoint of the Grand Ballroom was that it was extremely loud and very busy. If you prefer a quieter meal, you might request dining in the West Wing or Castle Gallery. But, you really can't beat the atmosphere in the main ballroom dining area. 

The Food

Like most Disney owned restaurants, Be Our Guest Restaurant does have an allergy-friendly menu -- which during our visit was found on the mobile app. You can, of course, always speak to a chef when you dine at at the restaurant too to discuss different options, modifications, and any questions that you might have.

Be Our Guest Restaurant / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On our visit, we utilized the mobile app for the allergy-friendly menu and discussed options with our server who talked to the chef on our behalf. Of course, if you feel more comfortable speaking directly to a chef, be sure to let your server know too. We saw chefs come out several times during our visit to speak with other guests. 

For the first time ever in the Magic Kingdom, Brandon and I got alcoholic beverages during our meal. Be Our Guest Restaurant is one of the few places in the park that does carry wine and beer. We enjoyed two different wines including a sparkling wine (Charles de Fère Cuvée Jean Louis Blanc de Blancs Brut). 

Be Our Guest Restaurant / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We also ordered one of the private label wines made for the restaurant -- the Enchanted Rose. Both of the wines we had were good, and we really liked the Rose. If you're a wine drinker, you can get better options at other restaurants on Disney property, but these were not bad either. We'd definitely get both of them again. 

Be Our Guest Restaurant / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my bread service, I was served the gluten free, dairy free & allergy-friendly Bloomfield Farms brand rolls. These were served with regular butter, but if you're dairy free, you can get non-dairy vegan buttery spread or extra virgin olive oil for your bread service too. While these weren't heated as well as other locations, I really love these rolls and enjoy them for any bread service. If you can have dairy, the whipped butter with a French sea salt served at Be Our Guest is really excellent. Somehow we didn't get a photo of Brandon's bread, but he was served regular gluten-filled bread which he said was good but made even better with the butter. Both Brandon and I said the butter really made the bread service. 

Be Our Guest Restaurant / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

During our visit to Be Our Guest Restaurant, the meal was a fixed price -- meaning you were served an appetizer, entree, and dessert of your choice. For my appetizer, I ordered the Mixed Field Greens which was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Soy Allergies. We were also told this was vegan too.

While, the salad itself was super fresh and light, I wouldn't say it was the highlight of the meal. It was a fairly plain salad -- so if you're looking for something a bit more decadent, this dish is probably not what you want to order. However, if you're dairy free or vegan, this might be the best option that's safe for your special dietary need. I would personally like to see maybe a different salad option that is safe for those special dietary needs but maybe has a bit more of a wow factor to it. On the upside, it was a very nice size portion! 

Be Our Guest Restaurant / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For Brandon's appetizer, he got the French Onion Soup one we were able to confirm that it did not contain chicken or turkey broth in it. Our server did tell us that the current version contains beef stock, so if you're vegan or vegetarian, it looks like the French Onion Soup is no longer a safe option as it was in the past. In addition to covering Brandon's allergies, this dish can also be made gluten free. It is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies on the allergy-friendly menu. It is also chicken & turkey and cabbage free (Brandon's other allergies). 

If you know any of our reviews or seen any of our YouTube videos, you know that Brandon absolutely loves soup. He especially loves French Onion Soup, so this was a double-win for him. He absolutely loved it and said he wish he could have ordered a second bowl of it -- it was that good. If it is safe for your special dietary needs, and you like soup, this is a strong appetizer contender at Be Our Guest Restaurant. 

Be Our Guest Restaurant / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my entree, I ordered the Herb Salted Pork Tenderloin with Crispy Pork Belly, Seasonal Vegetables-Two Ways, Pork Jus, and Candied Pecan. This dish was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, and Soy Allergies. I did not ask if it could be made dairy free, but if you're interested in the dish, I have a feeling they could make some easy modifications by removing some of the purees on the dish.  

Overall, I really liked the dish. The pork, both the tenderloin and pork belly, were well-cooked and flavorful. I liked the root vegetables and the sauce on the dish. I think my only slight complaint were the pickled beets on the plate. I'm not a huge beet fan to begin with, and I found the pickling on the beets to be very strong in flavor compared to the rest of the dish. Had the beets been removed, I think the dish would have been much stronger and more balanced. That being said, I would still probably order this again, though I might opt for a different entree on our next visit. 

Be Our Guest Restaurant / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For Brandon's entree, he ordered the Grilled Center Cut Filet Mignon with Robuchon Yukon Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, and Cipollini Marmalade with a Red Wine Glaze. This dish was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. It was also made safe for chicken & turkey and cabbage allergies. 

Like me, Brandon was pleasantly surprised with his entree. He really liked the filet and how well it was seasoned. As a mashed potato connoisseur, he said the version he had in this entree were OK but not amazing. I think both of us were impressed at the presentation and quality of the food -- with a few elements in each of our dish that were just slightly off or just OK. That being said, we both agreed the entrees were surprisingly good based and exceeded our expectations. 

Be Our Guest Restaurant / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For dessert, neither of us expected that we would be given more than some allergy-friendly cookies. So, you can imagine how surprised we were when we were each served a dessert trio. For the gluten free option (contains dairy), I was served a lemon raspberry macaron, white chocolate "Chip" cup with a gluten free version of the Grey Stuff, and dark chocolate truffle filled with Grand Marnier. 

I was impressed that there were some options for gluten free guests. I'd like to see what the dairy free options are next visit, especially as I do try to limit my dairy. But, I'm glad I got to try the gluten free options and that they were all served in small portions. The lemon raspberry macaron was extremely sweet, but I liked the sharpness of the lemon flavor combined with the raspberry jam cream. This would a skip for me next time, as it was just too sweet for me. The grey stuff was a real treat, as I wasn't sure they could make a GF option. In this case, they just omit the Oreo cookies that are normally mixed in with the vanilla mousse. I loved the presentation and thought it was such a fun treat. That being said, it was a really bland dessert. I think kids would love this no matter what, but to me, the flavors weren't anything too exciting. And finally, my favorite of the dessert trio was the dark chocolate truffle. It was rich, decadent, and super flavorful. I liked the citrus punch from the Grand Marnier too. I'm pretty sure I would have been happy with three of these truffles version the trio sampler instead! 

Be Our Guest Restaurant / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For Brandon's dessert trio, he was served slightly different options. Like me, he was able to get the Grey Stuff but his came with Oreoe cookies in it and had the decorative chocolate pearls that were omitted from my dish. He was also served two truffles that did not contain any nuts. Brandon also agreed that his truffles were the winner on the dessert trio and that the Grey Stuff was just OK. Still, both of us were just thrilled that we were served something besides sorbet or allergy-friendly pre-packaged cookies. 

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VatCi0axcBs[/embedyt]

If you want to get more information about our visit to Be Our Guest Restaurant, we did film our visit for our YouTube channel.

Overall

We were both really pleasantly surprised by our meal at Be Our Guest Restaurant. We both had more options for all components of our meal than we expected. And, based on my previous dinner experiences, the food was definitely a step up in quality, presentation, and flavor. At the price point, we would probably not go back for a while so that we can try other restaurants, but if you're looking for a special experience in the Magic Kingdom or have kiddos, this might be a great table service option for you. It was fun to dine in the castle and see the Beast -- all while enjoying a tasty and safe meal. 

Have you been to Be Our Guest Restaurant? What was your experience dining there with special dietary needs?

Whispering Canyon Cafe Lunch Review

*This gluten free dining experience took place in February 2021. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Lunch at Whispering Canyon Cafe

Whispering Canyon Cafe, located at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort, offers guests a rootin' tootin' good time with shenanigans aplenty and barbecue/homestyle inspired food. While both Brandon and I have enjoyed the food at Whispering Canyon Cafe, we admittedly have not always enjoyed the shenanigans. On our last visit together back in 2017, we did not have a great experience. So, it's taken us a while to finally go back to Whispering Canyon Cafe for a meal. Spoiler alert, this dining experience definitely redeemed the restaurant for us, and we are looking forward to going back again. On this visit, we dined at the last seating for their lunch. 

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 afternoon seating, which we decided to book (the restaurant closed for lunch at 2 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 were also able to successfully check in to the restaurant using the mobile app with no issues (it has been hit or miss in our experience). 

The restaurant itself featured many mechanisms to provide sanitization, social distancing, and safety for both guests and cast members. We were actually asked to wait outside versus inside before our table was ready to ensure social distancing. 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.

As a note, at the time of writing this review, we have been to several of the Disney Resorts, including the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk Resort, Contemporary Resort, Coronado Springs Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Old Key West Resort, Polynesian, Riviera Resort, and Wilderness Lodge Resort along with all of the theme parks. 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

Whispering Canyon Cafe is located in the main lobby area of the Wilderness Lodge Resort. You can't miss the giant sign and during the normal times a lot of noise! It's a very lively restaurant with a lot of atmosphere, that's for sure. 

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

The restaurant itself has a lot of great decor. There's a lot of wooden beams and Western decor. It includes bright, rich colors, in the carpet, paintings, and chairs. 

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

As you can see by this photo, there's ample seating -- a lot of which can accommodate big parties (and the restaurant is very popular with large groups). You can also see that it includes social distancing markers on tables currently. 

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

In addition the main part of the dining room, there are a few corners and nooks for smaller tables, and we have often been seated there. Of course, the Western theme is still ever present in every part of the restaurant. 

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

We especially like the side nooks with colorful booths for a bit of a quieter, more relaxed dining experience. Of course, if you like to be in the middle of it all, the main part of the dining room is for you! 

The Food

Like most Disney owned restaurants, Whispering Canyon Cafe does have an allergy-friendly menu. You can, of course, always speak to a chef when you dine at the restaurant to discuss different options, modifications, and any questions that you might have. On this visit, we ordered primarily using the allergy-friendly menu and coordinated options with our server Lee. 

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

We always recommend using your own judgement and comfort level about navigating the allergy-friendly menus and speaking with a chef. We do typically recommend speaking with a chef if you feel comfortable doing so, especially if you have questions or want to discuss additional options not listed as safe for you on the allergy-friendly menu (or if you have multiple dietary needs). 

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

For my lunch entree, I decided to get the popular all-you-care-to-enjoy skillet. This came with: Maple-Chipotle Barbecued Slow-smoked Pork Ribs, Barbecued Pulled Pork, Citrus Herb Chicken, Mashed Yukon Potatoes, Buttered Corn, Charred Carrots, Roasted Peppers, and Sautéed Green Beans. It was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. You can make this dairy free by swapping out the mashed potatoes for roasted potatoes and getting vegetables without butter. The great thing about these skillets is that there is a lot of flexibility to customize depending on your special dietary need (they even have a plant-based option too!). 

This was an absolutely delicious skillet. The chicken was very flavorful and not overly dry. The ribs were tasty. The pulled pork was definitely outstanding too. And, the veggies were all fantastic. Let's just say I totally devoured this entree happily and was very pleased with the quality of the food and flavors. I would order this again with no question -- though I'd really like to get dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe and try the other skillet options that are available during the dinner time. 

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

Brandon and I were also served an allergy-friendly bread service. It's not marked on the menu, but be sure to ask your server! This cornbread is gluten free, egg free, fish/shellfish free, dairy free, peanut/tree nut free, and vegan. I believe it may be soy free too but didn't check on this visit. This has been served at Whispering Canyon Cafe for years, and it's always a winner. Made with Namaste Vanilla Cake Mix (believe it or not!), the cornbread is a bit more on the sweet side. But, it's a great option. If you're dairy free or vegan, be sure to ask for vegan buttery spread which is available upon request too. 

While I always love this and did on this visit, it wasn't Brandon's favorite. So, your mileage may vary depending on your food preferences and the kinds of bread you like. But, it's great that restaurant offers this to guests and worth a try if it's safe for your special dietary need. 

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

For Brandon's entree, he opted to get the Bison Burger on a House-made Bun, Chipotle Aioli, Candied Hickory-smoked Bacon, White Cheddar, and French Fries. This dish was made safe for Brandon's allergies: fish/shellfish, peanut/tree nut, chicken & turkey, and cabbage. 

The Bison Burger at Geyser Point -- also at Wilderness Lodge Resort -- is a favorite of Brandon's, so he was interested in comparing these two burger options. Overall, he really loved it and said that he would get this again. He enjoyed the candied bacon on the burger and even said the chipotle aioli was pretty good. It's nice to know that there are a couple of different bison burger options at the Wilderness Lodge that he really enjoys. Like me, he said he would definitely order this again. 

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

And, of course, because Brandon can't help himself, he ordered a second side of French fries -- made in a dedicated fryer. These fries are also gluten free and dairy free too. 

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

For dessert, we ended up splitting the Whispering Canyon Pioneer Chocolate Cake. This dish is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. Both Brandon and I loved the rich flavors of the this dessert. It was so good. I believe the restaurant is also using Namaste mixes for this cake too. If you love chocolate, this is hands down a winner! 

If you want to get more information about our visit to Whispering Canyon Cafe, we did film our visit for our YouTube channel.

Overall

While our experience a few years ago at Whispering Canyon Cafe deterred us from dining at the restaurant for a long time, we're both so glad that we finally gave it another try. We were both impressed by the quality and flavors of the food that we ate. And, we appreciated the accommodation to special dietary needs and our server keeping the shenanigans to a minimum. We both felt the experience warranted going back again sometime soon because we liked it that much. We are looking forward to dining at dinner and maybe even breakfast! 

Have you been to Whispering Canyon Cafe? What was your experience when you dined there?

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Dinner Review

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

Dinner at Jock Linsey's Hangar Bar

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar, located in Disney Springs, is a Disney owned and operated bar & lounge that serves small bites and shareable plates -- all in an Indiana Jones themed bar. It's one of our favorite spots in Disney Springs. In the past, we've often dined there before or after a movie at the AMC Dine-In Theater nearby. We especially like going there during the holidays, since the last few years they've offered festive holiday decorations along with holiday drinks and food. On this visit, we stopped by in the late afternoon to opening to check out the holiday inspired fun. 

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

The Hangar Bar does not take dining reservations and seating is on a first come, first served basis. The restaurant itself featured many mechanisms to provide sanitization, social distancing, and safety for both guests and cast members. We were asked to wait outside before our table was ready to ensure social distancing. 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. If you prefer outdoor dining, the bar/lounge features ample outside seating so that you can enjoy without having to dine indoors. If you do dine indoors, there are several doorways that are open to the outside seating, so there is a good amount of airflow there too. 

As a note, at the time of writing this review, we have been to several of the Disney Resorts, including the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk Resort, Contemporary Resort, Coronado Springs Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Old Key West Resort, Polynesian, Riviera Resort, and Wilderness Lodge Resort along with all of the theme parks. 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

The bar/lounge itself has a super fun Indiana Jones theme to it -- with 1940s aviation, as it's dedicated to a very minor character in Raider's of the Lost Ark, Jock Lindsey. 

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

During the holiday season, this theming is taken one step further with fun vintage/retro decorations, including nods to travel and aviation. If you love holiday decorations, you won't find any shortage of them while the Holiday Hangar Bar is operating! 

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

As you can see, there's a lot to look at and explore. You'll find the traditional decor still in place at the Hangar Bar and a ton of additional holiday decorations on top of all of that! 

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar - Holiday Decorations / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Garland abounds throughout the bar/lounge in just about every color! And, there's tons of holiday and aviation themed ornaments. 

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar - Holiday Decorations / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

You'll also find quite a few both cute and slightly creepy elfs all around the bar/lounge. This little elf was watching us dine while we ate in the diving bell booth found inside the restaurant. 

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar - Holiday Decorations / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We may have take a ton of photos at the bar/lounge but that's because we absolutely love the holiday decorations here. As you can see it truly is festive and well decorated to help get you in the holiday spirit. We especially love that they play retro holiday music too. 

The Food

Though Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar is owned and operated by Disney, it does not currently offer an allergy-friendly menu. But, not to worry. You can speak directly to a chef about options, including modifications and customizations, which we did on this visit. The chef was very helpful at answering our questions and making recommendations for food items safe for our special dietary needs. We do recommend talking to a chef at any Disney owned restaurant, especially if you have questions or concerns -- even if the restaurant offers an allergy-friendly menu.

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Up first, we had to try the holiday inspired drinks at the Hangar Bar. Brandon ordered the Mistletoe Mule, which is essentially a Moscow Mule (which includes vodka and ginger beer) with cranberry. He liked it so much that he ordered a second one! 

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Based on the recommendation from our server, I ordered Jock's Holiday Nog (which contains dairy) that was made with Tito's Vodka (which is gluten free). While I wouldn't get this on every visit, it was perfect for the holiday season and a nice version of nog that wasn't overly creamy and dairy filled. It was one of the best nogs that I've ever tried, so I would highly recommend. 

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For an appetizer, we had to order one of our favorite appetizers at the Hangar Bar -- Doctor Astorga's Queso Dip, A Skillet of Melted Soft Cheeses topped with fresh Pico de Gallo and Cilantro served with Corn Tortilla Chips. This dish is gluten free (contains dairy), fish/shellfish free, peanut/tree nut free, chicken & turkey free, and cabbage free. The chips are made in a dedicated fryer too. 

If you like chips and dip, this is a great option. Both Brandon and I love the nacho cheese style dip, and this dish has become a must order for us on just about every visit we make to the Hangar Bar. It was just as good as ever and super filling. It's a great shareable dish! 

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my entree, I ordered the Taco al Pastor with Citrus-Chipotle Pork Belly, Pineapple Pico de Gallo, Red Cabbage, and Grilled Corn Tortilla. The tacos are gluten free, and though I forgot to ask on this visit, I believe they are also dairy free too. I was super impressed by these tacos. The flavors were outstanding, and I loved the combination of salty, sweet (from the pineapple salsa), and savory. These were an absolute winner with a great portion size. I would definitely order these again. 

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon ordered one of the seasonal options -- The Venison Sliders. These were made safe for Brandon's allergies: fish/shellfish, peanut/tree nut, chicken & turkey, and cabbage. These were a winner in Brandon's book. He loved the flavors including the cranberry chutney on the dish. Like me, he said he'd order these again on any future visits during the holiday season. 

If you want to get more information about our visit to Tiffins, we did film our visit for our YouTube channel.

Overall

We both always really enjoy dining at Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar. The theme is fun and the food is always excellent. Add to it the holiday seasonal options, and you have an excellent dining spot in Disney Springs during the holiday season. We can't wait to go back again when the holiday theme is back and enjoy all the small plates and drinks offered there for guests with special dietary needs. 

Have you been to Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar? What did you think of the special diets options available during your visit?

Kona Cafe Lunch Review

*This gluten free dining experience took place in February 2021. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Lunch at Kona Cafe

Kona Cafe, located at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, is one of our favorite resort table service restaurants on Disney property for delicious special diets meals and affordable prices. Normally, we dine at Kona Cafe for dinner or breakfast, but on this visit, we decided to grab an early first seating lunch. We were excited to dine at Kona as it had been quite a few months since our last meal there.

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 first lunch seating, which we decided to book (the restaurant opens for lunch at 11:30 a.m. but does serve breakfast earlier in the day). 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 were able to use the online check-in when we arrived with no issues.

The restaurant 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. We also noticed on this visit that there was some overflow seating for Kona Cafe on the walkways outside of the restaurant since the monorail is not currently operating.

As a note, at the time of writing this review, we have been to several of the Disney Resorts, including the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk Resort, Contemporary Resort, Coronado Springs Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Old Key West Resort, Polynesian, Riviera Resort, and Wilderness Lodge Resort along with all of the theme parks. 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 reviewed Kona Cafe many, many times. So, we won't go into a lot of the theme in this review. You can find some of our other reviews with more photos and information on the blog.

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

Generally, the restaurant is a contemporary take on modern Polynesian decor. But, the restaurant has not been updated in many years. So, you may find that the decor has a bit of a 1990s feel to it. There's lots of bright colors and patterns featured on the carpet, upholstery, and decorations at Kona Cafe.

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

The restaurant is also "open" in that it's a lobby restaurant that fully opens to the 2nd floor walkways. Depending on where you're seating, you might get a lot of people watching in.

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

When we dined at the restaurant, the breakfast and lunch hours were just switching over. So, that meant it was very quiet. If you are looking to avoid large crowds or prefer quieter times, we highly recommend an earlier or later lunch which seem to be the best when dining indoors with less people right now during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This photos also gives you a good idea of what the interior of the restaurant looks like along with the general theme and atmosphere that you'll experience when dining at Kona Cafe.

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

The restaurant does include social distancing measures throughout. And, we found that dining at 11:30 a.m. helped make the restaurant feel even quieter and more socially distanced due to the low number of diners.

The Food

Like most Disney owned restaurants, Kona Cafe does have an allergy-friendly menu. You can, of course, always speak to a chef when you dine at Kona Cafe too to discuss different options, modifications, and any questions that you might have.

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

Because we have dined so much at Kona Cafe, we don't always speak directly with a chef. But, because our server noted our multiple special dietary needs, she recommended that we bring a chef out to discuss the options. It was actually a great thing to do, as I was able to make a special request for a to-go order, which I'll talk about later in this post.

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

Up first were allergy-friendly rolls. These are gluten free, dairy free & free of the top 8 common allergens and vegan. The current brand used was Bloomfield Farms, which I really love. They were very well heated and tasted great, as always. I also got some Smart Balance vegan buttery spread on the side. The restaurant does usually offer Earth Balance, but due to supply issues they only had Smart Balance (both of which are gluten free, dairy free & vegan) at this time. It's always a good idea to ask a chef when dining at a restaurant what dairy free & vegan options are available.

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

For my entree, I decided to get the Kona Chicken Stir-Fry which came with Rice Noodles, Napa Cabbage, Carrots, and GF Teriyaki Sauce. This dish is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies.

I had this dish on a previous visit and really enjoyed it. The last visit, I found the dish to be a bit heavy on the GF teriyaki sauce, which I enjoy but thought was just a bit too much. This time, the noodles had the perfect amount of GF teriyaki sauce. The chicken was really well cooked and the vegetables were flavorful and tasty. If you enjoy noodles and stir-fry, this is a great option for gluten free and dairy free guests.

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

Brandon absolutely loves Kona Cafe's Pork Belly Noodle Bowl, and you would be hard-pressed to see him ordering anything else from Kona Cafe for his entree. This dish is marked safe for Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. It was also made safe for chicken & turkey and cabbage allergies by swapping out the bone froth for a vegetarian Jasmine broth and omitting bok choy and other types of cabbage from the vegetable medley in the noodle bowl.

Brandon absolutely loves all the flavors of this dish and always raves about it. If you enjoy noodle bowls and pork belly, this is a great dish for you.

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

On this visit, we had briefly mentioned that it was my birthday the day before. Unexpectedly, the chef brought out a lovely platter of special diets treats for us to enjoy for dessert. This included Enjoy Life Cookies Snickerdoodles & Chocolate Chip Cookies, fresh fruit, coconut macaroons, and a gluten free, dairy free & vegan tapioca pudding. Everything was gluten free on the plate and all but the coconut macaroons and chocolate decorations were dairy free. If you're a dessert fan, I do highly recommend the tapioca pudding. There's lots of bright citrus flavors in it, and I absolutely love the creaminess of it. We enjoyed it all, and it was such a thoughtful treat from the chef.

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

The special request that I mentioned earlier was a to-go order. Because were dining just after the breakfast and lunch switchover at Kona Cafe, I asked the chef if it was possible to order a to-go order of breakfast food -- specifically the gluten free macadamia nut pancakes. The chef checked in the kitchen to see if that was possible and was able to make this dish to-go. If you are dining at Kona Cafe for breakfast, the GF version of the macadamia nut pancakes are not listed on the allergy-friendly menu, but you can order them upon request. I had these the next morning, and they reheated really well! It was a nice treat and good to know that you can sometimes get take-out during that switchover period if you ask.

If you want to get more information about our visit to Kona Cafe, we did film our visit for our YouTube channel.

Overall

We always really enjoy our meals at Kona Cafe. And this visit did not disappoint. We absolutely loved the entrees that we ordered, which were repeat dishes for both of us. And, we also really loved the surprise dessert platter. All of the food we had was great! Our experience with the chef and low crowds was also outstanding. We so appreciate that the chef could accommodate a breakfast to-go order too. While it may be a bit before we're back at Kona Cafe again, we always enjoy it and can't wait to have another great meal there.

Have you been to Kona Cafe? What was your experience with the special diets options there?

Rainforest Cafe Dinner Review

*This gluten free dining experience took place in February 2021. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Dinner at Rainforest Cafe

Rainforest Cafe is a table service restaurant owned by Landry's that has two locations on Disney property -- one at Disney Springs and one at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Recently, we decided to get dinner at the Animal Kingdom location, because we are Landry's Select Club members had I had a $25 birthday reward to use for our meal that would expire at the end of the month. We have dined at Rainforest Cafe on several occasions, and while it's not our favorite of the Landry's restaurants on Disney property, we always enjoy our meals there.

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 reservation for the final seating of the evening, which we decided to book. If you're a Landry's Select Club member, you can also show up to the restaurant without a reservation and simply show your card for priority seating. This has served us really well in the past, and we've found that we typically experience a little to no wait for a table. The MDE 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. There was no online check-in though, so be sure to stop by the podium to speak with a cast member when you arrive.

The restaurant itself had mechanisms to provide sanitization, social distancing, and safety for both guests and cast members. All cast members wore facial masks and all servers in the restaurant wore both facial masks and protective shields.

As a note, at the time of writing this review, we have been to several of the Disney Resorts, including the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk Resort, Contemporary Resort, Coronado Springs Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Old Key West Resort, Polynesian, Riviera Resort, and Wilderness Lodge Resort along with all of the theme parks. 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

Rainforest Cafe is a chain restaurant that has been around since the 1990s. It has a decidedly jungle look and feel with animal animatronics and various "shows" that take place about every 20 minutes. I personally find the restaurant to feel a bit dated but nostalgic. There are still several Rainforest Cafe locations in the U.S. (a lot can be found in malls). And, we have been told that this specific restaurant at Disney is the largest of all the locations. It's definitely a large restaurant!

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

Somehow we managed to not get very many photos during our visit. If you're curious about the seating or more about the interior, check out our previous blog posts where we included more photos of the restaurant.

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

It's a very boisterous and noisy restaurant with a lot to look at. It can be a little bit of overstimulation on all the aesthetics, so be prepared! The tropical storms that take every 20 minutes or so are also quite loud and feature flashing lights and lightning and rain sounds. It's a lot to take in! Kiddos seemed especially excited by all the restaurant happenings. So, if you have kiddos this could be a perfect family restaurant for you.

The Food

Because Rainforest Cafe is not owned and operated by Disney, they do not have an allergy-friendly menu. But, a manager or chef will speak to you about special dietary needs options. We have found it to be hit or miss whether a manager or chef comes to the table. And, on this visit, we spoke with a manager who also radioed a chef as we discussed options.

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

For my entree, I decided to order the Aloha Salmon and Shrimp. This came with Hawaiian-glazed Salmon and Shrimp, Fresh Vegetables, and Japanese Rice. The manager noted that this dish was gluten free as is with no modifications and confirmed with a chef via radio that the sauce was gluten free. It's always good to double-check, especially if you have questions or concerns about the status of an ingredient. I always double-check sauces, especially, because they can be an overlooked source of gluten. If you are dairy free, I was advised that there is dairy in the sauce itself and that it cannot be modified. So, you'll want to either ask for this dish plain with no sauce or explore other options on the menu.

Overall, I really liked this dish. Both the salmon and shrimp were cooked well and the Hawaiian-glaze was really nice. It was both sweet and spicy and quite tasty. The vegetables were standard and nothing too special, as was the rice. But, everything really came together and made this a solid dish. I would definitely order it again.

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

For Brandon's entree, he ordered the Primal Steak which includes NY Strip and mashed potatoes. It also comes with seasonal vegetables, but Brandon requested a double-portion of mashed potatoes instead. This dish was made safe for Brandon's allergies which include: fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey. I have also been told this is gluten free in previous visits, but you'll want to double-check that if you're interested in this dish as a GF guest.

Like me, Brandon said his dish was quite solid and very tasty. He really enjoyed the grill flavor of the steak, and he especially liked the mashed potatoes. If you're a steak fan, this could be a great entree to enjoy when you dine at Rainforest Cafe. Brandon has ordered this dish on several occasions, and it's definitely a repeat entree for him.

If you want to get more information about our visit to Rainforest Cafe at Disney's Animal Kingdom, we did film our visit for our YouTube channel.

Overall

We both enjoyed our entrees at Rainforest Cafe. While the restaurant doesn't offer a ton of variety for guests with special dietary needs, we both appreciate that the restaurant does work to accommodate and provide safe and tasty dishes. If you're interested in a lively, family friendly restaurant, this could be a great option for you. Or, if you're a Landry's Select Club member, it's a great go-to especially if you don't have a reservation and want a walk-up at a table service restaurant while at the Animal Kingdom. We usually dine at Rainforest Cafe once or twice a year, and we're glad we had a safe and delicious meal on this visit.

Have you been to Rainforest Cafe? What was your experience there with special dietary needs?

Grand Floridian Cafe Brunch Review

*This gluten free dining experience took place in March 2021. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Brunch at Grand Floridian Cafe

Grand Floridian Cafe, located at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, is a table service restaurant that offers, breakfast, lunch, and dinner options to guests. It's been several years since Brandon and I ate at Grand Floridian Cafe. We recently decided to make a last minute late lunch because the restaurant offers breakfast food (aka brunch) until nearly 2 p.m. daily. I had a total breakfast food craving and the brunch offerings gave us a chance to get breakfast or lunch depending on what we were interested in.

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 afternoon seating, which we decided to book (the restaurant closed for lunch at 2 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 were able to use online check-in during our visit, which worked great.

The restaurant itself featured many mechanisms to provide sanitization, social distancing, and safety for both guests and cast members. We were actually asked to wait outside versus inside before our table was ready to ensure social distancing. 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. The restaurant also currently offers some temporary outdoor dining, if you prefer to eat only outdoors at this time. We actually had a choice of seat location when we did online check-in that included no preference, booth, window, or outdoors. This may change overtime, so be sure to speak with a cast member directly if you have specific preferences.

As a note, at the time of writing this review, we have been to several of the Disney Resorts, including the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk Resort, Contemporary Resort, Coronado Springs Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Old Key West Resort, Polynesian, Riviera Resort, and Wilderness Lodge Resort along with all of the theme parks. 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

The Grand Floridian Cafe offers a bit of Victorian charm in a more relaxed and casual setting. It is located on the main floor of the resort and has beautiful views of the resort's lawn area.

Grand Floridian Cafe - Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

As you can see, the restaurant has lots of windows which offer pleasant views.

Grand Floridian Cafe - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The restaurant's interior itself is surprisingly bigger than one would expect. I always forget that it's fairly long and sprawling. We were seated at a table near one of the windows in a dining room area that is fairly quiet. There are a lot of different seating styles too from booths, to large tables for big parties, to smaller tables near the windows. And, of course, the Victorian decor is ever present on the wallpaper, in the carpet, and curtains. You almost expect the turn-of-the-century John from the Carousel of Progress to be dining in the restaurant too!

The Food

Like most Disney owned restaurants, the Grand Floridian Cafe does have an allergy-friendly menu. On this visit, we were not given a paper menu but were directed to the mobile app where the allergy-friendly menu was listed.

In addition to the allergy-friendly menu, you can always speak to a chef directly for additional questions you might have about options or special diets safety. On this visit, we chose to order directly from the allergy-friendly menu as we were ordering pretty standard breakfast fare.

Grand Floridian Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my breakfast entree, I chose the Eggs Benedict which was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies on the allergy-friendly menu. This dish does contain dairy and cannot be modified, so if you're dairy free, you'll want to consider other breakfast dishes.

Overall, I liked the Eggs Benedict but didn't love it. The dish had indicated that it came with a gluten free English muffin. But, the restaurant seemed to have some supply issues, so mine came served on gluten free bread. While the flavors were all just OK, I was glad that this is an option for gluten free guests. Of course, I may just be spoiled by the excellent GF Eggs Benedict served on the Disney Cruise Line ships which I get every cruise.

The side dish of a tomato salad was quite nice and refreshing. The red onion was a bit sharp and spicy and mixed well with the sweet tomatoes and peppery arugula. I believe they also use this mix on the Avocado Toast which would be pretty amazing in my opinion. Generally, I would order this entree again, but I would probably order something different on our next visit.

Grand Floridian Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon ordered the classic Steak & Eggs. This dish was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies on the allergy-friendly menu. They were also made safe for chicken & turkey and cabbage allergies too. But, it's important to note that the dairy free options on the allergy-friendly menu are regular breakfast potatoes, not the cheesy potatoes shown in this photo. Brandon was able to get those potatoes instead since they were safe for his special dietary needs.

Like me, Brandon liked his entree but didn't love it. He said the steak was cooked well and that the eggs were tasty. His favorite part of the entree by far were the cheesy potatoes. If you can have these, they are highly recommended by Brandon!

Grand Floridian Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Because I hadn't had pancakes in a while, Brandon and I decided to split the allergy-friendly pancakes. These were marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. They can also be made vegan by omitting the bacon or sausage side dish.

Both Brandon and I really loved the pancakes. And, it was the favorite part of our meal (besides the cheesy potatoes, which Brandon also raved about). The restaurant is currently using Bloomfield Farms gluten free & allergy-friendly pancakes and waffle mix. I've had this at Topolino's Terrace, and I really like the mix a lot. This is a definite must-order again dish! I am hoping that next time we go that they'll have more of their standard pancake & waffle toppings that they usually have but were not available on this visit due to supply issues.

If you want to get more information about our visit to Tiffins, we did film our visit for our YouTube channel.

Overall

We both enjoyed our meal at the Grand Floridian Cafe. Our only negative from the visit is that the service was incredibly slow despite having very few guests dining at the time that we visited. However, we both generally enjoyed our meal and had a few food highlights that we loved -- the allergy-friendly pancakes for both of us and the cheesy potatoes for Brandon. While we probably won't be back for a while, we both like that this restaurant serves breakfast food until 2 p.m. everyday which is great if you're craving breakfast but don't want to visit during the earlier parts of the day.

Have you been to the Grand Floridian Cafe for brunch? What did you think of the special diets offerings?

50's Prime Time Cafe Dinner Review

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

Dinner at 50's Prime Time Cafe

50's Prime Time Cafe, located in Disney's Hollywood Studios, is a table service restaurant that offers up some nostalgia, a bit of hijinks, and classic American comfort food. 50's Prime Time used to be a restaurant that I would go to often, mainly because of their amazing gluten free and dairy free fried chicken. But, it fell off my radar for quite a few years after a few less than stellar experiences there. So, when a reservation popped up, Brandon and I decided to give it a try -- especially since Brandon had never dined there before. We made a reservation for mid/late afternoon around the last "lunch time" seating and before the dinner seating started & spent the afternoon time enjoying the park.

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 afternoon 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. When we arrived at the restaurant, were able to do online check-in and also spoke with a manager, as well.

The restaurant itself featured many mechanisms to provide sanitization, social distancing, and safety for both guests and cast members. We were actually asked to wait outside versus inside before our table was ready to ensure social distancing. In fact, they were not really letting anyone stay inside the lobby area of 50's Prime Time Cafe -- and Tune-In Lounge was closed. 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.

As a note, at the time of writing this review, we have been to several of the Disney Resorts, including the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk Resort, Contemporary Resort, Coronado Springs Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Old Key West Resort, Polynesian, and Riviera Resort along with all of the theme parks. 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

50's Prime Time Cafe's theming is all about retro kitsch. You'll not only feel like you stepped back in time, but you'll also be transported to a home of the 1950s.

50's Prime Time Cafe Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

From the moment you walk into the restaurant, the 1950s vibe begins.

50's Prime Time Cafe - Lobby / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

You'll find the main waiting area to feel like a living room or den, complete with a retro TV showing clips of television shows from the 1950s. You'll find lots of kitschy decor.

50's Prime Time Cafe - Tune In Lounge / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Though not open when we dined at 50's Prime Time Cafe, the lobby area includes a bar called the "Tune-In Lounge." It's usually very popular. And, you can order virtually anything from the regular 50's Prime Time menu and grab a drink too.

50's Prime Time Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Once in the main dining area, you're fully transported to a 1950s home and dining room. Seating varies, but can include a retro TV at your table, cozy booths, and lots of kitschy decor. We were seated at a large table that include a bookcase and a TV, so we could be fully entertained while our "cousins" helped prepare our meal.

As an aside, in addition to the retro vibe, the restaurant also has a very well-known schtick. Since you're dining in a home of the 1950s, you'll encounter servers, known as cousins, who really get into the 1950s vibe. Be sure to keep you elbows off the table and eat all your vegetables. You've been warned!

Brandon and I don't tend to be big fans of shenanigans. But, we found that on this visit, our server was very low-key and got into the fun without making the shenanigans overwhelming. Of course, if you love these kind of antics, be sure to banter back and forth with your server!

The Food

Like most Disney owned restaurants, 50's Prime Time Cafe does offer an allergy-friendly menu. You can, of course, always speak to a chef when you dine at the restaurant to discuss different options, modifications, and any other questions you might have. On this visit, we not only stopped by the restaurant early (more on that in a minute), but we also consulted with the allergy-friendly menu and spoke to a chef.

50's Prime Time Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Because of our special dietary needs and a my interest in the gluten free & dairy free fried chicken, we stopped by the restaurant a few hours before our reservation. This is the best tip I have for ordering gluten free fried chicken from 50s Prime Time Cafe.

The gluten free fried chicken is not listed on the allergy-friendly menu and is only available by request either by emailing Disney's Special Dietary Needs Department ahead of time or by stopping by the restaurant before your meal. You could try to ask for it when you dine at the restaurant, but we have always been told that it takes 45 minutes to prepare so advance notice is recommended. I simply spoke to a cast member in advance who took our reservation information, my request, and noted that it would be given to the chef. When we spoke to the chef during our reservation, he said they were already preparing it, which was great!

We also spoke to the chef about Brandon's special dietary needs to ensure that he could eat the pot roast (because sometimes they include gravy that includes chicken stock/broth in it, which he is allergic to) and also to see if he could order some allergy-friendly French Fries. The chef was very accommodating and helpful in navigating the options. When in doubt, it's always good to talk to a chef!

50's Prime Time Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon and I decided to split an appetizer before our entrees arrived. I was super curious about Cousin Amy's Iceberg Lettuce Wedge with Dairy Free & Vegan Ranch Dressing, Rice Paper Bacon, Chives, Cherry Tomatoes, and Sliced Red Onions. This was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. I'm not sure why the allergy-friendly menu did not list egg as a safe option, because both the chef and our server noted this was a vegan/plant-based appetizer. So, you'll want to double-check that if you have any concerns.

Omigosh did this surprise us. Both Brandon and I absolutely loved the dairy free & vegan ranch dressing. It was very flavorful and was a great alternative to dairy-filled ranch. We both liked the rice paper bacon, though neither of us felt it tasted that much like bacon. Still, it provided some great crunch and texture to the dish. Overall, we both really enjoyed this and actually said next time we'd order two salads versus splitting one because it was that good. This will be an appetizer we order again for sure.

50's Prime Time Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

As you can see from this photo, I was pretty impressed when my massive plate of gluten free & dairy free fried chicken arrived!

50's Prime Time Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Aunt Liz's Golden Fried Chicken (made gluten free and dairy free) came with corn and roasted potatoes. If you can have dairy, you can also swap out the roasted potatoes for mashed potatoes if you prefer those instead. The chicken itself is gluten free and dairy free, and the entree (minus the GF fried chicken) on the allergy-friendly menu is also marked safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies.

If you like fried chicken & you're interested in this, it's definitely worth the effort of stopping by the restaurant a few hours in advance to request it. While I think I do prefer the gluten free and dairy free fried chicken from Skipper Canteen just a bit more, this is just a great classic comfort food dish. Plus, it's not something that you can get safely out often, so it's a definite winner. Everything was really tasty, and it was a solid meal.

50's Prime Time Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For Brandon's entree, he ordered the Pot Roast which came with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and garnished with Carrots and Celery. The gravy that normally comes with the pot roast contains chicken broth/stock, so the chef brought Brandon some beef jus for the dish, in case he was interested in it. This dish was marked safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. And, it was also safe for chicken & turkey and cabbage allergies, as well.

Brandon was definitely very impressed by this dish. He wasn't expecting to like the food all that much at 50's Prime Time Cafe but came out of the meal wanting to go back and get that pot roast again.

50's Prime Time Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Because Brandon loves potatoes, he also asked to get a side of French Fries. The chef noted that these came from a dedicated fryer that did not contain any chicken, turkey, or meat products. So, if you're gluten free, dairy free, and vegan, this will be another option you could get at 50's Prime Time, since the fryer was just for French Fries.

50's Prime Time Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For dessert, both Brandon and I each ordered the Chef's Special Chocolate Brownie which we each ordered a la mode. I got non-dairy ice cream (Tofutti) and Brandon got regular dairy-filled ice cream. Both of our brownies were the same though and were marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. The brownie is also vegan too.

50's Prime Time Cafe has been making a house-made brownie for years and years with Namaste mix. And, I was so glad to see that they were still making this. Both Brandon and I really liked the brownie and the ice cream options we had. Our only complaint was that we should have asked for chocolate syrup. That would have made the brownie sundae complete! It's definitely a great for dessert, especially if you're looking for an allergy-friendly option that covers a lot of the top 8 common allergens.

If you want to get more information about our visit to 50's Prime Time Cafe, we did film our visit for our YouTube channel.

Have you been to 50's Prime Time Cafe? What was your experience dining there?

Tiffins Dinner Review

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

Dinner at Tiffins

Tiffins, located at Disney's Animal Kingdom, is a signature dining location that serves international cuisine inspired by the explorations and adventures of Disney Imagineers. Opening in 2016, both Brandon and I have been wanting to eat at this restaurant for a long time now. We finally decided to make a reservation and enjoy an early evening dinner there before the park closed at 5 p.m.

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 afternoon seating, which we decided to book (the restaurant closed at 5 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. The last few months, we have had some pretty big challenges using the app to check-in, but we easily checked in with a cast member at Tiffins.

The restaurant itself featured many mechanisms to provide sanitization, social distancing, and safety for both guests and cast members. We were actually asked to wait outside versus inside before our table was ready to ensure social distancing. 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.

As a note, at the time of writing this review, we have been to several of the Disney Resorts, including the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk Resort, Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Old Key West Resort, Polynesian, and Riviera Resort along with all of the theme parks. 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

Tiffins is inspired by the globetrotting experiences of Disney Imagineers and animal experts who helped build and shape the Animal Kingdom theme park.

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

The restaurant is named after Tiffins which are little tiered lunch containers are used in many different countries, and most notably, India.

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

In fact, when you first enter the restaurant, you'll see several different kinds of beautifully decorated Tiffins on display.

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

The exterior of the restaurant features some wood carvings and is very welcoming. It's almost as if you're entering a lodge.

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

Inside the restaurant's lobby area features a beautiful wood carved map of the world. It really lets you know that you're about to enjoy a global journey through design and food!

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

There are several unique dining rooms in the restaurant. Each honors the spirit and design of Africa, Asia, and animals from around the world. We were in a room inspired by Africa, and as you can see there were some pretty amazing design elements and pieces of art all around the interior.

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

I especially loved the tiles and decorative woodwork that you could see as the basis for buildings, sidewalks, and furniture. Though not in our photos, there was also a small baobob tree on the wall that was actually used by Imagineers when designing the park.

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

Here is a view of one of the other dining rooms -- more inspired by Asia. While there are some similar design elements, I love how unique each dining area is. There was a lot to look at and the restaurant's aesthetics definitely made it feel like even more of a special dining experience.

The Food

Like most Disney owned restaurants, Tiffins does have an allergy-friendly menu. You can, of course, always speak to a chef when you dine at Tiffins too to discuss different options, modifications, and any questions that you might have.

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

On our visit, we not only looked at the allergy-friendly menu, but we also talked directly to a chef. The chef came to the table to discuss options and was very helpful and going through the ingredients on sauces and concerns regarding shared fryers and cross-contamination for products. We were both really impressed at how detailed the chef was when assisting us with our questions.

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

Both our server and the chef recommended the Tiffins Signature Bread Service. While the dish is normally only marked safe for Peanut/Tree Nut and Shellfish Allergies, the chef walked us through all the components and made versions safe for us.

For me, I was served a plate of papadums, which are crispy flatbreads made of chickpea flour. These are fried in a dedicated gluten free fryer and are also dairy free. But, they are fried in a shared fryer with fish, so they were not a safe option for Brandon. If you're vegan or vegetarian, you'll want to consider if you are OK with a shared fryer or talk to a chef about other options.

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

Both Brandon and I were able to eat the trio of dips served with the bread service. During our visit this included: Red Pepper Hummus, Spicy Coriander Yogurt, and Ginger-Pear Chutney. All of the dips were gluten free, fish/shellfish free, chicken & turkey free, cabbage free, and peanut/tree nut free. Both the hummus and ginger-pear chutney were also dairy free and vegan. The yogurt, of course, contained dairy.

We absolutely loved all of the dips. The red pepper hummus was flavorful and nice -- though a pretty standard hummus. The ginger-pear chutney was super flavorful with some nice ginger flavor and very inspired by the flavors of fall. The coriander yogurt was also good but quite spicy. If you're not a spicy foods fan, you might want to proceed with caution when eating the yogurt! Both of us thought our favorite of the three was the ginger-pear chutney.

Tiffins - Breads in Photo are NOT Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

While I couldn't eat them, Brandon was given two of the other breads normally served with the bread service. This included a naan bread and a molasses pomegranate bread.

Brandon said the naan bread was nice and reminded him a lot of the naan from Sanaa. But, he was wowed by the molasses pomegranate bread and ate every last bite of it. It looked and smelled delicious, so if you can have gluten, this bread is sure to impress.

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

Having not been to Tiffins before, we couldn't resist some of the drinks there. Brandon opted for the Tempting Tigress, which includes a homemade tamarind syrup. This drink is also available at the Nomad Lounge too. Brandon absolutely loved this drink and said he would 100% order it again.

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

I decided to get a wine on this visit, particularly because Tiffins has a large collection of South African wines. I went with a South African Cabernet Sauvignon called "Tokara." The flavors were absolutely outstanding, and I would definitely get this wine again. It also paired beautifully with my entree.

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

Both Brandon and I ordered almost identical meals. At the recommendation of the chef and our sever, I ordered the Tamarind Braised Short Rib with Parsnip-Potato Puree, Cauliflower, Cipollini Onion, and Medjool Date Vinaigrette. This was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies.

This was one of the best meals that I have had at Disney in a long time. The short rib itself was super tender, rich, and flavorful. The sauce served with it was incredible, and there was just so much flavor in every bite. The milder parsnip-potato puree and vegetables all paired really well with the rich meat. I can't recommend this enough. It was so good. Although I want to go back and try other dishes at Tiffins, it would be hard to resist this dish on future visits!

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

Brandon got essentially the same dish, except his was served with grilled beef tenderloin instead. His dish was also safe for fish/shellfish, chicken & turkey, peanut/tree nut, and cabbage. Sauces are often challenging for Brandon, because they tend to contain chicken broth or stock. So, he was very excited to hear that the sauce served with this dish was veal stock based and that he could have it.

Like me, Brandon absolutely loved the flavors of this dish and everything about it. I think his only complaint was that he wished there were a bit more of the parsnip-potato puree. Other than that, it was a huge hit. And, Brandon said he would be interested in trying the short rib next time too after seeing what mine looked like.

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

After seeing the dessert menu and some interesting items on it, we couldn't resist getting dessert. I opted for the gluten free, dairy free & vegan dessert -- Passion Fruit Tapioca Creme with Chocolate Crumble, Citrus Fruits, and Coconut Creme. This dish was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut Allergies.

This dish was not at all what I expected. But, it was really tasty. The tapioca was unlike any other tapioca pudding I've had. It was almost like boba balls in more of a jam than anything. The dessert was very citrusy, which I liked, and the coconut creme on top was outstanding. Overall, after such a rich meal it was nice to have something a bit lighter to round out the evening. I think I might want to try another type of dessert on our next visit, but I would recommend this dessert and would order it again.

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

Brandon ordered the South American Chocolate Ganache with Caramelized Banana, and Cocoa Nib Tuile. This dish was marked safe for Fish/Shellfish and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. It can also be modified to be gluten free by omitting the cake elements.

Brandon said this was extremely rich and fudgy. In fact, he could barely cut the dessert with a spoon and a knife when he was trying to eat it. So, if you like rich, dense, chocolate, you will probably enjoy this dish a lot. I don't think Brandon loved it, but he didn't hate it either. It was a very dark chocolate, which is not his favorite, so if you like dark chocolate this might be a great option for you.

If you want to get more information about our visit to Tiffins, we did film our visit for our YouTube channel.

Overall

We were both beyond impressed with both the food and the theme of Tiffins. The food options were interesting, unique, and really high-quality. We also really appreciated how attentive the chef and our server were to our special dietary needs and worked to ensure we had a safe and delicious meal. The restaurant itself is also beautifully designed and elegant -- making it a wonderful signature restaurant to enjoy a relaxed meal or special occasion at. We both recommend it highly and are looking forward to going back to eat at Tiffins again.

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

Narcoossee's Dinner Review

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

Dinner at Narcoossee's

Narcoossee's, located at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, is a signature dining location that I hadn't been to since 2011 after a lackluster meal experience with my mom. Brandon had never been to Narcoossee's, so when the restaurant re-opened in 2020 after the Parks & Resorts had closed due to COVID-19, we decided to make a reservation for dinner to try it out.

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 an early evening seating. We have found that eating around restaurant opening tends to be fairly quiet, which is great if you prefer to dine with less people right now. 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. In this instance, we did not use the online restaurant check-in (which has become hit or miss for actually working) and opted to check-in with a cast member instead.

The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa 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.

As a note, at the time of writing this review, we have been to several of the Disney Resorts, including the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk Resort, Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Old Key West Resort, Polynesian, 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

Narcoossee's is located in a separate building from the Grand Floridian Resort, near the boat docks and set on the Seven Seas Lagoon. It offers great views of the Magic Kingdom and the resort area. The restaurant decor and food is inspired by coastal areas around the globe. So, you'll see these touches throughout the restaurant.

Narcoossee's - Open Kitchen / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

When you enter the restaurant, you'll see a brightly colored open kitchen (on this visit, the kitchen area was surrounded by protective shields).

Narcoossee's - Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Since it has been a decade since I'd dined at Narcoossee's, I was curious to see how the decor had changed over the years. To my surprise, the restaurant's decor hadn't changed one bit. They were even using the same blue tablecloths and blue & white seat cushions.

Narcoossee's - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Although the restaurant is supposed to have a bright, airy, coastal feel to it, both Brandon and I remarked at how dated it felt. Everything just seemed a bit old, faded, and generally not very contemporary. Of course, there's always a certain charm to restaurant that stays the same over the years, and some restaurants really hold up well over time. But, Narcoossee's feels like it could really use a good makeover compared to other signature restaurant's like California Grill or Topolino's Terrace.

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

Our favorite part of Narcoossee's theme had to be the beautiful views. If you like waterfront dining, Narcooossee's offers terrific scenery. Although they are not really doing fireworks displays right now, during normal times, Narcoossee's would be a great spot to watch the fireworks in the evening.

The Food

Like most restaurants at Disney World, Narcoossee's does offer an allergy-friendly menu. You can always speak directly to a chef about options, modifications, and customizations too, especially if you have questions or multiple special dietary needs.

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

Because the restaurant is a lot of simple steak and seafood, we both felt comfortable ordering directly from the allergy-friendly menu. But we always encourage guests to speak to a chef if there are any questions or clarifications needed and we do this often ourselves.

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

Prior to our meal we did order drinks. Brandon had a classic gin & tonic. And, I ordered the Skywalker Vineyards Rose. If you're not familiar with Skywalker Vineyards, it's the winery owned by George Lucas. I had tried several of the Skywalker Vineyards wines on previous visits occasions, but this was my first time trying the Rose. I would definitely recommend it as the flavors were great, and it wasn't super sweet or dry. A perfect wine for a hot Florida day.

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

I was surprised when I was brought gluten free and allergy-friendly rolls, as I expected to be served the Bloomfield Farms brand, which most locations are using now. But, I was served the GNI / Deanna's Gluten Free brand rolls that Disney used to use more regularly. Both roll brands are gluten free, dairy free and allergy-friendly.

The first roll I had was moderately well heated and quite tasty. It gave me a lot of nostalgia for when Disney was using this brand more regularly. But, the second roll I had was literally as hard as a rock and inedible. Comparing them to the Bloomfield Farms rolls, I have to say I think I now prefer Bloomfield Farms due to the size, texture, and taste. They also seem a lot less likely to be improperly heated, which is important for gluten free bread!

Narcoosee's Bread in Photo is NOT Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon was served the regular bread service -- a sourdough style bread. Brandon said it was just OK and not anything special. One of his biggest complaints with most bread services do not heat the bread making the bread not as tasty in his opinion. He tried both the gluten free and regular bread on this visit and said he actually preferred the gluten free bread overall.

As an aside, do note that while the regular bread is nut free, they do note that it's made in a facility with nuts. So, you'll need to use your judgement and comfort level when choosing to consume this bread or not. Thankfully, if you are not comfortable with this, you can enjoy the allergy-friendly bread which is nut free.

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

Brandon can't resist a cheese plate. So, we decided to split the Artisanal Cheese Plate, which was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. It was also made safe for Brandon's other allergies: Chicken & Turkey and Cabbage. This dish, of course, does contain dairy. If you're lactose intolerant and can tolerate goat or sheep milk cheeses, the restaurant did include some of these cheeses on the plate, so those could be an option for you.

Overall, Brandon and I liked the cheese plate but didn't love it. We both said it was fairly small for the price and the smallest cheese plate we've had in a long time. All of the cheeses were tasty, but I think we both agreed that we'd love to see more interesting and unique cheeses featured on such a pricey cheese plate rather than cheeses we can easily get at our local grocery store. Still if you're into cheese plates, you could do far worse in terms of quality, so I'd still recommend it.

Narcooseee's Bread in Photo is NOT Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon was served some regular bread on the side to go with the cheese plate, as well. He liked these a bit better than the sourdough but wasn't wowed by either.

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

For my entree, I decided to order the classic Surf & Turf which included Filet Mignon with Butter-Poached Cold Water Lobster Tail, Yukon Gold Mash, Roasted Carrots, and Cippolini Onions. This dish was marked safe for For Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. It can be made dairy free with some adjustments and accompaniment swaps, so it's always worth exploring if you're interested.

When ordering Surf & Turf, it seems like this would be a slam dunk for an excellent meal. However, it was a bit inconsistent to me. The first few bites of steak were good, but I actually found fat on my filet (which you shouldn't have). That made it a bit less pleasant to eat. The mashed potatoes were good and the carrots were also pretty tasty. The lobster was probably the best part of the dish and was super buttery, sweet, and not overcooked.

When comparing this dish to the filet at Topolino's Terrace, it's a pretty stark difference between quality, flavors, and overall presentation. Topolino's Terrace's quality is so much higher that this meal felt like a pretty big let-down in comparison.

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

Brandon ordered a very similar dish, minus the seafood since he is allergic. He got the Grass Fed Filet Mignon with Yukon Gold Mash, Roasted Carrots, Cippolini Onions, and Red Wine-Oxtail Reduction. This was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. It was also made safe for chicken & turkey and cabbage allergies.

Brandon's filet had no issues of fat like mine did. He agreed that the dish was good but couldn't compare to the filet at Topolino's Terrace or even some other locations at Disney World. Both of us felt like the food, plating, actually matched the decor of the restaurant and overall just felt a bit dated.

If you want to get more information about our visit to Narcoossee's, we did film our visit and shared it on our YouTube channel.

Overall

We're both glad that we visited Narcoossee's to give it a try. Having not dined there in a decade, I was surprised to see how little the food and decor had changed. While our meal was not bad by any means, we both thought the food was just OK and pretty overpriced for the quality when comparing it to other signature restaurants. We'd both love to see a refurbishment of this restaurant -- both for the decor and the food. There's so many possibilities for Narcoossee's, especially with such a great location, that it's a shame to see it rest a bit on its laurels and not compete with some of the other outstanding signature restaurants on property. For now, it's not a location we'd visit again anytime soon.

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

The Wave Dinner Review

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

Dinner at The Wave

The Wave, located at Disney's Contemporary Resort, has long been one of our top favorite resort table service restaurants. We always enjoy the atmosphere and the delicious food. Brandon and I often call this a hidden gem, because it's not a table service restaurant that guests immediately think of when considering resort dining. But, we can't recommend it enough as a great option, including for those with special dietary needs. Back in October, we had a chance to enjoy dinner at The Wave, which is our favorite meal service at the restaurant.

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 tried to use online restaurant check-in when we arrived at The Wave, but it wasn't working on our visit. Cast members at The Wave were able to check us in though with no worries.

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. 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 Contemporary Resort is definitely a bit busier than it was when we went in July 2020. However, it's still much quieter than normal. We have found that if you're less comfortable with busier restaurants that you dine at the earliest dining, as we have found opening dining to be the least crowded. On this visit, we ate during the last seating, and it was a little busier in the beginning than we would have liked, but it cleared out fairly quickly as our meal progressed.

As a note, at the time of writing this review, we have been to several of the Disney Resorts, including the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk Resort, Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Old Key West Resort, Polynesian, 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

The Wave is themed after waves of the ocean. And, you'll see that theme throughout the restaurant, from the moment you step into the entrance.

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

Because I have written a lot of reviews about this restaurant with details about the theming, in this review, I'll highlight some new pictures. If you're interested in more information about theming, check out some of the older reviews.

The Wave - Waiting Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I absolutely love the waiting/seating area. There's a really great set of paintings here that are both contemporary but also have a bit of Mary Blair style in them.

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

And, of course, no visit to The Wave is complete without taking photos of some of the decor, like the wave inspired lighting.

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

As you can see, by the time we left the restaurant, the seating areas were fairly quiet. You can also see the social distance markers to separate some of the tables too.

The Food

Like most restaurants at Disney World, The Wave does offer an allergy-friendly menu. You can also always speak to a chef when you dine at The Wave, which we highly recommend -- especially if you have multiple special dietary needs or have questions about the menu, including customizing dishes and making modifications. On this visit, we did not speak to a chef, but we have on many occasions there. The chefs there are very good and always very willing to offer accommodations.

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

After ordering, our server brought us each bread service. I was given the gluten free, dairy free & allergy-friendly Bloomfield Farms rolls and some butter with pink salt. If you are dairy free, be sure to ask for Earth Balance vegan buttery spread, which the restaurant offers.

I have to admit, I've grown to really love the Bloomfield Farms brand rolls. When heated properly they are really tasty, and they feel like a very hearty bread option too.

The Wave - Bread in Photo is NOT Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon was given the regular bread service, which looked a bit like brioche. This is a nut free option, though we were advised that it was possibly made in the same facility as peanuts, so if you have a peanut or tree nut allergy that is always good to know. Brandon is OK with items produced in the same area, as long as he isn't given peanuts or hazelnut, but you'll always want to trust your own comfort level for allergies. Brandon has also eaten the Bloomfield Farms rolls quite a bit too and is also a fan now. Overall, Brandon was not a particularly big fan of this bread service, especially as the bread was not warm.

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

It's hard for us to go to the Wave now and not order the Bacon & Eggs appetizer, which comes with cheddar grits, poached egg, and maple glazed pork belly. This dish is gluten free, fish/shellfish free, peanut/tree nut free, cabbage free, and chicken & turkey free. It does contain dairy.

If you can have dairy and are gluten free, this is an absolute must order. Brandon and I typically split this appetizer and just love the combination of sweet and salty flavors along with the rich textures. It feels decadent and is a great way to start your meal at The Wave.

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

For my entree, I decided to get the Pork Tenderloin with Smoked Cheddar Grits, Coffee-Barbecue Sauce, Roasted Broccolini, and Chermoula. This dish is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. It does contain dairy, but if you talk to a chef, they should be able to make some modifications (like swapping the grits for another side).

I always love the seasonal pork tenderloin dishes at The Wave. They always switch things up seasonally, and this version was a real winner. The pork was perfectly cooked and super flavorful. The sauces, especially the chermoula were absolutely delicious and really added a lot of depth to the dish. And, of course, you can't go wrong with more cheesy grits. I loved everything about this dish and would highly recommend it if you enjoy pork tenderloin.

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

For Brandon's entree, he chose Grilled Beef Tenderloin. It normally comes with au gratin potatoes and seasonal vegetables, but Brandon asked for mashed potatoes instead. This dish was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Peanut/Tree Nut, Shellfish, and Soy Allergies. It is also chicken & turkey free and cabbage free.

Because Brandon is not a big sauce person, he opted to get the peppadew vinaigrette on the side. He didn't love it at first, but the sauce definitely grew on him. It's always a good idea to get a sauce on the side if you're not sure you'll be a fan. Overall, this dish is always a winner and one of Brandon's go-to's at The Wave.

If you want to get more information about our visit to The Wave, we did film our visit for our YouTube channel.

Overall

The Wave continues to be one of our all-time favorite reasonably priced and delicious table service restaurants at the resorts. We always have a great meal, and the chefs are always really wonderful there. We also love that the restaurant's menu does change a bit seasonally, which makes it a great place to dine and get a bit of variety in your meal options.

Have you been to The Wave? What was your experience when you dined there?

Topolino's Terrace Character Breakfast Review

*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.

Breakfast at Topolino's Terrace

Topolino's Terrace, located at Disney's Riviera Resort, has quickly risen to be one of our top restaurants at Walt Disney World. With outstanding food, beautiful atmosphere and theming, and excellent special dietary needs accommodations, there's a lot to love about Topolino's Terrace. We first dined at the restaurant in August 2020, and after such a great meal we knew that we had to dine here for their character breakfast. During a mini-staycation at Disney's Polynesian Resort, we decided to enjoy a last minute brunch at Topolino's Terrace when we saw a late morning reservation open up.

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 breakfast seating, which we decided to book (the restaurant closes for breakfast at 11:15 a.m. currently). 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.

Disney's 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.

In terms of the crowds, we found that the resort itself was moderately busy compared to our visit the month before. The restaurant was also a bit busier in the waiting area, as the character meal is quite popular. However, there were very few tables with diners at them by the time we ended our meal, and we both felt the social distancing was excellent in the restaurant.

As a note, at the time of writing this review, we have been to several of the Disney Resorts, including the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk Resort, Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Old Key West Resort, Polynesian, 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

Topolino's Terrace is inspired by the French and Italian Rivieras. Beautifully decorated, bright, and refined, both Brandon and I fell in love with the decor of this restaurant the first time we dined there. Located on the top floor of the resort, the restaurant has outstanding views of the Walt Disney World Resort, and it has a lovely outside observation deck that's perfect for fireworks displays too.

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

In the evening time, it has a slightly different feel as the lights dim and the Florida sunsets brighten the dining room. In the daytime, the restaurant is bright and chipper -- perfect for a character breakfast.

The restaurant includes standard seating and spacious booths. During our character meal, we were seated in one of these booths, and we absolutely loved the seating and social distancing it provided.

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

Speaking of social distancing, at the time we dined there, Topolino's Terrace was offering a character meal experienced that was slightly modified due to COVID-19. This meant that characters did not come to your table to take photos or sign autographs. But, that didn't mean the interactions weren't just as good.

In fact, as an adult couple, both Brandon and I actually preferred the social distancing experience because we could still interact with the characters but could still enjoy our meal during the experience. Topolino's Terrace also offers an adorable show/presentation throughout your meal and that was really fun for all ages too.

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

The characters at the time of this review included Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck. Each one of the characters is dressed in outfits related to an artist outlet, such as poetry, painting, and dance. Currently, you can only see the characters in these outfits at Topolino's Terrace.

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

Our favorite by far had to be Donald Duck. Daisy Duck was a close second, as both the ducks were super sassy and personable. If you want to see more of the show, character interaction, and restaurant interior, be sure to check out our YouTube vlog for videos from the visit.

The Food

Like most restaurants at Disney World, Topolino's Terrace does offer an allergy-friendly menu. We also spoke directly to a chef to ask questions, including ordering dishes that could be modified to be gluten free -- but weren't listed on the allergy-friendly menu. We always recommend speaking directly to a chef for this reason.

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

One word about coffee if you need a bit of caffeine to start your breakfast. If you're gluten free or dairy free, most of the specialty beverages won't be an option here, as we were told they use a shared coffee maker and cannot guarantee allergy safety or cross-contamination. They do offer dairy free milk options, but I was told that plain coffee was my best choice for a safe option. Brandon was able to get a mocha on our visit, but I stuck to iced tea rather than order a plain coffee.

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

After speaking with a chef, Brandon and I were brought a basket of breakfast pastries to share. This visit we were served Udi's Gluten Free brand muffins, including a double-chocolate chip and blueberry muffin. We were also served Kinnikinnik brand allergy-friendly donuts with a vanilla glaze on them.

We get the donuts a lot on the Disney Cruise and are big fans of them, so those were a definite hit. The muffins we could take or leave as they're just OK in our opinion. As an aside, guests are often served butter and spreads, including a hazelnut spread. Because Brandon is allergic to hazelnut, we were not served any side accompaniments.

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

For my entree, I had heard from Paleo Disney that you could order the Quiche Gruyère gluten free upon request. When I spoke to the chef, he said that it was an option but that it would take a bit of extra time to prepare. The gluten free version of the quiche is crustless, so it is more like a frittata, and it does contain dairy.

I have to say that this was definitely worth the wait. The frittata included a house-made pancetta and gruyere cheese and was really flavorful. The textures were also great. The roasted potatoes were outstanding, and my surprise favorite side was the salad. Light and refreshing, it went perfectly with the rich flavors of the GF quiche. I would absolutely request this dish again, and it might be one of the best breakfast entrees I've ever had at Disney World.

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

At Topolino's Terrace, you typically order one single entree. However, I did ask if I could pay an upcharge to try the large allergy-friendly Mickey Waffle. On this visit, the chef said it was no problem to order it as a second dish and that there would be no extra charge, but your mileage may vary when you visit.

The allergy-friendly Mickey waffle at Topolino's Terrace is unique in that it's a large waffle versus the smaller individual waffles you get throughout Walt Disney World. The only other location I've ever seen a large allergy-friendly waffle at was at Disneyland at Steakhouse 55.

This version came with Roasted Apple, Chantilly, and Orange-Maple Syrup. It can be made dairy free by omitting the Chantilly whipped cream. I was absolutely blown away by this waffle. The accompaniments were really flavorful and added a lot of flavor. I especially loved the orange-maple syrup. The roasted apples were a nice touch too. The waffle itself was really good -- a little dry -- but the flavors were great (and the accompaniments helped with the dryness).

When I asked about the mix, I was told that Topolino's Terrace is currently using Bloomfield Farms gluten free pancake and waffle mix. One of my biggest tips is to ask before you order about allergy-friendly waffle mixes as some on property are better than others. Overall, I would not hesitate to order this again because the flavors were all excellent.

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

Brandon opted for the classic Two Eggs-Any Style served with roasted potatoes and bacon. This was safe for peanut/tree nut, fish/shellfish, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies. It can also be made gluten free and dairy free too. While nothing special, Brandon said the entree was great. He really liked the potatoes and bacon and said he'd definitely get this again.

If you want to get more information about our visit to Topolino's Terrace for their character breakfast, we did film our visit for our YouTube channel.

Overall

Topolino's Terrace offers wonderful meal options for dinner and breakfast. If a character breakfast experience is something that you're interested in, we can't recommend Topolino's Terrace enough. We found the character experience to be great, the food and special dietary needs accommodations outstanding, and the theming to be excellent. We especially loved the unique characters and the upscale breakfast offerings. It was a great experience, and we're looking forward to going back to the restaurant for another fun character breakfast again soon!

Have you been to Topolino's Terrace for their character breakfast? What was your experience dining there?

Trattoria al Forno Dinner Review

*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 Trattoria al Forno

Trattoria al Forno, located at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, reopened in July 2020 after the Disney Parks & Resorts closed temporarily. We had a chance to stop by the restaurant for a late evening dinner in September. This was the first time Brandon had eaten at the restaurant and the first time I had been there in several years, so we were looking forward to trying out the food and seeing how the restaurant was for social distancing.

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 10 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 Trattoria al Forno. 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 Boardwalk 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.

As a note, at the time of writing this review, we have been to several of the Disney Resorts, including the Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort, Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian Resort, 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

Trattoria al Forno is inspired by the different regions of Italy. The restaurant building itself has changed a lot over the years -- as it used to Spoodles, Kouzzina (a former favorite of mine), and now Trattoria al Forno. The actual restaurant itself has been retrofitted over the years. And, it currently reflects the modern Italian theme.

Trattoria al Forno - Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

You'll find bright pops of color, including lots of reds and greens, alongside dark wooden beams, tables, and seating.

Trattoria al Forno - Lobby / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

When you walk into the restaurant's lobby area, you'll be greeted by cozy chairs, family photos, and a walled up fireplace.

Trattoria al Forno - Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

You'll find the same theming and decor inside the restaurant's seating area. The kitchen is also open to guests, so you can see food being prepared on stage while you enjoy your meal.

Trattoria al Forno - Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

One thing that we noticed on this visit (and that we showed and discussed in our YouTube review) is that social distancing seating seemed a bit problematic at the restaurant -- at least from our perspective. If you have seating preferences, be sure to let a host/hostess know so that you can ensure you are comfortable during your meal.

The Food

Like most restaurants at Disney World, Trattoria al Forno does offer an allergy-friendly menu. You can also, at any time, speak directly with a chef (which we recommend) if you have questions or wish to discuss options or modifications for your special dietary needs.

Trattoria al Forno / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On this visit, we did not speak directly to a chef, but our server helped ensure that we had safe options and spoke to the chef, as well as ensured all of our special dietary needs were on our orders. We ordered more or less directly from the allergy-friendly menu.

Trattoria al Forno / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Each meal includes a complimentary bread service. I was served Bloomfield Farms rolls, which are gluten free and dairy free. This dish also came with a gluten free and dairy free olive tapenade with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The tapenade had a great sweet and salty punch to it and was an excellent accompaniment to the bread.

Brandon was served the regular bread and had his own dish of olive tapenade.

Trattoria al Forno / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Initially, Brandon and I had inquired about ordering the charcuterie plate, but our server spoke with the chef who said that it had too many ingredients that contained both gluten and nuts that he would not recommend it for us to eat.

However, we were pleasantly surprised when our server brought out a giant plate of prosciutto and house-made mozzarella cheese with herbs and balsamic vinegar for us to split. It was extremely kind of them to modify an appetizer for us so that we could enjoy it safely. This was made safe for gluten/wheat, fish/shellfish, peanuts/tree nuts, chicken/turkey, and cabbage.

Trattoria al Forno / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

To avoid any concerns of cross-contamination since Brandon had already eaten some gluten-filled bread, we split this appetizer up onto separate plates.

Both of us were extremely impressed with the quality of the meat and cheese in this appetizer. The prosciutto was extremely good, and we both loved the mozzarella with the accompaniments on top of it. Of course, if you're dairy free, this would not be a good option, but if you are gluten free and can have dairy, both Brandon and I highly recommend it.

Trattoria al Forno / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I debated for a bit over what to get for my entree. Ultimately, I decided to order two appetizers because my friend Alexis from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures always raves about the gluten free calamari, and I definitely wanted to try it.

I opted to get order Insalata di Stagione, a seasonal salad that is made with house-made ricotta and vinaigrette. It was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, and Soy Allergies.

I have to admit that when presented to me, it was not at all what I had expected the salad to be. The salad included a grilled head of romaine, a side of additional greens, and quite a few deconstructed elements. The flavors were nice, and I really loved the pecan crumble that came with the salad, but it's probably not a dish I'd order again.

Trattoria al Forno / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my second appetizer, of course, it had to be the Calamari Fritti with Crispy Pepperoncini, Balsamic Agrodolce, and Meyer Lemon Aioli. This dish was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies.

Overall, I really liked this dish but didn't love it. I found all of the sauces and the fried pepperoncini to be excellent, but the calamari itself was almost a bit soggy. It wasn't terrible by any means, but it would have been nice for the calamari to be a bit crispier. I would try this again just to see if my dish was just a fluke, as others have raved about it so much.

As an aside, if you dine at Trattoria al Forno, they use gluten free breading for all of the fried items at the restaurant. This means that items like chicken parmesan are actually gluten free with a side of GF pasta. I will definitely have to try some other breaded and fried dishes the next we go to Trattoria al Forno.

Trattoria al Forno / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For Brandon's entree, he ordered the Oak-Grilled Strip Steak with Fire-roasted Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetable, and Roasted Pepper Sauce. This was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies and was also made safe for Brandon's chicken & turkey and cabbage allergies.

Overall, Brandon said he really liked this entree. The serving was very sizeable, so this is a good option if you're a steak lover and are really hungry! Brandon also got the roasted red pepper sauce on the side, and while he's not a big sauce person, he actually loved this sauce. That's a great pro tip for dining. If you're not sure if you'll like a sauce, order it on the side! Brandon said that he'd definitely order this steak again.

If you want to get more information about our visit to Trattoria al Forno, we did film our visit and shared it on our YouTube channel. There we talk a bit more about social distancing and general safety related to COVID-19.

Overall

Our restaurant experience at Trattoria al Forno was a bit mixed. We both loved the bread service, appetizers, and Brandon really enjoyed his entree. I liked mine but would definitely get something different the next time we dine there. We also felt the social distancing seating wasn't something we felt as comfortable with during our visit, so we might wait to dine at Trattoria al Forno for a while. The resort area is quite busy, so the restaurant was one of the busiest we've dined at since Disney re-opened. While our experience was a bit mixed, we look forward to trying out the restaurant again in the future.

Have you been to Trattoria al Forno? What was your experience when you dined there?