Sarah Norris Sarah Norris

Maya Grill Dinner Review

Maya Grill, located at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, is a table service restaurant owned and operated by the Palmas Restaurant Group. It serves up authentic Mexican cuisine along with Tex-Mex style options so there’s plenty of great options to choose from. It’s one of our favorite restaurants for a low-key and safe meal as Orlando locals, and we were excited to dine there recently after they launched their new updated menu.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in May 2023. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Dinner at Maya Grill

Maya Grill, located at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, is a table service restaurant owned and operated by the Palmas Restaurant Group. It serves up authentic Mexican cuisine along with Tex-Mex style options so there’s plenty of great options to choose from. It’s one of our favorite restaurants for a low-key and safe meal as Orlando locals, and we were excited to dine there recently after they launched their new updated menu.

Atmosphere

Maya Grill has been at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort for years. You can find it a short walk from the old lobby area of the original side of the resort (not Gran Destino Tower).

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

Because it’s been around for so long, it does a bit of a dated theme. However, that theme does really blend in well with the resort’s general theme and aesthetic, so it never looks out of place.

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

The interior has plenty of seating options from booths to tables. The restaurant is inspired by Mayan culture with motifs representing fire, sun, and water. Yes, everything feels a bit on the dated side, but we both actually quite like the retro feel.

Though not shown in our photos, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that this restaurant has live music with a guitarist every single night, which really adds to the theme and vibe.

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

In the main dining room area, you’ll see large towers and even architecture that looks like a Mayan temple. The restaurant also has lots of windows around the restaurant for natural lighting.

The Food

Because Maya Grill is not owned and operated by the Disney Company, they do not have an allergy-friendly menu. But, you can always speak directly to a chef to discuss options, including modifications. The new menu does have a few notes about special dietary needs such as fish/shellfish, pork, and nuts. However, we would highly recommend speaking to a chef, because the menu is new and it’s possible ingredients and dishes may change (and some dishes may not be listed as containing an ingredient like fish/shellfish but actually do…more on that later).

Maya Grill - Brandon with the Menu / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Normally, we tend to prefer Disney owned restaurants, because of their special diets protocols. But, we have been consistently impressed with our experiences at Maya Grill. The chefs and the servers have always been very good at making sure our special diets are accommodated, and we feel safe about options.

On this visit, we spoke with Chef Gilberto who reviewed some of the menu items with us and made recommendations. There are definitely options or easy modifications, so it’s always worth talking to a chef.

Maya Grill - Chips & Salsa Trio / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

One of the things we love most about Maya Grill is that you can get safe tortilla chips. Being gluten free, I have found that getting safe tortilla chips isn’t always the easiest — even at Disney — because of restaurant’s not using or having a dedicated fryer. It’s gotten better at WDW over the years for this, and I’m so glad that Maya Grill has a dedicated fryer just for tortilla chips.

We decided to order the Chips & Salsa Trio which came with three salsas: Salsa Roja, Smokey Chipotle, and Avocado Verde. This is probably the most allergy-friendly appetizer and is gluten free, dairy free, fish/shellfish free, peanut/tree nut free, chicken/turkey free & cabbage free. It’s also plant-based/vegan.

Chips and salsa are always a hit with us, but this version was outstanding. The avocado salsa verde was my favorite — it’s tangy and only moderately spicy. The chipotle salsa is Brandon’s favorite — it’s smoky and definitely very spicy. The salsa roja is probably our least favorite (and it’s still very good!) mostly because it’s so mild. If you’re a non-spicy fan, the salsa roja will be the winner for you.

We used to always get the chips, salsa, and a side of queso. But, with three salsas in this appetizer, we definitely felt the portion and options were plentiful.

Maya Grill - Golden Zama / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

In addition to a new food menu, the restaurant also has a new expanded drink menu. We visited on Cinco de Mayo, so we had to try drinks — to celebrate!

I ordered the Golden Zama with Bacardi Ocho Rum, charred pineapple, fresh squeezed lemon juice, & orgeat. This is essentially a Mai Tai and was really good. I loved the fresh pineapple and combination of flavors. I would definitely recommend it and get it again.

Note: If you are allergic to nuts, especially almonds, you’ll want to avoid this drink as orgeat contains almond and is not recommended for those with nut allergies.

Maya - The Serpent / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For Brandon’s drink, he ordered The Serpent which the menu described as coming with Michters Bourbon, Ancho Reyes Verde, Aperol, Pineapple chunks, lemon juice, three chile organic simple syrup, lemon bitters & fresh mint. However, when his drink arrived, it looked totally different than it was described. We couldn’t find another drink on the menu that had fresh thyme, so we’re wondering if they’re still working on the drinks and supplies.

Brandon said this drink was good and definitely had bourbon and aperol in it. He liked it a lot but did note that it was on the small side.

Maya Grill - Yuca Fries / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Because the restaurant’s menu is entirely new, we wanted to try out a few options. We confirmed with Chef Gilberto that the yuca fries were safe for both of us and made in a dedicated fryer. These are not listed on the menu as a side dish, but you can request them easily.

The yuca fries are gluten free, dairy free, fish/shellfish free, peanut/tree nut free, chicken/turkey free, and cabbage free. We did not confirm they are vegan, but I would guess that the chimichurri is also vegan and safe.

Overall, we liked these but didn’t love them. That’s mostly because the yuca fries got cold and hard very quickly. We both agreed that the chimichurri sauce was very good and super flavorful. A word of caution on garlic. If you are garlic sensitive or have a garlic allergy, you’ll want to avoid the chimichurri. There was a lot of fresh garlic in it, and it was very strong.

Maya Grill - Fresh Catch / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my entree, I wanted to try something new on the menu and ordered the Fresh Catch. This rotates whatever seasonal fish is available and on this visit it was mahi mahi. This dish is gluten free and can be modified to be dairy free.

I really enjoyed this dish a lot. The fish was very well seasoned and cooked — falling apart and very flaky. The roasted potatoes were crispy on the outside and super tender on the inside. The broccolini was good (although never my favorite vegetable). I loved the cilantro crema and the pickled onion and radish on top of the dish, which added great flavor and texture. I would definitely recommend this dish and will be getting it again.

Maya Grill - Steak Quesadillas (NOT Gluten Free) / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For Brandon’s entree, he chose the steak quesadilla tacos. The version he ordered was made using flour tortillas, but if you’re gluten free, you can make this dish GF by swapping out the tortillas for corn. This is Brandon’s go-to entree at the restaurant, and he was SO glad it was still on the menu. He said everything was very flavorful and just as good as always.

One note for those who are allergic to fish/shellfish or can’t have gluten. The steak marinade currently being used by the restaurant is no longer safe as is for either of these special dietary needs. The steak contains both oyster sauce (gluten & fish/shellfish concern) and Worcestershire sauce. Luckily, Chef Gilberto said they can make a version of the steak safe for both of these special dietary needs by cooking plain steak instead a marinated version, so be sure to ask a chef or server about this. The steak is the same for the fajitas too, so you’ll need to modify that dish, as well.

On this visit, Brandon got a side of cilantro rice and refried beans instead of his normal favorite French fries. Though not on the menu, you can still get fries, but you’ll need to request them (and they are made in a dedicated fryer). Brandon didn’t really love the rice, and he skipped the refried beans and gave the dish to me. We had asked the chef to put them in a container so that I could try them, because both the rice & beans are both gluten free.

I personally loved the refried beans and would recommend them, if you like pork fat flavored refried beans. The pork in this is prominent, so skip if you don’t like that flavor profile. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, these beans won’t be a safe option currently.

Maya Grill - Akan’s Mule / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon capped out our meal with another drink — Akan’s Mule. This was the restaurant’s take on a classic Moscow Mule and was made with Milagro Reposado, Lapsang Souchong smoked black tea syrup, guava puree, fresh lime juice & ginger beer.

Brandon is a fan of mules and said this was good but that he preferred his first drink over this. Next time, he’d probably get a different drink.

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

Overall

Maya Grill continues to be a favorite for us at Disney. We love going here for a low-key, safe, and tasty meal. The servers are always friendly and helpful, and the chefs have always been very accommodating too. We love that there is live music, and the restaurant never feels overly crowded. So, if you’re looking for an easy-going restaurant, you can’t get more chill than Maya Grill. We really enjoyed the new menu and are looking forward to going back again soon to check out more options. If you’re staying at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, we definitely recommend Maya Grill for one evening of your visit.

Have you been to Maya Grill? What was your experience dining there?

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Sarah Norris Sarah Norris

Rosa Mexicano Dinner Review

Rosa Mexicano is the newest restaurant to open at Disney’s Dolphin Resort. It replaced Fresh Mediterranean Market (formerly Kitchen), which was located in the same spot in the resort. This restaurant originally opened in 1984 in New York City (and still operates there) and has several locations across the U.S. We had heard good things about Rosa Mexicano’s gluten free options, along with the ability to accommodate special dietary needs. Since we both really enjoy Mexican cuisine, we decided we had to check it out. On this visit, we went with Brandon’s parents and sister to help celebrate their anniversary.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in April 2023. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Dinner at Rosa Mexicano

Rosa Mexicano is the newest restaurant to open at Disney’s Dolphin Resort. It replaced Fresh Mediterranean Market (formerly Kitchen), which was located in the same spot in the resort. This restaurant originally opened in 1984 in New York City (and still operates there) and has several locations across the U.S. We had heard good things about Rosa Mexicano’s gluten free options, along with the ability to accommodate special dietary needs. Since we both really enjoy Mexican cuisine, we decided we had to check it out. On this visit, we went with Brandon’s parents and sister to help celebrate their anniversary.

Atmosphere

When arriving to the restaurant, we were all very pleasantly surprised by the decor. Everyone agreed it was very pretty and chic and modern.

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

You will find many murals and paintings of Frida Kahlo throughout the restaurant and prominently featured in many of the dining room areas.

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

Brandon loved the lighting in the restaurant, which really added to the modern vibe. Overall, we all agreed that the restaurant was bright and inviting and definitely felt modern and fresh.

The Food

Because this location is not owned and operated by Disney, they do not have an allergy-friendly menu or the same special diets protocols in place. The restaurant is, however, known for being able to accommodate — especially for gluten free diners. The menu itself does list GF options on it. One word of caution though. Items like the tortilla chips are marked GF, but they must be made in a dedicated fryer. Otherwise, the standard chips will not be safe and risk cross-contamination. More on that later in this review!

Rosa Mexicano - Menu / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Because this was a new restaurant for us, and we were sure what options would be available to Brandon, we really wanted to speak with a manager or chef. For the most part, any non-Disney owned location at the WDW resort will typically provide this as an option, especially because Disney is known to be so accommodating for special dietary needs. Unfortunately, we had a lot of challenges with our server on this visit being willing to let us speak to a chef or manager. He was insistent that he could navigate our special dietary needs but also gave us a ton of mixed information.

Because we did not feel comfortable with the information given, we really had to insist on speaking to a manager or chef. Ultimately, we were able to do so, but it was a pretty frustrating experience. We have spoken to other friends who have been who did not have the same experience, which is reassuring. We always recommend that you use your own comfort and judgement when eating someplace, and if you do not feel comfortable, ask to speak directly to a chef or manager. The chef was very helpful and really made us feel more at ease dining at the restaurant. As we always say, be your own advocate whenever you don’t feel safe!

Rosa Mexicano - Chips & Queso / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The chef confirmed with us that if you are gluten free or have allergies to make sure you get the chips made in a dedicated fryer. Otherwise, cross-contamination may occur. We did find the wait time for this to be a little bit longer, which was fine with us, as long as they are safe! Just watch out for any chips brought to the table when you are seated.

We requested the Chips & Queso which is marked gluten free on the menu and vegetarian. It does contain dairy, and as of right now, there are no dairy free cheese options in the restaurant. We confirmed with a chef that it was safe for Brandon’s special dietary needs, so if you’re allergic to fish/shellfish or peanuts/tree nuts, this should be good for you too.

Overall, we liked this but didn’t love it. We both agreed that the tortilla chips were very unevenly cooked and some were not fully cooked at all. The queso was tasty but not our favorite version on Disney property. For that, we’d recommend Maya Grill or Three Bridges Bar & Grill at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort for better versions. We agreed that we’d probably get again but it wasn’t our favorite.

Rosa Mexicano - Wine / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I did get a glass of wine at the restaurant, because I wanted to try the Mexican wines available. I opted for a Rose, “Casa Jipi, Rosado Barbera, Valle de San Vincente, MX.” Overall, I liked this but didn’t love it. It was actually very cool to try a Mexican Rose, and the flavor profile was different than some other rose wines. If you like rose, I’d recommend it.

Rosa Mexicano - Enchilada Tasting / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my entree, I opted for the Enchilada Tasting which comes with your choice of three types of enchiladas. I decided to get the Roasted Chicken Suizas with salsa verde, Beef Brisket with red guajillo sauce, and Chihuahua Cheese also with the red guajillio sauce. This dish was marked gluten free on the menu. The enchiladas do contain dairy.

I have to say that my expectations for this dish were exceeded, because all three enchiladas were super tasty. My favorite was the chicken enchilada and salsa verde, but I would not hesitate to get all three of these again. Each was super flavorful and had different flavor profiles. If you like enchiladas and can have dairy, these are a high recommend from me.

My entree was also served with a choice of Mexican or white rice. I got the Mexican Rice, and it was pretty good. Not my favorite or anything special, but good.

Rosa Mexicano - Steak Tacos (NOT Gluten Free) / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon got both a steak mac & cheese along with the tacos shown above. Though the ones in this photo are on a flour tortilla, the chef did confirm you can get corn tortillas instead, and these would be gluten free. Brandon liked these but didn’t love them. They were served pretty plainly, because Brandon is not a big fan of certain sauces, so next time he’d probably skip these or ask for salsa.

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

Overall

While we enjoyed the food we had at Rosa Mexicano, all of us agreed that there were some real challenges during our dining experience with service and special dietary needs accommodations. Because this is a new restaurant, we would wait to go back for a while to dine here. The restaurant seems to be still getting its footing, and we are hoping that over time that the special diets protocols will be a bit easier and clearer. If you do like Mexican cuisine, we’d recommend heading to Maya Grill, La Hacienda de San Angel, or San Angel Inn at Disney World. All of those locations have been operating for a long time and have good protocols in place (and tasty food!). We do look forward to going back again in the future, but if you’re looking for a restaurant on Disney property, we would probably recommend another location instead, unless you’re staying at the Swan & Dolphin resorts.

Have you been to Rosa Mexicano? What was your experience dining there?

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Sarah Norris Sarah Norris

California Grill Dinner Review

*This gluten free dining experience took place in April 2023. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Dinner at California Grill

California Grill, located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, is a signature restaurant at Disney with a long reputation for being one of the top restaurants on property. Situated on the 15th floor of the resort, this restaurant has epic views of Walt Disney World and is one of the most sought after locations to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks. It’s also well-known for its food and is even listed as a Michelin Guide recommended restaurant in Central Florida. So, you know it’s good!

Recently, we went to California Grill for dinner. The current offering is a 3-course fixed price set menu, and we wanted to see how it was for guests with special dietary needs.

Atmosphere

California Grill is inspired by California wines and cuisine. It also takes inspiration from Disney with art and photos inspired by Mary Blair that really ties together the rest of the theme of the Contemporary Resort.

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

When you first arrive on the 15th floor, you’ll see an impressive amount of wines displayed. If you’re a fan of California wines, you can find a variety of options here (by the glass or bottle), and many wines that you can’t find at any other Disney World restaurant.

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

The main dining room is probably the most common place that you’ll be seated at in California Grill. But, did you know that there are side rooms that you can dine in too? On this occasion, we were seated in a side room with excellent views of the Magic Kingdom and a much cozier and quiet vibe.

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

We really preferred this location, because it was much quieter. When we left the restaurant, we noticed a significant difference in the noise level from this room versus the main dining room. If you have preferences on noise level or want something a bit more cozy, we do recommend requesting to be seated in this room.

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

Like many signature restaurants, California Grill has lots of unique touches — including these branded napkins. We both agreed that it’s a nice added part of the theme.

The Food

Like most restaurants owned and operated by Disney, California Grill 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 not speak with a chef and worked directly with our server on options. But, she did offer to have a chef come speak with us if we preferred.

California Grill - Brandon with Menu / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We do recommend if you have multiple dietary needs or have questions about ingredients to speak to a chef directly. After talking to our server, we did notice a lot of things on the menu that aren’t marked for our special dietary needs but that could be easily modified for us, so next time we’d probably speak to a chef to discuss other options.

California Grill - Allergy-Friendly Bread Service / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For the bread service, I was brought gluten free, dairy free and allergy-friendly Bloomfield Farms brand rolls. These were accompanied by a tomato and chive olive oil and a side of butter with sea salt. If you’re dairy free, you can ask if they have non-dairy buttery spread on hand during your visit too. Overall, I liked the tomato and chive olive oil more than the butter, which was not that flavorful.

Brandon did get house made bread, which they noted was safe for his special dietary needs but made in house where nuts may be present. Brandon is typically comfortable with items like this, as long as they do not contain nuts, but we recommend using your own comfort and judgement on consuming items like this. Brandon could have had the Bloomfield Farms brand rolls too, because they are also nut free. He really enjoyed his bread service, even if it’s not typically his favorite part of a meal.

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

For the meal, I decided to do the wine pairing, because I have never tried it before at California Grill. There are several wine pairing options on the menu, currently, at a variety of price points. I opted for the entry-level Signature Wine Pairing at $39 per person. This included 3 glasses of wine — one per course. My first wine with my appetizer was Grgich Hills Estate Sauvignon Blanc. I really liked this wine and found it to be very refreshing and light — perfect for my sushi appetizer.

California Grill - A Little Whistle Cocktail / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon did get several drinks. The first was called A Little Whistle with Whistle Pig 10 Yr. Rye Whiskey, White Grapefruit Juice, and Basil. This was a very divisive drink for Brandon. In fact, in our video review, he called it “grotesquely good.” He said it was extremely sour due to the grapefruit juice and very strong on the whiskey. Although he drank it and said it was good after a few more sips, he also said he probably wouldn’t get it again.

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

For Old Fashioned fans, Brandon also got the Sonoma Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned with Sonoma Distilling Co. Bourbon, Vanilla Maple Syrup, Angostura Bitters and Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries with an Orange Twist. He really loved this drink and said he would 100% get this again. He also liked that the restaurant served his drink with a large ice cube so it didn’t dilute his drink over time.

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

For my appetizer, I got the Rainbow Roll with Tuna, Salmon, Hamachi, Avocado, Mango, and Pickled Watermelon Radish. This is marked safe for Milk and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies on the allergy-friendly menu. It can be made gluten free by swapping out the regular soy sauce for GF tamari.

If you are a sushi fan, I would recommend any of the sushi dishes from California Grill. The quality is always very high, and I have never had any version of sushi at this restaurant that I didn’t like. The rainbow roll had some great flavors, and I would definitely get this again. And, it was a very nice size portion for an appetizer too!

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

For my entree, I chose the Black Sea Bass with Grilled Petite Squash, Creamy Red Quinoa, Squash-Yogurt Purée, Charred Onion Butter, and Citrus Agrodolce. This dish was marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies. Although I did not ask on this visit, I have a feeling this could be easily made dairy free by omitting the sauce or making minor modifications.

I really loved this fish dish. The fish was extremely well cooked and super flavorful. I’m not normally the biggest quinoa fan, but it worked well in this dish. The vegetables were amazing (but I’m also a big fan of squash and zucchini), and I really enjoyed the sauce and hints of citrus on the plate too. I would highly recommend this dish for those who enjoy fish.

Although not shown in this photo, my second wine pairing was the Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc. It was equally bright and light, and I thought it paired very well with the sea bass.

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

For Brandon’s entree, he got the Oak-fired Filet of Beef with Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes, Braised Carrots, Golden Raisin Vinaigrette, and Cabernet Veal Jus. This was marked Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Sesame Allergies on the allergy-friendly menu. If you’re GF, this dish can be modified to be Gluten Free. Brandon’s dish was missing the golden raisin vinaigrette, and we were guessing that there was an ingredient that he couldn’t have in that.

Overall, he really loved this entree. He said the sauce was amazing and actually raved about the potatoes and carrots. If you’re a steak fan, you really can’t go wrong with a well cooked filet.

California Grill - GF Creme Brûlée / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Dessert was probably the only slight disappointment of our meal. If you have read or reviews or seen our videos, you know that I do not really like creme brûlée. Even though I can have dairy now, it’s a dessert that just doesn’t appeal to me. The only GF dessert option on this menu currently is creme brûlée or a side of sorbet and fresh fruit. I decided to give it a try to see what it was like, because every once in a while I get a version that I don’t mind.

The Citrus Crème Brûlée was not marked GF on the menu but can be modified to be Gluten Free. It is also marked safe for Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Sesame Allergies. It does contain dairy. If you’re gluten free and dairy free, your only option currently is sorbet. That’s a shame, because there’s an interesting plant-based dairy free dessert on the menu that sadly is not GF.

Unfortunately, I was not a fan of this dish. The best part, in my opinion, was actually the white sangria sorbet, which was very flavorful. It definitely made me wish I had just gotten that sorbet with some fresh fruit. Brandon also didn’t love his dessert (Meyer Lemon Chiffon Cake) and was also limited in his options, because of his nut allergies. I think we both agreed that this was the weakest part of the menu for us, and made us wish that they had the a la carte menu back instead of a fixed price menu, where you have to get dessert.

For my final wine pairing, I received the Dolce Fortified Wine, which was a modification to my pairing, because the restaurant was out of the typical dessert wine paired with the Signature Wine Pairing. This was an outstanding dessert wine — not too sweet and almost more like a cognac than dessert wine. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it.

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

Overall

We both really enjoyed our meal experience at California Grill. Our server Ashley was outstanding, and we loved our first two courses of the meal. While dessert wasn’t our favorite, we would still recommend California Grill if you’re looking for a signature restaurant, especially for a special occasion. If you want to see fireworks, it’s a perfect spot for that too. It is quite pricey with drinks added on to your meal, but on point with many of the other signature restaurants for three courses. It definitely exceeded our expectations, as we haven’t always been that big of California Grill fans, and we are looking forward to going back again. We do hope they switch back to the a la carte menu, but we would still recommend it with the 3-course menu if you’re considering if for your upcoming trip.

Have you been to California Grill? What was your experience dining there?

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Sarah Norris Sarah Norris

Toledo Dinner Review

Toledo, located at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, is a table service restaurant featuring Spanish inspired food. It’s located in the Gran Destino Tower of the resort and is on the top floor — which means amazing views of the Walt Disney World Resort. Toledo was recently added to the Michelin Guide as a recommended restaurant in Central Florida. So, it’s definitely a location on Disney property with great food and a great view!

*This gluten free dining experience took place in April 2023. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies. It also has information about low FODMAP diets.

Dinner at Toledo

Toledo, located at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, is a table service restaurant featuring Spanish inspired food. It’s located in the Gran Destino Tower of the resort and is on the top floor — which means amazing views of the Walt Disney World Resort. Toledo was recently added to the Michelin Guide as a recommended restaurant in Central Florida. So, it’s definitely a location on Disney property with great food and a great view!

Atmosphere

Toledo is inspired by the surrealist art created by Salvador Dali — from the food to the decor. You’ll see bright colors and impressive stained glass in the restaurant.

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

The restaurant is very inviting and depending on the time in which you dine, the interior can completely transform from day to night.

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

On our recent dining experience there, we had dinner around 5 p.m. when the restaurant opened. In the photo above, you can see that everything is bright and light feeling — with wrap around windows which brings in plenty of natural light.

My favorite part of the restaurant is the stained glass in the middle of the restaurant along with the trees lining the center of the restaurant too.

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

If you dine here in the evening, the lighting in the center of the restaurant makes the restaurant have a totally different feel and vibe. As you can see from this visit we took on a previous visit, the interior has this warm, rich color palate from the stained glass later in the evening. It’s very charming and even a bit of a romantic place to dine.

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 not speak with a chef because we ordered dishes that we had had before.

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

The allergy-friendly menu does list a lot of gluten free and even gluten free & dairy free options. Many dishes can be modified and adjusted too, if you ask. We have found the chefs at Toledo to be very accommodating on our visits.

Toledo - Gluten Free Version of the Spaniard for Two Appetizer / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

To start our meal, we had to order the Spaniard for Two. This appetizer is a pricey one (currently $38), but it’s a great sharing platter. We enjoy it because the quality of meats, cheeses, and accompaniments is very high. It’s by far our favorite charcuterie platter on Disney property.

This platter is marked safe for fish/shellfish, peanut, and soy allergies on the allergy-friendly menu. But, don’t be afraid to ask about modifications!

Though it’s not marked GF, it can be made gluten free by simply swapping out the bread for GF bread (shown above in the photo). If you have a tree nut allergy, it can be made tree nut free. The platter typically comes with sliced almonds, which can either be removed or placed on the side for those who can have tree nuts. If you’re dairy free, you can omit the cheese; or, if you’re lactose intolerant, they do have both a goat cheese and a hard cheese that would both be good for those with intolerances. If you’re on a low FODMAP diet, this restaurant has a lot of garlic and onion. The olives, for instance, have an impressive amount of raw garlic in them — so tread carefully, if you are sensitive to garlic.

Overall, we both highly recommend this appetizer. It’s a must get for us, and just so good!

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

For my entree, I chose the scallops entree with vegetable purée, olives, harissa vinaigrette, and roasted carrots. This dish is marked gluten free and safe for egg, fish, peanut/tree nut, milk, and soy allergies.

I love that this dish is made to be both gluten free and dairy free. If you like seafood, and especially scallops, it’s a dish that I would recommend. Everything was well-cooked and very flavorful.

The only slight negative to this dish is that it’s a bit on the smaller side. In fact, every time I order it, the server asks me if I want to order a side dish because of this dish being a smaller entree. Because we shared an appetizer, and I got dessert on this visit, I was perfectly fine with the portion size, but it’s something to know about if you’re only ordering an entree.

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

For Brandon’s entree, he got his favorite filet of beef with olive oil-potato purée, forest mushrooms, date jam, and sherry vinaigrette. This dish is marked gluten free and safe for fish/shellfish, peanut/tree nut, and soy allergies. The potatoes do contain dairy, but you should be able to swap out the potatoes for a dairy free option if you wanted to order this entree.

Brandon always enjoys this dish and recommends it for any filet fans. It’s not his favorite filet on property, but it’s a solid option and is at a more reasonable price point than some filets you find (especially at signature restaurants). He loves the mashed potatoes and also the date jam, which he says there’s never enough on the plate!

Toledo - Chocolate Avocado Mousse / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I don’t often get dessert at Toledo, but I decided that on this visit, I wanted to try the chocolate-avocado mousse again. I liked it but didn’t love it on a previous visit. This dish is marked gluten free and safe for fish/shellfish, milk, peanut, and soy allergies.

This is another Toledo dish that I love is naturally gluten free and dairy free. I will say that compared to the previous time I had this, I think this version was better. I loved the strawberry basil sorbet, which was super fresh and flavorful. The chocolate avocado mousse was very chocolately, and though I could tell there was avocado in the dish, it wasn’t super noticeable. The coconut crumble added some nice texture, and the aquafaba meringues did too.

I would recommend this dessert, though it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re just gluten free, the Classic Crema Catalana is also another option for you. It’s basically Spanish style creme brûlée, which I am not a fan of. On the kids’ menu, the Strawberry Mousse Mickey Tart and Fresh Strawberries is another gluten free (but contains dairy) option.

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

Brandon is not the biggest dessert fan, so he skipped dessert and went for an espresso. If you like coffees, the ones at Toledo are very nice and Brandon would recommend.

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 recommend Toledo for those with special dietary needs. The options are plentiful, and we have always had good experiences with the chefs being able to modify and accommodate too. Plus, the food and the atmosphere is pretty great. If you’re looking for a reasonably priced table service restaurant with some outstanding views, you can’t get any better than Toledo. And, since Michelin recommends it, you know it’s good too! Toledo continues to be a high recommend from us, and we are looking forward to our next visit.

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

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Sarah Norris Sarah Norris

Sanaa Dinner Review

*This review includes gluten free dining experiences from April 2022 and November 2022. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Dinner at Sanaa

Sanaa, located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village, is one of our favorite table service restaurants on Disney property. We absolutely love it for the amazing food (which includes a very special diets friendly menu) and the theme. We especially love dining here for an earlier dinner, so that we can get great views of the animals out on the resort’s savanna, which you can see from the restaurant’s windows. This review includes two visits we made to Sanaa, including one visit after the restaurant updated its menu.

Atmosphere

Sanaa’s theme is meant to evoke a traditional spice market, and you’ll feel like you’re in an open air market with the large tree structures built throughout the restaurant.

Sanaa Sign Disney World

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

Sanaa means “work of art” in Swahili, and you’ll also see many different pieces of artwork throughout the restaurant.

Sanaa Restaurant Interior

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

There’s so much to look at in the restaurant, and I especially love the tree structures in the middle of the restaurant. No matter where you are seated in Sanaa, you’ll have a lot to look at!

The Food

Like most restaurants owned and operated by Disney, Sanaa does have an allergy-friendly menu. You can also always speak directly to a chef about options, especially if you have questions or wish to discuss modifications. On our first visit to Sanaa in this review, we did speak with a chef, because the menu was new, and we weren’t sure what options Brandon might have because he has allergies outside of the top common allergens, which are listed on the allergy-friendly menu.

Sanaa Allergy-Friendly Bread Service

Sanaa - Allergy-Friendly Bread Service / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

A must anytime you go to Sanaa is the gluten free & allergy-friendly bread service. This includes a gluten free & allergy-friendly naan bread and a variety of sauces. Both the bread and all of the sauces, except the cucumber raita, are gluten free, dairy free, and vegan. If you have a tree nut allergy, it is not listed as tree nut free because the bread contains coconut oil (and coconut is classed as a tree nut by the FDA).

We both absolutely love the allergy-friendly bread service. The gluten free naan bread has evolved over the years, and recently, we’ve noticed it’s been changed up a bit due to supply chain issues (it is typically made using Cup4Cup’s Wholesome Flour Blend). But, it’s always super tasty, and we both love the difference accompaniments.

My favorites are the red pepper hummus, coriander chutney, mango chutney, and tomato date chutney. Brandon’s are the tamarind chutney, red chili sambal, and jalapeno-lime pickle. Brandon definitely prefers more of the spicy sauces!

Sanaa - Potjie Inspired Dishes

Sanaa - Potjie Inspired Dishes / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On our first visit, I opted to get the newly updated Potjie Inspired bowls. I got the Pork Vindaloo and the Sukuma Wiki (braised greens). Both were marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. I was also served a side of basmati rice.

Overall, I really enjoyed both of these new dishes, and I was excited to see another gluten free and dairy free meat option on the menu. The pork was very flavorful and not as spicy as I was anticipating. It did have a little bit of spice to it, but it was very pleasant and super flavorful. The braised greens with stewed tomatoes were also very good. If you like dishes like collard greens, you will enjoy this dish. I would definitely get both again and would recommend them.

Sanaa - Zanzibari Vegetable Curry with Shrimp / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On our second visit, I tried the Zanzibari Vegetable Curry with Shrimp. This dish can be made with just vegetables and not protein, making it a gluten free, dairy free & vegan option. The version I had was marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Milk, Peanut, and Sesame Allergies. It does contain coconut milk.

I really enjoyed this dish. It had a nice blend of vegetables, and the curry sauce had a nice flavor. It was a little tangy, and a little sweet. The spice level was fairly mild. Adding shrimp or even chicken is a nice option for the dish too. Overall, I may have preferred my entree from our first visit, but I would definitely get this again too.

Sanaa - Grilled New York Strip

Sanaa - Grilled New York Strip / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

One slightly disappointing thing from the new menu is that the restaurant (at the time we visited) no longer had a safe potato option on the menu. Brandon’s New York Strip entree typically comes with an African inspired mashed potato, but unfortunately, it contain chicken broth. Instead, the chef swapped out his sides for kids’ mac & cheese and a side of basmati rice. Brandon is not a big rice fan, so next time we will ask for a different side if we can. The dish as marked on the allergy-friendly menu is listed as Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies.

Overall, he said this dish was good but not amazing — simply because it wasn’t really the entree it should have been due to the modifications made for his special dietary needs. He liked the steak and the mac & cheese but probably wouldn’t order again for a while.

Sanaa - Lamb Kefta (NOT Gluten Free) / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

In fact, on our second visit, he actually ordered several appetizers instead of an entree for his meal. He ordered the Lamb Kefta which is marked safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. It can be made gluten free by omitting the couscous that comes with the dish.

Brandon absolutely loves this appetizer and recommends it highly, especially if you enjoy lamb. He said that he will probably continue ordering a variety of appetizers on the menu to make up a meal, because the bread service is often so filling too (and we always order the bread service!).

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

Overall

We highly recommend Sanaa for guests with special dietary needs. There’s so many options on the menu, and we absolutely love the allergy-friendly bread service. Though the menu may sound a bit adventurous, we definitely encourage guests to give it a try. Brandon is admittedly a bit fussier on food options, and even he really enjoys the food at Sanaa. If you’re looking for a table service restaurant with a great theme and great food, Sanaa is one to add to your list! We always look forward to dining at the restaurant and recommend it to our friends visiting the Disney Parks & Resorts too.

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

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Sarah Norris Sarah Norris

Kona Cafe Dinner Review

*This review has information from several gluten free dining experience that took place in November 2022, February 2023, and March 2023. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies. It also has information about a low FODMAP meal from one visit too.

Dinner at Kona Cafe

Kona Cafe, located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, is a table service restaurant that serves up meals inspired by the South Seas. If you’ve read any of our blogs or watched our YouTube videos, Kona Cafe is one of our favorite reasonably priced table service restaurants at Disney World. It’s also the home to what Brandon considers to be the best mashed potatoes on Disney property (as he calls them #konamazing). This blog post will highlight several meals that we’ve had at Kona Cafe over the course of a few months.

Atmosphere

Kona Cafe was refurbished in fall 2022, and reopened in late fall with a refreshed theme. While both of us kind of miss the delightfully 90s feeling decor of the original Kona Cafe, we both agreed that the new refurbished version is a big improvement.

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

As you approach the restaurant, you’ll see a large entrance with a new Kona Cafe sign. The photo above was taken before the sign was added, but it gives you a sense of what the restaurant’s exterior now looks like.

As a “lobby” style open restaurant, we like that there’s some aspects of the location that’s enclosed. We personally don’t love sitting near the sides of the restaurant where everyone walks by.

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

The restaurant now features large murals and bright but slightly muted colors. We think this color scheme works well with the resort’s overall theme and looks very inviting.

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

We also love the stone walls with bright Hawaiian floral designs. This mirrors a lot of the resort’s overall theme too. You’ll also see in the photos that the booths and chairs have all been refreshed too.

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

The lightly colored wood and the whicker lighting all blend in well with the rest of the resort and the light fixtures outside the restaurant. Overall, we both agreed that the refurbishment was nicely done.

The Food

Like most restaurants owned and operated by Disney, Kona Cafe does have an allergy-friendly menu. You can also always speak to a chef directly if you have questions about the menu, including modifications, or have special dietary needs not covered by the allergy-friendly menu. At Kona Cafe, we typically speak to a chef because of Brandon’s special dietary needs.

Kona Cafe - Sarah with Allergy-Friendly Menu / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Currently, Kona Cafe does have a dedicated allergy-fryer for gluten free options, like French fries. But, the fryer is also used for frying chicken. So, if you’re Brandon and have a rare chicken allergy, you won’t be able to get fries from this fryer safely.

Usually, the chefs will make Brandon fries from a pot of oil that they heat up, so that his fries aren’t made in any of the fryers. We always recommend asking and double-checking when you dine at a restaurant, especially since menus and options can change (which may impact a fryer’s safety for your special dietary needs).

Kona Cafe - Allergy-Friendly Rolls / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Most Disney owned restaurants typically carry gluten free and allergy-friendly rolls for bread service. Kona Cafe is currently serving the Bloomfield Farms brand rolls — found at most locations property wide. These are also served with regular butter or non-dairy buttery spread. These have always been well-heated at Kona Cafe and a nice way to start the meal.

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

Kona Cafe has updated it’s menu over the past six months. I was very excited to try the Verlasso Salmon which was marked safe for Egg, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Shellfish Allergies. If you’re gluten free, this dish can be easily made GF by simply removing the crispy wontons served on top of the fish as a garnish. Easy peasy!

This dish has quickly become my favorite Kona Cafe entree. The bamboo rice is super flavorful and pairs well with the fresh tasting edamame succotash. The Fresno chimichurri adds a bit of spice and an herby punch to the dish. If you are a fan of salmon, I would highly recommend this dish.

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

For a few months in 2023, I had to go on a low FODMAP diet, which is a bit more restrictive than my normal diet. Because I needed to avoid foods like onion and garlic, I spoke with a chef about making a somewhat simple and customized dish. I was able to get the Verlasso Salmon with some sticky rice and sautéed bok choy. It was served with a side of gluten free tamari.

What I loved most about this dish was that even though it was very simple, the flavors were still amazing. The salmon was perfectly cooked and seasoned simply with salt & pepper. I love bok choy and could eat sauteed bok choy just about any day, so this was the perfect vegetable side to my entree.

One of the things I love most about Disney is their ability to accommodate all types of special dietary needs. This is the perfect example of how Disney chefs work to create something tasty and safe!

Kona Cafe - Stir-Fry Noodles with Shrimp / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On another visit to Kona Cafe, I dined for lunch and ordered the Kona Stir-Fry with Shrimp. This dish is made with rice noodles and GF tamari and is marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Fish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Sesame Allergies. If you’re allergic to shellfish or are vegan, they also have versions with chicken and tofu too.

Overall, I liked this dish but didn’t love it. I’ve had better versions of the noodles at Kona Cafe. I found the thin noodles versus the thicker ones that they used to use were a bit overcooked and quite gummy in texture. I also didn’t love the vegetable blend which included a lot of peppers. Next time, I might ask if I could get a version that includes bok choy or some different vegetables.

Kona Cafe - Big Kahuna Burger (NOT Gluten Free) / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On each of our visits, Brandon has ordered the Big Kahuna Burger. His version was served on a gluten free bun, but this entree can be made GF by simply swapping out the bun and cooking the fries in the dedicated GF fryer. It is also marked safe for Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies.

Brandon really enjoys this burger a lot, though we both agreed we miss the Crispy Cheddar Burger that used to be on the menu. If you’re dining at Kona Cafe at lunch, Brandon often gets the pork belly noodle bowl with the jasmine broth (which does not contain chicken), so that’s another high recommend from him.

Kona Cafe - Brandon with French Fries / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

If you’ve ever read another review of ours or watched one of our videos, you know Brandon loves the Kona Cafe mashed potatoes. On one of our visits, he came up with the idea to dip his fries in mashed potatoes. If you’re also a potato fan like Brandon, it’s a must!

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

Overall

We always recommend Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. We love the food and how accommodating the restaurant is for special dietary needs. The price point compared to some other table service restaurants is also a bit more reasonable — and we feel the portions are pretty large too. If you like pan-Asian style food, we definitely recommend Kona Cafe. And, of course, you know it’s got to be good when we gave it a unique hashtag! #konamazing

Have you been to Kona Cafe? What was your experience dining there?

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Sarah Norris Sarah Norris

Skipper Canteen Dinner Review

Skipper Canteen, located in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom, is a table service restaurant inspired by the classic Disney attraction — The Jungle Cruise. It’s been one of our favorite table service restaurants in the Magic Kingdom since it opened. The special dietary needs options are extensive and taste great, and we love the theme. On this visit, we decided to eat here for a late afternoon/early evening meal after a busy day in the park.

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

Dinner at Skipper Canteen

Skipper Canteen, located in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom, is a table service restaurant inspired by the classic Disney attraction — The Jungle Cruise. It’s been one of our favorite table service restaurants in the Magic Kingdom since it opened. The special dietary needs options are extensive and taste great, and we love the theme. On this visit, we decided to eat here for a late afternoon/early evening meal after a busy day in the park.

Atmosphere

Because Skipper Canteen is inspired by the Jungle Cruise, the theme and overall atmosphere is some of the best of any Disney table service restaurant. We love how the theme starts from the moment you see it in Adventureland.

Skipper Canteen Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The restaurant is located near the Jungle Cruise attraction — that’s because your friendly Jungle Cruise skippers are also your servers at the restaurant!

From the moment you enter the restaurant’s waiting area, you’ll be treated to vintage music and see lots of memorabilia and decor about the origin of the Skipper Canteen and the world famous Jungle Cruise. We definitely recommend taking a look at some of these artifacts while you’re at the restaurant.

Skipper Canteen Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

There are three dining rooms at Skipper Canteen: The crew’s mess hall (the first room you’ll see when you enter the restaurant), the Falls Family parlor, the S.E.A. Room (dedicated to the Society of Explorers and Adventurers).

Skipper Canteen Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Our personal favorite dining room is the S.E.A. Room — and we love that you enter that room through a secret bookshelf! Be sure to stop and take a look at some of the books or ask your skipper what their favorite book is.

Skipper Canteen Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On this visit, we were excited to hear that we were seated in the S.E.A. Room. It’s has some great theming, and we love taking a look at all the decor throughout the room.

Skipper Canteen Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Since this room is themed to the S.E.A., you’ll see lots of nods to the society, which is so fun.

The Food

In addition to the amazing theme in this restaurant, we also love the special dietary needs options — especially since a lot of the menu is naturally gluten free and dairy free. Like most restaurants owned and operated by Disney, Skipper Canteen does have an allergy-friendly menu. You can also speak to a chef at any time if you have questions or want to discuss options. On this visit, we did speak directly to a chef, who went over the menu and ingredients with us.

Skipper Canteen - Veranda Fried Rice / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For a starter, I opted for what ended up being a huge portion of the Fried Rice with Spicy Chili-Garlic Shrimp served over Pork Fried Rice with Eggs and Peas. This dish was not marked on an allergy-friendly menu — at the time we dined there, it was listed on their “not so secret menu” that you are given along with your main menu. The chef confirmed that this was gluten free and dairy free at the time of our visit and made with GF tamari.

I absolutely loved this dish and could see just ordering this along with another appetizer on a future visit. It was so filling! The flavors were incredible with the savory pork and perfectly cooked shrimp topping the rice. It did have a strong taste of sesame oil, so if you’re not a big fan of sesame or allergic to sesame, you’ll want to avoid this dish. It’s definitely one of my favorite dishes at Skipper Canteen now, and I would recommend it highly.

Skipper Canteen - Cheese Bread / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon ended up ordering another “not so secret” menu option — the Brazilian cheese bread with a chimichurri cream cheese sauce. We confirmed that these were gluten free, fish/shellfish, peanut/tree, chicken/turkey free & cabbage free. They do contain dairy.

I did try one of these and thought they were pretty good (though tastier when dipped in the chimichurri sauce). Brandon loved these and said that he would definitely order them again. In terms of portion, we both agreed that these are a shareable appetizer and could for a whole table.

Skipper Canteen - GF Fried Chicken / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my entree, I got my favorite entree at Skipper Canteen — "Tastes like Chicken" Because it is!. This dish includes Crispy-fried Chicken with Sweet Chili Glaze, Stir-fried Vegetables, and Jasmine Rice. This was marked gluten free and safe for fish/shellfish, milk, and peanut allergies.

I love that this dish is naturally gluten free and dairy free — with no modifications! It’s made using cornstarch as the batter, so it’s super crispy. I do recommend getting the sauce on the side to avoid soggy chicken (which I forgot to do on this visit). I always love the flavors in this dish, and everything on this visit was super flavorful and well-cooked.

Skipper Cantee - Perkins Thai Noodles (No longer on the menu) / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon ordered the now retired Perkins Thai Noodles dish with tofu and steak. Sadly, this dish was removed just a few weeks after we dined at Skipper Canteen. This was such a great allergy-friendly dish that was gluten free, dairy free, and even vegan (if ordered with tofu only).

Brandon was in love with this dish (despite it being quite spicy) and was super sad to hear it was no longer available. The new noodle dish, “Skipper Dan’s Dan Dan Noodles,” also look good but not currently listed as gluten free, so we’ll need to see if it can be modified to be GF when we visit next.

Skipper Canteen - Panna Cotta / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For dessert, I decided to try Panna-Connie's Congo Lime Delight. I’m not really a panna cotta fan, but I really wanted to try it because it was so allergy-friendly. It was marked gluten free and safe for egg, fish/shellfish, milk, peanut, sesame, and soy allergies.

I have to say that while this was an interesting dish and I applaud the restaurant for their creativity and desire to try something so allergy-friendly, this was not a dessert I really liked. I loved the mango-lime sorbet on top — but the panna cotta itself had a very unpleasant texture. I would not order this again and probably just skip dessert on a future visit.

Overall

We always love eating at Skipper Canteen. Not only is it a fun restaurant theme, but the food is delicious and very friendly for our special dietary needs. We both also find that getting Asian food out gluten free and with Brandon’s allergies can be tricky, so this is a menu that really appeals to us both a lot. We definitely need to go back there again soon! If you’re looking for a table service restaurant in the Magic Kingdom, we would highly recommend Skipper Canteen.

Have you been to Skipper Canteen? What was your experience dining there?

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Sarah Norris Sarah Norris

Jiko Dinner Review

Jiko: The Cooking Place is a signature table service restaurant located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort. During the Disney Parks & Resorts closures, Jiko remained closed for quite a while and reopened in early 2022. The restaurant has long been a favorite of ours, and we were very excited to finally be back for a meal at Jiko a few months after it reopened.

*This review has information from several gluten free dining experience that took place in April 2022, December 2022, and January 2023. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Dinner at Jiko: The Cooking Place

Jiko: The Cooking Place is a signature table service restaurant located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort. During the Disney Parks & Resorts closures, Jiko remained closed for quite a while and reopened in early 2022. The restaurant has long been a favorite of ours, and we were very excited to finally be back for a meal at Jiko a few months after it reopened.

Atmosphere

Jiko’s theme and decor encompasses everything we love about Disney design and especially the design at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It’s warm and inviting with unique touches that are distinctively Disney.

Jiko: The Cooking Place - Interior

Jiko Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The twin wood-burning ovens in the open show kitchen act as the centerpieces of this restaurant and help set the mood for a restaurant that features subtle light changes over the course of your meal to reflect the African sunset.

Jiko Interior with Sarah

Jiko Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

No matter where you are seated in Jiko, you’ll get to experience the theme and decor.

Jiko Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We love the seats located near the windows of the restaurant that overlook a small pond and have a great view of the show kitchen.

Jiko Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The seats here are so cozy, and on two of our three visits, we were seated in this area. They are the perfect spot for watching the sunset outside and inside the restaurant.

The Food

Like most restaurants owned and operated by Disney, Jiko does have an allergy-friendly menu. You can also always speak to a chef directly if you have questions about the menu, including modifications, or have special dietary needs not covered by the allergy-friendly menu. On our three visits, we spoke to a chef on one occasion and ordered directly through our server on the other two occasions.

Jiko - Wine

Jiko - Painted Wolf Wine / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

If you enjoy wine, you’re in for a treat at Jiko. They have one of the largest collections of South African wines outside of South Africa. I have had several different red wines during our various visits and all of them have been really wonderful. I recommend asking your server for recommendations or to look at the suggested pairings marked on the menu.

Jiko - Old Fashioned

Jiko - Old Fashioned / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon enjoys many of the cocktails at Jiko including their version of an Old-Fashioned.

Jiko - Allergy-Friendly Bread Service

Jiko - Allergy-Friendly Bread Service / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For the bread service, they offer gluten free and allergy-friendly Bloomfield Farms brand rolls along with a whipped goat cheese butter. The is one of Brandon’s favorite butters on Disney property, because he really enjoys goat cheese. It’s not really my favorite, so I would recommend if you’re dairy free or not a fan of goat cheese to ask for non-dairy butter or olive oil.

Jiko - Wild Boar Tenderloin

Jiko - Wild Boar Tenderloin / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The appetizer that we almost always get at Jiko and recommend to other guests is the Braaied Wild Boar Tenderloin with Creamy Pap, Tomato Chakalaka, and Herb-smoked Oil. There is also a gluten free tapioca crisp on the top as a garnish. This is marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies. It does contain dairy in the pap.

The flavors in this dish are incredible. The wild boar is always so flavorful and grilled to perfection. The richness of the boar pairs really well with the creamy pap and the chakalaka. We both everything about this dish and highly recommend it as a starter.

Jiko - Beef Short Rib

Jiko - Beef Short Rib / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On our first visit after Jiko reopened, I ordered the Botswanan Seswaa Short Rib with Hominy, Sea Peas, Mushrooms, and Carrots. This dish is marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Sesame Allergies. It does contain dairy.

As far as dishes go, I liked this dish but didn’t love it. I found the short rib to be a bit too fatty for more personal preference, but everything was flavorful and tasty. I especially liked the hominy and peas served with this dish. It’s not one that I’d get again, but if you like short ribs, I would recommend it.

Jiko - Filet Mignon (Mac & Cheese NOT Gluten Free) / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On all of our visits, Brandon got the same entree — the Oak-grilled Filet Mignon. The dish is marked safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies. It was also made safe for Brandon’s chicken & turkey allergies (the sauce does not contain chicken sauce) and cabbage allergy. Because Brandon is sensitive to dishes in the cabbage family, we have been able to swap the side vegetable out for a safe option, like carrots.

If you’re gluten free, you can get a modified version of this dish — without the mac & cheese. They do not have a GF mac & cheese option, but they did tell me that I could get another side in its place if I were interested in this dish.

Brandon always raves about this filet and the mac & cheese. If you’re a filet fan, we would both suggest this, as it’s consistently one of the best filets on property.

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

On another visit, I opted for something different. I got the Sustainable Fish with Winter-spiced Potato, Persimmon-Cranberry Greens, Citrus Yogurt, and Fruit Relish. This is marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Peanut/Tree Nut, Shellfish, Sesame, and Soy Allergies. It does contain dairy. If you’re DF, this would be a dish that could likely be modified by swapping out the potatoes and the yogurt.

I really liked this dish for something different and something lighter than the heavy beef dishes that I’ve had on other visits. The fish was well cooked and seasoned, and I really enjoyed the sautéed greens. I would definitely get this dish again and would recommend it for seafood lovers.

Jiko - Holiday Special Entree with Ribeye Steak / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

During the Christmas holiday, we had dinner at Jiko, and I ordered the holiday special. This was a limited time entree served during Christmas and New Year’s. It included a bone-in Ribeye, green beans with almonds & lemon, duck-fat roasted potatoes, roasted radicchio, and a cherry wine sauce.

It was marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanuts, and Soy Allergies. This did contain dairy in the green beans, but our server actually mentioned how easy this dish was modify for special dietary needs.

This was by far my favorite dish that I had of our three visits. I’m a little bummed it was a limited time menu option, but I think it’s on our list for holiday reservations during the 2023 season. The ribeye itself was really well cooked and had so much flavor. The duck-fat roasted potatoes were heavenly, and seasoned so well. I also loved the grilled radicchio which did have a bitter taste but paired well with the richness of the rest of the dish. And, you can’t go wrong with sautéed green beans. If you’re at Jiko during a holiday and this is on the menu, get it!

Jiko - Chocolate Dessert

Jiko - Kilimanjaro / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For dessert, every single visit, I have to get the Kilimanjaro with Single-Origin Ghanaian Dark Chocolate Mousse, Pistachio Financier, Pink Peppercorn Meringue, Cocoa Nib Crunch, and Ras el Hanout Pineapples. This dish is marked Gluten Free and safe for Fish/Shellfish, and Sesame Allergies. It does contain dairy. If you’re dairy free, I would recommend the African Drum 'Beets' dessert which is gluten free, dairy free & vegan.

The dessert is hands down one of my favorite on Disney property. I love everything about this dessert — from the fluffy meringue with a hint of peppercorn to the ras al hanout and pineapples. It’s got a lot going on, and I have to get this every time we eat at Jiko. The flavors in this dessert are unique and might not be for everyone, but it’s one I recommend trying at least once. The flavors might surprise you…in a good way!

Jiko - After Dinner Coffee

Jiko - After Dinner Coffee / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon is not a big dessert fan, so he often skips dessert in favor of a coffee. But, he has ordered some dessert drinks, like this African inspired Irish coffee style drink. We always recommend if you have special dietary needs to double-check the liquors, especially in Brandon’s for things like nut, to make sure they are safe for you.

If you want to hear more about our experience at Jiko: The Cooking Place, check out the vlog we did for our YouTube channel for more information.

Overall

We are always so impressed by the quality of the food, the theme, and service whenever we dine at Jiko. If you’re looking for a signature dining location at Disney World, it definitely ranks as one of our favorites. We always enjoy the variety of options and the relaxed atmosphere. If you have special dietary needs, we have found the restaurant to be very accommodating and easy to adjust for our dietary needs and preferences. We can’t wait to dine at Jiko again!

Have you been to Jiko: The Cooking Place? What was your experience dining there?

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Sarah Norris Sarah Norris

Narcoossee’s Dinner Review

Narcoossee’s, located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, is a signature table service restaurant that recently opened in April 2023 after being closed for refurbishment. The last time we dined at Narcoossee’s was in late 2020, and neither one of us were particularly impressed by the experience. However, after seeing the updated allergy-friendly menu, we were very excited to give this restaurant another visit. We dined at Narcoossee’s about a week after the restaurant reopened.

*This gluten free and food allergy dining experience took place in April 2023. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Dinner at Narcoosse’s

Narcoossee’s, located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, is a signature table service restaurant that recently opened in April 2023 after being closed for refurbishment. The last time we dined at Narcoossee’s was in late 2020, and neither one of us were particularly impressed by the experience. However, after seeing the updated allergy-friendly menu, we were very excited to give this restaurant another visit. We dined at Narcoossee’s about a week after the restaurant reopened.

Atmosphere

Narcoossee’s is a free-standing building located near the ferry dock at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It includes waterfront dining with really lovely views of the Magic Kingdom.

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

The building itself looks inviting and has the same Victorian theme as the rest of the resort.

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

When you dine at Narcoossee’s, don’t miss out on the beautiful views from the outdoor walkway area. We love hanging out in this area, especially in the evening time. The Seven Seas Lagoon adds a nice breeze, and it’s just fun to watch the ferry boats sail by.

Narcoossee’s Waterfront View / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The outdoor area of Narcoossee’s is also great for watching the Electrical Water Pageant and the Magic Kingdom fireworks in the evening. As you can imagine, reservations for later in the evening are popular and do book quickly, so be sure to make a reservation if you’re interested in seeing the fireworks from the restaurant.

Narcoossee’s Interior & Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

During Narcoossee’s refurbishment, the restaurant was brightened up significantly. No more dark wooden features that made the restaurant feel drab, and honest, very outdated.

The current interior includes light and dark blue colors along with light greens. As one cast member told us, the restaurant is inspired by land and sea — with the main lobby area representing “the land,” and the restaurant’s main dining room, “the sea.”

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

We like the addition of cozy booths throughout the restaurant too. If you had dined at Narcoossee’s prior to its refurbishment, you might also recall the quirky bar seating area. Everything is now level and much more inviting.

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

The sea inspiration is reflected in the tableware too. All of the plates and cups have some sort of blue or gray coloring too them. We both said that we wished the napkins had the unique branding to them that other restaurant’s, like Citricos, has but overall, everything was very nice and we felt was a step up from the previous design.

The Food

Of course, what we were most excited for was the food. Like most Disney owned and operated restaurants, Narcoossee’s has an allergy-friendly menu. You can also speak to a chef at any time to discuss options and modifications. On this visit, we spoke with Chef Alfred, who we recognized from his previous time at Citricos.

Narcoossee’s Allergy-Friendly Menu / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

And, like our visit to Roundup Rodeo BBQ recently, Chef Alfred brought out an iPad with the ingredients list to go over options with us and discuss any concerns or questions we might have. One interesting note from our visit was that if you are vegetarian, vegan, or have meat allergies, like Brandon, there are some surprising limitations from the menu.

For instance, the mushroom risotto actually contains chicken broth (not great if you’re vegetarian) and the loaded mashed potatoes weren’t safe for Brandon’s fish allergy, because they fry the pork belly in the same fryer as fish. I was a bit disappointed that they couldn’t modify this on the fly, but we had plenty of options to eat.

Narcoossee’s Water Bottle / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Similar to California Grill, you are served a carafe of water at your table. We weren’t offered options during our visit, but we have heard that you can get both still and sparkling water at the table. Brandon is not a big sparkling water fan, but I am, and I always love finding locations that offer sparkling water as a complimentary water option.

Narcoossee’s - GoGi “Goldie” Chardonnay / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We did order cocktails on this visit. I ordered the GoGi “Goldie” Chardonnay. GoGi Wines are a part of the Disney Family Wines (which are listed on the wine menu) — it’s actor Kurt Russell’s wine label. I am a big fan of the GoGi Wines, especially the chardonnay. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for a seafood meal.

Narcoossee’s - Old-Fashioned / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon opted for the classic Old-Fashioned cocktail. He was said it was a nice Old-Fashioned, but he was most excited for the Grand Floridian branded ice cube. We always love these kinds of additional touches when it comes to cocktails.

We did talk to one of the cast members involved in the beverage menu at the restaurant, and they noted that all of their cocktails were inspired by the turn-of-the-century theme of resort, which is very fun. They also make a lot of the syrups and accompaniments in-house, which we both agreed is a nice touch. Neither of us are fans of the standard Disney bar menu, so it’s nice to see restaurant’s that have their own unique takes on cocktails.

Narcoossee’s - Allergy-Friendly Bread Service / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For bread service, I was given the Bloomfield Farms brand gluten free and allergy-friendly rolls. Brandon did get gluten-filled bread, but if you’re concerned with any potential nut cross contamination, we recommend the Bloomfield Farms rolls.

If you’re dairy free, the restaurant does carry non-dairy butter and extra virgin olive oil as options for your bread too.

Narcoossee’s - Ocean-Inspired Charcuterie / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Because Brandon is allergic to fish and shellfish, we both opted to order our own appetizers this visit. We often split appetizers as a couple, but we found the appetizer menu to be a bit limited for Brandon. So much, so that he had to order the cheese plate, which was listed on the desert menu.

For my appetizer, I ordered the Ocean-Inspired Charcuterie Board with Ahi Tuna Pastrami, Charred Octopus, and Lobster Sausage. This was marked Gluten Free and safe for Peanut/Tree Nut and Sesame Allergies. It does contain dairy.

Overall, I was very impressed with this appetizer. The flavors of all three seafood options were terrific, and each had a unique flavor profile. The charred octopus was actually my favorite — with strong grill flavor. I’m not normally a big beet fan, but the beets worked well with this dish. And, the octopus itself was not rubbery at all. It had a firm but pleasant texture, and I think would win over many guests who might not consider octopus.

The ahi tuna had unique pastrami seasoning flavors, and the texture was almost close to jerky. It was very pleasant and did not have any fishy taste at all. Tuna is such an approachable raw fish, that I think most seafood fans would enjoy this.

Lastly, the lobster sausage was perhaps my least favorite, but it was still really great. It did have a light and almost spongy texture — likely due to the texture of the lobster and what it was bound with. It had a spicy harissa sauce with it, which was the perfect accompaniment to the sausage.

I would definitely recommend this appetizer, and it’s a perfect dish to share if you’re dining at a table with seafood lovers.

Brandon with the Narcoossee’s Cheese Plate / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon initially planned to order the brisket and ricotta tortelloni from the appetizer menu, but Chef Alfred reviewed the ingredients and noted that there was chicken stock in the dish. Since the appetizer menu was so seafood heavy, we asked if Brandon could get the cheese plate from the dessert menu. After reviewing the ingredients, Chef Alfred said that was no issue.

Usually, Brandon and I split a charcuterie board, so he was very excited to have all the cheese and prosciutto to himself. This is a dish that can be made Gluten Free and was marked safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies. Overall, he said this was an outstanding cheese plate, and we both agreed that it was a step up from the version we had at Narcoossee’s a few years ago.

Narcoossee’s - Yuzu-Ginger Salmon / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my entree, I chose the Yuzu-Ginger Salmon with Sambal White Asparagus, Coconut Jade Rice, and Lemon Grass-Thai Basil Emulsion. This was marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Milk, Peanut, and Shellfish Allergies.

If you’re looking for a gluten free and dairy free entree that packs a punch with flavor, this is the perfect dish for you. The smells from this dish were incredible. And, the flavors were so amazing. There was a lot going on, but everything paired very well. The fish was cooked well, and the portion was quite sizable. This was a dish that I would definitely get again and highly recommend if you like salmon and flavors like Thai green curry or yuzu.

Narcoossee’s - 12-oz New York Strip Steak / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon ordered the 12-oz Prime New York Strip Steak with Roasted Potatoes, Roasted Rainbow Vegetables, and Red Wine Demi-Glace. He was able to eat the red wine, but the chef served it on the side. This dish was marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies. It did need some slight modifications on the vegetables, as Brandon is sensitive to veg in the cabbage family, like broccoli.

Overall, Brandon said he liked this dish but didn’t love it. New York Strip is not his favorite cut of beef, as he’s not a big fan of too much fat. But, he said it was well cooked, and he loved the rainbow carrots. He also really liked the red wine demi-glace too. Next time, he might order the pork chop or see if he could order the filet instead of the NY strip.

Narcoossee’s - Mashed Potatoes / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Chef Alfred was very kind, since Brandon couldn’t have the loaded mashed potatoes, and brought him a side platter of regular mashed potatoes. Brandon said these were good but nothing too special. If you’re gluten free, mashed potatoes will be an option, but they do contain dairy.

Narcoossee’s - Berry Pavlova / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Even though I was already so full, I couldn’t pass up the gluten free dessert option — a Berry Pavlova with Yuzu Crèmeux and Anglaise. This was marked Gluten Free and safe for Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies. It does contain dairy and might be able to be modified to be dairy free (e.g. removal of the anglaise and crèmeux). We would recommend talking to a chef about options.

Overall, I was blown away by this dessert. I loved that it was something different, and I always enjoy pavlova as a dessert option. The berries were very refreshing, and I loved the hints of mint topped on the fruit. The yuzu crèmeux added a bit of citrus punch, which I also loved. I could take or leave the anglaise, but if you like a vanilla sauce, you’ll enjoy this. I would highly recommend this dessert, if you’re looking for something a bit different at the end of your meal.

Narcoossee’s - Raspberry Sorbet / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon ordered the only gluten free and dairy free, as is dessert — the Raspberry Sorbet. This is the default allergy-friendly dessert, and is the standard raspberry sorbet you see all across Disney property.

Brandon always enjoys sorbet, but I have to admit that I was a bit bummed that the restaurant didn’t make their own house-sorbet with some interesting or unique flavors. That feels like a missed opportunity to me. Still, if you’re looking for a palate cleanser at the end of the meal, this might be a good option.

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

Overall

We thoroughly enjoyed our meal at the newly reopened Narcoossee’s. While we both wouldn’t rank this high on our favorites for signature dining, we both felt the menu was vastly improved and that there were many interesting and unique options to choose from. If you’re a seafood fan, this is a great option. If you’re allergic to fish/shellfish or don’t like seafood, we might recommend another restaurant. Despite some limitations for Brandon’s options, we both agreed that we would go back to this restaurant without hesitation and would recommend it to others. We were glad to see the refreshed decor too which feels so much more bright, inviting, and modern. We’re looking forward to going back to Narcoossee’s in the future.

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

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Sarah Norris Sarah Norris

Space 220 Dinner Review

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

Dinner at Space 220

Space 220, located in Epcot near Mission: Space, is a table service restaurant themed to…you guessed it, space! Opening in September 2021, it quickly become one of the hardest to get reservations for dining in Epcot. So, you can imagine how excited I was when I finally got a reservation for Space 220 for dinner. Brandon loves all things space, so we was beyond excited for this meal.

Atmosphere

The space theme of the restaurant fits right in with its location in Epcot. Situated right next to Mission: Space, you’d swear this restaurant has been here right alongside the attraction since day one.

Space 220 Restaurant Sign

Space 220 Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

When you arrive at Space 220, you currently show your restaurant reservation to a cast member outside of a main walkway. Once they’ve confirmed your reservation time, you will be asked to proceed down a long and winding exterior hallway to the restaurant’s main entrance.

Space 220 Elevator Boarding Pass

Space 220 - Space Elevator Boarding Pass / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

When you arrive to the restaurant’s main entrance, you’ll officially check in with a cast member who will give you a boarding pass for the space elevator to get to the restaurant. This gives you a bit of time to explore the waiting area and get excited for your upcoming space elevator ride.

I won’t give anything away to spoilery in this review, but if you are curious about what the space elevator experience is like, check out our YouTube channel for the video review we did.

Space 220 - Vegetables

Space 220 - Vegetables Being Grown in Space / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

One you’ve made it to the “top” of the spaceport and the restaurant, you’ll be taken down a long hallway where you’ll see some space grown lettuce and other fun details.

Space 220 Seating Area

Space 220 - Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On this visit, we were seated in the main dining room area — though it’s important to note that we originally had reservations for the lounge seating (shown below). The lounge is located in the main restaurant, and you can order from the main menu, as well as the lounge menu. The cast member who seated us told us the restaurant wasn’t that busy, so we were moved over to the main dining side.

Space 220 - Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Photos definitely do not do the restaurant or the experience justice. We really enjoyed seeing all the cool things from the viewports. Though our seat was located in the far back of the main dining area, we still had a good view, and you can always walk around the restaurant too — which we did after our meal.

Space 220 Seating Area

Space 220 - Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Here is the photo of the lounge area of the restaurant. As you can see, it still has a good amount of seating, and you can also still view a lot from the viewports.

Space 220 Interior

Space 220 - Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Here’s a photo that shows just how close the lounge is to the main dining room area. Whether dining in the lounge or the main dining room, you’ll get plenty of good views, food, and space vibes!

The Food

Space 220 is not owned and operated by the Disney Company, so it does not have an allergy-friendly menu. The Patina Group, which operates the restaurant, also operates several other Epcot dining locations and is very familiar with special dietary needs. That being said, expect that the protocols may be slightly different, and you may discuss option with a manager versus a chef. On our visit, the manager assisted us with questions, but we know many guests who have also talked to a chef. So, your mileage may vary. If any time you would prefer to speak with a chef, we recommend letting your server or manager know.

Atmospritz at Space 220

Space 220 - Atmospritz / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

In between ordering, we did order drinks. For my first drink, I ordered the Atmospritz which comes with New Amsterdam vodka (I recommend swapping out Tito’s Vodka because it’s a great GF brand), Aperol, Blood Orange, Orange Juice, Prosecco, and Cotton Candy.

Overall, I thought the presentation of this drink was fun (who doesn’t want a drink with a bit of a show?). They added the cotton candy to my glass and then poured the liquid on top of it. Flavor wise? It was good but not one I’d get regularly. I am not a big fan of sweet drinks, and this was definitely a bit on the sweeter side. Still, it’s a fun option if you like mixed drinks.

Space 220 - Orion Old Fashioned

Space 220 - Orion Old Fashioned / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon ordered the classic old fashioned — one of his favorite drinks. He really enjoyed this a lot. If you’re an old fashioned fan, this is the one to get at Space 220.

Space 220 - Big Bang Burrata

Space 220 - Big Bang Burrata / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Space 220’s main dining area is a fixed price meal which includes the following: Lift-Offs (Appetizer) + Star Course (Entrée) + Supernova Sweets (Dessert). The cost is currently $79 per adult, so it’s on the pricey side. Because we had made reservations for the lounge originally, our server said we could order either the fixed price meal or the lounge items, which was nice. We decided to do the fixed price menu, because we were sure when we’d be back at the restaurant again.

For Brandon’s appetizer, he chose the Big Bang Burrata with Burrata di Mozzarella, Grilled Artichoke Hearts, Arugula, and Sunflower Seed Romesco. The manager told us that this was also gluten free, and they confirmed that it was safe for Brandon’s fish/shellfish, peanut/tree nut, and chicken/turkey allergies. As an aside, Brandon has learned that because he is allergic to cabbage, he is sensitive to vegetables in the cabbage family, so on a future visit, we’d skip the arugula and ask for a different lettuce option, like romaine instead.

Brandon raved about this dish — most specifically, the burrata! The photo here doesn’t do it justice, but Brandon was served a huge portion of burrata in this appetizer. He said he would definitely get this again.

Space 220 Neptune Tartare

Space 220 - Neptune Tartare / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my appetizer, I ordered the Tuna Tartare, which is no longer listed on the current Space 220 menu. This was modified to be gluten free and was naturally dairy free. While the tuna itself was fresh, I felt it lacked a lot of seasoning — probably because most of the sauces typically served with it were not GF. I was also missing some different textures because of the modification too.

I wouldn’t have ordered this again if it were still on the menu, so I’m glad to see some different potential options now listed for future visits.

Space 220 - Paper Straws

Space 220 - Paper Straw / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Because I know that paper or biodegradable straws can be a concern for those who are gluten free, here is a photo of the straws that were used when we visited Space 220. Phade indicates on their website that their products are gluten free.

Space 220 Salmon

Space 220 - Galactic Salmon / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my entree, I ordered the Galactic Salmon, which was gluten free. It does appear that this menu item may have been slightly changed/updated since we visited, but I would definitely recommend this dish. The presentation alone was super cool. It came out with a cloche (cover) that was filled with smoke. The aromas coming from the fish were incredible, and everything definitely had a smoky taste. I would definitely order this or a different version of it again.

Space 220 Filet Mignon

Space 220 - Filet Mignon / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon ordered the filet mignon which came with mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots, and a red wine reduction. The manager confirmed that there was no chicken stock in the reduction, and everything else was safe for Brandon’s allergies. It was also gluten free, which is great. If you’re gluten free and dairy free, this could be an option that could be easily modified too.

Space 220 - Fried Potatoes

Space 220 - Fried Potato Wedges / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Because Brandon is a connoisseur of potatoes, we had to order a side of Roasted Potatoes, which we confirmed were gluten free, dairy free, fish/shellfish free, peanut/tree nut free, and chicken/turkey free. They were fried in a dedicated fryer.

These potatoes were…well, out of this world. We both absolutely loved them and would not hesitate to order them again. As Brandon would say, these were a “hashtag #thereitis.”

Space 220 - Cosmopolitan

Space 220 - Celestial Cosmpolitan / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We were living it up that night in space, because we ended up getting a second set of drinks. I ordered the Celestial Cosmopolitan, which is no longer listed on the Space 220 menu. It was your standard cosmo, so I can see why it may have been replaced.

Space 220 The Nebula

Space 220 - The Nebula / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon’s second drink was the Nebula with Maker’s Mark, Pineapple, Honey, Passion Fruit, and Angostura Bitters. Both drinks were a hit with Brandon, so if you’re a whiskey fan, you can’t go wrong with either of his drink choices.

Space 220 - Chocolate Gelato

Space 220 - Chocolate Gelato / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For dessert, Brandon opted for a simple bowl of chocolate gelato. To his surprise, he absolutely loved this and said it was the perfect way to end a meal. The gelato is gluten free and peanut/tree nut free but does contain dairy. The restaurant does typically have sorbet on hand for dairy free guests.

Space 220 - Chocolate Cheesecake

Space 220 - Chocolate Cheesecake / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my dessert, I got the modified gluten free chocolate cheesecake. This does contain dairy. If you’re a chocolate lover or like cheesecake, you will enjoy this dessert. It was quite rich and decadent. I would recommend it to any GF guests, and given there’s fairly limited dessert options for those who are gluten free, this would probably be my top pick of the ones available.

If you want to hear more about our experience at Space 220, check out the vlog we did for our YouTube channel for more information.

Overall

We really enjoyed our meal at Space 220. The food quality exceeded our expectations, and I was pleased to see more gluten free options than I anticipated. We also felt like the restaurant did work to ensure our safety throughout our meal. And, of course, if you’re like Brandon and you love space, this is a great themed restaurant for you. In fact, Brandon is still talking about wanting to go back again. We had such a fun night there, and we definitely want to check out the updated menu too. If you are on the fence about this restaurant or aren’t into the theme, there are plenty of other great options at Epcot. But, we’re definitely glad we went and look forward to going back again.

Have you been to Space 220? What was your experience dining there?

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Sarah Norris Sarah Norris

Docking Bay 7 Lunch Review

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

Lunch at Docking Bay 7

Docking Bay 7 located in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a quick service restaurant that features a variety of galactic fare to fit a variety of special dietary needs. During an epic day long visit to Galaxy’s Edge (where I built my first lightsaber!), we visited Docking Bay 7 for lunch.

Atmosphere

Like everything in Galaxy’s Edge, Docking Bay 7 is very well themed. From the moment you approach the restaurant’s to the interior, you’ll feel like you’re really in a working hangar bay that has been converted into a restaurant.

Docking Bay 7 Sign

Docking Bay 7 Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

During our visit, the restaurant was only accepting mobile orders or allowing guests to order inside if they had special dietary needs. While we waited to speak with a chef, we did have some time to look around.

Docking Bay 7 Interior

Docking Bay 7 Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The restaurant itself has ample seating, and we love the fun Star Wars touches in the restaurant. Be sure to look out for various numbers in the restaurant that represent the dates that certain Star Wars films were released. There is also both indoor and outdoor seating depending on your preference, how busy the restaurant is, and the time of year.

The Food

Like most restaurants owned and operated by Disney, Docking Bay 7 does have an allergy-friendly menu. You can mobile order at this location with special dietary needs if you have a single dietary need; however, we do recommend that if you have multiple dietary needs or have questions about the menu and easy modifications that you speak directly to a chef or manager and order inside at the restaurant. During this visit, we spoke directly to a chef who was very helpful, especially at talking through very easy modifications for dishes.

Docking Bay 7 - Falucian Kefta

Docking Bay 7 - Falucian Kefta and Garden Spread / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We ended up ordering three entrees on this visit. We ordered one for each of us and an entree to split. The entree we split was the modified Felucian Kefta and Hummus Garden Spread. This is not marked Gluten Free on the menu, but it can be made GF by omitting the pita served with it. It is marked safe for egg, fish/shellfish, and milk allergies. It is also plant-based/vegan. We did double-check with the chef, and while there is coconut oil in the IMPOSSIBLE brand meatballs, there were no peanuts or any tree nuts in the dish.

Both of us absolutely loved the IMPOSSIBLE meatballs in this dish, and we both said it was the best part of our meal at Docking Bay 7. I loved the hummus and fresh cucumber & tomato salad. This was a winner of an entree for us, and we both said we’d get it again.

Docking Bay 7 - Spicy Tip Yip

Docking Bay 7 - Pirjanad Hot Chicken Tip Yip / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my entree, I ordered the Pirjanad Hot Chicken Tip Yip with Crispy Chicken glazed in a Spicy Chipotle Sauce and served with White Rice and a Relish of Sweet Corn, Shishito Peppers, Jicama, Plantains, and Cilantro. This was marked Gluten Free and safe for egg, fish/shellfish, milk, peanut/tree nut, and sesame allergies.

There was a lot of flavor going on in this dish. I loved the sweet corn medley as the side and some rice which soaked up the spiciness from the chicken. The chicken was definitely on the spicy side. If you are not a spicy food fan, I would skip this in favor of the regular Fried Endorian Chicken Tip Yip. This was spicy enough that I would probably skip it next time. But, if you like spicy food — this is a high recommend.

Docking Bay 7 Batuaan Beef Stir Fry

Docking Bay 7 - Batuuan Beef and Crispy Topato Stir-fry / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For Brandon’s entree, he ordered the Batuuan Beef and Crispy Topato Stir-fry with Smoky Braised Beef glazed in Tamarind Sauce. Served with Stir Fried Mushrooms and Vegetables, Crispy Herb Yucca, Pickled Onions, and Cilantro. This was marked Gluten Free and safe for egg, fish/shellfish, milk, peanut/tree nut, and sesame allergies.

Overall, Brandon did enjoy this dish, but he said he liked the IMPOSSIBLE meatballs from the Felucian Kefta and Hummus Garden Spread better. That being said, it was a sizable portion, so if you’re looking for a hearty meal, this might just do the trick!

If you want to hear more about our experience at Docking Bay 7, check out the vlog we did for our YouTube channel for more information.

Overall

We were glad to see that Docking Bay 7 has continued to expand its special dietary needs offerings. On our first visit during opening day of Galaxy’s Edge, we found the restaurant to be a bit lacking. So, having more options now makes it a place we’ll definitely go to more frequently. Add in options that are a bit different than standard park fare, and you have an excellent option when you’re dining at Hollywood Studios. We’re glad to have this in our rotation of places to dine safely in the park.

Have you been to Docking Bay 7? What was your experience dining there?

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Sarah Norris Sarah Norris

Yachtsman Steakhouse Dinner Review

Yachtsman Steakhouse, located at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, is a signature table service restaurant — and one of the few signature restaurants that Brandon and I hadn’t dined at. We have both been wanting to have dinner here for a while. And, since we were both off on vacation because of our cruise on the Disney Dream, we decided to end our time off with a nice meal at Yachtsman Steakhouse.

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

Dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse

Yachtsman Steakhouse, located at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, is a signature table service restaurant — and one of the few signature restaurants that Brandon and I hadn’t dined at. We have both been wanting to have dinner here for a while. And, since we were both off on vacation because of our cruise on the Disney Dream, we decided to end our time off with a nice meal at Yachtsman Steakhouse.

Atmosphere

Yachtsman Steakhouse’s theme is exactly what you expect for a steakhouse with nautical influence. There’s lots of rich wood elements and dark colors like burnt red and hunter green.

Yachtsman Steakhouse Sign

Yachtsman Steakhouse Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The restaurant is nestled into a large hallway, often used as a walkway between Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. But, you can’t miss the entrance with this large sign.

Yachtsman Steakhouse Entrance

Yachtsman Steakhouse Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

As you wait in the hallway, you’ll see glimpses of the open kitchen and interior waiting area. Everything is cozy and inviting.

Yachtsman Steakhouse Interior

Yachtsman Steakhouse Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I have to admit that I found the restaurant to be a bit on the dated side in terms of decor — though in some cases, like a classic steakhouse, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Brandon absolutely loved the theme and said it was the perfect place to have a hearty steak dinner and drink a whiskey.

The Food

Like most restaurants owned and operated by Disney, Yachtsman Steakhouse does have an allergy-friendly menu. Of course, you can always speak to a chef to discuss options too. On this visit, we worked through our special dietary needs with our server and overall, found the menu to be very accommodating for our special dietary needs.

Yachtsman Steakhouse Allergy-Friendly Rolls

Yachtsman Steakhouse - Allergy-Friendly Rolls / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Up first, we were brought the Bloomfield Farms brand gluten free and allergy-friendly rolls. Brandon did have gluten-filled bread with his meal, which he really enjoyed and could be an option for you, if you have a peanut/tree nut allergy but can have gluten.

Yachtsman Steakhouse Garlic & Butter

Yachtsman Steakhouse - Garlic & Butter / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

What really made the bread service was the roasted garlic served with it. Omigoodness! If you love roasted garlic, you will absolutely love this. Sweet and savory — it spread perfectly on the warm allergy-friendly rolls. If you’ve never had roasted garlic, I recommend giving this a try. The flavors aren’t as intense as you might expect, and it’s a nice twist on the standard Disney bread service.

The butter served was nice too with some lovely sea salt. If you’re dairy free, the restaurant has non-dairy butter options on hand if you ask.

Yachtsman Steakhouse Wedge Salad

Yachtsman Steakhouse - Wedge Salad / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For an appetizer, we both chose the Steakhouse Wedge Salad with Candied Bacon, Farmhouse Eggs, Radish, and Smokey Blue Cheese Vinaigrette. This was marked Gluten Free and safe for Fish/Shellfish, Sesame, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. It does contain dairy, but we have seen other reviews that show vegetarian and vegan options for this salad, which is great!

We both really enjoyed this salad a lot, and Brandon said it’s one of his favorites on Disney property. We loved the light vinaigrette which was a unique take on blue cheese dressing. The candied bacon was phenomenal and added a lot of texture and flavor to the dish too. Brandon said this is a must get every visit — though we both agreed that we need to split it next time. We thought the salad would be small, but as we learned from the rest of our meal at Yachtsman Steakhouse, the portions are huge there. Definitely plan to share if you can!

Yachtsman Steakhouse - Steak & Sides

Yachtsman Steakhouse - Filet Mignon and Sides / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For our entrees, we both opted for the Filet Mignon. This is marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies. Both of us thought the filets were very well cooked and flavorful. As far as filets, it was solid and you definitely can’t go wrong with a filet at a steakhouse. We would both recommend this and get again.

Yachtsman Steakhouse - Mashed Potatoes

Yachtsman Steakhouse - Mashed Potatoes / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Your steak entree does come with one steakhouse side. And given how much Brandon loves potatoes, you know he had to order the classic mashed potatoes to see how they were. These were marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies. They contain a LOT of dairy in them.

Both of us agreed that these were good but not as amazing as we hoped they would be. Brandon is a mashed potato connoisseur, and he still thinks the mashed potatoes at Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort are the best on Disney property.

For our other side option, we also ordered the House-Made Truffle Fries (shown in the photo with the steak), which were marked Gluten Free and safe for Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Shellfish Allergies. They are made in a dedicated fryer and can be made dairy free with some modifications. Of the two potato sides, these were our favorite. The flavors were great, and they were a perfect example of a hand-cut fry. Add in truffle sauce and a side of roasted garlic aioli, and you have a super tasty steakhouse side. We both agreed that these are a must get again.

Yachtsman Steakhouse - Brandon with Mac & Cheese

Yachtsman Steakhouse - Brandon with Gluten-Filled Mac & Cheese / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon also got the gluten-filled Truffle Mac & Cheese which were marked safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies. He said this was an excellent side and really enjoyed it.

Yachtsman Steakhouse - Creme Brulee

Yachtsman Steakhouse - Creme Brulee / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Finally, for dessert, we both debated on whether we wanted to get anything, because we were so full already. Our server highly recommended the Creme Brûlée with Pickled Local Blueberries, Orange, and Candied Meyer Lemon. This was marked Gluten Free and safe for Fish/Shellfish, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies.

I really do not like Creme Brûlée, but she said it wasn’t like your typical version. When I got it, it did look very similar to the one from Topolino’s Terrace that I actually like, but this one did not live up to the hype. I did not enjoy the textures of this and wouldn’t get it again. Thankfully, the menu has been updated since our last visit, and this is no longer on the menu. There’s now a GF chocolate cake that sounds super tasty, that I would order when we go next time.

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

Overall

We really enjoyed our meal at Yachtsman Steakhouse and thought the food quality and flavors were excellent. We also always enjoy a good steakhouse — which tends to be pretty allergy-friendly for our special dietary needs. While it’s not our top signature restaurant pick on Disney property, we would both definitely go back again. We will definitely have to try out the new menu updates and see how things compare from 2022. If you’re looking for a signature restaurant and enjoy a good steak or steakhouses, we would highly recommend Yachtsman Steakhouse. If you’re not a big steak fan, we’d recommend some other locations, like Citricos, Jiko, or Topolino’s Terrace instead.

Have you been to Yachtsman Steakhouse? What was your experience dining there?

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Sarah Norris Sarah Norris

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Dinner Review

Roundup Rodeo BBQ, located in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, is Disney World’s newest table service restaurant — opening in March 2023. We were very excited to try this dining location out, especially after reviewing the allergy-friendly menu in advance. There were lots of special diets friendly options! Luckily, we were able to get a dining reservation a week after the restaurant opened for dinner.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in March 2023. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Dinner at Roundup Rodeo BBQ

Roundup Rodeo BBQ, located in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, is Disney World’s newest table service restaurant — opening in March 2023. We were very excited to try this dining location out, especially after reviewing the allergy-friendly menu in advance. There were lots of special diets friendly options! Luckily, we were able to get a dining reservation a week after the restaurant opened for dinner.

Atmosphere

Roundup Rodeo BBQ is located in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The entrance to the restaurant fits right into the rest of the land’s decor and theme.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Entrance & Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Like everything else in Toy Story Land, Roundup Rodeo BBQ includes oversized everything — we are honorary toys after all when we visit this area of the park!

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

There is a decent sized waiting area and stroller parking outside the restaurant’s entrance. When you check in, you’ll be notified via text message that your table is ready and asked to wait near this entrance. A cast member will then bring you into the restaurant for your meal. We love how perfectly everything is themed inside and out.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The restaurant’s interior entrance area includes this adorable welcome sign and lots of cute rodeo decor. The restrooms are also located in this area too.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The main dining room is split into two themes. The first side is very bright and colorful and has Western flare — inspired by Woody & Jessie.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The side we were seated on was also Western themed but included more of the Buzz Lightyear style decor and theming. Both were super cute, and there is a ton to look at while you dine at Roundup Rodeo BBQ.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

There are a variety of tables and seating throughout the restaurant. Everything fits in well with the theme, and we even saw backs of benches that featured Monopoly cards. Super fun!

The Food

Like most restaurants owned and operated by Disney, Roundup Rodeo BBQ does have an allergy-friendly menu. We do recommend that if you have multiple dietary needs or have questions about the menu and easy modifications that you speak directly to a chef or manager. One nice part about speaking to a chef at this restaurant is that they bring an iPad with them to the table. The iPad includes lists of ingredients that can be reviewed while discussing menu options, which is extremely helpful.

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

The allergy-friendly menu includes a lot of very gluten free and top 8 friendly options. We both felt that the restaurant did a great job at developing a menu that is very naturally allergy-friendly and easy to modify. The menu is family style and currently priced at $45 per adult / $25 per child (ages 3-9).

Allergy-Friendly Rolls at Roundup Rodeo BBQ / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Like most Disney owned restaurants, Roundup Rodeo BBQ had allergy-friendly rolls on hand. These are the Bloomfield Farms brand which are gluten free, top 8 free, and vegan. Ours were served heated in their original packaging to avoid cross-contamination. We were also given a sweet pepper jelly.

I wasn’t particularly fond of the sweet pepper jelly but Brandon thought it was OK. It does have a bit of a spicy kick to it, so if you or your kiddos aren’t spicy food fans, I would recommend asking for butter or non-dairy butter as an alternative.

Allergy-Friendly Starters at Roundup Rodeo BBQ / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For the starters, we were given two different salads — a modified version of Rex’s Romaine and Kale Salad and the Rootin’ Tootin Tomato Salad (with no modifications needed). We could have also had Wheezy’s Watermelon Salad, but neither of us are fans of watermelon.

Rex’s Romaine and Kale Salad is listed as safe for Fish/Shellfish, Sesame, and Soy Allergies on the allergy-friendly menu, but it can be made gluten free and peanut/tree nut free with modifications. The salad dressing does contain dairy, but we have heard that there may be a plant-based dairy free option available if you ask.

Because Brandon is allergic to cabbage and sensitive to vegetables in the cabbage family, we asked if they could make us a salad without kale. This was an easy modification, and the chef noted that he could make the salad gluten free by omitting the croutons. A win-win!

The salad included sliced apples, pumpkin seeds, and cranberries along with a green goddess dressing. Both of us really enjoyed this salad a lot. Brandon loves apples and loved them in the salad. I thought the salad dressing was very tasty and enjoyed all the different textures of the salad mix.

The Rootin’ Tootin Tomato Salad was marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies. It is also vegan. If you like tomatoes and cucumbers, this is a salad for you. It’s very fresh and clean tasting. I loved the simplicity of the salad and enjoyed the refreshing flavors before a heavy meal of BBQ.

Allergy-Friendly Dinner at Roundup Rodeo BBQ / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For our main meal, we were served a variety of house-smoked meats and sides. We had the following meats (with chicken on the side because Brandon is allergic to chicken):

  • Evil Dr. Smoked Ribs: Marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies

  • Buttercup's Beef Brisket: Marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies

  • There’s a Sausage in my Boot – Fire-grilled Pork Sausage: Marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies

  • BBQ Chicken - with Style!: Marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies

Overall, we both enjoyed all of the meats that we were served. Our favorite was the beef brisket. We both thought the ribs were good but not amazing and the sausage was probably our least favorite of the meal. I also enjoyed the chicken quite a bit and would recommend it if you’re a fan of chicken.

*Currently, the grilled salmon is not marked gluten free, but we were told it actually is GF by the chef.

Barbecue Sauces from Roundup Rodeo BBQ / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

All of the sauces served at the table are gluten free!

Allergy-Friendly Tater Tots from Roundup Rodeo BBQ / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For our side dishes, we were served modified versions of several dishes so that they were made gluten free & dairy free. The first was a modified version of the Married Spuds (loaded potato barrels). They are marked Gluten Free and safe for Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies in their original form, but when they are modified and made without the cheese sauce or green goddess dressing, they are also dairy free, egg free, and vegan.

We both loved these tater tots and would highly recommend them. We enjoyed the seasoning on them, which we have learned is BBQ spices — though it tasted like Old Bay Seasoning to me!

Allergy-Friendly Vegetables from Roundup Rodeo BBQ / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We also ordered the Campfire-roasted Vegetables which are marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies. They are also vegan. Because Brandon is allergic to cabbage and sensitive to vegetables in the cabbage family (like broccoli), he skipped eating these. I ate almost the entire bowl of these and really loved them. They had great flavor and were really well cooked. If you like zucchini and squash, especially, you’ll enjoy this side dish.

I forgot to take a photo of the Cowpoke Corn on the Cob that we also ordered. It is marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies. This was modified to be dairy free by omitting the cheese and butter accompaniments. I’m a huge fan of grilled corn, and this version was SO good. I would definitely recommend ordering if you are a grilled corn fan.

Brandon did order the gluten-filled Slinky Doooooooooog's Mac & Cheese which is marked safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies. The chef mentioned to us that guests can order a gluten free version but that it’s the frozen pre-made Amy’s Mac & Cheese. If you’re looking for a house-made GF mac & cheese, I’d recommend dining at a location like Liberty Tree Tavern which makes their own in-house version right now that’s super tasty! Overall, Brandon said his mac & cheese was good but not amazing.

Plant-Based Entrees from Roundup Rodeo BBQ / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We also ordered Trixie's Plant-based Trio which needed one slight modification but was otherwise, gluten free, dairy free, and vegan. This included:

  • Combat Carloflower with Harissa Drizzle (modified to remove the walnut gremolata): Marked safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut, Soy Allergies and was gluten free and tree nut free with the modification.

  • Scrumptious Bratwurst: Marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies

  • Rip Roarin’ Rib Chop: Marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Sesame Allergies

Because Brandon is allergic to cabbage and sensitive to vegetables in the cabbage family, he steered clear of the cauliflower. Overall, I really enjoyed the cauliflower, which had some nice seasoning on it and a spicy and tangy sauce. The spice level on this was noticeable but pleasant.

We both agreed that the Beyond Meat Bratwurst we were served (which included a drizzle of mild BBQ sauce) was better than the pork sausage — but we are both not the biggest fans of brats or sausages.

Our favorite of the trio was the IMPOSSIBLE meat rib chop. We loved the flavors in this — but be warned it is on the spicy side! We both agreed that this was our second favorite “meat” of the meal just behind the brisket.

Gluten Free Desserts at Roundup Rodeo BBQ / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

And last but not least, was dessert. This was probably the most complex part of our meal. That’s because while all three of the desserts were marked gluten free on the allergy-friendly menu, we had learned from Paleo Disney that the restaurant was using Quaker brand oats that were marked GF (but not certified gluten free). Oats can be challenging for anyone who has celiac disease or is gluten sensitive due to the nature of where and how oats are grown, manufactured, and milled. I am personally very sensitive to oat and gluten cross-contamination, so I only feel comfortable consuming purity protocol oats. Paleo Disney mentioned that the desserts were made at another location in the park — making modification for these desserts on the fly pretty difficult.

Because of this, I contacted Disney’s Special Diets Department by email about a week before our meal to request desserts made without the oat. I filled out a standard form and also included an additional note with the information about my request. When we arrived at the restaurant, they let us know that the pastry team had received the request and made my desserts without any base so that I could enjoy them without oats. The restaurant also kindly made two of each of the desserts we requested so that we could both enjoy. I am glad that I did this and definitely didn’t feel like I missed out by not having the bases.

The first was Bo’s Lemon and Blueberry Cheesecake which was marked Gluten Free and safe for Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Sesame Allergies. The dessert contains dairy.

If you like the tart flavor of lemon, you will enjoy this dish. The lemon topping was essentially a lemon curd, and the dessert tasted primarily of lemon. The blueberries added nice texture but weren’t the dominant flavor; the cream cheese layer helped add some balance to the tart lemon, which was nice. I liked this dessert but Brandon did not.

The second dessert was Gruff’s Peach-Strawberry Pie. This was marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Sesame Allergies. It is also vegan. I was very excited for this dessert because it was dairy free. Though a bit on the sweet side, I really enjoyed this, and Brandon said it was OK but really liked the non-dairy whipped topping.

The other GF dessert option was Goat’s Apple Pie which we skipped, but I would probably order next time just to try it. Brandon did also order a peanut/tree nut free dessert that contained gluten — Billy’s Chocolate Silk Pie, which he absolutely loved.

Overall, we really liked the desserts and are glad that the restaurant is working to make not one but three different desserts GF. My only complaint is that I wish the restaurant would note that there are oats in the GF desserts, as that can be challenging for some guests. I always recommend that guests use their own comfort level and judgement when it comes to ingredients — and definitely ask questions when you feel comfortable doing so.

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

Overall

We were pleasantly surprised by our meal at Roundup Rodeo BBQ. Neither of us are huge BBQ fans, but we found all of the food to be very tasty, well-prepared, and very accommodating for our special dietary needs. We enjoyed the theme, and we both think it’s a great restaurant for families and fun for all ages. It’s a welcome addition to Hollywood Studios, and we are looking forward to heading back again in the future.

Have you been to Roundup Rodeo BBQ? What was your experience dining there?

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Sarah Norris Sarah Norris

Connections Eatery Lunch Review

Connections Eatery, located in Epcot, is the newest quick service restaurant to open in the park — replacing Electric Umbrella which closed a few years ago. According to Disney, the restaurant is inspired by cuisine around the world — so the menu has a wide variety of options and styles of food. We recently went to Epcot to check out the Flower & Garden Festival and decided to grab a meal at Connections Eatery while we spent the day in the park.

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

Lunch at Connections Eatery

Connections Eatery, located in Epcot, is the newest quick service restaurant to open in the park — replacing Electric Umbrella which closed a few years ago. According to Disney, the restaurant is inspired by cuisine around the world — so the menu has a wide variety of options and styles of food. We recently went to Epcot to check out the Flower & Garden Festival and decided to grab a meal at Connections Eatery while we spent the day in the park.

Atmosphere

Connections Eatery is a very bright and open restaurant. The theme is pretty low-key but looks modern and inviting.

Connections Eatery Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

With some of the new updates in Epcot, the restaurant does look very similar to the Creations Shop and other newly opened buildings nearby.

Connections Eatery Interior

Connections Eatery Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We do love the nods to classic Epcot with vintage symbols and designs found throughout the building.

Connections Eatery Art

Connections Eatery Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We also really loved the art work along the walls of the restaurant that reflect the theme of global cuisine. The artwork is really beautifully done, and we recommend spending some time looking around the restaurant.

Connections Eatery Seating Area

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

Seating in the restaurant is ample. There are large booths and lots of tables throughout. We think it might be the largest quick service restaurant in the parks — and we found there was no issue finding seating. One con from the theme is that because everything is clean, bright, and modern, the restaurant itself feels a bit like a food court you might find in IKEA or an airport. Still, everything is very inviting.

The Food

Like most restaurants owned and operated by Disney, Connections Eatery does have an allergy-friendly menu. We do recommend that if you have multiple dietary needs or have questions about the menu and easy modifications that you speak directly to a chef or manager. This menu, in particular, had some major misprints when the restaurant first opened (including indicating the bao buns were GF), so it’s always good to double-check.

On this visit, we spoke directly to a chef, which was super helpful given all of our special dietary needs. I was also able to ask about the Mango Coconut Milkshake which wasn’t listed on the allergy-friendly menu but that I’d heard was dairy free and vegan (and possibly gluten free).

Connections Eatery Allergy-Friendly Meals / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon and I ordered a variety of dishes to split this visit, so we ensured that everything was safe for us both to eat. We did end up with bonus French fries as a second side, because they ended up making a ton in the allergy-friendly fryer. You know we’ll both never turn down bonus fries!

Connections Eatery - Mango Coconut Milkshake

Connections Eatery - Mango Coconut Milkshake / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The first item that we got was the Mango Coconut Milkshake topped with Pomegranate-Molasses Drizzle. I confirmed with the chef on this visit that this was not only dairy free and plant-based but also gluten free. Always double-check when you visit, as ingredients can change — and have done so more than normal lately because of supply issues.

Brandon liked this milkshake but didn’t love it. I absolutely loved it and would definitely get again. The mango flavor was pretty prominent but not overly sweet. I couldn’t taste much coconut in it — if any. The pomegranate-molasses drizzle was really unique and added some interesting flavor profiles to the shake. The drizzle was on the bitter side — which I liked, but I could see why some might not be a fan of this.

This was served with a paper straw, but I recommend just using a spoon to eat it. Even sitting for a bit, the shake was very thick. If you are concerned about paper straws, ask for it to not be served with one.

Connections Eatery Nicoise Salad

Connections Eatery - Nicoise Salad / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We also shared the Niçoise-style Salad with Crispy Mixed Greens, Wedged Potatoes, Tomatoes, Green Beans, Olives, White Beans, Dijon Vinaigrette. This dish is gluten free, egg free, fish/shellfish free, milk free, peanut/tree nut free, and vegan/plant-based. Brandon is also allergic to cabbage, so we double-checked to ensure the salad mix was also cabbage free too.

Both of us thought this salad was outstanding. It’s a 100% get again from both of us. The salad itself was light and refreshing. There were a ton of great flavors and textures. The dressing was a pretty strong vinaigrette, but we actually liked that a lot. The vinaigrette combined with all the vegetables and greens made it just terrific in our opinion. Brandon loved the potatoes on top too — and he actually ended up eating more of this salad than I did!

We both agreed that this is a big step up from classic quick service salads and highly recommend it.

Connections Eatery - French Bistro Burger

Connections Eatery - French Bistro Burger / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We also split a burger and fries. For this visit, we decided to get the French Bistro Burger made with Gourmet Beef Blend, Caramelized Onions, Bacon, Brie, Mushrooms, Dijon Mayonnaise, Allergy-Friendly Bun. This dish is marked gluten free, egg free, fish/shellfish free, and peanut/tree nut free. It’s also chicken/turkey free and cabbage free. If you’re dairy free, the restaurant can make some modifications to this and the only burgers too.

We did ask the chef to omit the mushrooms, because we’re both not big mushroom fans. Overall, we both really enjoyed this burger. We think the burger patty itself was somewhere between those classic quick service burgers and some of our favorite burgers like those served at D-Luxe Burger or Three Bridges Bar & Grill. The combination of bacon, onions, brie, and plant-based Dijon Mayonnaise was great. Everything was well-cooked and made with high quality ingredients.

Brandon said this is a repeat burger for him. For me, I’m definitely wanting to try some of the other burger options, because this one was so good. We were highly impressed!

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

Overall

We were super impressed by the quality of the food and the options for guests with special dietary needs at Connections Eatery. It’s not often that you talk directly to a chef at a quick service restaurant, so it was nice to be able to do that too. We both enjoyed the food so much that we are planning to go back again soon to try other options. This is a welcome addition to Epcot, and we can’t wait to go back soon.

Have you been to Connections Eatery? What was your experience dining there?

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Sarah Norris Sarah Norris

Turf Club Dinner Review

Turf Club Bar and Grill, located at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, has been a restaurant that we have been to quite a few times over the years for its moderate table service prices and low-key atmosphere. It’s been quite a few years since we’ve been, partially due to the closure during COVID-19. Recently, we finally made it back to the newly reopened Turf Club after hearing good things about the new menu from friends.

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

Dinner at Turf Club

Turf Club Bar and Grill, located at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, has been a restaurant that we have been to quite a few times over the years for its moderate table service prices and low-key atmosphere. It’s been quite a few years since we’ve been, partially due to the closure during COVID-19. Recently, we finally made it back to the newly reopened Turf Club after hearing good things about the new menu from friends.

Atmosphere

Turf Club has a decidedly equestrian theme. You’ll see photos of horse jockey jackets and horse riding gear, along with vintage decorations. The restaurant and the overall theme of Saratoga Springs Resort are inspired by turn-of-the-century upstate New York.

Sign at Turf Club Bar & Grill at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort

Sarah & Brandon at the Turf Club Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The restaurant itself is located in the back of the main resort building and has views of the Lake Buena Vista Golf Club, Clubhouse, and Disney Springs. You can also get to the restaurant from the front of the resort by walking through the main lobby.

Seating Area at Turf Club at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort

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

Inside the restaurant, you’ll find the equestrian theme throughout. Even the carpet is themed. We do find that the the theming is a bit on the dated side. But, we do both really enjoy the dark wood and cozy feeling from the decor. Unfortunately, we were seated at the front of the restaurant near the entrance, so we didn’t get a good chance to take a lot of photos or video.

Sunset at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort

Sunset at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

You can dine both indoors and outdoors at Turf Club. While we opted to dine inside this visit, we did get a lovely sunset stroll in as we were parked in the back parking lot near the golf club. You can’t beat those Florida sunsets!

The Food

Like most restaurants owned and operated by Disney, Turf Club does have an allergy-friendly menu. Of course, you can always speak to a chef to discuss options too. On this visit, we worked through our special dietary needs with our server and overall, found the menu to be very accommodating for our special dietary needs.

Gluten Free & Allergy-Friendly Bread Service at Turf Club / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For bread service, I was served the gluten free, dairy free & allergy-friendly (and vegan) Bloomfield Farms brand rolls. These came with butter with black lava salt. If you’re dairy free, they do carry non-dairy butter options too.

The rolls were a little overheated, but I really enjoyed the black lava salt on the butter that accompanied the rolls. My only complaint was that there wasn’t enough salt!

Brandon had regular rolls that contained gluten. He really loved them, as they had both cheese, garlic, and herbs inside them.

Gluten Free Chopped Salad at Turf Club at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort

Chopped Salad - Turf Club / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For an appetizer, I debated on what to order, because the grilled artichoke appetizer sounded great. I ultimately settled on the Chopped Salad with Fresh Market Greens, Salami Toscano, Blue Cheese, Red Onion, Pickled Apricots, Roasted Shallot Vinaigrette. This was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies.

If you are dairy free or vegan, this salad can be modified by omitting the salami and cheese. *If you’re looking for vegan reviews on this restaurant, we do recommend checking out the Vegan Disney Food website or Princess & the Bear’s YouTube channel.

Overall, I really liked this salad. The dressing was very light but flavorful. I liked all the components minus the chickpeas which seemed a bit out of place for the rest of the salad. Both Brandon and I were surprised at how big the salad was, so next time we might split this instead of ordering a full one ourselves! I would definitely get this again.

Gluten Free Chopped Salad at Turf Club at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort

Chopped Salad without Cabbage - Turf Club / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon initially requested the French Onion Soup on the menu, which was listed as having beef broth. Unfortunately, we did find out that the soup is also made with chicken broth — which Brandon is allergic to. With this, he ended up ordering a Chopped Salad too — modified to be safe for him by omitting the cabbage.

Like me, Brandon really liked this — though he said it needed more blue cheese!

Gluten Free Filet Mignon at Turf Club at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort

Filet Mignon - Turf Club / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For entrees, both Brandon and I chose the Filet Mignon with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Smoked Vidalia Onion, Romanesco, Baby Carrots, and Cabernet-Fig Jus. This dish was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. It can be made dairy free by modifying the sides and sauce.

Wow! Was this dish a surprise hit with both of us. We both thought the filet would be good but not amazing. We were absolutely blown away by the way this dish was thoughtfully prepared and the overall quality of everything served. The filet mignon had a lovely grill flavor and was perfectly seasoned and cooked. I loved the sweet and savory Cabernet-Fig Jus. It added a lot of depth to the dish. The absolute stunner of this dish though was the smoked Vidalia onion with mashed potatoes inside it. The smokey, earthy flavor of the onion and the richness of the mashed potatoes was sheer perfection. And, to top it all off, the vegetables were super flavorful and well-seasoned. We both loved how they were grilled which added some nice flavor to both the carrot and romanesco.

The dish ranks high for me for steaks served at Disney World!

Filet Mignon without Sauce at Turf Club at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort

Filet Mignon without Sauce at Turf Club / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon’s dish was slightly modified because of his allergies to chicken and turkey. So, this meant his entree came without the sauce. Even without the sauce, Brandon said his entree was outstanding. We both agreed that we need to go back again for these steaks, because they were just so good!

Brandon even liked the romanesco, which he would normally not enjoy! Well-done Turf Club on making some very tasty veggies!

Gluten Free and Vegan Creme Brulee at Turf Club at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort

Plant-Based Creme Brûlée - Turf Club / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For dessert, I could not pass up ordering the Mango-Passion Fruit Crème Brûlée. This dish was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut Allergies. It is also vegan. It does contain coconut, which is why it is not listed as safe for tree nut allergies.

Even though I really don’t like creme brûlée, I had to try this because it’s rare that restaurants make these kinds of desserts safe for those who are dairy free or vegan. I will give Turf Club some serious points for both creativity and effort in trying to make this dessert. I was also impressed that it had a nice crisp sugar coating on the top — a classic creme brûlée feature.

Unfortunately, this was just not a dessert that I enjoyed. I do like passion fruit, and I like the general flavor profiles of the dessert. I just didn’t like the texture and overall combination of flavors. The creme brûlée was oddly heated throughout (the bottom was very hot and the top was lukewarm) and the chocolate sauce was very bitter. It was not a dessert for me. That being said, I’ve heard so many great reviews about this dessert, that I would recommend trying it if you’re dairy free or vegan.

Espresso at Turf Club at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort

Espresso - Turf Club / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon didn’t see any dessert that was of interest to him, so he opted to get an espresso instead. It’s always nice when a restaurant has some after dinner coffee options too.

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

Overall

We were really impressed with the new, updated menu for Turf Club Bar and Grill. Not only was the food very friendly for our special dietary needs, but the quality of the food was excellent. This stepped up for us in our rank of restaurants on Disney property. We love that they really upped their game with options and made creative choices. We are looking forward to going back again soon!

Have you been to Turf Club Bar and Grill? What was your experience dining there?



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Sarah Norris Sarah Norris

Citricos Dinner Review

Citricos, located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, has quickly become one of our favorite signature dining locations at Disney World since its refurbishment and re-opening in summer 2021. We dined there in July 2021 and had such a phenomenal experience, that we knew we had to go back again. So, we decided that dinner for Valentine’s Day was the perfect choice for the dinner at the restaurant. Prior to our dinner, we did stop by Enchanted Rose Lounge for drinks and appetizers, and you can read that review here on our blog too.

*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 Citricos

Citricos, located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, has quickly become one of our favorite signature dining locations at Disney World since its refurbishment and re-opening in summer 2021. We dined there in July 2021 and had such a phenomenal experience, that we knew we had to go back again. So, we decided that dinner for Valentine’s Day was the perfect choice for the dinner at the restaurant. Prior to our dinner, we did stop by Enchanted Rose Lounge for drinks and appetizers, and you can read that review here on our blog too.

Atmosphere

On this visit, we didn’t do a great job at getting a lot of photos, so we definitely recommend checking out our previous review for more images of the restaurant.

Citricos at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

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

Citricos was refurbished and rethemed to be inspired by the film Mary Poppins Returns. We love the bright colors of the restaurant, nods of floral elements on the seating, and subtle decor that makes it a very pleasant place to dine.

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

We both love the tables and different seating options. Brandon especially loves the cups and silverware. It’s definitely a beautiful refurbishment.

The Food

Like most restaurants owned and operated by Disney, Citricos does have an allergy-friendly menu. You can always speak to a chef if you have questions or want to discuss options. Our server on this visit was Robin, who was our server back in July 2021. She was absolutely phenomenal and was so attentive to our special dietary needs. Because of that, we did not speak directly to a chef, but it’s always an option available for guests with special dietary needs.

Amaro Spritz at Citricos at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

Citricos - Amaro Grapefruit Spritz / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

After our last visit, we knew we couldn’t go to Citricos and not order drinks. We both thoroughly enjoyed the inventive and interesting drink options available. I ordered the Amaro Grapefruit Spritz with Amaro Nonino, Antica Vermouth, Tanqueray Gin, House Grapefruit, Florida Honey and House seltzer.

As always, use your own judgement and comfort level with alcohol and your special dietary needs. I always double-check alcohols with flavors, especially. Most distilled spirits, even if they are made with gluten containing grains, are considered gluten free because of the distillation process. If you don’t feel comfortable with specific spirits in mixed drinks, the restaurant has an ample wine list that is a great option too.

212 Manhattan at Citricos at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Citricos - 212 Manhattan / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For Brandon’s drink, he chose the 212 Manhattan made with Angels Envy Bourbon, Bertrand Banyul’s and Chocolate Bitters. He absolutely loved this drink, and I’m not sure he could go to Citricos without ordering it!

Gluten Free Rolls from Citricos at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

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

Both Brandon and I were served bread service. He was able to eat the regular bread service, while I was served the Bloomfield Farms gluten free and allergy-friendly rolls. These are also vegan.

The rolls on this visit were a little overheated but the butter and sea salt that accompanied it more than made up for the overheated rolls. If you’re dairy free, they do have non-dairy buttery spread on hand that can be topped with the sea salt too.

Pork Belly at Citricos at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Citricos - Berkshire Pork Belly (NOT Gluten Free) / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I opted to not get an appetizer since we’d had Truffle Fries at Enchanted Garden before our dinner. But, Brandon could not pass up the Berkshire Pork Belly appetizer that comes with Boniato and Plantain Croquette, Salsa Verde and Jícama. This dish is marked safe for Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies and is also chicken/turkey and cabbage free. This dish does contain gluten. I suspect they might be able to make it gluten free by omitting the croquette for GF guests, but we didn’t ask on this visit.

According to Brandon, this is a must order if you can eat gluten free. He absolutely raves about it, and it’s the best pork belly he’s ever had. The pork is fall apart tender, and the flavors and accompaniments really make it a unique dish. And, it looks beautiful too!

Tilefish from Citricos at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

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

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

Omigosh, is this entree amazing. I ordered it on our first visit to Citricos after it re-opened, and loved it. I contemplated other dishes this visit, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to order it again. And, it was just as good as the first time I ordered it. The fish is beautifully cooked and the seasoning on it — while it might look really overpowering — perfectly balances the delicate fish. The rice, the shrimp, chorizo, and confit tomatoes all add different textures and depth of flavor that make this dish one of the very best at Disney. If you enjoy fish, this is a highest of high recommendations from me. I will happily order it over and over again.

Filet Mignon at Citricos at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

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

For Brandon’s entree, he chose the Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon with Potato Purée, Broccolini, Cipollini Jam, Bordelaise. This was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. It can be made dairy free by swapping the potatoes for another side.

Brandon said this was just as good as his previous visit. The filet was perfectly cooked, the potatoes were rich, and he really loved the onion jam. If you are a steak fan, this will definitely be an entree to consider when you’re dining at Citricos.

Chocolate Torte at Citricos at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

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

I ended up ordering a dessert because the Chocolate Torte, that includes Chocolate Financier, Dark Chocolate Ganache, Morello Cherries and Vanilla Mascarpone Cream, served at Citricos is a truly amazing GF dessert. This dish is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat and Fish/Shellfish Allergies. It does contain gluten and there is a peanut/tree nut cross-contamination concern with the chocolate.

If you are gluten free and love chocolate, this is a decadent dessert and something that feels really special. I love that Citricos has added a 50th anniversary chocolate coin to the dessert too! The rich chocolate along with the tart cherry all blends really well together. It’s a good dessert to split, because it is very rich. Ordering this was a great way to end our meal.

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

Overall

We have nothing but high praise for Citricos. Not only is the quality of the food there phenomenal, but the service, theme, and everything about Citricos is outstanding. We absolutely loved both of our dinners there, and can’t wait to plan another special occasion visit to the restaurant. It stands out as one of the best signature dining locations on Disney property right now, and we recommend it highly!

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

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Sarah Norris Sarah Norris

Boatwright’s Dining Hall Dinner Review

Boatwright’s Dining Hall, located at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, used to be a family favorite — with a relaxed atmosphere and great food. The chefs who used to work at Boatwright’s (including Chef Tony and Chef Paul) really went above and beyond to make sure that guests with special dietary needs were treated to delicious Cajun inspired food. Unfortunately, after those chefs left, we found Boatwright’s to be a bit lacking in options and food quality. So, it’s been years since we’ve been. On this visit, we decided to make a trip after learning about the restaurant being able to make gluten free Boudin Balls and Mardi Gras Fritters with advance request from Gina at Gluten Free Disney World. So, you know we had to give it another try!

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

Dinner at Boatwright’s Dining Hall

Boatwright’s Dining Hall, located at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, used to be a family favorite — with a relaxed atmosphere and great food. The chefs who used to work at Boatwright’s (including Chef Tony and Chef Paul) really went above and beyond to make sure that guests with special dietary needs were treated to delicious Cajun inspired food. Unfortunately, after those chefs left, we found Boatwright’s to be a bit lacking in options and food quality. So, it’s been years since we’ve been. On this visit, we decided to make a trip after learning about the restaurant being able to make gluten free Boudin Balls and Mardi Gras Fritters with advance request from Gina at Gluten Free Disney World. So, you know we had to give it another try!

Atmosphere

Boatwright’s Dining Hall will make you feel like you’re dining on the Louisiana bayou. There are fireplaces, hanging lanterns, and even a frame of a river boat inside the restaurant.

Boatwright's Dining Hall at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Boatwright’s Dining Hall / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Of course, don’t forget to walk around the beautiful Port Orleans Riverside resort. It’s perfect for evening strolls, and they even have carriage rides (for a fee). We enjoyed the boat docks and a quick stroll before our dinner.

Interior of Boatwright's Dining Hall at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Boatwright’s Dining Hall - Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Inside the restaurant is several different smaller dining areas that make up one large restaurant. Everything feels cozy, homey, and generally pleasant. That being said, both Brandon and I agreed that the restaurant could use a bit of a refurbishment. The restaurant has looked the same as long as I can remember, and it feels a bit dated at this point.

Still, you’ll find ample seating and a welcoming atmosphere when you dine at Boatwright’s Dining Hall.

The Food

Like most restaurants owned and operated by Disney, Boatwright’s Dining Hall does have an allergy-friendly menu. Of course, you can always speak to a chef to discuss options too. On this visit, we not only spoke to a chef when we arrived, but I also contacted Disney’s Special Diets Department in advance via email to inquire about making a special request.

Because we had heard about this from Gina at Gluten Free Disney World, we felt pretty confident that the request in advance of our dining reservation for gluten free Boudin Balls and Mardi Gras Fritters could be accommodated. Here’s how I made the request.

I contacted Disney’s Special Diets Department by email at: special.diets@disneyworld.com 2 weeks before our dining reservation. I explained that we had an upcoming reservation and the request we were interested in. The team at Disney’s Special Diets replied back in 24 hours and asked me to fill out a form. This form is a standard reservation form that has been floating around since before 2009 when I first started going to Disney World with special dietary needs. Back then, when you went on vacation, you were asked to include all of your dining reservations on it and your special dietary needs along with any notes or requests. Though I know some guests still use this form, it’s not used as heavily as it used to be because of the updated reservation system and allergy-friendly menus.

On the form, I indicated our reservation number and other pertinent information. I also included our specific requests. From there, Disney’s Special Diets replied, letting me know they had share the information with Port Orleans Riverside’s culinary team. I have been told that they need at least 7 days in advance to request the GF Boudin Balls and Mardi Gras Fritters.

Once we arrived at the restaurant, Chef Zach came to our table, and he noted that he was already ready for our order, which was great!

Gluten Free & Allergy-Friendly Cornbread at Boatwright's Dining Hall at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Boatwright’s Dining Hall - Gluten Free & Allergy-Friendly Cornbread / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Prior to our meal arriving, Chef Zach did say he would give us both cornbread. I received the gluten free, dairy free & allergy-friendly cornbread along with a honey butter. The restaurant does also carry non-dairy butter options if you have a dairy allergy or are vegan.

Overall, this was the only thing we ate at Boatwright’s that I cannot recommend. The cornbread was super sweet. More sweet than the cornbread I have had at Whispering Canyon Cafe. It tasted nearly like cake, and a lot less like cornbread (even sweet cornbread). It was also a bit on the dry side, so I think it was made in advance.

French Onion Soup at Boatwright's Dining Hall at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Boatwright’s Dining Hall - French Onion Soup (Can be Made Gluten Free) / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon ordered the French Onion Soup which is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. Brandon was super excited because they make the soup with beef stock instead of chicken stock, which he is allergic to, so he could enjoy soup. If you have a chicken allergy, soup’s can definitely be challenging.

Brandon absolutely loved this soup. He said if we hadn’t had so much other food, he probably would have been tempted to order a second serving. On this visit, the chef did modify his soup and gave him gluten-filled bread because he can have gluten, but it’s normally served with GF bread for GF guests.

Gluten Free Boudin Balls and Mardi Gras Fritters from Boatwright's Dining Hall at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside

Boatwright’s Dining Hall - Gluten Free Boudin Balls & Mardi Gras Fritters / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

But, the real reason we were at Boatwright’s Dining Hall were the pre-ordered gluten free Boudin Balls and Mardi Gras Fritters. Both dishes do contain dairy, though I didn’t ask if the Boudin Balls could be made dairy free with modifications. On the allergy-friendly menu, they are marked safe for Fish/Shellfish and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies, and we made sure they were also safe for Brandon’s other allergies.

Gluten Free Boudin Balls from Boatwright's Dining Hall at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Boatwright’s Dining Hall - Gluten Free Boudin Balls / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Up first are the gluten free Boudin Balls. Goodness gracious! These are those classic sausage balls taken up quite a few notches. The menu describes them as a: Mix of Andouille Sausage, Smoked Sausage, and Dirty Rice Breaded and Fried served with Rémoulade.

Both Brandon and I were wowed by these. The sausage was super flavorful and a bit on the spicy side. The rice added some nice texture. And, of course, the remoulade, tiny bit of pimento cheese, and some house-made pickled vegetables added lots of flavors and textures. Watch out for the pepeprs on top though. Those were quite spicy!

Gluten Free Mardi Gras Fritters from Boatwright's Dining Hall at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Boatwright’s Dining Hall - Gluten Free Mardi Gras Fritters / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Now, we’re onto the gluten free Mardi Gras Fritters. These are House-made Pimiento Cheese Fritters with Pepper Jelly. Of course, these do contain dairy and cannot be modified. So, if your’e dairy free, this will be a skip.

If you can have dairy, this is a must order. The rich house-made pimiento cheese combined with the sweet & spicy red pepper jelly made for the perfect combination. I personally couldn’t decide which of the appetizers that I liked best, but these were pretty phenomenal. And, of course, Brandon - ever the cheese lover - said these just edged out the Boudin Balls as his favorite.

Gluten Free and Dairy Free Jambalaya from Boatwright's Dining Hall at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside

Boatwright’s Dining Hall - Gluten Free & Dairy Free Jambalaya / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my entree, I ordered the Boatwright’s Jambalaya with Slow-cooked Shrimp, Andouille Sausage, and Chicken in a Spicy Sauce served with Rice. This dish was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, they also have a veggie jambalaya which can also be made gluten free.

Overall, I thought this entree was just fine. The shrimp was cooked well and very flavorful. The sausage was also great. The rest of the dish components were just OK. I wouldn’t probably order this again, but if you like jambalaya it’s not a bad option.

Although we forgot to take photos, Brandon ordered the prime rib. This was served with Mashed Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables and marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies.

A few notes to consider for gluten free and dairy free guests. First, you can easily swap out the mashed potatoes for roasted potatoes for a dairy free option. If you’re gluten free, make sure to check with the chef, as they cook the green beans in the same water as the pasta. They will need to make a fresh batch to avoid cross-contamination, and can be made dairy free too.

Like my entree, Brandon thought his was just OK. We both agreed that on our next visit, we’ll just come for appetizers and maybe desserts…or head over to Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort next door for the amazing gluten free and allergy-friendly beignets.

If you want to hear more about our experience at Boatwright’s Dining Hall, check out the vlog we did for our YouTube channel for more information.

Overall

We were absolutely impressed by the gluten free Boudin Balls and Mardi Gras Fritters. Brandon also absolutely loved his French onion soup. We think that Boatwright’s really shines with their appetizers. Though contacting Disney’s Special Diets Department can take some extra time and pre-planning, we both agreed that it was well worth the effort. Huge thanks to Chef Zach for accommodating us and making such delicious appetizers. We cannot wait to go back and order them again!

Have you been to Boatwright’s Dining Hall? What was your experience dining there?

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Sarah Norris Sarah Norris

Olivia’s Cafe Breakfast Review

Olivia’s Cafe, located at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, has long been a favorite for my family for the relaxed atmosphere, tasty food, and affordable prices. It’s been quite a while since we’ve been here for breakfast, so Brandon and I decided to head here for brunch with my mom after what seems like years since we’ve dined here. We were looking forward to current brunch menu and made a reservation for around 12:30 p.m.

*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.

Breakfast at Olivia’s Cafe

Olivia’s Cafe, located at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, has long been a favorite for my family for the relaxed atmosphere, tasty food, and affordable prices. It’s been quite a while since we’ve been here for breakfast, so Brandon and I decided to head here for brunch with my mom after what seems like years since we’ve dined here. We were looking forward to current brunch menu and made a reservation for around 12:30 p.m.

Atmosphere

If you’re craving island vibes, Old Key West is the resort for you. You’d swear you’re someplace even more tropical than Central Florida — and that Jimmy Buffett could be just around the corner.

Olivia's Cafe at Disney's Old Key West Resort

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

Both Brandon and I always say that the music here reminds us of Disney’s Castaway Cay. Anything that makes us think of DCL and Castaway Cay is alright by us!

Olivia’s is a bright and cheery restaurant, and you’ll find lots of great photos of Disney Vacation Club families around the restaurant’s entrance and inside. It is the oldest DVC resort after all — and a longstanding favorite of many DVC members.

Olivia's Cafe - Outdoor Seating

Olivia’s Cafe - Outdoor Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We absolutely love that Olivia’s Cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating. While Florida does tend to be hot and humid, we couldn’t resist sitting outside on our visit. We always find the temperatures in February in Central Florida to be perfect for outdoor dining, and we take advantage of it as much as we can!

The Food

Like most restaurants owned and operated by Disney, Olivia’s Cafe does have an allergy-friendly menu. Of course, you can always speak to a chef to discuss options and modifications for your special dietary needs. We always recommend this, especially if you have multiple dietary needs.

On this visit, we spoke to Chef Jeremy who was so helpful and very accommodating — answering questions we had about mixes and ingredients. As an aside, huge shoutout to our server Al who was just above and beyond phenomenal. Al was previously at Victoria & Alberts as a server but is currently at Olivia’s Cafe while V&As is closed. If you get a chance to meet him, we have no doubt you’ll be just as impressed as us!

Olivia's Cafe Breakfast

Olivia’s Cafe - Allergy-Friendly Waffles & Eggs Entree / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For Brandon’s entree, he chose the Allergy-Friendly Waffles & Eggs which came with Small Mickey-shaped Waffles and Two Eggs-Any Style with choice of Bacon, Ham, or Sausage and Maple Syrup or Mixed Berry Sauce. This was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. The restaurant is currently using the Bloomfield Farms brand allergy-friendly pancake and waffle mix.

Brandon said his entree was very solid. All tasty and an entree that he would get again. And, of course, he enjoyed the Mickey waffles.

As an aside, Brandon did ask about getting regular gluten-filled pancakes but was told that they cook pancakes on a shared surface, so the chef recommended the waffles to be on the safe side for Brandon’s special dietary needs (I believe the primary concern was peanut/tree nut allergies).

Olivia's Cafe - Breakfast Potatoes

Olivia’s Cafe - Breakfast Potatoes / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon also ordered a side of Olivia’s Breakfast Potatoes. These are marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. They do contain dairy; however, Chef Jeremy did say that regular breakfast potatoes are also available both for those guests with dairy allergies. The chef had to check to ensure there was no chicken in the base used for the potatoes and had noted that if the Olivia’s potatoes contained chicken that he could make plain potatoes for him. Thankfully, there was no chicken in the potato sauce base!

Brandon did enjoy these. We somehow managed to get a few sides of the potatoes thanks to Chef Jeremy’s kitchen magic, and Brandon — ever the potato lover — happily ate lots of these.

Olivia's Cafe - Sombrero Beach Omelet

Olivia’s Cafe - Sombrero Beach Omelet with Allergy-Friendly Mickey Waffles / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my entree, I ordered the Sombrero Beach Omelet with a side of Allergy-Friendly Mickey Waffles. The main entree was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies.

The Allergy-Friendly Mickey Waffles are safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. They are also vegan.

If you’re dairy free, the omelet can easily be made dairy free by omitting the cheese and sour cream and swapping out the potatoes for plain potatoes.

I really enjoyed the omelet. For the most part, it was a Denver omelet with pico de gallo. Everything was tasty, well cooked and filling. The Olivia’s potatoes were probably my least favorite part of the meal. They weren’t bad, but I think I would prefer regular breakfast potatoes next time. And, of course, the allergy-friendly Mickey Waffles were terrific.

As an aside, I did ask about the Banana-Rum Syrup and if it was safe for those who are gluten free. Chef Jeremy indicated that the syrup was probably OK but was not made with 100% maple syrup. If you’re interested in that syrup option, I would definitely ask more questions and look at the ingredients. I got 100% pure maple syrup which was great, as always.

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

Overall

You really can’t go wrong with breakfast at Olivia’s Cafe. Between the relaxed atmosphere, solid food options, and a variety of special dietary needs options, you’re sure to leave the restaurant with happy bellies. We were so appreciative of how attentive Chef Jeremy was and his flexibility at customizing options. We will definitely be back sooner rather than later for another brunch.

Have you been to Olivia’s Cafe? What do you think of the breakfast and brunch options?

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Sarah Norris Sarah Norris

Steakhouse 71 Lunch Review

Steakhouse 71 takes the place of the restaurant the Wave at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Opening up in 2021, we have enjoyed dinner at Steakhouse 71 and finally made it to the restaurant for lunch. We have been hearing rave reviews about the lunch options, especially the Steakhouse 71 Stack Burger, so we knew we needed to make a visit to check it out. This review will include information from two visits for lunch.

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

Lunch at Steakhouse 71

Steakhouse 71 takes the place of the restaurant the Wave at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Opening up in 2021, we have enjoyed dinner at Steakhouse 71 and finally made it to the restaurant for lunch. We have been hearing rave reviews about the lunch options, especially the Steakhouse 71 Stack Burger, so we knew we needed to make a visit to check it out. This review will include information from two visits for lunch.

Atmosphere

Steakhouse 71 has a decidedly mid-century vibe to it. The description on the Disney website says the design is meant to harken back to the Contemporary Resort’s theming when it first opened in 1971.

Steakhouse 71 Entrance Sign

Steakhouse 71 Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The restaurant’s entrance is pretty familiar with a slight update to the signage area — focusing on dark woods versus the metals and “wave” like structure featured at the Wave’s entrance.

Steakhouse 71 Waiting Area

Steakhouse 71 Waiting Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

From an aesthetic perspective, it is definitely very mid-century modern. You’ll see lots of bright colors and stylish furniture — that is popular both now and back when the resort originally opened. Above, you can see the main waiting area of the restaurant features chairs and couches with that mid-century flair.

Steakhouse 71 Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Inside the restaurant, you’ll find the same carpeting and brightly colored chairs and decor. In many ways, it’s really just a refresh of the restaurant space versus a full redesign. We do miss The Wave’s older design, but have found the new theming to be growing on us.

The Food

Like most restaurants owned and operated by Disney, Steakhouse 71 does have an allergy-friendly menu. Of course, you can always speak to a chef to discuss options too. On our first visit, we did speak directly to a chef. On our second visit, we did not since we were very familiar with the options having dined there a few weeks before.

Steakhouse 71 - Bacon & Eggs Appetizer

Steakhouse 71 - Bacon & Eggs Appetizer / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The Wave’s classic Bacon & Eggs appetizer has been reimagined at Steakhouse 71. This updated dish at Steakhouse 71 is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. It is also safe for Brandon’s chicken and turkey allergies.

Brandon says this is a must order appetizer at Steakhouse 71! Of course, I love this dish too. The pork belly is super tender and falls apart easily. The maple glaze is sweet, salty, and the perfect balance of flavors for the rich pork belly. Combine that with the salty, creamy, rich cheesy grits and a perfect poached egg, and you have a winning combination.

Steakhouse 71 - Plant-Based Burger

Steakhouse 71 - Gluten Free Plant-Based Burger / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On our first visit, I decided to get the Plant-Based Steakhouse 71 Stack Burger. This is not listed on the menu but is available if you ask. This dish is safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. It is also vegan.

On our visit, the waffle fries made in the fryers were not a safe option for guests who are gluten free. This is because the restaurant is facing some supply chain and some of the fries being served at the restaurant contain gluten. The restaurant does carry a few different French fry options, and I could have had them baked in the oven on our visit. The chef offered to make me some baked fries, breakfast potatoes, or I could have also ordered the side wedge salad. On our first visit, I decided to get the pan fried breakfast potatoes.

The plant-based burger was made gluten free by serving it on a GF bun. All other ingredients were both gluten free and dairy free. The plant-based beef was IMPOSSIBLE Foods brand. The non-dairy cheese used was Follow Your Heart brand. I did forget to ask what the plant-based mayo was.

Omigosh, wow! This plant-based burger was amazing. It was hands down the best vegan burger I’ve ever eaten. The combination of flavors and the way the IMPOSSIBLE patties were cooked make it a winner. I was super impressed that the plant-based cheese was melted! The double-stack patties were super crispy and flavorful. The sweet pickles, red onion, and mayo were all great too. Even Brandon thought it was an incredible burger. If you are vegan, dairy free, or just want a plant-based option — this burger is a must get. We both recommend it highly.

Steakhouse 71 - Gluten Free Steakhouse 71 Stack Burger / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On our second visit a few weeks later, I decided to try the beef Steakhouse 71 Stack Burger after Brandon raved so much about it. This dish was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. It can be made dairy free by omitting or swapping the cheese for a non-dairy cheese option.

On this visit, you can see that the restaurant was continuing to struggle with supply issues. They had run out of gluten free buns on this visit, so the burger was served with Bloomfield Farms bread toasted in a dedicated toaster. I had asked for the wedge salad as my side this time, but the chef decided to also give me a side of bonus parmesan fries.

The wedge salad contains egg and dairy, but it can be made vegan by removing the diced egg and swapping out the dressing. So, if you’re plant-based this is an easy modification. The fries were made in a dedicated gluten free fryer but were not the waffle fries usually served.

The wedge salad was super flavorful. A classic steakhouse salad. We had this as an appetizer during our dinner last year at Steakhouse 71 and really enjoyed it. I would definitely get this again as a side. The French fries were good — though I will be glad when the waffle fries are back in action.

But, the true winner of this meal was the burger. This is another omigosh from me. Now, it’s been 13+ years since I’ve eaten a McDonald’s burger because of being gluten free, but there was something about this burger that evoked McDonald’s burgers to me. It might have been the cheese they used or the combination of toppings. But, it felt close to something in between a Quarter Pounder with Cheese and Big Mac to me — only plussed up! The flavors were great, and I would definitely get this again. As Brandon and I did discuss though, I might actually prefer the plant-based burger over this one. Both were great though, and if you like diner style burgers you won’t be disappointed by this one.

Steakhouse 71 - Stack Burger

Steakhouse 71 - Stack Burger (NOT Gluten Free) / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On both our visits, Brandon also ordered the regular Steakhouse 71 Stack Burger, which was made safe for Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, Chicken/Turkey, and Cabbage allergies.

Brandon said this is definitely one of the best burgers on Disney property. We both thought about this, and we both think that this ranks a close second behind the burger served at Three Bridges Bar & Grill which is just a fantastic burger. Brandon said his waffle fries were great on visit #1; on the second visit, he was served the same fries as me.

Steakhouse 71 Plant Based Onion Rings

Steakhouse 71 - Plant-Based Onion Rings (NOT Gluten Free) / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On our second visit, Brandon and his mom split the Steakhouse 71 Onion Rings which are listed as plant-based and marked safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. However, if you’re vegan or have a poultry allergy, be aware that the onion rings are fried in a fryer with chicken tenders. Because Brandon is allergic to chicken and turkey, the chef did make him a batch of these in a pot of oil versus the fryer. We believe, based on what we were told, that our fries may have been also made in this pot, as well.

Both Brandon and his mom raved about these onion rings. I was so bummed they contained gluten and hope that maybe someday they’ll update the recipe so that it can be made gluten free. They looked so good! If you can have gluten, these are a high recommend from Brandon.

If you want to hear more about our experience at Steakhouse 71, check out the vlog we did for our YouTube channel for more information.

Overall

We were both blown away at how good both the regular and plant-based Steakhouse 71 stack burgers along with all the other food we got at lunch at Steakhouse 71. We kept hearing that the burgers were the best on Disney property, and they definitely rank high for us. The plant-based burger is by far the best vegan burger we’ve ever had and a not to be missed sandwich. The regular stack burger also ranks really high in our must order burgers at Disney. Given that we went to the restaurant twice in a few weeks is a testament to how much we enjoyed the food. We can’t wait to go back for lunch again — and while we do want to try some of the other dishes, it might be hard to go there and not get one of the Steakhouse 71 stack burgers!

Have you been to Steakhouse 71? Do you prefer breakfast, lunch, or dinner there?

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Sarah Norris Sarah Norris

Boma Breakfast Review

Boma, located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House, is an all-you-care-to-enjoy style restaurant that has long been one of my family’s favorites at Disney World. On this visit, we dined at Boma to celebrate my birthday. I was so excited to dine here and even more excited for Brandon to finally try Boma brunch.

*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.

Breakfast at Boma: Flavors of Africa

Boma, located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House, is an all-you-care-to-enjoy style restaurant that has long been one of my family’s favorites at Disney World. On this visit, we dined at Boma to celebrate my birthday. I was so excited to dine here and even more excited for Brandon to finally try Boma brunch.

Atmosphere

Boma’s name means an enclosure, usually for livestock or a community. So, you’ll see lots of thatched style roofing throughout the restaurant and fencing that are reminiscent of a Boma often found in Africa.

Boma Sign at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort

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

The restaurant itself is fairly large and includes lots of ample seating, bright colors, and a really welcoming atmosphere.

Boma at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort

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

You can see that the main buffet area is located at the front of the restaurant, while the seating area is off to the right.

Boma at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort

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

I really love that the seating areas offer tables that are slightly different and chairs that are even different too. It really makes the restaurant unique.

Boma at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort

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

Here is another photo from the interior of the restaurant that highlights all of the different spacious and unique seating in the restaurant. We were seated by the window on this visit and had some nice views of the outside of Jambo House.

The Food

Like most all-you-care-to-enjoy restaurants owned and operated by Disney, Boma offers an allergen guide. This guide can be used to identify what items on the buffet are safe for your special dietary needs. However, I always recommend speaking directly to a chef about options, including items not listed on the guide.

Boma Allergen Guide

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

On this visit, we spoke to Chef Mack. He was extremely helpful at discussing options. I also asked Chef Mack if he could bring us items directly from the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination rather than getting items from the buffet. This is one of my buffet pro tips if you have celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or food allergies. This helps minimize concerns of cross-contamination and still allows you to enjoy a restaurant that offers buffet style food.

Beverages at Boma at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort

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

While we waited for our food to arrive from the kitchen, we enjoyed some beverages. Brandon got coffee (shown above). If you’re dairy free, you can ask for non-dairy milk options too. Of course, don’t forget to get Jungle Juice. This is usually made with a combination of passion fruit juice, guava juice, and orange juice. At Disney’s Polynesian Resort it’s called POG Juice. This is always a must-get at Boma and a nice way to start your meal.

Plate of Food at Boma at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort

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

Chef Mack brought out lots of food on platters for us, so here are a few photo highlights. You can see a plate here filled with an omelet, grilled asparagus, ham, tater tots, and bacon.

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

Brandon and I loved the tater tots. These were made in a dedicated fryer in the kitchen to ensure they were safe for us. The tater tots on the buffet are not safe for those who are gluten free due to a shared fryer. So, it’s always good to ask the chef about options!

We also got scrambled eggs with goat cheese & chives and regular scrambled eggs too. I also got a side of turkey bobotie, which is gluten free but does contain dairy. Brandon couldn’t eat that dish because he is allergic to turkey.

Allergy-Friendly Mickey Waffles at Boma at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Boma - Allergy-Friendly Mickey Waffles / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Of course, we had to get Allergy-Friendly Mickey Waffles. These are gluten free, top 8 free, and vegan. We were served 100% pure maple syrup and a pecan praline sauce for me (because Brandon is allergic to peanuts and tree nuts). I sometimes ask for fun toppings like walnuts and banana chips too for a unique way to enjoy the waffles.

Don’t forget to ask for gluten free and dairy free pastries too. The restaurant usually has Kinnikinnick brand donuts and Udi’s muffins on hand too.

If you want to hear more about our experience at Boma and see more of the options that we ordered, check out the vlog we did for our YouTube channel for more information.

Overall

Boma is always an absolute winner when it comes to solid breakfast/brunch options. Brandon really loved his first experience there and keeps raving about the breakfast options that he got. If you like breakfast food, we highly recommend Boma for delicious and unique options. And, of course, the chefs there are always so amazing and ensure that you feel comfortable eating there with special dietary needs. We can’t wait to go back again!

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

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