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 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 - 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 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 / 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 / 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 - 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.

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 / 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 / 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 / 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 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 - 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 / 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 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 - 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 / 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 / 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 / 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?

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 / 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 / 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 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 - 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 - 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?

Yachtsman Steakhouse Dinner Review

*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 / 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 / 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 / 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 / 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 / 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 / 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 - 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 / 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 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 / 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?

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Dinner Review

*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?

Connections Eatery Lunch Review

*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 / 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 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 / 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 / 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 / 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 / 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?

Turf Club Dinner Review

*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.

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 - 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 / 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.

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.

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!

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 / 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!

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 - 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?

Citricos Dinner Review

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

Dinner at 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 / 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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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?

Boatwright’s Dining Hall Dinner Review

*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 / 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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?

Olivia’s Cafe Breakfast Review

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

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 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 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 - 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 / 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 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?

Steakhouse 71 Lunch Review

*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 / 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 / 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 / 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 - 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 (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 (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?

Boma Breakfast Review

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

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 / 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 / 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 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 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 / 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 / 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.

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.

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?

Toledo Dinner Review

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

Dinner at Toledo

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

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

Enchanted Rose Lounge Review

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

Drinks and Appetizers at Enchanted Rose Lounge

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

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

Nomad Lounge Dinner Review

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

Dinner at Nomad Lounge

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

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

Citricos Dinner Review

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

Dinner at Citricos

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

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

Tusker House Dinner Review

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

Dinner at Tusker House

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

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

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

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

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

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

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The main skillet contained the following items:

• Moroccan-spiced Beef

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

• Berber-Marinated Pork

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

• Spit-roasted Herb Chicken

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

• Jasmine Rice

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

• Roasted Potatoes

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

• Green Beans with Carrots and Corn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

Garden Grill Lunch Review

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

Lunch at Garden Grill

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

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

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

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

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

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

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

Les Chefs de France Dinner Review

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

Dinner at Chefs de France

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

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

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

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

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

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

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

‘Ohana Breakfast Review

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

Breakfast at ‘Ohana

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

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

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

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

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

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

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

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

Be Our Guest Restaurant Dinner Review

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

Dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant

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

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

On this particular visit, we made reservations for the restaurant about a week before we dined there. I used the My Disney Experience app and found that there was a later evening seating, which we decided to book (the restaurant closed at 8 p.m. when we dined there). The app worked as it normally does, and we were able to add in our special dietary needs in the app and alert cast members of our needs when we arrived at the restaurant. We were able to easily check in using the mobile app, though we have found checking in using the app to be very hit or miss. 

The restaurant itself featured many mechanisms to provide sanitization, social distancing, and safety for both guests and cast members. We were actually asked to wait outside versus inside before our table was ready to ensure social distancing. All cast members wore facial masks and some cast members also wore protective shields, as well. All servers in the restaurant wore both facial masks and protective shields.

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

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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