Planet Hollywood Dinner Review
*These gluten free dining experiences took place in June 2019. It includes information dishes safe for peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish, and chicken & turkey allergies.
Dinner at Planet Hollywood
Planet Hollywood, located in Disney Springs, is a table service restaurant that is not owned & operated by the Disney Company. It serves a variety of burgers, sandwiches, entrees, and salads -- really something for just about everyone and is often an easy restaurant to get a table at when most of Disney Springs' table service restaurants are booked. Last month, we had dinner there before heading to a movie. We both enjoyed our burgers at that dinner. So, recently, we decided to grab another quick bite there when we were craving a sit-down restaurant with decent burgers.
Atmosphere
Planet Hollywood's Disney Springs location is themed after an observatory. So, you'll see the "star" theme throughout the restaurant in its decor as an observatory and with the Hollywood movie star memorabilia.
Planet Hollywood Exterior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I have to admit that I personally find the theming a bit odd. And, both Brandon and I were saying that if they stuck with one theme or another (movies versus the observatory theme) that the theming would be stronger and more cohesive. As of right, the theme feels very jumbled.
Planet Hollywood - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On our most recent visit, we were seated on the main floor. And, it was very loud. That's probably the most noticeable thing when you dine there. The volume can be very loud, depending on where you're seated. If you're concerned with noise, I might recommend the bar/lounge areas that are a bit more removed from the noise and crowds.
Planet Hollywood - R2D2 / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I do still love all the movie props at Planet Hollywood. Of course, we both immediately found the Star Wars memorabilia and had to take a photo of R2D2!
The Food
Because Planet Hollywood is not owned and operated by the Disney Company, they do not offer guests an allergy-friendly menu. On our previous visit, the manager came to our table to discuss options. On this visit, we were greeted by Chef Alejandro, who was super helpful and friendly.
Both Brandon and I wanted to get the same thing we ordered the last time -- the Prime Time American Kobe Burger. Chef Alejandro was talking through the modifications and said he was surprised we were both served essentially plain burgers last time. He said that he recommends to always ask to speak with a chef directly as he was able to make custom items for us and that the managers often err on the side of caution and order dishes plain. He was also extremely apologetic which surprised us both. Neither one of us was upset that we got plain burgers on the last visit because they were still really good (and we both would rather have something plain than get sick).
Planet Hollywood / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
About 5 minutes after we ordered our food with Chef Alejandro, he came back with a surprise treat for us. He said he felt so terrible that we had misinformation from the previous visit, that he brought us a makeshift nacho plate to enjoy while we waited for our food to be prepared. This was really nice and unexpected and shows how much chefs at Disney World, even if they don't work at Disney owned restaurants, care about special dietary needs guests.
While nothing special, we both enjoyed nibbling on the nachos, which were gluten free, fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free.
Planet Hollywood / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For my Prime Time American Kobe Burger, Chef Alejandro made me some caramelized onions instead of adding the onion jam normally served on the burger. I also had lettuce, onion, tomato, and pickle on the side (not shown in the photo). Even with less toppings than the "normal" version, this burger is still really good.
Instead of French fries, Chef Alejandro gave me pan-fried potato wedges, which were just as good as the previous visit.
Planet Hollywood / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For Brandon's Prime Time American Kobe Burger, he was served the onion jam and onion straws (made in a dedicated fryer) along with French fries -- also made in a dedicated fryer. Brandon was told to avoid the Donkey Sauce because it contains anchovies in it.
He was really pleased with his burger and enjoyed all the elements. It was also really nice to see that Chef Alejandro could keep most of Brandon's burger intact for fish/shellfish, peanut, and chicken & turkey allergies with minimal modifications.
Overall
While it's nothing fancy, our recent experience at Planet Hollywood was a good one. We bought think the burgers there are really good and not too badly priced. Thanks to Chef Alejandro for making sure we were well-taken care and safe throughout our meal. And for the bonus nachos! Planet Hollywood isn't our top choice in Disney Springs, but we're always glad it's an option and that guests with special diets can get a variety of dishes when they dine there.
Have you been to Planet Hollywood? What's your experience at this restaurant been?