The Wave Dinner Review

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

Dinner at The Wave

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

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

On this particular visit, we made reservations for the restaurant a few days before we dined there. I used the My Disney Experience app and found that there was a late evening seating, which we decided to book (the restaurant closed at 9 p.m.). The app worked as it normally does, and we were able to add in our special dietary needs in the app and alert cast members of our needs when we arrived at the restaurant. We tried to use online restaurant check-in when we arrived at The Wave, but it wasn't working on our visit. Cast members at The Wave were able to check us in though with no worries.

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

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

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

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

California Grill Dinner Review

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

Dinner at California Grill

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

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

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

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

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

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

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

/ Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

The Wave Lunch Review

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

Lunch at The Wave

The Wave, located at Disney's Contemporary Resort, is a favorite in our family. We love it for both breakfast and dinner, but it's not one we go to as much for lunch. Recently, my family came into town to celebrate my birthday, and we decided to try The Wave out again for lunch.

Atmosphere

I've written a lot of posts about The Wave, so I won't go into a lot of detail about the restaurant itself. I have a blog post from late in 2018 where I took a ton of photos and discussed that theming that you might be interested in if you're less familiar with the restaurant.

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

Because the restaurant is inspired by the ocean and "waves," you'll find lots of touches throughout the restaurant from the moment you step in the restaurant. Somehow I forgot to take a photo of the entrance this visit, so here's a photo from a previous visit (in December with holiday decorations!)

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

As you can see, there are waves everywhere you look in the restaurant -- even the chairs!

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

You'll even find those wave touches on the napkins in the restaurant too.

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

And, probably the most subtle of the wave touches is in the lighting fixtures.

The Food

Like most Disney owned restaurants, The Wave does offer an allergy-friendly lunch menu. Guests with special dietary needs can also always speak directly with a chef for additional questions that you might have too.

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

On this visit, both Brandon & I ordered fairly simple options -- both of which were listed on the allergy-friendly menu. For my lunch, I ordered the Grilled Chicken Sandwich which includes Herb Marinated Chicken Breast, Avocado, Applewood-smoked Bacon, Lemon Ailoi, Lettuce, and Tomato on an Allergy-Friendly Bun. This is marked safe for gluten/wheat, fish/shellfish, milk, and peanut/tree nut allergies. It was also served with waffle fries made in a dedicated fryer.

Overall, this sandwich is really good. This is the second time I've ordered it, and it's a sandwich I'd definitely get again. My only slight negative on the sandwich is the bun. The Wave currently uses Local Oven gluten free & dairy free buns, and I found the bun to be very crumbly. It fell apart pretty quickly into eating the sandwich. I'll admit, I've gotten spoiled by some of the newer bun options on property, like the Bloomfield Farms one served at Three Bridges Bar & Grill. The flavor & texture of that bun is a lot better than the one served at The Wave.

The fries are made in a dedicated fryer, and they're the same ones served at Geyser Point Bar & Grill. Since we knew that's what they served at The Wave too, we actually ordered a side order for me & Brandon to split too! You can't go wrong with waffle fries!

The Wave Food in photo is NOT Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon ordered the Signature Burger which can be made gluten free, but in this case, it was served on a regular gluten-filled bun. The Burger includes Signature Blend of Beef, Applewood-smoked Bacon, Cheddar, Red Onion, House-made Pickles, Lettuce, and Tomato and is served with waffle fries. This burger was safe for fish/shellfish, peanut/tree nut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies. If you're gluten free & dairy free, swap out the bun and omit the cheese.

As an aside, both Brandon and I raved about the thick cut bacon served on both of our sandwiches. It's nice to have decent bacon at a Disney restaurant and not that stringy Disney bacon we normally get served. So, if you're into good bacon, The Wave has got you covered.

The Wave - Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC Baby Yoda Cake / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Because it was my birthday, my mom special ordered a cake from Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC in Disney Springs to be delivered to The Wave. You can find out more information about pre-ordering a cake by visiting the bakery's website or calling them directly.

This cake was a Baby Yoda inspired cake that featured mint green frosting (that was mint flavored) and a chocolate cake decorated with Baby Yoda ears. It was a super delicious cake, and one of the best ones I've ever from Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC. It tasted super fresh and held up pretty well for a few days afterwards too.

Overall

While I wouldn't say The Wave's lunch menu features the restaurant's strongest offerings, it's still a great, affordable option for those who want a table service restaurant that is a little bit out of the way. Breakfast and dinner are still the best meals at The Wave, but I'm always glad lunch is an option too. Shoutout to our server Tim too who was awesome and really helped make the meal and the birthday cake surprise extra magical!

Have you been to The Wave? What's your favorite meal there?

Contempo Cafe Dinner Review

*This dining review took place in December 2019. It includes information about gluten free options, in addition to dairy free, fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, peanut free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free options.

Dinner at Contempo Cafe

Contempo Cafe, located in Disney's Contemporary Resort, is a quick service restaurant that serves classic American fare -- from burgers and sandwiches to pizza. Recently, we had dinner at Contempo Cafe with my family when they were on vacation at Disney World.

Atmosphere

Contempo Cafe is located on the Grand Canyon Concourse of the Contemporary Resort. This is where Chef Mickey's, shopping, and the entrance for the monorail are all located. It's definitely a hub, and you'll find that Contempo Cafe is situated directly in the middle of it all.

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

In my opinion, the theme of the restaurant itself is pretty bland. There's really not much to it. It's some basic seating and an ordering area. But, what the restaurant lacks in theme is made up for by the amazing atmosphere of the Grand Canyon Concourse.

Contempo Cafe - Ordering / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

One of my favorite things about the concourse is watching the monorail and looking at the Mary Blair art designs. The 90 foot mural of It's a Small World is directly next to Contempo Cafe, and it's always so much fun to look at.

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

There is a good amount of seating in this quick service restaurant. But, it can get pretty busy. We did see a lot of guests ordering food to-go while on their vacations. We had a rather large party, so we were able to put together several sets of tables for our group of 10 people.

The Food

When dining at Contempo Cafe, guests with special dietary needs will need to speak directly to a manager about options. In the past, the restaurant did offer an allergy-friendly menu, but I haven't seen one for this location in years. In my opinion, talking to a manager or chef directly is a much better option at quick service locations, especially at resort locations where you can discuss options and modifications.

On our recent visit to Contempo Cafe, manager Kelsey was absolutely fantastic and really went above and beyond to ensure that both Brandon and I had safe and delicious meals.

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

I decided to order the Barbecue Chicken Pizza based on Kelsey's recommendation. It was served on Udi's Gluten Free Pizza Crust layered with Barbecue Sauce, Allergy-Friendly Chicken Tenders, Triple-Cheese Blend, and topped with a Kale-Apple Slaw. The pizza does normally come with caramelized onions, but Kelsey said she wasn't sure about potential cross-contamination issues.

Can I just say how wowed I was by this pizza? It doesn't look all that appetizing, but the flavors were absolutely incredible. I loved the combination of the crispy allergy-friendly chicken tenders with BBQ sauce, lots of cheese, and the Kale-Appple Slaw. The slaw was the real star of the dish! I would definitely get this again, and I'm so glad Kelsey convinced me to try it.

On a side note, if you're dairy free, the restaurant does carry Daiya brand dairy free & vegan cheese, as well.

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

Brandon's meal turned out to be a bit of a disappointment, but he was very appreciative that Kelsey worked to make sure his meal was safe. He really wanted the Contempo Smokehouse Burger but too many of the components were no deemed safe for his special dietary needs. He ended up with a Bunless Bacon Cheeseburger with Baked French Fries. This dish was gluten free, fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, peanut free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free.

As we learned, Contempo Cafe has a dedicated allergy fryer that cooks allergy-friendly chicken tenders in it and does not currently offer a vegan fryer. This meant that Kelsey needed to bake Brandon's fries. He actually really liked them and said he thinks he prefers the baked versions to the fried ones.

The restaurant also warned Brandon against many of the bread options due to potential peanut cross-contamination with the bread production. You'll want to talk to the manager about options and use your best judgement with regard to cross-contamination. We were able to get him a gluten free bun that was peanut free.

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

For dessert, I did try out the Flourless Chocolate Cake. This is naturally gluten free (contains dairy), but Kelsey did get me a fresh one that was not housed in the bakery case to avoid cross-contamination concerns. While it wasn't my favorite dessert, it was very good. If you're a chocolate fan, you will really enjoy this particular option because it's very rich and chocolatey. For those with peanut and tree nut allergies, Kelsey did advise Brandon to avoid this dessert.

Overall

While Contempo Cafe hasn't always been my favorite quick service restaurant on property, I was pretty impressed with the food on our recent visit. Not only were the gluten free options great, but the Disney Cast Members there really went above and beyond to help ensure we had a safe and delicious meal. We likely won't dine here a lot because it was a challenge for Brandon to find many options, but we're both glad to know that we can get a meal here if we're at the Contemporary Resort.

Have you been to Contempo Cafe? What did you think of the special dietary needs options?

The Wave Breakfast Review

*This gluten free and dairy free review took place in December 2018.

Breakfast at The Wave

The Wave, located at Disney's Contemporary Resort, is a table service restaurant that has been on our favorite go-to restaurants on Disney property. Both Brandon and I like the low-key atmosphere and the style of food that is served at the restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On this particular occasion, I joined my family about 3 weeks after I had resection surgery for my Crohn's disease. It was my first meal out at any restaurant. Even though I was cleared to eat solid food and had no major dietary restrictions, I was still not eating much and taking it extremely easy. Thankfully, breakfast can be fairly easy going. And, the chefs at the Wave did an excellent job accommodating me.

Atmosphere

The Wave has a "wave" theme that is present in the chairs, ceiling decor, and just about everywhere you look. If you want to know a bit more about the theming, check out the dining review I posted where I go into a lot of detail about it.

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

One of the things that I liked about this visit was that they had some cute holiday decorations up throughout the restaurant.

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

As you can see, when we had breakfast here at around 9 a.m., the restaurant was not very busy at all. We were all surprised that it wasn't more crowded. Of course, it was a Sunday morning which may have affected the crowds.

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

Even though it wasn't crowded, we did actually have to wait for our table. I always love just hanging out in the lobby area, which includes a bar too. I love the almost underwater vibe the lobby and bar area have.

The Food

The Wave offers both an a la carte and buffet style breakfast options for guests. The a la carte options can be found on a standard allergy-friendly menu, while the buffet options for special dietary guests can be found on an allergen guide. I do recommend that you use these as a starting guide and ask to speak to a chef. They are fantastic at customizing and providing additional options not listed on their allergy-friendly menus.

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

I did ask to speak to a chef because I wanted to see if they could help make some super plain breakfast items for me. The chef, whose named I cannot remember, was so awesome. I explained that I'd just had a resection surgery and that I needed to eat pretty simply and blandly. She totally hooked me up with some easy-going breakfast items.

First up, she did bring me some Ener-G gluten free and dairy free toast with Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread. I was told they had a dedicated toast, but do be sure to double-check this before you go. I am always glad they have a GF DF toast option with vegan butter.

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

For my entree, I ordered the American breakfast which included two eggs cooked to order (in my case I got poached eggs), breakfast potatoes, and choice of bacon, pork sausage, or chicken sausage.

The normal version of this entree includes breakfast potatoes that include peppers and onions. I knew that would definitely not go well with my stomach, so I asked the chef if she could make plain breakfast potatoes, which I've had at the Wave before. I was also on the fence about the chicken sausage, so the chef gave me both sausage and bacon to try. This was a good thing too because I absolutely hated the chicken sausage. My brother, who is a chef, also tried it and said it reminded him of sausages from Sysco (a food vendor) that he's tried before. None of us were fans of the sausage.

I really didn't eat too much of my breakfast, not because it wasn't good, but because my body simply couldn't tolerate too much food. The poached eggs, plain potatoes, and toast were a perfect simple breakfast though. And, my brother and family who were with me at breakfast happily devoured the remains of what I hadn't eaten.

Overall

The Wave is a consistently good experience in terms of food and special dietary needs options. I'll admit that the last few visits we've had have had hit or miss experiences with service. But, in general, the service is typically very good at the Wave too. My family all got the breakfast buffet on this visit and really enjoyed it too.

Have you been to the Wave? What was your experience dining there?

The Wave Lunch Review at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

*This gluten free and dairy free dining experience took place in November 2018.

Lunch at The Wave

The Wave, located at Disney's Contemporary Resort, is a table service restaurant that Brandon and I have come to love for a low-key and delicious dinner at Disney World. I also really enjoy breakfast at The Wave. But, I've had just OK experiences at lunch. Recently, my mom came into town for holiday shopping. And, we decided to get lunch at The Wave to see if lunch had improved.

Atmosphere

Although I did not take many photos on this particular visit, you can read a bit more about the theme and decor inside The Wave on some of my previous reviews of the restaurant.

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

One of the things that I loved about our recent visit was that the restaurant had some holiday decorations up in the entrance and waiting area.

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

When we dined at The Wave, the restaurant was pretty quiet, so it was nice for a low-key lunch.

The Food

The Wave does offer an allergy-friendly lunch menu, and you can also speak to a chef at any time to discuss any questions that you might have. On this particular visit, I opted to order an entrée directly off the allergy-friendly menu. But, I probably should have asked to speak with a chef, as our server lacked much knowledge and was quite honestly one of the worst servers that we have had at Disney in years. So, when in doubt, do be sure to speak with a chef.

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

I ended up ordering the Grilled Chicken Sandwich which included Herb Marinated Chicken Breast, Avocado, Applewood-smoked Bacon, Lemon Ailoi, Lettuce, and Tomato on an Allergy-Friendly Bun. This dish was listed as being safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies.

Because my server could not tell me what the allergy-friendly side would be, I was pleasantly surprised to see waffle fries. I confirmed with another server that the fries were made in a dedicated allergy fryer. And, even better, they were the exact same waffle fries that are currently being served at Geyser Point Bar & Grill that Brandon and I love.

Overall, I thought the chicken sandwich was excellent. The combination of avocado, bacon, lemon aoili (aka mayonnaise), and chicken was perfect. Everything was well-seasoned and very flavorful. Add to it some delicious waffle fries, and you have a hearty and affordable lunch. My sandwich was $14, and I thought that was very reasonable given Disney's table service prices, even at lunch. I would definitely order this sandwich again.

Overall

While my mom and I both agreed that the food was excellent and the prices reasonable, we both felt the service made the lunch experience less than magical. That being said, Brandon and I have had some of the best servers on property take care of us at The Wave, so I'm guessing this experience was just a random fluke. I would definitely recommend The Wave for any meal offered there. I still think lunch is its weakest meal offering, but the lunch we had this time was the best we've had at The Wave. And, I would recommend it.

Have you been to The Wave? What's your favorite meal there?

The Wave Breakfast Review

*This gluten free dining experience took place in August 2018. Notes about dairy free options and modifications are included in this post.

Breakfast at The Wave

The Wave is a table service restaurant at Disney's Contemporary Resort that serves classic American fare with an emphasis on local and sustainable foods in a relaxed setting. It has quickly become one of our favorite places for a delicious and low-key meal. And, lately, I've been here for breakfast a few times. I recently had breakfast here with my brother before we went to the Magic Kingdom for a hearty breakfast to fuel us for some park touring.

Atmosphere

I've written about the atmosphere at the Wave in a lot of detail in one of my dinner posts. On this visit, I forgot to take a lot of photos because I was all about breakfast. But, as you can see, the restaurant has a large seating area with tables and booths and a strong theme of "waves" throughout.

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

One of the things I like most about the Wave is that the décor is simple, yet reflects its theme well. I love the touches of "waves" even in the chairs.

The Food

The Wave serves both an a la carte breakfast and a breakfast buffet. Guests have the option to choose and are presented with both an a la carte allergy-friendly breakfast menu and a breakfast buffet allergen guide. If you choose the buffet, a chef will walk you through the options if you like and prepare you foods in the kitchen to avoid any potential cross-contamination risks. On this visit, I decided to try the breakfast buffet instead of ordering a la carte.

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

The chef pointed out several dishes that were options for me on the breakfast buffet. And, I did try a few things directly from the buffet. This included fresh fruit salad, cheese and bacon grits, bacon, sausage, and deviled eggs. Of these, the cheese and bacon grits were by far my favorite. These are gluten free but do contain dairy and cannot be modified. The same is true for the deviled eggs, which had some cream cheese type topping on them.

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

The buffet includes eggs to order, although there are eggs on the buffet. And, I ordered a custom omelet with ham, cheese, and onion. I also asked for a side of gluten free (and dairy free) toast, and breakfast potatoes. The breakfast potatoes served on the buffet were more like a hash brown casserole with lots of dairy in them. I prefer the roasted potatoes that are typically served with allergy-friendly meals which are both gluten free and dairy free. I was able to get those from the kitchen upon request.

The gluten free bread currently being served at the Wave is Ener-G brand bread. I have to admit that it's really grown on me lately, as more and more restaurants are serving it. For those who are dairy free or vegan, you can also order Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread for your toast.

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

The omelet wasn't quite as good as the one I had at the Wave on my last visit for breakfast. But, it was still very tasty. The breakfast potatoes here are always a winner. You can ask for them to be served without the peppers and onions if they bother you, as they are simply topped on the potatoes rather than being cooked with them.

The Wave - Gluten Free Sweet Potato Pancakes / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Probably the biggest reason I decided to get the breakfast buffet on this visit were the gluten free and dairy free Sweet Potato Pancakes. These are a must-do and a signature Wave breakfast item. You do need to ask the chef if they have the right batter available and ready to go as sometimes they do run out. Essentially, they add sweet potato puree to the allergy-friendly pancake and waffle batter. Thankfully, they did have it on this visit, though it took quite a bit of time to get them. Unfortunately, these pancakes are a little tricky to work with, and I found out later that they had to make them 4 times in order to get them to the texture and consistency they wanted! I really appreciated the chef's efforts to make these for me.

One important note about these pancakes. They are a bit mushy. That's partially due to the moisture from the sweet potato. So, if you prefer a pancake that's a bit more classic in texture, you might want to avoid these. I personally love the for something a bit different. But, I wouldn't want them all the time either. Still, topped with some 100% pure maple syrup, and you have a real breakfast winner!

Overall

The Wave continues to be a good go-to restaurant for a solid meal, great special diets offerings, and a low-key atmosphere. When my brother and I went, it was busier than normal. But, it's usually fairly quite, making it a nice place to dine and not feel rushed. Overall, I think I prefer the a la carte breakfast menu options over the buffet as a whole. But, there's lots to enjoy when you dine at the Wave.

Have you been to the Wave? What did you order when you dined there?

The Wave -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- Contemporary Resort

*This gluten free dining experience took place in July 2018.

Breakfast at The Wave

The Wave, located in Disney's Contemporary Resort, is a table service that is often overlooked by Disney guests. Tucked away on the first floor of the Contemporary Resort, The Wave is a bit of a hidden gem when it comes to table service dining. Both Brandon and I really enjoy dinner at The Wave, and I have found breakfast to be equally solid. On this particular occasion, I made an early Sunday morning trip by myself to the Magic Kingdom and stopped by The Wave for breakfast. I hadn't been for breakfast in quite a while and thought it would be great to check it out again.

Atmosphere

In some of my dinner reviews, I have gone into more detail about the restaurant's atmosphere. As you can guess from the name, the restaurant reflects both waves and New American cuisine.I always appreciate that the restaurant's entrance looks like an artistic wave.I was seated in a small table in the main dining room. As you can see, the wave theme is found in the ceiling and on the chairs. I also like the modern carpet and colorful decor.

The Food

Of course, what I was really at The Wave for was the food! At breakfast this restaurant offers both an a la carte menu and a buffet. With this in mind, I was brought the allergy-friendly breakfast menu and the allergen guide for the buffet. At any time, you can also speak with a chef to discuss options, including having items from the buffet brought directly from the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination.On this visit, I opted to order from the a la carte menu. There were quite a few options on it, and the chefs at The Wave are very good at customizing too.I decided to order the Omelet Your Way with Your Choice of Ham, Bacon, Mushroom, Onion, Tomato, Cheese, or Spinach with Breakfast Potatoes. This is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. It can also be made dairy free upon request.Overall, I really enjoyed my omelet. I ordered mine with ham, onion, spinach, and topped with Tillamook Cheddar (since I've reintroduced dairy back into my diet). The omelet was well-cooked and chock full of ingredients. The breakfast potatoes were also quite good and seasoned well. I could have gone without all the peppers and onions, as they weren't as cooked down as I'd like them to be, but overall, the potatoes were a solid breakfast side.I also asked for gluten free toast with my breakfast. The non-special diets version of this entree comes with a biscuit, so it's worth asking for the side of toast because it was not listed as an included side. I wasn't charged extra for it, so that was a nice bonus too.On previous visits, I was served Udi's Gluten Free bread at both breakfast and dinner. But, on this visit, I was served Ener-G brand bread which is gluten free, dairy free, and vegan (and covers many other special dietary needs too). I also asked for a side of Earth Balance vegan buttery spread for the toast. Though I do eat some dairy now, believe it or not I still prefer the Earth Balance.The toast itself was quite good, and I have to say that I've been impressed with the Ener-G bread that I've been served recently. Disney seems to be adding it to more restaurants in place of Udi's Gluten Free bread. And, I have found that the Ener-G bread tastes better than what I remembered.On my way out, my server Victor offered me an iced tea to go. How adorable is the Mickey straw he gave me to go with the drink? Talk about a magical way to end a delicious breakfast.

Overall

The Wave consistently offers a delicious breakfast with a variety of options. Although I did not get them on this visit, guests can speak with a chef about ordering The Wave's signature sweet potato pancakes gluten free (and dairy free) too. Plus, their options for a la carte and all-you-care-to-enjoy style dining give you plenty to choose from. You definitely won't go hungry. If dining at a more low-key restaurant is your speed, you'll appreciate The Wave's more relaxed and quieter atmosphere too. This is a restaurant that I'll continue to visit for an occasional breakfast on a lazy Sunday or before heading into the parks.Have you been to The Wave? What did you enjoy when you dined there?

The Wave -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Contemporary Resort

*This gluten free dining experience took place in April 2018.

Dinner at The Wave

The Wave at Disney's Contemporary Resort has quickly risen to one of our favorite hidden gem restaurants at Disney. Brandon and I have always really enjoyed our meals here, and we love the fairly quiet and low-key atmosphere. On this particular occasion, we had dinner at the Wave with Brandon's parents. They had never been, and so we wanted to bring them to a restaurant that we really enjoy.

Atmosphere

Although I wouldn't say that the Wave's atmosphere at first glance is anything special, if you take some time to look around, you'll find some lovely decor and theming.One of my favorite touches at the Wave are the food prints found throughout the restaurant. The one above here represents pomegranate and the one in the photo below is an artichoke. Such a fun and subtle nod to all things food!As you can see by the photos, the "wave" theme is present in the waves on the chairs, in the candle holders at your table, and if you look at the ceiling, waves below the light fixtures.The Wave includes a side room, which is not always open when you dine there. On this occasion, they had opened it, and we were seated in a nice low-key corner of the room, which made for a nice meal with family.

The Food

The Wave does carry an allergy-friendly dinner menu, and you can always speak with a Disney chef at any time to discuss options.Prior to my meal, I was brought Udi's Gluten Free Bread which is both gluten free and dairy free, toasted. It came with some regular butter, as I forgot to ask for Earth Balance. But, the restaurant does have it on hand. I have found that the bread option here is my least favorite part of the meal, as the bread is often under-heated or not heated at all. So, if anything it was nice to see it toasted (they do have a dedicated allergy toaster).Because I have reintroduced dairy back into my diet, Brandon and I decided to split the Bacon and Eggs Appetizer. This comes with Maple-lacquered Pork Belly with Perfect Egg and Tillamook Smoked Cheddar Grits and is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies.As always, this is a WOW appetizer. The flavors are incredible, and this is one dish we have a hard time not ordering when we visit the Wave. It's that good!For my entree, I ordered the Pork Two Ways with Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Slow-roasted Berkshire Pork Belly, Spiced Apples, Bourbon-Bacon Jam, and Chestnut Puree. This is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut, and Soy Allergies.This was another WOW dish for me. I have ordered the pork entree from the Wave before, and it was good, but this one was so completely elevated. It was hands down the best thing I've ever ordered at the Wave. I think after I took about two bites I proclaimed that the Wave had stepped up their culinary game. It was just a show-stopper.From the gorgeous presentation to the combination of flavors, it was just perfection. I also shared a bite of this with Brandon, and he agreed that the pork on this dish was just outstanding. This was definitely heaven on a plate.Both Brandon and his mom ordered the Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Winter Vegetables, Potato-Celeriac Mash, and Red Wine Reduction. This was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. They both raved about the steak and said it was one of the most well-cooked steaks they'd had at Disney. Brandon also said that the potatoes were incredible. So, if you're a steak lover, this might be the dish for you at the Wave.

Overall

We were so pleased with our meal at the Wave. The food was absolutely incredible and really did feel like a step up from what was already a very solid restaurant. Everyone loved their dishes, and we all agreed that the new menu updates really elevated the restaurant's dining options. We will definitely be back again, and hopefully, before they update the menu again, because I definitely want to order the pork dish again. It was so good!Have you been to the Wave? What did you order when you dined there?

The Wave -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Contemporary Resort

*This dining experience took place in August 2017.

Dinner at The Wave

The Wave, located at Disney's Contemporary Resort, is a table service restaurant that has quickly become one of our favorite hidden gem restaurants on Disney property for breakfast and dinner. We've been several times recently, and on this visit, we stopped by randomly for dinner. One of the things that we like best about the Wave is that you can almost always get a last minute reservation, which is great.

Atmosphere

I wouldn't say that the Wave has the most amazing atmosphere. It does have many visual touches that represent real ocean waves and the concept of sustainability for food. It's not anything fancy, but I do appreciate the little details throughout the restaurant.I recommend checking out my previous review for more photos inside the restaurant.

The Food

One of the things that keeps us coming back to the Wave is the food. Brandon is a huge fan of their steaks, and I appreciate that they have a lot of different gluten free (and even dairy free) options.On this particular visit, we had to wait a bit for our reservation time, as the restaurant was quite busy. So, we made our way to the bar to order an appetizer and drinks. I absolutely love the little touches...including the cute Contemporary swizzle sticks served with every drink.The cheese plate served at the Wave can be made gluten free by omitting bread. We usually get bread on the side for Brandon, when offered, so he can still enjoy it while avoiding cross-contamination. Overall, we enjoy the Wave cheese plates a lot. They do rotate cheeses, and we like the accompaniments that come with the cheese too.Once we were seated in the main dining area, we were greeted by our server Alan. If you go to the Wave for dinner, ask for Allan. He's a rockstar and has been our server on several occasions. He's really awesome and always helps make our meal even better.He did bring me some gluten free & dairy free Ener-G rolls, which I have to say I'm not a huge fan of. I much prefer the Deanna's Gluten Free rolls any day. Unfortunately, the Ener-G rolls get rock hard and inedible pretty quickly. If you're dairy free, make sure to ask for some Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread instead of regular butter.We opted to split the Bacon and Eggs appetizer which is Gluten Free, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Free. It does contain dairy. If you can have dairy, this is a must order. We both loved it and splitting it is a good way to break up all the richness of the dish. The Wave definitely has a winner with this appetizer.For my entree, I ordered the Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Three-Potato and Bacon Hash, Broccolini, and Blackberry-Barbecue Sauce. This is marked Gluten Free, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Free. It does contain dairy. Overall, I really liked the dish. I think I preferred their previous pork dish, but this was quite nice too. The winner was the three-potato bacon hash. But, the pork was really well cooked and super flavorful. I would definitely get this again.

Overall

The Wave is a consistent and inviting hidden gem of a restaurant on Disney property. It's great for a nice relaxing meal that's a bit off the beaten path. If you're staying at the Contemporary Resort or need a break while at the Magic Kingdom, dinner or even brunch at the Wave is a great choice.Have you been to the Wave? What did you order when you went there?

California Grill -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Contemporary Resort

*This dining experience took place in October 2016.California Grill, located at Disney's Contemporary Resort, is a signature dining location with impressive views of the Walt Disney World Resort. Because of that, it's a popular restaurant and one that often books up 180 days in advance.I had not been to California Grill since 2013, when it had recently re-opened after a lengthy refurbishment. The food was great, the atmosphere amazing, but the service we had in 2013 (for my brother's 30th birthday) was not so great.On this particular occasion, I visited California Grill with a friend from college who was visiting from out-of-town. California Grill is one of his favorite restaurants, so it was a great excuse to visit.California Grill carries an allergy-friendly menu, like most restaurants at Disney. I had looked at the menu here on my site before going to dinner, but California Grill does frequently update its menu.Of course, you can always speak to a chef upon arrival if you have any questions or are interested in additional menu modifications (or your special dietary need is not listed on the menu). For instance, none of the beef options on the menu are currently listed as gluten free, but I'm sure with some easy modifications they could be.Prior to ordering, our server Donald brought me Ener-G rolls and some butter (you can request extra virgin olive oil too). I only tried a bite of the roll and decided not to even ask for olive oil. I am always so disappointed when a restaurant like California Grill serves Ener-G. They weren't well heated and turned hard very quickly.I would have much preferred the GNI / Deanna's Gluten Free rolls, which are much tastier.For an appetizer, I ordered the Artisan Tacos with Adobo Fish, House-made Cilantro-Corn Tortillas, Pickled Red Onion, and an Avocado mash. It normally comes with crema, but I asked for it to be served without it in order to make it dairy free. With this modification, the dish was gluten free and dairy free.The flavors on this were really nice. It was a bright flavorful dish -- though I think the flavor of the delicate fish was lost on the bold flavors of the accompaniments. Still, it was a really large portion for an appetizer and could easily be an entree with a side salad.For my entree, I chose the Pork Two Ways with Grilled Tenderloin, Goat Cheese Polenta, Mushrooms, and Lacquered Pork Belly. This is gluten free, egg, fish/shellfish, and peanut/tree nut free, but does contain dairy (goat cheese).This was a beyond amazing entree. Simply the best thing I've ever ordered at California Grill, and it might be one of the best entrees I've ever ordered at a signature dining location. The pork tenderloin was unbelievably tender and well seasoned. The pork belly was the absolute star of the dish (because...well, pork fat rules!). It was so rich and tender and the sauce on it was insanely good. The goat cheese polenta was very flavorful but not overpowering in goat cheese.Overall, it all balanced so well. I may have nearly licked my plate, it was so good!For dessert, I could have ordered a sorbet, but because I've been reintroducing a bit of dairy back into my diet, I tried the Chocolate Pudding Cake with Nutella Filling, Meringue Kisses, and Chantilly Cream. It is both gluten free and peanut free.This was so super rich, so only a few bites were necessary for me, but wow. What flavors! The rich cake was really just dense chocolate with Nutella. The meringue and homemade marshmallows on the side were really nice too. Overall, this was a rich decadent dessert that if you're gluten free and can have dairy is a must!During dessert, I also opted for a pot of hot peppermint tea. The flavors were perfect, and it was excellent to have after a few bites of the rich dessert.California Grill has an entire tea menu, so definitely check it out if you like tea.After dinner, we walked to the observation deck and checked out the amazing view of Walt Disney World and Orlando. On a clear night, you can see a lot of the city, and it's a spectacular view. If you are at California Grill at the right time, you can also see Wishes on the deck too (they also pipe in the music). If you finish dinner earlier than the time for Fireworks, you are allowed to come back as a dining guest after your meal to enjoy the view, which is a nice bonus.Overall, I was extremely impressed with the dinner I had at California Grill. The food was incredible and the server was impeccable this time. I can highly recommend our server Donald, who was very attentive throughout our meal. California Grill is definitely a lovely spot for a special occasion, and it's great to know that guests with special dietary needs have many options while dining there.

Contempo Cafe -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Contemporary

*This dining experience took place in August 2015.Contempo Cafe, located at Disney's Contemporary Resort, is the resort's standard quick service location. While I can't say I've ever been blown away by the food options here, I do love the atmosphere and the fact that I can watch the monorail whiz by as I dine.On this particular occasion, I stopped by for a quick lunch and was hoping to get something a bit different, or at least, not allergy chicken tenders. After reading the allergy friendly menu ahead of time (thanks to Gluten Free in Orlando), I was hoping to get the Maine Lobster Sandwich.After speaking with a manager, who confirmed the sandwich was also dairy free, I ordered this along with French fries. The restaurant gives you a pager, so I spent some time taking in the sights while my food was being prepared.The sandwich itself was fairly pricey, and after eating it, I didn't think it was worth the money. The sandwich was overly mayonnaised which took away from the fresh taste of the lobster. There was a good amount of lobster in this sandwich, but I preferred some other versions, like the one I had at Raglan Road.  Still, it was nice to be able to order a lobster roll.Overall, I liked my meal well enough at Contempo Cafe. It's not a location I frequent much, but I'm glad that they have safe options and have expanded their gluten free menu offerings a bit.Have you been to Contempo Cafe? What did you order when you dined there?