4/23/21 4/23/21

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Dinner Review

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

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

Dinner at Jock Linsey's Hangar Bar

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

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

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

Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

8/3/20 8/3/20

The BOATHOUSE Dinner Review

The BOATHOUSE is one of our go-to table service restaurant locations whenever we want to dine in Disney Springs. We have always enjoyed their special dietary needs accommodations and terrific meals. On this occasion, we had an impromptu dinner at The BOATHOUSE during a visit to Disney Springs in early June after it had reopened after it closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this review, we'll not only share our meal experience, we'll also explore how the restaurant handled social distancing and other safety measures during our visit.

*This post contains a dining review that took place in June 2020 after Disney Springs reopened after the closure related to COVID-19. 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 The BOATHOUSE

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

On this particular visit, we did not make a dining reservation at The BOATHOUSE, but were able to get a walk-up seating due to low-crowds and attendance when we went to Disney Springs. You can still make dining reservations via the My Disney Experience, DisneyWorld.com, and Open Table. We have heard that Disney Springs is a bit busier now, so reservations are recommended.

In terms of safety protocols, the restaurant not only had social distancing markers outside the restaurant, but inside the restaurant, tables were greatly reduced with different color table cloths on some tables to indicate more than 6 feet apart (and which were not used to seat guests). All cast members wore masks.

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

Atmosphere

We love the theme of The BOATHOUSE. It's decidedly nautical, and we love everything about it.

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

On our visit, you can see that while this restaurant did still have guests, it wasn't too busy. This photos gives you a good idea of the restaurant's theme too with the neat amphicars that you can ride in along with a giant boat above the restaurant's entrance.

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

While we had one table with people near us (the table is shown above) for about the first 5-10 minutes of our meal, we did not have any other guests nearby for most of our dining experience. It was not only very reassuring from a safety perspective, but it made for some great photos, as well.

We were seated in the dining room at the very far end of the restaurant. Brandon loves this room, as he says it reminds him of many restaurants from the 1980s and 1990s, with dark wood features and unique light fixtures.

Here's a more expansive shot of the dining room. And, as you can see, there was literally no one in there by the time we were done with our meal.

There are a lot of other wonderful dining areas in The BOATHOUSE. We both love how each dining room is different in theme and decor. Here's a photo from another dining room. You can see the giant nautical artwork along with lighter colored chairs too.

The Food

Though The BOATHOUSE is not owned and operated by the Disney Company and does not carry an allergy-friendly menu, we have always been impressed by how well they can accommodate guests with special dietary needs. Because we were visiting just a few weeks after Disney Springs had reopened, we weren't sure how plentiful the food options would be or if any protocols had changed.

We were both pleasantly surprised to see the same protocols in place and offerings too. The menu was slightly reduced, but both Brandon and I noted that it was still fairly large. We had the option to speak with a manager or a chef, which was great.

The BOATHOUSE - Gluten Free Dinner Roll — The BOATHOUSE / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

One of the biggest concerns that I have heard from other Disney guests about the reopening has been whether or not Disney and non-Disney owned restaurants would still still have special dietary needs products. I am happy to report that at The BOATHOUSE, we were still able to get their allergy-friendly rolls with no issues.

This roll is essentially their gluten free & dairy free bun (I believe Udi's brand), so it's nothing fancy. But, I was so glad to be offered this both as a starter and if I wanted a sandwich. The only slight negative on this visit is that it wasn't heated very well.

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

Brandon and I decided that since this was our first dining experience in a restaurant in nearly 3 months that we would get whatever we wanted for our meal. We decided that we wanted an appetizer, and we ordered the Wedge Salad to split. This dish was made to be safe for gluten/wheat, fish/shellfish, peanut, cabbage, hazelnut, and chicken & turkey allergies. If you have other needs, like dairy free, there are some other great salad options that can be made dairy free too.

We both absolutely loved this salad. And, can you believe that the photo above is only half a portion of it?! The manager offered to split the salad for us, and we were both shocked when it arrived as the salads were huge. I will give credit where credit is due. The BOATHOUSE does not skimp on portions! Both of us agreed that we'd definitely split this salad again for its fresh flavor.

This is a terrible photo of the fish tacos that I ordered, as I somehow managed to forgot to take a photo at the restaurant (and had to screenshot the image from our YouTube video). The dish can be made gluten free by omitting the side of tortilla chips (because they are made in a shared fryer). If you're dairy free, ask them to omit the crema.

While the fish in the tacos was outstanding, the overall tacos were just OK. I absolutely loved the old version of these fish tacos, which I ordered regularly. This version was good but couldn't compare to the amazingness of the original fish tacos. It definitely felt like the tacos were missing something. Next visit, I would order something else.

The BOATHOUSE - Steak & Potatoes — The BOATHOUSE / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon went with a classic steak, which came with steamed baby red potatoes that were tossed in a parsley butter and Old Bay seasoning. Brandon said that both the steak and the potatoes were outstanding, and he was very pleased with his meal choice. This dish was made safe for fish/shellfish, peanut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies. This should also be gluten free or easily made GF too.

If you're a steak fan, The BOATHOUSE has excellent options, so we always recommend them if you're not a fan of seafood or have seafood allergies.

The BOATHOUSE - Mac & Cheese is NOT gluten free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW — The BOATHOUSE - Mac & Cheese is **NOT** gluten free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

A must have on any visit for Brandon is the gluten-filled macaroni & cheese. The portion is beyond huge, and Brandon loves how cheesy this mac & cheese is. It's definitely a sharing dish, so keep that in mind! We actually took leftovers home of this because he couldn't finish it.

As a side note, I've heard several reports of gluten free guests being able to get gluten free mac & cheese at The BOATHOUSE. I might have to ask about this whenever we visit next to learn more!

If you're curious about our visit to The BOATHOUSE and Disney Springs and want to see more, check out our vlog from this visit. We shared highlights from Disney Springs along with our meal experience too.

Overall

The BOATHOUSE continues to be a great option if you're visiting Disney Springs. On this visit, we both enjoyed our meals and were pleasantly surprised by how well the restaurant handled safety protocols in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Add in excellent special diets accommodations, and it's definitely a location we'll continue to visit for a great and safe meal.

Have you been to The BOATHOUSE? What did you enjoy when you dined there?

5/13/20 5/13/20

Homecomin’ Kitchen Dinner Review

Homecomin' Kitchen, located in Disney Springs, is one of those restaurants that I rarely go to. Not because it's not good. But, because it's so popular that it's hard to get a reservation or be able to dine here as a "walk-up." Brandon and I have tried to eat at Homecomin' nearly a half a dozen times without success. On this visit, we stopped by in January later in the evening and were pleasantly surprised that the walk-up wait time was only 20-30 minutes. So, we decided it was finally time to have a meal there together, because while I had been there several times, Brandon had never eaten there.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in January 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.

Dinner at Homecomin' Kitchen

Atmosphere

Homecomin' Kitchen's theme is decidedly Florida Southern. There's lots of bright colors, cozy chairs, and plenty of Southern hospitality.

Homecomin' Kitchen - Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I especially like all of the wood throughout the restaurant. The cheery decor is both rustic and chic.

Homecomin' Kitchen - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I also the cozy chairs at the tables. It feels very welcoming and inviting. If I had one complaint, it's that the tables are entirely too close together with the cozy chairs.

We were seated at a table really close to others and in a spot that seemed to be causing issues with servers moving through with food and drinks. If you have any specific seating preferences, like a booth or corner, it's good to let the Homecomin' Kitchen team know ahead of time.

The lighting fixtures and murals are some of the best decor features of Homecomin' Kitchen. Both Brandon and I really loved the potato sack lined chandelier in the middle of the restaurant.

There are so many great nods to Florida and local features -- including this beautifully crafted wooden table. Overall, the theme of the restaurant really is very inviting.

The Food

Homecomin' Kitchen has become so popular -- mostly because of its Southern and Florida local fare. As a gluten free and dairy free guest, I would recommend going to another restaurant, as this location is very dairy heavy (though there are a few dishes that are options). How and what they can accommodate will definitely depend on your special dietary needs.

Because Homecomin' Kitchen is not owned and operated by Disney, they do not have an allergy-friendly menu. However, some of the menu notes items that are gluten free (as is). And, you'll also be able to speak directly with a manager to talk through options. On this visit, the manager (whose name I have forgotten) was fantastic at working with us to ensure both us had a great and safe meal.

Homecomin' Kitchen / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my meal, I opted to order the Country Club with grilled chicken, topped with white cheddar, pecan-smoked bacon, red jalapeño jelly, lettuce & tomato served on an Udi's gluten free bun with a side of mashed potatoes. This dish was gluten free but contained dairy. Guests can order this gluten free by omitting the cheese and choosing a different side dish.

Overall, the sandwich was very good. The chicken was very flavorful, and I love the restaurant's pecan-smoked bacon. I also really loved the red jalapeño jelly, which gave the sandwich a sweet and spicy kick. The mashed potatoes (if you can have dairy) and rich and creamy and quite tasty.

I'd get this entree again, though next time I might get a dairy free side like collard greens or Southern slaw. Because the restaurant doesn't have a dedicated fryer, you are a bit more limited on options at the restaurant.

Homecomin' Kitchen - Mac & Cheese in this Photo is NOT Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW — Homecomin' Kitchen - Mac & Cheese in this Photo is **NOT** Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon ordered the Art Burger which came with two beef patties topped with American cheese, Art's special sauce, tomato-bacon jam, lettuce, tomato, onion & pickles. Somehow neither Brandon or I could find a picture of the burger. I don't know if we forgot to take a photo, which is possible, because his meal came out a little later than mine.

Because of Brandon's allergies to fish/shellfish and chicken & turkey, the manager recommended that he order a burger and that the kitchen cook it in a pan to avoid cross-contamination. We were both really impressed that the manager was proactive and took extra steps to ensure Brandon's safety. Unfortunately, something happened during the prep process, as they put chips on his plate. The chips weren't safe for either of us due to a shared fryer, so the manager had the kitchen re-make Brandon's burger. We were so grateful for this and really appreciative of the manager keeping a close eye on our meals.

In between, the manager brought Brandon a plate of macaroni & cheese so that he could enjoy some food while we waited for his burger (and so my food didn't get cold). He also came back several times and when Brandon said how much he loved the mac & cheese, the manager actually gave us a to-go package of it to heat up at home since we had to wait for Brandon's burger. That was another nice touch, and I was glad to see the Homecomin' Kitchen team going above and beyond during our meal. And, Brandon was pretty happy with at home mac & cheese too!

Overall

Both of us enjoyed our meals, despite the slight hiccup with Brandon's meal. Both of us agreed that it's not our favorite place at Disney Springs, but that we liked it a lot. I don't think there's a ton of variety for either of us as special dietary needs guests. But, if we're craving some Southern cooking, it's a nice spot for a meal. I also really enjoy the brunch at Homecomin' Kitchen too.

Have you been to Art Smith's Homecomin' Kitchen? What did you order when you dined there?

2/16/20 2/16/20

City Works Eatery & Pour House Dinner Review

City Works Eatery & Pour House is the newest table service restaurant to open in Disney Springs. Officially opening on February 6, 2020, this sports bar style restaurant features 90 beers on tap, lots of hard ciders (for us GF folks who can't have beer), and classic American bar fare. Recently, the team at City Works Eatery & Pour House invited us to come visit the restaurant to check out their special dietary needs options.

*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.

*Disclosure: We were invited guests of City Works Eatery & Pour House for a complimentary dinner; however, I was not required to write this post and all opinions are my own.

Dinner at City Works Eatery & Pour House

Atmosphere

Located next to the NBA Experience and across from the House of Blues and Cirque du Soleil, City Works Eatery & Pour House definitely fits the vibe of this area of Disney Springs.

City Works Eatery & Pour House - Exterior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

You can't miss the entrance area and brightly lit screens featuring sports games.

City Works Eatery & Pour House - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Both Brandon and I were pleasantly surprised by the interior of City Works Eatery & Pour House. I'm not sure entirely what I expected, but I suppose I thought it would resemble more of a classic sports bar. To me, the restaurant was extremely modern and chic.

There's plenty of seating in the restaurant for all types of guests -- including ample classic bar seating, high top tables, booths, and even outdoor seating.

Do take a look not only at your menu but also the giant billboard signs featuring all of their beers and ciders on top. It's pretty impressive!

We were seated at a high-top table, which we really liked. You can see that the tables were simple with cushy chairs.

I think Brandon mentioned this in our vlog, but the restaurant itself is surprisingly long. I have to admit that makes it feel quite unique from the other restaurants at Disney Springs. It definitely helps make the restaurant feel larger and also more open too.

The Food

City Works Eatery & Pour House is not owned and operated by the Disney Company, so they do not currently offer an allergy-friendly menu. But, the menu does indicate some dishes that are gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan. And, your server along with a manager will talk you through any options and special dietary needs accommodations including cross-contamination concerns.

City Works Eatery & Pour House - Hard Cider / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Both Brandon and I did decide to get drinks. It is a pour house after all! While Brandon opted for a Goose Island Beer Co. Bottlenectar beer (not gluten free), I opted for a glass of Ace Perry Hard Cider. Most hard ciders are gluten free, but of course, be sure to ask any questions you might have about potential gluten containing ingredients (such as added flavors).

Ace Hard Cider is labeled gluten free, and I have had their ciders on quite a few occasions. It's a nice option when you're looking for a gluten free alcoholic beverage. While this pear hard cider wasn't my favorite (a little to sweet for me), I think it's a solid option if you like a classic hard cider.

City Works Eatery & Pour House - Kung Pao Cauliflower — City Works Eatery & Pour House / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Up first, I decided to get the Kung Pao Cauliflower as a starter. This was marked gluten free and vegan on the menu. The dish includes roasted cauliflower, sweet peppers, green onions, garlic, ginger, arbol chiles, fried peanuts, chili oil, sweet and spicy tamari.

Because of Brandon's peanut allergy, I did ask about the peanuts and was told that they could be removed -- making the dish peanut free. Unfortunately, I was served a version with peanuts, so Brandon was unable to try this. Thankfully, his allergy is not so severe that he can't be near peanuts, but we did take proper protocols afterwards to ensure that both he and I were gluten free and peanut free to avoid any cross-contamination. Generally, we try to be as peanut free as possible to avoid any potential for allergic reactions.

Overall, I really liked this dish a lot. It was a little sweet and definitely quite spicy. I especially loved the combination of cauliflower and spices. It was a super unique appetizer, and I'm glad I tried it. I might actually consider ordering this with chicken or shrimp next time and making it my meal. It was the surprise hit of the dishes I tried.

City Works Eatery & Pour House - Food in image is NOT gluten free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW — City Works Eatery & Pour House - Food in image is **NOT** gluten free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Because Brandon can have gluten, he decided to try the Pretzel Bites. These most definitely are NOT gluten free -- both the bites and the cheese sauce contain gluten (beer in the cheese sauce). Brandon said these were outstanding and would definitely get these again.

These were fish/shellfish free, peanut free, hazelnut free, cabbage free, and chicken & turkey free.

City Works Eatery & Pour House - GF Cheeseburger — City Works Eatery & Pour House / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my entree, I decided to get the Bacon Cheeseburger on a gluten free (and vegan) bun. The restaurant currently does not offer an allergy-friendly dedicated fryer. So, if you're gluten free or have other allergies, you'll need to choose a non-fried side. I ended up with a side salad with a house vinaigrette. The salad itself was nothing too special but it was a nice solid little side to the massive burger I ended up with!

This photo truly does not do this burger justice. It was huge! The thick-cut candied bacon was phenomenal. And, if you can have cheese, you'll love the combination of aged Vermont white and yellow cheddar cheeses. If you're dairy free, the only modification you need is to omit the cheese. The burger itself was solid, but the cheese, candied bacon, and the Hilltop Hearth gluten free bun really made it. I would definitely get this burger again.

City Works Eatery & Pour House / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon decided to try the Filet Medallions which was marked gluten free on the menu. This dish came with pan-seared filet medallions, bleu cheese mashed potatoes, sauteed baby arugula, red wine demi-glace.

I'm not exaggerating when I say that Brandon scarfed his filet medallions down so quickly that I barely realized he was done. They were that good! Because we had both been cross-contamination with peanuts and gluten, we didn't share any dishes, so I didn't get to try this. But, Brandon raved all night about it.

His only suggestion was to reduce the amount of arugula served with this dish and increase the amount of mashed potatoes a bit. Of course, Brandon is a huge mashed potatoes fan, so he'll never turn down more mashed potatoes! If you're looking for an entree option, the filet medallions are a solid bet.

Brandon decided to get dessert, and the only real option that we could both get was the Root Beer Float. Served with regular vanilla ice cream and root beer, Brandon really said this was a nice dessert option. And, as you can see, it was a huge portion too!

If you want to see our full review as we dined, check out our vlog. It's another fun way to share the experience with all of you and our initial thoughts about the restaurant and our meal.

Overall

Both Brandon and I agreed that City Works Eatery & Pour House is a solid addition to Disney Springs. There really wasn't a sports bar style restaurant in Disney Springs prior to this. And, I think that will serve it well, as it's just another option for guests to choose from. Both of us really enjoyed our meal options -- though I think my one suggestion for the restaurant would be to consider a dedicated allergy-friendly fryer in the future. So many restaurants in Disney World offer this, and it's a nice feature that will encourage guests with special dietary needs to come visit even more!

A huge shout-out to the team at City Works Eatery & Pour House for inviting us to come to the restaurant and check things out. Special shout-out to our server Reuben and manager Riley who were both phenomenal! We're looking forward to visiting City Works Eatery & Pour House again soon.

What do you think of the special dietary needs options at City Works Eatery & Pour House? What would you want to order if you dined there?

1/1/20 1/1/20

The BOATHOUSE Dinner Review

The BOATHOUSE is a table service restaurant that is one of our favorites in Disney Springs. We often dine here with family & friends visiting or for special occasions, like birthdays. It's definitely become a popular dining destination for us because it has a lot of variety and accommodation for guests with special dietary needs and the quality of the food & service is top notch. Recently, we had dinner here twice -- once when a dear friend was visiting and another for Brandon's birthday celebration with his family.

*This post contains two dining reviews that 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 The BOATHOUSE

Atmosphere

We love the theme of The BOATHOUSE, which is, of course, nautical in nature.

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

From the moment you walk up to The BOATHOUSE, you'll find lots of boats and waterfront decor.

The BOATHOUSE - Holiday Decorations / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I love that even during the holiday season they decorated with nautical elements.

Even inside the restaurant, the theming had a holiday flair.

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

The BOATHOUSE has several different dining room areas -- each with a different look and feel. On Brandon's birthday, in particular, he requested that we dine near the back of the restaurant in one of the rooms that features a fireplace, dark wood, and dim lighting. As he refers to it, it resembles a much more modern version of the classic 1980s and 1990s look of a Red Lobster chain restaurant.

The Food

Though The BOATHOUSE is not owned and operated by the Disney Company and does not carry an allergy-friendly menu, we have been really impressed with their attention to special dietary needs accommodations.

I have to admit, I've heard a few horror stories from blog readers about their experiences here, but for us, our experiences have always been excellence. I do highly recommend speaking to a chef directly -- even if a server encourages you to just order from the menu. The chefs there are always very helpful and knowledgeable.

On both occasions, our server and the chef offered me gluten free "rolls." Really, these are just Udi's gluten free buns heated up and served as a roll. The buns are both gluten free and dairy free, but the restaurant doesn't currently offer a dairy free buttery spread. You can get extra virgin olive oil instead. While these aren't the best bread service I've ever had, it is nice to have on occasion.

When my dear friend Kate visited, she and I both got the Grilled Fresh Fish Tacos served with Cabbage Slaw, Chipotle Crema, Pickled Red Onions, and Avocado Salsa. This dish is naturally gluten free (and can be made dairy free by omitting the crema). It was also peanut free and sesame free too based on Kate's allergies, as well.

I really love these fish tacos. Currently being made using swordfish, the flavors were outstanding, and the quality of the fish was excellent. I especially love the chipotle crema and avocado salsa, which our server brought us extras of on the side. This is a dish I've had several times and one I'll keep ordering for sure.

Brandon ordered the Filet Mignon Sliders with a baked potato on the side. Unfortunately, the restaurant does not offer a dedicated allergy fryer, so fries are out for both of us. But, Brandon really enjoys the baked potatoes they serve at the restaurant. This dish was fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, hazelnut free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free.

For those who have nut allergies, we were advised that there is potential cross-contamination for the rolls and buns served at The BOATHOUSE due to peanuts being in the same space where the rolls and buns are made. Both Kate and Brandon have peanut allergies and both felt comfortable eating these. But, those with peanut allergies should take care when consuming any bread products from The BOATHOUSE.

I don't normally get dessert at The BOATHOUSE, but I couldn't turn down the seasonal Chocolate Peppermint Mousse. This is gluten free but does contain dairy (and cannot be modified). Holy cow was this good! If you can eat dairy, this seasonal dessert is worth ordering. I absolutely loved the rich chocolate mousse and peppermint flavor. It was even more festive with the crushed candy cane on top. It was so good that I wish they had it year round!

During Brandon's birthday visit, I ordered the Broiled Wild Caught Swordfish Steak with Blackening Spice, Jambalaya Style Rice, Andouille Sausage, Crawfish Tails, and Louisiana Hot Sauce Butter. This is gluten free but does contain dairy and cannot be modified. The chef advised me that this is a newly GF dish too, as it used to contain gluten. But, they got so many requests for it to be gluten free, that they modified the recipe to make it naturally gluten free, which is great!

I was very impressed with the flavors of this dish. The swordfish was cooked perfectly, and the rice was excellent. If you like spicy food, this is definitely one to get. While I wouldn't get it all the time, this was a nice treat to enjoy on a special occasion.

Because it was Brandon's birthday, he went with a Petit Filet Mignon with salt crusted baby potatoes. His dish was not only gluten free but also dairy free, peanut/tree nut free, fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free. Brandon raved about the quality of the steak. It was definitely a great dish to celebrate his birthday with!

The BOATHOUSE - Dish is NOT Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon also ordered the mac & cheese, which is one of his favorites. This dish is fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, hazelnut free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free. If you can have gluten and dairy, this is a great cheesy decadent dish that Brandon always raves about.

For dessert, Brandon was served a birthday cupcake. This does contain gluten and dairy and to my knowledge, guests who are gluten free & dairy free do not have a birthday cupcake option. The chef assured us there were no peanuts or hazelnuts in the cupcake. Brandon said it reminds him of a hostess chocolate cupcake, so if you enjoy those you'll really like this birthday cupcake.

Overall

With lots of options, excellent seafood and steak, and attention to special dietary needs, The BOATHOUSE continues to be our go-to restaurant in Disney Springs. We both really love the food and have enjoyed our meals whether it was a light lunch or a birthday celebration. We'll definitely continue to frequent this restaurant with our friends and family.

Have you been to The BOATHOUSE? What has your experience been with special dietary needs dining there?

12/31/19 12/31/19

T-Rex Cafe Lunch Review

T-Rex Cafe, located in Disney Springs, is a restaurant owned and operated by Landry's. Recently, I had lunch at T-Rex Cafe with my family while they were here on vacation at Walt Disney World. My nephew loves dinosaurs, so we knew this would be a fun place to have a meal with the whole family.

*This gluten free dining review took place in December 2019. It also includes information about dairy free options.

Lunch at T-Rex Cafe

Atmosphere

Like Rainforest Cafe, T-Rex Cafe has a pretty impressive theme. T-Rex Cafe is entirely dinosaur themed, so you'll see lots of giant dinosaur animatronics throughout the restaurant.

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

I didn't get a chance to take many photos, but as you can see from the few I took here, the restaurant is massive. I loved all the bright colors and fun theme. My nephew and niece, in particular, really loved this, so it's great for kiddos.

The restaurant does have a "show" about every 20 minutes or so, with a big meteor shower. The kiddos in our party were a little nervous about it at first, but after a while, they were having a blast with the animatronics and the meteor showers.

T-Rex Cafe - Ice Cave / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

In addition to the main area, there's a really cool section called the Ice Cave. This was a super cool area, and I hope to eat in there one day.

The Food

Like Rainforest Cafe, I wouldn't say the food at T-Rex Cafe is going to high-end by any means. But, the restaurant does have quite a few options, with a good amount of variety for guests who are gluten free and dairy free. Because it is not owned and operated by Disney, T-Rex Cafe doesn't have an allergy-friendly menu. But, Landry's restaurants at Disney, like Yak & Yeti, have been quite good at accommodating special dietary needs.

I did speak with a chef directly, and he told me that I could have a variety of options from sandwiches to steaks and salads. The restaurant does carry gluten free pasta and allergy-friendly buns (in this case, Udi's brand), though the restaurant does not have an allergy-friendly fryer.

T-Rex Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On this visit, I opted to get the Paleozoic Chicken Sandwich. Served on a gluten free & dairy free bun, it came with marinated chicken breast, candied applewood smoked bacon, swiss cheese (which is lactose free), lettuce, tomato, and mayo. The sandwich was gluten free, and I could have made it dairy free by omitting the cheese.

Because there is no dedicated fryer, I couldn't have the fries. But, there were a variety of sides I could get, like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and seasonal vegetables. I opted for coleslaw since we were dining at lunch, and I didn't want something super heavy.

Overall, I was very pleasantly surprised by this sandwich. The portion was huge (enough to feed a dinosaur!), and the flavors were excellent. I really loved the candied bacon, and the chicken was perfectly cooked. I would definitely get this sandwich again.

Overall

With a fun theme and decent special diets options, T-Rex Cafe makes for a great family-friendly choice for a meal in Disney Springs. My family, especially my nephew and niece, really loved it. And, I definitely enjoyed my meal. While it's not a restaurant I'd go to all the time, I was pleasantly surprised at how good the food was at T-Rex Cafe. As Landry's Select Club members, Brandon and I may have to go here a bit more in the future.

Have you been to T-Rex Cafe? What did you think of the special diets options?

9/29/19 9/29/19

The BOATHOUSE Lunch Review

The BOATHOUSE, located in Disney Springs, is a table service restaurant that offers guests a taste of fresh seafood and signature steaks. Although it's not owned and operated by the Disney Company, this is one of our favorite restaurants in Disney Springs for their excellent food and special dietary needs accommodations. Recently, I stopped by for lunch with Brandon's mom on a shopping day in Disney Springs.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in September 2019. It includes information about dairy free modifications.

Lunch at The BOATHOUSE

Atmosphere

The BOATHOUSE is one of those restaurants that I initially didn't think I would like in terms of atmosphere. But, after our first meal there, I fell in love with the nautical theme, and especially all of the different themed dining rooms.

One of the things I love about the decor is that there is something for every preference and taste. Whether it's dining at the colorful bar area or enjoying a meal in a brightly lit room or even dining in a boat, the theming options in The BOATHOUSE are pretty fantastic.

We often dine either outside or in one of the dining rooms with lots of dark wood (and that reminds me of old school decor from the Red Lobster restaurant chain from the 1980s and 1990s). On this visit, we were seated in a brightly lit dining room with lots of nautical touches.

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

Both Brandon's mom and I really liked this room and especially how bright and cheery it was for lunch time.

The Boathouse - View / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

It also offered a nice view of the boat launch area and outdoor seating. I do recommend outdoor seating at The BOATHOUSE when the weather is nicer, but when it's summertime, we prefer to eat indoors.

The Food

Because The BOATHOUSE is not owned and operated by the Disney Company, they do not offer an allergy-friendly menu. But, you can always ask to speak with a chef when you dine there. I highly recommend this because they can discuss a variety of options with you and are very knowledgeable.

The Boathouse - Beverages — The Boathouse / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The BOATHOUSE also offers a variety of drinks from terrific non-alcoholic beverages like iced tea (which is some of the best on Disney property) to various alcoholic offerings. On this visit, I had a Bellini, which is peach puree with sparkling wine. It was really good and perfect for lunch time.

The restaurant also serves gluten free and buns as "rolls" if you are interested in a bread service option. They have been using what I believe are the commercial versions of Udi's Gluten Free rolls for a while. The restaurant does not have a non-dairy vegan buttery spread on hand, so be sure to ask for extra virgin olive oil if you cannot have dairy. For me, I can sort of take or leave the bread option. But, it's always nice to have, especially if you're feeling a little hungry.

On this visit, I decided to order the Grilled Fresh Fish Tacos with Grilled Swordfish, Green Papaya-Jicama Slaw, Guajillo Sauce, and Spicy Avocado Salsa Verde. I was told that this is naturally gluten free and does not require any modifications -- though would, of course, take proper precautions to prepare my meal safely. The sauce does contain dairy but can be easily omitted. You can read about the gluten free and dairy free version from our friend Celiac and the Beast.

This was a really tasty entree, and I had been wanting to order these tacos for a while. I'm definitely glad I did because the flavor was fantastic and the fish was super fresh tasting. Each component was great. And, I appreciate that the The BOATHOUSE prides itself on making all of their own sauces in-house. You can definitely tell a difference. I would absolutely order these again.

I realized as I was writing this review that I forgot to write up a review from our visit there this summer with Brandon's parents for Father's Day. On that visit, I ordered the "Yacht Club" Club Sandwich on a gluten free bun. This included Roasted Turkey Breast, Cucumber, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado, Chipotle-Honey Mayo, and Swiss Cheese. Normally it comes with French Fries, but since The BOATHOUSE does not have a dedicated allergy-friendly fryer, I opted for a Caesar Salad without croutons.

While I did like this sandwich a lot and found it to be a nice light option, I'm not sure I'd get it again. There's a lot better options in the restaurant for gluten free guests that are tastier are a bit better value in terms of the cost. If you're gluten free and dairy free, this may also be a good option. You could order minus the cheese and substitute the mayo if this version contains dairy.

The Caesar Salad on the other hand was excellent. You can tell they make the salad dressing in house too and the traditional way -- with anchovies. I would definitely get this again. On a side note, always ask the chef to prepare this directly and in a clean bowl. I had a friend order this at The BOATHOUSE once who was glutened with leftover crouton crumbs in her salad. I discussed this at length with the chef at The BOATHOUSE, and he assured me that he would make sure that I did not get croutons in any way in the salad. Thankfully, mine was correct. But, my friend's experience was a good reminder to always discuss concerns with a chef.

Overall

The BOATHOUSE always continues to be a great option for a good gluten free and special diets meal in Disney Springs. I really appreciate that there are chefs on hand to discuss options and that there are a variety of entrees with different price points -- making it affordable to eat a lunch or dinner here. It's a restaurant we continue to go to with family and friends for special occasions or just on a simple shopping trip in Disney Springs.

Have you been to The BOATHOUSE? What do you think of the special dietary needs options there?

7/29/19 7/29/19

D-Luxe Burger Lunch Review

D-Luxe Burger is my go-to quick service restaurant whenever I'm in Disney Springs. Unlike most restaurants in Disney Springs, D-Luxe Burger is owned & operated by the Disney Company, which means they follow Disney's strict food allergy protocols for guests with special dietary needs. Even better, you also get to a talk to a Disney Chef too. On my most recent visit, I met up with my friend Ron who was in town visiting Disney World for a quick lunch.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in June 2019. It includes notes about dairy free modifications.

Lunch at D-Luxe Burger

Atmosphere

I managed to forget to take photos on this visit. But, I've written quite a few reviews about D-Luxe Burger.

D-Luxe Burger Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

To learn more about its theme and extensive back-story, check out the review I wrote when the restaurant first opened in May 2016.

The Food

Unlike most Disney owned restaurants, D-Luxe Burger does not currently offer an allergy-friendly menu. But, guests with special dietary needs will get to speak with a Disney chef about options. I always appreciate this and that the chefs here take great care to answer questions and prepare your food safely.

D-Luxe Burger - Gluten Free Burger — D-Luxe Burger / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Because we were having dinner at 'Ohana that night, we decided to split a D-Luxe Cheeseburger served on a gluten free bun with a side of French fries made in a dedicated fryer. We also ordered three dipping sauces -- the curry ketchup, chipotle mayo, and three honey mustard. These are all gluten free, but the chipotle mayo does currently contain dairy.

When it comes to burgers, you really can't go wrong with a burger from D-Luxe. And, we both agreed that the cheeseburger was outstanding. One big change that threw us both was the gluten free bun. In the past, D-Luxe Burger has used the Local Oven brand gluten free and dairy free bun. On this visit, it was a totally different (and much improved) bun. At first, we were both concerned we got a gluten-filled bun. But, we realized it was just a different brand. Although I haven't gotten 100% confirmation, I have heard from other readers that the buns are now Deanna's Gluten Free brand. Both of us agreed that the buns were a big improvement over the previous brand.

I think the one slight disappointment at D-Luxe Burger are the fries. They used to be really amazing. But, lately, we've noticed a big decline in the taste and texture of the fries. More often than not, they just taste a little stale. I'm sure they are fresh, but the overall texture and taste isn't as good as it used to be.

In fact, we noticed a big difference in the fries we got at Hangar Bar recently. The chef there told us they are the exact same fries as D-Luxe Burger. But, we all agreed, they were way better at the Hangar Bar. While it's not a reason to avoid D-Luxe Burger, it is something to think about when you order the fries there. Of course, I smother them in enough sauces that it helps too!

Overall

The burgers at D-Luxe Burger always impress. The flavors are outstanding, and there's always a good amount of options for guests with special dietary needs. While we usually stick to the basic cheeseburger, we've also had other specialty burgers on the menu with great success. If you're looking for a quick service restaurant in Disney Springs, this is definitely a great option for a low-key and filling meal.

Have you been to D-Luxe Burger? What did you think of their options?

7/27/19 7/27/19

Homecomin' Kitchen Brunch Review

Homecomin' Kitchen is a table service restaurant located in Disney Springs. Owned and operated by Chef Art Smith -- a James Beard award-winning chef who grew in fame thanks to working with Oprah. This restaurant offers guests a taste of Florida local flavors and Southern dishes. It's one of my brother's favorite places in Disney Springs. And, he always wants to dine there whenever we have family in town. So, recently, I had brunch there with my brother, mom, and stepdad.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in July 2019.

Brunch at Homecomin' Kitchen

Atmosphere

Like its food, Homecomin' Kitchen's theme represents Florida and Southern staples.

It's a very inviting and charming restaurant -- with a brightly lit interior and big cushy chairs.

Homecomin' Kitchen - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I love how some of the lighting fixtures actually use potato sacks to adorn them. It's super charming and very rustic.

Homecomin' Kitchen - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Homecomin' Kitchen is very popular. So, my only negative on the theme and restaurant space is that it can feel quite crowded. We came during brunch, and the restaurant was pretty packed. If you're not that comfortable sitting in the middle of the restaurant, I recommend asking for a booth.

The Food

Because Homecomin' Kitchen is not owned and operated by Disney, they do not have an allergy-friendly menu. The menu does mark some items GF for those dishes that are gluten free. But, I always recommend speaking to a manager here, because there tends to be a few more options that are listed GF on the menu.

On this visit, I was interested in the brunch offerings -- though I could have ordered from the regular menu too. The brunch menu did not list any of the main dishes as gluten free. But, the manager told me many of them were easily modifications. The Grand-Daddy Plate and the Short Rib Hash were the two dishes with the easiest modifications. The only modification was to remove the cheddar cheese drop biscuit.

Homecomin' Kitchen - Short Rib Hash — Homecomin' Kitchen / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I decided to order the Short Rib Hash which came with Two Eggs Sunny Side Up over a Short Rib Hash with Grilled Corn Succotash, Potatoes, Onions, Red Bell, and Fresno Peppers. I was also able to order a side with this entree, so I chose the Pecan Smoked Bacon. Everything was gluten free. I did not ask about dairy free modifications on this visit. But, I would guess that this may have been dairy free or easily made dairy free.

Overall, I really enjoyed this breakfast entree. The eggs were well-cooked, and the hash was really delicious. It did have a bit of a spicy bite to it. So, if you're not a fan of spicy food, this dish might be a little too spicy for you. But, I didn't think the dish was overly spicy for anyone who is a spice fan. The pecan smoked bacon was really delicious. And, I definitely could have eaten my weight in it for sure!

One of my biggest complaint would be the price of this restaurant for brunch. $22 for eggs, hash, and bacon seemed a little much -- especially when you consider most Disney table service breakfast options are around $15 for an entree. But, it was tasty, and I was full by the meal's end.

Overall

While I enjoyed the brunch at Homecomin' Kitchen, I'm not sure it will be a regular on my breakfast rotation at Disney World. I enjoyed my meal, but the limited options and price point make it an OK option but not my first choice for breakfast. I did enjoy my lunch at Homecomin' Kitchen, and you can read that review here on the blog too.

Have you been to Homecomin' Kitchen? What did you think of the special diets options there?

7/7/19 7/7/19

Planet Hollywood Dinner Review

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.

*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

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 - GF Burger — 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.

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?

7/7/19 7/7/19

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar Dinner Review

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar, a Disney-owned bar and lounge located in Disney Springs, is one our favorite go-to spots in Disney Springs for a quick bite and drink. It's been a while since we've been, but when my good friend Ron was here for a visit, we decided to have a get together at Hangar Bar. Recently, the Hangar Bar's menu changed too, so we were looking forward to seeing what special diets options they had available.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in June 2019. It includes information about dishes safe for peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Dinner at Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar

Atmosphere

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar is themed after Indiana Jones and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Jock Lindsey was a pilot in the film. And, while he was only featured the film for a brief moment, his legacy is now immortalized in the Hangar Bar. And, fun fact, the actor who portrayed Jock Lindsey recently celebrated his birthday there. How cool is that?!

Hangar Bar Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

If you're an Indiana Jones fan, you'll absolutely love the theme of the Hangar Bar.

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

You'll find loads of memorabilia, trinkets, and nods to the film series throughout the restaurant. Near the table we sat at, you could see Indy's trademark messenger bag, along with other props inspired by the movies.

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

One of our favorite places to sit is the diving bell located in the back of the lounge. It's great for a large party. But, it's also very popular, and hard to get! On this occasion, we had a high-top table near the back of the lounge with a great view of the restaurant.

The Food

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar is owned and operated by the Disney Company. But, it does not offer an allergy-friendly menu. Do be sure to let your server know that you have a special dietary need, and they will bring a chef to your table.

On this visit, we got to chat with Chef Mike, who went above and beyond to ensure Brandon, Ron, and I all had safe and delicious meals. He talked us through all of the options and was very conscientious about Brandon's special dietary needs. And, as he talked through the options, we were all pretty impressed with how many options were available to us.

Hangar Bar - Queso Fundido — Hangar Bar / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Up first, we ordered the Doctor Astorga's Queso Fundido. This was made gluten free, fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free by frying the chips in a dedicated fryer.

After reading the review that Alexis from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures wrote, I knew I wanted to try this dish. And, I was definitely not disappointed. The cheese dip was really tasty, and the fresh pico de gallo on top was a great balance to the rich cheese. We agreed this is a definite order again appetizer.

Hangar Bar - Flank Steak — Hangar Bar / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For our dinner, both Brandon and I ordered the Lomo Saltado Peruvian Flank Steak. This was made with Thinly Sliced Grilled Flank Steak with Piquillo Peppers, Pickled Onions, and Crispy Potatoes with Tamari-Lime Dressing and Yellow Pepper Aïoli. Chef Mike noted that the lounge uses a gluten free Tamari to marinate the steak so that it's naturally gluten free. They also use a dedicated fryer for the French fries. Chef Mike told us these are the same fries from D-Luxe Burger. But, we all agreed that the fries here were much better cooked than the ones we've been getting at D-Luxe Burger lately.

Overall, this was a big winner for all of us, and we were thrilled that the dish could be easily made gluten free, fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free without a lot of modifications. It was so good that Brandon and I both want to go back and order this again soon. And, at $14, it was a great bargain for what you go too!

Hangar Bar / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Hangar Bar just recently added a new dessert to the menu, that I had been dying to try. The Temple of Bacon is served with Thick-Cut Applewood Smoked Bacon dipped in Ganachery Milk Chocolate and Chipotle Ganache. It's naturally gluten free and is also fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free.

Here are a few photos of the epic presentation. Chef Mike brought the bacon out himself and put on a great show removing the bacon from the smoke cloche that it was resting in. It was pretty epic and worth ordering at least once just for the presentation alone!

Hangar Bar - Temple of Bacon — Hangar Bar / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

With 5 pieces of bacon, it was a decent size portion (and a much better value than the clothesline candied bacon from the Edison). The chocolate was a perfect balance to the very smoky bacon. And, the little bits of bacon and chipotle chocolate were nice additions too. Overall, this is a very rich dessert. So, one piece of bacon was more than enough for each of us. I can't say we'd order it every time we go. But, if we're craving something salty and sweet, this is a great option.

Overall

We were pretty pleased with the new menu changes at Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar. This restaurant always tends to change the menus up, which can be a good and bad thing. But, we all agreed that the new changes are welcome additions. Add in a fantastic chef like Chef Mike who really went above and beyond to ensure that we had a great meal, and you have the makings of a great snack or meal experience. Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar continues to be a great option if you're in Disney Springs and want a bite to eat without having to dine at a full table service restaurant.

Have you been to Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar? What has your experience been at this lounge?

6/4/19 6/4/19

Raglan Road Irish Pub Brunch Review

Raglan Road Irish Pub, located in Disney Springs, has been one of my favorite places to dine at Disney World for years now. Serving up classic Irish fare for lunch and dinner daily and brunch on the weekends, I always find that there's something for everyone to enjoy at Raglan Road. On this particular visit, I had brunch at this table service restaurant with a friend.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in June 2019. It includes information about dairy free options and modifications.

Brunch at Raglan Road

Atmosphere

Raglan Road is all about its Irish roots. You'll feel like you were transported to an Irish pub from the moment you walk into the restaurant.

Raglan Road Irish Pub Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

One of my favorite things about Raglan Road is how authentic it is. They actually shipped in wood from Ireland to build the bar and other areas of the restaurant. How cool is that?

Raglan Road - Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

During our brunch, we were seated in a cozy back area of the restaurant, near their second bar. This area was charming and has lots of nods to Ireland with photos of famous Irish folks. The restaurant also features live Irish bands and Irish Stepdancers on the weekends too that starts at noon. We were having brunch a bit before the live music, so it was nice and quiet throughout our meal.

The Food

Of course, my favorite reason for visiting Raglan Road is the food. This restaurant is not owned & operated by the Disney Company, so they do not have an allergy-friendly menu. But, your server will discuss options with you. And, the restaurant is very special diets friendly. In fact, the first thing our server asked was if anyone had a special dietary need.

Raglan Road - Pear Cider — Raglan Road / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

While we were looking over the brunch menu, my friend and I decided to enjoy a pint of Magners Pear Hard Cider. It's a great boozy way to start a brunch. And, the pear cider is very light and bubbly -- making it a great brunch drink. Currently, Raglan Road has Magners plain hard cider and pear both on tap. You can also order bottles of several types of cider too.

Raglan Road - Happy Marriage Omelet — Raglan Road / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

After some debating, I decided to order the Happy Marriage Omelet. This included Slow braised chicken, bacon jam, sautéed spring onions and crispy diced potatoes. This is a gluten free dish, and though I didn't ask on this visit, I think it's probably easily made dairy free too.

Overall, I enjoyed this omelet. I would say that I was a bit surprised by it, as I expected the potatoes to be served on the side and not in the omelet itself. The chicken was very tasty and the bacon jam provided a good bit of acidic punch throughout, which was really nice. I am pretty sure the jam was made using balsamic vinegar because that taste was pretty strong when you got bites of the jam.

The overall omelet was actually much milder in taste than I expected. But, it was a huge portion. So, if getting a lot of for you money is important or you're really hungry, this is a great. option. In the future, I might skip this and order the Pork Hash Tagged, which I love, or the classic gluten free & dairy free fish and chips. It's not that this dish was bad. It just wasn't my favorite thing I've ordered at Raglan Road.

Overall

I am always really happy when I get to eat a meal at Raglan Road. The food is always excellent, the service great, and the special diets options extensive. If you're gluten free (and even dairy free), you'll find a lot of choices in this classic Irish pub themed restaurant.

Have you been to Raglan Road Irish Pub? What was your experience during brunch like?

6/3/19 6/3/19

Planet Hollywood Dinner Review

Planet Hollywood, located in Disney Springs, is a table service restaurant that is not owned & operated by the Disney Company. They serve burgers, sandwiches, salads, and entrees in a Hollywood themed restaurant. Recently, we stopped by Planet Hollywood in between a rare double-feature movie day for us with our AMC A-List subscription. It was a busy Saturday night, and Planet Hollywood was one of the few places we could get a walk-up table without a reservation.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in June 2019. It includes information about dairy free modifications and dining with peanut, fish/shellfish, and chicken & turkey allergies.

Dinner at Planet Hollywood

Atmosphere

Planet Hollywood has been at Disney Springs for years. A few years ago, the restaurant got a bit of an overhaul with a bit of new theming. We dined there a few years ago just after the refurbishment and found the restaurant to be just OK overall.

The restaurant is set to resemble the inside of an observatory. You'll see a giant screen in the middle of the restaurant that spans multiple floors for everyone to see. You'll see music videos and movie clips throughout your dining experience.

One word of caution. If noise is an issue for you, you might want to steer clear of this restaurant or ask for a seat that's not as close to the giant screen. We found it to be pretty loud on both visits we've made.

As you walk through the restaurant, you'll notice that the observatory theme follows you whether you're dining on the main floor or third floor.

On this visit, we were seated inside a bar area on the second floor. As we walked up to the second floor, we saw a ton of movie memorabilia, including props from the classic Christmas movie, Home Alone. I think the combination of an observatory and movie memorabilia is a bit odd. But, it is neat to see all the movie costumes and props throughout the restaurant.

The Food

Planet Hollywood does not currently offer an allergy-friendly or gluten free menu. You can speak to a chef or manager about safe options. On our previous visit, a chef came to the table to talk to me. On this visit, a manager came and discussed options with us.

Both Brandon and I weren't sure what options he would have with his newly diagnosed allergies -- specifically with fried options. We were both glad to hear that they use a dedicated fryer for their French Fries, which was fantastic.

For my entree, I ordered the exact same thing I got on my first visit -- The Prime Time American Kobe Burger. This burger was served on a gluten free bun. While the restaurant does have a dedicated fryer for French Fries, the fries themselves are coated in wheat. If you're gluten free, you can order a variety of sides, like potato wedges (which I ordered), mashed potatoes, or a side salad.

Oddly, my entree was missing the lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and Donkey Sauce that normally comes with it. All of those items are gluten free (and the sauce is also dairy free), but for some reason they were not included with my meal. The manager who brought our entrees to us did bring me those accompaniments after I asked.

Overall, my burger was quite good. The quality of burger was excellent. And, I really liked the flat top style of cooking the patty. The bun was Udi's Gluten Free (which is both gluten free and dairy free). The potato wedges were pretty good too, with a nice bit of crisp and perfect for dipping in the Donkey Sauce which is made with mayonnaise, roasted garlic, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. If you're dairy free, this burger can be easily made safe by omitting the cheese.

Brandon also got the Prime Time American Kobe Burger. His burger was considered safe for his peanut, fish/shellfish, and chicken & turkey allergies, minus the crispy onions. He was also able to get the French Fries from a dedicated fryer, which he said were really good.

Overall

We both agreed that our burgers were really good. But, that we'd rather go to other table service restaurants at Disney Springs for the price, what we got, and for the special dietary needs accommodations. If we're looking for a tasty burger, we'd also head to D-Luxe Burger over Planet Hollywood next time. Overall though, it wasn't a bad experience at Planet Hollywood. But, it wasn't spectacular either. For us, this will continue to be a good back-up for us when we have a hard time getting into other Disney Springs restaurants.

Have you been to Planet Hollywood? What was your experience dining there?

5/31/19 5/31/19

Frontera Cocina Dinner Review

Frontera Cocina is a table service restaurant located in Disney Springs. Not owned and operated by Disney, this is a restaurant owned by James Beard Award Winning Chef Rick Bayless. I am a huge fan of Frontera Cocina and Chef Rick Bayless, and I really appreciate that the restaurant can accommodate a variety of special dietary needs. Recently, I had dinner at Frontera Cocina with my friend Kate who was passing through Orlando on her way to Miami. She also has special dietary needs, so a dinner at Disney was definitely in order!

*This gluten free dining experience took place in May 2019. It includes information about dairy free modifications and peanut/tree nut and sesame free options.

Dinner at Frontera Cocina

Atmosphere

I have to apologize that I forgot to take photos during our dinner of the restaurant. I do have some photos on some older reviews that I've written about dining at Frontera Cocina.

Frontera Cocina Menu / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Overall, the theme in Frontera Cocina is modern and clean. There are pops of bright colors, like orange and blue, along with Mexican-inspired decor that's very inviting.

My biggest complaint on this visit was that the restaurant was fairly crowded, which made the seating and volume a bit challenging. We were seated so close to the table next to us, that it actually was difficult getting out of the booth area. We also dined at happy hour, so the bar located in the middle of the restaurant was very crowded and quite loud. If you're looking for a quieter experience, I would recommend dining at lunch or during off-hours.

The Food

Of course, my main reason for dining at Frontera Cocina is always the excellent food. I love Mexican food, and Frontera Cocina does an excellent job with authentic offerings.

When you dine there, you won't get an allergy-friendly menu. But, you'll find that the regular menu actually notes common allergens on it. For instance, if a dish contains gluten, it will note that or if it has milk it will too. You can also discuss options with your server too. I've found the servers at Frontera Cocina to be quite helpful at navigating special dietary needs options. On this visit, we did ask several questions as Kate is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame.

Frontera Cocina - Chips and Guacamole — Frontera Cocina / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The first priority on our must-order list was getting chips and guacamole. It's my hands down favorite appetizer at Frontera Cocina. Our server did let us know that since we were dining during happy hour, we could get the Verde Guacamole half off. Talk about a bargain!

The Verde Guacamole includes roasted poblanos, roasted tomatillo, toasted pepitas (aka pumpkin seeds), cilantro and onions. The chips are made in a dedicated fryer, so if you have celiac disease like me, you can actually enjoy safe tortilla chips. The chips and guacamole were gluten free, dairy free, peanut free, tree nut free, and sesame free. It's also very likely that it's vegan too -- though I did not ask. We both agreed the chips and guacamole were outstanding and would not hesitate to order them again.

Frontera Cocina / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For my entree, I ordered the Pork Belly Tacos with crispy pork belly, smoky bacon, grilled knob onions, black beans refritos with queso fresco, guacamole, red onion, cilantro, and three chile agave sale. This dish is gluten free but does contain dairy. Dairy free guests should check with their server, as I was told the only dairy free modification would be the queso fresco.

These tacos were so good! The pork belly was super crispy and had great flavor. I admit that I was not expecting the tomato based sauce that the pork belly was cooked in. But, it was really delicious. You do get warmed corn tortillas served on the side to make your own tacos, and the tortillas do help soak up some of the sauce. Overall, I would definitely get these again.

Kate ordered the Grilled Chipotle Chicken Tacos with grilled chicken in a tangy chipotle sauce, caramelized red onions, black beans refritos with queso fresco, guacamole, and chipotle salsa. Her tacos were gluten free, peanut free, tree nut free, and sesame free. Like the pork belly tacos, these contained dairy. But, I believe the only modification is the cheese on the beans.

Our server did let Kate know that these tacos might be a little spicy. But, Kate said that overall they weren't that bad. The looked delicious and both of us agreed that the tacos were excellent choices.

Overall

Frontera Cocina is a great restaurant if you're craving Mexican food while you're at Disney World. I especially love that I have lots of options and that items, like tortilla chips, that are often off-limits to me at Mexican restaurants are safe options for me at Frontera Cocina. And, now that I know they have half off guacamole during happy hour, I just might have to go back again soon!

Have you been to Frontera Cocina? What did you order when you dined there?

2/22/19 2/22/19

The BOATHOUSE Dinner Review

The BOATHOUSE, a table service restaurant in Disney Springs, quickly rose in the ranks as one of our favorite restaurants in the Disney Springs area at Walt Disney World. Though not owned and operated by the Disney Company, both Brandon and I have been impressed by the level of service and quality of food served there. About a month or so after my resection surgery for Crohn's disease, we ended up attempting to get dinner there for my first dinner eating out at Disney post-surgery. Thankfully, the chefs there were able to customize a dish for me and serve me something I could easily tolerate while my body was still healing.

*This gluten free dining experience took place in December 2018. It includes notes about dairy free options and modifications.

Dinner at The BOATHOUSE

Atmosphere

Both Brandon and I love the atmosphere of The BOATHOUSE. It's nautical theme reminds me of restaurants I might dine at in an East Coast coastal town.

The BOATHOUSE includes both indoor and outdoor seating. Because we did not have a reservation that night, we ended up getting a walk-up table for outdoor seating only. That was OK by us because the temperatures were really pleasant when we visited, making outdoor dining perfect.

The BOATHOUSE Water View / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Plus, the views of the lake here were pretty spectacular from where we were seated. So, we enjoyed watching the ferries and boats sail on by.

The Food

Because The BOATHOUSE isn't owned and operated by the Disney Company, they do not currently offer an allergy-friendly menu. But, a chef will always come talk to you about options.

While we were waiting for the chef to come out, our server brought our drinks. I am a huge iced tea drinker, and I have to shout-out the iced tea at The BOATHOUSE. It's some of the best iced tea on property.

After the chef arrived, I mentioned that I was interested in the Cedar Planked Norwegian Salmon entree, figuring that fish would be easy for my stomach to tolerate. However, the dish came with a salad and green beans. Because I knew my stomach wasn't up for this yet, I asked the chef if he could make me something super simple. He offered to bring some plain vegetables and plain potatoes for me to try. He also noted that the only seasoning on the fish would be salt, pepper, and olive oil.

While the chef was preparing my entree, I was brought a gluten free roll with butter. This roll is both gluten free and dairy free the last time I checked, but they do not have Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread available for dairy free guests. If you're dairy free, I would recommend asking for extra virgin olive oil as a dipping sauce.

The roll that they bring out is really just their gluten free bun. I'm pretty sure it's Udi's brand from the taste and texture. It's not something I always eat. But, I'm glad they bring out some type of "bread" service for special dietary needs guests.

The Boathouse - Cedar Plank Salmon — The Boathouse / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

When my entree arrived, I was really pleased to see a super simple meal. The salmon was the best part of the entree and was so full of flavor and freshness. Being prepared simply really brought out how high quality the seafood is at The BOATHOUSE.

The roasted potatoes and sauteed green beans were also nice. I didn't much of the green beans, mostly because they were just a little too crunchy for my taste. This dish was both gluten free and dairy free too, so this might be a good option for those with multiple dietary needs.

Overall

I really enjoyed my salmon entree, even if I couldn't eat all of it at the time. I would definitely order it again. I also really appreciated that the chef was willing to customize and be flexible with my special dietary needs and needs post-surgery. This will definitely continue to be a go-to restaurant for us in Disney Springs.

Have you been to The BOATHOUSE? What was your experience dining there?

2/22/19 2/22/19

Rainforest Cafe Dinner Review

Rainforest Cafe is a jungle-themed table service chain restaurant owned by the Landry's company and has two locations at Walt Disney World -- Disney Springs and Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. It has been years since I've dined at a Rainforest Cafe. And, recently, Brandon and I decided to have dinner here after watching a movie at the AMC Theater in Disney Springs. After our recent positive experience at T-Rex Cafe in Disney Springs (another Landry's restaurant), we decided it was worth a revisit.

*This gluten free and dairy free dining experience took place in February 2019.

Dinner at Rainforest Cafe

Atmosphere

Even though it's a chain restaurant, every Rainforest Cafe location has a slightly different theme, at least on the exterior. The location at Disney Springs looks like a Volcano outside. And, you can even see the volcano erupt if you time it right.

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

One thing is for sure. The interior of the restaurant definitely fits the jungle theme. Everything is bright and screams tacky jungle, which I kind of love.

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

When you first arrive at the restaurant, you'll see a gift shop with just about every tropical and jungle inspired souvenir you can imagine. It's a lot of fun to look around if you get the chance.

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

Because Brandon and I are Landry's Select Club members, we did not make a reservation at Rainforest Cafe. Typically, as a member, you get priority seating. And, we've had very good luck with this. I think the most we've ever waited for a table has been 10 minutes at any Landry's restaurant located at Disney.

After showing our Landry's card, we were told to go to the Gorilla line (shown in the photo above). We were seated about 10 minutes after that. For this alone, I highly recommend a Landry's Select Club membership. You pay $25 for the membership. And, you get the $25 right back to use. On this visit, we actually used my $25 birthday reward, which you get every year on your birthday.

The seating area of Rainforest Cafe continues the jungle theme. There are lots of large animatronic jungle animals and lots of theming from the floor to ceiling. It's definitely a restaurant you want to look around in. And, it's perfect for kiddos who will absolutely love the theme.

The Food

Because Rainforest Cafe is not owned and operated by the Disney Company, they do not have an allergy-friendly menu. But, I was pretty pleased that they bring a chef to your table to discuss options.

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

Before the chef came to the table, I took a look at the menu to get an idea of what options I thought might be safe for me. At every Landry's restaurant I've been to, the chefs tend to recommend steak as an easy gluten free option. The chef did also note that the restaurant had gluten free buns available for sandwiches but that they did not have a dedicated gluten free fryer for French fries. They also offer a quinoa pasta.

Because I'm still not 100% after my resection surgery from Crohn's disease, I'm trying to take it a bit easy with food. I asked if the Honey-Sriracha Salmon with Sweet Honey-Sriracha Glaze, Steamed Rice, Asian Green Bean Stir-fry, and Cilantro could be made gluten free. The chef noted that they could make this option for me and that the dish was also dairy free.

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

When my entree arrived, I noticed that it did not have the Sweet Honey-Sriracha Glaze which I had asked for on the side. Our server was excellent, and he double-checked with the chef who said the sauce did, in fact, contain gluten. I'm glad that they took measures to ensure I avoided any sauces that were not a safe option.

Essentially, what I was served was pan seared salmon, sticky rice, and sauteed vegetables. While it wasn't anything fancy, it was quite good. The salmon was well-cooked, and I really liked the sauteed vegetables. I would have liked a bit of sauce with this. But, it was still good without one.

Overall

While I wouldn't say the food at Rainforest Cafe is the best I've ever had at Disney, I appreciate the fact that there were several options available to me. I also was really glad to see that a chef came to the table to talk through options and customization too. We both agreed that of the Landry's restaurants at Disney World, Yak & Yeti is by far our favorite. We also think T-Rex is a bit better too, in terms of options and atmosphere. But, if you and your kiddos want to have a wild time at a jungle themed restaurant, Rainforest Cafe is the perfect option for you.

You can also read reviews from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures about her experiences with Rainforest Cafe on her blog.

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

10/20/18 10/20/18

Cookes of Dublin Dinner Review

*This gluten free dining experience took place in October 2018. It includes information about dairy free options.

Dinner at Cookes of Dublin

Cookes of Dublin is a quick service restaurant located in Disney Springs. It has been a long-time favorite of mine for reasonably priced meals and lots of gluten free (and dairy free) options. Recently, we stopped by Cookes of Dublin for a quick dinner before we saw a movie. We've seen several movies at the AMC Dine-In Theatre there lately, and sometimes getting a quick and affordable meal before the movie is a nice treat.

Atmosphere

Since we recently dined at Cookes of Dublin and wrote a dining review of that visit, I won't go into a lot of detail about atmosphere. I think one of the things that makes Cookes of Dublin charming is that it looks like a proper take-away fish & chips shop.

Cookes of Dublin - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

One note is that we did go on a Friday night, and it was very busy. We found a table but only after waiting a bit for one to open up. As you can see, the restaurant interior is quite narrow and small. There is also seating near the bar outside and in front of the restaurant too. On this visit, every seating area was full.

Cookes of Dublin - Table Marker / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Once we found a spot, I placed my Cookes of Dublin table marker up at my table. This helps identify to the cast members which table an order goes to. I'd still love to see them use electronic table markers like D-Luxe Burger, as I think it would really help the cast members from having to wander around looking for tables a lot -- especially on a busy night.

The Food

On this particular visit, I let the cast member at the register know about my special dietary need. She immediately let me know that they were out of several items and also had some equipment issues so some items would not be an option either. Essentially, I could have gluten free sandwiches & French fries (made in a dedicated fryer) and a modified version of the Hog in a Box entree. With that in mind, I opted for the Grilled Chicken Sandwich.If you’re gluten free and dairy free there are a few of the options currently available if you dine at Cookes of Dublin and are typically available. You can see that list here along with links to reviews I've written about these different options.

Fish & Chips
Chicken Tenders
Battered Burger & Chips
Hog in a Box (with quite a few modifications)
Cheeseburger & Chips
Grilled Chicken Sandwich & Chips
Onion Rings

Cookes of Dublin - Chicken Sandwich / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I ordered the Char-grilled Chicken Breast with Herb Aioli, Tomato Chutney, and Greens on a Gluten Free Bun served with French Fries and a side of Dalkey Mustard and Tartar Sauce. I also added bacon and cheese to the sandwich, which was suggested to me by the cast member who took my order. Everything here is gluten free. Both the Dalkey Mustard and Tartar Sauce are also dairy free. But, I believe the herb aioli contains dairy.

While I do tend to order the gluten free & dairy free fish and chips at Cookes of Dublin, it was a nice change of pace to have the chicken sandwich. The flavors were excellent, and I really liked the addition of the bacon and cheese. The tomato chutney on this sandwich isn't my favorite, so I might order it without it the next time. The gluten free bun had some issues holding up well to the herb aioli on the sandwich. So, be warned that this might get a little messy to eat.

The French fries were good, as always, but the stars are really the sauces. I always recommend sauces on the side. Unfortunately, they were out of cocktail sauce on this visit, but the Tartar Sauce and Dalkey Mustard are always very tasty too.

Overall

Cookes of Dublin is a tasty and affordable option if you're dining in Disney Springs. If you're craving gluten free fried foods, you really can't go wrong with the options they serve here too. The sandwiches are also excellent, which means you'll find a good amount of options when you dine at Cookes of Dublin gluten free.

Have you been to Cookes of Dublin? What did you order when you dined there?

10/15/18 10/15/18

Cookes of Dublin Dinner Review

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

Dinner at Cookes of Dublin

Cookes of Dublin is one of my favorite quick service spots in Disney Springs. Not only is the food reasonably priced, but they also have proper Irish fish & chips that you can get both gluten free and dairy free. Recently, I stopped by Cookes of Dublin for a quick dinner before we saw a movie at the AMC Dine-In Theatre in Disney Springs. We knew we didn't have time for a full table service meal, so Cookes of Dublin it was!

Atmosphere

We were in a bit of a hurry to make sure we got to our movie on-time, so I admit that I really didn't take many photos of the restaurant. You can read a bit more about the restaurant and see a few more photos in my last review here on the blog.

One thing to note is that the restaurant can get very busy, and seating is limited. Luckily, we were able to get one of the high-top tables near the back of the restaurant where we had a little bit more space than the tables and chairs you see in the photo above.

After placing my order, I was given a placard to place on our table with a number to help the cast members identify where to bring food orders. I do kind of wish that they would get the electronic pagers that restaurants like D-Luxe Burger are now using. I think it might help out a lot, as I often see cast members walk around a lot trying to find the right number and table.

The Food

Cookes of Dublin has quite a few gluten free and dairy free options for guests. This includes almost all of the fried food options too. That's because they make a gluten free and dairy free batter that is fried in a dedicated fryer. If you have additional dietary restrictions, do be sure to ask a manager about ingredients to help you decide if this restaurant is right for you. We actually don't go here quite as much anymore because Brandon is allergic to fish and shellfish and can't eat anything in the restaurant due to shared fryers. So, when in doubt, do ask!

If you're gluten free and dairy free here are a few of the options currently available. I'm also linking to the reviews I've written about some of the dishes I've tried.

Fish & Chips
Chicken Tenders
Battered Burger & Chips
Hog in a Box (with quite a few modifications)
Cheeseburger & Chips
Grilled Chicken Sandwich & Chips
Onion Rings

Cookes of Dublin Gluten Free Fish & Chips / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On this visit, I got the gluten free and dairy free fish & chips with a side of tartar sauce and cocktail sauce. Both of these sauces are gluten free and dairy free too. I also highly recommend the Dalkey Mustard, which is another gluten free and dairy free sauce offered at Cookes of Dublin.

One word of note about any fried foods at Cookes of Dublin. I often find that the fried foods here are very underseasoned. So, if you find them to be bland tasting, do add a bit of salt. That is the very first thing I do before I dig in! It makes all the difference in the world.

On this visit, I found my fish and chips to be good but not great. I think that's because the batter on the fish was actually a little undercooked and gooey in a few spots. I like my fish and chips lightly battered. And, Cookes of Dublin is usually very good at this. This visit it was not. I also had a piece of fish that had a good bit of the bloodline in it, which is not at all tasty. So, I had to cut around a good bit of the fish. I still think this is a solid quick service meal, but this visit, it was not quite as good as it normally is.

Overall

Cookes of Dublin continues to be a great quick service spot, especially if you're craving some gluten free and dairy free fried foods. Next time I go, I think I may try another dish on the menu. It's been a while since I've had the Battered Burger. And, that dish is always a winner. Still, you can't go wrong with classic fish and chips, and I am sure I'll be getting it again sometime soon!

Have you been to Cookes of Dublin? What do you order when you dine there?

9/9/18 9/9/18

The BOATHOUSE Dinner Review

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

Dinner at The BOATHOUSE

The BOATHOUSE, located in Disney Springs, is a table service restaurant that is non-Disney owned and operated. It opened a few years ago in Disney Springs and quickly became a guest favorite for quality food and great atmosphere. We recently stopped by The BOATHOUSE for dinner after seeing a movie at the AMC Dine-In movie theater in Disney Springs. We did not have a reservation. So, we took a gamble trying to get a walk-up. Luckily, they had outdoor seating available for us, which was perfect for a quick and low-key meal.

Atmosphere

The BOATHOUSE is beautiful and chic looking restaurant. With a modern nautical theme, the exterior and the inside reflect those touches.

I love how vast the restaurant is inside. You wouldn't think it from looking at it, but the restaurant is actually quite large. Each room has a slightly different theme/décor that's nautical inspired.

The BOATHOUSE - Table / Photo taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On this visit, we were seated outside. We had never dined outside, so we were curious about the seating and how hot it might given that we dined there in August. Luckily, for us, we were seated near a shaded area of the restaurant with access to fans above us and due to its proximity to the inside dining, we also got lots of air conditioning draft too. This made for a pleasant al fresco dinner, even with the high temperatures.

The BOATHOUSE Outdoor Seating / Photo taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We also had a lovely view of the boat launches and Saratoga Springs Resort in the distance. We timed it just right with sunset, so we had some great views.

The Food

The BOATHOUSE does not have an allergy-friendly menu. But, a chef will come to the table to speak with you about options. On this visit, the chef gave the rundown of the menu, which has an impressive amount of options that are naturally gluten free or can be easily made gluten free. They can also work with a variety of special dietary needs too. I've been there and ordered things dairy free, as well, and had no issues, which is great.

The BOATHOUSE - Gluten Free Roll / Photo taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The chef did offer to bring me a gluten free bun toasted with some butter since they do not have any other options for bread service. I did nibble on this a bit, but not a lot since I had ordered a burger that also came with a bun. They are currently serving Udi's Gluten Free buns which are gluten free, dairy free, nut free, and soy free. They do not currently have a vegan or dairy free butter alternative.

The BOATHOUSE Pimento Cheese Burger / Photo taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On my last visit, I ordered the Classic Cheeseburger and enjoyed. This time, based on the chef's recommendation, I ordered the BOATHOUSE Barbecue Bacon Burger with Creamy Coleslaw, Smokey BBQ Sauce, Pimento Cheese, and House BBQ Spice Rub. This burger is gluten free, when served on a gluten free bun. It does contain dairy, since I've reintroduced that back into my diet. But, if you're dairy free, there are a variety of sandwiches and burgers you can order without dairy in it or easily removed.

Because The BOATHOUSE does not have a dedicated fryer, French Fries are not an option here. I have had different vegetables as sides, with no issues. On this visit, I opted for the Sea Salt Baked Potato. It is served plain and comes with butter and sour cream on the side. If you can't have dairy, this may not be a great option, since they do not carry dairy free or vegan butter alternatives.

I have to say that I was super impressed with this burger. The chef did warn me that the pimento cheese had a bit of a kick, which it did. But, it wasn't so spicy that I couldn't eat it or enjoy it. In fact, the spiciness in the cheese paired really well with the sweetness from the barbecue sauce. The burger itself was very flavorful too. Hands down this is the best burger I've had at The BOATHOUSE, and I would definitely get it again. If you like pimento cheese or just want a burger that's a bit different, this one is for you.

If you're gluten free and dairy free, I highly recommend the classic cheese burger, minus the cheese, if you're craving a burger.

Overall

As always, The BOATHOUSE is a real winner for a delicious meal. While we tend to stick with burgers, sandwiches, and more affordably priced dishes, there are a lot more options to choose from that include fresh seafood and steak. I really appreciate that the chefs always come to your table to discuss options with you when you visit and that they do a great job at accommodating special dietary needs. Plus, the food is just delicious. This is a restaurant we'll definitely keep coming back to again and again.

Have you been to The BOATHOUSE? What did you think of the special dietary needs options?

9/8/18 9/8/18

Frontera Cocina To Go Counter Review

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

Dinner at Frontera Cocina To Go Counter

Frontera Cocina is a table service restaurant located at Disney Springs. For those guests on-the-go, Frontera Cocina offers a to-go counter for tacos, chips and guacamole, and margaritas. The to-go counter has been one of my favorite spots for a quick dinner when we're at Disney Springs seeing a movie at the AMC theater. On this particular visit, I stopped by before we went to a movie just so I could try one of their newest tacos on the to-go menu -- the Grilled Hatch Green Chile Tacos. I had seen them on Twitter and confirmed with the restaurant that they were gluten free before even heading to the booth.

Atmosphere

As far as atmosphere, there really isn't any at the Frontera Cocina To-Go Counter. It's exactly what you expect from a quick, grab and go spot.

Frontera Cocina To Go Counter / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

One of the biggest challenges of the Frontera Cocina To-Go Counter is that it's pretty hidden. You wouldn't realize there's a counter there, unless you knew about it or noticed the sign. The only thing that I think has helped lately is the addition of some tables for those guests who order to sit at. But, it's still a pretty inconspicuous spot.

The Food

One of the things that I like most about Frontera Cocina, which is not owned and operated by Disney, is that they mark common allergens on their menu. So, if a dish contains gluten or dairy, it will say so on the menu. Of course, I do always recommend that you consult with your server, a manager, or another cast member to confirm that the dish is safe for your special dietary needs. When I got to the to-go counter, I double-checked the sign and with a cast member to confirm that the tacos were gluten free. Thankfully, almost everything at Frontera Cocina is naturally gluten free, which is great.

Green Chile Tacos at Frontera Cocina To Go Counter / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Currently, Frontera Cocina's To-Go Counter offers tacos a la carte. So, you pay per taco. You used to order them in sets of three. But, this changed a while back. On this visit, I ordered the Grilled Hatch Green Chile Chicken Tacos with Grilled Chicken with Hatch Green Chile Crema, Caramelized Onions, Warm Corn Tortillas, and Tomato Cilantro Salsa. The tacos are gluten free but do contain dairy and cannot be modified. They are $3.50 each. So, you can mix and match with other tacos too, if you like.

Overall, I really loved these tacos. They were definitely spicier than I anticipated, but not so spicy that I thought it was overpowering. If you do like a bit of a kick, you will enjoy these tacos. I would definitely get these again too, though I might get one taco and a side of chips and guacamole instead.

For those who are dairy free, the Beef Barbacoa Tacos on the to-go menu may be an option. The last time I visited I got these and were told the only modification to be made dairy free was omitting the cheese. So, it's always worth asking if you're interested in them.

Overall

Frontera Cocina's To-Go Counter is a great spot to grab a quick bite to eat. While, they don't have a huge variety, they do offer several delicious gluten free dishes that you can enjoy and even mix and match depending on your mood. I think the new Grilled Hatch Green Chiles are a fantastic addition to the menu. And, I hope they'll be around for a bit, so I can get them again.

Have you been to Frontera Cocina or it's to-go counter? What did you think of the special diets options?