Le Cellier Dinner Review
Le Cellier, located in the Canada Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase, is a signature table service restaurant that both Brandon and I haven't been to in years. We both have really enjoyed our meal experiences at Le Cellier over the years, but we haven't been in so long due to the hefty price of this steakhouse's meals. In September, during our mini-staycation at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, we decided to finally make a visit back to Le Cellier for a late afternoon/early evening dinner.
*This gluten free dining experience took place in September 2020. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.
Dinner at Le Cellier
Le Cellier, located in the Canada Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase, is a signature table service restaurant that both Brandon and I haven't been to in years. We both have really enjoyed our meal experiences at Le Cellier over the years, but we haven't been in so long due to the hefty price of this steakhouse's meals. In September, during our mini-staycation at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, we decided to finally make a visit back to Le Cellier for a late afternoon/early evening dinner.
COVID-19 & Reopening Notes
On this particular visit, we made reservations for the restaurant several weeks before we dined there using the My Disney Experience app. The app worked as it normally does, and we were able to add in our special dietary needs in the app and alert cast members of our needs when we arrived at the restaurant. We also utilized online restaurant check-in when we arrived at Le Cellier. Online check-in includes using your My Disney Experience app to check-in yourself. It’s super easy, and I hope Disney keeps this going forward too.
All cast members wore facial masks and some cast members wore protective shields, as well. All servers in the restaurant wore both facial masks and protective shields. Throughout Epcot, we did see many cast members cleaning, and there were many opportunities to sanitize, including hand washing stations and hand sanitizer stations throughout the park.
As a note, at the time of writing this review, we have been to Epcot and Animal Kingdom theme parks along with several of the Disney Resorts, including the Contemporary Resort, Coronado Springs Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Old Key West Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, and Riviera Resort. All locations have the same protocols, as far as we have observed. Be sure to check with restaurants and the official Disney World website for additional information about current guidelines and recommendations.
Atmosphere
One of the things that we love most about Le Cellier is the cozy atmosphere. It's meant to resemble a wine cellar in a Canadian chateau. You'll notice that the moment you walk-up to the restaurant, where you'll see the entrance nestled below a sprawling chateau.
Le Cellier - Exterior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Even more impressive before you even walk into the restaurant is the area's recreation of Boutchart Gardens, located in British Colombia. The exterior really helps transport you to Canada.
Le Cellier - Exterior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
As you enter the restaurant, the feelings of a wine cellar are ever present -- with beautiful wine bottles displayed, rich dark woods, and the subtly dimmed lighting. Everything about the theming really works.
Le Cellier - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Once seated, you'll notice some of the more elegant and elaborate features of the restaurant -- the beautiful woodwork. The colors of the wood are rich and dark, helping reinforce that cozy vibe. And, I absolutely love the beautiful metalwork edged above the wood the highlights cities and areas within Canada. In fact, if you look closely, you'll see that each section of the restaurant is broken up by Canadian provinces.
Le Cellier - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On our visit, we were seated in Ontario. I was so excited to see a tribute to Prince Edward Island, because one of my favorite book series from childhood was Anne of Green Gables.
Le Cellier - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
It really is worth the time to take a look at the impressive handiwork throughout the restaurant. It's one of the things that makes Le Cellier's theme even better.
The Food
Like most restaurants at Disney World, Le Cellier does offer an allergy-friendly menu. But, I highly recommend speaking directly to a chef when you dine at Le Cellier. Chef Tony, who works here, is fantastic at accommodating and making amazing dishes that are safe for a variety of special dietary needs, if you ask!
Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On this visit, we spoke with Chef Tony, and he was able to make quite a few things for us that were either slightly modified or aren't listed on the menu -- like gluten free & vegetarian (and easily made dairy free and vegan) poutine!
Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Before we started our meal, Brandon and I did order drinks. I wanted to highlight the drink that I got -- the Montreal 75. Spirits can be tricky when you're gluten free. And while most medical research indicates that spirits distilled with gluten-containing grains are considered safe (unless they've had added flavors that have gluten added to them after distillation), they can still be an issue for many who have celiac disease.
I wanted to highlight my drink because it contains Dillon's Small Batch Gin produced in the Niagara Region in Canada and is made entirely from Niagara grapes and is not made with any gluten-containing grains. So, if you're a fan of gin drinks and are gluten free, this is a great option. Plus, the gin is really tasty and has a unique flavor that's really refreshing for a slightly different take on gin. I recommend this gin and the drink I had at Le Cellier -- which is essentially a twist on a French 75 -- highly.
Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Brandon, ever the whiskey fan, got a whiskey drink and really enjoyed it too.
Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For our bread service, Chef Tony brought out Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread and extra virgin olive oil for me. It's always nice to know that you can get a dairy free or vegan butter option in most Disney-owned restaurants.
Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The Earth Balance worked perfectly with the Bloomfield Farms Gluten Free & Dairy Free Rolls I was given. Even better? Chef Tony brought me a container of maple sugar to add to my Earth Balance for a sweet and salty twist to bread service.
I have to admit, this might be one of the best bread service options I've had in a while. I absolutely loved the subtle, sweet flavors in the maple sugar on the warm gluten free & dairy free rolls. Definitely be sure to ask about the maple sugar when you dine at Le Cellier!
Le Cellier - Bread in this photo is NOT gluten free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Brandon was able to get the regular gluten-filled bread service. If you're nut free, of course, always speak with a chef to determine cross-contamination risks and your comfort level for consuming breads.
The bread service included a multi-grain roll, sourdough roll, and pretzel rolls. Of all three breads, Brandon said the pretzel bread was by far his favorite.
Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
When we arrived at Le Cellier, I had a feeling that poutine was going to be off the table for me and Brandon -- primarily due to all of our special dietary needs. Imagine our surprise when Chef Tony said that we could get a poutine that was not only gluten free, but chicken & turkey free for Brandon's allergies. Though not listed on the menu, you can request a vegetarian (and easily made vegan and dairy free by swapping out the cheese for a DF option) poutine.
The version we received was made with a gluten free and vegetarian/vegan/dairy free gravy. While our version had a small amount of regular dairy-filled cheese on it, you can order it dairy free and vegan. The restaurant is currently using Violife gluten free, dairy free, nut free, and vegan cheese for those DF/vegan guests.
Goodness gracious was this poutine amazing. We were both expecting it to be tasty, but we were entirely unprepared at how good it would be. The gluten free, dairy free & vegan gravy was rich and had a depth of flavor that really surprised me. It had an almost meaty taste to it, and I think even the biggest of meat eaters would enjoy this.
Both Brandon and I devoured this dish quickly, and we both said we'd love to come back to Le Cellier for drinks and orders of poutine. It's just that good. If you're debating on an appetizer at Le Cellier, just order this poutine. You won't regret it!
Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For our main entrees, I ordered a modified version of the USDA Prime New York Strip Steak. I was able to swap out the potatoes it normally comes with for the mushroom risotto usually served with the filet mignon. This entire dish was easily made gluten free & dairy free by swapping out the side dish.
The mushroom risotto usually contains cheese and butter, but those are added as finishing touches to the dish. So, you can easily get it gluten free & dairy free by omitting the cheese and butter. Easy peasy!
Overall, I can't say enough good things about the dish. The steak was cooked perfectly and was really well-seasoned. The chimichurri that comes with the steak was absolutely delicious. I also really enjoyed the mushroom risotto, which was super rich and creamy -- even without the dairy. This was definitely a solid dish that I would highly recommend to anyone who is gluten free & dairy free.
Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
As a bonus, Chef Tony brought out a side dish of Brussels Sprouts, as he said I had to try them. And, like the poutine, I was absolutely blown away by this dish.
The Brussels Sprouts are gluten free, dairy free, vegan, and top 8 allergy-friendly. Made with maple syrup and a lot of roasting, the Brussels Sprouts were sweet, salty, and just perfection. I would 100% get these again. In fact, I'm not sure I could go to Le Cellier and NOT get them. They were that good.
Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For Brandon's entree, he opted for the Filet Mignon. Like me, his dish was slightly modified. Instead of the risotto, he was able to get mashed potatoes with this dish. His dish was safe for his allergies: fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, chicken/turkey, and cabbage. It is also gluten free too.
Brandon also said his filet was perfectly cooked and that the mashed potatoes were excellent.
Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Of course, Brandon loves gluten-filled macaroni & cheese, and he just couldn't pass up ordering a side of the version from Le Cellier. It contained 5 different types of cheeses, and Brandon raved at how good it was. You know it's high praise when Brandon says it's a must order after a few bites -- which he said with this version from Le Cellier!
If you want to get more information about our visit to Le Cellier, we did film our visit and included it in our Mini-Staycation video day on our YouTube channel.
Overall
While it's been many years since we've been to Le Cellier, Brandon and I were beyond impressed by our most recent visit. Not only was the atmosphere just as cozy and inviting as we remembered, but the food there was absolutely delicious. If you're a steak lover, you'll really enjoy the well-cooked, high-quality steaks at Le Cellier. If you're vegetarian, vegan, or not a steak fan, you'll find plenty of options and the ability to get customized dishes too. And, don't forget to order poutine on your visit. There are several other options, beyond the version we tried, and we can't recommend the poutine enough! Overall, we had a great time and really appreciated how accommodating the restaurant was for all of our special dietary needs. We'll definitely be back again sooner, rather than later.
Have you been to Le Cellier? What was your experience dining there?
Regal Eagle Smokehouse Dinner Review
A salute to all foods, but mostly BBQ. That's what we were looking forward to with the newly opened Regal Eagle Smokehouse in the America Adventure Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase. Brandon and I had been both excited and a little worried to see what was in store for this quick service location that was once Liberty Inn. And, about a week after opening, we had a chance to check it out.
*This gluten free and dairy free dining experience took place in February 2020. It includes information about fish/shellfish free, peanut free, cabbage free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free option too.
Dinner at Regal Eagle Smokehouse
A salute to all foods, but mostly BBQ. That's what we were looking forward to with the newly opened Regal Eagle Smokehouse in the America Adventure Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase. Brandon and I had been both excited and a little worried to see what was in store for this quick service location that was once Liberty Inn. And, about a week after opening, we had a chance to check it out.
Atmosphere
Both Brandon and I had minimally seen photos from blogs and other Disney outlets about what the newly refurbished quick service location (now rethemed to a Muppets BBQ restaurant) looked like.
Regal Eagle Smokehouse - Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Because Regal Eagle Smokehouse is located in the American Adventure Pavilion, it has a slightly colonial feel to it. The building's exterior really hasn't changed much. But, I do love the very regal sign featuring the one and only Sam Eagle himself.
Regal Eagle - Entrance Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The entrance has changed slightly, in that there is a to-go window for drinks and snacks next to the main entrance. Everything is decidedly patriotic with lots of flags and colonial inspired decor.
Regal Eagle - Smoker / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Because Regal Eagle Smokehouse is a BBQ themed restaurant, there's a giant smoker near the entrance. I've heard mixed reports on whether this is actually functional or not. Based on our visit, I think Brandon and I both agreed that this is more of an ambiance smoker and not a real functioning meat smoker.
Regal Eagle - Interior Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Inside the restaurant, there are subtle nods to the Muppets. You'll see Sam Eagle in a variety of locations along with some Muppet themed signs and decor here and there. It's definitely much more understated with Muppet theming than I expected.
Regal Eagle - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Even thought the restaurant is no longer Liberty Inn, there are a lot of details that make me feel a little nostalgic for the older version of this quick service location. I do love all the little details and nostalgic nods.
Regal Eagle - Sam Eagle Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
As I mentioned, the Muppets are definitely present in the Regal Eagle Smokehouse but really subtly so. This just might be the most Muppety thing in the whole restaurant!
Regal Eagle / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I do recommend if you're dining at Regal Eagle to take a bit of time to look around. There's a lot of great features and details in the restaurant's retheming.
The Food
Of course, the main reason we went to Regal Eagle Smokehouse was the food! I had seen the allergy-friendly menu prior to visiting the restaurant, and I was super excited about all of the options.
Regal Eagle / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
In addition to the allergy-friendly menu, I do recommend speaking directly to a coordinator or manager to discuss options. We had a lot of questions on our first visit about dedicated fryers, cross-contamination, and dedicated toasters. The manager on duty was very helpful and gave us a lot of information.
A few details we learned at the time of our visit (and always subject to change) is that the location has a small dedicated toaster for allergy-friendly garlic toast. This is removed from the main kitchen area to avoid cross-contamination.
We also learned that the restaurant does not have a dedicated allergy-friendly fryer; however, the French fries are the only things fried in their fryer. That being said, the manager assured us she would fry a new batch and use fresh tongs and containers to get fries for us to avoid cross-contamination. So, be sure to ask a manager about this and use your own judgement when consuming fries. We actually watched the manager prepare all of our food and were glad to see how cautious she was at preparing things safely.
Another bit of information we learned was cross-contamination with smoked meats for those with specific meat allergies. Because Brandon is allergic to chicken, the manager recommended he get a burger instead as all of the meats are cooked in the same smoker. So, if you have any kind of meat allergy, you'll want to consider the smoked meats.
Regal Eagle Smokehouse / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
As you can see, we ordered a bounty of BBQ! Everything you see on this platter is gluten free, and the only item that contains dairy is the cheeseburger that Brandon ordered. It was kind of amazing how gluten free & dairy free friendly the entire menu was.
Brandon's entree was the gluten free cheeseburger on allergy-friendly garlic toast served with French fries. He said it was actually a pretty good burger but that this was mostly due to the allergy-friendly garlic toast. We both agreed that the garlic toast was beyond amazing. It's made with Bloomfield Farm's allergy-friendly bread, and topped with Earth Balance. It's so good. Greasy, but totally worth it!
I wanted to try several things. First up, was the kids grilled chicken drumstick which came with fries and coleslaw. The coleslaw was not only gluten free & dairy free, but it was also vegan. At first I wasn't a huge fan, but I have to admit the coleslaw actually grew on me throughout the meal. It was actually nice to add on top of the brisket sandwich I ordered.
Up next was the beef brisket sandwich served on allergy-friendly garlic toast served with fries and BBQ baked beans. We had so many fries, so Brandon definitely ate a lot of them while I tried out the other sides. The BBQ baked beans were my least favorite of all the items we ordered. I am not a huge fan of baked beans with a strong ketchup flavor, and the brisket in the beans was very fatty and unpleasant. Next time, I'd skip those.
The beef brisket sandwich, on the other hand, was outstanding. This was the hands down best thing I ordered at Regal Eagle Smokehouse, and I'd definitely get it again. The beef was slightly dry, but by adding coleslaw and BBQ sauce, it would be perfect. As an aside, all of the BBQ sauces at Regal Eagle Smokehouse are gluten free. You'll want to check with a manager about the dairy free ingredients and to get safe versions from the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination.
If you'd like to see our full review and initial reactions to the restaurant, check out our vlog review!
Overall
Both Brandon and I are really looking forward to going back to Regal Eagle Smokehouse again when the Disney Parks & Resorts re-open. We both really enjoyed the food there, and we were both impressed by the amount of gluten free & dairy free options there. It's a great addition to Epcot, especially for guests with special dietary needs!
Have you been to Regal Eagle Smokehouse? What did you enjoy when you dined there?
Teppan Edo Dinner Review
Teppan Edo, located in the Japan Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase, is a Teppan-yaki-style restaurant that offers a fun and unique Japanese dining experience for guests. Brandon and I had dinner with blog reader Sarah C. and her family at Teppan Edo this past summer for the first time ever and really loved the experience. Recently, we went back with Brandon's family for a fun and delicious meal.
*This dining review took place in November 2019. It includes information about gluten free, dairy free, fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, peanut free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free options.
Dinner at Teppan Edo
Teppan Edo, located in the Japan Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase, is a Teppan-yaki-style restaurant that offers a fun and unique Japanese dining experience for guests. Brandon and I had dinner with blog reader Sarah C. and her family at Teppan Edo this past summer for the first time ever and really loved the experience. Recently, we went back with Brandon's family for a fun and delicious meal.
Atmosphere
Teppan Edo is located in the Japan Pavilion in the World Showcase on the second floor above the Mitsukoshi shopping area. It shares space with Tokyo Dining, as well. So, when you enter the restaurant area, you actually walk through the Tokyo Dining area before heading into Teppan Edo.
Teppan Edo Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Unlike Tokyo Dining, when you enjoy a meal at Teppan Edo, you'll be seated at a table with 8 other guests. This means it's communal style dining, similar to Biergarten in the Germany Pavilion. This is a great restaurant to go to if you have a large party, because you can virtually have an entire table/grill station to yourself. On this visit, there were four of us, so we were half of the table we were seated at.
Teppan Edo - Menu / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
During the meal, you choose what protein you want, and your meal is prepared in front of you by one of the very talented chefs. If you have a special dietary need, your food will typically be prepared in the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination, especially if you have celiac disease or other allergies.
Teppan Edo - Menu & Napkin / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
As we began our meal, we were all given hand wipes and menus to choose our proteins from. Before the chef came out, the manager did meet with Brandon and I to discuss options with us. Though we got to watch the cooking, which is really the biggest reason to dine at Teppan Edo, all of our meals were prepared directly in the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination. I inadvertently glutened myself on our last visit, so on this visit, we made sure everything was as safe as it could be.
Teppan Edo - Cooking / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
As I said, the real atmosphere here is the cooking. And, Chef Rumi did not disappoint. She was so fun and really did a great job not only cooking for everyone but also at getting us involved in the cooking fun.
Teppan Edo - Cooking / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
From volcano onions to Chef Rumi singing Disney songs, the entire meal was fun from start to finish.
Teppan Edo - Cooking / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Everyone in our party had a great time, and Brandon's family was super impressed by the experience.
In addition the photos here, you can watch the video that Brandon took of our dining experience and see for yourself how much fun Chef Rumi and our dining experience was.
The Food
Teppan Edo, is not actually owned and operated by Disney, so the restaurant does not carry an allergy-friendly menu. But, as I mentioned earlier, at Teppan Edo, a manager will come speak to you about special dietary needs options.
Both Brandon and I have been impressed by how seriously the restaurant takes special dietary needs. They went over all of the options and made sure that our chef, the servers, and everyone in between were aware of our order to ensure our safety. Because of all of our special dietary needs, the manager made sure all of our food was prepared in the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination on the grill.
Teppan Edo / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Up first, the entire table was brought Garden Salads to start. Brandon was served a garden salad with the traditional dressing that included soy sauce in it. I was served a similar salad, and the only difference was that I was served a gluten free yuzu dressing. It was very citrusy and had quite a vinegar punch to it, but I really enjoyed it. Brandon has said that the salad at Teppan Edo is one of his very favorites. He loves vinaigrette and light, bright flavors.
Brandon's salad was dairy free, fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, peanut free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free. My salad was gluten free and dairy free (and likely free of many other allergens too).
Teppan Edo / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For those who are gluten free, you'll be served Kikkoman gluten free soy sauce upon request. I really enjoyed having this for my rice and vegetables.
Teppan Edo / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For my entree, the kitchen prepared Scottish Salmon which was served with spicy yuzu, Yum Yum sauce, stir-fried vegetables, and steamed white rice. My meal was entirely gluten free and dairy free. I ordered this on our previous visit, and while I was tempted to try something new, I just loved the salmon so much that I had to order it again. From the rice, to the vegetables, the salmon, and the sauces, I absolutely loved everything about this meal. Honestly, it's something I could eat every single day and not bored! It was so flavorful, delicious, and filling.
Teppan Edo / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Brandon opted for the NY Cut Steak, which came with a Soy-Ginger Sauce, Yum Yum sauce, udon noodles with stir-fried vegetables, and steamed white rice. His meal was dairy free, fish/shellfish free, peanut free, hazelnut free, cabbage free, and chicken & turkey free. Like my meal, his was also prepared in the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination. He also loved his meal, and he especially loves the steak and udon noodles. Both of us agreed that this is one of our favorite kinds of meals.
Overall
Both Brandon and I have quickly become huge fans of Teppan Edo. I always avoided the restaurant fearing that I wouldn't have a lot of options or that it would be a challenge to eat there safely. But, we have been been very impressed by the level of attention the restaurant takes to ensure that we have a safe meal. While we don't necessarily get to eat the food that's prepared at the table, we still both love watching the show and participating in the fun. Overall, it continues to be a new favorite and a restaurant we'll definitely be back to again soon.
Have you been to Teppan Edo? What was your experience dining there?
Coral Reef Dinner Review
Coral Reef, located in The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion in Epcot, is a table service restaurant that serves seafood and steak options for guests with views of a living coral reef. Brandon, his mom, and I recently had dinner at Coral Reef one evening while we were picking up our annual passholder coasters and magnets during the Epcot Food & Wine Festival.
*This gluten free dining experience took place in October 2019. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, and chicken & turkey allergies.
Dinner at Coral Reef
Coral Reef, located in The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion in Epcot, is a table service restaurant that serves seafood and steak options for guests with views of a living coral reef. Brandon, his mom, and I recently had dinner at Coral Reef one evening while we were picking up our annual passholder coasters and magnets during the Epcot Food & Wine Festival.
Atmosphere
Coral Reef is inspired by the living seas and features views of the coral reef located in the pavilion.
Coral Reef Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
When you arrive at the restaurant, you'll notice lots of bright vibrant colors to set the stage as you begin your journey "under water" into the restaurant.
Coral Reef Lobby / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Once you enter the restaurant's lobby, you can see that it resembles the ocean floor. I have to admit that the restaurant's interior does feel a bit dated -- though the lobby portion is less so than the actual interior.
Coral Reef Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
While we all agreed that you can get nice views of the coral reef & aquariums from anywhere in the restaurant, since this was Brandon's mom's first visit to the restaurant, we requested a table near the front.
You can request this when you check-in to the restaurant -- though there may be a bit of a wait. We were also told by the cast member during check-in that they would try their best to honor this request, but that's it's not always a guarantee. Thankfully, the restaurant was a bit slow when we dined there, and we had no issues getting a table near The Seas marine life.
Coral Reef Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On our previous visit, we sat at a table near The Seas and found the chairs to be really uncomfortable. This time we were seated in a much more comfortable booth. We all agreed this was far more comfortable and relaxed way to experience the restaurant and would actually request a booth straight away the next time we go.
Coral Reef - Table / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
As you can see, the interior of the restaurant features lots of blues, purples, and other sea-inspired colors. I do hope that someday they refresh the restaurant's decor because it really is a bit outdated.
The Food
Of course, the main reason we came to Coral Reef was dinner! Because it is owned and operated by the Disney Company, Coral Reef does have an allergy-friendly lunch and dinner menu. You can also always ask to speak with a chef directly whenever you dine there.
Coral Reef / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Before our meal, we were brought out bread service. I was served Ener-Ggluten free and allergy-friendly rolls, which are also dairy free, vegan, and free of the top common allergens. These were well-heated on this visit -- making them a nice way to start the meal. If you're just gluten free, you'll be served butter with the rolls. If you're dairy free, be sure to ask for some Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread.
Brandon was also served the house rolls, which looked like pull-apart Parker House style rolls. Both Brandon and his mom didn't think they were very good and said they were pretty bland.
Coral Reef / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On my previous visit, I ordered the Mahi-Mahi which is a gluten free and dairy free dish. But, on this visit, I was leaning towards trying the Shrimp & Grits because I'd heard such great things about it from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures.
The Shrimp & Grits includes Sauteed Shrimp, Cheddar Cheese Grits, Local Corn Succotash, Andouille Sausage, Creole Spice Emulsion and is marked safe for gluten/wheat, fish, peanut/tree nut, and soy allergies. This does contain dairy and cannot be modified.
Overall, I was really impressed by the shrimp & grits entree. It wasn't my favorite version of the dish, but it was really good. Everything was really flavorful, and I was shocked at how big the dish was. The amount of shrimp in it was excellent. If you like seafood and enjoy a bit of spice, this might be a good dish for you. I would definitely order the shrimp and grits from Coral Reef again.
Coral Reef / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Because the menu is heavy on the seafood and Brandon is allergic to both fish & shellfish, his options were pretty limited. Thankfully, he's a big steak fan, so he ordered the Grilled 10-oz Top Sirloin Steak. On the allergy menu, it comes with Olive Oil-Mashed Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables and is marked safe for gluten/wheat, egg, fish/shellfish, milk, peanut/tree nut, and soy allergies.
But, Brandon did ask if he could order swap the olive oil-mashed potatoes for the loaded mashed potatoes on the regular Coral Reef menu. He was able to do this with no issues for his special dietary needs. Overall, he said the dish was really good -- and like my shrimp & grits, he had a huge portion of steak.
Coral Reef / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Brandon's mom also ordered the Caesar Salad for her starter, which included Romaine Lettuce, Parmesan Cheese, and Caesar Dressing. It was marked safe for gluten/wheat, peanut/tree nut, and shellfish allergies. Although I didn't try it, Brandon's mom did say it was a really good version of Caesar Salad. So, if you're a fan of this type of salad it might be worth ordering.
Coral Reef / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For dessert, Brandon couldn't pass up the chance to get a chocolately dessert. He's not a big dessert fan, but he loves chocolate flourless style cakes. And, the Chocolate Wave dessert at Coral Reef is one he really enjoys. This includes chocolate curls and raspberry cream and is marked safe for gluten/wheat, fish/shellfish, and peanut/tree nut allergies. If you love chocolate cake, this is definitely one to try. It's very rich and a perfect way to end a meal.
Overall
While we wouldn't say the food is anything fancy, we have been pleasantly surprised by the food at Coral Reef. On both of our recent visits, we have found delicious and tasty options that cover our special dietary needs and leave us satisfied. Even better? We really enjoy the atmosphere and spending a leisurely dinner watching the marine life at The Seas. If you seafood that isn't super pricey, this may be a good option to dine at when you're in Epcot.
Have you been to Coral Reef? What did you enjoy when you dined there?
Restaurant Marrakesh Dinner Review
Restaurant Marrakesh, located in the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase, is a table service restaurant that serves Moroccan cuisine. Recently, Brandon, his mom, and I had a spur of the moment dinner at Restaurant Marrakesh. Brandon had never been, and I hadn't been in years, so this was a great chance to see what special diets options were available to us both.
*This gluten free dining experience took place in August 2019. It includes information about dairy free options and information about fish/shellfish, peanut, and chicken & turkey allergies.
Dinner at Restaurant Marrakesh
Restaurant Marrakesh, located in the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase, is a table service restaurant that serves Moroccan cuisine. Recently, Brandon, his mom, and I had a spur of the moment dinner at Restaurant Marrakesh. Brandon had never been, and I hadn't been in years, so this was a great chance to see what special diets options were available to us both.
Atmosphere
If dining at a restaurant with lots of unique theming is something you're interested in, you can't get better than dining at Restaurant Marrakesh. The restaurant's beautiful exterior and interior make it a great place to enjoy a meal.
Restaurant Marraskesh Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The restaurant is situated pretty far back in the pavilion, making it a beautifully hidden spot in the park.
Restaurant Marrakesh Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
From the moment you walk up to the restaurant, you'll find yourself transported to a Moroccan oasis.
Restaurant Marrakesh - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
As beautiful as the exterior is, the interior is even more beautiful. I love all of the intricate details, and especially all of the detailed tile work throughout the restaurant.
Restaurant Marrakesh - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
From floor to ceiling, you can see beautiful patterns and designs that reflect Moroccan style.
Restaurant Marrakesh - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I also love the brightly colored walls and carpet that surround each table. Everything is beautifully and artfully presented.
Restaurant Marrakesh - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Though we had seats at a standard table, I loved the tables with benches built in. The bright fabric and design looked very inviting and cozy.
Restaurant Marrakesh - Musician / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Of course, one of my favorite parts about Restaurant Marrakesh is the live entertainment. It's changed over the years (and has sometimes included a full band). On this visit, there was one musician along with a belly dancer who came out once during our meal.
Brandon took a video of the belly dancer and live music for those who might be interested in seeing the entertainment highlights from our visit to Restaurant Marrakesh.
The Food
Restaurant Marrakesh is not owned and operated by the Disney Company, which means they don't currently offer an allergy-friendly menu. But, they will have a chef come and talk to you about special dietary needs options. Our server also seemed pretty aware of gluten free options that might be available too.
Restaurant Marrakesh - Menu / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Both Brandon and I took a look at the menu and had some questions for the chef which we discussed when he came to the table. I have had hit or miss experiences with chefs at the Morocco pavilion in the past -- both at Restaurant Marrakesh and Tangierine Cafe. But, on this visit the chef was very helpful and accommodating.
Restaurant Marrakesh / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Both Brandon and I were served a bread service before our meal. I was served Ener-G gluten free and allergy-friendly rolls, which are also dairy free, vegan, and free of the top common allergens. This particular brand of roll really needs to be heated well to be tasty. And, thankfully, on this visit, they were extremely well-heated and very tasty. The only thing I was missing was hummus. On our next visit, I will definitely be asking for a side of hummus with the bread service!
Restaurant Marrakesh / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Brandon was served the regular bread service and was told that this was peanut free. He said it was quite good. And, both Brandon and his mom seemed to enjoy it.
Restaurant Marrakesh / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On this particular visit, I had my eye on the Chicken Kabobs which came with grilled chicken breast, olive salad, and yellow rice (instead of the couscous that normally comes with the dish). This is both gluten free and dairy free.
I very much enjoyed this dish. While the chicken was a little on the dry side, the flavor was excellent. I also loved the marinated olives and the yellow rice served with it. This is definitely a dish I would order again. If you're curious about other dishes, I have also had the Lemon Chicken Tagine on previous visits and also enjoyed it too.
Restaurant Marrakesh / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Both Brandon and I were a little concerned about options for his special dietary needs at Restaurant Marrakesh. But, we were able to find an option that worked well for him. Brandon is allergic to fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey. The proteins were the biggest concern with cross-contamination. And, luckily, the dish he was interested in was a safe option.
Brandon ordered the Grilled Beef Tenderloin Shish Kebab. This is normally served with mixed vegetables and yellow rice. But, Brandon asked if he could substitute the rice for roasted garlic mashed potatoes instead -- which the chef said he was happy to do. Brandon said this was an excellent dish, and he was still raving about it days later too!
In addition to being safe for Brandon's special dietary needs, this was also gluten free too. The potatoes contained dairy, but you could easily order it the traditional way with rice and vegetables for a dairy free option.
Overall
We were both pleasantly surprised by how accommodating Restaurant Marrakesh was on our visit. And, even better, the food was quite good too. I wouldn't say it's our favorite place in the World Showcase, but it's a solid option that we both said we'd like to go back to again soon. As an added bonus, there is often a lot of availability at this restaurant for walk-up dining if you don't have a reservation too. We were both glad we got to go on this visit and get to check out the current options for guests with special dietary needs.
Have you been to Restaurant Marrakesh? What did you think of the options there?
Teppan Edo Dinner Review
Teppan Edo, located in Japan in Epcot's World Showcase, is one of two table service restaurants in the pavilion. I honestly have avoided the Japan pavilion restaurants for a long time, due to some very bad experiences over the years. However, after after a much better experience at Katsura Grill for dinner in 2016 and reviews from friends and family, we've been wanting to give the table service restaurants a try. Recently, we were invited to join blog reader Sarah C. and her family for a meal at Teppan Edo. Both Brandon and I were excited to catch up with Sarah and her family and get to dine at Teppan Edo for the first time. So, it was a win-win all around!
*This gluten free and dairy free dining experience took place in August 2019. It also includes information about fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free options too.
Dinner at Teppan Edo
Teppan Edo, located in Japan in Epcot's World Showcase, is one of two table service restaurants in the pavilion. I honestly have avoided the Japan pavilion restaurants for a long time, due to some very bad experiences over the years. However, after after a much better experience at Katsura Grill for dinner in 2016 and reviews from friends and family, we've been wanting to give the table service restaurants a try. Recently, we were invited to join blog reader Sarah C. and her family for a meal at Teppan Edo. Both Brandon and I were excited to catch up with Sarah and her family and get to dine at Teppan Edo for the first time. So, it was a win-win all around!
Atmosphere
Neither Brandon nor I have ever eaten at the table service restaurants in the Japan pavilion. So, this was our first time checking out the atmosphere here. Both restaurants are located in the same space on the second floor of the pavilion, just above the Mitsukoshi shopping area.
Teppan Edo Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
We got some great shots of the empty stairs going up to the restaurant entrance. One word of warning, these stairs are surprisingly steep and aren't quite the standard stair size.
View from Teppan Edo Terrace / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I can highly recommend the area just beyond the restaurants that offers a fantastic view of the World Showcase Lagoon. This was the perfect spot for watching IllumiNations.
Teppan Edo Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
As you can see, Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining are both in the same space -- Teppan Edo to the left and Tokyo Dining to the right.
Teppan Edo Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
As we entered, we were both a bit surprised by how loud the Tokyo Dining area was. We both agreed that we'd like to dine there, but that we'd probably dine during lunch time when the restaurant is a bit quieter.
Teppan Edo Hallway / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Teppan Edo features Teppan-yaki-style cooking, which means you'll be seated at tables of 8 and will watch a chef cook your meal. This plays out slightly differently depending on special dietary needs (which I'll cover in the food section of this review). With that in mind, you walk down a long hallway to rooms with 4 sets of tables that seat 8. Overall, this made for a much quieter dining experience than what we observed as we walked through the Tokyo Dining area.
Teppan Edo Chef / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The decor in Teppan Edo is fairly sparse. That's because the real action is at your table watching the chefs cook and prepare your meal -- all with Disney flare.
The Food
Because Teppan Edo is not owned and operated by the Disney Company, the restaurant does not carry an allergy-friendly menu. But, the manager and the chef at your table will take great care to ensure you have a safe and delicious meal. In fact, we were all impressed by how well they handled a multitude of dietary needs that included, gluten free, dairy free, peanut free, fish/shellfish free, chicken & turkey free, vegan, and vegetarian guests.
Teppan Edo Menus / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Essentially, you'll choose a main dish, such as beef, chicken, salmon, or tofu, and the meals are prepared in front of you on a grill and served to each guest. Some portions of the meal, like the udon noodles and vegetables are prepared together and then served in individual portions to your table. But, of course, if you have special dietary needs this may be work a bit differently.
In the case of our table, we spoke with the manager and chef to ensure the grill was completely dairy free, as they do typically use butter on the grill -- in addition to oil. Two of us in the group were gluten free, and the manager prepared our dishes in the kitchen instead of on the grill. So, while we got to watch all of the hibachi cooking fun -- we were not served food from the grill (although we had a slight hiccup in this, in which I mildly glutened myself -- more on that later in the review).
The grill was also made fish/shellfish free for Brandon -- so anyone in the group who ordered seafood also had their protein cooked in the kitchen. The facility is peanut free, so that made avoiding nuts easy and knocked one allergen off our list.
We had two full tables of 8 guests each, and our table was composed of the meat eaters while a separate table included the vegetarians and vegans. If you're curious about vegan options at the restaurant, I recommend reading Vegan Disney World's review of Teppan Edo.
Teppan Edo / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Teppan Edo serves some really lovely alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Their unsweetened iced tea was great (one of my fave drinks). And, the iced blood orange drink I ordered with sparkling water, blood orange, and gin was really refreshing. Sarah C. got the blackberry mojito (also shown here), which looked really good too.
Although I didn't get a photo of it, some of the folks in our party ordered the Pina Colada, which was completely dairy free and vegan (and made with coconut milk). So, definitely chat with a chef about options if you have specific special dietary needs.
Teppan Edo / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Before our main courses, everyone was served a salad. For those of us who were gluten free, we were served salad with a gluten free soy sauce vinaigrette. It tasted like it had rice wine vinegar in it, along with the GF soy sauce and was very light and refreshing. Sometimes a simple salad is all you need -- and this one was a great way to start the meal.
Teppan Edo / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Brandon's salad was also vinaigrette based, but it had sesame oil in it too. He raved about the salad and said it was one of the best salads he's had in a long time.
Teppan Edo / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For the two of us who were GF, we were brought a bottle of Kikkoman gluten free soy sauce. This was great to have on hand for the rest of our meal.
Teppan Edo / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
After our salads, the fun really began. Our chef, Masayo, started cooking vegetables that would be the base of the Udon noodle stir-fry for the table. Chopping, dicing, and creating fun shapes like an onion volcano are all part of the cooking experience.
Teppan Edo / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Each step along the way, she talked to us about the cooking, and what fun things she was creating. The vegetables even turned into Mickey Mouse for a few minutes while they cooked!
Teppan Edo / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
And, of course, here is the onion volcano erupting!
Teppan Edo / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The Udon noodles and vegetables also turned into the Tree of Life from the Animal Kingdom as they cooked along too. As you can see, the presentation was excellent. The whole experience is really interactive and fun.
Teppan Edo / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
During the meal, the group asked if we could have some plain vegetables cooked on the side with some gluten free soy sauce since the two of us who were GF didn't get any of the asparagus, red peppers, and mushrooms prepared on the grill. The chef was happy to accommodate -- only we all forgot to ask about using separate cooking utensils.
Essentially, I ended up eating a few bites of the vegetables before I realized the cross-contamination mix-up. This was entirely my fault for not being cautious -- and a testament to even the most experienced of GF and celiac diners sometimes making a mistake and not being vigilant. If you have a special dietary need, I would recommend only eating items from directly from the kitchen (if it needs to be prepared that way) to avoid any mishaps. While I didn't get horribly sick -- thank goodness -- I did give myself a bit of a stomach ache later that night. Again, this was entirely my mistake for not asking. And, next time, I will stick only with items from the kitchen.
Teppan Edo / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For those who could enjoy food prepared on the grill, they were served a medley of vegetables and Udon noodles. Brandon raved about this and was a huge fan of the flavor combination. It included zucchini, spinach, carrot, and onion. Brandon happens to be allergic to cabbage, and we were told at the time of this review that they are not using cabbage in the stir-fry.
These noodles were prepared dairy free, peanut free, fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, and chicken & turkey free.
Teppan Edo / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For Brandon's main protein, he chose the filet mignon. This was also cooked on the grill and grilled to the guests temperature preference (in Brandon's case, medium). It also included soy sauce on it. If you're gluten free, you can get gluten free soy sauce for your steak too. Brandon said the filet was excellent and that he'd definitely get it again. This filet was prepared dairy free, peanut free, fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, and chicken & turkey free.
Teppan Edo / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For my entree, I chose the salmon. It was prepared in the back kitchen and was served with stir-fry veggies that included zucchini, carrot, onion, and spinach. I also had steamed white rice too. This was made gluten free and dairy free.
Overall, this was a fantastic entree, and I would definitely get it again. The salmon was really well-cooked with a nice crisp exterior. The stir-fry veggies were so delicious, and I probably could have eaten another serving of them. And, the white rice was a nice carb compliment to the dish. All in all, I was really pleased with how tasty everything was, and I might actually have a hard time not ordering this again -- it was that good.
Teppan Edo / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For dessert, the restaurant does carry fresh fruit. I skipped dessert. But, Brandon ordered the Ginger Mousse Cake, which included layered sponge cake with ginger mousse and a ribbon of rich chocolate icing to top it off. While Brandon liked this, he said he probably wouldn't order it again -- mostly because it wasn't particularly memorable. That being said, if you like light and simple (and not overly sweet) flavors, I think you might enjoy the simplicity of the desserts at Teppan Edo.
Overall
Both Brandon and I were blown away at how delicious and fun the entire experience at Teppan Edo was. The manager and chef were both very accommodating and minus my own personal mistake on not being vigilant it was a really wonderful experience. (Side note, the manager did come talk to me after the error too, so she was aware of the situation). We can't thank Sarah C. and her family enough for inviting us to join them for dinner. We enjoyed not only the food and atmosphere but really loved getting to spend time with their whole family for food and fun! It was a great experience, and we're looking forward to going back to Teppan Edo again.
Have you been to Teppan Edo? What was your experience with their special dietary needs options?
Electric Umbrella Dinner Review
Electric Umbrella, located in Future World in Epcot, is a quick service restaurant that serves up classic theme park food, like sandwiches and salads. Whenever we're in Epcot and want a quick service meal, we tend to go to Liberty Inn for allergy-friendly chicken tenders. But, during the holiday season while I was recovering from resection surgery for Crohn's disease, we stopped by Electric Umbrella to get a quick bite to eat.
*This gluten free and dairy free dining review took place in December 2018.
Dinner at Electric Umbrella
Electric Umbrella, located in Future World in Epcot, is a quick service restaurant that serves up classic theme park food, like sandwiches and salads. Whenever we're in Epcot and want a quick service meal, we tend to go to Liberty Inn for allergy-friendly chicken tenders. But, during the holiday season while I was recovering from resection surgery for Crohn's disease, we stopped by Electric Umbrella to get a quick bite to eat.
Atmosphere
I'm not sure there's a real major theme going on at Electric Umbrella -- short of its very 1990s futuristic feel. There's lots of neon and bright colors. But, the restaurant itself feels very dated and worn down inside.
I ended up not getting many photos while we were there because I was feeling pretty exhausted just getting into the park. We ended up only being there for about an hour & 1/2 because we needed to pick up a Christmas present for a family member. But, recovering from a surgery meant I was moving slow and not feeling the greatest.
But, as you can see from the photo above, the restaurant is pretty much all neon and 90s color schemes.
The Food
We ended up utilizing mobile ordering, although Electric Umbrella does have an allergy-friendly lunch and dinner menu. The mobile ordering works really well if you only have one special dietary need. I do definitely recommend speaking with a manager about any special dietary concerns and especially if you have multiple dietary needs.
Electric Umbrella / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Brandon and I were both hugely disappointed by our allergy-friendly chicken tenders at Electric Umbrella. Taste-wise, they should have been just fine since they were the Ian's brand allergy-friendly chicken tenders and the normal Disney French fries. But, the manager ended up undercooking them slightly (the chicken was cooked, but the breading was slightly doughy in spots). And, they were very greasy, as though the fryer hadn't been up to temperature. My guess is because we stopped by near the end of the day that the allergy-friendly fryer had been turned off.
Because this was only my 2nd meal out at Disney after resection surgery and my stomach was still very fragile post-surgery, I only ate a small bit of the tenders and gave the rest to Brandon. It was a bummer especially because they weren't well-cooked. The French fries were actually overcooked and veering into burnt territory too, which was odd.
Overall
Both Brandon and I agreed that we won't be going back to Electric Umbrella any time soon. It's a shame that our meal wasn't so great because this is a restaurant that's owned and operated by Disney (which is a bit rare in Epcot), and we had high hopes that it would be another good go-to option for allergy-friendly chicken tenders. We'd much prefer going to Liberty Inn in the World Showcase for allergy-friendly chicken tenders.
Have you been to Electric Umbrella? What was your experience dining there?
Liberty Inn Dinner Review
Liberty Inn, located in the American Adventure Pavilion in the World Showcase at Epcot, is a quick service restaurant that serves sandwiches and salads. It's also one of the few restaurants in the World Showcase that is owned and operated by the Disney Company (most restaurants are leased by outside companies). So, it's always nice to stop by this quick service restaurant where I know they have an allergy-friendly menu, and I can speak to a manager about options. Plus, they serve allergy-friendly chicken tenders here, which is almost always what we stop by to get. On this occasion, Brandon and I were at Epcot to check out the Festival of the Arts and wanted a quick bite as we explored all the festival fun.
*This gluten free and dairy free dining review took place in February 2019.
Dinner at Liberty Inn
Liberty Inn, located in the American Adventure Pavilion in the World Showcase at Epcot, is a quick service restaurant that serves sandwiches and salads. It's also one of the few restaurants in the World Showcase that is owned and operated by the Disney Company (most restaurants are leased by outside companies). So, it's always nice to stop by this quick service restaurant where I know they have an allergy-friendly menu, and I can speak to a manager about options. Plus, they serve allergy-friendly chicken tenders here, which is almost always what we stop by to get. On this occasion, Brandon and I were at Epcot to check out the Festival of the Arts and wanted a quick bite as we explored all the festival fun.
Atmosphere
I wouldn't say that Liberty Inn has a very detailed atmosphere. It's meant to resemble colonial America. But, the theming is fairly sparse. You'll find a few corners, like the photo below that include some colonial decor.
Liberty Inn Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Overall, you'll mostly just find a ton of tables for seating because generally this restaurant gets really crowded.
Liberty Inn - Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
When we visited, it was only a few hours before the park closed, and we found the restaurant to be pretty quiet. That's a rarity, so we really enjoyed having lots of seating options.
The Food
Since Liberty Inn is a Disney owned restaurant, they do carry an allergy-friendly lunch and dinner menu. You can also speak to a manager at any time if you have additional questions or have multiple dietary restrictions. I always recommend this, especially if you want to discuss food preparation, ingredients, or are looking for customized dishes.
Liberty Inn - Mobile Ordering / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Liberty Inn is also currently offering mobile ordering. If you have a special dietary need, you can utilize this option. But, it only allows you to select one dietary restriction when ordering. With this in mind, I would only order through mobile ordering if you have one special dietary need that's listed on the option (currently, this includes the top 8 common allergens). If you have any questions or multiple dietary restrictions, I would order in person.
We have used mobile ordering at Liberty Inn and at Backlot Express. We've only ordered allergy-friendly chicken tenders with mobile ordering service too, so I'm still testing out the waters with this ordering option.
Liberty Inn / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On this occasion, we both ordered allergy-friendly chicken tenders and French fries through mobile ordering. Brandon prefers the allergy-friendly chicken tenders to the regular ones, even though he can have gluten/wheat.
When our orders arrived, we dug in. Currently, Liberty Inn is serving the Ian's brand allergy-friendly chicken tenders. Both, Brandon and I thought our servings were generous, and we both left the restaurant very full.
Overall
While I wouldn't say the food at Liberty Inn is anything special, I'm always glad it's an option in the World Showcase. And, even better is that they have allergy-friendly chicken tenders there, making it a great go-to spot for a gluten free and dairy free fried food option.
Have you been to Liberty Inn? What did you order when you dined there?
Coral Reef Dinner Review
*This gluten free dining experience took place in October 2018. It includes notes about dairy free options and modifications.
Dinner at Coral Reef
Coral Reef is a table service restaurant located in The Seas pavilion in Future World at Epcot. It serves up a variety of seafood and coastal inspired meals with exceptional views of the coral reef and its marine life in The Seas. It has been nearly 9 years since I'd dined at Coral Reef and Brandon had never been. We decided to go one evening on a whim to try it out.
Atmosphere
The theming of Coral Reef is set to resemble, well, a reef. Its main focal point are the panoramic views of the Coral Reefs in The Seas pavilion. So, the restaurant has excellent views fo the marine life depending on where you are seated.
Coral Reef - Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
When we arrived at the restaurant, we were there around 8 p.m. -- about an hour before IllumiNations began. Because we were closer to the end of the evening, we asked if it would be possible to get a seat with a better view of The Seas. They said it might be a little bit of a wait, but we were seated within in 5 minutes after arriving at the restaurant.
Coral Reef Restaurant - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The photos here are as we were leaving the restaurant, when it was nearly empty. One of the biggest things we noticed about Coral Reef is that the decor seems a bit dated. While it does a good job at reflecting the marine life theme, it just felt like it could really use a refurbishment.
Coral Reef Restaurant - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
We were seated near the front of the restaurant with a view of The Seas marine life. We thought this gave a great view. Our only complaint was that the restaurant's tables seemed very close together. And, because the restaurant was a bit dated, the chairs were extremely old and uncomfortable. We would have preferred a booth and would definitely ask for that next time.
Coral Reef Restaurant - Fish Tank / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
We were both in awe of the marine life at The Seas. Disney has said that there are are 4,000-plus sea creatures and 85 species of tropical fish in the pavilion. It was so neat to see them up close. Our server Joshua was also a wealth of knowledge and gave us a ton of information about the marine life there. You'll also be given a small guide to help identify some of the marine life too.
The Food
Coral Reef does have an allergy-friendly lunch and dinner menu. You can also ask to speak with a chef if you have questions or need further assistance with ordering due to multiple special dietary needs. On this visit, I opted to order directly from the menu without speaking to a chef, as I felt comfortable with the options I was ordering.
Coral Reef - Ener-G Rolls / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
First up, our server Joshua brought me some Ener-G rolls and Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread. I usually don't love Ener-G rolls, mostly because they are never well-heated, but on our visit to Coral Reef I was extremely impressed at how well-heated they were. Even Brandon commented that they were really good. I was also glad to see the Earth Balance served with the rolls.
Coral Reef - Mahi Mahi Entree / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For my entree, I ordered the Seared Mahi Mahi with Jasmine Rice, Coconut and Cilantro-Lime Sauce, and Avocado-Mango Salsa. It is listed as safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Milk, Peanut, Shellfish, and Soy Allergies on the allergy-friendly menu. I am always a big fan of fish and rice, so this was a good dish for me to order. Overall, I enjoyed it a lot. The fish was a bit overcooked, but I loved the flavors of the sauces and salsa which were bright and citrusy.
Coral Reef Restaurant - Steak / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Since Brandon is allergic to fish and shellfish, we made sure that we were extra careful on this visit, as restaurants with a lot of seafood are a higher risk for him to eat at. He ended up getting the 10-oz Grilled Top Sirloin Steak with Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Bacon, Creamed Spinach, and Bercy Butter.
This is also listed on the allergy-friendly menu with some modifications (roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables in place of the mashed potatoes and spinach). We confirmed that the dish he ordered was safe for fish and shellfish allergies. It was also gluten free. Guests who are gluten free and dairy free can order the version off the allergy-friendly menu for a safe option. Overall, he said he enjoyed this steak -- though it wasn't his favorite. He really enjoyed the mashed potatoes.
Coral Reef Restaurant - Chocolate Wave Dessert / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I don't normally order dessert, but on this visit, I had to try the Chocolate Wave dessert. I've always heard that it was amazing for guests who are gluten free. So, it was a must order now that I've reintroduced dairy back into my diet. The Chocolate Wave is a Warm Flourless Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Curls and Raspberry Gelato. It is listed as safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies.
Overall, I really enjoyed this dessert. Was it my favorite chocolate dessert? No. But, it was really delicious. I loved the addition of the raspberry sauce and gelato. Brandon, on the other hand, was not a fan of those additions, but liked the chocolate cake portion of the dessert. I would definitely order this if we visited Coral Reef again.
Overall
While I wouldn't say that Coral Reef is on the top of our lists of restaurants to eat, we both agreed that the food was good and the atmosphere was excellent. It's also nice to dine at a restaurant in Epcot that has an allergy-friendly menu and is run by Disney directly. Since many of the restaurants in the World Showcase are not owned & operated by Disney, they may or may not follow the same special dietary needs protocols. So, Coral Reef can be a great option for those who feel safer with Disney owned restaurants. We would definitely visit again, though I'd love to see this restaurant get a bit of a refurbishment, as it feels somewhat dated. Overall, though, we had a safe and pleasant meal in a unique setting.
Have you been to Coral Reef? What did you think of your dining experience there?
Liberty Inn 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 Liberty Inn
Liberty Inn is a quick service restaurant located in the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot's World Showcase. It's been my go-to spot for allergy-friendly chicken tenders at Epcot for many years now and is always a solid option for a quick lunch or dinner in the park. On this particular occasion, we stopped by Liberty Inn for dinner while attending the Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic event in the park. The event included a complimentary meal for DVC members at several restaurants. Liberty Inn was one of the restaurants listed. So, I knew allergy-friendly chicken tenders were in order.
Atmosphere
We totally forgot to take a lot of photos during dinner this evening, so I'm included a photo from a visit in December. As you can see, Liberty Inn has a colonial theme to it -- though it's not quite as detailed as say Columbia Harbour House in the Magic Kingdom.
Liberty Inn Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
One of the things that threw us on this visit was that it was jam packed. Usually when we go to Liberty Inn it's busy, but not jammed. On this visit, it was the busiest I've seen it in years.
Liberty Inn - Ordering / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
That's probably due to the fact that almost everyone in Liberty Inn was getting their complimentary meal for the DVC Moonlight Magic event before the restaurant closed for the night. So, both Brandon and I were a little worried about ordering allergy-friendly chicken tenders and having to wait a long time.
Liberty Inn - Exterior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On our way out, I did snap a quick pic of the inside of the restaurant. It was still pretty busy in there and seating was at a premium.
The Food
Like most restaurants owned and operated by the Disney Company, Liberty Inn has an allergy-friendly menu. Of course, both Brandon and I knew what we wanted -- the allergy-friendly chicken tenders!
Liberty Inn Allergy Friendly Lunch and Dinner Menu / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Once you place your order, you are asked to go to a counter near the end of the restaurant. From there, a manager will bring you your special diets order. On this visit, I have to admit, we waited longer than usual. But, given how crowded the restaurant was, we were not surprised or that upset by it. Since we were standing away from the main counters, we didn't feel like we were in anyone's way either.
Liberty Inn -- Allergy Friendly Chicken Tenders / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
When the manager brought our allergy-friendly chicken tenders to us, Brandon got so excited. He prefers the current brand of allergy-friendly chicken tenders served on property (Ian's) over the new allergy-friendly chicken tenders that they are testing out at locations like Columbia Harbour House. I really enjoy both. So, any allergy-friendly chicken tender is alright by me!
The Ian's brand allergy-friendly chicken tenders are free of the top common allergens but are often not soy friendly due to the oil used in the allergy fryers. Sometimes you can find them baked at select locations for those who are soy free.
Overall
As always, we both really enjoyed the allergy-friendly chicken tenders. They are always a great go-to when it comes to a quick and filling meal in the parks. We both love them and always look forward to getting them. Liberty Inn continues to be a good go to spot for them too!
Have you been to Liberty Inn? What did you order when you dined there?
Liberty Inn -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Epcot
*This dining experience took place in December 2017.
Dinner at Liberty Inn
Liberty Inn, located in the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot, is a quick service restaurant that offers standard favorites like burgers, fries, and chicken tenders. Owned and operated by Disney (many of the World Showcase restaurants aren't), it's one of my go-to spots when we go to Epcot for a quick service meal. On this occasion, we stopped by for a quick dinner before heading to the DVC Moonlight Magic event in the park that evening.
Atmosphere
Liberty Inn isn't the most themed restaurant in Disney World, but guests will appreciate it's ample seating area and open spaces inside.
I do also really like the colonial style theme and decorations inside the restaurant too. On this visit, I didn't get many photos because it was super chilly for Florida (low 40 degrees Fahrenheit), so we were ready to get inside and enjoy a warm meal.
The Food
Liberty Inn does have an allergy-friendly lunch and dinner menu. You can order with a cashier from this menu, or you can request to speak to a manager about options. On this visit, I chose to order without consulting with a manager, since I wanted to get allergy-friendly chicken tenders. These are pretty standard and are both gluten free and dairy free.
The allergy-friendly chicken tenders with French fries are a great gluten free and dairy free choice. Made in a dedicated fryer and prepared by the manager, they make for a safe option that almost anyone will enjoy. In fact, Brandon prefers the allergy-friendly chicken tenders over the regular gluten-filled ones on property, which is a pretty big testament to how good they are.Liberty Inn also always gives such a large portion. I had 5 large pieces of chicken tenders and a generous portion of fries too. Overall, it was a super solid meal and one that really hit the spot on a cold evening.
Overall
Liberty Inn is always a great option for quick service in Epcot. They do a great job at providing a lot of different options. And, they even have the new Beyond Burger for those who are vegan and looking for a vegan and gluten free option. So, it's fair to say that Liberty Inn really has something that can accommodate a lot of special dietary needs. Of course, I almost always get the allergy-friendly chicken tenders here. But, it's great to have options, when I want them. Want to read more about the Beyond Burger? Check out Vegan Disney World's review of it at Liberty Inn.Have you been to Liberty Inn? What do you like to order when you dine there?
Rose & Crown -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Epcot
*This dining experience took place in August 2017.
Dinner at Rose & Crown
The Rose & Crown Dining Room, located in the UK Pavilion in the World Showcase at Epcot, is a table service restaurant that offers classic British fare to guests. It's a favorite among our family and one that we try to get to at least once or twice a year. On this particular occasion, we decided to stop by for a random dinner, as we were in Epcot meeting up with blog reader Sarah C. for a quick hello. Since Sarah C. and her family are from England, it seemed only right to have dinner in the UK!
Atmosphere
The theming of the Rose & Crown is a traditional English Pub. Having spent a month in the UK during my university years, I always feel right at home when I dine at the Rose & Crown. It really does capture the essence of a pub.
The Rose & Crown offers both indoor and outdoor seating. We love outdoor seating on cooler months, especially if we time it right to watch IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. But, in the summertime, it's downright hot. So, we asked for a seat inside. Sometimes during the hotter months, you might have to wait a bit longer to eat inside, but for us, it was worth the wait.
The interior of the restaurant is charming with booths and tables that give you a homey feel. The wood is dark and there's bright, cheerful decor and classic English wallpaper. Some of the tables are a bit close together, so you'll get that cozy pub vibe if the restaurant is busy, for sure.
There's also a lot of great detail in the restaurant. We had the rare chance of being the only diners left in the restaurant eating, as we stopped by about 45 minutes before the restaurant officially closed. It was actually quite cool to be the only ones in the restaurant! Check out the video that Brandon took below to see more of the interior of the restaurant, with no one in it!
The Food
Of course, the main reason we went to the Rose & Crown was the food. We were both starving and wanted something substantial. But, first things first. We always have to order hard cider when we go.
My hard cider preference is Strongbow, which is served on tap at the Rose & Crown. We had a weird experience that night with our server though. He did not want to serve me hard cider from the tap, insisting that there was a high chance of cross-contamination. That was a first for me. So, I ended up with a pear cider from the bottle. It wasn't my favorite; it was pretty sweet. But, it's good to know there are other options.
Brandon loves the Cheese Plate at the Rose & Crown. And, we noticed on the allergy-friendly dinner menu that it was listed gluten free. The bummer was that when we received it, it was served minus any of the accompaniments. So, it was pretty plain. Our server did bring all of the gluten-filled sides, including the accompaniments for each cheese, on the side for Brandon, which he enjoyed a lot.I can't say I'd order this again, unless we were splitting it, as the price was a bit much for what we got. I wasn't even offered bread for the meal, which was odd too.
For my entree, I ordered the Corned Beef and Cabbage entree which is both gluten free and dairy free on the menu. Overall, I thought this dish was good, but not amazing. The portion size was good, but the meal was just a bit bland. I think I might have preferred the baked fish and chips, which I usually get when we go. That's bland too, but for some reason it appeals to me more than this dish did.
Overall
The Rose & Crown is always a solid choice for charming atmosphere and decent food. Because it's owned by Disney (unlike many of the World Showcase restaurants), they have an allergy-friendly menu, and you can also always speak with a chef. That in and of itself is a huge benefit. Plus, it's just a nice relaxing place to dine. Next time, I'll probably skip what I ordered on this visit, but I'm glad I tried something different.Have you been to the Rose & Crown Dining Room? What have you ordered on your visits?
Liberty Inn -- Lunch -- Quick Service -- Epcot
*This dining experience took place in January 2017.
Liberty Inn, located in the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot, is a quick service restaurant that serves up burgers, sandwiches, and chicken tenders. Though the food isn't super fancy, it's a good go-to for me whenever I'm in Epcot.Liberty Inn, unlike many of the restaurants in the World Showcase, is actually owned & operated by the Disney Company, which means they adhere to Disney's food allergy and special dietary needs protocols, and they have an allergy-friendly menu.More often than not, when I visit Liberty I'm getting allergy chicken tenders. They are gluten free, dairy free and free of the top 8 common allergens, plus others like corn. (Always double-check with a manager or chef to confirm ingredients and safety before consuming)On this particular visit, I was joined by my friend Ron who was visiting from out-of-town. We decided to hang out at Epcot that day and of course, ended up grabbing lunch. Both of us figured Liberty Inn was an easy lunch to get.
Because we both have special dietary needs, we ended up getting two orders of allergy chicken tender and fries. These take just a bit of extra time to prepare, and so we we grabbed a seat by the far window where we were told to pick up our special diets order.Though I mentioned it in my last review, I've always just been told to wait at the regular counter. Ron told me that he was surprised that I'd never experienced that before, as it's been that way for the past few years whenever he's visited. That was pretty interesting, but just goes to show you that experiences and procedures can vary from visit to visit for each guest.The chicken tenders and fries on this visit were excellent, as usual. I thought the frying was well-done, and I actually like my tenders cooked a bit longer, so the coating is extra crispy, which these were. My only complaint about Liberty Inn is that they don't have barbecue sauce or honey mustard for the tenders. That would make them perfect!Overall, Liberty Inn is the perfect spot to grab a special diets friendly meal during an Epcot visit. The chicken tenders are a great go-to, but they also have many other options too.Have you been to Liberty Inn? What do you order when you visit there?
Liberty Inn -- Lunch -- Quick Service -- Epcot
*This dining experience took place in December 2016.Liberty Inn, located at the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot, is a quick service restaurant owned & operated by Disney World. Many of the restaurants in the World Showcase aren't owned & operated by Disney, so I like visiting Liberty Inn for their allergy friendly offerings, including my favorite, the allergy friendly chicken tenders.On this particular visit, I decided that allergy chicken tenders were definitely what I was craving, and while they do have other options on their allergy friendly menu, there's something about those chicken tenders.
I ordered my chicken tenders at the main cash register stations, but I was asked to move to the far right window in this image where all special diets orders were to be picked up. This is slightly different than my previous visits, but I found it to be a lot more streamlined and stress-free to be at a dedicated window not blocking everyone else waiting.When I got to the window I did get a pager and was told that I could return for my food when it went off.
The allergy chicken tenders (which are free of the top 8 common allergens) take about 8-10 minutes to fry, which is totally fine by me. Along with some gluten free fries, I was one happy camper. Both the fries and the chicken tenders were perfectly fried and delicious.Plus, if you're an annual passholder, you can get 20% off right now through 2017, which made them really affordable!Have you been to Liberty Inn? What do you order when you dine there?
Katsura Grill -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Epcot
*This dining experience took place in October 2016.Katsura Grill, a quick service restaurant at the Japan Paviion in Epcot, has long been a place that I've wanted to eat. Back when it used to be called the Yakitori House I had the most awful experience, in which I was told not even white rice was safe for me to eat due to cross contamination. Yikes! So, I'll be honest that I've pretty much avoided the place since.Recently, I learned from a reader that they are now serving gluten free teriyaki, so you know I had to check this out, especially since Brandon loves the Beef Udon Noodles here, and it would be nice to enjoy a meal together there.
After I arrived at Katsura Grill, I spoke with a cast member who said that they did have gluten free teriyaki. She let me look at the ingredients binder and also take pictures. As you can see, they offer chicken, shrimp, and a combination of the two as options. Both dishes do contain soy but are gluten free and dairy free.
The cast member also mentioned to me that I could have some of the sushi rolls too, though I did not check those ingredients in the binder.
As you can see from the regular menu, they quickly identify the gluten free teriyaki options for adults and kiddos.
My food arrived fairly quickly, and they also had marked my food with a gluten free notice. In general, I liked the chicken and shrimp teriyaki that I got well enough, though to be honest, I make a better version at home myself.The dish does come with white rice and a plain salad. I would have liked to have had a nice ginger dressing or something with the lettuce, as it was served with no dressing. The kids version comes with steamed vegetables, and I think I would have preferred that over the plain lettuce.In generally, I would definitely get it again, but if I have a choice I'll probably order options from other locations. Still, it's awesome to have something safe so I can get it every once in a while.As a quick aside, next door to the Yakitori House is the Mitsukoshi store which includes a hidden Sake Bar! If you're popping by, definitely check it out. Brandon and I went and loved it. Have you been to Katsura Grill? What did you think of the gluten free teriyaki?
Potato Chips -- Snacks -- Tea Caddy -- United Kingdom Pavilion -- Epcot
*This post contains ingredient information from September 2016. Always double-check ingredients of pre-packaged snacks to ensure that an item is safe for your special dietary need before consuming. 
I love snacks, and I love to see what snacks sold in the Epcot World Showcase pavilions from other countries might be safe for me to eat. Recently, I stopped by the Tea Caddy at the UK Pavilion to see what items are available, and I found several packages of potato chips (aka "crisps" as they are referred to in the UK) and found several marked gluten free.Up first is Burts British Hand Cooked Potato Chips in Sea Salt flavor.
The ingredients look fairly simple and include potatoes, sunflower oil, and sea salt. It also contains a note that says, "suitable for vegetarians, gluten free." There do not appear to be any warnings about cross-contamination or made in facility with wheat/gluten.
Next up, I saw another package of Burts British Hand Cooked Potato Chips in Sea Salt & Malted Vinegar flavor. Now, I don't know about you but "malt" and gluten free don't mix. Let's look at the ingredients...
According to the packaging the ingredients include: Potatoes, sunflower oil, natural vinegar flavourings (BARLEY), sea salt, sugar, rice flour, acid: citric acid, yeast extract powder. It has a note thatIt also contains a note that says, "suitable for vegetarians, gluten free." However, when I went to their website, these chips are not listed as gluten free. I personally would avoid these, as they would not be a safe GF option.
Like the Sea Salt & Malted Vinegar flavor chips, I couldn't imagine anything labeled Guinness would be gluten free. The Guinness Rich Chili flavor chips are marked gluten free. Let's look at the ingredients...
The ingredients listed are Potatoes, sunflower oil, sugar, yeast extract powder, salt, natural flavour, onion powder, paprika flavour, barley malt extract powder, spices, tomato powder, citric acid, natural colour: paprika extract, chilli extract.Again, we see Barley listed in the ingredients which is not considered gluten free. When I went to their website, I couldn't find an exact match for these chips, and I would not consider these to be gluten free based on the barley malt.I'm a bit disappointed by the options, and kind of wish there were some of the more interesting and fun flavor of crisps. Just looking at Burts website, I saw the following that were gluten free: Devon Roasted Beef, Firecracker Lobster, and Vintage Cheddar & Spring Onion. I think I need the Firecracker Lobster & Devon Roasted Beef crisps in my life!Still, at least there's one flavor at the Tea Caddy shop in the UK Pavilion at Epcot that is gluten free -- the classic Sea Salt.I'll be heading back here and updating the list and finding other chips and snacks options!Have you been to the Tea Caddy at the UK Pavilion in Epcot? What gluten free and special dietary needs snacks did you find?
Electric Umbrella -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Epcot
*This dining experience took place in September 2016.
Electric Umbrella, located in Future World in Epcot, is a quick service dining location owned & operated by the Disney Company that serves burgers, fries, sandwiches, and a few flatbread options.I recently stopped by Epcot the night before the Epcot 2016 Food & Wine Festival to check out the festival booth signs for gluten free and vegetarian/vegan information and while there decided to grab dinner.Sadly, when I went to Tangierine Cafe in the Morocco Pavilion (which is not owned by Disney), the chef there said they had no gluten free bread and advised me not to eat there. This was a bummer, as I used to love their food options there. I'm not sure if it was a random issue or if it's not as good as it used to be for gluten free diners.With this in mind, I ended up grabbing dinner at Electric Umbrella on my way out of the park.
Electric Umbrella does have an allergy-friendly lunch and dinner menu which made it a lot easier to order. I ended up getting my favorite allergy friendly Chicken Tenders. The manager on duty appeared to have baked them, so this took a bit longer for my order.
I'm a big fan of their chicken tenders, though these were a bit overcooked as you can see by the photo. Still, they are a nice solid meal and one I will always get again if I'm in the parks. The wait time here was really long, but the restaurant was also very busy. If you're interested in dining here, consider eating during an off hour.Overall, I love the allergy chicken tenders at Disney, and I'm glad that Electric Umbrella has them. You can also find them at Liberty Inn in the World Showcase in Epcot too.Have you been to Electric Umbrella? What did you order when you dined there?
Rose & Crown Dining Room -- Lunch -- Table Service -- Epcot
*This dining experience took place in June 2016.
Rose & Crown Dining Room, a table service restaurant at Epcot's UK Pavilion in the World Showcase, offers a taste of classic British pub fare, including fish and chips, bangers and mash, and more.It's been 3 years since I've dined here, and after reading a recent dining review from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures, I was looking forward to checking out the options. Rose & Crown Dining Room is a Disney owned restaurant (not many in the World Showcase are, as they are operated by outside companies), and because of this, they do have an allergy friendly menu.
While going through the menu, I opted to get a Strongbow hard cider. It's naturally gluten free and delicious. We were also seated outside, so it made for a refreshing drink on a hot summer day.Our server, Joe, was amazing and one of the best servers we've ever had at Disney World. On top of being an amazing server in general, he also happens to be gluten free too and was able to talk about his favorite dishes and easy modifications.Sadly, a lot of the dishes I was interested in were not easily modified but Joe did mention that those who are gluten free only can get a Shepherd's Pie made gluten free, though it does take about 20 minutes to prepare. Joe said his favorite dish was the baked gluten free fish & chips, so I decided to order that. I had been going back and forth between this and the curry, but since I didn't enjoy the version of the curry I had back in 2013, I decided to skip it.
I really enjoyed the baked fish and chips from Rose & Crown. I wouldn't say it was anything special but that it was all cooked well. The baked cod was delicious and well-seasoned. The steak fries (aka chips) were crispy and delicious. I made sure to sprinkle fresh lemon juice over both the fish and chips to add some extra flavor.My dish was served with a side of ketchup, though I would have loved to have had some safe cocktail sauce or tartar sauce like that prepared at Raglan Road Irish Pub.If I'm craving proper fried fish & chips, I will definitely head to Raglan Road or Cookes of Dublin, but it's nice to have a safe (although baked) option in Epcot.Overall, I really enjoyed my meal at Rose & Crown. It was simple but delicious and a nice solid meal option in the World Showcase.Have you been to Rose & Crown? What did you order when you dined there?
Liberty Inn -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Epcot
*This dining experience took place in October 2015.Liberty Inn at the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot offers a variety of special diets options. On this particular visit, I stopped by for a quick bite for dinner. Having been to Liberty Inn many times before and checking out their allergy friendly lunch and dinner menu, I knew I wanted to order allergy friendly chicken tenders.
In the past, Liberty Inn used to bake allergy friendly chicken tenders and fries, but now they have dedicated special diets fryers, which is great. It usually takes around 10 minutes for allergy friendly chicken tenders and fries, but Liberty Inn will often give you a pager so that you can go grab a seat and come back when your food is ready.
For me, allergy chicken tenders are a solid and delicious choice when visiting the locations that carry them. Liberty Inn does a great job frying these, and I really enjoyed stopping here for dinner. Many of the World Showcase restaurants aren't actually owned & operated by Disney, but Liberty Inn is, making it the perfect spot for a safe bite to eat.Liberty Inn continues to be one of my go-to spots in Epcot, especially if I'm craving allergy friendly chicken tenders.Have you been to Liberty Inn? What did you order when you dined there?
La Hacienda de San Angel -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Mexico -- World Showcase
*This dining experience took place in April 2016.
It's been a long time since I've been to La Hacienda de San Angel, located at the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot. It's a World Showcase restaurant that I've really enjoyed, and I was excited to dine here recently with friends for dinner.La Hacienda de San Angel is a table service location, and one that is not owned and operated by Disney, which means they don't have an allergy friendly menu. However, they have long been very good with gluten free and special diets diners and even note gluten free (and dairy free) options on their menu.
On every visit I've had at La Hacienda de San Angel, I've spoken to a chef, which is great. Many of the dishes can be easily modified to be gluten free or dairy free. Often, it's as simple as removing cheese, which is great.I often get the parrillada entree, which serves 2 people. To say it's a lot of food is an understatement. On this particular visit, I chose to order the pork carnitas, as they were marked gluten free and dairy free on the menu.
Unfortunately, the chef informed us that the tortilla chips served as an appetizer are no longer gluten free as they are fried in the same fryer as items containing gluten. I was prepared for this, as Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando had posted about this last year. While this was a bummer, as I love tortilla chips, our group was offered warm soft corn tortillas and a side of guacamole as an alternative.This was a great starter, and I loved the added crunch of pumpkin seeds (which is a very traditional Mexican accompaniment) to the guacamole. That being said, our whole group thought the guacamole was a wee bit too spicy. We went through a lot of water & soft drinks before our entrees came!
All three of us dining were gluten free. My friend and I both ordered the carnitas, and her daughter ordered the Costillas en salsa de Chile (Braised short ribs topped with Chimichurri served with potato puree and chile de arbol sauce). The potatoes did contain dairy, but they can modify to make dairy free, if requested.Both my friend and her daughter said this dish was extremely flavorful and the beef was fall apart tender. It looked amazing and delicious!
The pork carnitas turned out to be a HUGE portion and a great choice. I love pork and carnitas are always something I enjoy. The version served here came with warm corn tortillas, avocado salsa, chicharrón (aka pork rinds), and sides of rice and beans.The pork rinds were a nice touch and especially yummy. The pork was served in a cool cast iron skillet and on a banana leaf, which made for great presentation. The pork itself was also very tender and slightly sweet with flavors of citrus.
The avocado salsa added a great fresh touch to the dish and was the perfect salsa.
The refried beans here are so good. If you're in a hurry in the World Showcase or want a quick service meal, you can get these beans and the rice served with chicken or beef tacos at La Cantina de San Angel next door!
I really like La Hacienda de San Angel's take on Mexican rice, as I prefer it to not be heavily salsa based. This version is nice and light and was a great accompaniment.
During dinner, we got a chance to watch IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Though the restaurant is all indoors and has no outside seating, it was still a great view. The restaurant does dim the lights and pipe in the music from IllumiNations, which is really cool!
Overall, we really enjoyed La Hacienda de San Angel. Everyone thought the food was great, and the portions were huge. I ended up taking half of mine home and had it for lunch the next day, which I rarely do when I dine at Disney -- even as a local. That's how big the portions are!On top of the great food, we loved the atmosphere and getting to watch IllumiNations from the restaurant. It's a great option if you're looking for a nice view for the fireworks. We also ended up getting a great view for the Star Wars fireworks at Hollywood Studios too! If you're interested in a view, do ask a cast member if you can be seated with a World Showcase view. You might have a wait but it's definitely well worth it!Have you been to La Hacienda de San Angel? What did you order when you dined there?