Planet Hollywood Dinner Review
Planet Hollywood, located in Disney Springs, is a table service restaurant that is not owned & operated by the Disney Company. It serves a variety of burgers, sandwiches, entrees, and salads -- really something for just about everyone and is often an easy restaurant to get a table at when most of Disney Springs' table service restaurants are booked. Last month, we had dinner there before heading to a movie. We both enjoyed our burgers at that dinner. So, recently, we decided to grab another quick bite there when we were craving a sit-down restaurant with decent burgers.
*These gluten free dining experiences took place in June 2019. It includes information dishes safe for peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish, and chicken & turkey allergies.
Dinner at Planet Hollywood
Planet Hollywood, located in Disney Springs, is a table service restaurant that is not owned & operated by the Disney Company. It serves a variety of burgers, sandwiches, entrees, and salads -- really something for just about everyone and is often an easy restaurant to get a table at when most of Disney Springs' table service restaurants are booked. Last month, we had dinner there before heading to a movie. We both enjoyed our burgers at that dinner. So, recently, we decided to grab another quick bite there when we were craving a sit-down restaurant with decent burgers.
Atmosphere
Planet Hollywood's Disney Springs location is themed after an observatory. So, you'll see the "star" theme throughout the restaurant in its decor as an observatory and with the Hollywood movie star memorabilia.
Planet Hollywood Exterior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I have to admit that I personally find the theming a bit odd. And, both Brandon and I were saying that if they stuck with one theme or another (movies versus the observatory theme) that the theming would be stronger and more cohesive. As of right, the theme feels very jumbled.
Planet Hollywood - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On our most recent visit, we were seated on the main floor. And, it was very loud. That's probably the most noticeable thing when you dine there. The volume can be very loud, depending on where you're seated. If you're concerned with noise, I might recommend the bar/lounge areas that are a bit more removed from the noise and crowds.
Planet Hollywood - R2D2 / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I do still love all the movie props at Planet Hollywood. Of course, we both immediately found the Star Wars memorabilia and had to take a photo of R2D2!
The Food
Because Planet Hollywood is not owned and operated by the Disney Company, they do not offer guests an allergy-friendly menu. On our previous visit, the manager came to our table to discuss options. On this visit, we were greeted by Chef Alejandro, who was super helpful and friendly.
Both Brandon and I wanted to get the same thing we ordered the last time -- the Prime Time American Kobe Burger. Chef Alejandro was talking through the modifications and said he was surprised we were both served essentially plain burgers last time. He said that he recommends to always ask to speak with a chef directly as he was able to make custom items for us and that the managers often err on the side of caution and order dishes plain. He was also extremely apologetic which surprised us both. Neither one of us was upset that we got plain burgers on the last visit because they were still really good (and we both would rather have something plain than get sick).
Planet Hollywood / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
About 5 minutes after we ordered our food with Chef Alejandro, he came back with a surprise treat for us. He said he felt so terrible that we had misinformation from the previous visit, that he brought us a makeshift nacho plate to enjoy while we waited for our food to be prepared. This was really nice and unexpected and shows how much chefs at Disney World, even if they don't work at Disney owned restaurants, care about special dietary needs guests.
While nothing special, we both enjoyed nibbling on the nachos, which were gluten free, fish/shellfish free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free.
Planet Hollywood / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For my Prime Time American Kobe Burger, Chef Alejandro made me some caramelized onions instead of adding the onion jam normally served on the burger. I also had lettuce, onion, tomato, and pickle on the side (not shown in the photo). Even with less toppings than the "normal" version, this burger is still really good.
Instead of French fries, Chef Alejandro gave me pan-fried potato wedges, which were just as good as the previous visit.
Planet Hollywood / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For Brandon's Prime Time American Kobe Burger, he was served the onion jam and onion straws (made in a dedicated fryer) along with French fries -- also made in a dedicated fryer. Brandon was told to avoid the Donkey Sauce because it contains anchovies in it.
He was really pleased with his burger and enjoyed all the elements. It was also really nice to see that Chef Alejandro could keep most of Brandon's burger intact for fish/shellfish, peanut, and chicken & turkey allergies with minimal modifications.
Overall
While it's nothing fancy, our recent experience at Planet Hollywood was a good one. We bought think the burgers there are really good and not too badly priced. Thanks to Chef Alejandro for making sure we were well-taken care and safe throughout our meal. And for the bonus nachos! Planet Hollywood isn't our top choice in Disney Springs, but we're always glad it's an option and that guests with special diets can get a variety of dishes when they dine there.
Have you been to Planet Hollywood? What's your experience at this restaurant been?
Planet Hollywood Dinner Review
Planet Hollywood, located in Disney Springs, is a table service restaurant that is not owned & operated by the Disney Company. They serve burgers, sandwiches, salads, and entrees in a Hollywood themed restaurant. Recently, we stopped by Planet Hollywood in between a rare double-feature movie day for us with our AMC A-List subscription. It was a busy Saturday night, and Planet Hollywood was one of the few places we could get a walk-up table without a reservation.
*This gluten free dining experience took place in June 2019. It includes information about dairy free modifications and dining with peanut, fish/shellfish, and chicken & turkey allergies.
Dinner at Planet Hollywood
Planet Hollywood, located in Disney Springs, is a table service restaurant that is not owned & operated by the Disney Company. They serve burgers, sandwiches, salads, and entrees in a Hollywood themed restaurant. Recently, we stopped by Planet Hollywood in between a rare double-feature movie day for us with our AMC A-List subscription. It was a busy Saturday night, and Planet Hollywood was one of the few places we could get a walk-up table without a reservation.
Atmosphere
Planet Hollywood has been at Disney Springs for years. A few years ago, the restaurant got a bit of an overhaul with a bit of new theming. We dined there a few years ago just after the refurbishment and found the restaurant to be just OK overall.
The restaurant is set to resemble the inside of an observatory. You'll see a giant screen in the middle of the restaurant that spans multiple floors for everyone to see. You'll see music videos and movie clips throughout your dining experience.
One word of caution. If noise is an issue for you, you might want to steer clear of this restaurant or ask for a seat that's not as close to the giant screen. We found it to be pretty loud on both visits we've made.
As you walk through the restaurant, you'll notice that the observatory theme follows you whether you're dining on the main floor or third floor.
On this visit, we were seated inside a bar area on the second floor. As we walked up to the second floor, we saw a ton of movie memorabilia, including props from the classic Christmas movie, Home Alone. I think the combination of an observatory and movie memorabilia is a bit odd. But, it is neat to see all the movie costumes and props throughout the restaurant.
The Food
Planet Hollywood does not currently offer an allergy-friendly or gluten free menu. You can speak to a chef or manager about safe options. On our previous visit, a chef came to the table to talk to me. On this visit, a manager came and discussed options with us.
Both Brandon and I weren't sure what options he would have with his newly diagnosed allergies -- specifically with fried options. We were both glad to hear that they use a dedicated fryer for their French Fries, which was fantastic.
For my entree, I ordered the exact same thing I got on my first visit -- The Prime Time American Kobe Burger. This burger was served on a gluten free bun. While the restaurant does have a dedicated fryer for French Fries, the fries themselves are coated in wheat. If you're gluten free, you can order a variety of sides, like potato wedges (which I ordered), mashed potatoes, or a side salad.
Oddly, my entree was missing the lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and Donkey Sauce that normally comes with it. All of those items are gluten free (and the sauce is also dairy free), but for some reason they were not included with my meal. The manager who brought our entrees to us did bring me those accompaniments after I asked.
Overall, my burger was quite good. The quality of burger was excellent. And, I really liked the flat top style of cooking the patty. The bun was Udi's Gluten Free (which is both gluten free and dairy free). The potato wedges were pretty good too, with a nice bit of crisp and perfect for dipping in the Donkey Sauce which is made with mayonnaise, roasted garlic, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. If you're dairy free, this burger can be easily made safe by omitting the cheese.
Brandon also got the Prime Time American Kobe Burger. His burger was considered safe for his peanut, fish/shellfish, and chicken & turkey allergies, minus the crispy onions. He was also able to get the French Fries from a dedicated fryer, which he said were really good.
Overall
We both agreed that our burgers were really good. But, that we'd rather go to other table service restaurants at Disney Springs for the price, what we got, and for the special dietary needs accommodations. If we're looking for a tasty burger, we'd also head to D-Luxe Burger over Planet Hollywood next time. Overall though, it wasn't a bad experience at Planet Hollywood. But, it wasn't spectacular either. For us, this will continue to be a good back-up for us when we have a hard time getting into other Disney Springs restaurants.
Have you been to Planet Hollywood? What was your experience dining there?
Planet Hollywood Observatory -- Lunch -- Table Service -- Disney Springs
*This dining experience took place in February 2017.
Lunch at Planet Hollywood Observatory
Planet Hollywood Observatory, is a newly refurbished version of Planet Hollywood, located at Disney Springs. I have to admit that I've never dined at the original Planet Hollywood at Disney (though I have when there were locations in other cities years ago). With the recent re-opening and new theme, we decided to check it out. I had also heard from some blog readers that they had been recently gluten free and had been served some decent options.
Atmosphere
Since I've never been to Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs before, I can't compare the looks from the old and new version. But, I will say that Brandon had been and said it was a huge upgrade (and that the older version was very dated inside). I have, of course, have seen the outside for years and do appreciate how they've retro-fitted the building to reflect the new theme of Disney Springs. It's not perfect, but it looks a lot better.
Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDWInside the restaurant are several levels where you can dine and explore memorabilia. When you enter, you'll go up a flight of stars, where you'll check in for your reservations. There seem to be cast members at every level, asking whether or not you have reservations and directing you to check-in, which is helpful.
Because the restaurant is multiple floors/levels, they have multiple bars set-up. The second floor seems to have the largest bar area.
The inside of the restaurant has a star gazing theme. The carpet and even the decorations all reflect that observatory theme. When you arrive on the second floor, you'll see a giant telescope and also a huge screen covering one wall. Larger tables on the second floor even have big screen TVs in them, so you can watch music videos played on the larger screen on your table too. It's a little odd, but we got used to it by the end of the meal.
Tables on some of the higher levels included memorabilia. I loved the Indiana Jones. Just as long as it's not Temple of Doom inspired and they serve me some of the stuff from that movie...
Of course, I wouldn't mind an Ecto Cooler (if you're a child of the 80s, you'll remember this Hi-C drink) inspired by the Ghostbusters movie. These two tables were definitely my favorite.
The restaurant itself has a ton of movie and TV memorabilia. Of course, the geek in me had to find the Star Wars and Star Trek stuff. Just remember, when it comes to eating at Planet Hollywood with a wookie, let the wookie win!
In addition to indoor seating, the restaurant also has ample outdoor seating with really nice views. It's also much quieter outside, so it's worth requesting if you're not a big fan of loud bustling restaurants (which Planet Hollywood Observatory definitely is).
The Food
I've been hearing mixed reviews on the food at Planet Hollywood Observatory. Even the Disney Food Blog had a mixed review on the options. So, with this in mind, I'll admit I didn't have that high of expectations. In fact, I think our whole group was a little worried how the food would be after reading some reviews.
Food Network chef Guy Fieri helped create the burger and sandwich menu for Planet Hollywood Observatory. So, you know I had to get one...for research, of course!The rest of the group ordered a variety of options from appetizers to full entrees, so I think it's fair to say we covered the menu options. Of the dishes ordered that might have been gluten free (but that I didn't confirm) were the kale salad and steak entree (which Brandon got and said was surprisingly solid).
The restaurant doesn't carry a gluten free menu or mark items gluten free on their regular menu (but they do mark vegetarian items). With this in mind, our server got a chef to speak with me. I have to admit, the chef was nice, but I'm not sure he knew the options that well. He told me I could have every burger gluten free, but then retracted a lot of that when I asked about specific burgers. He did tell me that they don't have a dedicated fryer and that I couldn't have the Triple Fries normally served with burgers. I ended up with pan fried potato wedges instead.I decided on the Prime Time American Kobe Burger, which is an American version of Kobe style Japanese beef (known for its high quality and fat content). It was served on what I believe was an Udi's Gluten Free bun and topped with smoked gouda, cheddar, and lettuce, onion, tomato, and pickle on the side. The burger was served minus the caramelized onion jam and crispy onion straws.Oddly, the Donkey Sauce (mayonnaise, roasted garlic, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce) was gluten free but not put on my burger, but on the side. I actually didn't mind that because it meant I could dip my potato wedges in it. And you all know I love a good dipping sauce!I will say that the burger was solid. It tasted great and was well-cooked. The portion size was also really good (the burger itself was actually really big). I liked the combination of cheeses (since I've been reintroducing dairy back into my diet), and the potato wedges were such a nice change of pace from French fries. I'd say the burger was a solid choice and one I'd get again.I did ask about dessert options and was told that there is a gluten free brownie (not sure if it's dairy free or not) and regular ice cream. Given that the restaurant has such interesting milkshakes and dessert options, it's a shame they didn't have much in the way of gluten free options.
Overall
While, my meal at Planet Hollywood Observatory was fairly solid, I'm not sure it has enough of a draw to make me go back again anytime soon. There are so many amazing restaurants at Disney Springs with fantastic food and attention to special dietary needs that I'm not sure Planet Hollywood Observatory can really compete. The food was good, the atmosphere was something different, and while I enjoyed the memorabilia, it's just simply not the best restaurant at Disney Springs. Still, I do appreciate that they are there offering simple options for guests visiting the park. And, if you're craving food similar to restaurants like Applebee's or TGI Fridays, then Planet Hollywood Observatory is a place you'll like. For me, I'm sticking with my gluten free and dairy free battered burger at Cookes of Dublin or my local Red Robin for a great burger at half the price.Have you been to the newly opened Planet Hollywood Observatory? What do you think of the options?