Territory Lounge -- Dinner -- Wilderness Lodge Resort

*This dining experience took place in August 2017. 

Dinner at Territory Lounge

Territory Lounge, located at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort, is a charming and cozy lounge area with drinks and limited food options. Brandon and I stopped by here recently for a late evening nightcap and a bite to eat after a movie at Disney Springs. We hadn't been to Territory Lounge in a while, and I'd never tried any of the food offerings there, so with that in mind, we decided to check things out.

Atmosphere

The Wilderness Lodge Resort is one of my all-time favorite resorts at Disney. I just love the rustic theme. It always feels like you're in the Pacific Northwest and far away from the palm trees and humidity of Florida -- so it's a welcome place to visit and even chill and relax when you need a break from the parks.The Territory Lounge has always been a favorite Disney bar/lounge for me because of how dark and cozy it is. It just feels like a good place to sit with a drink, chat with friends, and relax.Unfortunately, on this visit, we noticed one major change. The lighting.It was super bright and almost a bit jarring when we walked in. We asked a server about the lighting, and said that they recently had to increase the lighting for security reasons. This seems slightly odd given that there are plenty of other dark-ish locations on property, but I suppose it's up to the resort whether they want to keep the lighting more brightly lit or not.I kind of hope they go back to the dimmer lighting, but for now...it's bright.Territory Lounge does have lots of artwork in it, and I love the mural of a map on the ceiling. It's all very cozy, and you feel like a roaring fire should be going while you enjoy a good drink.

The Food

Having only ever dined at Territory Lounge for drinks before, we were curious about the food. Unfortunately, we arrived a bit too late in the evening, as Artist Point had just closed. And, certain dishes are only served during Artist Point's business hours.As we mulled over the options, we did get some drinks. One of my favorite things about Territory Lounge are the drink swizzle sticks. Check out the adorable Wilderness Lodge branded ones. They make terrific (and free!) souvenirs for trip. I have a nice little collection of Disney themed swizzle sticks at home, so I can have a bit of Disney with me when I make drinks at home.Brandon ordered the Poutine, a classic dish of fries, cheese curds, and gravy. Unfortunately, they were not gluten free. They looked amazing though, and I totally wish I could have ordered them.I didn't have a lot of options available since Artist Point was closed, so I ended up getting the Gourmet Burger with Land Lettuce, Tomato, House Pickles, Truffle Fries, and Aïoli. This dish is served on a gluten free bun and can be made dairy free by omitting cheese.First up, the good part of this dish. The truffle fries and aioli (aka mayonnaise). Holy moly. These were outstanding. Truly delicious and amazing. Dipping the fries in the aioli was the perfect combination, and I never turn down a delicious plate of fries smothered in truffle oil. So good. I would hands down order these again, and honestly, probably just ask for a side of these if I needed a snack.The bad part of the dish was the burger. It was, unfortunately, a bit of a disaster. It's not often that I have a truly terrible dish at Disney, but this one was pretty bad. The bun was poorly heated and very crumbly. But, the real bummer was the burger itself which was super dry, bland, and very overcooked (I ordered it medium).Worst of all was the condiment on the burger. It didn't note that it had any sauce on it on the menu. But, it came with this dreadful, almost marinara-like sauce. It was not quite marinara and not quite a tomato jam. It was sweet but odd tasting, and just not good. As a self-proclaimed condiment queen, I almost never dislike a condiment, but this one was just terrible.While I would hands down order the fries again, I would not get the burger again, unless it was radically changed. One thing we learned from this visit. Stick to the appetizer basics and staples and go someplace else for a more substantial and flavorful meal, like Geyser Point Bar & Grill at the Wilderness Lodge DVC villas.

Overall

While I adore the theming of Territory Lounge, this visit had some major bummers -- including the bright lighting and not so great burger. This used to be such a favorite spot for me, that it makes it even more of a bummer. We'll probably be skipping this lounge for a while and stick with some of our favorites like the Wave or Hangar Bar -- both of which have better lighting, atmosphere, and food.Have you been to Territory Lounge? What did you get when you dined here?

Maple Popcorn -- Snacks -- Quick Service -- Magic Kingdom

*This post contains ingredient information from March 3, 2017. Always double-check with a cast member to ensure that an item is safe for your special dietary need before consuming. I admit it. I'm a popcorn addict. I love just about any kind of popcorn, as long as it's gluten free, dairy free and fresh. So, you can imagine how excited I got when I read on the DisneyFoodBlog that there was a new fresh popcorn option in Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom -- Maple Popcorn. I love fresh kettle corn, so knowing that the maple popcorn was similar, I knew I had to at least go to the stand to see if the ingredients would be safe for me to eat.I stopped by the Frontierland Popcorn Cart recently, and asked the friendly cast member there if I could look at the ingredients binder. The ingredients binder will let you know all of the ingredients in a particular snack item at a kiosk and notes allergens. I was super excited to see that the Maple Popcorn ingredients didn't indicate any gluten or dairy in it -- making it gluten free and dairy free. It's also free of many other allergens too, but does contain soy, tree nut (coconut), and corn. It also appears to be vegan, which is great!But, let's get to the popcorn! We decided to get a regular popcorn container of the Maple Popcorn. At $5.25, it is definitely pricey and more expensive than the regular freshly popped popcorn (which is also gluten free, dairy free, and vegan). But, I'm told that if you buy a regular popcorn bucket in the park, you could easily get the $1.50 refill with Maple Popcorn, which would be a great deal.Of course, if you ask me, the $5.25 was totally worth every penny. Plus, if you're on the Disney Dining Plan, it is a snack credit too.We were lucky enough to get freshly popped Maple Popcorn. It was slightly sticky and warm, and a cross between kettle corn and caramel corn. The popcorn itself was sweet, but not overly sweet and a little salty. And, yes, if you like kettle corn, you're gonna love maple popcorn. I wouldn't say the maple flavor was very strong, but it definitely had a slight hint of maple.To put it simply. It was SO good!I can't tell you how excited I was to see that this popcorn was gluten free and dairy free and that it lived up to my expectations. I can't wait to go back to the Magic Kingdom again, just so I can get this!What do you think of the Maple Popcorn offered at Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom? Is it on your must try list?

Nomad Lounge -- Snacks -- Bar/Lounge -- Animal Kingdom

*This dining experience took place in February 2017.

Appetizers and Drinks at the Nomad Lounge

The Nomad Lounge, located in Disney's Animal Kingdom Park, offers appetizers, small plates, and drinks. The Nomad Lounge opened in 2016, and is located next to Tiffins, the new signature dining location in the park. I've been dying to go to the Nomad Lounge for a while now, especially after reading Alexis from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures review of the lounge. Brandon and I decided to stop in to check out the offerings before we caught a showing of the Rivers of Light.

Atmosphere

I have to say that the Nomad Lounge is one of the most relaxing and calm lounges I've ever been to at Disney. It's beautiful interior reflects the world travels of Disney Imagineers, and I love that. Plus, there are some really cool signs and quotes decorating the entire lounge from Disney guests who love to travel the world too. The color scheme is bright but subtle, and you truly feel calm the moment you enter the lounge.The bar area is the most elaborate with travel flags from Disney guests.I love that they thought of the theming right down to the menu and drink guide. It looks like an old travel journal and notebook. And you'll see from the inside notes from the Imagineers.Thought I didn't get a photo of the outside, the Nomad Lounge does have a charming outdoor seating area, overlooking a small bit of water. It's perfect for a Florida winter day or a cooler evening in the park.

The Food

But let's get to the food and drink. The important stuff, right?!Up first, our server Spencer got us some water. Interestingly enough, you can get still or sparkling water here, and the sparkling water is free of charge. That's pretty rare for most restaurants, so I asked for a sparkling water with some lime in it (my favorite!). It's so refreshing.Brandon and I each got one of the specialty drinks. I ordered the Spice Trader Classic with gin, vermouth, lemon juice, strawberries, and soda water. I loved that this drink was not overly sweet. A huge gin fan, I always look for unique gin options. This one was perfect, and I will definitely be ordering it again.As a side note, if you aren't sure if you can have or can tolerate a certain alcohol, do check ahead or on your phone when you are there. Disney does not typically offer information about gluten free options for alcohol.Brandon got the Tempting Tigress. I stay away from whiskey, bourbon, and other similar alcohol because I don't tolerate them very well. Brandon said this one was phenomenal though and even our server said this is one of us his favorites.Because I've been reintroducing dairy back into my diet, we also opted to get the Cheese Plate. At $14, it was a wee bit pricey, but the quality of the cheese was very good. It included an aged gouda, a feta cheese, Purple Haze goat cheese with fennel and lavender, and a strong blue cheese -- served with cardamon smoked marcona almonds and house-made raisins. The dish also had 2 small berry gelees that were to be eaten after you finished your cheese. They tasted like concentrated fruit snacks.The cheese plate is completely gluten free, according to the chef. In fact, almost all of the dishes on the small plates menu at the Nomad Lounge are gluten free, which is huge. Even the dishes that contain gluten like the sliders, just need a slight modification (like a gluten free bun). How cool is that?The cheese plate was perfect for us. I am a sucker for aged cheese, so I loved the gouda. But, I also really enjoyed the blue cheese and the goat cheese. The feta was good, but really bland and nothing special compared to the other cheeses. The almonds and raisins were nice compliments to the cheese too.

Overall

I have to say, I'm a Nomad Lounge convert now. It's a bit pricey, but the atmosphere and quality of food and drinks really do make it stand out from some of the other typical Disney bars and lounges. I adore that they have such unique drink options too. Plus, it's just a quiet, calm, and relaxing place to chill after a hot day in the Animal Kingdom. I'm a little worried it may become really busy once Pandora: The World of Avatar opens because it is located at its entrance, but hopefully, it will remain a quiet gem in a busy park.Have you been to the Nomad Lounge? What did you think of the food and drink there?

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?

Pineapple Dole Whip -- Snacks -- Pineapple Lanai -- Polynesian Village

*This post contains information from September 18, 2016. Always double-check with a cast member to ensure that an item is safe for your special dietary need before consuming. The Pineapple Lanai, located at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, is a snack kiosk that serves a classic Disney snack option -- the Pineapple Dole Whip. Once only found at the Aloha Isle in the Magic Kingdom, the Pineapple Lanai is now another great go-to spot to get your Dole Whip fix.Currently, the Pineapple Lanai serves two types of Dole Whip -- the traditional Pineapple Dole Whip and the Vanilla Dole Whip. You can also combine the two and get Swirl Dole Whip.  If you're feeling fancy, you can also get a float served with fresh pineapple juice and your choice of Dole Whip.Pineapple Dole Whips are gluten free, dairy free, vegan, and free of the top common allergens. But, the vanilla flavor does contain dairy. It is recommended that you speak to a cast member at the Pineapple Lanai about any potential cross-contamination with dairy in the Dole Whip machines and containers used to pre-mix the Dole Whip flavors.To read the ingredients for the Pineapple Dole Whip, check out my post on the Aloha Isle, with images from the ingredients binder.The Pineapple Dole Whip is such a rare treat. I love that it feels like it should be filled with dairy, yet isn't. It makes for a perfect treat on a hot Florida afternoon, and it is a classic Disney snack. I'm also glad that I can get it at Disney's Polynesian Resort any time I visit there.On this visit, I got the classic Pineapple Dole Whip in a cup, but I will definitely get a Pineapple Dole Whip Float on my next visit. I love both so much that it's hard to choose whenever I go to order one.Have you had the Pineapple Dole Whip? Is it a must do for you when you go to the Magic Kingdom? 

Pre-Packaged Popcorn -- Snacks -- Quick Service

*This post contains ingredient information from August 20, 2016, September 17, 2016, and November 12, 2016. Always double-check ingredients of pre-packaged snacks to ensure that an item is safe for your special dietary need before consuming. Who doesn't love popcorn? Disney popcorn is considered a classic, and I love nothing more than enjoying a box of freshly popped popcorn while strolling through the Disney Parks. The freshly popped popcorn is gluten free, dairy free, and vegan, which I love.But what if you want to take a bit of the magic to your resort room; or, home with you from your vacation? Disney does offer pre-packaged popcorn in a variety of flavors. You can find them in most gift shops throughout the parks & resorts.While gluten free guests can rejoice in that the flavors appear to be gluten free (without any warnings about potential cross-contamination), most of the pre-packaged popcorn flavors do contain dairy. *Note: As I discovered on 11/12/16, there is at least once flavor that does not have an allergy warning about gluten/wheat but does contain those ingredients in the popcorn. I would be cautious about consuming any popcorn that is pre-packaged due to potential cross-contamination not listed on bags for those flavors that do not contain gluten/wheat ingredients. Here are some photos with ingredients of some of the flavors of pre-packaged popcorn. I will be updating this list periodically, so if you don't see a flavor listed, I hope to add it soon.If you're gluten free, Churros are one of those treats that you're probably missing. With this Churro Popcorn, you can get your churro fix, minus the gluten.The Churro Popcorn ingredients contain milk and soy. There is an allergy warning noting that it is manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts and tree nuts.Butter Toffee Almond Popcorn is another classic combination. If you like sweet popcorn flavors, this one will appeal to you.The Butter Toffee Almond Popcorn ingredients contain milk, soy, and almonds. There is an allergy warning noting that it is manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts and tree nuts.If savory is more your speed, check out the Truffle Popcorn.The Truffle Popcorn ingredients contain milk. There is an allergy warning noting that it is manufactured in a facility that processes soy, peanuts, and tree nuts.All about spice? Srirarcha Popcorn is the flavor you'll want to try. It's one of the few popcorn flavors that appeared to be gluten free and dairy free.The Sriracha Kettle Corn does not list any of the top 8 common allergens. There is an allergy warning noting that it is manufactured in a facility that processes milk, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts.I forgot to take a photo of the front of the Parmesan Garlic Popcorn. The Parmesan Garlic Popcorn ingredients contain milk. There is an allergy warning noting that it is manufactured in a facility that processes soy, peanuts, and tree nuts.If you love cheese, you're bound to love the classic Cheddar Popcorn.The Cheddar Popcorn ingredients contain milk. There is an allergy warning noting that it is manufactured in a facility that processes soy, peanuts, and tree nuts.I'm a big fan of salty and sweet popcorn, so Kettle Corn is one of my favorite flavors whenever I can find it as a safe option.The Kettle Corn does not list any of the top 8 common allergens. There is an allergy warning noting that it is manufactured in a facility that processes milk, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts.Besides classic regular popcorn and Kettle Corn, Caramel Popcorn has to be in my top 3 favorites list.The Caramel Popcorn ingredients contain milk and soy. There is an allergy warning noting that it is manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts, and tree nuts.Sticking with Kettle Corn, you can choose the Kettle Corn with Red Alaea Salt for something classic with a twist.The Kettle Corn with Red Alaea Salt does not list any of the top 8 common allergens. There is an allergy warning noting that it is manufactured in a facility that processes milk, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts.Because everything is better with bacon, there's Maple Bacon Popcorn on hand.The Maple Bacon Popcorn ingredients contain milk and soy. There is an allergy warning noting that it is manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts and tree nuts.Chocolate and Caramel are a perfect combination, and you're sure to love the Chocolate Caramel with Sea Salt Popcorn.The Chocolate Caramel with Sea Salt Popcorn ingredients contain milk and soy. There is an allergy warning noting that it is manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts and tree nuts.Enjoy a world of color with the Confetti Popcorn.The Confetti Popcorn ingredients contain milk and soy. There is an allergy warning noting that it is manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts and tree nuts.As a seasonal option, Disney carries Gingerbread Popcorn, which sounded divine.The Gingerbread Popcorn ingredients statement says it contains milk, soy, and egg. There is an allergy warning noting that it is manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts, and tree nuts.Here's where things get dicey. Notice the ingredients list? Notice anything missing from the allergy warning? This popcorn contains gluten/wheat in the form of flour, yet contains no mention of it in the allergy warning statement. This is really worrisome because at quick glance, you might miss the warning. Additionally, shouldn't there be a statement about manufactured in a facility that processes wheat/gluten?! This makes me pretty wary of the pre-packaged popcorn now. Have you tried any of the pre-packaged popcorn flavors? Which ones were your favorites? 

Pineapple Dole Whip -- Snacks -- Aloha Isle -- Magic Kingdom

*This post contains ingredient information from August 20, 2016. Always double-check with a cast member to ensure that an item is safe for your special dietary need before consuming. Pineapple Dole Whips available at the Aloha Isle in Adventureland at Disney's Magic Kingdom and at the Pineapple Lanai at Disney's Polynesian Resort are a classic Disney treat. A soft serve ice cream, you might expect that the Dole Whip is not dairy free, gluten free, or very allergy friendly. But, that is actually not the case! Pineapple Dole Whips are gluten free, dairy free, vegan, and free of the top common allergens.I'm a huge fan of the Pineapple Dole Whip float made with Pineapple Juice. It's so refreshing and perfect for a hot day of touring in the parks.Here is the ingredients list from the Aloha Isle for the Pineapple Dole Whip:Here is the ingredients list for the Pineapple Juice and Pineapple Spear:At the Aloha Isle, you can only get the Pineapple Dole Whip, Dole Whip Float (Pineapple Dole Whip & Pineapple Juice, and is shown in the picture in this post), or a pineapple spear. This location does not carry the vanilla soft serve, which contains dairy, so there are no worries of dairy cross-contamination at Aloha Isle.The Pineapple Lanai at Disney's Polynesian Resort carries both the Pineapple Dole Whip and vanilla soft serve, so you'll want to check with a cast member there to discuss any concerns of cross-contamination with dairy.Dole Whip Official Site has a list of ingredients. You can also check Kent Precision Foods site (which distributes Dole Whips) where it mentions that the Pineapple Dole Whip it is top 8 allergen free.Have you had the Pineapple Dole Whip? Is it a must do for you when you go to the Magic Kingdom? 

Frontera Cocina To Go Counter -- Quick Service -- Disney Springs

*This dining experience took place in August 2016. I recently stopped by Frontera Cocina's To Go Counter for another quick service meal. I'd visited previously and really enjoyed the Conchinita Pibil (aka pork) tacos that they serve there, and I was looking forward to trying their other to go option, the Beef Barbacoa tacos which are also gluten free.One of the things that I love most about Frontera Cocina is that their menu is almost entirely gluten free. It's pretty awesome, and even more awesome because I'm a huge Mexican food fan and could literally eat Mexican food every day.The Beef Barbacoa Tacos are braised beef tacos served with cojita cheese (similar to Parmesan), red onion, cilantro, a side of fresh lime and chipotle salsa all served on handmade corn tortillas.The tortillas at Frontera Cocina are amazing and are a bit thicker than you would expect and super delicious. They make the perfect vessel for these tacos. The braised beef itself was fairly good and well cooked. My only complaint is that I had a few pieces that seemed to have a bit of fat on them.The diced red onion, cilantro, and cojita cheese made the dish. The cheese is the only dairy item on these tacos, and you can order them dairy free by omitting the cheese.Make sure to squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice on the tacos and dip the tacos in the chipotle salsa. It's spicy but nothing like the atomic habanero salsa that comes with the Conchinita Pibil tacos (you've been warned! I like spice and the habanero salsa was way too intense for me).Overall, I really enjoyed the beef barbacoa tacos, though I have to say I would probably order the conchinita pibil tacos next time instead. I prefer pork and really enjoyed the pickled red onions served with those tacos.Frontera Cocina's To Go Counter is definitely a great quick service stop, especially if you're craving Mexican food. It doesn't have a ton of variety, but it's all gluten free (and easily made dairy free) and delicious!Have you been to Frontera Cocina? What did you order at the table service or quick service location?

Liberty Square Market -- Snacks -- Quick Service -- Magic Kingdom

*This post contains information from July 2016.Liberty Square Market, is a hidden gem of a spot for special dietary needs snacks in the Magic Kingdom. Located next to the Hall of Presidents and Columbia Harbour House, this snack kiosk offers a variety of grab and go options along with a few surprising gluten free and special diets friendly treats, including a baked potato.If you are looking for special dietary needs snacks, there is a dedicated special diets area, which currently includes Surf Sweets, Enjoy Life Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies, Rocky Mountain Caramel Corn, and Lundberg Rice Chips.Of course, I love that you can get grab and go single serve Enjoy Life cookies. These are also a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan.In addition to special dietary needs pre-packaged snacks, you can also find fresh fruit and vegetables, which are gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan, and likely cover other allergens as well. During my visit, I grabbed some apple slices to enjoy with some SunButter On the Go Cups that I brought from home!One of the most popular items at Liberty Square Market is the baked potato. Coming in at $3.99, this is a bargain for a snack or a light meal. It's also a snack on the Disney Dining Plan.Here are the ingredients for the Baked Potato. It is served plain with the butter, sour cream, and cheese on the side. If you can't have dairy, just simply ask the cast member to not add these ingredients to your container.In addition, many people like to get a baked potato with soup or vegetarian chili from Columbia Harbour House next door for a nice hearty meal.Seasonally, Liberty Square Market often has corn on the cob (also served plain with butter on the side) and most recently, sweet potatoes. When I visited in summer 2016, they did not have either currently at Liberty Square Market, but this is always subject to change and availability.Check out the review from the Disney Food Blog for more info on the sweet potatoes and corn on the cob.Liberty Square Market also has lots of grab and go fruit. These are also snack credits on the Disney Dining Plan.Overall, Liberty Square Market is one of the best spots for snacks in the Magic Kingdom if you have a special dietary need. With plenty of options and most on the Disney Dining Plan, you'll be impressed by the variety of safe items to choose from.Have you been to Liberty Square Market? What are your go-to snacks there?

Ice Cream Carts -- Snacks -- Quick Service

*This post contains ingredient information from July 24, 2016. Always double-check with a cast member to ensure that an item is safe for your special dietary need before consuming. Orlando can be a very warm place, no matter the time of year, so if you're visiting Walt Disney World, chances are you've been looking for a cool treat. In a past podcast episode, I covered some of my favorites cool treats (including the No Way Jose sundae from Beaches & Cream), but in this post we'll be looking at the ice cream cart offerings which you can find at any Disney theme park.On a recent visit, I stopped by one of the carts while checking out information about the freshly popped popcorn at Disney and asked if I could see the information about ice cream. Here are some of the photos from the special dietary needs binder. I will be adding to this post, as I did not get photos for all of their special dietary needs offerings.One of the most popular Disney ice cream treats is the Mickey Bar. As you can see, the ingredients do not note that it contains gluten and there does not appear to be any "made in a facility" warnings either (you will see those on some other ingredients images).Mickey Bars have often had mixed information about whether they are gluten free or not. By the current ingredients, they do look to be gluten free.The Frozen Olaf Bar is gluten free and dairy free, but does contain a warning that the items are processed in a facility that also processes those ingredients.Sadly, the Mickey Ice Cream Bar sandwich is a no go for gluten free and dairy free.The frozen fruit bars are something I've been offered a lot, and I'm not really a fan of. I would probably avoid this due to the processing in the same facility warning.What are your favorite cool treats at Disney? 

Beignets -- Snacks -- Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory -- Port Orleans French Quarter

*This dining experience took place in May 2016.Note: Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory will be undergoing a refurbishment and will be closed beginning July 11, 2016 and re-open at a to be determined date in Fall 2016. At this time, a temporary location will be set-up in the lobby. Some options, like the beignet sundae bowl may be limited and/or unavailable. The gluten free & allergy friendly beignets will still be available for purchase.One of my favorite snacks are the gluten free and allergy friendly beignets served at Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort. Perfectly deep fried and smothered in powdered sugar, these classic New Orleans treats make the perfect snack, breakfast, or dessert any time you visit Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory.And you'll want to even more now with the addition of the gluten free and allergy friendly beignet bowl sundae. That's right. As if these beignets couldn't get any better, Chef Tony and the culinary team at Port Orleans French Quarter created this amazing gluten free and allergy friendly dessert that you're going to want to try.Made with several pressed beignets, the fried beignets turn into a sundae base. Topped with your choice of ice cream (in my case, I got So Delicious Coconut Milk ice cream) and sauces (I went with Hershey's Chocolate Syrup and Raspberry Sauce on one visit and just Raspberry Sauce on my second visit), it's a delicious treat.Typically, the gluten free only version of this sundae comes with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, raspberry sauce, a chocolate chicory sauce. You can see a photo and review of it on Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures's site.Of course, I love a classic fried beignet. If you're looking for something to add to your beignet, try one of the three new dipping sauces. All three are gluten free and the raspberry sauce is both gluten free and dairy free (and probably vegan too). I love the raspberry sauce because combined with the beignet it reminds me of jelly donuts!If you're interested in recreating beignets at home, check out the recipe from Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter.Have you tried the gluten free and allergy friendly beignets? 

Amorette's Patisserie -- Snacks -- Disney Springs

*This visit took place in May 2016.Check out my full Disney Springs Town Center walkthrough & dining review video on YouTube for some video walkthrough of Amorette's Patisserie. Amorette's Patisserie is another new business at the recently opened Disney Springs Town Center. As a French bakery, they offer all sorts of decadent and beautifully crafted desserts with an elegant theme.The bakery also has a delightful backstory, which you can find out more about on the Disney Food Blog.I decided to stop by Amorette's Patisserie to see what gluten free options they might have, as a post on the Disney Parks Blog indicated that they would have "gluten friendly" options.When I arrived at the bakery, it was very crowded, as I stopped by on opening day. It wasn't as crowded as Sprinkles Cupcakes which had nearly hour long lines, but still, it was very busy.The bakery consists of a seating area, several displays with grab and go baked goods, a display kitchen (where you can watch gorgeous pastries being decorated), and a full bakery counter with insanely gorgeous desserts.While there, I took a chance to look at some of the displays set up with grab and go items.Amorette's Patisserie does at least have two "gluten friendly" grab and go items -- one of which is the Macaron.Made with almonds, this is naturally gluten free, but definitely contains a whole lot of dairy. The box of Macarons appeared to be a variety of flavors.The second grab and go baked good was a Mickey Macaron Financier. It was adorable, and they do say everything is better Mickey shaped!The back of the box ingredients noted that it was made with Bob's Red Mill all purpose flour, as well as almonds. It also has dairy in it, as well.While I was there, I was able to speak with Chef Noah, who was on hand to answer any questions. I was particularly interested in the baking process, flours used, and cross-contamination issues.Chef Noah was very nice and let me know that they use Bob's Red Mill All Purpose Flour and as he stated, "one to one flour," which I think meant the Bob's 1 to 1 flour. I tried to clarify, but he didn't seem to understand what I meant by that.He noted that they do use clean pans and bowls when making the gluten friendly items but that they are not dedicated equipment, but rather power washed by their dishwasher between uses between gluten free and gluten filled baked goods. When I noted that using dedicated equipment might be a good idea in the future, he also agreed and said he would look into that idea.He also stated that he would recommend guests with Celiac Disease proceed with caution, as they cannot guarantee cross-contamination and that the bakery is not taking extra precautions with regards to that.I was also told that the top level of the building is where their bakery is located and is also the same space in which D-Luxe Burger also bakes their house-made buns (the gluten free ones come pre-packaged from Local Oven, so no worries about cross-contamination there!)Chef Noah did point out two gluten friendly desserts in the baked goods counter - the Avant-Garde and the Pavlova. I was told, you could ask for fresh versions of these from the back too, if you wanted to avoid any counter cross-contamination.The Avant-Garde is a gluten friendly chocolate chiffon cake with chocolate crumble and has beautiful decorations, including edible gold leafing.The Pavlova is meringue topped with edible decorations and filled with a fruit filling. It appeared to have a yellow sponge cake (that I was told was gluten free) on the bottom of the Pavlova.Overall, I cannot recommend Amorette's Patisserie as a truly safe or reliable gluten free option for those visiting Disney Springs, as the location does not have a lot of safety precautions in place, with regards to cross-contamination. If you visit, definitely speak with a chef and use your judgement on whether this might work for you or not.Thankfully, you can always visit Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC for a 100% gluten free & vegan bakery experience; or, if you are gluten free, check out Sprinkles Cupcakes (which has much better cross-contamination procedures in place).What do you think of Amorette's Patisserie? 

Sprinkles Cupcakes -- Snacks -- Disney Springs

*This dining experience took place in May 2016.Check out my brief building walkthrough of Sprinkles on YouTube.Sprinkles Cupcakes is a newly opened bakery at Disney Springs Town Center. A well-known cupcake chain, the grand opening of the bakery on May 15, 2016 proved to be hugely popular, as I found out in person that morning. Never underestimate the power of cupcakes.Located in the new Town Center and near the bridge that connects it to Raglan Road Irish Pub and Morimoto Asia, Sprinkles is not hard to miss in Disney Springs. Just follow the trail of guests searching for cupcakes and the smells of sugar!Sprinkles Cupcakes has a gluten free cupcake, a gluten free chocolate chip cookie, a vegan cupcake, and a sugar free cupcake, so I knew I wanted to check it out. Little did I realize that everyone else in Orlando did too.On opening day, I was joined by Alexis from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures and her family, so thankfully, I had some company while I wanted in line. You can also read her full review (including the cupcake ATM) on her blog.While waiting in line, we also got a chance to speak with a cast member there who answered our questions about the gluten free items, including their cross contamination procedures.All gluten free baked goods are prepared in a separate area of the kitchen with dedicated pans and utensils. Employees also change their gloves for all special diets orders, and even better they keep all gluten free items safely stored in the back away from all gluten filled baked goods.We were also told that if you are using the cupcake ATM, all gluten free items inside have been boxed with clean gloves and dedicated utensils.As far as other special dietary needs, unfortunately, the gluten free cupcake is only gluten free and does contain dairy. Additionally, the vegan cupcake is only vegan and not gluten free. There is also a sugar free cupcake, as well.If you are concerned with nut allergies, Sprinkles is probably not the best option for you, as the bakery does carry and serve items with peanuts and tree nuts in them.While waiting in line, which extended over the bridge (as shown in the picture above), I got a chance to check out some of the outdoor seating, which is bright and plentiful.Once inside the bakery, you can enjoy the bright and chipper decor. And check out all the cupcakes. They had really gorgeous displays. But, oh how I wished they would have been gluten free and dairy free.The bakery also carries cookies, ice cream, and other treats too. So, you can definitely get a sugar fix on if you can have gluten. I did not check if any of the ice cream is gluten free or if the sorbet options were gluten free or dairy free.I love the Disney touches in this bakery too. Check out the adorable Mickey ears near the Sprinkles logo.Because I've been re-introducing a bit of dairy into my diet, I did decide to try both the gluten free red velvet cupcake and the chocolate chip cookie. I had all intentions of trying them while at Disney Springs but ended up taking them home because I was too full from my lunch at D-Luxe Burger.The actual cake for the red velvet cupcake was quite delicious. It was very moist and not dry at all. The cocoa flavor was rich, and I didn't find it to be overly sweet either.The frosting was way too much for me, both in taste and in quantity. If you like cream cheese frosting, you will like this. But, overall, I thought they overfrosted the cupcake quite a bit.All gluten free cupcakes have a candy G on them to note gluten free. But, it was hard and gross. If you eat a gluten free cupcake from Sprinkles, throw it out. Yuck.Because I can never turn down a cookie, I did also purchase a gluten free chocolate chip cookie, which also contains dairy.This was a really good and huge chocolate chip cookie. Lots of chocolate flavor and very rich. If you can have dairy, this was a real winner and a nice alternative option from the cupcake.If you're gluten free and dairy free or have other special dietary needs, you may be better off going to Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC, as it is a 100% dedicated gluten free facility and all items are dairy free and vegan.If you do head to Sprinkles, don't forget to register on their site for their rewards program. You'll score a free cupcake (which includes the gluten free red velvet cupcake) on your first visit!Are you looking forward to Sprinkles Cupcakes? 

Beaches & Cream -- Dessert -- Table Service -- Beach Club

*This dining experience took place in October 2015.Beaches & Cream Soda Shop reminds me a classic 50's soda shop, complete with burgers, fries, fun atmosphere, and, of course, sundaes! This table service location is bright and cheerful and so much fun. Just wait until you see a group of guests order what's known as theKitchen Sink. It's pretty impressive.Located at Disney's Beach Club Resort, you'll find Beaches & Cream Soda Shop tucked away by the resort's pool area. It does now take reservations, which I highly recommend. The restaurant is pretty small, and if you have your heart set on a sundae or a meal, you'll want to get your spot! They do also have a to-go counter (which gets pretty busy) for those on the go!One of my favorite sundaes at Beaches & Cream is the No Way Jose Sundae (which you can read more about in my previous blog posts). Topped with chocolate syrup and a rich peanut butter sauce, there's no way you're saying "no way" to the No Way Jose!On this visit, I knew I still wanted the No Way Jose Sundae, and the manager came out to go over the options with me. Beaches & Cream is one of the few table service locations in which only a manager comes to talk to you, not a chef. But don't worry, they are great at handling orders safely.For the No Way Jose, I received both vanilla and chocolate Tofutti (they also carry Rice Dream vanilla non-dairy ice cream), Hershey's chocolate syrup, peanut butter sauce, and a cherry on top. Beaches & Cream does have other various safe toppings for you to order depending on what sundae you get.Though I'm often tempted to try other sundaes (like a banana split), I can't help but order the No Way Jose. It's rich and decadent, and just the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter. It's also a huge portion, so be prepared to be very full when you're done!Though I didn't get lunch, you can find lunch and dinner options at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. Check out the menus page for more information about their lunch and dinner options.You can also read reviews from Alexis at Gluten Free in Orlando on her blog about Beaches & Cream Soda Shop.Overall, Beaches & Cream continues to be a must stop for me when it comes to non-dairy ice cream sundaes. The gluten free and dairy free version of the No Way Jose sundae continues to be a favorite of mine and something I'll be getting this summer as the Florida weather continues to warm up!Have you been to Beaches & Cream Soda Shop? What did you get when you visited?

Rebel Hangar -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Hollywood Studios

*This dining experience took place in June 2015.Star Wars™ Weekends is one of my favorite times of the year at Hollywood Studios. I'm a huge Star Wars™ fan and love all the special events surrounding Star Wars™ Weekends. Last year, Disney launched several new dining experiences including the Star Wars™ Dine-In Galactic Breakfast which was super fun, and equally fun when I went this year in 2015. I love the character interaction and Star Wars™ theming!Of course, you can imagine how excited I got when they announced this year's newest Star Wars™ Weekends dining experience - the Rebel Hangar. In fact, it was so popular, the initial ADR slots available booked up quickly (I heard around 2 hours!). I was lucky to snag a reservation for the very final weekend of Star Wars™ Weekends.Set in a blocked off section of the Backlot Express, the Rebel Hangar offers drinks and small plates. It is definitely not a full dinner location. Of course, my family and I had enjoyed a very filling meal at Mama Melrose earlier in the day for lunch, so we were totally fine with a few small plates.It was a very hot June day, and one thing we noticed about the Rebel Hangar is that there is indoor and outdoor seating. Indoor was blissfully air conditioned while outside was pretty muggy (exactly what you expect on a Florida June day). We didn't ask for a particular seating but were glad to be seated indoors.The theming isn't overly flashy, but each table contains some type of Star Wars™ model and there were loads of Star Wars™ touches throughout the dining area. Essentially, they did a bunch of small touches to overlay the existing Backlot Express interior.In terms of options, there were several available to gluten free diners. Thankfully, Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando had shared her experience at the Rebel Hangar and listed the gluten free options available to guests. Some dishes, like the Pomme Frites (aka French fries) contained dairy (parmesan cheese). After speaking with a chef, I decided to get the Slider Sampler which contained barbecued chicken and barbecued chicken sandwiches along with house-made chips (which were gluten free & dairy free). The sandwiches were modified to be dairy free (removed coleslaw) and served on GNI brand buns.While we waiting for our food, we got to experience some unique entertainment. As we sat and chatted, we noticed that several characters began to come into the Rebel Hangar. Initially, we thought the characters were going to go around to tables for photographs and autographs (much like the Star Wars™ Galactic Dine-In or the Star Wars™ Character Dinner at Hollywood & Vine; however, we realized they were all sitting at a table playing cards!It was super cool to watch this, and I almost wonder if Disney is testing this kind of experience for new restaurant experiences. It was nothing like I've ever experienced before at Disney. Generally, they were performing a "skit" while several Disney cast members stood by so people didn't engage with them (more than taking photos), and another cast member was recording the scene with an iPhone.The characters engaged in a card game for about 10-15 minutes and then were interrupted by members of the Empire (aka Stormtroopers!) after a fight broke out and several of the characters were arrested while the card game was broken up. It was pretty neat to watch -- almost like Disney dinner theatre!Pretty shortly after the characters left the Rebel Hangar, our food came out. My slider sampler looked really good, but I have to say it was a bit hit or miss. I loved the house made potato chips. Those were delicious! The beef brisket slider was very tasty but I found the barbecued chicken slider to be rather bland. In both cases, the buns were horribly heated and very dry and crumbly. Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando also noted this in her experience, so it sounded like they just had some challenges heating the buns. Overall, I wouldn't say I disliked the slider sampler, but I'm not sure I'd order it again if the Rebel Hangar came back next year.My family ordered the Pomme Frites and really enjoyed them. They liked the presentation, the seasoning (garlic & parmesan) and the garlic aioli. Next time, I would see if they could make the fries dairy free and still offer the aioli.One final experience at the Rebel Hangar were the Jawas. As you know from my meals at the Sc-Fi Dine-In Galactic Breakfast, I adore these fellas! They were, of course, looking for shiny things to trade with us, though this time we came up empty handed. Still, they were great fun coming through the restaurant interacting with guests.Overall, I really enjoyed the Rebel Hangar Lounge experience. The food wasn't anything special but we had a great time, and we really enjoyed the character atmosphere. If Disney offered this again next year, we'd definitely go back for an affordable and fun way to participate in character dining (note: Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando did not experience any characters when she visited, so this may be subject to availability).Did you get a chance to go to the Rebel Hangar this year? What did you order when you dined there? 

Updates from the Food Allergy Information Kiosk (Garden Kiosk) at Disney's Animal Kingdom

*This visit took place in June 2014.It's been a while since I've stopped by the Food Allergy Information Kiosk, also known as the Garden Kiosk, at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. When it opened last August, it was a huge deal for those of us with special dietary needs, and I'm so glad that after a year it's still running at Disney's Animal Kingdom. It's just great to see something like this keep going in the parks. It's an excellent place to stop by for a snack or get information about special dietary needs dining in the Animal Kingdom.Since my last post update was in November 2013, I thought I would write up a brief post about some of the updates at the kiosk in 2014.Perhaps some of the biggest changes this year include the addition of Toutti brand non-dairy ice cream, either in vanilla or chocolate, Surf Sweets gummy candies, fruit cups, and perhaps the most popular of all...Babycakes NYC Donuts. Since Babycakes NYC's building closed due to Downtown Disney (aka Disney Springs) construction, there have been relatively few locations in which you could get Babycakes donuts. Thankfully, the Garden Kiosk now serves the cinnamon sugar and vanilla chocolate flavors. When I stopped by around 1 p.m. on a Saturday, they only had a few left, so they are definitely very popular. You can check the site for a listing of where you can get Babycakes NYC products now at Disney (this includes the Beach Club Quick Service which also carries donuts).The location also carries grab and go fruit, Enjoy Life Cookies, Lundberg Rice Chips, granola bars and more. You can also get Redbridge gluten free beer, Omission Beer (made with gluten ingredients which are later removed in the process), and Angry Orchard hard cider if you fancy a beverage (although, I have to say, I'd recommend a sugar cane mojito at the Dawa bar or the new pineapple soft serve and rum drinks over at Tamu Tamu. I haven't had the soft serve but I hear it's delicious!).While you are at the kiosk, you can also speak to a cast member about the ingredients of products and which menu offerings might be the best choice for your dietary need. I highly recommend using this, especially if you're dining quick service in the Animal Kingdom, as it is really helpful to know which locations carry the best options for you to eat, saving you time and potential frustration. The cast members are always really helpful, and it's great to have a one-stop shop for dietary needs.Overall, I'm so glad that this kiosk is still running successfully at Disney's Animal Kingdom. I hope it continues to stay and serve our special diet community. And maybe they'll open more kiosks in other parks!Have you been to the Garden Kiosk? What did you think of this special diets focused location in the Animal Kingdom? 

Liberty Square Market -- Snacks -- Quick Service -- Magic Kingdom

*This dining experience took place in June 2014.Hear ye, hear ye! Liberty Square Market located in Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom is a surprisingly great choice for special diets diners to grab a quick bite to eat. With standard grab and go options along with special diets pre-packaged products and a few unique treats, this is a must-do for those looking for a snack or a treat. From the exterior, Liberty Square Market might not look like it would have much, and it can also be easily overlooked. Situated in between the Hall of Presidents, Liberty Tree Tavern, Columbia Harbour House, and the Haunted Mansion, it's outdoor seating and atmosphere will make you feel like you've gone back in time to colonial New England.When you enter the market, you'll notice lots of grab and go stations as well as a main ordering station that display Liberty Square Market's most unique offering - the popular baked potato. This is the perfect substantial snack or light lunch for a special diets diner. These are served salt crusted and do not have any toppings added to them unless requested. This means if you're non-dairy like me, you can bring a non-dairy substitute with you and top it on your potato. If you're gluten free and can have dairy, ask for butter and sour cream.Under $4, the baked potatoes also count as a snack on the Disney Dining Plan!Perhaps the coolest part of Liberty Square Market is that they have an entire section devoted to special dietary needs and products. Yay! These include:

• Varieties of Lundberg Rice Chips
• Surf Sweets
• Rocky Mountain Caramel Corn
• OMG It's Gluten Free Brownies
• OMG It's Gluten & Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Enjoy Life Crunchy Cookies

Note that not all of these items cover all allergens or special dietary needs. For instance, OMG It's Gluten Free Brownies contain dairy.The location also carries fresh fruits and vegetables - some whole fruit (like bananas and apples) and others in packages, like apple slices.Overall, Liberty Square Market has an abundance of great choices for special diets diners visiting the Magic Kingdom. From sweets to fresh fruits and veggies, there is a nice variety to choose from.Have you been to Liberty Square Market? What's your go-to snack from this quick service location? 

Gaston's Tavern -- Snacks -- Quick Service -- New Fantasyland

*This dining experience took place in June 2014.Gaston’s Tavern located in New Fantasyland is something truly out of the animated film. They say, he uses antlers in all his decorating and boy is that sure true. From the exterior of this quick service restaurant to the interior decor, it looks like a hunting lodge and tavern all in one. While I can’t say I personally love Gaston’s decorating tastes, I do enjoy some of the items served in Gaston’s Tavern. On this particular occasion, I stopped by to try out the roasted pork shank and Le Fou’s Brew. I actually hadn’t been since the opening of New Fantasyland (during the annual passholder preview, actually!), so it had been a long time. On that first visit, I tried both, and I even got a chance to see the bottles and ingredients, thanks to a kind manager there. You can read more about that in my original post.But back to today’s visit, when I entered the restaurant, I notified the cast member that I had special dietary needs. She then went and got the special diets binder and a manager. She gave me permission to take a photo of the binder cover, as you can see it here. In looking at the ingredients binder, I noticed that the roasted pork shank (made very simply with a few spices) was made using Badia brand spices, which were listed as certified gluten free. I always like when I see Badia listed because it’s one of the brands I buy for my own kitchen.  You can see detailed info on my original post about Le Fou’s Brew and also on Gluten Free in Orlando’s website. The mango foam on top is really quite good and has that creamy texture that is often lacking from dairy free items. Thankfully, no dairy there!As far as taste goes, I have to say Le Fou’s Brew is way to sweet for my tastes. It’s seriously sweet, and I found myself wishing Disney would offer a smaller size version. I really like the topping but halfway through the drink, it just felt super heavy to me, mostly because of the sugar.  The roasted pork shank, on the other hand is just delicious. It’s a little pricey at $9.79 but still delicious. (Fun fact: In December 2012 it was $7.99, so there's been a definite price increase on these!) My family says they prefer it to the turkey legs these days, which surprised me a bit. But, I have to agree with them. It’s simply seasoned, slow roasted and delicious. While there may be a few snack items that are gluten free and dairy free at Gaston’s Tavern besides the pork shank and Le Fou’s Brew, most people come just for these two items.I have to say that it’s a great little spot to rest and enjoy a snack, though I wouldn’t make it a must-do every time I go. The pork shank I would absolutely get again. The Le Fou’s Brew I might again but split with someone. The sweetness just overtook this drink for me.I rate this a 6 out of 10.Have you been to Gaston’s Tavern? What did you think of Le Fou’s Brew?

Beignets -- Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory -- Quick Service -- Port Orleans French Quarter

*This dining experience took place in April 2014.I love meeting up with Gluten Free Friends and even better...meeting up with friends and getting amazing food. I recently attended the Gluten-Free Living Conference in April and had the chance to share the Disney special diets love with several friends visiting from out-of-state.And you know we had to go to Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory for beignets. It's become a must-do to take my GF friends there whenever they visit the area. On this visit, I met up with my friend Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando and she brought along our friends Jennifer from Gluten Free Go-To Guide and the one and only Jules from GF Jules.I arrived just a wee bit late for our morning beignet stop before the conference because I was at an earlier breakfast over at Olivia's (yes, this girl needs some extra protein in the morning or I would have been in a sugar coma). The nice part is that they had already ordered the beignets and were waiting for them to be done. Yep, these ladies were on a beignet mission!Chef Tony brought these out for us, and I loved seeing them in some updated packaging - a to-go box with the allergy pick placed in them. This is a really nice touch because it does help ensure that no kitchen mishaps occur. I always feel reassured when I see an allergy notification.I'm not gonna lie...we ordered a lot of beignets. And we devoured each and every one of these powdered sugar gems.One of the cool parts of this visit is that we got to check out the recipe for the beignets. I admit, I'm only slightly tempted to make them at home. I'm just glad I have a place where I can get these to order - no muss, no fuss! But, if I ever want to make them...the recipe is waiting for me.Alexis & I also took a picture with Chef Tony. Yep, he's a total rockstar in my book!Thanks again to Chef Tony & the team for always taking care of us. It was a lot of fun to share the beignet love with some gluten free friends and to share with them the amazing dedication to special diets that Disney has -- all while enjoying some delicious eats!Have you been to Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory for beignets?

L’Artisan des Glaces Sorbet and Ice Cream Shop -- Snacks -- World Showcase -- Epcot

*This dining experience took place in May 2013.Bonjour from the France Pavilion! I had the opportunity to check out L’Artisan des Glaces Sorbet and Ice Cream Shop which just opened at the end of May 2013 in the France Pavilion at Epcot. I tend to avoid the France Pavilion as it has a reputation for being horribly unaccommodating for special diets, but I decided to give it a chance since it had been a while. As a writer over at Chip & Co., I reviewed this with my friend Krista from Disneyways, who thankfully was able to review it from a non-allergy perspective which was great. I was hoping that since they had sorbet, I'd at least be able to have one dessert option there (which wasn't necessarily the case). Here's what I discovered when I went.

Entrance

The Good:  First off, the setting is beautiful. I love the decor and the entire setting in the pavilion makes you feel like you are in France. The decor inside the shop is charming and so well done. Imagineers did a great job at paying attention to every detail--from the milk jar chandelier to the pitchers for milk--it was all perfect. The colors in the shop are gorgeous pastels, very soothing and make for a pleasant almost rustic environment. Also, there is a fair amount of space in there, which I can imagine with summer crowds will be much appreciated (especially since there's no indoor seating). If you don't have a food allergy this is a great new place to visit and one to make a new tradition.

What a cute chandelier!

Glass cases as you enter the shop

In terms of the desserts, I was happy to see that there were several flavors of sorbet: Strawberry, Mango, Melon, Lemon, Pomegranate, and Mixed Berries.

 When you want to get dessert, you have to go to a counter to pay per scoop (one or two at a whopping $3.99 to $6.10), then you go to another station to pick either a cup or cone and then your flavors. Weird. So, what I decided to do was go to the order station and ask about the sorbet. I explained that I can't have dairy or gluten and the cashier brought out an allergy book. (*Point of clarification. I asked the cast member if I could take photographs from the allergy binder) From there, I was able to look at the sheets. Unfortunately, I was only to get 2 very bad photos before I got yelled at to stop taking photos. Whoops! Just call me a gluten free/dairy free renegade!! Here are the two I was able to get:

Here's where things went downhill...The Bad:The cashier snatched the book from me, and yes I wasn't able to look at it again (there I am again with this GF/DF renegade thing!). *Point of clarification: this was a secondary cast member who took the binder from me. There were two cast members at the cash register area, as there are two point of sale machines. He explained to me that while the sorbet was technically dairy free, they use the same machines to make it. He said they wash it well, but that traces of dairy could still exist. Wait? What?! Seriously...after all the time to make this location, they couldn't be bothered to have a dedicated sorbet machine? Sighs... On top of that, some of the ice cream contains gluten in it (profiterole flavor has pretzels in it), so it's not even a 100% safe place if you're just GF. Double sighs...

Sorbets are located in the middle...

 And finally... The UGLY:Worse yet, they keep everything together in the front (sorbets are in the middle surrounded by all the dairy). When asked if they used dedicated spoons, they said no. They use the same spoons for everything and just dip them in water to clean them. I asked if they could use a fresh scoop and fresh batch of sorbet from the back to serve to me. This did not go well. The server literally argued with me for many minutes and told me it didn't matter it was all the same. Holy smokes!! Way to exceed my customer service expectations in France...yet again. :(

 And then I did something that I have no clue what possessed me to do (other than sheer blind judgement), I actually decided to try a scoop and see if another server would accommodate my request. Well, she did. Iwent for a flavor that I figured wasn't that popular--strawberry (people seemed to be going for the other flavors). And so I got my first and only scoop of sorbet at L'Artisan des Glaces Sorbet and Ice Cream Shop.In terms of the taste, it was nothing special. It was good but the flavor wasn't out of this world. I will say it had great texture. Very smooth and creamy. So that was where the sorbet here would stand out. The other strange thing was that it sort of tasted freezer burnt. I asked Krista who got the profiterole ice cream and she said it didn't taste like that to her, so maybe it was my taste buds or just the sorbet.

Strawberry sorbet...

While I think this is a terrific place for guests without special diets, it's not the place to go if you are gluten or dairy free. In the beginning I thought maybe GF folks would be ok; however, I would avoid this place big time. If they use the same spoons and argue about getting fresh scoops from the back, it's not worth it. Trust me. If you have a dairy allergy do not waste your time here. Thank goodness my dairy issues are less about an allergy and more about an autoimmune response with Crohn's because I would have been in serious trouble. On top of everything, the CMs were extremely rude and unaccommodating here. They were perfectly lovely to people without special dietary needs but really not very nice to me.Save your time, money, and effort and go to someplace Disney owned where you can get terrific desserts and safe ones too. The Sanaa raspberry mint sorbet and the strawberry / mango sorbet from Brown Derby blow this sorbet out of the water. Yes, it's a great addition to Epcot but it's just not a great place for folks with special needs.While I can't really recommend this location for special dietary needs, I will say (despite the rotten service), I had a terrific time with Krista. We felt like we were in Paris strolling through the streets and enjoying an afternoon snack. We had a blast but that was only because I enjoyed hanging out with a friend and didn't let the crummy allergy accommodation ruin my time (besides I had sushi that night, so I didn't miss out on enjoying great food!). Overall though, I give this a big fat 2 out of 10 for special diets.