The Wave Breakfast Review
*This gluten free dining experience took place in April 2019. It includes notes about dairy free options and modifications.
Breakfast at The Wave
The Wave, located at Disney's Contemporary Resort, is one of my favorite hidden gem table service restaurants on Disney property. Both Brandon and I really enjoy it for dinner, and I love it for breakfast. Recently, I had to have a medical procedure as a follow-up to my resection surgery for Crohn's disease. And, afterwards, I knew I wanted food since I hadn't eaten any solid food in nearly two days. My mom and I decided on a last minute breakfast at The Wave was in order.
Atmosphere
Although I wouldn't say that The Wave's atmosphere and theme are the best on property, I do like that the "wave" theme is found throughout the restaurant, starting from the moment you walk in.
The Wave - Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The entrance has metal designs that look like waves, and you'll feel like you're heading underwater as you walk into the restaurant's lobby area.
The Wave - Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Inside the wave theme continues -- from the light fixtures to the chairs -- you'll feel the "wave" of American flavors throughout this restaurant.
The Wave - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On our visit, the breakfast rush had passed, so we got to enjoy a very low-key meal, which was nice (especially, when I was still tired and loopy for anesthesia).
The Food
Like most table service restaurants at Walt Disney World, The Wave offers an allergy-friendly breakfast menu. They also have a breakfast allergen-guide for their all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet breakfast option. You can also, at any time, ask to speak with a chef.
On this visit, I requested to talk to a chef, specifically because I wanted to know what allergy-friendly Mickey waffle mix they were using. The chef told me that they are currently using a house-made allergy-friendly mix that includes rice flour and sorghum flour. I didn't get the entire list written down because I was still a bit out of it from the procedure, but I will try to get that list on my next visit. The chef did say that Chef Mickey's is also using this mix, as well.
The Wave / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For breakfast, I decided to get a Custom Omelet with Breakfast Potatoes. This is listed as safe for Gluten/Wheat, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. You can also make this dairy free by omitting the cheese from the omelet.
I love the custom omelets at The Wave because they are always well-cooked and SO tasty! I loaded my omelet with ham, onion, spinach, and bacon along with some cheddar cheese (since I have reintroduced dairy back into my diet). It was an excellent choice, and I will definitely get it again. The breakfast potatoes were also really good too.
The Wave / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I was curious about the house-made allergy-friendly Mickey waffle mix, so I asked the chef if I could get a side order. I thought I was getting two waffles, but the chef made me a plate of four. So, needless to say, my mom and I shared this plate. She actually prefers the allergy-friendly Mickey waffles over the regular waffles and was excited to try these out too.
The Wave / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The Allergy-Friendly Mickey Waffles are listed as safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. They were served with a side of 100% pure maple syrup too. I also asked for non-dairy vegan buttery spread and was served Smart Balance (not Earth Balance) on this visit.
Overall, both my mom and I really enjoyed these waffles. They were well cooked with a crisp outside and soft inside. The flavor was also really good too. You could definitely some of the vanilla that they used in the batter (which the chef mentioned). I would definitely order these again. And, my mom agreed that she would too.
Overall
The Wave never disappoints me when it comes to a solid and delicious breakfast. While it may not be anything fancy, the food is always prepared well. And, there are plenty of options for guests with special dietary needs. The chefs are also fantastic at customizing dishes too. If you're looking for a low-key breakfast or brunch option in the resorts, The Wave is a great table service restaurant to visit.
Have you been to The Wave? What did you think of their breakfast options?