Sunshine Seasons -- Quick Service -- Lunch -- Epcot

Oak Grilled Fish with Seasonal Vegetables

Sunshine Seasons offers a lot of great choices for food allergies. I really enjoy the grill section, where I've had some really great chicken. Sometimes it is a little bit of a miss, depending on the seasonality and choices. I wasn't a huge fan of the previous menu (see the review here), but I'm liking the new one a lot. One of my new favorite options is the Oak Grilled Fish with Seasonal Vegetables. So far, I've had it twice and the veggies include green beans and tomatoes with roasted potatoes. Yum! The fish, I believe was Mahi Mahi the last time I was there. What I like most about this option is that it is very light, yet filling. It offers a tasty alternative to burgers and fries. It typically comes with a black olive tapenade, but they weren't sure if it was safe or not, so I passed on it.The pork and chicken have some new options too, so be on the look-out for more reviews with those!And check out the new Enjoy Life! products that I found in May 2012 at Sunshine Seasons...

Enjoy Life! products

More options from Enjoy Life!

**These dining experiences took place in November 2011 and May 2012.

Flame Tree BBQ -- Quick Service -- Lunch -- Animal Kingdom

Pork sandwich with coleslaw on a Udi's GF/DF bun...so good!

I love it when I get recommendations from readers. This recommendation, in particular, is one I wish I would have tried a little sooner. However, I'll note that the Udi's GF buns are what make this sandwich taste so good. It's a big step up from the Ener-G tapioca rolls (sorry, I've never been a huge fan). I will say though that it's a bummer that these don't cover all of the top 8 allergens because they are really really good.So on to the food....As usual, I headed to Flame Tree BBQ and asked the cashier to speak with the manager. The manager was very kind and went over the ingredients with me (I knew that I wanted the sandwich). Having been here before, I also knew that the coleslaw was safe, so no substitutes on this order (a rarity for me). The manager did tell me that none of the sauces at the condiment bar were deemed safe, as they had modified food starch in it, and it couldn't be determined where the starch was derived. I never take chances with that, so no sauce for me. Not that this sandwich needed it. I'm glad they serve it as dry BBQ without the sauce; that way you have the option of adding sauce or not. Thankfully, this was very tasty pork, so it didn't need it in my opinion. That bun, OMG that bun. I feel bad everytime I sing it's praises because I know that many folks can no longer enjoy a bun at WDW because of the vendor change. But, I gotta say, I love these. They actually taste like bread. My mom tried some of the bun, and even she liked it! It's that soft texture and fluffiness. It doesn't become a hard dense hockey puck like the Ener-G rolls. Those things could take out a window or a small child if someone threw one!The coleslaw here is also great. It's got a bit of heat/spice to it, and I enjoy it a lot. The only downside is that I hate coleslaw outside on a really hot day, and now that summer is beginning here in Florida, I wouldn't want to eat it much. Something about heat and mayo turns me off! But in the winter time...delish!Overall, I was so pleased to try this one out. Thank you, GF Girl, for your awesome recommendation! I'm so glad I got the chance to check this out. Now a new favorite on my list!!! Definitely a 9 out of 10!

**This dining experience took place in May 2012.

Cosmic Rays -- Counter Service -- Magic Kingdom

 

Simple chicken sandwich and grapes from Cosmic Rays. Yum!

 

I've been to Cosmic Ray's many times. It's simple and usually pretty easy to get in an out of relatively quickly, even when busy. We decided to stop there for a late dinner. I was especially curious, now that they have Udi's buns. 

 

Upon arrival, I checked at the cashier and asked for a manager, who came very quickly. She went over the choices with me, and I asked about the chicken sandwich. I've been having gallbladder problems (surgery likely impending), and I didn't want french fries, so I asked if I could have grapes. Cosmic Ray's has a fixin's bar, so you get your sandwich plain with the option to put on your own condiments. I like this method, especially since I ate mine plain. I only ate the bottom bun with chicken (open face style) and it was very good. The grapes were nice and light and refreshing.

 

Overall, I am enjoying the new Udi's buns because they taste better, but I can see how problematic they can be for people with egg allergies. No fun.

 

I hope in the future they will be able to get a different bread product that will be more inclusive of the top 8 allergens. But I do like them a lot better than Ener-G rolls. There are a lot of changes still going on at WDW, and it will be interesting to see how they change and evolve.

 

**This dining experience took place in April 2012. 

Babycakes NYC -- Downtown Disney

Wonder bun and pumpkin cupcake with cinnamon frosting

 

Just a quick photo and review from Babycakes. They have some new items that I really like. The first is there "Wonder buns" aka cinnamon buns. They are yummy! I love the cinnamon and sugar combo...they make a great afternoon snack with tea or a sugary breakfast.Also check out the "mounds" that they make--copycats of the "Mounds" bars. Fantastic!I also just had the pumpkin cupcake. It wasn't my most favorite cupcake, but I really like the cinnamon frosting. That was fantastic! I think my biggest gripe with the cupcake was the flour mix. They use Bob's Red Mill All Purpose Flour and it has a really nutty chickpea flavor, which I'm personally not a huge fan of. It was still good, but I make my own pumpkin muffins that I personally think are better But that's just me.Overall, loving some of the new treats--can't wait to see what they have for the holidays!

**This dining experience took place in October 2011.

Cooke's of Dublin -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Downtown Disney

Fish and chips...the real deal!

 Oh my...there are some things in life that cannot be duplicated...the taste of fish and chips is one I have longed missed since going gluten free/dairy free. I've had some good copy-cats, but the traditional fish and chips (well minus the malt vinegar, which I miss) has long eluded me. Until I heard a rumor on one of the boards that mentioned that they had true fish and chips gluten free/dairy free from Cooke's of Dublin. I almost yelped for joy; I was so excited. I've been long wanting to check it out, but haven't had the chance. Until now....and it was amazing!I have to say, Cooke's of Dublin is very popular. I was there around 1:30 p.m. and there was a huge line out the door. And no seating. Yikes! I was staying at one of the DVC villas for a night for the Halloween party, so I thought I could take it to go (which I did). When I made it to the cash register, I was told that yes they did have the gluten free fish and chips (and that the fries/chips are always gf). Hurrah! I placed my order then for the fish and chips and waited. Luckily for me, the wait wasn't too long--and actually quicker than some of the other folks in line!Now for the tasting...I actually ended up just sitting down at Downtown Disney at ate there. I just couldn't wait! I have to say, the fish and chips were worth it. Yum! The fish was mild and flaky. Sure the fish was deep fried and slightly greasy, but that is what you expect from fish and chips. The chips were actually really really good. They tasted more like hand cut (thick) homemade fries. delicious!I would not hesitate to eat at Cooke's of Dublin again, if I have a fish and chips urge. In fact, I would be curious what other options they might have. Next time I'll have to ask!Now, if only the UK pavilion could get a GF version; I'd be happy!

**This dining experience took place in October 2011. 

Liberty Inn -- Lunch -- Quick Service -- Epcot

**This dining experience took place in summer 2011.  

 

I've always heard that the Liberty Inn is really great with allergies. It looks like standard American fare--hamburgers and hot dogs, etc. So, one rainy day, we hit up Liberty Inn for a quick snack. I went with my friend who gluten/dairy/soy allergies.We were both hungry for chicken tenders--and if you have read my blog, you know I'm pretty obsessed with those things! :)Upon arrival, we were greeted by a manager who brought out a book for us with all the ingredients. As we told him, we wanted chicken tenders...no need to go over options lol. He told us he could also do fries baked in the oven. The chicken tenders are also baked there.It did take about 15 minutes from start to finish, but the manager was very courteous and helpful. He brought the food out to our table, so we didn't have to wait up at the counter for so long. This was very nice.The chicken tenders were awesome as usual. The fries are better, well fried...but baked is OK too.

Chicken tenders and fries...both baked..

 Overall, I probably ought to have paid attention to the other options, but it's a good reason to go back and see how their burgers and chicken sandwiches are.A solid 8 out of 10!

La Cantina de San Angel -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Mexico -- Epcot

*This dining experience took place in August 2011.I really love tacos. It's actually a bit shameful how much I love tacos. I could probably eat tex-mex all the time. Fortunately for me, it's very easily made gluten and dairy free.As usual, we hit La Cantina de San Angel because they are very tasty and do not require any modifications (I love this!). I split the tacos de pollo (chicken tacos) with my mom and stepdad and we also got the guacamole with chips too. The flavor in their chicken tacos is outrageous. I love the lime on the side to put on the tacos. Yum, yum, yum. I'm getting hungry just thinking about them! The guacamole isn't anything special, but it's good.

Chicken tacos!

 

Guacamole and chips

 

My friend who is gluten/dairy/soy free got the nachos, minus the cheese and sour cream. Now, I do not think he asked for a manager on this one, so don't quote me that it's perfectly safe on the soy side of things. I know that gluten and dairy wise it was fine. He didn't seem to get sick, so I am guessing it was OK. Note, you should always check w/a manager--otherwise eat at your own risk!!! He said the nachos were awesome. I might try them sometime--even though I rarely eat beef, this would be a nice treat.

Nachos, minus the cheese and sour cream--composed of beans, pico de gallo, taco meat and chips

Overall another great meal. 9 out of 10!

Flame Tree BBQ -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Animal Kingdom

Just look at the bark on that chicken!!! (that's the crust for you non-BBQ aficionados out there!)

 

Ahhh, Flame Tree...one of my favorites prior to allergies. The BBQ here is so fantastic. I'd heard some other folks with allergies say they had good luck at this place, plus it's listed on special diets information, so I thought we'd give this a whirl. Since we stayed at the AKL this trip, it was a quick stop for us on our first day heading into the parks. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a manager, who took me through the book they had on hand with ingredients and gave me suggestions. I really wanted the BBQ chicken and thankfully, it was safe! They did not consider the vinegar in the baked beans safe, so they said they were out. I was able to get the coleslaw. Because I couldn't get the beans, the manager said I could get either double coleslaw or grapes. I opted for the grapes, since I have Crohn's and the coleslaw was probably not going to be settling well or even completely eaten, so double coleslaw was NOT a good idea. (coleslaw is one of those foods that usually irritates me...not matter how good I'm feeling and sadly no matter how much I enjoy it!) For dessert, I had the option of the French Meadow brownie. All in all, it wasn't anything spectacular, but still filling and very good. My favorite part was the chicken, of course. It was moist and flavorful and had a wonderful rub on it. The coleslaw was also good. It had great flavor and a bit of a spicy bite to it! YUM!All in all, I'd give this one a solid 8 out of 10 for good food, good service and just overall a decent place to go. There aren't a ton of options, but if you like BBQ, it will satisfy your craving. And the place just smells wonderful!!!!

**This dining experience took place in May 2011

La Cantina de San Angel -- Counter Service -- Epcot

Ah, tacos at La Cantina. I fell in love with these last trip. Most everything here is gluten free and there is not a ton of dairy either. This is why I really love Mexican/Tex-Mex food. Yum! We headed here for lunch on our last full day. I got the tacos de pollo (chicken tacos) again, which came with tortilla chips and pico de gallo. It is important to note that the salsas by the condiment station are NOT gluten free, but the pico de gallo is safe.

2 orders of chicken tacos and 1 order of guacamole and chips--all gluten and dairy free!

For dessert, I got the lemon/lime paleta--the last time I got the coconut one and it had dairy in it. But since it was slower this time, I could see what the ingredients were in this one prior to ordering it. Here's a close-up of the ingredients:


Overall, another great counter service meal here. I so adore this place, and try to make a trip there now every chance I get!!! 8 out of 10 for great food!

Wolfgang Puck Express -- Downtown Disney -- Counter Service

Marketplace location at DTD

A very empty restaurant!

Breakfast Menu

Breakfast is always a nice treat. We were on the DDP this trip, and had not used our CS credits one day, so we decided to use it for breakfast. I had great luck with Wolfgang Puck Express at DTD for lunch on a previous trip, so I thought we'd try it for breakfast. Upon arrival, I asked if they could even make anything. The cashier went to the chefs to ask them what they could make. It was nice because we were the first people in the restaurant, so I didn't feel like I was backing up the line. The cashier told me they could do an omelet for me. I was able to get an omelet with bacon and onions in it. I also got fruit on the side (I had previously eaten the fruit cup there on my last trip, and it was nice and refreshing). The omelet was very good. I wish I could have gotten some other options in the omelet or some breakfast potatoes (my mom had potatoes w/her food, but it looked like it had cheese in it), but the waitstaff was nice, they offered to get me more fruit, though I politely declined, since I already had fruit.

The famous fruit cup

Bacon and onion omelet

Overall, I can't say enough good things about this DTD restaurant. I love the food quality and enjoy the few offerings that they have for gluten and dairy free. It's a nice break from burgers and fries. 8 out of 10 for good service and food--just wish they had a few more options.

Cosmic Rays -- Counter Service -- Magic Kingdom

We hit up Cosmic Rays at Magic Kingdom for lunch. I had a fabulous manager help me out. I decided on the rotisserie chicken with green beans (which do not have dairy in them, but some kind of oil spray) and potato chips instead of mashed potatoes. I also got my first french meadow chocolate chip cookie. I have not seen them in the past, so I was thrilled to have them. I loooooveee FM chocolate chip cookies! My meal came out relatively quickly, and I was impressed by how they handled the allergy. Everything came straight out of the back and was not in any way cross contaminated with the food out front.

Very good rotisserie chicken, green beans, and chips.

I love these French Meadow cookies! A nice change from the FM brownies.

Overall, the food was good. I liked the chicken and the beans. I ate the chips later, but scarfed the cookie down then! Yum! A solid 8 out of 10 for great service and a lot of food options.

Tangierine Cafe -- Counter Service

Meatballs and rice platter at Tangierine Cafe

On our first day, we decided to head to Epcot for a quick bite to eat before dinner at the Garden Grill. We had decided to try Tangierine Cafe, since a lot of Mediterranean food seems GF and we had a very enjoyable meal at Restaurant Marrakesh previously. I'd also seen some good GF reviews on it. Unfortunately, this one turned out to be a bust. They had an allergy book out, and the chef came out to see me, but he told me the only options I had gluten free and dairy free were 1) Meatball platter served with yellow rice and 2) Vegetable Platter minus a lot of the items. He did not seem too thrilled to modify anything, so I decided to go w/the meatball platter and gamble on the meatballs, since I normally don't eat ground beef or ground lamb. I also discovered they had no dessert option (we were on the DDP this trip). I got the baklava and gave it to my mom. The meatballs themselves tasted ok, but slightly greasy for me. The rice had corn in it, and I picked around it, since I have problems digesting it. Otherwise, it tasted ok, but wasn't anything special.


I think I will stick with the TS on this one, rather than the CS. I'd give it a 5 out of 10 for lack of options, no dessert, and lackluster service.

La Cantina de San Angel -- Counter Service -- Epcot

When I found out that the new restaurant at the Mexico pavilion in Epcot had gluten free offerings, I was stoked. I love Mexican and Tex-Mex food. The great thing is that a lot of this kind of food is naturally gluten free. Having emailed Special Diets and hearing first hand reports from the disboards, I was pretty excited about trying to eat there.

We decided to get lunch at La Cantina around 1 p.m. It turned out to be extremely busy because of the food and wine festival. It was crazy! The lines were very long, and it took us around 25 minutes to get food (mine was incidentally the fastest, only because they forgot to make my mom's desserts). Upon reaching the cashier, I asked about the food allergies. They ended up conferring with a manager but they didn't come out to see me. They helped me with the entree but I couldn't get any information on the dessert option. At the time, it was just so busy that I went with a coconut bar, figuring that there was probably dairy in it, and I could give it to a family member. (They all got churros).

I got the tacos de pollo. They were fantastic! Soooo tasty. I scarfed them down quite quickly. The chips and pico de gallo were also very good. My mom and stepdad split the chicken tacos and the guacamole, which I sampled. The guacamole was very good. It is important to note that the salsas on the bar with the silverware were NOT gluten free.

Tacos de pollo--I highly recommend!

Guacamole and chips--also very good!

My dessert did have dairy in it, so I gave it to my family, who happily scarfed down the pineapple Popsicle.

Overall, I really enjoyed the food at this counter service. I think the food and wine festival combined with being a new restaurant made it busier than average, but I think when we head back in January they will have worked out all the kinks. Maybe next time, I'll be able to find a dessert option there!

Overall, I give this a 7 out of 10 for excellent food, but hectic food service and lack of a manager coming out to talk to me.

Contempo Cafe -- Counter Service -- Breakfast

Adult Bounty Platter with a side of scrambled eggs

Because I had eaten at Contempo Cafe for two dinners previously, I knew more or less the routine of how to order food at this counter service. I was able to speak with a manager prior to ordering at the kiosk. She said I could get the Adult Bounty platter with a side of eggs since I wasn't getting the french toast (I later ended up getting a different breakfast platter but that was on the day we left). This was fine by me. I can always eat more protein in the morning. Once I got to the cash register, the CM told me that I'd have to pay for the eggs as a snack. Um, but I was just doing what the manager told me to do. So, I ended up using my dining plan snack credit for it, b/c they refused to keep it as part of the meal, but I guess I understand that it would be too confusing plus I can see people trying to get away with getting free food (I paid for my dining plan and did not get it free, since I'm a DVC member and was staying at BLT on points). Either way, it was fine.

The food for the most part was OK. Really nothing special. It was kind of cafeteria style breakfast--kind of bland but edible. The only thing I didn't really like was the turkey sausage which was probably the worst turkey sausage I've ever had. It was really gross and unappetizing. No one who ate that thought it was good, so it wasn't just me!

Overall, nothing special. But definitely lesson learned--make sure you double check about ordering sides of things with a meal--special diets or not. 5 out of 10 for mediocre food.

Sunshine Seasons -- Epcot -- Counter Service

*This dining experience took place in October 2010.

On my last trip, I had a terrific meal at Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion at Epcot. I thought it was a delicious and great counter service meal alternative to fries and burgers. However, this trip, I discovered that they had changed several of the items on the menu at the rotisserie area (which I love), and I was not so thrilled with the changes. While the food quality itself was still good, I just didn't like the flavor combinations. Upon entering, I spoke with the manager who said I could eat the chicken, salmon, and pork. The only dairy in the side dishes was in the mashed potatoes. I had the chicken the last time, so I went with the pork. The pork came with stewed fruit (big pieces of cinnamon and fruit), which I asked for on the side, since I'm not a huge fan of sweet sauces with meat like that (I love sweet and sour sauce, but fruit compote on meat is not my thing). I also got the rice. My mom and brother (who have no dietary restrictions) got the chicken which had a succotash with it and rice. Unfortunately, none of us were too impressed with the food. We all thought the changes were not for the better at this counter service. The meat was OK, but the sauces and sides were just yucky. I didn't like the fruit compote, and the succotash was rather unappetizing too. The rice was pretty greasy, and I'm not particularly sure why. Overall, we all agreed we didn't think we'd eat there again for a while until they made some menu changes. We just didn't like the accompaniments that came with the meat. Disappointing b/c I think Sunshine Seasons has a real opportunity to have upscale counter service and provide healthy options. I'll still give it a shot, but maybe wait for the menu to rotate again. Overall, very disappointing 5 out of 10 for lackluster food.

Pork with rice and fruit compote (on the side) and a French Meadow brownie

Chicken with succotash and rice--the dessert is NOT gluten free/dairy free but this main dish is.

Contempo Cafe -- Counter Service -- Lunch/Dinner

*This dining experience took place in October 2010.

Contempo Cafe -- take 2!

I got to be very familiar with the Contempo Cafe on this trip--we ate lunch/dinner here twice and breakfast here twice. For this meal, I forgot to take the picture of my food before digging in because I was soooo hungry--but I'll post the 3/4 eaten pic :)

I knew that Contempo Cafe was currently serving the allergy friendly chicken tenders, so I wanted to get those. I ordered those with fries and got a French Meadow brownie and soda. Overall, while nothing major or special, it sure was tasty. I love those things! Although, I sure wish they would serve a different kind of barbecue sauce in this food court b/c it's the same kind I encountered at ABC Commissary (I believe it was Heinz?) and it has gluten in it. What happened to the safe bbq sauce, people!? Overall though, it was a good meal (you can tell, since I was scarfing it down), and the chicken tenders still remain one of my standard counter service meals each trip.

Whoops, I got hungry and ate most of my food before taking a picture!

Another solid meal from Contempo Cafe--a 7 out of 10 for decent food and service.

Wolfgang Puck Express -- Downtown Disney -- Counter Service

*This dining experience took place in October 2010.

I have been really quite hesitant to try any counter service restaurants at Downtown Disney because I haven't heard very good reviews. So, when my family needed to go to DTD to get t-shirts made at the Design A Tee store for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, I was not too thrilled about the prospects of eating there. However, I figured I'd give Wolgang Puck Express a try, figuring that out of most of the CS they might be able to accommodate me the easiest. So, we headed that way. Upon arrival, I notified the cashier of my allergies. He did not have a chef / manager come over, but he sure was a wealth of knowledge. He gave me 2 options for meals: 1) the Rotisserie chicken meal without the mashed potatoes but substituting a salad w/balsamic vinegar and oil on the side instead. Or, I could have the salmon, but I didn't really pay attention to what I could have with it, since I had already decided on the chicken. Because we were on the meal plan, I needed to know if there were any dessert options. The only option was fresh fruit (which was fine by me). The cashier was very nice, and he even gave me an extra fruit cup because he "felt bad" this was my dessert. I was actually fine with it b/c we were eating at Cape May Cafe that night (which is a buffet) and I didn't want anything too heavy.

Fruit cups--the pineapple and grapes were my favorite!

Once I placed my order the cashier did go over to the chefs and discuss it to make sure that what he suggested was correct, so I felt more confident with my choices after that. Now, I will say, the portions at this place are HUGE! I'm so glad I had a salad and fruit with it b/c the chicken was a pretty hefty portion. I also have to say that the chicken was very tasty. Moist and the skin was so flavorful (lots of rosemary, etc.). Overall, I think it was a good choice for DTD, and I would definitely go there again. 7 out of 10 for good food, friendly service--although I wish they had a chef/manager consult with me on this occasion. Overall, very good.

Look at the size of that chicken!