OMG ‘Ohana – Why Didn’t I Try This Amazing Disney Dining Restaurant Sooner?

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March 11, 2014

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer plethora of Disney Dining options out there – from snack carts to counter service to buffets, character meals, fine dining, family style….it’s hard to pick where to eat! I always try and mix it up and test out some new places on each WDW trip – and we have yet to be disappointed with any of our choices! One dinner that we were particularly impressed with on our last trip was ‘Ohana – we loved it so much that we are seriously confused as to why we didn’t check it out sooner!

For those of you who have never heard of ‘Ohana, it’s a restaurant located in Disney’s beautiful Polynesian Resort (which is easily accessible via the monorail from the Magic Kingdom), and they serve up a delicious family style breakfast and dinner daily (family style means they bring you platters of food and you can have as many refills as you want!). Breakfast items served include Mickey waffles, bacon/sausage, eggs, and more – and the meal features Lilo and Stitch and friends (which normally include a Mouse or two!), and dinner is served without characters, but with plenty of grilled meat that the servers bring around on giant skewers to your table…yum!

We started out with warm coconut pineapple bread, salad with passion fruit dressing, and delicious chicken wings and dumplings with dipping sauces – all of which were fresh and delicious

Within moments the main course arrived – noodles with vegetables, and then various skewers of meat were brought over too – there was shrimp, chicken, pork, and steak – all of which were well grilled, and I have to say my personal favorite was the steak – it was perfectly tender and not too rare, and it paired really well with the noodles.

We were really full at this point – but not too full for dessert of course – warm coconut pineapple bread pudding topped with ice cream and bananas and a delicious caramel sauce…let’s just say we scraped the plate clean on this one!

Aside from the amazing food, the restaurant itself was great too – dark woods and dim lights made for a nice nighttime setting, and the ukulele music and view of the huge grill make for the perfect dinner entertainment. They also have a bar menu featuring some signature tropical drinks, including the Lapu Lapu that’s served in a hollowed out pineapple! (Check out the recipe for this delicious drink here)

“‘Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind, or forgotten” – it’s a line from the Disney movie Lilo And Stitch, and I think it encompasses the atmosphere and essence of the restaurant perfectly – you definitely feel at home, and the cast members provide great service – oh and you won’t leave hungry, that’s for sure! I am so glad I finally got to try ‘Ohana, and it is now firmly on my “must do” list of Disney Restaurants – but I would love to know what you think – have you dined here? Are you a fan of their character breakfast, or their dinner?

Disney VoluntEARS Raise Money for Junior Achievement of Central Florida

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 11, 2014

Recently over 5,000 Disney VoluntEARS joined forces, this past week, to bowl for the annual Junior Achievement Bowl-A-Thon.

Cast Members/Voluntears raised around $250,000 for Junior Achievement of Central Florida. This charity helps local kids understand how money works, how to save and budget, and to have personal responsibility when it comes to their future money.

Walt Disney World Resort and its Cast Members have supported their mission for the past 17 years. They have raised almost $3.7 million in total.

“JA is so very proud to be working with Disney VoluntEARS again this year,” said Kathy Panter, President of Junior Achievement of Central Florida. “We are humbled by the generosity of time and financial support that we receive from Disney Cast Members through this event and through the volunteer efforts in the classrooms. The success of this event provides funding for nearly 600 JA programs reaching over 12,000 Central Florida students with valuable lessons in financial literacy and workforce readiness.”

In addition to supporting Junior Achievement’s annual Bowl-A-Thon, Disney VoluntEARS also donate numerous hours teaching JA curriculum in Orange and Osceola County schools.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Enter the America’s Most Playful Family Contest to win a trip to Disneyland or Disney World

By

Chip

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March 11, 2014

Images WDPR Americas Most Playful Family Contest Promo 201411

The search is on for America’s Most Playful Family! Enter now for a chance to win the most playful vacation, a trip to Disneyland or Disney World! Here are the details:

Does your family participate in sports? Hike together? Play at the nearby park or playground? Then join Disney to celebrate the importance of why play matters—for kids, parents, grandparents, guardians, families of all kinds—by showing the world how your family loves to play!

Cartwheel, sprint or flip your way into the contest by capturing photos and stories that showcase fun ways your family stays active and you’ll be entered for a chance to win one of more than 1,000 prizes, including the most playful vacation of them all—a GRAND PRIZE trip for four to Walt Disney World® Resort or Disneyland®Resort.

Time is running out to enter, Entries will be accepted through March 16, so get yours in today.

Click here to learn more and to enter!

Need For Speed Red Carpet Premiere

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 10, 2014

Dreamworks Pictures newest movie NEED FOR SPEED premiered at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 6, 2014. Two of the movie’s car stars were displayed on the Red Carpet courtesy of Ford Motor Company. The all-new 2015 Ford Mustang making it’s film debut and the “hero” mustang driven by Aaron Paul in the movie, were both big hits. Director Scott Waugh and some of the movie’s stars including Aaron Paul, Scott Mescudi, Rami Malek, and Ramon Rodriguez all arrived to the TCL Chinese Theatre in cars from the movie.

NEED FOR SPEED, the movie is based on the popular video game series which was created by Electronic Arts in 1992. The movie stars Aaron Paul as Toby Marshall, a mechanic, who races muscle cars in the street racing circuit, and Dominic Cooper as Dino Brewster, an ex-NASCAR driver and Toby’s new business partner. In the movie, Toby is framed for a crime by Dino and is sent to prison for two years. After his release, he is out for revenge and the only way to take Dino down is to win the high-stakes race known as De Leon — the Super Bowl of underground racing. Will Toby win the race or will Dino take Toby down for good?

The cast includes: Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper, Imogen Poots, Ramon Rodriguez, Rami Malek, Scott Mescudi, Dakota Johnson, Harrison Gilbertson and Michael Keaton.

Stay tuned for more NEED FOR SPEED in my upcoming movie review article.

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Loretta is the Entertainment Writer for Chip and Co. and a Travel Agent with Destinations in Florida Travel. She is happy to help plan your next Amazing Magical Adventures to your favorite destinations. Contact her today at [email protected] and visit her facebook page for tips and promotions to exciting vacation spots.

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Disney World Now!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 10, 2014

As if we Disney Addicts need a reason to visit Disney World now! However, if you live with a non-Disney lover who tolerates going or have co-workers/neighbors/friends who just don’t quite get it, then feel free to use the top 10 reasons to visit Disney now. From time to time I hear, “Why are you going to Disney again?” The why is simple to me because everyone deserves to do whatever it is that makes them happy (if it’s legal of course). Disney fills me with such enthusiasm that I know I will have a Fantasmic good time. So, why else go to Disney now?

I have to get away from all this snow! Unless of course, I am headed to Disney’s Blizzard Beach…
I need to de-stress and get my Goofy on.
Everyone gets hungry. At Disney, it’s all about the food. Who wouldn’t want Mickey waffles, S’mores cupcakes, popcorn, and Dole Whips?
Who can resist experiencing a brilliant firework display set against a timeless, majestic castle?
I need excitement and adventure. Riding Expedition Everest, Space Mountain, Soarin’, and Haunted Mansion is the premier way to experience an exhilarating quest.
I ran out of pixie dust.
I forgot to purchase (fill in the blank) the last time I was there. I have to go back now or it may not be there.
I am homesick. Yes, Disney is my home away from home.
You want me to be happy, don’t you? And Disney is my happy place!
Our park passes are about to expire. Park entrance would still be covered. Once you pay for it, it’s free – right?!

What other reasons have your or your family members came up with to visit Disney? Let us know why you need to get your Disney on now!

Festival of Fantasy New Parade at Magic Kingdom Video

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 10, 2014

Be one of the first people to see the new parade at Magic Kingdom Park. This parade debuted on Sunday at Disney World. Our local team at Destinations in Florida Travel was on spot ready to video for our Chip & Co friends at home! The costumes for this new parade was released during New York Fashion Week. The costumes are spectacular, but it has nothing on the whole parade. Disney did an amazing job with interactive floats with some of your favorite characters from Tangled, Brave, Frozen, Sleeping Beauty, and more.

Do you want to see it? Enjoy from the comfort of your home, the magic of Disney with the new Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom Park.

Allison has either worked or played at Disney World for the past 35 years. She was a past Cast Member at Typhoon Lagoon and Tower of Terror. She continued her love of Disney by starting Destinations in Florida Travel. Contact Allison at [email protected] if you would like her or her team to book your upcoming Disney & Orlando vacation.

Las Ventanas Restaurant Opens at Coronado Springs Resort

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 10, 2014

If you’ve never been to the Walt Disney World’s, Coronado Springs Resort now you have another New reason to go.

The newly opened restaurant Las Ventanas is the newest addition to their Spectacular Food Court that includes the Pepper Market, Maya Grill and Rix Lounge. Las Ventanas is not entirely New.. It has really always been there but it was a quaint little private dining room for Rix Lounge. It has now been given a face lift and they’ve expanded it to accommodate more guests. Now, it’s still not that big with only about 15 tables but don’t let it’s small size fool you, it is really comfortably set up with plenty of room between the tables so guests will still have a Wonderful dining experience. The restaurant is a little hard to find, you can easily miss it if you’re not paying attention, but there is a sign by the Pepper Market that helps lead the way. 😉

Las Ventanas is open for Breakfast and Lunch and has a variety of dishes sure to please any palate. Breakfast hours are from 7:00AM till 10:30AM and Lunch is served from 11:00AM till 2:00PM. It is also a Quick Service Credit part of the Disney Dining Plan. The a-la-Carte menus can be seen on the outside of the restaurant. It is moderately priced in case you don’t want to use your Dine Plan credit or are just paying out-of-pocket. No reservations needed, so come right in and check in at the podium.

I truly love the excitement, colorful selection of the Pepper Market, but if you are looking for a more serene dining experience, then Las Ventanas is for you. The relaxing music will make the ambiance serene and tranquil, the complete opposite of the Pepper Market but I’m sure it’s one you will definitely enjoy.

Let us know if you’ve already visited Las Ventanas or if you’re planning on going. Would love to hear your reviews.

Hope you have a Magical Day! ºoº

Top 10 Disney Dining Locations for Toddlers and Preschoolers

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 9, 2014

Traveling with toddlers and preschoolers to Walt Disney World should be a magical experience for both the adults and the children. Even though they may not “remember” every aspect of the trip, it’s all about making memories for EVERYONE-the parents included! For many families with preschoolers and toddlers, they think that character dining is their best option-not so! Today I want to share with you the Top Ten Disney Dining Locations for Toddlers and Preschoolers.

Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: Do your children love seeing animals up close? Then Sanaa is for you! The floor to ceiling windows give fabulous views of giraffes, zebras, and more animals in the savanna at Kidani Village. The nice thing is that the parents can really enjoy a unique menu of African dishes such as Spice Crusted Game Hen, Banana Leaf Wrapped Fish, and even New York Strip Steak. The children can enjoy familiar favorites like cheese pizza, chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, and more. They might even try your lamb chops from the Tandoor Oven!

1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Day Spa: This very popular restaurant, and the best for princess dining on Disney property, is an all you care to eat buffet for dinner. It is also buffet for breakfast and lunch, but with Alice in Wonderland, and her friends. This is a must for any princess fan-as it is the best for interaction with Cinderella, her Prince Charming, and the rest of the royal family. The menu includes chef prepared pasta, prime rib, mojo marinated turkey, stuffed pork loin, salmon with dill sauce, chicken marsala, and much more.

Cape May Cafe Restaurant at Disney’s Beach Club Resort: For breakfast, you can join Mickey and his friends in their beach bum gear as they visit tables and interact with you while you take part of the breakfast buffet. This is one of the most popular restaurants at Disney World for families featuring a Clam Bake. If you enjoy seafood, you will enjoy menu items like clams, mussels, Fish du Jour, clam chowder, and peel and eat shrimp. You can also enjoy other dishes such as prime rib, pasta, pork ribs, and so much more. Cape May is walking distance from Epcot and just a quick watertaxi from
Disney’s Hollywood Studios. After your dinner, you can relax on the sandy beaches at
Disney’s Beach Club Resort at the campfire singalong and marshmallow roast or watch
movies on the beach.

Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom Park: Crystal Palace is an excellent choice if you are traveling with young children. After all, what is more friendly than a sunny meal in the 100 Acre Wood with Pooh Bear and his friend? It is a cheerful environment as soon as you arrive for your breakfast, lunch, or dinner buffet. The buffet is full of awesome foods-and some of the best desserts at Disney! The salmon, citrus flank steak, curry chicken, and more will give the adults plenty to enjoy while the little ones are snuggling with Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and friends and enjoying their favorite foods from the children’s buffet!

O’hana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort: “O’hana” means family, so make sure your family enjoys a fun breakfast here with Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and their Hawaiian friends. The breakfast is served all you can eat family style-which means they bring the food to your table for everyone to enjoy. Scrambled eggs, Hawaiian bread, pastries, breakfast meats, and more will give your family plenty to enjoy-and maybe even get a fun taste of some new Hawaiian foods! O’hana is also an excellent choice for dinner! Since it sits right on the Seven Seas Lagoon, you can often enjoy the Wishes Fireworks Show, the soundtrack to Wishes, and sometimes even the Electrical Water Pageant from the Polynesian during your dinner at O’hana or after.

Hollywood and Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: No trip to Disney with toddlers or preschoolers is complete without a visit to Hollywood and Vine for breakfast or lunch. Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, and Handy Manny visit each table to give those little ones lots of Disney, Jr. love. Hollywood and Vine is a buffet for breakfast and lunch. You can “Play and Dine” at Hollywood and Vine before enjoying the rest of Hollywood Studios for the day. It’s a perfect location for you and your family to enjoy!

San Angel Inn in Mexico at EPCOT’s World Showcase: Have you taken the Gran Fiesta Tour with the Three Cabelleros? If so, then you’ve seen the San Angel Inn from a different perspective! This pyramid environment serves Mexican favorites as well as fish and chicken dishes. The strolling musicians, activity of the Mexican Marketplace, and watching the Gran Fiesta Boats will keep everyone entertained. And, it’s a great way to get some variety in your meals while on the Disney Dining Plan.

Coral Reef Restaurant at EPCOT: After enjoying Under the Seas with Nemo and Friends, you can enjoy a fabulous “under the sea” atmosphere in your dining as well! Coral Reef provides a gorgeous backdrop of tropical fish and coral reefs in this floor to ceiling view of the waters. The menu is popular for families, and the surf and turf dishes as well as the crab legs, mahi mahi, and more make it a great place to dine. If you have children who enjoy the sea aquarium tanks at your local zoo, you’ll want to make this ADR for your next trip to Disney!

Rainforest Cafe at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park or Downtown Disney: The Rainforest Cafe is also an excellent choice for families with young children. The decor and theming of the Rainforest Cafe make it so much fun! And be sure to note there is a “rainstorm” every 20 minutes or so! No worries, you won’t get wet! One thing I really like about the Rainforest Cafe is the props and theming. It makes for such awesome photos! The waterfalls are so pretty, and it is a nice alternative to T-Rex if you have young ones who are a bit skittish. The menu is super family friendly, and the themed drinks add an extra special fun to your meal.

50s Prime Time Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: This location is wonderful for parents and children alike! The atmosphere is very family friendly-and it’s the home to the best meatloaf and fried chicken at Walt Disney World! The servers are acting as your family members, and they make sure you are a clean plater! If you are sure to be a clean plater, you get rewarded with a sticker! Everyone in the family will find something they enjoy here-and the desserts are amazing!

Are you surprised by some of the best dining for toddlers and preschoolers at Walt Disney World? What would you suggest? It doesn’t have to be a character meal or buffet for every meal-and these will give you some variety while enjoying some Disney magic.

I love planning trips for families with young children! Contact me today at [email protected] to get a free quote and get your magical Disney vacation planning started!

Disney Lays off 700 People

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 9, 2014

Sadly Disney will layoff about 700 employees from it’s Interactive Division. This division has been struggling lately, so they decided to a restructuring, so to speak. This has been drain on the company financially for quite some time now. Last Year Disney Interactive lost $87 million. Their total loss in the past few years is more than $1 billion.

This decision will affect the consumer because it means there will be less video games made because they are now going to focus more on the fast growing mobile tech. market.

“We are trying to consolidate things and focus largely on the mobile platform,” the president of Disney Interactive, Jimmy Pitaro, said in an interview with Reuters. “The industry is moving very quickly in that direction and we’re making that transition.”

Disney is now planning on licensing most of it’s games to try and recoup some of the lost revenue.

Don’t worry they will still continue with the very popular “Disney Infinity” game franchise. They will also continue to make mobile games and YouTube videos.

Disney will also be shutting down Spoonful.com and and Babyzone.com. They will also be re-designing Disney.com to be more of a promotional type of site, to promote the parks etc.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Marvel Collaborates with Oral-B on fun new app for kids

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 9, 2014

2014 03 09 09 33 31 Oral Bs Disney Timer App Making Teeth Brushing Fun Again

Oral-B announced the launch of an interactive oral care app for kids, the new Disney Magic Timer App by Oral-B. Created in collaboration with Disney, Marvel and powered by DreamPlay, this breakthrough innovation is an oral care app that helps kids increase brushing time, which is identified by dentists as an area of concern and improvement for children.

Dental professionals recommend brushing for at least two minutes in order to maintain good oral health.

The Disney Magic Timer App by Oral-B is designed to help parents effortlessly extend brushing time for their kids. By bringing to life Disney and Marvel characters featured on the Oral-B and Crest Pro-Health Stages products, the app encourages children to brush. Kids are challenged to complete two minutes of brushing and each time they brush, Disney and Marvel character images are revealed. Kids have the opportunity to unlock 16 custom animations and 1,600 rewards, ensuring the app maintains its novelty and transforming the act of brushing into a game. The app is set for a 21-day cycle, to help establish good habits.

The Disney Magic Timer App by Oral-B is free and works with any Oral-B or Crest Pro-Health Stages products. The two-minute timer app can be downloaded via the Apple App Store on iTunes and on Google Play.

Oral-B has also partnered with Olympic Gold Medalist and mother of two, Dominque Moceanu, to raise awareness about the importance of children’s oral care and garner excitement around the launch of the new app. Oral-B and Moceanu are asking parents to share stories via pictures and videos on Instagram about the craziest steps they have taken or would take to get their children to brush their teeth.

“As a mom, I know how impossible it can be to instill healthy oral care habits in my kids” said Moceanu. “I have gone to great lengths including singing our ABC’s and tickling my children to get them to brush. That is why I am so excited to partner with Oral-B and use the new app with my children.”

Oral-B and Crest Pro-Health Stages are dentist-inspired oral care products for every stage of a child’s development. The Pro-Health Stages product line includes:

Oral-B Pro-Health Stages Toothbrushes: The Oral-B Pro-Health Stages manual toothbrushes are designed to meet the specific needs that a child’s age and development demands with different features for each stage.

Crest Pro-Health Stages Toothpastes: The Crest Pro-Health Stages toothpastes help fight cavities, strengthen enamel and freshen breath in a kid-tested, mild gel formula.

Oral-B Pro-Health Stages Power Toothbrush: The Oral-B Pro-Health Stages Power toothbrushes feature gentle, vibrating bristles that help break up plaque between teeth for a deep clean and a pressure-sensitive, split head that adjusts to the contours of kids’ teeth.

Learn more about the Disney Magic Timer App by Oral-B, visit www.oralb.com/stages/disney-timer-app.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Top 10 Best Restaurants for Gluten Free Diners at Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 9, 2014

When it comes to gluten free dining, Disney is a GF food mecca. Not only do the parks & resorts offer a variety of gluten free products (and naturally gluten free dishes) but they also adhere to some of the most rigorous special diets handling and training in the world. That means your food will be delicious and safe! While guests can get gluten free offerings at most quick service and table service locations, there are definitely some restaurants that really stand-out above the rest. This list contains the top 10 most gluten free friendly dining spots at Disney World.

10. Sunshine Seasons (Epcot): This quick service restaurant, located in the Land pavilion in Future World in Epcot is well known for having flavorful and unique options that stand out from the traditional burgers and fries fare often found at many other quick service locations. In addition, it boasts an entirely gluten free grill section. Yes, you read that right. Entirely gluten free (*Note: always check with a chef before ordering to confirm that items are still gluten free). The other bonus at this location is that you will get to speak to an actual chef instead of a manager. This gives guests a little more flex with some custom dishes that may not be listed on the menu. Add in some of the best quick service food and you’ve got a great go-to spot for gluten free diners.

9. Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory (Port Orleans French Quarter): I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. This place only needs one word to describe it. Beignets. This resort quick service location offers up honest to goodness gluten free (and food allergy friendly) beignets. Just make sure to check in with a chef, and soon these piping hot, deep fried, powdered sugar smothered treats can be yours and are available in the restaurant during their entire operating hours. How great is that? And you’ll want to enjoy the rest of the ‘Nawlins inspired food here too. Almost the entire menu can be made gluten free, including many of the Po’Boy sandwiches.

8. Columbia Harbour House (Magic Kingdom): When it comes to chicken tenders, Columbia Harbour House has these down to an art. Here you can score some of the best fried gluten free and allergy chicken tenders on property. The kitchen uses dedicated fryers which makes for a safe and delicious meal. Even better, the restaurant also carries a Special Diets Menu that you’ll be given upon checking in with a cashier, making it easier to know what’s gluten free friendly before a Disney manager comes to talk to you. With its streamlined process and tasty food, you’ll want to make Columbia Harbour House a must-do on your Disney dining rotation.

7. 50’s Prime Time Cafe (Hollywood Studios): This table service location found in Hollywood Studios has some of the sought after gluten free items — gluten free fried chicken. And believe me, this dish does not disappoint. However, guests wishing to order the gluten free fried chicken do need to give the restaurant advance notice, at least 48 hours (if not more). The process of making this delicious dish is lengthy and takes at least 45 minutes, so advance notice is definitely necessary. Just contact Disney’s Special Diets Department for more info. Looking for something else? 50’s Prime Time also serves a variety of other great gluten free options like meatloaf (yes, it’s gluten free) and even the fish of the day. You can also get a variation of the chicken pot pie. You’ll swear it’s just like mom used to make…only gluten free!

6. California Grill (Contemporary): When it comes to signature dining locations, California Grill is one of the best at Disney World. And they also carry an amazing array of gluten free offerings. Craving sushi? No problem! California Grill even has a special diets sushi menu which offers many gluten free options which include gluten free soy sauce/tamari. This restaurant definitely boasts some of the best sushi on property so indulge! Sushi not your thing? There are tons of dishes here to tempt your taste buds. And with a signature restaurant comes the ability to create elaborate gluten free options that are refined and delicious. This location is fantastic for a special occasion.

5. Cape May Cafe (Beach Club): When it comes to a seafood buffet, Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club is tops at Disney World. Their clambake style dinner is a gluten free haven. Most of the seafood is simply steamed with nothing added. This means tons of crab legs, mussels and clams. In addition, the buffet has a variety of gluten free friendly offerings that even include soups and salads (my favorite is the Cape May Salad with cranberries and a citrus vinaigrette, custom made to remove the blue cheese). When dining the buffet, consult with the chef who will bring you safe items from the back. Save room for dessert! This restaurant stocks Babycakes NYC’s gluten free and allergy friendly cupcakes and cookies. You definitely will leave this restaurant stuffed to the gills!

4. Boma: Flavors of Africa (Animal Kingdom Lodge): When it comes to buffets, Boma: Flavors of Africa in the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jambo House is hands down one of the best for gluten free diners. Breakfast includes custom omelets, a carving station, grilled vegetables, quinoa and so much more. Chefs can even make gluten free diners the adorable allergy friendly Mickey waffles. They also carry gluten free muffins and donuts. Dinner is a carnivore’s delight with even more carving stations and meat offerings. The restaurant is known for great soups, so indulge in those that are gluten free. Craving those famous zebra domes? Guess what? As a gluten free diner, you can get a gluten free version! Just check with your chef for these desserts with a cult like following.

3. Kouzzina (Boardwalk): Breakfast and dinner at Kouzzina as a gluten free diner are some of the best on Disney property. Located in the Boardwalk, you will want to make sure to stop by this hidden gem for either one of these meals. Breakfast offerings are unique and include turkey sweet potato hash and even a “stacked Kouzzina breakfast” which includes olive tapenade. Looking for something sweet? They have some of the best gluten free and allergy friendly Mickey waffles on property! Gluten free diners will adore the version that includes marscapone cheese, honey and pecans. Talk about decadent! For dinner, diners will be overwhelmed by the amount of options available to them. The dolmades (grape leaves stuff with rice and dill) make for a great appetizer as does the sampler platter. And they even include gluten free pita bread!

2. Raglan Road Irish Pub (Downtown Disney): Gluten free fish and chips. That says it all. Raglan Road is the hands down best table service location for gluten free fried foods. Not only can you get gluten free fish and chips but you can also get GF onion rings, fries, and scallops. In addition to these deep fried delights, guests can also order a ton of other gluten free dishes like shepherd’s pie and burgers. To add to the gluten free awesomness, this pub also carries Magners Irish Cider (in regular and pear flavors) and even gluten free beer. It has repeatedly been voted as one of the most gluten free friendly restaurants in Orlando for several years running.

1. Sanaa (Animal Kingdom Lodge): Hands down the most gluten free (and special diets) friendly location on Disney property has to be Sanaa. Located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Kidani Village, this table service restaurant has so many naturally gluten free dishes, it’s ridiculous! They even have gluten free lunch and dinner menus that guests are given upon arrival, which is really helpful while waiting for a Disney chef to come talk to you. Start off with the bread service served with lentil pappadums and tons of dips (hummus, etc.) or even one of their soups. The tomato soup is outrageously good. For entrees, there are tons of gluten free choices from Durban chicken and butter chicken to the seasonal fish in a light curry broth. And check out some of their seasonal sorbets for dessert. They are made in-house and are delicious. Adding to the amazing gluten free offerings is the view in this restaurant. What can be better than ordering some delicious gluten free food, sipping some wine or an African Starr Mint Mojito (my favorite) and watching the animals on the Savannah?

So there you have it. The top 10 best restaurants for gluten free diners at Disney World. As you can see, there are tons of unique and delicious offerings for guests who happen to be gluten free.

Did we miss any of your favorites?

When Sarah isn’t sharing planning tips about the Walt Disney World Resort, you can find her at Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW where she writes dining reviews and shares tips and tricks about dining at Disney with a special diet.

Disney and Dish Make Long Term Deal

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 8, 2014

walt disney co logo

The Walt Disney Company and Dish Network have announced that they have come to an agreement and have formed a long-term programming deal that gives the satcaster rights to Disney TV programming.

As a part of the deal, Dish agreed to modify the Hopper so users will not have the ability to skip ads in ABC shows until 3 days after the shows air Disney has granted Dish exclusive rights, letting the satcaster include Disney programming in a virtual pay-TV service.

Also as a part of the agreement, Dish will let customers watch video on Internet connected devices at home and away. Dish will also launch ESPNews, ESPNU, Disney Channel and ABC Family in HD.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust Sunshine