10 Days of Dining, 5 Days with Gluten Free Options, August 14-22 w/pics.updated 9/6

[02AggieGirl]

Thanks for all the great reviews! I haven't been to a lot of places you are reviewing, so I'm really enjoying reading them! Some of those pics really make me want to try some new places next time we go. Also thanks for including the prices when you know them, that's very useful info. I have been to Chefs and got their short rib and it is amazing! I'm glad one of your children is an adventurous eater. My children are still young enough to eat off the children's menu at DW, but I know they will be like your JH when they are not. Looking forward to your other reviews!

 

[BeccaGrace]

Loving the reviews and pictures. I wish we had time to squeeze in Chefs de France...the food looks SO good!

Looking forward to the GF choices later on...both my girls don't eat gluten or dairy.

Thanks for the great report!

 

[donaldtutter]

Awesome reviews!! Thanks

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

I'm enjoying your food review. Thanks for sharing. My husband and I love Chefs de France...I order that Short ribs and loved it...it melts in your mouth. Can't wait to read more

 

[JJ&JHsmom]

We got up early to make EMH at Magic Kingdom, we had already decided to have a quick breakfast from the Bakery later in the morning. JJ wanted to ride Indy cars, so JH and I went to the bakery to get some food. I didn't want to carry my bag today so no breakfast pics again. We ere allowed to get a ham and cheese croisant, a cinnamon roll and a drink as a counter service meal. I paid OOP for another drink. None of us was very hungry so I figured this would be enough. We met up with JJ over by the lunching pad and ate. Croisant was very good, none of us are big egg people, but the egg in this was cooked very good, just enough ham and melty cheese to coer the egg taste. The cinnamon roll was awsome, I didn't want to share and neither did the kids, but no one wanted to walk over a get more. So I got us a cream cheese pretzel, it was very tasty. The cream cheese inside is a little sweet and the salty on the pretzel, yum! Both JJ and JH really enoyed this breakfast. I very rarely let them have any type of pastry for a meal so this was really a treat. JJ enjoyed his portion of the cinnamon roll so much that he stopped in at the bakery on his way out of MK a few times to get one to eat as his late night snack. He never shared any of them.

 

[JJ&JHsmom]

DH had called and said they were on their way to the resort, so we went back to meet them. We had decided to have lunch at the resort as I needed to do the laundry for JJ, JH and I and the kiddos wanted to swim. I popped the laundry into the machines and joined up with the rest in the food court.

JJ and JH shared the Chicken Quesadillas and what they said was a sugar free cream pie. JJ got a powerade to drink and JH had a soda.

The quesadillas are made to order so they take a few minutes. JJ and JH really liked them. They both took a bite of their pie and said it was lemony. Uh guys, you have a key lime pie. They both insisted that it was a cream pie, uh okay, but I know it's key lime. A few days later they admitted it was probably a key lime pie.

DH and I split and Ham and Salami on Ciabatta, he got a brownie as his desert.

This sandwich had a little mayo, just enough so that it wasn't dry. We both thought it was very tasty. JJ ate most of the chips off the plate. The brownie was moist and chocolatey just like it should be. I only had a couple bites, DH happily ate the rest.

I had to speak with a manager in order to get something for TJ. We waited a few minutes and Elba came out to speak with us. She gave TJ a few options, hamburger on gluten free bun, pizza on rice crust, gluten free pasta. TJ chose the pasta. We checked on the marinara they use for the regular pasta, it had a modified food starch, wasn't willing to take a chance on it. TJ said a little butter was okay, Elba retured with a jar of marinara that stated it was gluten free, okay. We were given a pager and told to pick up her meal at the pizza window when it lit up. We are also given a slip of paper to take to the cashier. TJ chose a bottle of water as her beverage, her dessert choices were limited to rice dream and an Itzakadoozie. She chose the Itzakadoozie. We proceded to the line for the cashier. The cashier had no idea how to ring this up. Um, it's a counter service meal, just like regular pasta meal? This happened everytime we were at a counter service location. The cashier finally figured it out, none of the receipts I have match what she actually ate, go figure! We got her pasta in about 10-15 minutes

When I picked up her pasta, Elba had told me they had more if she was still hungy. The portion they gave her was good. Sorry about JJ's head in the picture, he jumped in at the last second and TJ had already dug in before I could get another picture. TJ inhaled this plate of pasta, said it was yummy. She did not want any more, so off she went to get her popsicle. She ate the whole thing. We were off to a great start, let's hope it keeps going as well.

 

[JJ&JHsmom]

So when I had originally booked our trip DH and TJ weren't supposed to fly in till after dinner, I had booked Jh, JH and I at Ohana's, I tried to switch the number on the ressie, but they wouldn't. So I had to cancel and make a new ressie. I wanted to try Whispering Canyon Cafe so I showed everyone the menu. We all agreed and I booked it. Now I didn't mention to anyone any of the things that I had read could happen. After we checked in I thought I should clue them in. The girls were afraid to go in. Once we sat down, our server came over and threw some napkins on the table, told me a chef would be out to talk to TJ and took our drink order. After she walked away, the girls were giggling, JJ commented on the napkins. Chef Eddie, from Rhode Island came to our table. He was great. He asked TJ what she wanted, the skillet, he told her she could have the meats, not the mashed potatoe or the cornbread. I knew this already. He offered her french fries done in the oven and gluten free cornbread. Her face lit up! She also could not have the same salad as us but could have her own or some fruit, she chose the fruit. Chef Eddie said he would prepare her skillet by itself to prevent any cross contamination. Here is her meal:

When the cornbread came out, she was so excited. She shared little pieces with all of us and we all thought it was great. Not dry or crumbly. It was served warm too! She ate almost the entire piece. She loved everthing else except the beans. It was way too much food for her though. She really enjoyed being able to eat the same foods as most of the rest of us.

JJ ordered the Western Chicken Pasta, DH, JH and I ordered the skillet.

The salad, very fresh and crisp.

The cornbread, served warm with butter. We ate it all.

JJ pasta, he said it was okay, but didn't eat much of it.

The skillet. JH ate all the potatoes, didn't leave any for DH and I. The meats were good, we all liked the brisket the best, even TJ. Now
TJ wanted some ketchup for her fries, we had already witnessed what happened to two other tables, she asked the waitress for ketchup, I explained to her that I would be more comfortable with an unopened bottle because of the chance of cross contamination, she said she would be willing to bring me a new bottle and asked before she shouted out KETCHUP!!! Well TJ was horrified by the number of bottles of ketchup she got, 15 including the one the waitress brought her. We were all laughing. TJ and JH had a lot of fun running bottles of ketchup to other tables as we ate. They also participated in the pony race. Dessert options for YJ were limited but they had respberry sorbet so this is what she had.

She said it was good and ate most of it.
DH and JH ordered the apple pie. JH got hers without the sauce

They had both dug in before I could snap a picture, they both thought it was good, DH would have preferred it to be warmer. I ordered the Pecan Pie, sorry no pic, but I wasn't crazy about it. It just wasn't what I am used to, it had chocolate, and had a very distinct booze taste to it. JJ decided to skip dessert. JJ complained he wasn't very hungry. JJ and JH had both ordered shakes as their drinks, he ate salad and cornbread too. I think he was just full. The shakes were $5.99 each, the skillets were $26.99 each, JJ's pasta dish was $18.99, Apple pie $7.99, Sorbet $6.99, Pecan Pie $7.49, total with tax $180.41. I am so glad to have the dining plan! We all left with full bellies and would definately return here. I am glad we came.

 

[JJ&JHsmom]

Up next, Le Cellier for lunch, Garden Grill for dinner. I don't have any breakfast pics for this day either. I know I took pics of breakfast so they are coming at some point. Stay tuned.

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

Thanks for another wonderful update. Enjoying the reviews.

 

[JJ&JHsmom]

We had ressies for 12:05, we ran from the Imagination Pavillion, DH and the kids would not leave the cameras!!!! We were hungry and could not wait for the bread. A chef came out to talk to TJ, they discussed what she could and could not have. She really wanted the Maple Creme Brulee for dessert, it is gluten free but not dairy free. It has lots of heavy cream and he told her it would ruin the rest of her day if she ate a whole one. She decided on the filet with roasted potatoes($25.99), a bottled water to drink($3.25), and rice dream($3.50) for dessert. The chef told her she could not eat any of the bread sticks, but he would send her out some gluten free rolls.

The gluten free rolls, she was hesitant to even try these as gluten free bread is usually gross. She took her first bite and smiled. She did not even share a bite! She ate both of the rolls quite happily.

Her filet and potatoes, she ate everything. Not a single bite left on the plate. She said everything was great.

Her Rice Dream, she didn't eat much of this. More on this later.

DH and JJ ordered the Filet with the mushroom risotto($25.99) both had root beers($2.29).

Both were very happy with this choice and both cleaned their plates. JJ gave me a taste and it was cooked perfectly and very good.

JH and I ordered from the Chef's choice menu($28.99) as we both love the cheese soup.

JH shared her soup with DH and I shared mine with JJ. JH and JJ ate most of the soup. It was really good, a little salty for me but everyone else said it was perfect. JH orded a burger and I ordered the steak salad

JH's burger was cooked perfectly, she ate about half of it and maybe half the fries. DH tried the burger and said it was good.

The Steak Salad, this was the perfect portion. The salad was fresh with just enough cheese and dressing to compliment the greens, but not overpower them. My Steak was perfectly seasoned and cooked, very tender. I cleaned my plate.

We were all very happy with our entrees, the only complaint I had was I ordered and unsweetened Iced tea with lemon and had asked for some suger. I never received the sugar, I asked twice and then gave up. JJ laughed everytime she gave someone else a refill, I drank very little of the tea, as I really need the sugar to sweeten me up.

Okay, dinnertime for the kiddos, dessert will be in the next post.

 

[JJ&JHsmom]

JH really wanted the Smores dessert so DH said he would order that if she would order the Chocolate moose. \

They shared the two between them and both enjoyed them.

I ordered the Maple Creme Brulee, I had been looking forward to trying this for months.

It was delicious, very creamy with the lightest hint of maple. TJ asked if she could have a bite, so I agreed. She ate over half!! She just kept reaching over and taking another bite. Guess she really liked it too. I was a little worried about our plans for the afternoon but it turned out fine.

Now JJ always has to be different, so that we can share. He ordered the Semifreddo, which I cannot find a description of anywhere.

It was very good though. He keeps saying marshmallow when I ask about it. It was served some type of wine sauce and JJ said that he could taste the wine but it was very good. I was so busy trying to protect my creme brulee, that I didn't sneak a bite of this. It was gone too fast. We all enjoyed our meals and we left full and happy. TJ called home to tell her Mom what a great meal she had. I was starting to relax about meals with her.

 

[JJ&JHsmom]

We checked in at about 5:30 and were seated within minutes. It seemed pretty busy. OUr waitress took our drink order and told us the Chef would be out shortly. He chatted with TJ for a few minutes and she decided on the roast Turkey, french fries and peas. She would also be getting her own salad with oil and vinegar, some more gluten free rolls, dessert choices were, brownie, rice dream or Itzakadoozie popsicle. She chose the popsicle. I was a little disappointed that she could not have had the turkey and the steak. The chef said they were both gluten free.

Sorry only got a picture of her dinner. She did not eat the salad as she doesn't care for the oil and vinegar, she likes vineagrette Um okay then. She ate both the rolls they sent out(didn't share these either) and a good portion of her dinner. She said it was good. It looked plain compared to this:

JH wanted some mac and cheese and the waitress was nice enough to bring her some. We had eaten here last year for lunch and enjoyed it. No more catfish, it was Mahi Mahi. The stuffing was REALLY wet, yuck!!!! The Turkey and the steak were good. The salad and rolls were good. JH enjoyed the mac and cheese. The charaters were great with the girls. TJ and JH needed to run to the girls room, when we retured, dessert was on the table.

There was also TJ's popsicle which she opened and started eating. There were two worms and dirt and the Blueberry Cake in the middle of the table. There were no bowls or plates to put it on. The waitress had told DH she would be right back with some. So we waited, JH and JJ ate their worms and dirt, TJ ate her popsicle, and we waited. JJ put his worms off to the side to eat after the Blueberry cake. The waitress comes over and starts clearing away the dishes from worms and dirt, remembers we are waiting for plates and runs off. She finally came back with spoons and plates so we could eat. But in the meantime she has taken JJ's worms!!! She brings the check and JJ gives her a hard time about stealing his worms. She laughed and brought him some more. It was a good meal not a great one, but the character interaction was great. JJ even got a couple of the other servers involved in a discussion of who was older Chip or Dale? They say Dale is but who knows. Total with tax $165.03

Up next: Breakfast at the resort(I finally took pictures), lunch at the resort, and Fantasmic Dinner Package at Mama Melrose's. This was by far the best Gluten free meal she had.

 

[JJ&JHsmom]

I found some receipts for breakfast. It seems we had bagels, a cinnamon roll and fruit again. I used a counter service meal for a continental breakfast and a couple snack credits for some fruit. I was allowed two drinks with the meal. TJ had some cereal that I had broght from home, no milk as they did not have the Lactaid milk that I had requested before we arrived. I did not realize that I needed to ask the manager when I arrived to have it at the resort. I was a little upset as I had sent many emails back and forth with special diets about this specific issue. Oh well live and learn. If you need lactaid milk for the morning, plan on asking for it the day before so that they will have it for you in the AM.

TJ, JH and I had split off from the guys and we were thirsty. We stopped at Promenade Refreshments and JH and I ordered a frozen lemonade. TJ wanted to try one, so I checked with the cashier, who then made a couple of calls and we confirmed they were okay for her. She ordered one, drank about a quarter of it and didn't care for the taste.

This is one of my favorite uses of a snack credit. Very refreshing in the heat of the day.

 

[JJ&JHsmom]

We had to get up and out early as this was our HS day and we wanted to be able to ride Toy Story Mania first thing. We headed to the food court. TJ wanted to try some pancakes, so I spoke with a manager and placed her order. JH wanted waffles, and JJ and I split some pancakes.

Here are TJ's pancakes,

All we could both say is YUCK!!!! She took one bite, I took one bite and that was it, they tasted like glue. Thank goodness we bought a banana for her. We went back to the room to grab some cereal for her too.

JH's waffle and My pancakes:

JH loves the waffles and ate the whole thing, JJ ate half of the pancakes and I ate the other half with a banana, there were four pancakes on the plate. Everything came out hot and was good for a quick breakfast.

 

[JJ&JHsmom]

JJ and I didn't want to ride TOT, so we went off to explore. We were thirsty so we grabbed a frozen lemonade from Teens and Tweens.

Cold and refreshing. I just wish that they were the same throughout the parks. I found that some were sweeter than others. We never knew what we were going to get.

 

[JJ&JHsmom]

JJ wanted the Quesadillas again, he also had a water and a chocolate cake for his dessert.

He inhaled everything on the tray. Since this was the second time for the quesadillas, they must be good. He said the cake was really good.
JH and I decided to split the Chicken Penne Alfredo, I also used a snack credit to add a salad. JH wanted a brownie sundae for dessert.

The portion for this is huge. JH and I easily split this and even without the salad it would have been plenty for the two of us. She was able to go up and get her sundae when she finished her meal. She said the sundae was really good and ate most of it. She wouldn't share a bite with me though.

TJ ordered the pasta again and another Itzakadoozie pop.

She really likes the pasta. It was also a huge portion but she ate the whole plate and then ate the pop. She was very full.

Another good meal at the food court.

 

[JJ&JHsmom]

TJ really wanted to see Fantasmic, I had been reading about the lines, so I booked the package and crossed my finger.

The meal package was $32.99 per person and included an appetizer, entree, dessert and non alcoholic beverage for each of us. The waiter came over and said the chef would be right out. He did not even take our drink order.

Chef Helene came over and spoke with TJ about what she wanted. TJ really wanted Chicken Parm. She could have grilled chicken with gluten free pasta. Chef Helene was concerned about the cheese, she thought it would be too much. I had heard about the wonderful flourless cake they made here, Chef Helene said it had too much dairy and on top of the cheese she didn't think it was a good idea. TJ was disappointed but really wanted the Chicken Parm, so she settled on sorbet for dessert. There were no options for her for an appetizer that interested her. She would be getting more gluten free rolls. After we had placed our drink order Chef Helene came back out and said she had some lactose free Mozzerella cheese she could use on the Chicken and that TJ could then have the flourless cake with strawberries. TJ jumped all over this. So this is what she ate:

She ate every bite on the plate, not one stray piece of chicken or pasta left on the plate. She said it was awesome!!!

This was to die for!!!! She shared a little bite with everyone and ate the rest herself. It was fudgy and delicious. This should be an option on the regular menu.
This was her favorite meal of our trip. She loved it!!!!

Okay now for the rest of us. I ordered a Bellini($7.25) and DH ordered a Blackberry Mojito($8.25), the waiter brought out some bread for the rest of us.

DH said his drink was overpowered by the alcohol. He did not really care for it at all. I took a sip and have to agree with him. My drink tasted funny. I think maybe the juice was a bit off. It tasted sour. We ordered the Calamari, Bruschetta, and the Antipasto for appetizers.

The Calamari, sooo good!!!! Perfectly cooked, tender, slightly spicy marinara. We didn't eat the peppers.

A little plate of the Bruschetta, The tomatoes were perfectly seasoned with basil, garlic and balsamic vinegar. JH's favorite.
I'm not sure what happened to the picture of the Antipasto, I think we ate it too fast. There was two kinds of cheeses, one was blue, some salami and another meat, olives, artichokes, and tomatoes. We all shared and we all liked everything.

 

[JJ&JHsmom]

JJ wasn't very hungry so he oreder the Four Cheese flatbread and a Crema Limone for dessert

He ate one piece of the flatbread, said it was way too cheesy. He ate his dessert though, all of it. If he could have licked the glass he would have.

JH ordered the Chicken Parm and the Chocolate Truffle cake for dessert.

She ate a couple bites of the chicken, some of the pasta and half the cake. She wasn't very hungry either. She did eat alot of the bread and appys. She liked the cake alot , but really loved the cookie on top.

DH ordered the Eggplant Napolean and the Chocolate Truffle Cake.

He thought the eggplant was good, I think he thought it would come with pasta but it didn't. He liked his dessert but did not love it, he also enjoyed the cookie on top.

I ordered the Fra Diavolo and the Hazelnut Cheesecake.

There was alot of shellfish in that bowl. The sauce was spicy and the pasta al dente. It was very good. The cheesecake was great, cool creamy with just the right nutty taste.

We all left here full and happy. Total for dinner $205.34 with tax. We ate here last year and liked it and would definately return again. Yes the service is slow and you have to wait, but the food is good for being in the park.