Gluten-Free Dining at Walt Disney World - 'Ohana Dinner Menu

One of the restaurants that we were looking forward to the most at Walt Disney World was 'Ohana.     I was a bit hesitant about the reservation, because the meals at 'Ohana are served family style - no menu, and I wasn't sure what I would be able to eat.

'Ohana is located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial Lodge (main building) at the Polynesian Resort.   The easiest way to get there is on the monorail from the Magic Kingdom or Ticket and Transportation Center.    From the monorail stop, there is clear signage to 'Ohana.

The signage to 'Ohana is clear and easy to follow.

We ended up arriving about 45 minutes prior to our 6:00 reservation time, so we had a bit of time to kill.   If there is any more beautiful place to kill time, I haven't found one yet.     We wandered around and visited the several gift shops in the Polynesian Resort's lobby.   Absolutely everything in the lobby was South Sea Island themed.

These happy fellows greet you in one of the Polynesian's gift shops.

Tikis were plentiful in the lobby as well.   For a family that absolutely adores the Tiki Room, the lobby was a lot of fun!

 

Once we were able to check in, we were escorted to a table where our server took our drink order, and the chef came out to talk to me.   I wish I could remember what his name was, but alas, I can't.   He went over the substitutions that he would have to make with me, and retreated back to the kitchen.   He made me feel entirely comfortable with the food and preparation methods that would be used.

The menu starts with 'Ohana Welcome Bread, which was definately out of the question for me.   I was offered some gluten-free rolls, but I wasn't in the mood, so I skipped those.     We also were served a large bowl of mixed greens with a honey-lime dressing, which I was informed was gluten-free.   

Mixed greens with sesame-lime dressing

The dressing was good, but there was very little of it, and there wasn't much flavour to it.   Overall, I would rate the salad as only alright.

While the rest of the table enjoyed honey coriander chicken wings (deep-fried in a non-dedicated fryer) and pork fried dumplings, I was brought out a plate of baked chicken wings in sauce, as well as a smaller plate with two dipping sauces (a teriyaki and sweet and sour)

Baked chicken wings

Gluten-free teriyaki and sweet and sour sauces

The chicken wings were excellent - moist and tender and very well-seasoned.    As you can see, the portion size was generous as well.

At 'Ohana, the meat is really the focal point of the meal.    Chicken, pork, steak and shrimp are cooked on long skewers over an open fire and served with an accompaniment of Egg Noodles tossed in a peanut sauce with pineapple and stir fried vegetables.    Theic chef had informed me that I could have the steak and shrimp from the skewers, and he would prepare me some safe chicken skewers.   As I couldn't have the side dishes, he also sent out a plate of white rice and steamed broccoli.

Steamed broccoli and white rice

Teriyaki chicken skewers

The chicken skewer was served with a gluten-free teriyaki sauce

Just when I thought that I couldn't eat another bite, our table was served 'Ohanas famous bread pudding, and I was brought out....

Gluten-free Brownie Sundae

 

An amazing chocolate brownie sundae.    I was very pleased with the effort and presentation.   Usually I can take or leave prepackaged gluten-free brownies, but the chef had made a real effort to make it beautiful and delicious.    The brownie had been warmed, and served with ice cream and strawberries - yum!

Overall, I really enjoyed 'Ohana.   Even though it was a family-style meal, I felt both taken care of, and part of the experience (I wasn't made to feel a hassle).   My food was served at the same time as the rest of the table, and I even got a few jealous glances from the rest of my family (my wings looked better than the ones they had).    There was a TON of food, and we did feel bad about letting so much go to waste.    We would certainly eat at 'Ohanas in the future.

Canadian Residents Enjoy 25% Off

For a limited time, Canadian residents can enjoy 25% off prevailing rates (as quoted on the Disney Cruise Line website) on most Disney Wonder sailings departing from Vancouver, Canada between May 27, 2013 and June 17, 2013! Offer valid only for Categories 4A-11C. The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited.

On every Disney cruise, attention to detail, family entertainment and world-class hospitality combine to create an unforgettable vacation that everyone will enjoy. Aboard the Disney Wonder, Guests will enjoy:

• Live entertainment, like Broadway-style shows and meet-and-greets with Disney Characters
• Luxurious staterooms with ample space and elegant nautical décor
• Diverse dining options, from elegant restaurants to casual, quick service venues.
• Fun and imaginative youth clubs for kids, tweens and teens
• Vista Spa & Salon offering a full menu of rejuvenating therapies
• Sparkling pools and splashtacular play spaces

Important Details

• Valid on most 7-night Disney Wonder sailings departing from Vancouver, Canada from May 27, 2013 through June 17, 2013.
• Rate does not include Government Taxes and Fees of approximately US$100 (subject to change) for 7-Night Alaska cruises, Gratuities or Port Adventures.
• Offer applies to categories 4A - 11C
• Offer excludes suites and categories with restrictions (IGT, OGT, VGT).
• This offer cannot be combined with other offers, discounts or onboard credits.
• Must indicate booking code CAN at time of booking. Proof of Canada residency required at time of check-in.
• Rates in U.S. Dollars.
• Offer subject to Disney Cruise Line Booking Terms and Conditions

Disney Cruise Line is a fantastic way to experience Alaska!   Whether you are looking for adult time, kid time or all-together family time, there is a TON to do.   Check out some of the offerings!

For more information, or to book, contact me at Magical Mouse Getaways by e-mail.

Have a magical day!

-Megan

Disney Cruise Line 2014 Itineraries Overview

Cruise Director Darren shows all of the options available for sailing with Disney Cruise Line in 2014, including brand-new destinations for voyages in Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean and the Bahamas!

As always, if you are interested in more information, or would like a free, no-obligation quote, please check out my website at or send me an e-mail.

Have a magical day!

- Megan

Travel Agent & Disney Specialist

Magical Mouse Getaways

Special Offer on Fall Sailings from Galveston!

This fall, Disney Cruise Line® will say farewell to its homeport in Galveston, Texas. You can still get onboard and take advantage of great rates —plus, receive an onboard credit and half-off deposit.

Lead rates for a 7-night Bahamian or Western Caribbean cruise start at $699 for an Inside stateroom, $749 for Oceanview stateroom and $899 for Verandah stateroom (per person, based on double occupancy).

Offer Details:
Book a Disney Wonder® sailing and receive a $100 onboard credit with an Inside stateroom, a $150 onboard credit for Oceanview stateroom, or a $200 onboard credit for a Verandah stateroom—and receive half-off deposit if booked through May 15, 2013.

Additional Details:

• Government Taxes and Fees and Port Adventures not included
• Per person government taxes and fees are approximately $80 per person for 7-night Bahamas and Western Caribbean cruises (all amounts subject to change)
• Excludes categories with restrictions (IGT, OGT and VGT)
• Half-off deposit valid for categories 00T - 11C
• Deferred deposit due at final payment
• This offer cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts or onboard credits

If you are interested in this fantastic deal, please send me an e-mail so that I can put together a quote and get you booked!

Downtown Disney Expansion Will Offer New Shops, Dining and Entertainment

Walt Disney World® Resort will soon break ground on a multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney, representing the largest expansion in its history. Downtown Disney will be transformed into Disney Springs, a unique destination that will treat your Clients to significantly more shopping, dining and entertainment offerings amid beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm.

Disney Springs will feature an eclectic and contemporary mix of offerings from Disney and other noteworthy brands. From boutique shops to unique flagship anchor stores, you will be able to explore a variety of shopping and dining experiences and discover offerings unlike any other currently available in Central Florida.

Disney Springs will double the number of shops, restaurants and other venues for you to explore, resulting in more than 150 establishments.

Drawing inspiration from Florida’s waterfront towns and natural beauty, Disney Springs will include four outdoor districts interconnected by a flowing spring and vibrant lakefront. In addition to a new gateway with a signature water tower and grand entry, the destination features: 

• The Town Center, which offers a sophisticated mix of shopping and dining along with a promenade where guests can relax, refresh and reconnect.
• A colorful and thriving commercial district called The Landing with inspired dining and beautiful waterfront views.
• A West Side that provides an exuberant atmosphere with lively entertainment, along with a series of new elevated spaces that provide both shade and an overlook to the activity below.
• The family-friendly Marketplace that will continue to delight guests of all ages by combining new experiences, such as an over-the-water pedestrian causeway, along with classic Disney favorites, including an expanded World of Disney store. 

Construction is slated to begin next month with completion expected in 2016. 

As always, if you are dreaming of a vacation to Walt Disney World (or anywhere else for that matter), please feel free to contact me at megan@magicalmousegetaways.ca

Have a magical day!
-Megan 

Dealing with Food Allergies at Disneyland

Dealing with food allergies and restrictions can be a miserable experience, so combining them with a Disney vacation seems like a recipe for disaster - right? Well, it doesn't have to be! Disney can be very accommodating when it comes to food allergies, although the process is not consistant between the parks. This post looks at how Disneyland deals with food allergies and restrictions.

This Dole Whip looks delicious - but is it allergy safe?

In general:

• Make sure that your travel agent is aware of your food allergies from the beginning. This will help them determine which restaurants to recommend and ensures that the information is noted on any dining reservations are made.
• Guests are allowed to bring safe food into the parks in reasonable quantities (a whole cooler for example, would not be permitted). Let the person at the Security Checkpoint know that someone in your party has a food allergy, and there should be no issues. Please note that Cast Members are not allowed to touch, store or prepare food brought in by Guests.
• City Hall/Guest Relations is always a great place to start - the Cast Members there can do things like give you lists of gluten-free foods.

Table Service Meals:

When you or your travel agent makes reservations (by calling 714-781-DINE), let the Cast Member know about your allergies. They will be noted on your reservation. It is a good idea to also mention your food allergy to your server immediately upon being seated at the time of your reservation. Usually the chef (or manager on duty) will come to your table and go over the menu with you, letting you know what's safe and where substitutions can be made.

Common allergies can be accommodated at most table-service restaurants. Common allergies include:

• Corn
• Eggs 
• Fish
• Gluten or wheat
• Lactose or dairy
• Peanuts and tree nuts
• Shellfish
• Soy

More complicated requests require an additional step. Guests with any of the following should contact the Disneyland resort at DLRspecialdiets@email.disney.com at least 14 days prior to their vacation, and steps will be taken to accommodate as best as possible:

• Allergies other than those listed above
• PKU
• Metabolic disorders
• One person with multiple allergies or more than one person with allergies in a group.

Can I eat this Mickey Waffle?

 

Quick-Service Dining Locations

There are a number of Quick-Service dining locations in the parks that have products that are (or can be requested to be) suitable for people with common allergies.   They are:

• Village Haus Restaurant (Fantasyland - Disneyland)
• Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante (Frontierland - Disneyland)
• River Belle Terrace (New Orleans Square - Disneyland)
• Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill (Pacific Wharf - Disney's California Adventure)
• Lucky Fortune Cookery (Pacific Wharf - Disney's California Adventure)

Other locations may have suitable foods (I hear that Redd Rocketts in Tomorrowland at Disneyland serves a mean rice pasta), so be sure to ask!

More information on food allergies at Disneyland can be found on Disney's official page.

As always, if you would like more information on a Disneyland vacation (with or without food allergies), please contact me by e-mail - I would love you help you plan a Disney vacation that is perfect for your family!

***Please note that all information is subject to change at any time - I try my hardest to stay accurate, but sometimes things slip through the cracks! ***

Gluten-Free Dining on the Disney Dream - Part 4 (Animator's Palate - Regular Menu)

 

As we awoke on this bright and sunny Bahamian morning, we had only one thing on our minds - Castaway Cay!    We were docked before we woke up, but we needed to eat and be cleared to disembark.

 

We decided to have breakfast at Enchanted Garden again (and I ate the same foods - minus the waffles), and then waited up at the pool deck for the call that we could disembark the ship (where we ate more fruit and cheese).  

 

Cookies Two - Castaway Cay (Lunch)

I walked into Cookies Too, right when it opened, expecting the same procedure that I had encountered at all of our meals.   I asked the first server that I if I could speak to the chef, as I had an allergy.   She left to get the chef, and several minutes later, he came to speak to me.    He asked if I had pre-ordered a meal, and I replied that I didn't realize that was an option.   He said that there wasn't much on the buffet line that was gluten-free, but that he could make me some plain ribs, and that the fruit, coleslaw and plain potato chips were safe.

 

Not being a fan of coleslaw, I made myself a large plate of fruit, grabbed a bag of plain potato chips and waited for the ribs.   It took about fifteen minutes, then the chef brought out a generous portion of ribs.   The fruit was absolutely perfect and sweet (as usual), and the ribs were cooked perfectly, although they were a bit underseasoned.

 

I have no pictures of the meal, but here are a few of Castaway Cay, just because they make me smile!

 

The family beach near Cookies Too.   This picture was taken at about 11:30, and as you can see, the beach was not overly crowded at this time.



The view of the Dream from the activities beach, which we passed on the beautiful walk back to the ship.

 

Animator's Palate (Dinner)

 

We were really looking forward to this dinner, as we had heard great things about the show.   As usual, our server had already taken my order, so I just had to sit back and wait for my food

 

 

 

I had thouroughly enjoyed the duck appetizer at Royal Palace, and as none of the other appetizers appealed to me, I ordered it again.   It was as good as the first time, and came on an Animator's Palate plate (a nice touch)

 

Baked Potato and Cheddar Cheese Soup with bacon bits and chives

 

For the next course, I had a beautiful soup.   I was the only one at the table that ordered this, so I'm not sure if it was modified or not, but there weren't any chives on top.   The soup was rich and creamy and delicious.

 

Lemon-Thyme Marinated Organic Chicken Breast with sour cream mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables and grain mustard jus

 

For my main course, I ordered the chicken.  I was very, very impressed with this dish.   The chicken was very moist and cooked absolutely perfectly, the dish was well-seasoned and the root vegetables were flavourful and cooked exactly how I like them.   I ate absolutely every bite of this dish!

 

The previous night, I had mentioned to Gilbert, our server, that I had really enjoyed the creme brulee at Royal Palace.   When dessert rolled around, I was somewhat surprised to have not one, but two creme brulees on my plate.     I was very full, but couldn't resist the temptation.   I ate all of one, and got about 1/4 of the way through the second one before I had to call it quits.   Once again, the creme brulee was carmelized beautifully and rich and creamy on the inside.

 

Once we were done eating, our servers let us know that we would be eating at Animator's Palate for our final breakfast and that we should be seated at about 6:30.    We handed them our tip envelopes, and bid them goodnight.

 

There was no way I was going to snack after such a large meal.   We had a pleasant evening and went to bed a bit early.

 

Animator's Palate (Breakfast)

 

The breakfast menu on the last morning is standard throughout the restaurants (it can be viewed here)

I ordered the omelette, made with Egg Beaters and with cheese.   I could not have the hash browns, but seeing it was so early, I was okay with that.   The omelette was cooked perfectly, and the Egg Beater version was much better than the powdered eggs we had eaten at Royal Palace.

 

Well, that's it.   I hope you have enjoyed my reviews of gluten-free dining on the Disney Dream.   Other than the fact that I should have been a bit more proactive at the beginning of the cruise, the meals went without a hitch, and more importantly, I didn't get glutened once on the trip.   Stay tuned - I will be posting dining reviews from Walt Disney World over the next while.

 

For more information about planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation with allergies, a no-obligation quote, or to book, please don't hesitate to contact me at megan@magicalmousegetaways.ca.

 

Have a magical day!

Megan

 







Disney Fantasy is named 2013 Cruise Critics' Best Large Ship

The Disney Fantasy, newest ship in Disney Cruise Line's fleet recently earned the top honor – Best Large Ship – in the Cruise Critic 2013 Cruisers’ Choice Awards! 

In addition to taking the main award, the Disney Fantasy also earned top spots in four other categories – Large Ship Best Cabins, Best Entertainment, Best Public Rooms and Best Service.

The Disney Fantasy currently alternates between two itineraries - a 7-night Eastern Caribbean (including ports like St. Thomas/St. John, St. Maarten and Castaway Cay) and a 7-night Western Caribbean (including ports like Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Costa Maya or Falmouth, Jamaica and Castaway Cay).    With activities and magic for ALL ages, this ship is a destination in and of itself!

For more information on the absolutely breathtaking Disney Fantasy, or to get a free, no-obligation vacation quote, please feel free to contact me at megan@magicalmousegetaways.ca.    

Have a magical day!
Megan