Sunday, January 31, 2016

Walt Disney World- It's More Than Just Rides

Whenever I tell someone I'm planning a trip to Walt Disney World (or that I just got back from a trip) the first thing they ask is, "How long are you going for (or did you go for)?"  When I answer with a week, or 10 days, I know what's coming.  Inevitably, the person will ask, "What are you going to do all that time?"

My answer.. a lot!  We love the rides, shows and attractions and of course the food, but there is so much more to do.  Every trip we try to enjoy "something extra".  We've been to Disney a lot, so if we miss a ride but experience something new and extraordinary we don't mind- we'll get the ride next time!
Drew dueling with Darth Vader at the Jedi Training
Academy in August 2012
In the past, we went on a special evening safari and dinner at Animal Kingdom after the park was closed, Jason and I had a private photo shoot with Mickey Mouse when we got engaged at Walt Disney World, and Drew has participated in the Jedi Training Academy at Hollywood Studios a few times.
In March 2014, the boys tried the Pirates League
for the first time
When we went in 2014, Nathan and Drew tried the Pirates League at Magic Kingdom.  It was fun, not only for them, but also for the rest of us to watch!  At the Pirates League, you can get a pirate or mermaid makeover.  It starts with getting your pirate name, then you're brought in where a pirate uses makeup to turn you into Jake (from Jake and the Neverland Pirates), Captain Jack Sparrow, Blackbeard, a skeleton or a mermaid.  They loved it so much, they had to go back during our most recent trip- and even Jason got in on the fun and got a pirate makeover.
In December 2015, all the boys got in on the fun!
Drew is in front, Nathan is in the middle and
Jason is in the back!
Your makeover ends with a photoshoot in a super top
secret location- so don't ask us where it is!!!
This is similar to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Cinderella castle in Magic Kingdom and at World of Disney at Disney Springs, where children can get a princess or knight makeover.  But at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, only children can get makeovers- not adults and the Pirates League is much less expensive!

While we were planning our recent trip, we decided we wanted to try more new things.  One of the stand outs of the trip was the Family Magic Tour.
Our tour guide telling us Mickey Mouse needs our help
Walt Disney World offers many tours- some lift the curtain to show you what happens behind the scenes, others let you swim with dolphins and others show you how Walt Disney's childhood is brought to life in the Magic Kingdom.  A lot of the tours are geared toward older children, teens and adults.  The Family Magic Tour is geared toward children and families.  It was basically a scavenger hunt through the Magic Kingdom! The story changes often, but when we took the tour, our tour guide told us at the start that Mickey Mouse needed our help.
A lord and a lady helped us on our way!
Oogie Boogie from The Nightmare Before Christmas had stolen all of Mickey's Christmas presents and had hidden them around the park.
Drew checking out the map to find where we should go next
I don't want to spoil the surprise for other families- but our search took us around the park, we interacted with a lord and lady, met Peter Pan, rode The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, played follow the leader and even got to meet the big cheese, Mickey Mouse, himself!
Nathan asking Peter Pan for some answers
The tour lasted 2 hours, required a lot of walking, and was $39 per person- worth every penny in my opinion!  If you have been to Walt Disney World a few times and are looking for something different to do with your kids, I highly recommend this tour.
We skipped the line and went right on
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
It was a great time for everyone- especially Drew.  He was so into the mystery and solving the clues.  He and the other kids (there were 3 families in our tour) were running through the park hoping to be the first to find the "presents".
Our tour ended when we returned all the presents to
Mickey Mouse!
Since Drew loved the Family Magic Tour so much, we decided to try Agent P's World Showcase Adventure at Epcot.  Drew has always hated the countries in Epcot, and would whine the whole time that it was boring.  Well, not this time!  In this game, kids sign up to help Agent P (from Disney Channel's Phineas and Ferb) solve clues and catch bad guys in different countries around the world showcase.  Kids are given a phone and sent to a country-when they arrive in that country the phone will start giving you clues to solve the mystery.  While we were searching for clues, we were also learning more about the countries and interacting with the environment and getting an education.  Drew loved it so much, we added another Epcot day to do more missions in more countries!
We got all decked out for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
It was also the holiday/Christmas season during our trip.  There are a bunch of extras during the holidays.  We enjoyed the popular holiday attractions like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, and the last year of the Osbourne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Hollywood Studios.
We were glad to see the Osbourne Family
Spectacle of Dancing Lights before it
left forever
We also decided to try something a little different and a lot less crowded.  We went to Fort Wilderness- the campgrounds on Walt Disney World property- and took a one horse open sleigh ride.  (It's actually a horse drawn carriage that looks like a sleigh, because there's no snow !).  During the sleigh ride, we took a 30 minute ride around the campgrounds to look at the Christmas decorations.  The people who stay at the campgrounds go all out decorating their campsites for Christmas.  It was fun, Christmasy, and laid back.
Our "sleigh" was all decorated and lit up for Christmas!
So, we stayed for 10 days and planned to also try out the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game, but we just ran out of time.  We'll try it next time.  Speaking of next time, if you ask me why we're going to Walt Disney World for so long, you'll know why!  No matter how long I go for, it's never enough!  I'm never ready to come home.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone!

Like all parents, I'm constantly learning.  Whenever my kids enter a new phase of life, I learn right along with them how to handle it.  This is especially true with Nathan.  As a special needs mom, I never know what to expect.  As I've written before, we've been trying to deal with some difficult behaviors lately.  Nathan has always been self-directed.  Nathan wants to do what Nathan wants to do when Nathan wants to do it.  If we try to get him to do something he doesn't want to do, he'll yell, hit, and curse.  He hates this as much as we do and it's starting to have an impact his self-image.  He tells us he's bad, he cries after a meltdown, and says he can't control himself.

We are working very hard to help Nathan
be more independent 
For years, Jason and I did everything we could to avoid these meltdowns.  For example, Nathan won't eat off a paper plate, so I carry plates in my purse.  He won't wear jeans or dress pants, so he always wears sweatpants, no matter where we're going.  He has no interest in making his food or dressing himself, so Jason and I make his food and dress him.  But something has to change.  He is going to turn 11 in April and we have to start preparing him for his teenage years and adulthood.

I know that I've been enabling him.  I know that a lot of the things he "can't do" are because of learned helplessness, because we do everything for him.  Why?  Because it's easier.  It's easier to avoid a meltdown.  It's easier to pick out his clothes and help him put them on before school when we're rushing.  Jason and I both work crazy schedules.  We both are doing the best we can to just get through the day.

We all have to change.  I have to change.  Jason has to change.  Nathan has to change.  Even Drew has to change.  We all contribute to Nathan's learned helplessness.  But, we're not doing it alone.  More than a year ago, I got Nathan's name on a waiting list with a behavioral psychologist.  We finally got him in last month.  During our first appointment, the doctor told us to prepare for a rough road.  She said getting Nathan to control his anger and to get him to be more self-sufficient is going to be hard work for everyone in our family.

Our appointments are excruciating.  We actually push Nathan to have meltdowns- by making him eat off a paper plate, making him redo homework that he did incorrectly, or changing plans at the last second.  Most of every 1 hour appointment consists of Nathan screaming, cursing at us, hitting us, and trying to run away.  But the doctor also helps Jason and me get through the meltdown without giving in.  She also helps Nathan move on after it.

Things have been mixed at home since the we started seeing the behavioral psychologist.  We are pushing Nathan to do more things for himself.  For the most part he's been pretty receptive to it and is very proud of himself.  But the meltdowns, when he has them, are much worse.  One day after an appointment with the behavioral psychologist, Nathan locked himself in the bathroom and refused to come out- screaming and raging from behind the locked door.

In addition to Nathan's appointments, I am going to start taking a parent training class.  I actually found a class that will be held 1 morning a week for 12 weeks.  It's hard working nights.  There are lot of classes and workshops available for parents, but I can never go because they're always in the evening.

So, I'm continuing to learn.  It is not always easy.  Sometimes, it's really, really hard.  Some days are truly great.  All I can do is take it one day at a time.  I'll let you know how we do!

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Walt Disney World with Celiac Disease

Food is a big deal to my family.  For as long as I can remember every party, gathering, or celebration we've had centered around the food that we're eating.  Family vacations are no different.  We've always loved the food at Disney World.  When Jason and I lived in Florida, we had annual passes, and would often go to Disney World just to eat!
This is a page from a scrap book my mom made for me years ago
Eating is definitely what we do best!
The first time we took our children to Disney, Nathan had just been diagnosed with celiac disease.  He was three-years-old at the time and he also wasn't eating milk or eggs.  His diet consisted mostly of hot dogs, pizza, chicken nuggets and french fries, pretty standard theme park food, but very difficult to find if you're eating gluten free.  I was nervous about what he would be able to eat.  I read up on what to do, and noted his dietary restrictions on all of our dining reservations.  When we got to a restaurant, our server would ask who had the allergy or special diet, then bring out a chef to talk to us. We were able to get gluten, dairy and egg free hot dogs,  pizza, chicken nuggets and french fries pretty much every where we went.  Nathan ate like a "prince" during that entire trip and Disney really helped relieve some of our anxiety.
Nathan ate like a prince on his first trip to Disney World- and met a lot of characters!
Even though Nathan could not eat gluten, milk or eggs, it was not a problem at all
A few years later, we returned to Disney World after my mother and I had also been diagnosed with celiac disease, so there were now 3 gluten free eaters in our party (we had reintroduced milk and eggs into Nathan's diet at that point).  We knew from our previous trips that Disney would accommodate our needs.  During that trip, we still had to meet with a chef every time we went into a sit-down or counter service restaurant.  It was a little overwhelming having the chef standing there asking you what you want to eat, but we loved being able to eat just like everyone else, without the fear of getting sick.  Just one note, my mother and I did both get "glutened" during that trip.  My mom got sick after eating at Chef Mickey's- a buffet breakfast at the Contemporary Resort.  I got sick after eating at Cape May Cafe- a buffet dinner at the Beach Club resort.  I think it's just too difficult to prevent cross-contamination at buffets, so we have decided to avoid them in the future.  (We did go to 1 buffet during our most recent trip- more on that later!)
In 2014, Walt Disney World introduced allergy-friendly
menus at its restaurants. which covers many of the most common
food allergies.  This is the lunch menu at Liberty Tree Tavern.
Last year, Walt Disney World started introducing new special diet menus at their restaurants.  We got to take a look at them during our recent trip in November and December.  I loved the menus!  They made choosing our meals much easier.  You can still talk to the chef if you have multiple food allergies or if you want or need something special, but you don't have to.  Also, during that trip, we tried a lot of new restaurants.  We just get so excited to eat like normal people, we have a hard time narrowing our reservations down!  We actually bought the deluxe dining plan for the first time.  This allows you 3 meal credits a day at either a sit-down or a counter service restaurant.  You also get an appetizer, entree and dessert at every meal.  It was waaaaay too much food.  We will not be doing the deluxe dining plan again, but it was so much fun to try new restaurants.  We also had several meals at signature restaurants- which are worth 2 meal credits.  In order to try even more food, my mother and I decided before our trip to sit next to each other at every meal and order something different and share!   Here's a look at the amazing food we enjoyed.  (I'm including what the gluten eaters in my family ate as well, for those you of you can eat, or love someone who can eat, gluten!)

Dinner- BOATWRIGHT'S DINING HALL- Port Orleans Riverside resort  (1 meal credit)
Boatwright's Dining Hall is a sit down restaurant at Port Orleans Riverside resort
We had been to this restaurant before, when it used to be open for breakfast, but this was our first time going there for dinner.  (We loved the breakfast by the way, Disney, please bring it back!!!!)  We stayed at Port Orleans Riverside and we arrived in the early evening, so we had a reservation for after our arrival.  The food at the restaurant is New Orleans style soul food.  We started our meal with some dinner rolls.  That may sound boring, but we were excited because usually, we have to sit and watch everyone else eat their rolls!
Gluten Free Dinner Rolls
My mother and I shared Colonel Peace's Pieces- deep fries crawfish, shrimp, oysters and okra with a traditional remoulade sauce on the side.  I thought I'd died and had gone to heaven!  Everything was crispy, mildly spicy and delicious.  Even the gluten eaters at our table had to snag a few off our plate!
Colonel Peace's Pieces- gluten free
For dinner, I had Voodoo Chicken- chicken and waffles.  I wasn't a big fan of this dish.  I had always heard how delicious chicken and waffles are and I wanted to try them.  Everything tasted kind of bland to me and the waffles were just weird.  The center of the waffles were thick and dense- a consistency similar to mashed potatoes, instead of being light and fluffy.  Now, at least, I can say I've tried chicken and waffles!
Voodoo Chicken- gluten free
My mother got the jambalya with shrimp, chicken and Andouille sausage.  This was delicious.  It was pretty spicy though which was fine for us but may be too much for some people.
Jambalya- gluten free
Nathan had chicken fingers and green beans.  The chicken fingers were crispy and delicious- with a cornmeal crust.
Kids' Chicken Fingers with Green Beans- gluten free
My husband got the prime rib and my dad had the braised short ribs- they were very happy.  We all really enjoyed our meals.  I think my issue with the chicken and waffles was really my fault for poor ordering!

Dessert- SASSAGOULA FLOATWORKS AND FOOD FACTORY- Port Orleans French Quarter resort (snack credit for order of 3)
Port Orleans French Quarter is a short walk along the
Sassagoula River from Port Orleans Riverside- we needed
a walk after all that food!
After our dinner at Boatwright's Dining Hall, we decided to head over to Sassogoula Floatworks and Food Factory, the quick service restaurant at Port Orleans French Quarter, for gluten free beignets. Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter are sister resorts and are a short walk from each other.
An order of 3 beignets counts as a snack credit
I've been hearing about the gluten free beignets there for a while and I couldn't wait to try them.  They were worth the wait- and the walk!  They were so good, steaming hot from the fryer and had just a slight hint of cinnamon.  We ordered way too much though!
Gluten free beignets- I could barely snap the pic before
people started reaching for them.
We got 2 orders of 6- one gluten order and one gluten free order- for 4 of us (my mom, my dad, Drew and me- Jason and Nathan decided to go to the room and go to sleep after dinner).  We only ate 1 each, so we had A LOT left over, but you really can't save them for later- you need to eat them fresh out of the fryer.  Next time, we'll get the order of 3 instead!  (Oh, and the order of 3 counts as a snack credit if you're on the dining plan!)
Free vanilla milkshake
While we were there, we got a little extra pixie dust!  A worker had made an extra vanilla milkshake by mistake.  She gave it to us- Drew was thrilled!

Lunch- LE CELLIER STEAKHOUSE- Epcot (Canada pavilion)  (2 meal credits)
The next day, we headed off bright and early to Epcot- for our first full day in the parks.  We didn't eat any breakfast, because we had a late lunch/early dinner scheduled.  We did the same thing last year- and it was a big mistake!  We planned to grab something at the park between our FastPass+ reservations.  But it's hard to find anything to eat gluten free for breakfast at Epcot.  We went to Starbucks and my dad, Jason and Drew got pastries or breakfast sandwiches with their coffee.  My mom and I had teas and shared a Kind bar.  Nathan had a banana.

By the time 2:00 came around, we were starving and ready to eat one of our favorite restaurants, Le Cellier Steakhouse, a signature restaurant in the Canada pavilion at Epcot.  Once again we started with bread.  The gluten free bread was not great.  Kind of dry and tasted a little stale.
Gluten free dinner rolls and butter
On the gluten side, the guys always love the pretzel bread and asked for more- they didn't try the multi-grain or the sourdough, but they looked and smelled delicious to me.
Pretzel, multigran and sourdough bread
NOT GLUTEN FREE
For our appetizers, I got heirloom tomatoes with Vermont goat feta cheese, arugula pesto, smoked olive oil, pumpkin seeds.  It was good.  It didn't blow my mind, but for a gluten free appetizer it was fine.
Heirloom Tomatoes- gluten free
My mother got the assortment of artisanal cheeses.  When the chef brought out her plate, she told her what each of the cheeses were and what the accompaniments were.  I couldn't remember most of them seconds after she walked away- but they were all delicious.  This did blow my mind!  It's not something either of us ordinarily would order, but we're so glad she did!
Artisanal cheeses with accompaniments- gluten free
My father got the charcuterie- a selection of meats, house pickles and grilled sourdough bread.
Charcuterie
NOT GLUTEN FREE
Jason got the Le Cellier signature Canadian cheddar cheese soup with Moosehead beer and applewood-smoked bacon.  They both loved their appetizers- I couldn't try either of them because of the gluten.
Cheddar cheese soup
NOT GLUTEN FREE
Le Cellier is also known for it's poutine.  It does not count as an appetizer, so we decided to pay out of pocket to try the Le Cellier Signature Poutine which is french fries covered with Canadian cheddar cheese, black truffles and red wine reduction.  WOW!  This was so good, I completely forgot about my lackluster tomatoes!  The waitress poured the red wine reduction onto the fries when she delivered it, but the more it sat and the more the fries soaked up the cheese and the sauce the better it got.
Le Cellier Signature Poutine- gluten free
For our entrees, my husband and I both got the Le Cellier filet mignon.  I always get the filet.  It comes with mushroom risotto and truffle-butter sauce, which I love just as much as the filet.  The steak melts in your mouth and the risotto is perfect.  It has never disappointed me and Jason was glad I talked him into it.
Filet Mignon with Wild Mushroom Risotto- gluten free
My parents both got the ribeye with marbled potatoes and butternut squash puree.  They both loved it. I thought it was tasty and I really loved the butternut squash puree- but I'm still going to stick with the filet mignon!
Ribeye with Marbled Potatoes and Butternut Squash Puree- gluten free
For dessert, I always get the maple creme brulee.  I'm not a huge fan of maple things- maple cookies, maple candy- but this doesn't overdo it on the maple.  It's one of my favorites.
Maple Creme Brulee- gluten free
My mom got the Camembert cheesecake with cherry gelee and pistachio cream.  She raved about it.  I was so full by this point, I couldn't even try it.
Camembert Cheesecake- gluten free
Jason got the strawberry basil float- soda water and homemade strawberry syrup with strawberry-basil sorbet.
Strawberry Basil Float- gluten free
He hated it!  I didn't want to try it because I was worried about cross-contamination.  It looked delicious and refreshing.  He ended up eating the chocolate mousse that Drew ordered off the kids' menu- they both loved it, and Jason said he wished it was available on the adult menu.
Kid's chocolate mousse
NOT GLUTEN FREE
Nathan had a fruit salad- his go to dessert!  I highly recommend this restaurant, but it is a tough reservation to get.  Definately call or go on-line 180 days before to get your table.  Also, they have the same menu for lunch and dinner so if you can't get dinner, go for lunch like we did!

Breakfast- RIVERSIDE MILL FOOD COURT- Port Orleans Riverside Resort (1 counter service meal credit)

Riverside Mill Food Court at Port Orleans Riverside resort
After striking out trying to have breakfast at Epcot, we decided to have breakfast at Riverside Mill Food Court, the quick service restaurant at our hotel.  It was crowded, but when we told one of the workers that we had to eat gluten free, she got a chef right away for us. He asked us what we wanted.  I told him I felt like an omelet.  He said the entire omelet station is gluten free, so we were safe just to go through the line and order like everyone else. But at the end, they put a biscuit and potatoes on your plate- these are not gluten free!  So make sure you pay attention and tell the worker you don't want them!  I ate omelets a couple of times that week- each time I had mushrooms, spinach and Swiss cheese.
The create-your-own omelet station offers a selection of cheese,
meat and veggies to add to your omelet
I loved watching how the cook made 4 omelets at once and was able to
remember which one was which and got which toppings
Later in the week, Nathan, my mother and I all felt like having a more continental breakfast.  Once again, the chef came out and talked to us.  I created 2 meals by combining a gluten free bagel, a fruit salad and orange juice for me and a gluten free doughnut, fruit salad and apple juice for Nathan (the chef had to get the bagel and doughnut from the back- we were able to get the fruit and juices from the grab-and-go refrigerator).

Snack- ERIN MCKENNA'S BAKERY NYC- Disney Springs (snack credits)
Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC
Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC (formerly Baby Cakes) is a completely gluten free, vegan and kosher bakery in Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney).  This was another must try on our list.  They had a case full of cupcakes, donuts, cookies and breads.
The cupcake case- gluten free
Doughnuts, breads, cookies and pastries- gluten free
Bagels and biscuits- gluten free
Focaccia bread- gluten free
I've been excited and waiting to try the samoa doughnut (think about the Girl Scout cookie, but on a doughnut and gluten free!).  The cake doughnut was covered with coconut flakes, frosting and chocolate.  Once again- it was worth the wait.  We went twice during our trip!  After getting the samoa doughnut on the first visit, I went back on our last day and I bought more doughnuts to bring home!  I also got brownies and chocolate chip cookies.  The gluten eaters in my family also ate them and enjoyed them, so you know what that means- they were great!
Yum!  A box of goodies to go!
Dinner- BE OUR GUEST RESTAURANT- Magic Kingdom (1 meal credit)
Be Our Guest is located in the Beast's castle in New Fantasyland
One member of each party is selected to carry Lumiere and lead
everyone to the table.  Drew was given this honor.
I was so excited to try this restaurant for the first time.  Last time we went in March of 2014, the restaurant had just opened, and I couldn't get a reservation.  So this time, I was on-line 180 days before and was able to get in!  We sat in the ballroom.  It was beautiful.  I felt like I had been transported into my favorite Disney movie- Beauty and the Beast.  Also, it was decorated for Christmas and with the "snow" falling in the window, it felt so Christmasy in there.  Our waitress, Rebecca, told us they brought the actual animator from Beauty and the Beast back from retirement to animate the snow in the window.
The ballroom was beautiful, just like the movie, and the Christmas
decorations made it even more gorgeous (the lighting was not great for picture taking)
For the this meal, we were joined by aunt, uncle and 2 cousins, so there were 10 of us.  My cousins also eat gluten free, so we now had 5 gluten free people at the table.  My cousins and I shared a bottle of the Be Our Guest house rose- Enchantée Rosé (Enchanted).  If you like rosé, you have to try it.
Enchantée Rosé- a French wine sold exclusively at
Be Our Guest
For our appetizers, several people at the table got the French onion soup- both with gluten and without.  The gluten free version still had bread.  Everyone raved about it, but did notice that the broth was different than the usual French onion soup broth they were used to at other restaurants.  I had also read some reviews from people who did not like it at all.  So, I asked Rebecca about it.  She said it's actually a vegan broth.  Usually French onion soup is made with beef broth, my family didn't seem to care, they all loved it- I didn't try it though.
French Onoin Soup- gluten free
My mother got the potato leek soup.  It was very creamy and tasty.
Potato Leek Soup- gluten free
My appetizer blew me away.  I got the mussels Provencal with tomatoes, garlic, onions and herbs.  It was garlicky and oniony and delicious.
Mussels Provencal- gluten free
For dinner, most of us decided to try the layered ratatouille.  It's oven baked zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, tomatoes and caramelized onions on top of quinoa with a bell pepper sauce.  I loved it.  The flavor from the caramelized onions and bell pepper sauce added some pep to the quinoa.  This is also the vegan option.  I will definitely order this again.
Ratatouille- gluten free
My father got the spice rubbed pork chop with seasonal vegetables (with gluten).  He got french fries instead of the wild mushroom bread pudding.  He said it was ok.  It looked a little dry to me.
Spice Rubbed Pork Chop
NOT GLUTEN FREE
Jason got the seasonal sustainable fish- which was grouper on the day we were there.  He said it was delicious and he would get it again.  For dessert they have pastries and cupcakes that they roll up to your table on a cart.  Their gluten free option is a lemon-raspberry cream puff with lemon custard.  I loved it.  Who would have thought I could have a cream puff!
Lemon-Raspberry Cream Puff
(This is also their no sugar added dessert option.)  At the end of the meal, you are taken into the library, where the Beast is waiting!  Neither of my kids were very excited to meet someone from a "princess" movie- but I was thrilled!  I am so glad I finally got to eat at Be Our Guest, I can't wait until our next visit so I can eat there again!
Meeting the Beast in the Library
Lunch- ABC COMMISSARY- Hollywood Studios (1 counter service meal credit)
My cousin, Samantha, and my kids have to eat every few hours!  So when we were at Hollywood Studios, we had to stop for lunch.  I suggested ABC Commissary, a quick serve location, because Nathan loves the chicken fingers there.  I ordered an adult sized portion for us to share.  GOOD TIP: at quick service locations, they don't differentiate between adult and kid meals- so adults can order off the kids menu if they want or kids can order off the adult menu and share!  When you get to the stand to order, just let the person taking your order that you can't eat gluten and he or she will hand you a pre-printed allergy menu.  After you order, it will take longer than normal for the food to be ready.  Some locations will give you a pager to return when your food is ready- ABC Commissary didn't do that this time, although they have done that for me in the past.  I waited at the counter for about 5 minutes for our food to be ready.  The restaurant manager brings it out and it comes on a different colored tray, so you'll know you're getting the right food.  After you get your food, there is a self-serve counter with napkins, plastic forks, knives and spoons.  Don't forget to get some ketchup, barbecue or honey mustard sauce.  Nathan, Drew and I shared the chicken fingers and French fries.  I had them with honey mustard sauce.  My cousin, Samantha, got the burger on a gluten free bun.  She said it was really good.  It was big she couldn't finish it, so Jason ate the rest.  He didn't even mind the gluten free bun!
Nathan and I shared chicken fingers and French fries
Dinner- ARTIST POINT- Wilderness Lodge (2 meal credits)
When we decided that we were going to go to Walt Disney World around Christmas time, my aunt asked if we can eat at Artist Point and have a Christmas party there.  We would not get to see my aunt, uncle and 2 cousins again before Christmas, so this was our celebration together.  Wilderness Lodge is designed to look like a lodge in the Pacific Northwest.  It is kind of "Christmasy" all year long, so it was especially nice for our party.  There is a huge tree in the lobby and a Photopass photographer there to take you picture in front of it.
Wilderness Lodge is beautiful at Christmas
A Photopass photographer stationed in the
Wilderness Lodge lobby took a family photo for us
The restaurant is just off the lobby in the back of the hotel, looking out over Bay Lake.  I actually took a picture of the special diets menu.  As you can see, you need to look under the description of each dish to see which allergies/diets it is suitable for.
Allergy-friendly menu at Artist Point at
Wilderness Lodge
For our appetizers, Jason got the crabcake.  He didn't really care for it.  But he's also not a big fan of crabcakes in general, so I'm not sure why he ordered it!
Crabcake
NOT GLUTEN FREE
My mother got the mussels steamed with white wine with baby fennel, and torn bread.  They were just okay.  After the mussels I had the night before at Be Our Guest, there was no comparison.  These just didn't have as much flavor and seemed a bit on the bland side.
Steamed Mussels- gluten free
I ordered the smoked portobello bisque. It is one of Artist Point's signature dishes and I could see why.  It was very tasty.
Smoked Portobello Bisque- gluten free
On the kids' menu "seasonal fruit" is listed as an appetizer.  We ordered that for both Nathan and Drew.  When it came out- it was basically a tiny saucer of grapes.  The kids were fine with it, but when you're paying for a signature restaurant you expect more.
Kids' Seasonal Fruit Appetizer- gluten free
For dinner, I got the grilled filet mignon with crushed new potatoes, charred eggplant, green onion and herb vinaigrette.  The steak was tender and delicious.  The potatoes were very good dipped in the herb vinaigrette.  The eggplant was too hard, on the verge of being raw.
Grilled Filet Mignon- gluten free
My mother got the chinook plank salmon with local potatoes, baby fennel, Florida citrus, and olive tapenade.  If you order this, a word of warning, the salmon does not come out on your dinner plate!  When the waiter brought out the food and put it front of her, he just walked away but didn't say anything.  She was digging through the greens on her plate and whispered to me, "There's no salmon on here."  I spoke up saying, "Excuse me, she has no salmon."  Then out of nowhere another man appeared behind her with the plank of wood with her fish on it.  It was kind of embarrassing!  I'm not a big fan of salmon, but it was okay.  I wouldn't order it, but it wasn't bad.
Chinook Plank Salmon- gluten free
My husband ordered the aged buffalo strip loin with barley risotto, roasted root vegetables and winter greens.  He hated it.  He said the buffalo seemed fatty.  I don't think he's ever had buffalo before, so I have no idea why he ordered it!
Buffalo Strip Loin
NOT GLUTEN FREE
The kids both ordered petit steak with crispy potatoes and petit vegetables.  We asked the waiter if the crispy potatoes were like french fries, he said yes.  They were actually whole roasted potatoes and the vegetables were broccolini.  They only ate the steak!

Kids' Petit Steak with Crispy Potatoes and Vegetable
GLUTEN FREE
There are only two gluten free dessert options, so only a few of us got dessert.  I got the black raspberry sorbet with fresh berries.  It was fine. A lot of restaurants offer sorbet as a gluten free dessert.  It's not very exciting, but it's not bad either.
Raspberry Sorbet with Fresh Berries- gluten free
Jason and my mom both got the vanilla bean creme brulee.  Jason said it was the best thing he ate all night!
Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee- gluten free
Artist Point was the prefect location for our Christmas party.  The tables are spread out, it's quiet and were able to exchange gifts, drink wine, and talk without feeling like we were bothering anyone else.  The food was good.  It wasn't what I would have expected for a 2 credit meal, but it wasn't bad.  Nothing really blew me away though.
After opening presents, my aunt and Drew decided to use
their gift bags as hats
Breakfast- KONA CAFE- Polynesian Resort (1 meal credit)
Before my aunt, uncle and cousins left, we had one more meal together, breakfast at Kona Cafe at the Polynesian Resort.  They are known for their Tonga Toast- thick cut sourdough French toast, stuffed with bananas, rolled in cinnamon sugar and served with strawberry compote, and their Kona coffee.  My aunt got the tonga toast and loved it.  She ate the whole thing!
Tonga Toast
NOT GLUTEN FREE
Of course, you can't get that gluten free, so I got the gluten free Mickey waffles.  They were light, and fluffy and delicious.  I got a fruit salad instead of breakfast meat.
Mickey Waffles- gluten free
Nathan got gluten free Mickey pancakes with bacon, Drew got chocolate chip pancakes (with gluten) and fruit.  Chocolate chip pancakes aren't listed on the menu, but we just asked our waitress to have the chef add them- it was no problem.
Kids' Chocolate Chip Pancakes with Fruit
NOT GLUTEN FREE
Pancakes with Bacon- gluten free
The only disappointing part was that there was no gluten free bread to make toast.  My cousin really wanted eggs over easy, but she didn't want to get a runny yoke with nothing to sop it up with!  The waitress said they could  make toast using dinner rolls, but that just didn't seem appealing.  She decided to just go with scrambled eggs instead.
Scrambled Eggs with Bacon and Home Fries- gluten free
Jason, my dad and my uncle all got the Big Kahuna- French toast, pancakes with pineapple sauce and macadamia nut butter, eggs, home fries, ham, bacon and sausage.  They all at the whole thing but it's not available on the gluten free menu.
The Big Kahuna
If you like coffee, the coffee drinkers at our table said you have to try the Kona coffee.  It comes in a French press.  I'm not a coffee drinker, but they all loved it.  I recommend ordering the Liliko'i Juice, a combination of orange, passion fruit and guava juices.

Dinner- 'OHANA- Polynesian Resort (1 meal credit)
I was a little disappointed with the Christmas decorations at
the Polynesian Resort.  This tree was outside the lobby, but
there wasn't too much inside
This was the last picture I was able to get before my phone died,
my dad taking nap outside of 'Ohana before dinner
'Ohana is a family style restaurant also at the Polynesian resort.  It is a character meal for breakfast, but for dinner, there are no characters.  They do have a woman who walks around the restaurant playing a ukeli and singing.  (She was singing Mele Kalikimaka and other Christmas songs on the night we were there).  She also leads the children in pineapple races.  Dinner starts with bread and salad.  The salad is gluten free and has a dressing made from the same Liliko'i Juice I had for breakfast.  It's sweet but also tangy- I really enjoy it.  The bread is a pineapple-coconut bread, but we can't eat that, so the waiter brought out some gluten free dinner rolls (by this time, we were getting a little tired of same gluten free rolls at every meal- so we didn't eat them!).  After salad and bread, they bring out pork dumplings and chicken wings.  The wings are gluten free, and come with 2 sauces.  The peanut sauce has gluten, but the sweet and sour sauce is safe.  The dumplings are not gluten free, so stay away from those.  The wings are tasty and don't even really need the sauce.  After the wings, they brought us out 2 skillets- a gluten one and a gluten free one.  The gluten one has stir fried vegetables in a teriyaki sauce with lo mein noodles, the gluten free one has white rice instead of noodles and a gluten free teriyaki sauce.   It's all delicious.  Just like the salad, it's sweet yet tangy.  Then the waiters and waitresses start to bring around the stars of the meal- the meat skewers.  They bring huge metal spears of meat right to your table and push it off the skewer and onto your plate.  Each skewer has a different type of meat- steak, chicken, or shrimp that had been cooked over an open fire.  By the time the meat starts coming, I'm usually starting to feel full.  So I get a piece or two of each type of meat just to try it.  For dessert, the gluten eaters got bread pudding a la mode with caramel and bananas.  Our waitress told us the chef was making "something special" for those of us who were gluten free.  Well, they brought out a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a few berries, and 2 enjoy life chocolate chip cookies (the same prepacked ones you get at every counter service location).  It was not very special at all.  The dinner was delicious and I was stuffed as always.  I didn't get any pictures though.  I always feel a little rushed at this restaurant, my phone died, and our table was overcrowded with plates!  Sorry, I was just feeling a little overwhelmed!

Breakfast- BE OUR GUEST RESTAURANT- The Magic Kingdom (1 counter service meal credit)
For breakfast and lunch, Be Our Guest Restaurant is actually a counter service restaurant.  You still need a reservation though.  After checking in, there are 2 lines.  1 line is if you pre-ordered your food, the other is if you didn't.  Since this was our first time, I didn't pre-order because I wanted to make sure we knew what we were doing and were able to designate which food had to be gluten free.  If you pre-order, you head right into the dining room once you check in and sit down.  The line to order takes you into the library (where we had met the Beast after dinner earlier in the week).  There we were directed to a kiosk to order our food.  I told them that Nathan and I were gluten free and the woman showed us a list of what we could eat.  We ordered our food, she scanned our magic bands and we headed out to find a seat.  Since we had eaten already in the ballroom, we headed to the Rose Gallery.
Be Our Guest Rose Gallery- this room is only open
for breakfast and lunch
It was much more quiet and less crowded than the ballroom.  The room is bright and filled with pictures of Belle and the Beast and in the center is a giant music box with them dancing on top.  This room is only open at breakfast and lunch.  There are drink stations set up where you can get soft drinks, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.  Also, instead of plastic knives, spoons and forks, they have actual metal utensils- fancy for a quick service location!  After getting our drinks, utensils, and napkins we sat for a few minutes talking at a table and magically, our food arrived.  The servers actually track where you are with your magic band.  Along with your meal, they bring you a selection of pastries.  Because my mother, Nathan I are gluten free, we got a gluten free plate as well.  We got sweet breads from Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC- a lemon, a chocolate, and a banana.  I loved the lemon one.  The gluten one had croissants, cinnamon rolls, and danishes.
Gluten pastries (I forgot to take a pic of the gluten free ones!)
My mother, father and I all ordered the open-faced bacon and egg sandwich.  My mom and I got ours with a poached egg, applewood bacon, brie cheese and arugula on toasted gluten free bread.  My father changed his egg to scrambled and had the regular gluten baguette.  It also came with a fruit salad on the side.  It was all delicious and filling, I couldn't even finish it.
Open Faced Bacon and Egg Sandwich- gluten free
My husband on the other hand, ordered the scrambled egg whites with roasted tomatoes, and chicken apple sausage but was still hungry after.  So, for "dessert" he went back through the line and ordered the croissant doughnut- a fried doughnut topped with banana-caramel sauce, pastry creme and chocolate ganache.  He was in heaven!  He had chocolate all over his face, and loving every second of it!  Nathan wanted gluten free waffles.  They were Van's frozen waffles- like the ones they sell at the grocery store- not very exciting.  At Be Our Guest, they urge you to "explore the castle".  After breakfast, my mom and I walked over to the West Wing- the only room we hadn't eaten in.  This was my least favorite room.  I loved seeing the enchanted rose from the movie, but it was a bit too dark- both literally and figuratively- for me.

Lunch- LIBERTY TREE TAVERN- The Magic Kingdom (1 meal credit)
We have eaten at Liberty Tree Tavern many times before, but never for lunch.  This was a last minute add to our dining reservations, because the restaurant reopened a few days before we arrived after being closed for months for refurbishment.  At dinner, they serve a family style traditional Thanksgiving type dinner with all the fixin's.  For lunch, you can order off a menu.  I really liked having choices.
Allergy Friendly lunch menu at Liberty Tree Tavern
For our appetizer, my mother and I shared the crab and lobster dip for two.  It was hot, and creamy and delicious.  We got the same dinner rolls we had been getting most of the week, but the dip put them over the top- I could have eaten it with a spoon without the bread!
Crab and Lobster Dip for Two- gluten free
Drew tried the chicken noodle soup and loved it.
Kids' Chicken Noodle Soup
NOT GLUTEN FREE
Jason was happy with his New England clam chowder and my dad liked his sweet corn fritters, but said they were on the cold side.
New England Clam Chowder
NOT GLUTEN FREE
Sweet Corn Fritters
NOT GLUTEN FREE
Our waitress seemed a pretty overwhelmed.  As I mentioned, the restaurant had just reopened a few days earlier so maybe she was new.  She didn't really seem to know what we could or could not have because of our gluten free diets and she also kept disappearing for long periods of time.  When we told her that three of us had to eat gluten free, she went and got the chef- even though we had gluten free menus to look at.  He seemed a bit annoyed that he was called from the kitchen to take our orders even though we didn't have any special requests.  Nathan, my mom and I all ordered burgers and French fries.  I ordered Nathan's without a bun because that's the way he likes his burgers.  When our food came out, none of our burgers had buns.  I was a little disappointed, but didn't want to send it back, because I didn't know how long it would take and I figured I could do without the bread.  When we asked for ketchup, the waitress said she would have to ask the chef if we could have ketchup.  We told her we could, but it took her a long time to come back with it- so I think she still went to check with him.  My father got the pilgrim's feast- turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and vegetables.  He was thrilled because we hadn't had a Thanksgiving dinner since we were leaving for vacation the following day.  Drew got the pot roast.  It was coated in a gravy, which he didn't like, but he dug into the middle and ate the meat and loved it.  Even though our waitress was overwhelmed and we didn't get every meal exactly the way we wanted it, we still enjoyed our lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern.  I think we will try it again next time.

Dinner- THE BOATHOUSE- Disney Springs (2 meal credits)
The Boathouse is a fairly new restaurant at Disney Springs.  It offers fresh fish, seafood and steaks.  Outside there are also "amphicars" that you can rent- they're cars that drive right into the water!  It was raining the night we went so the boats weren't running.  We were really getting full at this point after eating so much all week!  I couldn't imagine how I was going to eat any more food.  The centerpiece of the restaurant is a boat that was turned into a table to eat at.  We were lucky enough to sit at that table!
We got to sit in the boat in the center of the restaurant 
This restaurant is not owned or operated by Disney, so they don't have gluten free menu at this time.  Instead, the chef came out to talk to us to see what we wanted.  For my appetizers, I ordered steamed mussels.  It's usually made with Samuel Adams Boston Lager, but the chef said he would make it with white wine instead.  It also came with garlic crostini made with gluten free bread.  The chef brought it out when it was ready, and it had the "Allergy" stick in it.  My mother and I both took a bite and thought it was quite good, then after that first bite, all of a sudden the chef ran back to our table and said he forgot to make it with the wine- so it wasn't gluten free.  We both got really nervous that we would soon be quite sick.  He apologized profusely and took the plate away and promised to remake the dish.  When he came back, the mussels actually tasted even better.  I preferred them with the white wine instead of the beer.  The garlic crostini was so delicious and I kept wondering if they were made on gluten bread.
Steamed Mussels- gluten free
Drew ordered a wedge salad, but didn't eat much of it, he was just not that hungry.
Wedge Salad- gluten free
We got shrimp cocktail, which came with 4 of the biggest shrimp I've ever seen.  They were fresh and delicious.
Shrimp Cocktail- gluten free
My father got the Boathouse lobster cocktail- a chilled half 1 1/4 pound lobster- he didn't share it with anyone but said it was amazing.
Lobster Cocktail
NOT GLUTEN FREE (but the chef could make it with
gluten free cocktail sauce)
For dinner, Jason got the lobster mac and cheese and was very happy.
Lobster Mac and Cheese
NOT GLUTEN FREE
My dad apparently didn't have enough lobster, so he ordered a 1 1/4 pound baked crab stuffed lobster.  He got french fries instead of the asparagus that comes with it.  To say my dad loved it is an understatement- he's still talking about this meal weeks later!
1 1/4 Pound Baked Crab Stuffed Lobster
NOT GLUTEN FREE
On the gluten free side of table, I got the grilled mahi mahi tacos.  They were awesome!  They had just the right amount of jerk spice and the avocado, serrano-chili cream helped cool it off.  They were made with soft corn tortillas, which often get crumbly, so I ended up just eating them with a fork.
Grilled Mahi Mahi Tacos- gluten free
My mother got a lobster roll on gluten free bread.  We loved it.
Lobster Roll- gluten free
I really wish I wasn't so full because I really wanted to enjoy this meal more.  It was definitely worth the 2 dining credits, we will absolutely be back, and bringing our appetites!  (Luckily, we did not get sick from the mussels)

Dinner- MAMA MELROSE'S RISTORANTE ITALIANO- Hollywood Studios (1 meal credit)
Mama Melrose's is an often overlooked Italian restaurant in Hollywood Studios, but it's one of our favorites.  We have always had great experiences here, the wait staff is always friendly and you can also get a package that gives your priority seating to Fantasmic!, the popular night time show at Hollywood Studios.  I had a really hard time deciding what to order.  I wanted it all!  We started with bread with herbs and olive oil for dipping.
Olive oil and herbs for dipping bread-
our waitress brought us 2- 1 for gluten bread
and 1 for gluten free bread
The gluten eaters got breadsticks and we got gluten free bread.
Breadsticks for the gluten eaters
I didn't even try it- I was over the gluten free bread by now- despite the olive oil and herbs!
Gluten Free Bread
For my appetizer, I got the rosemary chicken flatbread with vidalia onion spread, artichokes, kalamata olives, shaved red onion and feta cheese.  This was one of my favorite things of the week.  These are all flavors I love- feta, kalamata olives, artichokes, just a perfect combination.  I asked the waitress about the crust and she said she would ask the chef.  It turns out, it was a Udi's crust.  I'm not sure if it's a special one for restaurants that's different than the ones I buy at my store, but it seemed much thinner and crispier.  The flatbreads are not on the gluten free menu, but our waitress told us we can get any of the flatbreads with a gluten free crust and it can be either a meal or an appetizer
Rosemary Chicken Flatbread- gluten free
My mother decided to get the margherita flatbread for her meal.  It was also very good- but not as good as the rosemary chicken flatbread.
Marghertia Flatbread- gluten free
Nathan got a gluten free pepperoni pizza.  This is one of his favorite foods and he was thrilled.  He only ate about about half of it and we brought it back to the hotel and he had the rest later!  We all agreed, the crust was really good.
Pepperoni Pizza- gluten free
For my dinner, my father and I got the charred strip steak.  But the real reason I got it was for the four-cheese macaroni with pancetta that comes with it.  It is so creamy and cheesy and delicious.  I ate more of the macaroni than the steak- this is my kind of mac and cheese!
Charred Strip Steak with Four Cheese Macaroni- gluten free
For dessert, I got the cheesecake.  It's a no sugar added, gluten free cheesecake topped with strawberry sauce and whipped cream.  It was light and fluffy and the prefect ending to my dinner.
Cheesecake- gluten free
My mother got the flourless chocolate cake- this is not on the regular menu, but again, our waitress told us about it.  It was great too!
Flourless Chocolate Cake- gluten free
My dad and Jason got dessert sampler that comes with the Fantasmic! package (we couldn't eat it- because of the gluten).  It has three mini desserts- Amarettini cheesecake, tiramisu, and cannoli cake.  They loved all of them.
Fantasmic! Package Dessert Sampler
The kids both got the fresh fruit for dessert.
Kids' Fresh Fruit Dessert
We did get the Fantasmic! package, but we were all really tired after dinner. As we headed to the exit of the park, we found another family that was just headed in.  We gave them our Fantasmic! tickets.  They were so excited and we were thrilled to share a little pixie dust!

Breakfast- SCI-FI DINE-IN THEATER- Hollywood Studios (1 meal credit)
Your table looks like a car!
We have been to the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater several times for lunch in the past.  It's a fun environment, it feels like you're at a drive in movie theater and you sit in "cars" and watch trailers for bad horror movies (my husband would say they're good horror movies.. but anyway..).
It's fun to sit in your "car" and watch movie trailers
We like the lunch because it's fun to sit in a car, watch movie trailers and eat burgers and drink milkshakes, but we haven't had a spot in our itinerary for this restaurant during our last few trips.  So, when they added a breakfast, we decided to give it a try.
Allergy Friendly breakfast menu at
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
Your meal starts with a plate of pastries. The gluten one had delicious looking croissants, cinnamon rolls, and muffins.
Gluten pastries with croissants,
cinnamon rolls and chocolate chip muffins
NOT GLUTEN FREE
Ours was less impressive, it had pre-packaged Udi's muffins and Kinnickinnik doughnuts that you can get in your regular grocery store.  Nathan thought the chocolate muffin was a cupcake, so he was happy.
Gluten Free Pastries
Then you can choose between either a fruit salad or a fruit and yogurt parfait with granola (no granola if you're eating gluten free).  We all got the fruit salad.
Fruit Salad- gluten free
I ordered the Sci-Fi crab and eggs- scrambled eggs with crab, asparagus, and grueyere cheese with a roasted tomato.  It was just okay.  I'm not a huge fan of scrambled eggs- so I probably should have ordered something different.  And the crab was pretty rubbery and I could only find 1 tiny piece of asparagus.
Sci-Fi Crab and Eggs- gluten free
My mother ordered the steak and eggs- grilled beef tenderloin with baby spinach, with bacon and cheddar custard on a roasted tomato and roasted fingerling potatoes.  This was very good.  I could have eaten a vat of that bacon and cheddar custard and the steak was tender and seasoned very well.
Steak and Eggs- gluten free
My father and Jason got the traditional breakfast- scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and breakfast potatoes.  My dad didn't care for it.  The breakfast potatoes have cheese in them which my dad didn't like.  (If you order the traditional breakfast gluten free, it comes with roasted fingerling potatoes.)
Traditional Breakfast
NOT GLUTEN FREE
Overall, I would say this meal was just okay.  I enjoyed the atmosphere as always, but the food was pretty average.

Dinner- CORAL REEF- Epcot (1 meal credit, 2 credits with candlelight processional package)
During the holidays, Epcot presents the candlelight processional- a celebrity tells the story of the birth of Christ with a choir and full orchestra playing Christmas songs.  The line for this special event literally stretches for countries and people start lining up hours in advance.  Or you can book a dinner package at select Epcot restaurants- it's worth 2 dining credits and gives you priority seating at the processional.  That's what we did, we ate at Coral Reef then went to the show.
Coral Reef has a view of Epcot's aquarium
My aunt and uncle came back for the day.  They had never seen the candlelight processional either and were looking forward to it.  Coral Reef is a seafood restaurant in the Seas with Nemo and Friends pavilion.  It has a view of Epcot's huge, 5.7 million gallon, aquarium where you can watch sharks, rays, sea turtles, fish and even SCUBA divers from your table.
You get a fish guide to help you identify them
as they swim by in the aquarium
Allergy Friendly Menu at Coral Reef
Once again this is another favorite for us.  For our appetizers, most of our table ordered the fried calamari with roasted corn relish and tomatillo sauce which is gluten free.  This was a new addition to the menu since our last visit, so we were all excited to try it.  Once again, we had a winner on our hands!  Really how can you go wrong with fried calamari?  And the corn relish and tomatillo sauce sweet and spicy made it even better.  The dish was just perfect.
Fried Calamari with Corn Relish and Tomatillo Sauce-
gluten free
Because my mom and I had agreed to order different dishes in order to try more things, I ordered the lobster bisque soup.  I wish I had ordered the calamari.  My soup didn't come out with everyone else's appetizers.  I waited quite a while afterwards for it to come out and when it did, it was cold.  I tasted it and the flavor seemed fine, but I was really turned off by the cold factor.
Lobster Bisque- gluten free
Our food came out moments after the soup arrived, so I just pushed it aside and moved on.  I love, and always order, the seared mahi mahi with laughing bird shrimp, hearts of palm, jasmine rice, cilantro, and coconut-line sauce.  Once again I loved it- so did my mom, Jason and my aunt.  The coconut-lime sauce adds a sweet and tangy bite to everything.  My mother does not like cilantro, and she thought there was too much- so if you're not a fan be aware of that.
Seared Mahi Mahi- gluten free
My dad got the grilled New York strip steak with cheddar mashed potatoes, and seasonal vegetables.  He said it was another good steak!
Grilled New York strip steak
NOT GLUTEN FREE
My uncle ordered the pork tenderlion with roasted potatoes, carrot silk and spiced caramel.  It was better than the pork my dad got earlier in the week at Be Our Guest.
Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Potatoes
NOT GLUTEN FREE
Once again, my kids got steak, but we ordered French fries instead of mashed potatoes, they were happy.
Kids' Jr. Reef Steak
For dessert my mom and I both got the chocolate wave cake with raspberry gelato.  I love the combination of the molten lava chocolate cake with the cold raspberry.   Jason got the coconut-mango chiffon cake and my dad got the turtle cheesecake with caramel, chantily cream and hazelnut praline.  When it came out, the cheesecake looked more like a scoop of ice cream, but it was cheesecake.  They were both happy with their selections.  After our dinner, we made our way over to the American Gardens Theater in the American pavilion.  The theater was already pretty packed, but we found seats and absolutely loved the candlelight processional.  Well, my mom, my aunt, my uncle and I all loved it- my dad, Jason and the kids weren't so thrilled.  I think the combination of the dinner and not having to wait for 4 hours in line to see the candlelight processional makes it worth 2 dining credits.

Snack- L'ARTISAN DES GLACES- Epcot (France Pavilion) (1 snack credit)
Peppermint Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich
I love ice cream.  It is probably my favorite dessert.  At L'Artisan des Glaces, the ice cream store at the France pavilion in Epcot, they have ice cream sandwiches made with French macarons.  They always have chocolate and one additional flavor. The other flavor changes seasonally.  When we were there, it was peppermint.  I could eat this everyday of my life!  I actually went back and had it twice.  Drew tried the chocolate and couldn't believe it was gluten free.  If you're walking through France, head to the back, and pick one up, you'll be glad you did!

Dinner- MINNIE'S HOLIDAY DINE AT HOLLYWOOD AND VINE- Hollywood Studios (1 meal credit)
Your evening starts with a meet and greet with Santa Goofy!
As I mentioned earlier, when we went to Disney World in 2014, my mother and I both got "glutened" at buffets. so we decided to stay away from them this time around.  But when we heard that there was going to be a special Christmas buffet with Minnie and friends all dressed in their holiday best, we had to try it out.
My kids aren't thrilled with meeting characters
anymore, but I'll never grow out of it!
These 3 are just thrilled to be meeting Daisy Duck!
(And yes, I did make Jason wear that shirt!)
I read another Disney gluten free blog and saw suggestions that if you get a reservation for a buffet right when they open and only go up once, your chance of getting sick are much less.  That's what we did.  The chef came out and walked us around the buffet and pointed out what was safe and what to stay away from.  There was a carving station with ham and turkey.  He said the turkey was safe, but the ham wasn't.  We didn't chance it because they were on the same cutting board.  We ate the salads, roasted butternut squash soup, shrimp cocktail, and apricot roasted pork.  If you like salads (caprese, kale, ceasar) this is good for you.  There were a few hot things to eat, but not a ton.  Nathan didn't like it at all, we ended up ordering him gluten free burger and fries later that night at our hotel.  There was a huge, beautiful dessert table, none of which was gluten free.  There was an ice cream machine to make your own sundae.  The ice cream was gluten free, but the toppings weren't.
Jason's plate of desserts
NOT GLUTEN FREE
When the chef walked us around the buffet, he told us to let our waitress know when we were ready for dessert and he would make us something "special".  Well, if we thought we were disappointed at 'Ohana, we were about to be downright insulted.  Our dessert was a plate with 4 raspberries, 1 enjoy life chocolate chip cookie (the come in a package of 2, so we didn't even get the whole package) and a hard as a rock brownie.  It was really awful.  My mom and I both agreed that they should have just said the ice cream was our only option.
"Special" chef prepared gluten free dessert
This was another just okay meal food wise.  But I loved the atmosphere and the character interaction was great.  They were playing Christmas music and the characters were dancing.  We got to meet Santa Goofy with no line.  For our family it was worth it for the atmosphere.  A warning though.. the characters DO NOT sign autographs at the this meal.

Sunday brunch- RAGLAN ROAD IRISH PUB AND RESTAURANT- Disney Springs (1 meal credit)

We decided to save one of our favorites for last!  Raglan Road is an Irish gastropub in Disney Springs.  The music is loud, they have Irish dancers tapping, and the food is amazing!  They don't have a gluten free menu, but can make most things gluten free.  The wait staff is very knowledgeable about gluten free diets and the menu.  For our appetizers, my mom and I decided to get "sides" instead.  We had planned to order the fried calamari, but it's apparently not available on the brunch menu.  We even asked and the waitress said we couldn't get it.  So we got the garlic parmesan and truffle oil skinny chips and beer battered onion rings.  The skinny chips (or French fries) are one of my new favorite things.  Think of garlic bread but the garlic, parmesan cheese and oil is on a French fry instead of bread!  Wow!  Yes, it's that good!
Garlic Parmesan and Truffle Oil Skinny Fries-
gluten free
The onion rings were great too.  I can't remember the last time I had onion rings, so that was really exciting.
Onion Rings- gluten free
My dad and Jason got the gluten version of the onion rings and the heaven on earth baby back ribs.  They were oh-ing and ah-ing over the ribs.  We actually couldn't try them because they had a Guinness glaze.
Heaven on Earth Baby Back Ribs
NOT GLUTEN FREE
For lunch my mom and I both got the fish and chips.  I had kind of overdone it with all the skinny chips, so I mostly ate the fish- I didn't need any more fries!  It did need a little squeeze of lemon, but once I did that, and dipped it into the fresh tartar sauce, it was delicious.
Fish and Chips- gluten free
My dad got Kevin's Heavenly Ham- Irish Mist glazed loin of bacon with savoy cabbage, colcannon potatoes, parsley cream sauce and a raisin cider jus, he was very pleased.
Kevin's Heavenly Ham
NOT GLUTEN FREE
For dessert, my mom and I both got the Dundon's delight.  The menu says it's a raspberry pavlova with vanilla pod ice cream and raspberry sauce.  I'm really not sure what any of that means, but this is how I would describe it, it's like a merginge with a hard shell and a soft sugary center, with a scoop of ice cream and raspberry sauce.  It's really unlike anything else, but I like it.
Dundon's Delight- gluten free
For the gluten eaters, my dad got the strawberry and apple crumble with vanilla ice cream and fresh cream and Jason got the triful sinful- raspberry jam Swiss roll layers with mixed berries & custard topped with fresh cream & almonds.  My dad was very happy, Jason said his was just alright.
Triful Sinful
NOT GLUTEN FREE
Strawberry and Apple Crumble
NOT GLUTEN FREE
The kids again got fresh fruit for dessert.  This was the best fruit salad they had all week. It was large with may different types of fruit- apples, cantaloupe, pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries- it wasn't just a dish of grapes!
Kids' Fruit Salad Dessert- gluten free


So, once again, this was another successful food vacation!  We had a lot of great meals, a couple of so-so meals, and a few outstanding ones!  We will not be getting the deluxe dining plan again.  It was a lot of fun to try so many new places without missing our old standbys, but it was just too much food.  By the end, we weren't really enjoying it as much as we should have.  Also, you'll notice that I didn't post too much about what my kids ate.  Drew ate steak at just about every meal.  He loved it and was happy.  Nathan stuck with his favorites- pizza, chicken nuggets, and burgers.  When those weren't available, he would get a steak.  He's not a big eater, and I often feel like I'm forcing him to eat (except for fruit, bacon and Fries- he'll always eat those!)  In addition to what I wrote about here, I also brought some food with us.  Nathan loves Chex cereal, so we brought a couple boxes with us- that way I was able to make sure he ate before we left the hotel everyday.  I also brought some Kind bars, fruit snacks, and fresh fruit to keep in the room.  Disney allows you to bring outside food into the parks, so everyday, I would stick some snacks in our backpacks to have along the way.  Nathan also LOVES popcorn.  The popcorn carts at the parks are all gluten free, and he can smell it from a mile away (seriously, he has some kind of super smelling powers), and when he smells it, he has to have it- immediately!  So he ate a lot of popcorn too.

So if you're eating gluten free for any reason, don't worry about eating at Walt Disney World, not only will you be able to eat- you'll also be able to eat well without sacrificing taste!