My Mom and I took my son to stay at Pop Century when he was 4-yrs-old in Aug. 2011. We were there 4 nights on the dining plan. The chef called me several times before our trip to plan for my son who has over 20 allergies. Due to all of his allergies, there really isn’t much on most of the kid’s menus that he can eat safely. All the hotdogs, pizza, chicken, hamburgers, mac & cheese, pb&J are unsafe for him.

My son loved watermelon, so the chef ordered a watermelon for him to have during our stay. He used 3 out of the 4 quick service and most of his snack credits there. We are not early risers most days, so I decided that the best thing to do would go by Pop dining on our way to the bus and get his lunch to go. The chef prepared shrimp, watermelon, and allowed him to get Divvies popcorn as his dessert. He also got an orange juice as his drink. My son loved the Divvies popcorn so much that he choose that as most of his snack credits too. We are both sad that Divvies is no longer at WDW. I loved the plastic to-go plates the chef sent the food to-go in because they are reuseable. The chef was great to my son and he loved the food at Pop.

If you would like to review Everything Pop Dining or any Disney restaurant, submit a food allergy dining Quick Review.

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My son was 4-years-old when we ate there in Aug. 2011 at Cape May on the dining plan. He has over 20 allergies, but he can eat seafood.

The chef called me several times before our trip to plan for him. He wanted to make sure that my son had plenty of safe foods to eat that he would love. The chef offered to make a special rice milk flan for dessert.

We arrived before our ADR time, and waited for a few minutes before we were taken to a table. There was a tv with classic Disney cartoons on in the lobby while we waited. The table had paper on it, and my son loved being able to color on it while he waited for his food. The chef came to the table and walked me around the buffet to get some ideas of what he could prepare safely for my son. He brought him some fresh fish and veggies. My son ate over a bucket of clams and some crab legs too. He ate more there than any where else at Disney. I loved the crab legs, friend shrimp, red potatoes, Oreo Bon Bon, and Key Lime Tarts.

If you aren’t a seafood lover there is still plenty of food to enjoy like barbeque pork ribs, marinated roast chicken, pasta, mac and cheese, and beef tips. We all loved it so much that we are going back this summer!

If you would like to review Cape May Cafe or any Disney restaurant, submit a food allergy dining Quick Review.

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When we go to Disney, we love to stay at the Coronado Springs Resort. I’ve heard that a lot of people don’t like it here because it is too big, but that is why we like it. Walking around this beautiful resort, you feel like you are the only one here. And finding your way into the Pepper Market, even better.

Pepper Market is actually a counter service, but you eat like at a table service. Other comments I have heard about this place is that it is too confusing. I don’t think so, and we dine with a severely food allergic child, we KNOW confusing! When you first walk up, a hostess seats you at a table and gives you some food cards. That’s when our waiter showed up to get our drink orders. This is when we told him about our son’s food allergies and he promptly went back to get the chef. Yes, I said chef, not manager, but chef.

Thankfully, the last several years dining here, Chef Cliff has remained. He is a wonderful chef, and very knowledgeable about food allergies. And the presentation of our son’s meal was better than most of the table service restaurants. Kevin selected the Grilled Mahi Mahi with grilled yellow squash and zucchini, and for dessert a cup of milk free ice cream, the same meal he had the previous year.

My husband and I took turns getting our food. This is how the food card works: you take your food card up to one of the many stations where you want something (there are multiple stations serving Italian pastas, pizzas, Mexican dishes, even grilled steak!). You pick out what you want, the attendant stamps what you ordered and you wait on them to freshly prepare your food right in front of you. You then take your food back to your table, and that’s it. The only difference in this counter service with others, besides the amount of food and choices you have, is that you have a waiter, so you must leave a tip. So be sure to have some cash on you, because we were told they couldn’t put the tip on our Key to the World card.  Once you are finished with your meal, you take your cards up to the cashier and she will ring you up.

But back to the food. My husband always chooses something in the Mexican cuisine. I wanted pasta. I picked Chicken Fettuccini with Broccoli. It was so much food. I was able to box it up, put it in the fridge back in our room and eat on it the next day! It was enough for 2 people, but it was so good. Of course, I would have rather had my son’s meal. Too bad they don’t offer this at one of the stations. Chef Cliff told me that it is a real treat to cook for food allergy guests because he can cook “outside the box”. He does such a great job at it too! Even if someday we move up to staying in a Deluxe, we will continue to come back to Pepper Market. Hopefully, Chef Cliff will be there too.

This is one of our favorite places to eat, and it’s only a counter service. Chef Cliff is wonderful. Both visits, he went out of his way to make our son the best meal I have ever seen. We had so many people walk by our table, wondering where they could get that meal. This will be a go to place from now on.

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Coronado Springs Resort is a beautiful resort. Walking around this vast area, you feel like you are in Mexico. You have the Cabana area, where it feels like the Mexican Riviera. Then there is the Casitas, with all the fountains, so relaxing. Finally there are the Ranchos, a desert area with lots of cacti. By this time, you are really in the mood for some Mexican cuisine.

We had never eaten at Maya Grill, but when my son saw they had tacos on the menu, he wanted to try it. We ate there the night we were leaving (I try to extend our last day as long as I can). The restaurant is so nice inside, including a musician playing the guitar as we ate. We sat next to a beautiful fountain, it was truly relaxing.

The chef came out to our table and what he could prepare our son that was safe. Kevin choose steak tacos, with no cheese or sour cream, of course. I was concerned about the Spanish rice, but my son tried it and said it was great. This was a great restaurant, we were just so tired and ready to hit the road. We probably didn’t give it as much time as we should have, but we will try it again. Just not on the last day of our trip. Plus, if you are staying in Coronado, it’s nice to have such a great restaurant with different flavors on site.

As for advice on how to dine safely with food allergies, here are a few tips when planning and taking you vacation. We made Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) 180 days in advance, noting on the reservations that we had food allergies. We also contacted the Special Diets department at Disney World through email. We filled out all the forms and faxed back with the ADRs listed and the food allergies in detail. Once we arrived at the restaurant, we made sure the Hostess had a note we had food allergies and which ones they were. When we were seated, we mentioned the food allergies to our server who went to get the chef. The chef went over what he could have and let Kevin, our son, decided what he wanted to eat. If we had questions on any product, they would bring us out the ingredient label. Also….the chef should be the one delivering the food allergy safe food, so that there is no cross contamination or mix up. The chef also came out periodically to check on us to make sure everything was ok.

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Sci-Fi Dine-In….what a neat place to eat! Tucked in the back area of Hollywood Studios, this is a unique place. At first, I was a little concerned in eating here, since it seems they serve ice cream with everything, and my son is anaphylactic to milk. But once you see the inside, you have to try it. It really feels like you are dining in an old drive in movie theater. The past few years, we were lucky enough to get to eat in a nice car too. And the chefs here really know how to handle food allergies.

When the chef came to our table, he made our waitress clean the table again, with a new clean towel so that there would be no cross contamination. As for food choices with food allergies, there is not much to choose from. It’s basically a hamburger. But since we hadn’t eaten any the whole trip, a hamburger actually sounded like a real treat! My husband opted for a loaded Picnic hamburger, complete with a hot dog and tons of other stuff on top! He said it was good, just a little too much (especially since we had Fast Passes for Rock-n-Roller coaster right after). I went for a burger too. It wasn’t the best burger in the world. But sitting in that car with my son, watching B movies while he ate a safe burger with fries and laughed at Donald running across the screen, it was all worth it.

But the best part…..when the chef came out and offered to make my son his first ever, store bought, milk free milk shake. He loved it, we loved it. Just make sure you have reservations. Even with reservations, we still had to wait almost an hour. Especially if it rains, this place gets packed quick.

As for advice on how to dine safely with food allergies, here are a few tips when planning and taking you vacation. We made Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) 180 days in advance, noting on the reservations that we had food allergies. We also contacted the Special Diets dept at Walt Disney World through email. We filled out all the forms and faxed back with the ADRs listed and the food allergies in detail. Once we arrived at the restaurant, we made sure the Hostess had a note we had food allergies and which one they were. When we were seated, we mentioned the food allergies to our server who went to get the chef. The chef went over what he could have and let Kevin, our son, decide what he wanted to eat. If we had questions on any product, they would bring us out the ingredient label. Also….the chef should be the one delivering the food allergy safe food, so that there is no cross contamination or mix up. The chef also came out periodically to check on us to make sure everything was ok.

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Having a child with dairy allergies, I would have never thought that Tony’s Town Square would be safe for him, since it is Italian after all. But after my husband and son convinced me to try it (they love The Lady and the Tramp), I gave in. Not to mention the location of the restaurant. It is right on the path for the nightly parades. So, if you find yourself eating there around parade time, ask for a table close to a window or on the patio. I love just looking at all the pictures lining the room. Seeing Lady and the Tramp share a bowl of pasta always makes me want to recreate that with my husband. But having an 8 year old cringing and covering his face kind of kills the mood. But the decor is so beautiful. Only in Disney can you have such themed restaurants.

As for the food, many have said they do not like it here. But we have always had a wonderful meal. In 2010, Kevin had the Grilled Salmon with spaghetti noodles, a safe roll, and apple slices for dessert. The following year, he again had the Grilled Salmon with spaghetti and sauce, green beans & carrots, and for dessert a fruit cup. My husband choose the Pollo Parmigiana, and said it was pretty tasty. I choose the catch of the day, which was Mahi Mahi, over Mushroom Risotto. Wow, no where but Disney can you get such wonderful risotto. But what I mostly love here is the desserts. Every time we eat here, there is something different. Although, my husband always gets the cheesecake, I love to try new things. This year I tried the Chocolate Hazelnut Cake. This was so rich and moist. I hope they have it the next time. Last year, I went for the Lemon Cake. Another winner! There is something about a tart, sweet piece of cake that satisfies the palette after a savory meal. And now, with the location of the Princess’s and Mickey next door, not to mention the complete re-do of the waiting and shopping area, this place is getting more and more crowded.

As for advice on how to dine safely with food allergies, here are a few tips when planning and taking you vacation. We made Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) 180 days in advance, noting on the reservations that we had food allergies. We also contacted the Special Diets dept at Disney World through email. We filled out all the forms and faxed back with the ADRs listed and the food allergies in detail. Once we arrived at the restaurant, we made sure the Hostess had a note we had food allergies and which one they were. When we were seated, we mentioned the food allergies to our server who went to get the chef. The chef went over what he could have and let Kevin, our son, decided what he wanted to eat. If we had questions on any product, they would bring us out the ingredient label. Also….the chef should be the one delivering the food allergy safe food, so that there is no cross contamination or mix up. The chef also came out periodically to check on us to make sure everything was ok.

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What a beautiful resort! That is what drove us to try this restaurant, because my husband has wanted to stay here since he first saw it. The restaurant is located right in the lobby of the Wilderness Lodge, and just waiting for a table is exciting. But this restaurant is like no other. The first time we dined here, I thought our waitress was slightly rude, only to find out that they just treat you like family!

What a great dinner, although a little loud. And be careful when eating at this restaurant with food allergic kids. There is a lot of people interaction. So, unless you want 10 kids standing around your table with 100 bottles of ketchup and sticky fingers, don’t ask for “KETCHUP”. Not only is there a lot of yelling, there are a lot of kids running around on wooden horses. The first few years, we were a little concerned about letting our severely food allergic kid race around a restaurant filled with “food bombs”, but also touching things that other kids had been touching after eating. But a few trips to the bathroom and a good scrubbing, he had a blast!

Last year, since we were eating there a few days before our 11th anniversary, they waitress presented us with 2 free glasses of champagne. She made us stand up, introduced us to the whole restaurant, lead them all in wishing us a happy anniversary, and then made us kiss. So this is not a restaurant for the shy, or those wanting to have a quiet meal. If you don’t mind the noise, I highly recommend it. My husband usually orders the Canyon Skillet. This is so much food — too much actually. I think they put everything from the kitchen on it! He’s always so full, he’s miserable. This year, he choose the Trout and left happy and full. I always go for the Pot Roast. It is fall-apart-good!

Kevin, our son, had the Grilled Mahi Mahi w/ green beans & french fries, and for dessert a fruit cup. It’s his favorite. The previous year, he had the same with mashed potatoes and a popsicle.

After dinner, don’t forget to walk around this lovely property. Outside, you will find an amazing pool, lots of streams and a geyser that goes off periodically. You can also catch a boat over to the Magic Kingdom. What a great way to end a wonderful meal!

As for advice on how to dine safely with food allergies, here are a few tips when planning and taking you vacation. We made Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) 180 days in advance, noting on the reservations that we had food allergies. We also contacted the Special Diets department at Disney World through email. We filled out all the forms and faxed back with the ADRs listed and the food allergies in detail. Once we arrived at the restaurant, we made sure the Hostess had a note we had food allergies and which one they were. When we were seated, we mentioned the food allergies to our server who went to get the chef. The chef went over what he could have and let Kevin, our son, decided what he wanted to eat. If we had questions on any product, they would bring us out the ingredient label. Also….the chef should be the one delivering the food allergy safe food, so that there is no cross contamination or mix up. The chef also came out periodically to check on us to make sure everything was ok.

Whispering Canyon Cafe – breakfast menu

Whispering Canyon Cafe – breakfast kids menu

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Coral Reef is such an interesting place to dine out. What first drew us to it was the location. Since it is right next to the Nemo ride, and having a 5 year old at the time, we were constantly on they ride and we had to try it. There were some mixed reviews on the food, but we have found it to be a great place for some wonderful seafood. The main attraction is not the food, however. It is the huge aquarium that takes up the whole wall of the restaurant. The layout of the dining room is wonderful. With different levels on which to eat, there is not a bad view of the aquarium. This last trip, we were able to request a table next to the water. This really kept our son occupied while my husband and I could talk.

The hostess presented our son with a “fish finder” card so he could locate and identify all types of fish. Of course, this also lead to him looking for the fish he just ate, wondering if they just got it out of the tank! He had the Grilled Salmon with rice,green beans and carrots. For dessert he had milk free vanilla ice cream with safe chocolate sauce and sprinkles.

It is a very relaxing atmosphere. As for non-food allergy food, I highly recommend the Seared Corvina Fish over Mushroom Risotto. My husband always raves about the Lobster Ravioli and Scallops. Ohhhh, what a wonderful dinner that was.

As for advice on how to dine safely with food allergies, here are a few tips when planning and taking you vacation. We made Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) 180 days in advance, noting on the reservations that we had food allergies. We also contacted the Special Diets dept at WDW through email. We filled out all the forms and faxed back with the (ADRs) listed and the food allergies in detail. Once we arrived at the restaurant, we made sure the Hostess had a note we had food allergies and which one they were. When we were seated, we mentioned the food allergies to our server who went to get the chef. The chef went over what he could have and let Kevin, our son, decided what he wanted to eat. If we had questions on any product, they would bring us out the ingredient label. Also, the chef should deliver the food allergy safe food, so that there is no cross contamination or mix up. The chef also came out periodically to check on us to make sure everything was ok.

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Flame Tree is a nice place to get a great bite of BBQ and sit in the shade for a while. I’ve never had a bad meal here. The BBQ sandwiches are huge, but I don’t believe are allergy safe. My son just loved the chicken legs though. He kept saying how juicy they were. And their sauce…..WOW! Not too sweet, not too spicy, just right. Kevin also had carrots with his chicken, and grapes for dessert.

There is usually a crowd right around “feeding” time, so try to hit this spot on an off hour. The covered eating area fills up quick too, and few people may be there just to escape the heat. Not to mention the birds too. Be prepared as you are dining, there are tons of birds walking around your feet looking for a handout. Some may even hop up on the chair or table! But the area still remains clean. You see Cast Members constantly cleaning the area. And the restaurant staff really keeps the food moving, so there is no long wait. I just hope that in the future, Disney will decide to add some alternate choices for dessert. It seems I get burnt out on those little chocolate cakes pretty fast, since every counter service offers them.

As for advice on how to dine safely with food allergies, here are a few tips when planning and taking you vacation. Dining at a counter service requires no ADRs (Advanced Dining Reservations), so first thing is to speak to a manager. Explain what allergies you are dealing with and they will show you their Food Allergy Binder. It lists all the products including the ingredients. The manager will personally prepare the food and deliver it to you.

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Le Cellier is that place were everyone talks about their great steaks and creamy cheese soup.  We love eating here because this is one of the few places where our son can actually order a steak.  So many table service restaurants have hamburgers or chicken fingers on the kids menu.  But not this place.  Not only is the restaurant tucked into a nice corner area with beautiful gardens, the feeling that you are actually in Canada is so relaxing.  You walk down such a nice path, you feel like you are leaving the crowds of Epcot behind you.  There is also a KidCot Station to the right of the restaurant.  This was a nice way to kill the time as we waited on our reservation.  Even though we always make a reservation here, we always have to wait too.

As for the food, I can’t say enough about the steak.  I always go for Filet.  So tender, you can cut it with a fork.  As for my son’s meal, it was wonderful.  Now, we have had a few incidents in the past visits, but nothing that wouldn’t keep us from coming back.  The first problem was when they were bringing my son out an allergy free roll.  The waitress delivered it to the table, which usually doesn’t happen due to cross contamination issues, but we shrugged our shoulders.  As she was handing me the plate, I noticed there was butter on the plate also.  I asked if it was milk free, and she froze.  She quickly took the plate back to the kitchen and returned with the butter gone.  Now, not knowing if she put the roll on another clean plate, or just simply removed the butter off this one, we were not going to take the chance. So our son did not eat that roll.  Better safe than sorry, right?

The second incident involved dessert.  This was on our last trip.  When the waitress noted that our son’s birthday was just a few days away, she presented him a milk free ice cream sundae, sitting on a plate decorated in chocolate that read “Happy Birthday” and some hearts.  Now, while this is great and festive, I couldn’t help but wonder if this was milk free chocolate.  I chipped a piece of chocolate off and it was MILK chocolate.  Thankfully, the safe food was sitting in a bowl and wasn’t touching the milk.  We also tasted the ice cream to make sure it was indeed milk free, and it was.   I was just a little shocked, as Canada seems to be a leader in food allergy awareness.  But again, these 2 problems didn’t occur with the chef, but with the waitressing staff.

So, would we eat here again?  Most definitely!  Just always keep your eyes open and go with your gut.  And now that it is a 2 credit Table Service restaurant, we eat here at lunch and save a credit.  Same food, just smaller portions….which is fine with my waist line.

As for advice on how to dine safely with food allergies, here are a few tips when planning and taking you vacation.  We made ADR’s 180 days in advance, noting on the reservations that we had food allergies.  We also contacted the Special Diets dept at WDW through email.  We filled out all the forms and faxed back with the ADR’s listed and the food allergies in detail.  Once we arrived at the restaurant, we made sure the Hostess had a note that we had food allergies and which ones they were.  When we were seated, we mentioned the food allergies to our server who went to get the chef.  The chef went over what he could have and let Kevin, our son, decided what he wanted to eat.  If we had questions on any product, they would bring us the ingredient label.  Also….the chef should be the one delivering the food allergy safe food, so that there is no cross contamination or mix up.  The chef also came out periodically to check on us to make sure everything was ok.

In 2010, Kevin had the grilled steak with a safe roll, french fries and fruit salad, and for dessert a cup of milk free ice cream, chocolate syrup and sprinkles. Thanks to Chef Sergio for taking great care in preparing his food. In 2011, he also had the grilled steak, this time with french fries and apple slices with brown sugar, and for dessert a cup of milk free ice cream, chocolate syrup and sprinkles.

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