Backlot Express - Disney's Hollywood Studios

On the last day of our trip to Disney World earlier this month, we had lunch at Backlot Express, a quick service restaurant at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

I mobile ordered our meal in the My Disney Experience app. If you do not see allergy-friendly options listed, click on "See All Categories" or keep scrolling to check for allergy-friendly choices. You can not mobile order if you have more than one food restriction, and not all quick service restaurants at Disney World have allergy-friendly options available for mobile order in the app. In the theme parks, you should be able to mobile order gluten free options at most quick service restaurants, but at the resorts, plan on talking to a manager or a chef. Talking to a manager is always an option at the theme parks. Just speak to the cast member guarding the door, and yes, cast members are literally guarding the doors to quick service restaurants during the pandemic. They want to make sure people do not enter restaurants until their food is ready, but I was allowed to enter restaurants when I needed to speak to a manager or chef before placing my order.

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo - Disney's Hollywood Studios

On our recent trip to Disney World, I went to Disney's Hollywood Studios on the day it reopened with my daughters and my nieces.

We decided to have lunch at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, a quick service restaurant in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano - Disney's Hollywood Studios

In July, we had lunch at Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano in Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Mama Melrose's has always been our favorite table service restaurant at Hollywood Studios.

Woody's Lunch Box - Disney's Hollywood Studios

In July, we had a chance to visit Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Because we stayed at Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Bay Lake Tower, we were able to take advantage of the Extra Magic Hour that was being offered every morning from 7:00 to 8:00 am.

Sunset Ranch Market - Disney's Hollywood Studios

After having dinner at Boatwright's last night, we headed to Disney's Hollywood Studios to see the new Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular.  The fireworks were amazing, and the fact that all the music was from Star Wars has made this my new favorite fireworks show at Walt Disney World.

Before the fireworks started, we stopped at Sunset Ranch Market on Sunset Boulevard to get something to drink.  While we were there, I asked to see their allergy-friendly menu.

50's Prime Time Café - Disney's Hollywood Studios

Last Saturday, we had dinner at 50's Prime Time Cafe in Disney's Hollywood Studios.

50's Prime Time Cafe, a table service restaurant, serves up classic American comfort food, and is themed like Mom's kitchen, so your server treats you like family, and you better mind your manners, or you could be in for a scolding.  We were seated at a TV table, so we were able to watch black-and-white clips from popular TV shows from the mid-1950's.

Backlot Express - Disney's Hollywood Studios

Yesterday, we headed to Hollywood Studios to immerse ourselves in everything Star Wars.  We rode Star Tours twice, so we could experience some of the new adventures inspired by Star Wars: The Force Awakens.  We also checked out "Star Wars: Path of the Jedi" and the Star Wars Launch Bay, where Disney Visa cardmembers can feel the power of the force at a private Star Wars Imperial Meet 'N" Greet.

The Backlot Express, a quick service restaurant at Disney's Hollywood Studios, recently updated their menu with Star Wars themed food options, so we headed there for lunch.

Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano - Disney's Hollywood Studios

Yesterday, we had dinner at Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

On our yearly trip to Disney World, before we moved to Orlando, Mama Melrose's was our table service restaurant of choice when we went to Hollywood Studios.

Backlot Express - Hollywood Studios

Yesterday, I stopped at the Backlot Express, a quick service restaurant in Disney's Hollywood Studios, to check out their allergy-friendly menu.

You can read a review of my last dining experience at the Backlot Express here.

Studio Catering Co. - Disney's Hollywood Studios

Studio Catering Co. will be closing April 2, 2016 for construction of the new Toy Story and Star Wars Lands.  

Earlier today, I stopped at the Studio Catering Co., a quick service restaurant in Disney's Hollywood Studios.

I have been wanting to dine there, but we decided to eat at the ABC Commissary, because it was 90 degrees, and Studio Catering Co. only has outdoor seating.  There were fans circulating the air, but I wanted some air conditioning.

Pizza Planet - Disney's Hollywood Studios

Pizza Planet, a quick service restaurant at Disney's Hollywood Studios, has a new allergy-friendly menu.

Rebel Hangar: A Star Wars Lounge Experience - Disney's Hollywood Studios

Last night, we had dinner at the Rebel Hanger: A Star Wars Lounge Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios.  

The Rebel Hanger, which opens daily at 4 p.m., is set up inside the Backlot Express, a quick service restaurant located next to Star Tours.

Hollywood Studios Caramel Popcorn

Yesterday, I purchased some caramel popcorn at Disney's Hollywood Studios after having dinner at The Hollywood Brown Derby.  We ended up bringing it home, because we had already eaten plenty of food last night.

I have previously written a blog post about Disney Popcorn, which is gluten free, dairy free, and vegan.

The caramel popcorn at Hollywood Studios contains popcorn, brown sugar, water, corn syrup, baking soda, and vanilla, making it gluten free and dairy free as well.  The page I looked at in the ingredients binder had no allergy warnings for the caramel popcorn.  

We got to bring our popcorn home in this cute little souvenir bucket.  Hollywood Studios has several popcorn stands that sell the caramel popcorn, three of which can be found right around Mickey's sorcerer's hat.  

As far as taste goes, it reminds me of Cracker Jack.  It was good, but I prefer kettle corn to caramel corn, because it isn't as sweet, and I love the combination of salty and sweet.  

Have you tried the caramel popcorn at Hollywood Studios?  

ABC Commissary - Disney's Hollywood Studios

Yesterday, we had a lunch at the ABC Commissary at Disney's Hollywood Studios.  Because of a terrible meal we had there probably 10 years ago, we did not dine at the ABC Commissary for a long time, but the food has improved significantly, and we all enjoyed our lunch.  

The ABC Commissary, a quick service restaurant, has seven different gluten free entrees to choose from.  

I ordered my favorite gluten free chicken tenders and french fries.  The chicken tenders are not only gluten free, but they are also free of dairy, soy, and egg.  My friend Sarah from Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free at WDW has a list of allergy friendly chicken tenders locations on her blog.  You can view it here.   

This is probably the third time I have ordered this meal at the ABC Commissary, and the fries and chicken are always cooked perfectly.  

As far as gluten free treats go, the ABC Commissary has Enjoy Life Chocolate Chip Cookies and OMG...It's Gluten Free Fudge Brownies.  We just had one of the amazing OMG brownies last weekend, so I ordered a package of the crunchy chocolate chip cookies to share with my family.  The cookies are free of gluten, wheat, dairy, casein, egg, soy, peanuts/tree nuts, sulphites, sesame, fish, shellfish, and potato.  They are not my favorite gluten free chocolate chip cookies, but everyone seemed to enjoy them.  

The theming of the ABC Commissary is Art Deco, featuring film and TV posters from the past and present.  

My daughter Emma tried to block me from taking a picture of one of the many palm trees scattered throughout the restaurant.  For some reason, people kept walking by and shaking this tree, and I could just imagine all the dust flying around in the air because of that.  

November 4, 2015 Update

The allergy-friendly menu for the ABC Commissary lists the following gluten free options:

Entrees - chicken club sandwich, 1/3 lb fresh Angus bacon cheeseburger, 1/3 lb fresh Angus cheeseburger, or chicken tenders served with apple slices, steamed broccoli, or french fries; Asian salad served with chicken or salmon, cabbage, carrots, edamame beans, oil and vinegar dressing; 6 oz strip steak served with steamed broccoli and french fries; roasted salmon served with steamed broccoli and french fries

Kids' Meals (include choice of small lowfat milk or small Dasani water) - cheeseburger or chicken tenders served with carrot sticks and applesauce (french fries available upon request)

Desserts - brownie, chocolate chip cookie, chocolate mousse

Earlier this week, I had the roasted salmon with steamed broccoli and french fries for lunch.  Everything was cooked perfectly, and the salmon tasted fresh, but I had to add a little salt to the salmon and broccoli, because they were underseasoned for my taste.  Overall, I enjoyed my meal, and would order it again.

The last time I visited the ABC Commissary, I tried the chocolate mousse, which my whole family enjoyed.  It is nice to have a gluten free dessert options beyond the allergy-friendly brownies and chocolate chip cookies at a quick service restaurant.

You can read more about the ABC Commissary, and view their menu and hours on Disney's website here.

What are your favorite gluten free dishes at the ABC Commissary?

The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney's Hollywood Studios

May is Celiac Awareness month, and my goal is 31 blog posts in the next 31 days.  My first one has been a "draft" for way too long.

A couple of months ago, we decided to go to The Hollywood Brown Derby for lunch. We were spending the morning at Hollywood Studios, and I wanted to try the Cobb Salad.

The chef I spoke to made sure that I was brought GNI gluten free rolls.

I love the salted butter at the Brown Derby.

"Our Famous Cobb Salad" is described as finely chopped greens, turkey breast, bacon, egg, tomatoes, crumbled blue cheese, avocado, chives, and cobb dressing.  I asked for the chives to be left off, and substituted feta for the blue cheese.

Here's what my salad looked like once it was all mixed up.  The Cobb Salad is available in an appetizer or entree portion.  I really enjoyed it, and would definitely order it again, especially for lunch.  

My family has been eating at The Hollywood Brown Derby since it first opened.  It has always been one of my parents' favorite restaurants at Disney.  There are plenty of gluten free options, and I always enjoy my food, but the service is extremely slow.  The pork dish in the picture is the Sterling Silver Pork Chop with smoked gouda and heirloom apple slaw, served over potato hash with bacon, Napa cabbage, sweet peppers, and a cider jus.  It was a favorite of mine, but it is no longer on the menu.  For dessert, they have a double vanilla bean creme brulee, and in the past, have offered me a gluten free flourless chocolate cake, which is very good.

November 9, 2014 Update

Last night, my daughters and I dined at The Hollywood Brown Derby with my best friend and her daughters.  We decided to split two entrees, and share a dessert.  This was plenty of food for us, because we all had a decent amount of bread to start our meal.  The Brown Derby is still serving GNI gluten free rolls, which were heated well last night. 

Everyone was excited to try the Scotch maple-glazed Loch Duart Salmon over golden lentils, applewood-smoked bacon and green onions.  We had the fennel and citrus salad served on the side, because I wasn't sure we would like the licorice taste of the fennel.  I was a little shocked when I saw the dish, because it lacked the beautiful presentation you usually see in Signature Dining restaurants, which of course was partly our fault, because we asked for the salad on the side.  The salmon pieces looked small and overcooked, but they were so good, I was a little sad I had to share them.  My girls and I really enjoyed the lentils as well. 

The fennel salad was actually pretty tasty, and only had the slightest hint of a licorice taste.  

For our second entree, we chose the Ashley Farms free-range breast of chicken served over house-made spiced chorizo, yellow plantain hash, and an avocado and heirloom tomato puree.  The hash was the star of the dish for me, so I was thankful my daughters had no interest in eating it.  The flavors on this plate were amazing, but sadly, my chicken was overcooked, which I could tell from just looking at it.  If the chicken hadn't been a little dry, this entree would have been perfect. 

For dessert, we ordered The Hollywood Brown Derby Dessert Trio with the three gluten free mini desserts.  The amaretto flan with Opalys white chocolate whip was the best dessert out of the three, and is worthy of being on my list of best gluten free Disney desserts.  The caramel custard with passion fruit glace was good, but not good enough for me to order again.  I would have enjoyed it more with a different kind of fruit glace, because I have never been a fan of passion fruit.  Oddly enough, my least favorite dessert was the double vanilla bean creme brulee.  It had such an odd taste, kind of coconutty, that I couldn't enjoy it.  Now if you ask my daughters, they would tell you that the creme brulee was their favorite dessert of the night. 

As usual, the service was incredibly slow, which is hard when you are sitting in the middle of a theme park, and dining with children.  We are usually in and out of restaurants in less than an hour, but our dining experience took two hours last night. 

The Brown Derby has an extensive gluten free menu, which can change seasonally.  

The current gluten free menu for The Hollywood Brown Derby lists the following options:

Appetizers:

• Butternut squash bisque with duck confit, sour cherry compote, and a spiced creme fraiche
• Artisanal cheeses with house-made pickles, spiced pecans, and an apple-mustard marmalade
• Pan-seared scallop and crispy pork belly over wilted swiss chard and a celery root puree with a raspberry quince gastrique
• Local greens tossed in a champagne vinaigrette, Heirloom apples, drunken goat cheese, and spiced candied pecans
• Our Famous Cobb Salad with finely chopped greens, turkey breast, bacon, egg, tomatoes, crumbled blue cheese, avocado, chives, and cobb dressing (appetizer and entree portion available)

Entrees:

• Pan-seared porcini powder-dusted pork tenderloin over shiitake mushroom-drunken goat cheese grits with a Cabernet reduction and a Forelle pear marmalade
• Scotch maple-glazed Loch Duart salmon over golden lentils, applewood-smoked bacon, and English peas topped with a fennel and citrus salad
• Venison osso buco with onion jam over roasted seasonal harvest root vegetables and a natural pan sauce
• Noodle bowl with wok-fried coconut tofu, soy beans, sugar snap peas, bok choy, and shiitake mushrooms in a red curry broth 
• Pan-seared black grouper over a Calabaza andouille hash with a amaretto-sage beurre blanc and cranberry compote
• Ashley Farms free-range breast of chicken served over house-made spiced chorizo, yellow plantain hash, and an avocado and heirloom tomato puree
• Charred-glazed filet of beef with a red wine reduction, topped with a Cabernet and roasted shallot butter over white truffle oil-wild forest mushroom mashed potatoes, and sauteed haricot verts

You can view The Hollywood Brown Derby's menu, and make advance dining reservations on Disney's website here.

What are your favorite gluten free dishes at The Hollywood Brown Derby?

50's Prime Time Café - Disney's Hollywood Studios

This blog post has been a long time coming!  Yesterday, we spent the day at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and I finally remembered to take some pictures of 50's Prime Time Cafe.  

I don't think we have eaten there since I started my blog, but this restaurant is a favorite of mine at Hollywood Studios.  

50's Prime Time Cafe serves classic American comfort food like pot roast, meatloaf, chicken pot pie, and fried chicken.  

The 50's decor is definitely a blast from the past, and the servers always make it such a fun experience.  Be sure to mind your manners and keep your elbow off the table!  

You may be chastised for having your cell phone out, but you are allowed to watch TV while you dine.  The black-and-white television clips are from popular shows from the 1950's.  

I think I first learned about the gluten free fried chicken at 50s Prime Time Cafe from my friend Sarah's blog, Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free at WDW.  The first time I ate it, it was like a little taste of heaven!  The fried chicken was perfectly crispy, and seasoned just right.  I loved it so much, I dragged my family back two more times within a couple of months last year.

The fried chicken is usually served with garlic mashed potatoes and collard greens with bacon, but one time I dared to order chicken and french fries.  I will definitely never do that again, because there is only so much fried food I can eat in one sitting, and I really like the mashed potatoes.

If you are interested in having the gluten free fried chicken at 50's Prime Time Cafe, you should probably email special diets at special.diets@disneyworld.com at least 14 days in advance to let them know that you would like to order the chicken.  It takes a while to prepare, and advance notice gives the chefs time to make sure all the ingredients are on hand.

I have been able to order the fried chicken three times without contacting special diets, twice with no notice, and once I stopped in an hour before our reservation to request the fried chicken, but others have not been so lucky.  Some of my blog readers have been told by the chefs at 50's Prime Time Cafe that plenty of advance notice is needed to order gluten free fried chicken, others have recently given an hour or several hours notice, while some readers have given no notice and been able to get the chicken.  Even if you contacted special diets ahead of time, it's a good idea to stop in at the restaurant at least an hour before your reservation to give the chefs a heads up that you want to order the fried chicken.

August 18, 2015 Update

50's Prime Time Cafe recently adopted an allergy-friendly menu.  Gluten free options include:

• Appetizers - Grandpa's crab cake, Cousin Amy's iceberg lettuce wedge
• Entrees - Dad's stuffed pork chop, chicken caesar salad, Mom's meatless meatballs over spaghetti and basil marinara sauce, Cousin Amy's traditional meatloaf, chicken pot pie
• Desserts - S'mores, Chef's special chocolate brownie with ice cream

Gluten free options on the kids' menu include:

• Appetizers - garden salad, vegetable platter
• Mickey Check Meals - Goofy's salmon served with mashed potatoes, green beans, and carrots; Mom's meatless meatballs over spaghetti and basil marinara sauce; Grandpa's crispy baked chicken served with mashed potatoes, green beans, and carrots
• Entrees - Mickey's chicken pot pie
• Dessert - Fruit salad, Jr Chef's special chocolate brownie with ice cream, yogurt parfait

Fried chicken is not listed as a gluten free option on the new allergy-friendly menu, but I have heard that the chefs are still making it.  Try and give them notice that you would like to order it by contacting special diets or by stopping in at the restaurant at least an hour before you plan to dine.

A big thank you to blog reader Lori for sending me pictures of 50's Prime Time Cafe's new allergy-friendly menu.

You can view 50's Prime Time Cafe's menu,  and make advance dining reservations on Disney's website here.

What are your favorite gluten free dishes at 50's Prime Time Cafe?