Thursday, January 7, 2016

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.



We stopped at 50's Prime Time Cafe about two hours before our advance dining reservation so I could check out their allergy-friendly menu, and ask about the fried chicken, which is not listed as a gluten free option.  The cast member I spoke to was super helpful.  She told me that they can make Aunt Liz's golden fried chicken gluten free, as long as they get 45 minutes notice, so they have time to heat up the fryer.  She found my reservation, and wrote a note to take back to the chef.


50's Prime Time Cafe has two gluten free appetizers - Grandpa's crab cake, and Cousin Amy's iceberg lettuce wedge.


Entrees listed as gluten/wheat friendly include Dad's stuffed pork chop, chicken Caesar salad, Mom's meatless meatballs, Cousin Ann's traditional meatloaf, and chicken pot pie.


Dessert options include s'mores, Chef's special chocolate brownie, and I was told that all of their milkshakes are gluten free.


On the kids' menu, dishes listed as gluten/wheat friendly include the garden salad, vegetable platter, Goofy's salmon, mom's meatless meatballs, grandpa's crispy baked chicken, Mickey's chicken pot pie, fruit salad, JR Chef's special chocolate brownie, and the yogurt parfait.


When we were seated, I told our server that I had pre-ordered the gluten free fried chicken, so she went back to the kitchen to double check that the chef had gotten my request.  On the allergy-friendly menu, the fried chicken is listed as being served with roasted potatoes and a seasonal vegetable, but I asked if I could have the roasted garlic mashed potatoes and green beans instead, which are listed as safe sides with other entrees.


It has been over two years since we have dined at 50's Prime Time Cafe, so maybe my memory is faulty, but I thought the gluten free fried chicken tasted different.  It was good, but not as good as I remembered.  I also thought the mashed potatoes tasted a little strange, like they might be using instant mashed potatoes.  I think the next time I get a craving for fried chicken, I will head over to Boatwright's at Disney's Port Orleans Resort.


When I asked for dessert recommendations on my Facebook page, the s'mores were the most recommended dessert, followed by dad's brownie sundae and milkshakes.  Having had a brownie at Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show two days before, I ruled that out.  Our server recommended the peanut butter and jelly milkshake made with chocolate ice cream, which is what I ended up choosing, minus the jelly.  It was very good, but I would have enjoyed it so much more with some whipped cream and cherries on top.  I am spoiled by the amazing milkshakes that Chef Ken makes me at The Plaza Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom.


My whole family enjoyed their dinners at 50's Prime Time Cafe, but for table service at Hollywood Studios, we prefer Mama Melrose's.  My gluten-eating husband and daughters split a Caesar salad with chicken, and an order of fried chicken.  After dinner, we went to see the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights one last time.  I am very sad to see them go, because my favorite Christmas tradition since we moved to Orlando 7 1/2 years ago, has been going to see the Osborne lights at least twice.

You can read more about 50's Prime Time Cafe, view their menus and hours, and make advance dining reservations on Disney's website here.

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

2 comments:

  1. We didn't make it back to the Prime Time Cafe this time, but when we went last year, I had the chicken pot pie and split the brownie for dessert - both were really good! My kids LOVED the atmosphere of the place too, definitely made some good memories there. :) I'm so glad we were able to see the Osbourne Lights twice this trip, it took my breath away when the lights were turned on. AMAZING!

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    1. Jeanine - I have heard the chicken pot pie is great, but I am always tempted by the fried chciken! :-) Will have to go with your recommendations next time. So glad you got to see the Osborne lights. They are amazing, and I cannot imagine Christmas without them next year. :-(

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