Rainforest Cafe
The Rainforest Cafe is located at the far end of Downtown Disney Marketplace and serves "American" cuisine for lunch and dinner. The "walk-up" wait time may be over an hour, therefore reservations are recommended at (407) 827-8500. A parrot show usually takes place through out the day on the outside of the restaurant as people are waiting to be called for their meal. The decor is a unique rainforest adventure theme that includes rain storms, elephants, snakes and animal legs for their bar stools. There are incredibly massive fish tanks with very unusual tropical fish illuminated with black lighting. The gift shop has an unusual collection of "save the rainforest" t-shirts and gifts. It's truly a sensory overload of sounds and sights.
After you are seated, inform the waiter that you have a food allergy and you would like to speak to the chef. The chef usually comes out within a couple minutes and will discuss the dishes that are gluten free. Chicken or fish are always good selections there, but I highly recommend the "Mojo Bones" with mashed potatoes. Rainforest Cafe just recently modified their Mojo Bone recipe again to ensure that the sauce is gluten free.
Have fun!
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| Ghirardelli
Do I need to say more? There are two sections to the Ghirardelli Downtown Disney building: the Chocolate Shop and the Ice Cream Soda Fountain Shop. Once inside, ask for the manager and communicate your gluten free requirements. There is an official gluten free list that is kept in their back office. The staff is extremely helpful and the manager is knowledgeable about food allergies.
Their new peanut butter square was being promoted while we were there. (By the way, their peanut products do not come from Peanut Corporation of America.) Most of their chocolate is gluten free with the exception of the "crisps". Most of their ice cream is gluten free except for the obvious ones... cookie dough, cheesecake... etc. Make sure you ask for the manager and the latest gluten free list.
I contacted their customer service via email and this was their response... "In June 2008, the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company started production of a new milk chocolate bar, Milk Chocolate Luxe with Crisps, which has a product containing barley malt as an ingredient. As a result, the line on which our chocolate bars and squares are produced, will now share a common line with barley gluten. The chocolate chips (60% Bittersweet, Semi-Sweet, and Milk Chocolate) line and powder line (hot chocolates and baking cocoas) will remain free of gluten ingredients. Ghirardelli takes the following measures to reduce cross contamination on our production lines: lines are cleaned between the changing from one product to the next. The first two batches of any product made are disposed of and not packaged. "
Enjoy your delicious treats!
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Fulton's Crab House
Fulton's Crab House (407-934-2628) is located in a unique turn of the century riverboat on Lake Buena Vista in Downtown Disney. It offers an amazing variety of fresh seafood that will tempt anyone's taste buds. A delicious filet mignon can also be added to create your own surf and turf.
Chef Ron Cope is extremely knowledgeable about Celiac Disease and other allergies. He has modified his marinades and sauces to include corn starch as the thickener instead of flour. About 80% of their menu is now gluten free and the rest of the menu can be altered most of the time to accommodate your needs. Chef Cope was extremely willing to go through each menu item with me and discuss the ingredients and preparation procedures. He requests that you tell the waiter that you would like to speak to the Chef and he will come out to discuss our dietary needs. He also expressed his concern for children to feel comfortable with their food allergy and have a positive dining experience with his restaurant.
Fabulous food and environment!
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| T-REX Cafe
The T-REX Cafe is also owned by Landry's (the owner of Rainforest Cafe). It has a similar restaurant set-up and feel to Rainforest with the dining area and shopping area. The decor is bright and colorful with the "T-REX" dinosaur theme.
The manager and chef are knowledgeable about their gluten free options and the staff is very helpful. The rotisserie chicken is a popular choice and is also gluten free. They may also require a reservation prior to arrival.
No bones about it, gluten free and entertaining!
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