Lunchtime at ABC Commissary in Disney's Hollywood Studios

by Gaylin 

In previous vacations, when I have been at Hollywood Studios, I have had a difficult time finding an allergy safe quick service meal to have for lunch. The choices there were always sandwich or burger type meals, nothing I could eat. I was happy this time to give ABC Commissary another try.

I was please to see the New York Strip Steak meal on the menu. While this was not the best steak I have ever had, it was a safe meal and wow, real vegetables!

The wild raspberry lemonade was a refreshing drink, a bit sweet but good flavour. The chocolate mousse was pretty much the same mousse you find at a lot of quick service restaurants all over property but at least it didn't have a 1/4 inch of overly sweet chocolate syrup on top.

There is also a salmon meal on the menu, just ask for no cous-cous to make it gluten free. I will try it next trip.

The Disney Exchange- Episode 13 Show Notes: Living With Food Allergies in Walt Disney World

By Nick

Podcast: Play in new window | Download 

 -Main Topic- Living With Food Allergies in Walt Disney World 

-The Disney Exchange is Lisa Green, David Hodges, and me, Nicholas Maglio

-This week we are happy to welcome our special guest host Heather Brainerd to the show.

-Heather discusses her son’s recent diagnosis of Celiac Disease, which is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.

-We discuss other allergies and resources to help plan for dining at Walt Disney World with a special diet such as Gluten Free and Dairy Free at WDW, as well as the Walt Disney World main site’s information.

-We talk about the differences in table and counter service and the various protocols for dealing with food allergies or dietary restrictions, as well as the Animal Kingdom’s Gluten Free kiosk, and an interesting response from Disney at her suggestion at putting one in each park.



Gluten free chicken and potatoes at Akershus, Epcot’s Norway Pavilion



Ribs at Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Flame Tree BBQ

Photos: Heather Brainerd

-Gluten free snacks are discussed. I discover I’m the only big fan of the Dole Whip, although Heather’s reason she isn’t is rather surprising! Dave continues the shocks with saying he isn’t a fan of Disney Popcorn.

-We then hit the high seas and talk about the Disney Cruise Line and how they deal with food allergies as well as strategies for going ashore, and the lengths they will go to in order to provide top notch customer service even on Castaway Cay.


Gluten free pizza on the Disney Wonder
Photo: Heather

-We realize we need to add some Gluten Free options to our Craft Services Tent and Green Room.

-This week on the Wheel of Distiny: Favorite Walt Disney World attraction with no height requirements

Thank you again to our special guest, Heather Brainerd, and as always, thank you for listening to The Disney Exchange

Heather can be found at her Blog: https://disneyforfive.wordpress.com/ as well as her Facebook author page : https://www.facebook.com/BrainerdFraser and on Twitter : https://twitter.com/hfbrainerd

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New Favourite!

by Gaylin

On my last vacation, I did my best to try some new foods, it is easy to keep going back to the places I like, whether for a snack or a full meal. I know what I love and I miss it in between vacations but it was time to try a new treat.

On my departure day, I didn't have to get on the Magical Express until 2:30 so I got up bright and early and checked my carry-on with baggage services and headed to Downtown Disney. A great idea, except I had gotten up too early and got downtown before anything opened. I wandered around and took lots of photos and generally said goodbye to my happy place.

When I realized I was a bit hungry I headed over to Cooke's of Dublin. I had read a review and found out that the fryer they used for their chips (french fries) are dedicated to cooking up just the fries. That meant I could have them without worrying about food allergy cross contamination!

On the menu is a treat that has lots of good reviews and a few raves. I had the Garlic and Parmesan Skinny Chips. Again, since I was hungry early (about 11:00 a.m.) I was actually the first person in the shop. I had a nice sit down while it was quiet and waited for my chips to come out - first batch of the day!

And here are my chips! Exactly as advertised, thin, crispy, not overwhelmingly garlicky and while I would have liked more parmesan, there was enough to make me happy. What can I say, I have found a new favourite!