The Gluten Free Restaurants We Tried in Chicago

Hi Friends!

Planning a gluten-free trip to Chicago? Discover the best gluten-free restaurants, coffee shops, pizza, sushi, and drinks from my 5-day visit.

I completely understand that planning a trip with also having a gluten allergy can be a little overwhelming, especially if you are traveling with others who don’t have an allergy. Most of the time people defer to you to pick the restaurants and that can be a lot of pressure! So before our recent trip to Chicago, I spent like hours researching restaurants on Find Me Gluten Free, scrolling through TikTok, and asking friends/family for recommendations on spots to try in Chicago! I wanted to make sure we had plenty of options before we arrived, especially since I never want food allergies to get in the way of enjoying a trip! Pretty much every restaurant that we found and went to had a great understanding of food allergies and was happy to answer questions or make accommodations which was nice! Some places had more gluten free options than others but I never felt like ordering food that was gluten free was a hassle! If you are planning a trip to Chicago soon, here is everywhere we ate, what I ate and my thoughts on the food as well as a list of places that are already on our list for our next visit!

Where to Eat Gluten Free in Chicago:

Breakfast

Starbucks - I'll be honest we were constantly rushing out the door every morning to get to where we needed to be and because we had so much planned each day, breakfast usually meant stopping at Starbucks before heading to our first activity. Since I already know the egg bites are a safe gluten free option, that's what I ordered almost every morning! Was it the most exciting breakfast? Not really. But sometimes when you're traveling, sticking with something familiar makes life so much easier. Next summer we're planning another trip to Chicago, and one thing I've already decided is that breakfast is going to be much more of a priority because there were so many cafés I wanted to try!

Hero Coffee Roasters - I was so happy that we stopped here on the last morning in Chicago; it was my favorite coffee stop of the trip! The coffee was delicious, and although I only grabbed a drink, they did offer a gluten-free oatmeal option. Everyone else in our group ordered bagels and absolutely loved them. It was the perfect stop to grab a coffee before starting our day!

Breakfast Spots Still on My List

Even though we didn't make it to these restaurants this trip, they're already saved for next summer!

  • Bru Chicago - This spot is known for both sweet and savory crepes.

    • 📍180 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

  • Meli Cafe - This is a sit down breakfast and brunch spot that looks so good!

    • 📍500 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605

Planning a gluten-free trip to Chicago? Discover the best gluten-free restaurants, coffee shops, pizza, sushi, and drinks from my 5-day visit.
Planning a gluten-free trip to Chicago? Discover the best gluten-free restaurants, coffee shops, pizza, sushi, and drinks from my 5-day visit.

Lunch

Burger Bar Chicago - The Burger Bar was one of my favorite restaurants because it checked every box. The food was delicious, it was conveniently located near where we were staying, and the staff was fantastic about my gluten allergy. I got a build your own burger both times with French fries and it was a 10/10! We loved it so much that we actually ate here twice during our trip. Finding a restaurant that you trust while traveling is always a huge win, and Burger Bar became one of those places for us!

Planning a gluten-free trip to Chicago? Discover the best gluten-free restaurants, coffee shops, pizza, sushi, and drinks from my 5-day visit.
Planning a gluten-free trip to Chicago? Discover the best gluten-free restaurants, coffee shops, pizza, sushi, and drinks from my 5-day visit.

The Patio at Cafe Brauer - We spent one of our days in Chicago near the zoo and decided to stop for lunch here and it was really really good! I ordered the turkey club with french fries, and everything was absolutely delicious. The staff was really knowledgeable about food allergies, which always helps me feel more comfortable ordering. I also ordered the white sangria, and honestly...I still think about it. It was easily one of my favorite drinks from the entire trip! If you're spending the day at Lincoln Park Zoo, I highly recommend stopping here for lunch!

Planning a gluten-free trip to Chicago? Discover the best gluten-free restaurants, coffee shops, pizza, sushi, and drinks from my 5-day visit.
Planning a gluten-free trip to Chicago? Discover the best gluten-free restaurants, coffee shops, pizza, sushi, and drinks from my 5-day visit.
Planning a gluten-free trip to Chicago? Discover the best gluten-free restaurants, coffee shops, pizza, sushi, and drinks from my 5-day visit.

Umi Sushi by Weight - This was a great option when we were needing something quick. This isn't really a sit down restaurant, so keep that in mind if you're planning a nicer meal. They also didn't have a huge gluten free menu, but the gluten free options that they did offer were clearly marked, and they even had gluten free soy sauce available! I grabbed a few different pieces from a couple of different rolls and was happy with it! It's a great grab and go lunch option if you're exploring downtown!

Lunch Spots Still on My List

These are already on my list for our next Chicago trip.

Dinner

Gino’s East - I know we haven’t tried them all, but in my opinion, if you only eat at one restaurant while you're in Chicago... I suggest Gino's East! This was hands down my favorite restaurant of the trip! The gluten free pizza was absolutely incredible, and after eating there once, we loved it so much that we came back a second time before leaving the city! The gluten free pizza isn’t deep dish but it was still so good. Everyone else that was with us in our group also loved the pizza, and it was deep dish! I got the Spinach Artichoke Thin Crust Pizza and it was so so good!

Planning a gluten-free trip to Chicago? Discover the best gluten-free restaurants, coffee shops, pizza, sushi, and drinks from my 5-day visit.
Planning a gluten-free trip to Chicago? Discover the best gluten-free restaurants, coffee shops, pizza, sushi, and drinks from my 5-day visit.
Planning a gluten-free trip to Chicago? Discover the best gluten-free restaurants, coffee shops, pizza, sushi, and drinks from my 5-day visit.

Niu B - The group I was with was on the hunt for ramen and they definatley found it! I would say that the gluten free options that were here were more limited but I was still able to have a really yummy meal! I got a sushi roll and the chicken fried rice. It was pretty good, I was also happy that they had gluten free soy sauce to give me! It was a solid dinner and a good option if you're dining with a group that wants ramen!

Planning a gluten-free trip to Chicago? Discover the best gluten-free restaurants, coffee shops, pizza, sushi, and drinks from my 5-day visit.
Planning a gluten-free trip to Chicago? Discover the best gluten-free restaurants, coffee shops, pizza, sushi, and drinks from my 5-day visit.

Momento Cantina - This restaurant was...okay. It wasn’t horrible, but really nothing to write home about. Just kind of middle of the road mexican food. We did like the drinks here and the appetizers that we got were pretty good too. We got guacamole and ceveche which they brought out special tostadas for me to enjoy the appetizers with. The entrees were just kind of meh. It was also like unbelievably hot inside the restaurant, which in the middle of June was just not fun and somehow it felt even warmer inside than it did outside. Between the heat and the average food, this wasn't one of my favorite meals of the trip!

Dinner Spots Still on My List

These restaurants are already on my list for our next visit!

Drinks

Planning a gluten-free trip to Chicago? Discover the best gluten-free restaurants, coffee shops, pizza, sushi, and drinks from my 5-day visit.

Casa Bonita - Okay...I have one very important piece of advice. Do not order the watermelon margarita. Seriously. It was one of the worst drinks I've ever had! I know that sounds dramatic, but I stand by it. It somehow managed to taste artificial, over the top salty, stronger than any drink I’ve had before while also tasting watered down at the exact same time. Save yourself the disappointment and order something else!

Reunion by Chef Art Smith - This was such a fun stop. We ordered the reusable souvenir drink cups and tried several of the specialty cocktails. I ordered the Watermelon Shine, which I really enjoyed. The rest of our group tried: Sweet Tea Shine, Blue Hooch, and the Cherry Limeade! Everyone seemed to enjoy their drinks, and the reusable cups were nice becuase we could bring them back over the next few days of us being there!

Senorita’s Dearborn - We ended up coming here twice during our trip to grab drinks before dinner. It has a very casual atmosphere, but the bartenders were hilarious and made the experience so much fun! The drinks were good and so was the guacamole that we got as an appetizer one night!

Tips for Eating Gluten Free in Chicago

After spending nearly a week eating around the city, here are my biggest recommendations.

  • Research restaurants before your trip using Find Me Gluten Free, TikTok, and recommendations from friends!

  • Don't be afraid to ask questions. Every restaurant that we visited was happy to discuss gluten free options.

  • If you're eating sushi, ask if they have gluten free soy sauce. Several restaurants actually did which can literally change a meal!

  • Don't feel bad about repeating restaurants. We visited both Burger Bar Chicago and Gino’s East twice because we knew they handled allergies well.

  • Make reservations if you're visiting popular restaurants during the summer. We were lucky to get into Momento Cantina without one, but I wouldn't count on that every time, especially on the weekends!

Planning a gluten-free trip to Chicago? Discover the best gluten-free restaurants, coffee shops, pizza, sushi, and drinks from my 5-day visit.
Planning a gluten-free trip to Chicago? Discover the best gluten-free restaurants, coffee shops, pizza, sushi, and drinks from my 5-day visit.

Map of Every Gluten-Free Restaurant We Tried in Chicago

👉 Open my Chicago Gluten-Free Restaurant Map

My Chicago Gluten-Free Restaurant Map

I've shared my Google Map link that includes every restaurant we visited during our trip, the restaurants still on my list for next summer, our hotel, and several of the things we did while we were in the city if you want to check that out!

The map includes:

  • Congress Plaza Hotel

  • Every restaurant featured in this guide

  • Lincoln Park Zoo

  • Millennium Park

  • The Bean

  • Navy Pier

  • Restaurants still on my "next trip" list

Chicago really exceeded my expectations when it came to eating gluten free. I really expected to spend a lot of time worrying about where I could eat, but I really think that doing a little planning before the trip to find safe and delicious meals ended up being one of the easiest parts of the trip! I had some delicious pizza at Gino’s East, burgers, yummy sushi, good coffee, and cocktails, there were so many great options throughout the city! Like I mentioned before, we are already planning another trip for next summer, and I still have a long list of restaurants I can't wait to try! If you've visited Chicago and have a favorite gluten free restaurant that I missed, let me know! I'd love to add it to my list before our next trip. If you have any questions at all, please comment below or you can always send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible!

Much Love, 

Emma

WHAT TO READ NEXT!

Spend a Day at the Orlando Wetlands and the Kennedy Space Center

Hi Friends!

I feel like everyone who visits Florida has the obvious “visit Disney World” on their must do list and don’t get me wrong, we love Disney; we are annual passholders and go as often as we can, but there are SO many other things to do in and around the area that I think you should also add to your list! If you're looking for a fun day trip from Orlando, I would HIGHLY recommend combining a morning at the Orlando Wetlands with an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center. I feel like this combination gives you the best of both worlds: incredible Florida wildlife and fascinating space exploration, all within about 30ish minutes of each other. When we had family visit at the end of May, we spent the morning exploring the Orlando Wetlands from about 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM before heading to Kennedy Space Center for the rest of the day. It ended up being one of our favorite days of the trip because we got to experience two completely different sides of Florida in a single day!

Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.
Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.
Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.

Why Visit Orlando Wetlands and Kennedy Space Center on the Same Day?

I would say that one of the biggest reasons this combination works so well is the locations of both spots! Both of these places are just east of Orlando, which makes it easy to visit them together without spending hours driving around Central Florida. The Orlando Wetlands is a really peaceful way to start the day with all of the pretty scenery and wildlife to spot, and then the Kennedy Space Center is a different kind of historical and honestly educational experience to see in the afternoon. I think both of them together are a really great balance where there is something for everyone. Plus, if you are visiting, it is a good way to maximize your vacation time!

Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.
Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.
Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.

What Are the Orlando Wetlands?

The Orlando Wetlands Park is a massive conservation area that was originally designed to help filter reclaimed water naturally. It still does that, but now it's one of the best places near Orlando to experience Florida's native wildlife and ecosystems. My Wildlife Ecology major loved being here and I learned so much! The park has miles of walking and biking trails that go through the wetlands, marshes, and wildlife habitats. When we were there, we learned that it is especially popular with birdwatchers and photographers because of how much wildlife there is in the park.

Quick Visitor Information

Location: Orlando Wetlands in Christmas, Florida
Ticket Cost: One of the best things about the Orlando Wetlands is that admission is completely free. Parking is also free, making this a budget friendly activity! There was a donation box that we put money in because our tour guide, Pam, was so great!
Time Needed for Orlando Wetlands: We spent about two hours at the wetlands, which felt like the perfect amount of time for a first visit. But I would say if you are a serious birdwatcher or photographer, you could easily spend half a day exploring the trails! But for most visitors, two hours is enough time to enjoy the park!

Wildlife You May See at Orlando Wetlands

One of the highlights of our visit was the amount of wildlife we saw. During our morning visit, we spotted so so so so so many bird species, many alligators, deer and tons of turtles! When we were there, it was very hot so if you visit in a cooler month, you will likely see more than we did! The park is known for attracting a variety of birds throughout the year, so be sure to bring binoculars if you want to see them closer.

Extra Details

A few things to keep in mind before your visit:

  • If you are going to walk rather than take a tram ride, I would say to wear comfortable walking shoes.

  • Bring water, especially during warmer months. Even if you don’t think you need to, please bring water!

  • Apply sunscreen and bug spray!

  • The earlier that you get there, the cooler temperatures and better wildlife viewing opportunities that you will have!

  • Don't forget your camera or a charged phone; we took MANY pictures!

Suggested One-Day Itinerary

Here's the schedule that worked perfectly for us:

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM - Explore the Orlando Wetlands and enjoy wildlife viewing.

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM - Drive to Kennedy Space Center.

11:30 AM – 5:00 PM - Visit Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and explore the exhibits, bus tour, and attractions.

Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.
Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.
Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.
Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.
Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.
Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.

What Is Kennedy Space Center?

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is one of Florida's most iconic attractions and I’m pretty sure when you type “things to do in Florida” into Google, this is going to come up as one of the top answers. I would say that it isn’t something you’re going to want to see more than one time; I really feel like we saw it and I don’t really need to go back. Like I learned a ton, it was really interesting to see everything but it’s not going to be an every time I come to Florida trip, if that makes sense! The Kennedy Space Center is on the Space Coast, and it lets people take an insider look at America's space program through exhibits, artifacts, interactive experiences, and historic spacecraft! I think if you are a big space nerd or just interested in learning some history, this is a cool spot to check out!

Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.
Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.
Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.
Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.
Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.
Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost to get in will actually be different depending on the date and ticket type that you want to get, but standard admission is typically around:

  • Adults: approximately $75-$85

  • Children: approximately $65-$75

I recommend checking the official website before your visit for current pricing and special offers. For example, they were running a summer special for Florida residents when we were going, and we got all four tickets for a pretty good discount! So keep an eye out for special offers if you are planning on visiting!

How Long Should You Spend There?

We got to the Kennedy Space Center around 11:30 AM and stayed there until about 5:00 PM. I do feel like even with being there for several hours, we still didn't see everything. If you're interested in every exhibit and experience, you could easily spend an entire day here!

Tips for Visiting Kennedy Space Center

To make the most of your visit:

  • Arrive with a rough plan for which exhibits you want to prioritize.

  • There are attractions in most of the buildings. It didn’t always seem like you could enter the buildings, but you can!

  • Check the daily schedule when you arrive.

  • Take the bus tour early in the day and then spend the rest of your time there in the other areas!

  • I would also add and plan for extra time if you want to participate in special experiences!

Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.
Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.
Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.

Experiences Worth Considering

Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour
We did the bus tour and highly recommend it. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at areas of the space center that you wouldn't otherwise see.

Astronaut Encounter
Visitors can meet a real astronaut and hear firsthand stories about space missions.

Space Shuttle Atlantis
One of the most popular exhibits, featuring the actual Atlantis orbiter.

Gateway: Deep Space Launch Complex
An interactive exhibit focused on the future of space exploration.

Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.
Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.
Looking for a unique day trip from Orlando? Discover how to spend a morning at the Orlando Wetlands and an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center, complete with wildlife sightings, travel tips, costs, and itinerary suggestions.

When we decided to spend a day at the Orlando Wetlands and Kennedy Space Center, I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but now, especially the Orlando Wetlands, will be one of my top three things to experience in Orlando! We had such a memorable day! It was so nice to start the morning surrounded by nature, spotting so many birds, alligators, and turtles, then moving on to spend the afternoon learning about space exploration and seeing some of the most important sites in American space history! I think that if you're looking for a unique day trip from Orlando that combines wildlife, education, and adventure, I highly recommend adding both destinations to your itinerary. It's an easy drive, there really is something for everyone and it can be a great break from the typical theme park experience! If you do end up visiting, I would love to hear about it. If you have any questions at all you can comment below or send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you asap!

Much Love, 

Emma

WHAT TO READ NEXT!

Chicago Field Museum + Pokemon Fossil Museum Pop Up

Hi Friends!

Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.

If you know me, you know that Dustin and I both absolutely love Pokémon and Pokémon Go. So when we were planning our trip to Chicago for Pokémon Go Fest and I heard that the Pokémon Fossil Museum pop up was coming to Chicago, I knew I had to try to get tickets! What I didn't expect was just how much I would end up loving the entire museum as a whole, it was so cool! I really loved the Pokémon Fossil Museum as well and it was definitely what initiated us going to the Chicago Field Museum, the entire museum completely exceeded my expectations. We spent about four hours exploring and still didn't see everything! I think I honestly could have easily spent six or more hours there with all of the exhibits that they have! I think whether you're a Pokémon fan, planning a trip to Chicago, traveling with kids, or really just love museums, I think the Field Museum in Chicago deserves a spot on your itinerary for sure!

Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.

Getting Tickets Might Be Difficult Right Now

I wanted to mention before I get too far into this post that getting tickets to the Pokémon Fossil Museum pop up might not be easy right now. This exhibit at the Field Museum has been really popular, and depending on when you're reading this, tickets might sell out or already be sold out for when you want to visit. That all aside, I wanted to still write this blog post because I wanted to share our experience and my thoughts on the exhibit while it's fresh in my mind and for those who already have tickets can use this as a guide as well! On the other hand, the good news is that the hype about this exhibit might calm down over time. I think that if you're planning a future trip to Chicago, it's still worth checking availability because you may be able to snag tickets later on down the road! And honestly? Even if you can't get tickets to the Pokémon Fossil Museum, the Field Museum itself is absolutely worth visiting! Now that I have been, I would have absolutely gone with or without the Pokémon Fossil exhibit; it was such a cool museum!

Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.

Quick Visitor Information

Location: Chicago Field Museum
Ticket Cost: $48 per person ($30 admission + $18 Pokemon Fossil exhibit)
Time Needed for Pop-Up: 45-90 minutes
Time Needed for Museum: 4-8 hours
Best For: Pokémon fans, families, museum lovers, Chicago visitors
Special Souvenir: Archeops promo card

Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.

Pokemon Fossil Museum Pop-Up

How much did it cost?

How long did it take?

  • We spent about 45 minutes inside the actual Pokémon exhibit. But I feel like if you are someone who enjoys reading all of the displays, taking your time with photos and just taking it all in you could probably be in there for an hour, hour and a half! There was a ton to read about which was so cool!

The Pokémon Promo Card

  • Each person who visited the Pokémon Fossil Exhibit got the same special promo card before you walked into the exhibit. We got a special stamped Archeops card and as a Pokémon card collector, this was the perfect souvenir to get to bring home!

Were there photo opportunities?

  • One thing that really impressed me was how thoughtfully designed the exhibit was and how many photo opportunities there were! The displays of the Pokémon are paired with the real world fossils and prehistoric creatures that inspired their designs. It was really cool to see these side by side comparisons and honestly, it was educational and incredibly fun for longtime Pokémon fans like ourselves. Overall, I think there are plenty of photo ops for guests to take advantage of!

The Gift Shop Details

  • Of course, no special exhibit would be complete without exclusive merch. The gift shop had some raelly cute items like plushies, clothes, notebooks, stickers, and more. I do think they were sold out of many items but there were still things to choose from when we were there!

    I ended up purchasing:

    • Pikachu Plush

    • Pikachu Plush Keychain

    • Field Guide Notebook

    • Two Stickers

    Dustin's haul included:

    • Two T-Shirts

    • One Hoodie

    • Pikachu Plush

    • Pikachu Plush Keychain

    There were also a few important shopping rules:

    • Maximum of 5 items per person

    • No duplicate items allowed

    Just remember that the limit helps to make sure that more people who are visiting can have a chance to get something too!

Is it worth it?

  • Absolutely! I really think that the exhibit was incredibly well done. The concept of placing Pokémon next to the real fossils and prehistoric creatures that inspired them was both adorable and educational. It felt like a perfect blend of science museum and Pokémon nostalgia. The exhibit was detailed, creative, interactive, and surprisingly informative! If you're able to get tickets, I would definitely recommend it!

Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.

Exploring the Chicago Field Museum

While the Pokémon exhibit was amazing, the Field Museum itself deserves just as much attention! Here are some of the exhibits you'll find throughout the museum:

Evolving Planet

This exhibit walks visitors through the history of life on Earth, from single-celled organisms all the way to dinosaurs and modern species. It's also where you'll find many of the fossils that lead up to the famous SUE exhibit.

Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.

SUE the T. rex

The museum's most famous resident! I share more on SUE down below because she really deserves her own section in this blog post!

Nature Walk

This was one of my personal favorites. The exhibit recreates different natural environments and showcases plants, animals, and ecosystems in a way that feels immersive and easy to explore.

Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.

Plants of the World

I wasn't expecting to enjoy the plant exhibits as much as I did, but they were fascinating. The displays highlight plant diversity, adaptation, and the important role plants play in ecosystems around the world.

Ancient Egypt

One of the museum's most popular permanent exhibits. Visitors can explore artifacts, mummies, and displays that provide insight into life and death in ancient Egypt.

Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories

This exhibit focuses on Native American histories, cultures, and perspectives through stories, artifacts, and modern voices.

Grainger Hall of Gems

If you love gemstones, minerals, and sparkling displays, this section is worth a visit. The collection includes beautiful specimens from around the world.

Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.

Underground Adventure

A family-friendly exhibit that lets visitors experience what the world looks like from the perspective of insects and other tiny creatures.

DNA Discovery Center

Learn how genetics influences life on Earth and how scientists use DNA to study organisms, both living and extinct.

Rare Books Collection

One exhibit I completely missed and honestly regret not seeing was the museum's collection of rare books. Since we left, I have heard great things about it, and it's definitely on my list for a future visit

Why SUE the T. rex Is So Unique

Even if you've never heard of the Pokémon Fossil Museum, you've probably heard of SUE. She was absolutely fascinating to learn about so I wanted to share a little but more about why she is so special! SUE is the largest, most complete, and most well preserved Tyrannosaurus rex specimen that has been discovered. She is named after fossil hunter Sue Hendrickson, who discovered this skeleton in South Dakota in 1990, SUE has become one of the most famous dinosaur fossils in the world! What makes SUE so special is the incredible level of preservation and how much scientists have been able to learn about Tyrannosaurus rex biology, injuries, growth patterns, and behavior thanks to this specimen. Standing underneath SUE is honestly hard to describe and I don’t feel like the pictures were even able to show how big she is in person! The exhibit surrounding SUE is also extremely well done, guiding us visitors through the science, discovery, and history behind one of the world's most famous fossils! I can’t express enough how cool it was to see SUE in person!

Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.

Tips for Visiting the Field Museum

  • Plan for at least four hours, and if you're a museum lover, consider dedicating an entire day!

  • Wear comfortable shoes, there is a lot of walking!

  • Purchase special exhibit tickets in advance!

  • Arrive a little early for timed entry exhibits, definitely read the emails you will get leading up to your visit because they share a ton of information!

  • Don't rush through the fossil halls leading up to SUE.

  • Leave room in your luggage if you plan on shopping for souvenirs!

Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.

FAQ

How much are tickets to the Pokémon Fossil Museum in Chicago?

How long does the Pokémon Fossil Museum take?

  • We spent about 45 minutes in the exhibit, but visitors who read every display could easily spend 1 to 1.5 hours.

What Pokémon card do you get at the Pokémon Fossil Museum?

  • Visitors receive a special Archeops promo card featuring the fossil Pikachu on it!

Is the Pokémon Fossil Museum worth it?

  • Yes! The exhibit does an excellent job pairing Pokémon with real-world fossils and prehistoric animals, making it both educational and fun.

How long should you spend at the Field Museum?

  • We spent about four hours there and still missed exhibits. I would say that museum lovers could easily spend an entire day exploring.

Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.
Visit the Chicago Field Museum and Pokemon Fossil Museum pop-up! See ticket prices, merch, promo cards, exhibits, and our honest review.

I really feel like the Pokémon Fossil Museum pop up was everything I hoped it would be and more! We loved the exhibit and I feel like it was packed with fun details for Pokémon fans of all ages. The exclusive Archeops promo card was such a special souvenir, I loved the fossil comparisons and all of the adorable merchandise! On top of that what surprised me most was how much I enjoyed the Field Museum itself! We spent so much time exploring and still missed exhibits I wanted to see. Between SUE the T. rex, the Nature Walk, the fossil collections, and countless other displays, it's easy to understand why this museum is considered one of Chicago's top attractions. Whether you're visiting specifically for the Pokémon Fossil Museum or looking for a great museum experience in Chicago, I highly recommend adding the Field Museum to your travel plans! If you end up visiting I would love to hear about it. If you have any questions you can comment below or send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you asap!

Much Love, 

Emma

WHAT TO READ NEXT!

Outfit Idea for Magic Kingdom: Classic Mickey Mouse

Outfit Idea for Magic Kingdom: Classic Mickey Mouse

Hi guys!

I am back with another outfit idea, this time for Magic Kingdom! I wanted to do another classic option so I went with Mickey Mouse where as always, comfort it key! When I am putting together these looks I choose things that you might already have in your closet where you can add a few accessories to it and get a whole look that will let you feel confident, put together and ready for a day of photos in front of the castle! This look is perfect for everything from rope drop to fireworks, and the classic Mickey-inspired colors never go out of style. Also with using things you already have in your closet you can definitely recreate this look without spending a fortune on an entirely new outfit! You can click the picture below to shop the park look or you can click into each link below for a specific item from the graphic!

Happy Shopping!

Outfit Idea for Magic Kingdom: Classic Mickey Mouse

| White Mickey Mouse Crop Tank | Classic Mickey Mouse Ears | Free People Denim Ziggy Overalls | Reebok Sneakers | Mickey Mouse Temporary Tattoos | Mickey Mouse Sunglasses | Mickey Mouse Black Claw Clip | Mickey Mouse Face Claw Clip | Mickey Mouse / Hiya Pal / Oh Boy Beaded Bracelets | Yellow Belt Bag | Mickey Mouse Glittery Face Tattoo | Mickey Glove Bag Charm | Mickey Earrings | White Mickey Mouse Baseball Cap |

And that wraps up this Mickey Mouse look for a magical day at Magic Kingdom! Whether you're posing in front of Cinderella Castle, grabbing a sweet treat at the Confectionery, or just soaking in the Disney vibes, this outfit is all about channeling that classic Mickey Mouse look while staying comfy all day long. I hope this look gives you some inspiration for your next park day! If you have any questions, you can ask them below or you can email me at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you ASAP with an answer! You can also always comment below with a theme, ride, movie or character that you would like me to do in the future for you guys!

 

Other Disney Outfit Inspo

 

WHAT TO READ NEXT!

How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin, Ireland

Hi Friends!

Last October I went and met Dustin in Amsterdam while he was there for work and when I was on my way there I saw a flight where I could spend about 6 hours in Dublin before my flight to Amsterdam and I decided to go for it and see what I could check off my to do list before I needed to head back to the airport! I landed in Dublin at about 9:00AM and I had to leave Dublin at 6:20PM. So I had well over 6 hours to explore but exhaustion and some flight anxiety is why I headed back to the airport probably before I needed to! It was also my first time leaving the airport and taking advantage of a long layover in a new city so I wasn’t sure what to expect! I do think though if you have a long layover in Dublin, it is absolutely worth it to take advantage of leaving the airport and going to explore a new place!

Happy reading!

How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks
How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks

First Stop: Storing My Luggage

When I landed in Dublin I was in Terminal 2 but it was such a short walk to Terminal 1 which is where I stored my luggage for the afternoon! I chose to store my suitcase and backpack with Smart Cart and it was so easy to do so and quick which was nice for my shorter timeline! This was a lifesaver and made my day so much easier because I didn’t have to drag my bags all over the city. I think it was like 16 euros for the day to store both bags, totally worth it! When I got back from my day exploring I just gave them my ticket and they brought my luggage out to me. They told me to leave about 15 minutes for getting my bag but there were two people in front of me and I don’t think I even waited 5 minutes to get my luggage back from them!

Getting Into The City Centre

The man working at the Smart Cart desk was actually super helpful and gave me a few tips for getting around the city. He told me that it would be a good idea to take a bus and I was able to purchase the bus ticket directly with him. I got a Dublin Express bus ticket and he gave me directions out of the airport, told me what the bus would look like and helped me just understand the process a bit more! The bus ticket was 9 euros for a one way ticket or 12 euros for a round trip ticket. There was probably a map available but I just noted where they dropped me off and went back to the same spot when I was ready to get picked up later on in the afternoon. I should also note that it took about 45 minutes to get to and from the city center because there were more than one stops but I just factored that into my timeline for the day and planned accordingly! Being on the bus also let me see parts of the city that I didn’t get to walk to while I was there!

eSim For The Day

I had originally planned to try to get an eSim for the day while I was here but when I was talking to the man at the Smart Cart desk he shared a little bit about eSims in Dublin (which I appreciated was his honesty), but he mentioned that for such a short trip they can sometimes be more trouble than they are worth getting. Instead, he suggested just using Wi-Fi at restaurants and coffee shops throughout the city would be okay and it honestly worked out perfectly for me. I didn’t have much trouble using my phone when I needed it and it helped to download a map of the city on Google Maps before I left the airport because I didn’t need Wi-Fi for it to work at all but I could still use the map!

How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks
How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks

What to do and where to stop in Dublin

Option 1: Trinity College & The Book of Kells

If this is your first time in Dublin (like me), I think taking the bus toward Trinity College Dublin and getting off the bus near there is probably the best option. The campus itself was absolutely beautiful to walk through, especially if you love historic architecture! It was also fun to just be around a college campus in the fall because it was stunning! The main attraction here is the Book of Kells, which is one of Ireland’s most famous medieval manuscripts. If I knew that I needed tickets to actually see the book I would have booked them before the day of! But you can book tickets to actually see the Book of Kells here, it is about 25 euros per person! Like I said, I didn’t get tickets to it but I was happy to just spend time in the area around Trinity College wandering.

How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks
How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks

Option 2: Dublin Castle Area

I think it was because I didn’t do the Book of Kells tour so I had time to also go walk around the Dublin Castle! It was fun to walk through and there were a few museums that could have easily fit into my day. There was the Chester Beatty Library and the Revenue Museum that would have been cool to look through! I really loved walking through this part of the city, there was so much history and I also just liked people watching and taking in my surroundings!

How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks
How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks
How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks

Wander Through Temple Bar

Based on everything I heard from suggestions from other people before my trip is that no trip to Dublin would feel complete without at least walking through the Temple Bar district. It is a touristy area but it is also just something cool to experience. There are usually musicians playing outside pubs, people wandering through the streets, and there are so many little spots to stop and grab food or a drink. I think that even if you only spend 20 to 30 minutes here, it would be worth experiencing the atmosphere!

Shopping Stops

If shopping is more your thing, which I really enjoyed you could easily spend your layover exploring Grafton Street or Henry Street. I tried to find more vintage type shops and used book stores which I was able to find but there is really shopping in every direction and all types of shopping as well! There are tons of shops, cafes, and places to stop for a quick coffee break. I think it is also a great way to experience the city without needing a super structured itinerary! I liked getting souvenirs that were more unexpected from my day in Dublin! I got coffee from Bear MRKT and it was delicious!

Grab a Pint at Dublin’s Oldest Pub

Another stop that was recommended to me was The Brazen Head, which I was told that it is often called Dublin’s oldest pub. I think even if you don’t drink beer, it’s worth a visit to check it out! It feels historic in the best way possible and would be such a fun place to relax for a bit before heading back to the airport!

How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks
How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks
How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks

Tips for a Dublin Layover

  • Go into the day with a plan or at least a timeline of leaving the airport, seeing a couple of things and leaving yourself plenty of time to get back to the airport and pick up your bags if you choose to do that!

  • Store your luggage as soon as you land, I can’t express enough how much easier that made my day!

  • Buy your bus ticket at the airport, if you are storing your bag you can buy a ticket at the Smart Cart counter!

  • Skip the eSim for a short layover and use free Wi-Fi instead and download a map of the city in Google Maps.

  • Pick one main area to explore rather than trying to rush across the city! You can make secondary plans if the first plan is quicker than expected, but just don’t try to plan too much!

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, I was so thankful that I had on sneakers because I didn’t even think about the walking I might be doing during my layover in Dublin!

How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks
How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks

A six hour layover might not sound like it would be enough time to explore a new city, but I was surprised at how easy it was to see so much in Dublin in the short 6 hours that I had there! There was so much to see and take in from the historic streets, all of the fun pubs, the museums, and just the lively atmosphere that was there, it felt like I was able to squeeze a tiny Irish vacation into a single afternoon which was so nice! I would say if you have a longer layover in Dublin and want to take advantage of it, you absolutely should do it! As always, let me know if you have any questions at all, you can comment below or send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to your questions as soon as possible!

Much Love, 

Emma

WHAT TO READ NEXT!

Gluten Free Review: Lamplight Lounge in Disney's California Adventure

Gluten Free Review: Lamplight Lounge in Disney's California Adventure

Gluten Free Review for Lamplight Lounge in Disney's California Adventure | Gluten Free Options in Disney | Disneyland Dining Gluten Free Food

Back in February we spent just under a week in LA and Disneyland for the Kalos Pokemon Go event plus a little stay at Disneyland and we had so much fun! We ate so much good food and I can’t wait to share all of my ~new~ Disneyland knowledge with you guys! Last year when we went there were many restaurants that we wanted to go to but didn’t so we had a lot of ground to make up for this trip. I already shared a blog post about our lunch that we had at Blue Bayou in Disneyland Park, you can read that blog post here! But now I wanted to talk about Lamplight Lounge in Disney’s California Adventure! We ate pretty much right on the water and it overall just had good vibes for grabbing a late lunch with a couple of drinks! I will share more about what we got and what our experience was like below!

The Vibe

Lamplight Lounge was such a fun spot to grab a late lunch or some appetizers as snacks with a couple of drinks and just enjoy the view! The decor was really cool, they did such a good job putting the fun pixar details into creating this space! The whole restaurant has this relaxed, waterfront vibe since it sits right along the pier, and we were lucky enough to get a table with a view of the water which made it even better. There were tons of details inside to check out like sketches, props, and artwork from different Pixar movies! Definitely a fun stop if you’re here for a few days!

What Drinks We Ordered

We wanted to go to this restaurant mostly to test out the drinks beucase they have so many fun options on their menus! Here’s what we got:

  • Find Your Spark - Vodka, Raspberry Rum, Lemon Juice, Watermelon Syrup and Sparkling Wine - 10/10

  • Mickey’s Fun Wheel - This is on the secret menu and it has gin, rum and passionfruit liqueur in it and it felt like we were getting punched in the face with every sip haha, I literally don’t know how else to explain it. It wasn’t great but it was definitely a pretty drink! 3/10

  • Hero Work - Huckleberry Vodka, Dragon Fruit Syrup, Lemon Juice and Agave Nectar - 8/10

What Food I Ordered

When we sat down I wasn’t sure if I was going to just get a couple of appetizers or if I was going to get a meal but I would have been happy with just getting a couple of appetizers. The main dish that I got was the chicken over mashed potatoes with a side of veggies and it was good but I didn’t realize the chicken was on the bone which made for a whole adventure while we were trying to just hang out. The chicken was good and so were the mashed potatoes and veggies I just felt like it was the wrong foof for the vibes of the afternoon. The potato skins were the other thing that we ordered and those were so good, highly recommend getting them if you are gf or not!

Lamplight Lounge Menu

Disneyland and California Adventure have always been fun trips for us! We’ve been a handful of times now and it’s nice each time we go we get more comfortable with the layout of the parks and navigating it all. I feel very confident with giving advice and tips and tricks about Disney World in Florida but now after this trip I feel more confident doing that for Disneyland as well! I really feel writing these blog posts and sharing about spots is important, especially when restaurants are making dining out more accessible and enjoyable for those of us with dietary needs! If you have any questions about Lamplight Lounge in Disney’s California Adventure, want more menu recommendations, or just have questions about our Disneyland experience you can ask them below or if you are more comfortable you can email me at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you ASAP with an answer in your inbox!

WHAT TO READ NEXT!

Outfit Idea for a Day at Animal Kingdom: A Bug's Life

I’m back with another Disney park outfit idea, and this time we’re heading over to Animal Kingdom! I put together an outfit inspired by an attraction that is now gone from the park but the theme is just on point with Animal Kingdom and that is It’s Tough to Be a Bug from A Bug’s Life. You probably don’t need me to say this every time I share one of these outfit posts, but when I’m planning a park day look I always want something that’s cute and practical, especially with the Florida heat and all the walking around the parks. I can’t wait for you to see this fun A Bug’s Life inspired outfit that’s perfect for a day exploring Animal Kingdom! Whether you’re grabbing a snack in Discovery Island, taking photos in front of the Tree of Life, riding one of your favorite rides or doing some shopping this look is perfect for your day in the park. You can click the picture below to shop the park look, and I’ve also linked all the items for you!

Outfit Idea for Animal Kingdom: A Bug’s Life

| A Bugs Life Graphic Tee | Heimlich Iron on Patch | A Bugs Life Mickey Ears | It’s Tough to be a Bug Fast Pass Keychain | Lady Bug Earrings | Lady Bug Pin | Purple Belt Bag | Black Bodysuit | Purple OnCloud Sneakers | Beetle Bug Embroidered Socks | A Bugs Life Chew Chew Seed Bead Bracelet | Easily Distracted by Bugs Baseball Cap |

 

Other Disney Inspired Outfit Ideas

I really hope you like this A Bug’s Life inspired look for spending a fun day at Animal Kingdom on your next Disney vacation! I hope this outfit gives you some inspiration for your next park day, and I’m so excited for you!! Don’t forget to check out the links above if you are wanting to shop the full look. As always, if you have any questions at all you can leave them in the comments below or, if you’re more comfortable, you can email me at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you ASAP! You can also always comment below with a theme, ride, movie, or character that you would like me to do in the future and I would be happy to create something inspired by it!

WHAT TO READ NEXT!

My Review of the Disneyland Hotel in California

Hi Friends!

A few weeks ago we took a trip to Anaheim and did a few days at Disneyland while we stayed at the Disneyland Hotel! When we were walking into the hotel I knew I wanted to write up a full blog post on everything about the hotel and our experience there. There is so much inside the hotel that it feels like the hotel is an experience all on its own so I have lots to share! We have stayed at many hotels on Disney property in Florida but before this stay we hadn’t stayed on Disney property in California! It is on the pricier side but this hotel really feels like a place to relax and hang out, not just a place to crash after a long park day. This hotel feels iconic and it is one of the original properties at the resort which is pretty cool! The Disneyland Hotel is a really good mix of classic Disney nostalgia with nice and modern amenities. I will stop rambling but below is a full breakdown of what it’s like to stay here, from the rooms and pools to the restaurants and amenities!

Happy reading!

Location & Convenience

I feel like location is the best place to start with because one of the best things about the Disneyland Hotel is how close it is to the parks. The hotel is really just steps from Downtown Disney, which connects directly to both parks making for easy mornings. This means you can walk to the entrance of the parks pretty quickly without needing to get on a bus or even worry about complicated transportation. There is also a station for the Disneyland Monorail nearby, which will take you directly to the park! I imagine that would be a pretty fun Disney way to start your day, especially with kiddos! I think for families or really for anyone who wants easy park access or even access to Downtown Disney, the location is a huge perk of staying at this hotel!

 

The Overall Vibe

I feel like I blabbed on this part a ton back at the beginning of the blog post but just incase you needed a little bit more convincing, the Disneyland Hotel had a really fun and nostalgic atmosphere pretty much everywhere you were in the hotel. It’s themed around the history of Disneyland itself and it has subtle nods to the park throughout the property that you can see while you’re walking around. The hotel is made up of three different towers and each one has its own theme that is tied to classic Disneyland lands: Adventure, Fantasy, and Frontier. When you’re walking through the property feels playful and immersive, but it still manages to feel upscale and relaxing at the same time. In some of the hotels in Florida they have moved away from the fun touches of Disney in their rooms which is a bummer because I feel like that is one of the bigger reasons to stay on property in the first place! The Disneyland Hotel does a really great job at having a mix of whimsy and being more modern which is great!

 

The Rooms

The rooms at the Disneyland Hotel were so nice, they are spacious, comfortable, and filled with subtle Disney details which I majorly geeked out about! I can’t speak for all rooms but ours and our friends room had a really pretty themed headboard that light up with fireworks above the Sleeping Beauty Castle! There were lights and music that played from the headboard as well and it was such a fun touch to find in the room! It’s the kind of small detail that makes the experience feel extra special. As for room size we went with our two friends and their two kiddos and we got ajoined rooms but instead of there just being a random door in the middle of the room that connected to theirs, there was one door that you opened into a small hallway and then both of our doors were in that hall and only our keys opened that first door! It was nice to be able to have both spaces to hang out in. It was the perfect combination of being together and separate all at the same time. There were so many fun Mickey touches throughout the room, like the sink handles in the bathroom were Mickey shaped and so was the handle for the bathtub! The beds were incredibly comfortable and the rooms were also laid out really well. It was nice to be able to unpack into the closet and put our stuff in the dressers and then also have space for our suitcases under the bed. These aren’t revolutionary details but it’s nice when a hotel does spacing and layout with the guest in mind, especially if you are going to be there for more than just a couple of days!

The Pool

I think that if you are traveling with kids, or honestly just enjoy a fun pool, the pool area here looked like it would have been a ton of fun. We had planned to go in the pool on one of our days in California and it was either too chilly or other plans came up so we didn’t end up going in but we will next time for sure! The hotel had a couple of pools, there are two large pools called the E-Ticket Pool and D-Ticket Pool. One of the cool things it had was two monorail themed waterslides that looked like a lot of fun! There is also a children’s pool, a water play area for kiddos and then Mickey and Minnie jacuzzi/hot tub areas. I also saw a spot where you can rent a private cabana for the day which would be fun for a day by the pool between park days, especially once the weather warms up a bit! I think you could easily spend an afternoon relaxing by the pool if your trip has a break like that.

Dining at the Disneyland Hotel

There surprisingly were several dining options that they had in the actual hotel which made it easy to grab anything from a quick breakfast to a more fun themed experience without having to leave the hotel. One of the more popular spots is Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar. This tiki-themed bar opened in over like 15 years ago at this point and from what I can tell it has become a fan favorite, we heard many people recommending us to stop here for a drink! It has a really fun tiki bar atmosphere and lots of fun tropical drinks to try out. They had other dining options around the hotel like Goofy’s Kitchen where you can see Chef Goofy while you eat, grab coffee on the go from The Coffee House, grab a drink from the Broken Spell Lounge or sit by the pool and have lunch at Tangaroa Terrace!

We actually had room service a few times while we were there, a couple of times for breakfast and one night we had a late dinner via room service! The room service was nice and convenient, we just called down and placed our order with Kiki who seemed to be working every time we called haha! There was usually over an hour wait but they told us our estimated wait time before we even started to order each time and all three times the food got to us much quicker than we were told it would be!

Amenities & Activities

Beyond the rooms and pools, the Disneyland Hotel offers a surprising amount of amenities for guests like:

Overall we really enjoyed our stay at the Disneyland Hotel. The rooms were comfortable, the pool area looked like it would have been a ton of fun, and the overall the vibes were just great and nostalgic which is exactly what I am looking for from a Disney hotel. The location couldn’t have been better, the amenities make it easy to relax between times in the park and the Disney details throughout the hotel made the experience feel just a little more special. I really feel like staying here is a big part of the Disneyland experience. If you’re planning a trip to the Disneyland Parks and want a hotel that feels magical, convenient, and full of Disney touches, this is absolutely one I would recommend. I think the Disneyland Hotel is especially great for families traveling with kids, Disney fans who love the classic nostalgia of Disneyland and anyone who is traveling that wants to stay on property to be close to the parks without the hassle of driving and transportation! Let me know if you have any questions at all, you can comment below or send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible!

Much Love, 

Emma

WHAT TO READ NEXT!

Gluten Free Review: Blue Bayou in Disneyland Park

Gluten Free Review: Blue Bayou in Disneyland Park

Gluten Free Review for Blue Bayou in Disneyland Park | Gluten Free Options in Disney | Disneyland Dining Gluten Free Food

We just got back from spending just under a week in LA and Disneyland for the Kalos Pokemon Go event plus a little stay at Disneyland and we had so much fun! We ate so much good food and I can’t wait to share all of my knowledge with you guys! Last year when we went there were many resrtanuts that we wanted to go to but didn’t so we had a lot of ground to make up for this trip. The first spot I wanted to share about is Blue Bayou in Disneyland Park! They are open for lunch and dinner and we had lunch here so I will share more about what we got and what our experience was like below!

The Vibe

This restaurant is really cool inside, it feels like you are right down in New Orleans on the river! The Pirates of the Caribbean ride goes right through the restaurant which is a cool touch and we got a table right next to the water so that was fun to watch go by! It is a dark restaurant but there are lanterns all over the place so it didn’t feel like it was too dark, plus I think our eyes adjusted really quickly because I didn’t notice it at all after a couple of minutes!

What I Ordered

I ended up getting the prime rib and it was really good! In the menu down below it says that the Prime Rib is served with white rice, roasted vegetables and a demi-glace but my meal was served with mashed potatoes and I loved them so much! I think the potatoes were the best part! My prime rib was cooked perfectly, the mashed potatoes were seasoned really well and the broccoli seemed like it was blanched with a cajun seasoning on top and it was delish! I also got a glass of the Pino Noir which is pretty much my go to drink and it was good too!

Blue Bayou Menu

For my non GF friends

Dustin got a couple of appetizers as his meal and really liked them. He got the gumbo (which could be made gf I just am not a big gumbo person). He said he liked the flavors of the gumbo but there were really big pieces of chicken in it and it was in a smaller cup. But our friend also had the gumbo and I don’t think he had that issue so it might have just been a fluke! Dustin also got the crab cakes and he liked those as well! He said they were good, not life changing but he would eat them again!

Disneyland and California Adventure are always a fun trip for us! We’ve been a handful of times now and its nice each time we go we get more comfortable with the layout of the parks and navigating it all. I feel very confident with giving advise and tips and tricks about Disney World in Florida but now after this trip I feel more confident doing that for Disneyland as well! I really feel writing these blog posts and sharing about spots is important, especially when they make dining out more accessible and enjoyable for those of us with dietary needs! If you have any questions about Blue Bayou in the Disneyland Park, want more menu recommendations, or just have questions about our Disneyland experience you can ask them below or if you are more comfortable you can email me at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you ASAP with an answer in your inbox!

WHAT TO READ NEXT!

Outfit Idea for a Day at Hollywood Studios: Slinky Dog

I am back with another outfit idea for Hollywood Studios! I put together an outfit idea inspired by one of the rides in the park Slinky Dog Dash! You probably don’t need me to say this each time I do one of these blog posts but when I’m planning an outfit for a park day, I want to make sure it’s cute but also functional, especially for the Florida heat. I can’t wait for you to see this fun Slinky Dog Dash inspired outfit that is perfect for a day at Hollywood Studios! Whether you’re walking down Sunset Boulevard, grabbing a snack in Toy Story Land, snapping photos in front of the giant Woody and Buzz, or actually riding Slinky Dog Dash, this look is perfect for your day! You can click the picture below to shop the park look, and I’ve also linked all the items for you!

Outfit Idea for Hollywood Studios: Slinky Dog

| Slinky Dog Seed Bead Bracelets | Weiner Dog Earrings | Slinky Dog Baseball Cap | Slinky Dog Crop Top | Ziggy Free People Overalls |

| Yellow Athletic Shorts | Reebok Sneakers | Yellow Belt Bag | Slinky Dog Mickey Mouse Ears | 4” Slinky Dog Inspired Hair Bow |

| Toy Story Belt Bag | Toy Story Sailor Bow |

 

Other Disney Inspired Outfit Ideas

And that’s just about it for this Slinky Dog Dash inspired look for spending a fun day at Hollywood Studios on your next Disney vacation! I hope this look gives you some inspiration for your next park day, I’m so excited for you!! Don’t forget to check out the links above to shop the full look! As always, if you have any questions at all you can ask them in the comments below or if you are more comfortable you can email me at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you ASAP! You can also always comment below with a theme, ride, movie or character that you would like me to do in the future for you guys and I would be happy to do that for you!

WHAT TO READ NEXT!