Since removing the McDonald’s restaurant from Downtown Disney Marketplace in Lake Buena Vista, FL, Disney has brought in some healthier "fast food" fare in the form of Pollo Campero, Fresh Apeel and NYC’s BabyCakes vegan bakery (as seen on The Food Network) in its place. This project was headed by the Spiaggia restaurant group — helmed by Chef Tony Mantuano (of Top Chef Masters) — who wanted to put healthier fare in the parks.

Disney and foodie blogs have been atwitter about BabyCakes Bakery being a part of this project for a few months, and now fans of the specialty bakery can enjoy their gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, vegan, etc., options at the spot they share with Pollo and Apeel.

After hearing the buzz about BabyCakes being installed in Downtown Disney, I was curious see what all the fuss was about. And luckily, I recently had a great excuse to drive the hour and a half to try out some of BabyCakes' treats for myself.

This article appears in Jan 27 – Feb 2, 2011.