Disney’s culinary team has introduced a strategy to change the dining scene within the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort theme parks. From appetizers, main courses, snacks and desserts, there are hundreds of new options.
But, where should you start?
Here’s what we’ve learned after eating our way through Disney’s plant-based revolution – and trust me, we’ve done the work so you don’t have to make the same mistakes we did.
ONLINE RESEARCH
Disney has introduced a webpage that will allow for guests to match their parks with potential dining locations. This is incredibly helpful, as the last thing that you want to do is scroll through hundreds of dining locations when you know exactly which location you’re interested in.
We used this website almost exclusively during our trips! It was a great help, as we could window shop without actually going to the restaurant…because let’s be honest…the parks are HUGE!
But here’s what Disney’s official site WON’T tell you – not all plant-based options are created equal. Some are clearly afterthoughts (I’m looking at you, sad salad with no dressing), while others will make you forget you’re even eating plant-based.
AT THE RESTAURANT
When you’re walking around the parks, we’ve found that walking up and talking to the servers and chefs at the restaurants can actually enlighten you to a whole new world of flavors!
This is helpful at the buffets, as chefs love talking about food combinations. We’ve had mixed experiences, but the best was at Boma (at Disney’s Animal Kingdom), where the chef did the walkthrough with us and actually gave Jill his secret tips about spice and sauce blends. Talk about the Disney Difference!!
What they don’t advertise: Many chefs can modify existing dishes if you ask nicely. At Sanaa, our server mentioned they could make the bread service plant-based by swapping out the regular naan – something not listed anywhere on the menu.
FROM WORD OF MOUTH
Hi, welcome to the Steps to Magic website…also known as the new version of “Word of Mouth”;) Bloggers and travel professionals are a great source of information because we’re not just stuck behind the keyboard – we’re also on the ground!
From eating at quick service & table service restaurants, we’ve found that although every location on property may be listed alphabetically on the official DisneyWorld.com website…they’re not all perfect for every situation.
Budgets, taste pallets and current food moods will dictate more about where you eat vs where you have planned to eat.
Lessons Learned (The Real Talk Section)
STAR WARS GALAXY’S EDGE – YES
The zucchini wrap at Ronto Rosters is a highlight, but it’s more of an elevated snack than a real meal. The main dining area in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is just around the corner.
Docking Bay 7 has two options, including:
- Hummus Garden Spread: Felucian Garden Spread
- “Meat” Marinara + Pasta: Ithorian Pasta
After trying the Hummus, Jill gave it two thumbs up. Next time, the only recommendation would be to BYOB…bring your own Blue Milk;)
ABC COMMISSARY IS BACK
The California Burger at ABC Commissary was awesome and puts this quick service location BACK on our list of options. For a number of years, the food just wasn’t on the same level as other locations at the park…but this burger is that good!
Reality check: We do spend a lot of time in ABC Commissary, but that’s because it’s also a spot that allows you to refill your water bottle at a soda station. Free water is gold!
SATU’LI CANTEEN AT ANIMAL KINGDOM STILL REIGNS SUPREME
How good was it? We ate at the restaurant twice in 4 days!
The variety for plant-based options starts with the crispy-fried tofu, but when you look at the options of bases and sauces…it becomes a location that will bring you back again and again. That being said, the Hot Link Smokehouse Sandwich at Flame Tree BBQ will be a contender if you’re in the mood for something that you can grab with your hands!
Insider tip: Ask for extra charred onion vinaigrette. Trust me on this one.
The Unexpected Winners (Places We Didn’t Expect to Love)
ROUNDUP RODEO BBQ – The New Kid That Actually Delivers
Everyone’s talking about this new Toy Story restaurant, but here’s what they’re not telling you – the plant-based BBQ options are legitimately good. The “Rip Roarin’ Rib Chop” doesn’t taste like it’s trying to be something else. It just tastes good.
RESORT HOTEL GEMS (The Places Most People Skip)
Wilderness Lodge – Story Book Dining at Artist Point: The “Tricken” Chicken might have the most ridiculous name, but it’s one of the best plant-based entrees we’ve had on property. Plus, you’re dining with Snow White characters without the Magic Kingdom crowds.
Grand Floridian – Cítricos: That Southern Style Fried “Hen” will make you question everything you thought you knew about plant-based dining. Fair warning – this isn’t cheap, but sometimes you want to feel fancy.
Grand Floridian – Victoria & Alberts: I wouldn’t be authentic to the assignment if we didn’t include a special shout-out to the team at the Michelin Star experience. It’s good, just remember that the hidden gem isn’t always something that is secret. In this case, it’s the difficulty of the reservation.
Animal Kingdom Lodge – Sanaa: The Zanzibari Vegetable Curry is what happens when Disney chefs actually understand that plant-based doesn’t mean “remove the meat and call it a day.” The spice blends here are incredible.
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What Nobody Tells You About Plant-Based Disney Dining
The Good Stuff:
- DOLE Whip is everywhere now, not just Aloha Isle
- Most quick service locations have at least one solid option (not just salad!)
- Character dining actually has great plant-based options (Tusker House buffet is surprisingly good)
The Reality Check:
- Some locations phone it in with basic pasta and marinara
- Not every restaurant trains their staff on plant-based options
- Always ask about bread – some contain dairy even when the meal is plant-based
- Oh, and this was a shock – ask about the Tomato soup. This dish at 50’s Prime Time Cafe isn’t actually vegetarian, so don’t be afraid to ask the question.
The Money-Saving Hack:
Resort hotel food courts often have better plant-based options than the parks, and they’re cheaper. We’re talking about places like Everything POP at Pop Century – that Korean-Style Impossible Burger costs half what you’d pay in the parks.
Our Actual Dining Plan Strategy
Forget what Disney tells you about dining plans. Here’s what actually works:
Morning: Hit up resort food courts for breakfast. The plant-based Mickey waffles taste the same everywhere, so why pay theme park prices?
Lunch: Quick service in the parks, but be strategic. Satu’li Canteen for Animal Kingdom, ABC Commissary for Hollywood Studios, Sunshine Seasons for EPCOT.
Dinner: This is where you splurge on table service, but pick restaurants that actually care about plant-based options, not just ones that happen to have them.
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The Complete “We’d Eat Here Again” List
Magic Kingdom:
- Casey’s Corner: Plant-Based Chicago Dog (better than expected)
- Plaza Restaurant: Impossible Chili Burger (solid choice)
- Crystal Palace: Buffet breakfast (character dining that doesn’t skip plant-based options)
EPCOT:
- Sunshine Seasons: Mediterranean Wrap (reliable, nothing fancy)
- Rose & Crown: Vegetable Tikka Masala (surprisingly authentic)
- Le Cellier: Cauliflower Steak (if you want to feel fancy)
Animal Kingdom:
- Satu’li Canteen: Build-your-own bowls (our favorite)
- Flame Tree BBQ: Impossible Burnt Ends (great for eating outside)
- Tiffins: Korean BBQ Mushroom Bao (fine dining that gets it right)
Hollywood Studios:
- ABC Commissary: California Burger (our new obsession)
- Docking Bay 7: Felucian Garden Spread (Star Wars theming done right)
- Roundup Rodeo BBQ: Full plant-based BBQ experience (worth the hype)
Disney Springs & Resort Picks
Disney Springs:
- D-Luxe Burger: When you want a good burger without theme park chaos
Resort Hotels We Actually Recommend:
- Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge): International buffet with chef consultation
- ‘Ohana (Polynesian): Plant-based skillet that feeds two people
- California Grill (Contemporary): Fancy dinner with fireworks views
On top of the articles that we’ve written on how to eat at Disney World as a Vegetarian & non-vegetarian couple and the Best Vegetarian Restaurants on property, this should give you everything you need to plan plant-based meals that don’t suck.
Bottom line: Disney’s plant-based game has seriously improved, but you still need to know where to go. Stick to our tested recommendations, talk to the chefs, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you.