In 2019, Disney’s culinary team 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?
Adding Plant-Based Menu Items to your Dining Plans at Disney World
ONLINE RESEARCH
Disney has introduced a website 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 trip! 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!
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/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 had an awesome experience 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!!
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
STAR WARS GALAXY’S EDGE – YES
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 include a Blue / Green Milk with the meal;)
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!
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!
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….we also discussed plant-based and vegetarian options on the We Like Theme Parks Podcast!
