Tower of Vegan Deliciousness and Other Vegan Disney Dining Reviews (August 2009)

[ehartman4]

My boyfriend and I went to Disney August 16 - 22 on the FREE Disney dining plan. Since he is vegan and I am vegetarian, we decided to extensively plan our trip to have the best vegan Disney experience. To start off...

My name is Emily, I am from Akron, OH. I am 22 years old and (obviously) am a vegetarian, although I do lean towards veganism.
Michael, my boyfriend, is from Detroit, MI. He is 26 years old and is a vegan.
We will both be posting reviews to this thread so everyone can see our different takes on the meals and such. His username is Plasticletters.

We started making our dining plans by searching for menus and reviews, starting at www.allears.net. Here are some helpful links that Michael and I used to plan our trip:
http://veganindisney.wordpress.com/
http://vegansatori.blogspot.com/
http://bashfulvegan.blogspot.com/
(We contacted both Todd and Kitty from the last two blogs personally, who were both extremely helpful in answering our questions)
And thanks to Andrea for this awesome vegetarian/vegan review right here on DISboards http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2180199

We called Disney dining exactly 90 days in advance to make sure we could get everything we wanted at the times we wanted (and we STILL couldn't!). Michael talked to several cast members as we were deciding how to adjust our schedule, some were helpful, some were not. One suggested we call the special dietary request line (which we didn't even know existed). That number is 407-824-5967. When you call, the automated message will ask you to leave your name, phone number, and email. After Michael did this, he received a response through email the next day, in which he was asked to fill out a dietary request form outlining our specific dietary needs, what restaurants we had made reservations for, the reservation number, day and time. Although other sources told us to call the restaurants ahead of time to make sure they understood our dietary needs, the woman who contacted Michael assured him that if he filled out the form that Disney would contact the restaurants for us and everything would be taken care of. We were skeptical of this service and it worked at varying degrees (as you will soon find out).

Alright, back to the main Disney dining line. When Michael was making reservations, he always made sure to tell the cast member that we had "allergies" to eggs, dairy, and shellfish (as Disney seems to take allergies more seriously than dietary preference). He also made sure that each reservation was also noted "vegan" and although this was something that could clearly be noted, some cast members were willing to do this, some said this was "not possible". We would recommend asking the Disney dining cast member to note both the allergies and dietary preference, as they will both alert your server and print on your ticket for each reservation.

After several days of planning and anticipation, we were off!
(Next up, our reviews :thumbsup2)

[v_gan]

I'm so excited for your reviews! I can't wait to see how the special dietary request line worked out. I never knew that existed!

[tloveswdw]

Excited for your report! We are a family of vegetarians, who lives a vegan life, and eats vegan at home. Looking forward to some more ideas :)

[Plasticletters]

Alright, Michael here for our first set of reviews. If you got through all of that (or even just skimmed it) we know you're along for the ride. We want to try and be as helpful as possible to anybody trying to go Veg at disneyworld, so please do not hesitate to ask us questions (either through posting on this thread or emailing us) if you would like to know more information or want us to clarify something we glossed over.

I have to admit that I was most excited about our first day because of the legendary Chef TJ at 'Ohana (formally the head chef at Boma). Todd (http://vegansatori.blogspot.com/) wrote a great review and personally told us some awesome stories about TJ that left us greatly anticipating the meal we were about to dig into.

BUT FIRST there was a little something called the Magic Kingdom. :wizard:
We arrived early and had a great time, but were unsure whether or not to have lunch because of the big dinner we were assured would make us fat that evening. We decided to share a single counter service credit (for those of you who don't know about the disney dining plan, you get one counter service credit, one table service - or "sit down" - credit, and one snack credit per night of your stay on property) at a place in Adventureland called El Pirata Y El Perico. We got the vegetarian tacos (basically just black beans in two hard taco shells), which came with a bowl of white rice and black beans. The dining plan also entitles us to a dessert with every meal (some places were more vegan friendly than others) and a drink. Since Emily was more hungry than I was (and not vegan) she got a regular chocolate chip cookie for dessert (although this was to be her only non-vegan food item the whole trip. I am very proud of her! :hug:). An added bonus was the HUGE cup of apple juice they gave us, filled to the top with no ice, neither of us drinks soda, so we were quite glad to see that every place we visited offered juice as an option (the other cup was a free glass of water they gave us... proving once again the futility of buying h2o bottled) . There is a fixin's bar with cheese, taco sauce, salsa, onions, diced tomatoes, and lettuce (for you non vegan readers, they will also give you sour cream if you like). We must have been hungrier than we thought because we dug in to this delicious meal before we took pictures. Here's a shot of our partially devoured meal.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2533/3865965782_fc3813aa8a.jpg
We both recommend this "El Pirata" even if you are NOT on the dining plan, as it probably offers the best vegan meal in all of WDW for the price ($5.49), although it is only open "seasonally".

After a terrific day at the Magic Kingdom, we hopped on the Monorail to the Polynesian Resort for our 8:40 reservation at 'Ohana. We got there around 8pm, were given a pager and waited about 15 minutes for our table while we walked around the beautiful lobby. The hostess mentioned to us right away that she had seen our dietary preference on our ticket and that the chef would come to our table. It was probably then that my knees got a little weak and I began giggling like a school girl (we were rather excited to meet Chef TJ). Our hostess stopped at an oven to grab us a loaf of "welcome bread" (which I had heard was NOT vegan) before she stopped herself and said aloud "nope, that has milk. That is our 'welcome bread' but let me welcome you anyhow!" she was very nice and made us feel at home. We were seated at a table fairly close to the windows and RIGHT on top of the "show". Our server came to the table immediately and let us know we would be talking personally with the chef, who he assured us "loves to work with dietary challenges". It wasn't long after that that Emily spotted Chef TJ (we recognized him from his many photos online) frantically running about from table to table. Eventually he got to us (though it was by no means a long wait, and we enjoyed watching Kahlua [sp?] perform on the ukulele and sing Hawaiian songs) and he let us know that the Salad we were given for a starter was indeed vegan. He also informed us that he'd be giving us a 7 course vegan feast, but that we would have to take it slowly because he had a couple of people ahead of us who had allergies. We let him know this was not a problem and he looked at his watch and said "this will work out perfect. You should have the main course right as the fireworks are going off". We then looked to our left and noticed the absolutely perfect view we had of Cinderella castle! Here's the salad (which everyone who eats at the restaurant gets, as well as "dipping sauces" for the meat. The sauces are vegan, but having nothing to dip in them were not used).
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3463/3865971276_37fc7d1587.jpg
We waited a bit for our next course. During that time Kahlua lead the children in the restaurant in some games, after which he came up to our table (located about as close to the action as you could be) and asked "is this ok? I don't want to ruin a romantic evening here". We told him it was fine. It was pretty entertaining actually, and added a lot to the atmosphere. Kahlua was a very sweet man.
The next thing we know, here's TJ again, flying towards us with this tasty dish (seriously, he was running at us with a dish in each hand)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2543/3865189729_c4b0bfeb82.jpg
That is toasted pita bread with roasted red pepper hummus and baba ganoush. The hummus was the best I have ever tasted. Again there was a bit of a delay as Chef TJ ran about from table to table astonishing allergy prone guests with his extravagant desserts. We kept getting more and more excited and Chef TJ kept getting more and more apologetic. At one point, he sent a server (not ours!) to our table to apologize for the wait between courses (which really wasn't even that bad). Soon our next course came out. Avocado, chive, carrot and pineapple filled finger rolls in a seaweed wrap, drizzled in sweet and spicy sauces.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2633/3865975488_4ffa51a8f8.jpg
Chef TJ meticulously explained how the course was prepared and how best to eat it. This is when he said to us "You must eat slow...I NEED you to do this for me". I got the impression that this was both for us to enjoy the delicious creations he had specially prepared for us AND because it was a busy night. Emily assured him that he need not rush around, and to just take it easy - there was no way this man would take it easy, because he wasn't a man, but a god :littleangel: . Some may even call him a wizard :wizard: (and now I'm out of reverent emoticons). Our server then brought us out some leis to wear (not everyone got them, so we felt special). Kahlua sang some more songs, and Chef TJ sprinted towards us, putting on the brakes right at my feet with a large pitcher (the serving apparatus, not the baseball position). He artfully placed two bowls down in front of us and poured in this delectable concoction
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/3865976008_47f3461f99.jpg
That's ginger soup with hot sesame oil (boy was it hot!) topped with cherry tomatoes and watercress. It was spicy, sweet and delicious. We took our time enjoying the soup and watched Kahlua teach several people how to do the hula. Soon, Chef TJ came out with our next course - bok choy and oyster mushrooms, infused with a pomegranate sauce.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3625/3865191187_420c8ed769.jpg
This was very tangy and quite delicious (I am not even a fan of pomegranate taste, and I was licking my fingers after this). Kahlua came over to personally wish us a "magical evening" and said goodbye as the fireworks started. Here it seems 'Ohana was caught napping, someone in the back had forgotten to turn down the lights and pipe in the music for "wishes" as the show started. I heard someone in the back go "oh crap!" (or something akin to that) and the lights immediately went down as the music for the show turned on (this is not a criticism, as it did not detract from the show at all). Less than a minute after the lights went down, here's TJ again, magically appearing before us (I think he teleported this time) with THIS -
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2425/3865976678_a224ebc5be_b.jpg
which I christened TOWER OF VEGAN DELICIOUSNESS. What you see before you is a pile of stir fried veggies under mounds of delicious white rice in a peanut sauce, skewers of marinated tofu (4 of them), crispy rice noodles, and the jewel of our meal - gigantic deep fried asparagus. It was at this point that Chef TJ stopped being as busy and started regularly visiting us to join in on our happiness, offering bits of insight on the meal and even telling us how he prepared the batter for the asparagus! Mid conversation, he asked us if we had been brought out our peanut noodles. We told him we didn't know what he was talking about. One second he was gone, the next he was in the same spot he had left us except with a plate of noodles and broccoli to share (I should mention two things here - 1: this is a dish everyone who visits 'Ohana gets to eat, TJ forgot about it because it wasn't his own special vegan creation [though it IS completely vegan] and 2: the tower and the noodles were the ONLY dishes we shared. everything else you see a picture of was brought out to us individually on our own separate plate)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2638/3865192401_250c1d6689.jpg
Chef Tj chatted with us some more before he revealed this treat
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3498/3865194921_6c469bd840.jpg
Frozen lychee fruit soaked in coconut milk, accompanied by a mint leaf and fresh strawberry. We thought this was the end....boy were we wrong. TJ vanished to the kitchen only to return with this-
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2642/3865195565_4787928d1b.jpg
Ingredients here include a cherry, banana, pineapple, chocolate and vanilla tofutti, and vegan chocolate chip cookies. Chef TJ then drizzled the vegan chocolate sauce on right in front of us. We were very full by then, but finished the entire thing (actually, we finished more or less everything that was brought to us, check this out)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3453/3865978272_eac92ba6d1.jpg
Chef TJ returned very quickly with two bags of Divvies cookies, for which he instructed "For tomorrow!".
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2430/3865980636_edafd5d38f.jpg
He sat the cookies down, then sat himself down and basically joined us for the rest of our meal (we had been at 'Ohana for about 2 and a half hours at this point and the restaurant was pretty much empty), sharing with us some stories while we sang his (deserving) praises. We then asked if we could get a picture with him. "Of course!" he said. He then made a face and cleared some of the larger empty dishes off of the table (see two pictures above) letting us know that the picture would be better without them, and he had a server snap this gem
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/3865979206_5f6915d1ae.jpg
What a perfect meal. We were pretty much treated like royalty. This was one of the best meals we've ever had in our lives. We couldn't stop smiling with glee throughout the entire night - what a great way to start off our vacation!

[Twoboysnmygirl]

OMG!!!!! Keep it coming, I'm drooling all over myself. Now, can you confirm for me that Chef TJ does not work on Saturday's??? :confused: That's when our ADR for Ohana is and I'm sad if this is true as it's the only night we can go.

Subscribed b/c it's so rare to get a VEGAN report! I'm so excited to read more!!!! :cool1:

[iluvpluto27]

Really enjoying your reviews. My DH is a vegetarian so I always enjoy veggie dining reviews.

The food Chef TJ provided at O'hana looks amazing! Every course looks delicious.

[Laura]

Good lord! What a fantastic meal at 'Ohana! :eek:

[Plasticletters]

Now, can you confirm for me that Chef TJ does not work on Saturday's??? :confused: That's when our ADR for Ohana is and I'm sad if this is true as it's the only night we can go.


We were told that this is true. Chef TJ seems to have Fridays and Saturdays off (we actually abandoned our original schedule so that we could have Chef TJ, as our initial plans were to eat there on a Friday). I would still keep that ADR though (especially if you plan to use the dietary request line and let 'Ohana know you are coming ahead of time) because from what I read in Andrea's review (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2180199&page=8) the other chef at 'Ohana treats vegans rather well too.

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Drats! I did read that the other chef is working hard to keep up with Chef TJ's reputation, ;) and her review looked nice, it's just that I'm a raw vegan and was hoping Chef TJ could make a special raw dish for me...

but, my plans are set, I can get another night, but any other night really messes up the rest of our ADRs/park days to do so, so we'll have to stick with Saturday and hope for the best! :)

[ehartman4]

For my take on the food...

The food at El Pirata Y El Perico was surprisingly really good. I'm glad we shared this meal because we got a lot of food! The extra bowl of rice and beans was a nice surprise, as we thought we'd only be getting the tacos!

For 'Ohana, Michael pretty much summed everything up. Each dish was seriously amazing, and I didn't dislike any of it. My favorite part was the tower, for sure. The tofu was a perfect consistency (and I'm normally pretty picky when it comes to tofu). My second favorite dish was the red pepper hummus. It was SO GOOD! Michael and I had to slow ourselves down a bit while eating it to make sure we didn't stuff ourselves too early. Chef TJ was so incredibly nice, and we were kicking ourselves over the fact we hadn't made reservations there for every night, seeing as it was only one table service credit! Overall, the first night was absolutely perfect! Here is a picture of Michael doing a happy dance during our meal at 'Ohana...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3532/3865194655_77628f7efe.jpg

[DisneyRunner2009]

We were there 8/25. My daughter is vegetabletarian as I call it, and we had Chef TJ also. He is the best! I tried some of her meal. The rice, tofu, noodles and deep fried broccoli were really good. I'd consider ordering that myself. My daughter also ate the noodles and broccoli/snap pea vegetables.

[AlohaPolynesian]

I loved your review of Ohana! I've gone to Ohana many times with non-vegetarian family and friends. As you know, there is plenty to eat without getting the vegetarian (or vegan) options. I would just fill up on the salad and noodles and be fine!

So when I went with a friend who was also a vegetarian, we had a similar experience to yours. He was amazing! I wrote to Disney about it and they called me to let me know they got the e-mail and thanked me for sending it. I said "No, thank YOU for having someone as wonderful as Chef TJ!"

I notice that as a vegetarian people look at me like I am an inconvenience because my diet is my choice. I totally agree that allergies are more "respected" if that makes sense. A lot of servers will huff and puff when I ask them what I can eat and what I can't eat. Chef TJ was loving that we were vegetarians and almost seemed to celebrate it. He made me feel good about my choices and showed us the wonderful things we could eat despite the fact that they aren't what's on the regular menu!

I look forward to the rest of your reviews!

[olivejuice]

Yay more veggie reviews!!! Thanks for posting those link I haven't seen them before.

[dpndka]

Hello Emily & Michael, Great start! Thanks for taking the time to share your experience! :)

After reading yours and V_gan's review of Ohana's I can't wait to try it for myself. Chef TJ sounds great.

[MA pigletfan]

Loving your reviews so far..WHAT an amazing meal chef TJ prepared for you both...and your descriptions were wonderful! I am not a vegetarian or a vegan but I can certainly appreciate both. I certainly do try to limit my meat intake, and it looks like I certainly would not go hungry at Ohana if I did decide to become Vegan!! Looking forward to more reviews and pictures :thumbsup2

[amarberry]

I loved your Ohana review! My kids and I are vegetarians, and both of my kids are allergic to eggs, so we eat vegan often. However, DH is a carnivore who loves the skewers of meat at Ohana. He was so disappointed that I didn't make a Ohana ressie on our last trip, but I was sort of done with the bland noodle-tofu dish they used to serve. After reading this review and the Ohana review by v_gan, I think our entire family will be looking forward to a dinner at Ohana on our next trip! We met Chef TJ a couple of years ago at Boma and had a wonderful meal that time too.

[ehartman4]

Before I review our food on day two, I should add that Michael and I got so excited to post our review of 'Ohana that we forgot to mention the snacks we got!

I got chocolate Tofutti at an ice cream shop on Main Street, USA.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3457/3865185125_507b1d94d8.jpg
I have eaten tofutti before so I knew what to expect. It was delicious and they gave me a ton! I had to share with Michael because there was no way I was going to eat it all. Michael got a delicious orange juice slushie. It had real orange juice! I know he looks angry in the picture, but I know he absolutely loved the slushie! Don't let the facial expression fool you :)
I forgot where he got it though. Help me out here Michael..
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/3865185279_ce9b1687b2.jpg

Ok, and on to day two! Michael and I did not get any snacks or counter service meals this day. We were stuffed from the night before and we also had an early (2:55) reservation for Tusker House (located in Animal Kingdom). We got to the restaurant and barely waited five minutes! There were lots of screaming children there, but luckily we were placed in a far corner by an exit. After speaking to our waiter briefly, he sent out Chef Joe. Joe was so incredibly nice and helpful, even if he did pronounce the word "vegan" like "vaygun"! He walked us around the entire buffet, explained what each dish was, what we couldn't eat, what we could eat, and what he could/did make special for us. He informed us that the tofu and samosas are in fact cooked in the same oil as the corn dogs (yuck!). He had prepared tofu before we even showed up because he saw we were coming! How very nice of him! After Joe walked us around, Michael and I grabbed some food we were able to eat without any extra preparation from Chef Joe. Here are our first plates of food...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3433/3865985702_4011f9865f.jpg
On our plates was a green bean and onion salad (the regular green beans are cooked in butter), some kind of amazing cous cous, pecan bread, rice of some kind, and steamed veggies. I liked it all except for the pecan bread. I really don't like raisins in my food and I didn't realize there were raisins in it when I picked it up. Oops! I REALLY liked the cous cous. Everything else was very good, but the cous cous was the best, in my opinion.
As we are finishing up our first plate, Joe comes out with the prepared dishes he made just for us...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/3865986072_73a46abb77.jpg
He had made the tofu and samosas without using the corn dog oil and made the green beans and orzo pasta mix in olive oil rather than butter. Everything was delicious, however, I was not a big fan of the tofu. Like mentioned earlier, I am very picky when it comes to the texture of tofu and this tofu was very squishy. The samosas weren't anything to brag about, but they were still good (I think Michael and I are just used to spoiling ourselves by eating homemade samosas from awesome Indian restaurants back home). Michael got up and grabbed some mango chutney for our samosas, raw corn bread, and tabouleh with a piece of pita bread.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2530/3865201441_b03b28d545.jpg
The mango chutney was absolutely delicious and had a very interesting taste to it. The tabouleh just tasted like regular tabouleh, so of course I liked it! We didn't really eat the corn bread because I couldn't remember Chef Joe telling us it was vegan. We didn't want to take our chances so we just left those pieces of bread alone. At this point I was really starting to get full, but decided I wanted to try some of the roasted potatoes as well as grab some more of that cous cous!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2458/3865986752_925ee91e63.jpg
Next thing we know, Chef Joe comes out with vanilla Tofutti and Divvies!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2503/3865987112_9a4b2c4cbd.jpg
Yum! Michael gets this great idea...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3515/3865202467_f8374b4c36.jpg
...an ice cream sandwich! What a great way to end the meal. There are SO MANY vegan options at Tusker House! We were too stuffed to try everything, but we were glad we got the food we did. Our waiter was extremely friendly, as was Joe, and we definitely recommend this place to any vegetarian or vegan out there! Just beware of the tofu and samosas!

[Plasticletters]

Michael got a delicious orange juice slushie. It had real orange juice! I know he looks angry in the picture, but I know he absolutely loved the slushie! Don't let the facial expression fool you :)
I forgot where he got it though. Help me out here Michael..

It was from Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland at MK.


He had prepared tofu before we even showed up because he saw we were coming! How very nice of him!

This was the one instance in which sending in the special dietary request form seemed to work out for us. They were prepared for us in advance at Tusker House! This might also have been the reason there was Tofutti and Divvies on hand.

I liked it all except for the pecan bread. I really don't like raisins in my food and I didn't realize there were raisins in it when I picked it up. Oops!

But....I LOVED it, so I ate hers :)


Everything was delicious, however, I was not a big fan of the tofu. Like mentioned earlier, I am very picky when it comes to the texture of tofu and this tofu was very squishy. The samosas weren't anything to brag about, but they were still good

Ditto on the Tofu. It was definitely not "extra firm" or "firm" consistency, which made it kind of fall apart. The spices that it was fried with were delicious though. The samosa was definitely not made in house and tasted like the cheap kind you can buy frozen at the store. Not a whole lot of filling /w/ almost a phyllo dough crust as opposed to what you would expect in a delicious, flakey samosa. I still liked them, but I would just have called them "dumplings".

We didn't really eat the corn bread because I couldn't remember Chef Joe telling us it was vegan. We didn't want to take our chances so we just left those pieces of bread alone.

The raw corn bread was actually quite delicious. There were two kinds of corn bread offered at Tusker House. One was like a cornbread muffin kind of thing, and THAT one was not vegan, the bread we had included actual chunks for corn, it WAS vegan and very good, unfortunately we didn't confirm that until near the end of our meal so we were too stuffed to really eat it.

One thing we forgot to mention is that we did have ONE snack during this day....Our Divvies that Chef TJ told us to specifically eat "tomorrow"! I wasn't going to disobey anything that man said (I probably would have jumped off a building for him).






( ...a small building)

[ehartman4]

One thing we forgot to mention is that we did have ONE snack during this day....Our Divvies that Chef TJ told us to specifically eat "tomorrow"! I wasn't going to disobey anything that man said (I probably would have jumped off a building for him).

You know, we really ate A LOT of Divvies and Tofutti during our entire trip...

[disneyfav4ever]

Ohana looked incredible! It makes me want to make my vegan friend go to Florida with me just so I can get it! :goodvibes

[Plasticletters]

Our third day was spent at Disney's Hollywood Studios. We had a great time at the park and had worked up a good appetite by lunchtime. We stopped into Starring Rolls Cafe because I remembered getting a really good veggie sandwich there before. Unfortunately, by the time we got there, they seemed to be all sold out (Starring Rolls doesn't have a full menu available to look at and just sells whatever they make that day and have out behind their display case), so we walked over to Backlot Express and both got the grilled vegetable sandwich. The pesto they put on the sandwich is vegan (!) but it also comes with cheese that you have to specifically ask them not to put on it. The cast member serving us seemed angry when we requested no cheese, informing us "YOU are going to have to wait a long time". We said that was ok, then she informed us that we needed to pick a dessert because of our dining plan. We asked her if there was anything we could substitute for dessert since everything Backlot Express offered contained dairy and/or eggs. She told us we could get bottled water instead, but that was it (we were later to learn that each counter service place handles dessert replacement on the dining plan in a different way - some MUCH better than others), so we got bottled waters. We waited a long time for our meal, but when we finally got it, it tasted delicious. It also came with a really good bean salad that we were told was vegan.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3428/3865205153_8e10ef9430.jpg
It rained A LOT on our Hollywood Studios day. But we were able to beat the rain for the most part while waiting in line or going on indoor attractions. When we got to The Hollywood Brown Derby for our reservation, it was pouring (we must have picked a good time to eat). Even though we checked in before several groups of our same size, many people checking in after us were seated earlier than we were. We waited a LONG time to be seated even though there were many empty seats in the restaurant, and when we WERE seated we waited quite a while for our server, while our wet, rained on bodies froze in the blasting air conditioning. When our server DID finally come he was very polite and attentive. He let us know that our dietary preference had been noted and asked if we'd like to talk to the chef. When we told him we would like to talk to her, he said she would come right out and mentioned to us we might want to order one of the salads without meat, egg and cheese. We figured the chef might give us some better options, but she took quite a while to come out. When she did finally come out to let us know what we could eat she seemed like we were inconveniencing her. Neither of us remember her name and simply refer to her as "the crappy chef". She opened the menu and said "well, let's see, for an appetizer -" (we got an appetizer because we booked the Fantasmic! Dining Package, which you can also get for free on the Dining Plan, and which includes an appetizer in addition to the entree, drink and dessert you would normally get on the plan) "-we don't have much for you. You can get one of our salads without the meat, eggs or cheese. that's about it. Our vegan entree is the coconut tofu, so you can get that, and we don't have any vegan desserts". We asked if there was anything we could substitute for dessert and she said "oh. well we have a house made mango sorbet that is vegan. You can have that" then she left. There was a mixed greens salad or a cobb salad that we could order for an appetizer, so I figured I'd order one and Emily would get the other. Our server then informed us that the cobb salad was for two people and would take up both of our credits, we were thinking of just getting that when he also told us "but it's pretty much all meat, cheese and eggs. If you order it without all of that you'll just be getting shredded iceberg lettuce and avocado". We decided to get the mixed greens instead, which didn't come with avocado but at least offered more than shredded iceberg (normally it came with goat cheese, which we of course asked for it to be made without). Our server offered to bring us out some avocado at no additional cost, which was very nice, but still, the salad was basically a plate of greens with red wine vinaigrette dressing (good dressing, but a sparse salad). We also got some hot rolls and a plate of vinegar and oil with fresh pepper to dip it in. The bread may have been my favorite part of the meal.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3431/3865990400_a4fda1d171.jpg
Our main entree was coconut tofu stir fry. We had seen pictures of this several months ago and Emily had been excited to try this meal ever since we started researching possible vegan options at Disney World. It came with snap peas in the pod, noodles, bok choy, mushrooms, lima beans, and I think one more vegetable I cannot remember.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3445/3865990746_302e3e5af7.jpg
The coconut crusted tofu itself was absolutely delicious, but don't let the picture fool you - it was tiny! We only got one piece of tofu each and it was the smallest thing. We were expecting some kind of tofu steak and what we got was in actuality smaller than a York peppermint patty. Everything was mixed in some kind of indistinguishable broth that was not all that tasty. The noodles we uncharacteristic for asian cuisine (they tasted like cheap spaghetti noodles) and kind of gross to choke down. Many of the vegetables tasted raw and their taste was further diminished by the broth they were soaked in (I can most liken it to mushroom soup mixed with soy sauce). I'll say again that the tofu itself was wonderful, but the rest of the entree was crap. Neither of us finished it. Next came our sorbet
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2480/3865205865_239fd0f4f9.jpg
take a look at the picture and reflect upon how large that grape looks in comparison to the scoop of sorbet we were given. A small child could have easily swallowed the entire portion of sorbet in one gulp. Again, the sorbet was pretty delicious but it was SO small and everything else around it was sub-par. The melon that came with our sorbet had pretty much no taste and from its color appeared to be cut from the tough part of the fruit attached to the rind. We were so disappointed in this meal and the whole experience surrounding it. On top of it all, the Brown Derby charges TWO table service credits on the dining plan so we were left with one crappy meal in the place of two possibly delicious ones (by contrast, 'Ohana only charges on table service credit... there is something totally wrong there. Oh how I wish we had just booked two extra times at 'Ohana instead!). To top it all off, the vouchers you are given for Fantasmic! are only good for the first performance, entitled you to seats that are not all that great, and expire if the rest of the amphitheater is full and they need the "dining package" seats to put extra bodies. We didn't use them and just went to the late Fantasmic! show. I can't even remember what else I wanted to say about the Brown Derby now because I am so mad thinking about this whole ordeal. Maybe Emily will remember. This was by far the worst meal we experienced during our stay and the biggest waste of time/table service credits we can think of anyone using. Do yourself a favor when at Hollywood Studios and go to the Sci-Fi Dine In Theater or the 50s Prime Time Cafe instead. Andrea (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2180199&page=6) gives great vegan reviews for both. We made a mistake not going to one of those neat places!

[ehartman4]

The veggie sandwiches at Backlot Express were soooo good! The tomato pesto on it was delicious and I was really happy when I found out it was vegan. They give you a fairly big sandwich along with a black bean salad. Yum!!

I can't even remember what else I wanted to say about the Brown Derby now because I am so mad thinking about this whole ordeal. Maybe Emily will remember.

I don't think there is enough that can be said about this meal. We had the chef come out so maybe she could prepare us something that wasn't on the menu but instead told us things we could've figured out ourselves! We didn't think we'd have to go in there and order things without most of the ingredients, you know? At 'Ohana and Tusker House, food was prepared just for us so I guess we figured the chef here would accommodate us as well. I think our server helped more than the chef. I felt bad for him (he seemed to be pretty busy the entire time) so I tried to be as nice as I could to him.

The coconut tofu tasted really good but was probably 3" x 3". The noodles that came with the dish were like angel hair pasta, not any type of asian noodle. The sauce was all over the place and it was just a big mess to eat. The bread was really delicious, even though it just tasted like a generic type of restaurant bread!

The mango sorbet was also very delicious but we totally felt like that was a rip off. The fruit they gave us seemed like they went to the local grocery store and bought it. I'm pretty sure it came with fruit just to make it seem like you get more mango sorbet.

Even though we didn't actually pay for this meal, we felt like it was a HUGE rip off (the bill would've been $100.09! HA! :laughing:). I don't see how anyone would PAY for this meal. I wish we wouldn't have used two whole credits for this meal, but we did and I can't really dwell on it. The best I can do is just to make sure other people don't go there!

[v_gan]

Noooo! I wasn't getting e-mail updates when this thread was updated and then I come back to check on it and find out you've already posted tons of reviews!

*Squeals* I am so jealous of your experience with Chef TJ, but I'm also so happy for you! Everything looks amazing. It's my new mission for whenever our next trip will be to do everything I possibly can to be at 'Ohana when Chef TJ is there. I NEED that food! It's all so beautiful.

And, yum @ the ice cream sandwiches you made at Tusker House! You got a lot of cookies on this trip! :thumbsup2 haha

[ehartman4]

Noooo! I wasn't getting e-mail updates when this thread was updated and then I come back to check on it and find out you've already posted tons of reviews!

Haha! I told Michael to leave more time in between the reviews so people wouldn't get overwhelmed! I hope you were able to read everything :)

[v_gan]

Also: That really sucks about your Brown Derby meal. I was really wanting to try it the next time we went. We may still go, but since we don't do the dining plan, maybe just ordering the tofu entree would make it an ok experience? It does seem expensive, though. I'm not sure if Jon would go for it.

But thank you for the pictures of the Backlot Express sandwich and black bean salad! I really wish we had gotten to eat there on our trip. It's on our list for next time!

[v_gan]

Haha! I told Michael to leave more time in between the reviews so people wouldn't get overwhelmed! I hope you were able to read everything :)

I just skimmed through at first, but now I'm getting to all the details :goodvibes I can't wait to read more!

[Jeanieblue114]

I'm glad that you had a good experience at Ohana. I think it is the exception, not the norm to receive that level of specialty service that seems to only exist at Victoria & Alberts.
It may have set you up for higher expectations and dissapointments.

It is probably wise to not expect specialty treatment to that level at every restaurant, particularly for a personal choice diet that is not medically related.
Can you imagine the time and cost associated with them doing this for every person who walked in?
No wonder the cost of disney dining is going up and up and up.
We are paying the same price and we don't get specialty treatment and don't expect it.
While I agree that a 2 credit restaurant with a good reputation should not have had a chef who was seemingly irritated, you also should not have a sense of entitlement and expect something to be created off-menu especially for you because of your lifestyle choice.
Those of us who have dietary restrictions for medical reasons simply review menus and go to the places where there are easy menu options.
I am assuming when you are at home, you go to the restaurants that have items that fit your needs. You don't walk into every restaurant everywhere else in the world and expect a specially made dinner to be made for you?

Just because one chef at one particular restaurant offered this, does not mean that everyone has the luxury to do that.
As we all know from our Disney trips, just because you have a magical experience at one place doesn't mean that it will happen anywhere else or even that place again.
Consider it pixie dust, but do not expect it.
You will be sadly dissapointed again and again.

[onelilspark]

So I'm a full on meat-eater, but I love reading about all the food Disney has to offer...and considering I'll probably never touch tofu, I'm loving your report! :rotfl:

First, I think it's hysterical he was calling it vay-gun, I don't know why, but it sounds snooty. "Ah yes, I will have the vay-gun meal." :snooty: :lmao: Probably funnier to me, than you, but at least he knew what it meant!

I'm amazed at the level of service that you got at 'OHana and Tusker House, that's awesome. It's a shame that a "signature" dining experience falls so much short of just a regular restaurant. If she's truly the chef (and not a sous chef, etc) I can understand why Brown Derby always comes in last on the list. A chef who doesn't care about their customers really shows in the food.

And just a comment to the poster above, without starting too much of an argument here... (and please OP, correct me if I'm wrong in this assumption) perhaps the biggest disappoint is when you walk into a signature dining restaurant and receive poorer service than you do at a regular restaurant. I'm sure if the OP would have been told at a 1 credit, standard Disney restaurant that they have 1 dish available for vegitarian/vegan dining and they won't veer off that course, they probably wouldn't have been surprised. However, when you're dining at an establishment that is already putting it out there that they're "better" than those restaurants, you expect more, not less. They had every right to be disappointed. I'm the first one to get annoyed at an entitlement attitude, and I don't think that's what the OP has. What it comes down to is just, they had 1 dish available on the entire menu, no apps, no desserts until prodded. And that 1 dish wasn't even that great. The OP expressed their disappointment and for all of those people who do go to WDW who are vegan/vegitarian, they now know that their money shouldn't be spent at the Brown Derby, it's better to go elsewhere. That's what these boards are for.

[ehartman4]

And just a comment to the poster above, without starting too much of an argument here... (and please OP, correct me if I'm wrong in this assumption) perhaps the biggest disappoint is when you walk into a signature dining restaurant and receive poorer service than you do at a regular restaurant. I'm sure if the OP would have been told at a 1 credit, standard Disney restaurant that they have 1 dish available for vegitarian/vegan dining and they won't veer off that course, they probably wouldn't have been surprised. However, when you're dining at an establishment that is already putting it out there that they're "better" than those restaurants, you expect more, not less. They had every right to be disappointed. I'm the first one to get annoyed at an entitlement attitude, and I don't think that's what the OP has. What it comes down to is just, they had 1 dish available on the entire menu, no apps, no desserts until prodded. And that 1 dish wasn't even that great. The OP expressed their disappointment and for all of those people who do go to WDW who are vegan/vegitarian, they now know that their money shouldn't be spent at the Brown Derby, it's better to go elsewhere. That's what these boards are for.

You're exactly right. We weren't just disappointed because we didn't get any "special treatment", but also because the QUALITY of the food wasn't as good as those 1 credit restaurants. We heard good things about this restaurant before (when it comes to catering to vegans/vegetarians) so honestly, we were expecting the same thing. I think if the poster above read both MINE and MICHAEL'S reviews on the restaurant, she'd understand that we were disappointed for all sorts of reasons, not just because we weren't offered some sort of "luxury" or whatever.

[mamaboogie]

Another omnivore here - really enjoying your 'vay-gun' reviews!:thumbsup2

Ohana:eek: what amazing food you were served! TJ is a legend! He obviously rose to the challenge. That tower of vegan loveliness really made me drool!

I loved Tusker House when we went last year - we also found everyone to be friendly and helpful there - and we were astonished at the fantastic choice of food there.

Jeanieblue - I think you were a bit harsh with your assessment of the OPs expectations.

As I stated, I eat everything but I totally admire those who have chosen otherwise according to taste or conscience. IMO it's no different to those who have medical dietry needs.

But the whole point is - this is DISNEY. Everyone is entitled to have high expectations. And usually Disney does not disappoint. They treat everyone like they are special. So I can understand why the OP was so disappointed with the lack of care and consideration they received at Brown Derby.
Keep up the good work!:)

[Plasticletters]

This is going to be long winded. Bear with me.

I'm glad that you had a good experience at Ohana. I think it is the exception, not the norm to receive that level of specialty service that seems to only exist at Victoria & Alberts.
It may have set you up for higher expectations and dissapointments.


I agree completely. We knew chef TJ was going to be above and beyond everything else. We originally set it up so that 'Ohana would be our LAST night (as opposed to our first) for that very reason (we didn't want to have this AMAZING meal and then be disappointed by the others), but since chef TJ was not working on our last night there, our first night was really the only ADR we could make.


It is probably wise to not expect specialty treatment to that level at every restaurant, particularly for a personal choice diet that is not medically related.
Can you imagine the time and cost associated with them doing this for every person who walked in?
No wonder the cost of disney dining is going up and up and up.
We are paying the same price and we don't get specialty treatment and don't expect it.


We certainly did not expect chef TJ-like treatment everywhere we went, but I think it is absolutely unfair to blame rising prices/costs on special treatment for vegan/people with allergies. Take 'Ohana for example, it is normally an all you can eat restaurant featuring meat - which is exponentially more expensive than vegetables. I would argue that the average omnivore eating at 'Ohana consumes (and for the sake of this argument, we'll also count food left on the plate that is not eaten as "consumed" since it cannot be re-used) more dollars worth of food than any vegan being treated to Chef TJ's feast. That kind of special treatment does cost money in relation to labor hours, but chef TJ was working like crazy to make up for any lost time spent creating our meal. There was a reason we were at 'Ohana for over two and a half hours - chef TJ has other things he has to do besides prepare special things for us, this is understandable.
In regards to veganism not being medically related and therefore (if I am reading what you are saying correctly) something to be treated less seriously and with less attention, I would pose this question -
do you feel the same way towards religious dietary restrictions (those also being a lifestyle choice and not a medical condition)? What about other lifestyle choices like using silverware? In some asian restaurants that use chopsticks being allotted silverware is a privilege that they may or may not afford - so what then happens to people who don't know how to use chopsticks? There are many other points that can be made, but it comes down to this -
many of us are living in a world that caters to our specific needs and we have become spoiled in this way by assuming the lifestyle we live should be the standard for everyone else. For all its flaws Disney has been supportive in accommodating people who live in ways most of the population does not. I do not believe that Disney or the people they serve as guests should be made to feel guilty for this.
If I am off base with what you are saying, I apologize.


While I agree that a 2 credit restaurant with a good reputation should not have had a chef who was seemingly irritated, you also should not have a sense of entitlement and expect something to be created off-menu especially for you because of your lifestyle choice.
Those of us who have dietary restrictions for medical reasons simply review menus and go to the places where there are easy menu options.
I am assuming when you are at home, you go to the restaurants that have items that fit your needs. You don't walk into every restaurant everywhere else in the world and expect a specially made dinner to be made for you?


Our main beef (no pun intended) with the Brown Derby was that it WAS a 2 credit meal and the worst we experienced our whole trip. No, I do not expect special treatment everywhere I go (not even at Disney) but the kind folks at Disney Dining assured us that in filling out the "special dietary request form" we would have several options wherever we decided to eat. I did not expect the Brown Derby to come up with amazing creations like chef TJ, but I DID expect then to work with us a bit in substituting out meat/cheese for some other food of substance instead of giving us the "well you can order this without the meat and cheese" spiel that any other restaurant we walk into would do - and as much as I understand your point that any normal restaurant I walk into in Detroit is probably not going to cater to my vegan needs, the restaurants at Disneyworld are NOT any random restaurant in Detroit and enjoy a reputation of a higher standard (the Brown Derby and other "signature" restaurants especially)


alright. soapbox dismantled.

[Plasticletters]

I loved Tusker House when we went last year - we also found everyone to be friendly and helpful there - and we were astonished at the fantastic choice of food there.


That is actually something we forgot to mention. When Chef Joe at Tusker House told us he would walk us around the buffet to make sure we knew what was and wasn't vegan, we pretty much showered him with thanks. His response was "well hey. we have a good reputation to keep up". Judging from comments like yours (and some others we have seen) I guess he's right!

[disney_princess_85]

Hi guys, thanks for the reviews! I'm a vegetarian who eats vegan much of the time, so they are of great interest to me. By the way Plasticletters, I 100% agree with everything you said in your post earlier- very well said.

[Jeanieblue114]

Well, this was certainly not meant to create conflict.
Apparantly your review reflected a bit innacurately much like my comment did.

I was a vegetarian for the better part of my college years and have chosen many other food restrictions as a personal choice in my life. So, I am not criticizing personal choice.
I also currently have medical limitations that don't allow me to digest red meat, in addition to some other limitations. I have not eaten red meat in 9 years.

I also am VERY serious when it comes to customer service. I recently completed the Disney Institute Keys to Excellence Program for executive training and I have been to Disney at least once for the past 35 years. I have HIGH expectations of service everywhere including Disney.

As I stated in my post earlier, the Ohana experience was a set up for further disappointment. And I do expect more of a better attitude from any employee at Disney than you received from the Chef at BD. However, as it seemed to come across in the review, you were expecting other options to be offered when you didn't jump on the pointed out limited suggestions of the chef. I understand that being a disappointment, but the Chefs do have a limited resource of time.

It read, to me, as a bit of self-entitlement to special service probably brought on by the amazing experience at Ohana...mere human nature. But the expectation to receive anything other than a basic modification at any restaurant at Disney is a potential set up for disappointment.
You did your research about a lot of menu options that would be available for you at Disney, but perhaps BD was a poor choice for your personal dietary choices.


If the food was of poor quality (despite the service) that needs to be told to Disney so that doesn't occur in the future. I didn't see anything in the review about mentioning dissatisfaction with the quality of the food to your server or the chef. That would be important to do. You may have been offered more of the tofu that you liked or something additional.

I suggest that you email Disney and let them know of the experience. The only way for them to improve is to let them know.
But, I also suggest that in the same message you let them know of the amazing service that you received from Chef TJ.

Like I said, it wasn't meant to create conflict. It came off to me apparently different than you intended.

[Plasticletters]

Well, this was certainly not meant to create conflict.
Apparantly your review reflected a bit innacurately much like my comment did.


Understood. No hard feelings.

I do however think it's rather good that a misunderstanding can sometimes bring out things that on occasion need to be said. I'd say we both accomplished something fairly positive in that light.


I suggest that you email Disney and let them know of the experience. The only way for them to improve is to let them know.
But, I also suggest that in the same message you let them know of the amazing service that you received from Chef TJ.


We fully intend to do both. We want to send chef TJ our picture with him too :)

[PrincessTrisha]

at least they could have put a little tomato or something in the salad:confused3 at the Brown Derby. It looked sad.

I am enjoying your reviews. Although I am a meat eater, I do enjoy reading your reviews.

[punkin712]

We were told that this is true. Chef TJ seems to have Fridays and Saturdays off (we actually abandoned our original schedule so that we could have Chef TJ, as our initial plans were to eat there on a Friday). I would still keep that ADR though (especially if you plan to use the dietary request line and let 'Ohana know you are coming ahead of time) because from what I read in Andrea's review (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2180199&page=8) the other chef at 'Ohana treats vegans rather well too.

I'm not sure what chef was working when Andrea went, but we were there on 8/28 for dinner and Chef Steven was working. If you are a vegan/vegetarian and he's working on the night you have an ADR, CANCEL IT!!!

Some background...this was our first visit to Ohana and was really hoping Chef TJ would be there. I noted on our ADR that I'm a vegetarian, confirmed several times before our trip and even stopped by the Poly the day of our ADR to re-re-reconfirm. When we were seated, I mentioned it to our server who replied with "Chef TJ isn't here. Chef Steven is here. They are like night and day. Good luck." Five minutes later, another server literally threw a bowl of chicken wings at me and said "Here you go!" I explained to him that I'm a vegetarian and he said "Oh. Well, I don't know what you're gonna get then. The chef doesn't really like to do that kind of thing." I mentioned Chef TJ and he said "Well, Chef TJ likes to do vegetarian food. This chef - he doesn't like to be bothered."

Based on the atrocious meal I was served, it was very obvious Chef Steven didn't want to be bothered. I was served a salad bowl sized portion of cubed fried tofu (that was dry and shriveled) drenched in a horribly sweet sauce and topped with an enormous scoop of undercooked rice. While I didn't expect a grand array of vegetarian dishes, I expected something that would be better than bad Chinese food from the local mall's food court. Might be acceptable if you are getting free dining, but we weren't. Who wants to pay $80 for that?

We tried to speak with a manager, but couldn't locate one. We ended up speaking with the manager at Kona Cafe, but his only response was "you should have eaten here instead". We'll never go back.

[Ciciwoowoo]

I am enjoying reading your reviews. We are going to WDW in November, and my sis in law is a veggie girl. I like knowing which places I should recommend to her!

Sadly, our Ohana day is booked on a Saturday. We went there last year and it wasn't her favorite, so I don't think she has high expectations for it this year.

[Lizzybear]

Awesome reviews! My bf is vegetarian and we've booked Ohana in the hopes of getting Chef TJ (he was amazing to us in Boma in 2007 and made my bf a huge stirfry and deep-fried Oreos!) Our ADR is on a Sunday so I have my fingers crossed :goodvibes FWIW, my bf didn't like the tofu dish at HBD either and they were one of the places that was quite dismissive of him being vegetarian. Most other places were excellent and talked him through the menu, offered to make entree size portions of appetiser dishes, offered to sub tofu for meat etc.

[ehartman4]

We tried to speak with a manager, but couldn't locate one. We ended up speaking with the manager at Kona Cafe, but his only response was "you should have eaten here instead". We'll never go back.

Have you tried contacting Disney about this? This is very unacceptable and doesn't seem very characteristic of them.

[Shenanigoat]

I'm enjoying your reviews. It's so nice that Disney is able to make sure everyone is well feed.:goodvibes

[mamaboogie]

Awesome reviews! My bf is vegetarian and we've booked Ohana in the hopes of getting Chef TJ (he was amazing to us in Boma in 2007 and made my bf a huge stirfry and deep-fried Oreos!) Our ADR is on a Sunday so I have my fingers crossed :goodvibes FWIW, my bf didn't like the tofu dish at HBD either and they were one of the places that was quite dismissive of him being vegetarian. Most other places were excellent and talked him through the menu, offered to make entree size portions of appetiser dishes, offered to sub tofu for meat etc.

That's why I'm getting confused! :eek: I knew I recognised Chef TJ and had heard what a fab guy he was at catering for dietry requirements - but I'd read reviews of him and Boma! I didn't know Chefs moved between restaurants!

Punkin - sounds to me Chef Steven is slightly jealous of the legend that is Chef TJ!:rotfl:

I would have been so upset at being treated like this. You just don't expect it at Disney!

[Lizzybear]

That's why I'm getting confused! :eek: I knew I recognised Chef TJ and had heard what a fab guy he was at catering for dietry requirements - but I'd read reviews of him and Boma! I didn't know Chefs moved between restaurants!

Punkin - sounds to me Chef Steven is slightly jealous of the legend that is Chef TJ!:rotfl:

I would have been so upset at being treated like this. You just don't expect it at Disney!

I remember reading he got promoted, definitely well deserved and i'm really pleased he's working to widen the choices at Ohana for those who don't eat meat as well as accomodate various food allergies :)

[Plasticletters]

I remember reading he got promoted, definitely well deserved and i'm really pleased he's working to widen the choices at Ohana for those who don't eat meat as well as accomodate various food allergies :)

I wonder what constitutes being "promoted" in regards to switching restaurants at Disney. Do you think the more frequently visited restaurants are "higher" up on the totem pole of chef employment or does it go by how expensive the average meal is?

[Lizzybear]

I wonder what constitutes being "promoted" in regards to switching restaurants at Disney. Do you think the more frequently visited restaurants are "higher" up on the totem pole of chef employment or does it go by how expensive the average meal is?

I'm not sure but I bet restaurant popularity has something to do with it, Ohana is a pretty hard ADR to get it seems... Though saying that Boma was packed when we ate there, partly why we were amazed to get such great service especially with it being a buffet :)

[Plasticletters]

I'm not sure but I bet restaurant popularity has something to do with it, Ohana is a pretty hard ADR to get it seems... Though saying that Boma was packed when we ate there, partly why we were amazed to get such great service especially with it being a buffet :)

that's a good point. You have to assume that Victoria and Albert's is the most coveted chef spot, followed by the "signature" restaurants at the resorts (California Grill, Jiko, etc), beyond that I really don't know.

[Plasticletters]

Coming up next - California Grill!!

[v_gan]

Coming up next - California Grill!!

Yay!

[mamaboogie]

Coming up next - California Grill!!


Oh - I can't wait! I love California Grill!:lovestruc

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Looking Forward to reading more reviews. . .:surfweb:

[ehartman4]

Michael and I went to EPCOT, and I was so hungry that I got a black bean salad for breakfast (weird, I know) from Sunshine Seasons. It had a little bit of a spice to it and tasted delicious! It didn't taste the same as the black bean salad we got at Backlot Express, which was good. It's nice to have a bit of variety!
(I tried taking a picture showing the ingredients. That didn't work out very well. Oops)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/3865991618_737c6f5fed.jpg

Later on in the day we ate in America and got veggie burgers (I don't remember if this counter service restaurant had a name, ha). Beware though, you have to request gluten free buns! We also asked if we could substitute anything for the dessert since we don't eat dairy, but the woman taking our order seemed already pissed at us and basically told us there was no there way they could do that (but other places can?). Lame, but we got over it.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3498/3865991846_bc2300c43d.jpg

The burger and fries were so good! We love having a fixin's bar. We always stock up on lots of pickles to also fill our bellies. Yum!

That night we had reservations for California Grill in the Contemporary. We heard that they definitely cater to vegans, so we were pretty excited. The woman at the main desk acted like she had no idea what they were going to do to cater to us (she seemed a bit clueless overall). We told her we could just talk to the chefs and she seemed ok with that idea. Once we arrived at the restaurant (you have to have someone escort you to the elevator in order to get up) we were given a pager thing while we waited. Unfortunately, there's not much waiting room inside the restaurant so we sort of wandered aimlessly for a bit until Michael discovered we could go out on the observation deck! However, we were paged right then and were seated RIGHT NEXT TO the window! We had a perfect view to see Wishes. Also, the electric light parade was going on when we sat down so we watched that while we waited for our server. Even though he took a while to get to us, he was very sweet. He brought out us this bread to start off with (he made sure it didn't have any dairy in it)...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3542/3865992762_ff3657f3b0.jpg

...with some oil and vinegar to dip it in. It was delicious! After we scarfed up our bread, Chef Brian came to our table to get our food all figured out. Chef Brian was really cool and talked to us for a bit before talking to us about our food (Michael and I had a few things in common with him. Weird!). We ended up deciding that Brian, along with 3 other chefs, would do "vegan unplugged" for us! Basically, each chef would make up a dish of their own and come up with 4 meals we would get all at once. Brian was really nice and even asked if there were specific foods we did NOT want and all that, but we basically told him he had creative freedom to do whatever he wanted!
The food was brought out right as Wishes was starting (they forgot to dim the lights at first. Woops!). Michael and I each got our own plate of this:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3419/3865993076_cb1012f36c.jpg

Doesn't it look so pretty?
Chef Brian explained each dish to us. Top left is 4 different kinds of tomatoes marinated in some kind of vinegar. He was SO EXCITED about that vinegar! He kept going on and on about how they aged it and stored it and refrigerated it and a bunch of other methods of preparation. It was very cute, to be honest. he was so proud of his work :). The tomatoes tasted so good! Unfortunately, Michael and I don't like the consistency of tomatoes very much so neither of us finished that dish.
Top right is a pile of mixed steamed veggies (carrot, onion, green bean, spinach) on top of a bed of white rice. Michael and I both thought this would be the less flavorful of the 4 dishes, but it ended up being the most! It was my favorite of the 4 meals by far. The white rice had so much flavor in it and the veggies weren't soft at all! I ate this meal first since I thought I'd like it the least. I wish I had saved it for last!
Bottom left is sushi, of course! I honestly can't remember what was in the sushi (probably avocado, carrot, etc) but it was definitely delicious. It was my second favorite of the dishes. There wasn't anything special about it - it just tasted like sushi. It was definitely good quality sushi though!
Bottom right is mushrooms, eggplant, squash, and zucchini (Michael, I sort of forget the ingredients. Help me out here) in a tomato sauce. This was delicious but I don't like the consistency of mushrooms very much so I gave mine to Michael. The taste of the tomato sauce was delicious! It didn't taste like anything you can buy from your local grocery store. You could tell whoever made this dish really spent some time on the sauce! Overall, I think all 4 of these were WONDERFUL!
After we were done, Brian brought us out this...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2443/3865993340_b7667a32e2.jpg

Lemon sorbet! Oh man was this GOOD. It was definitely made from real lemons and very tart, sour, and sweet. Everything about this sorbet was great. I couldn't eat all of mine since I was so full and because it was so tart, so Michael finished mine. Brian made sure to tell us it was made in house, which is awesome. No store bought pre-made items at California Grill!

Overall, everything this day tasted great. I don't feel like any credits we used were a waste at all (Cali Grill is 2 credits, fyi). For any vegans or vegetarians going to WDW, you should definitely check out California Grill! :goodvibes

[v_gan]

Oh, wow. I'm definitely going to try to go to the California Grill on our next trip. That food looks so good! I think I would really like the mushroom dish. I <3 mushrooms!

And that's so much fun that you could see the Electric Light Parade below. You had good timing, and great seats!

[Plasticletters]

Later on in the day we ate in America and got veggie burgers (I don't remember if this counter service restaurant had a name, ha).


It is called the Liberty Inn


Beware though, you have to request gluten free buns!


Neither of us are allergic to gluten or counting carbs....the regular hamburger buns are made with milk!


We also asked if we could substitute anything for the dessert since we don't eat dairy, but the woman taking our order seemed already pissed at us and basically told us there was no there way they could do that (but other places can?). Lame, but we got over it.


It was a pretty busy day for Lunch. I'm not sure if she was really angry at US or just the fact that the line was getting held up. Either way, for some reason there was nothing we could get for dessert there, so we just let that part of our meal go to waste :(


The burger and fries were so good! We love having a fixin's bar. We always stock up on lots of pickles to also fill our bellies. Yum!


If we weren't on free dining I could have easily made a free (albeit somewhat unhealthy) meal out of some of the fixin's bars with all the mushrooms, onions and pickles.


The woman at the main desk acted like she had no idea what they were going to do to cater to us (she seemed a bit clueless overall). We told her we could just talk to the chefs and she seemed ok with that idea.


Yeah, she confused me a little bit and made me kinda worried. She mentioned that they would do a lot for vegetarians but not so much vegans. She talked us through the menu a bit. I really think she was trying to help, but overall she made me feel like perhaps booking this reservation was a bad idea :(


Once we arrived at the restaurant (you have to have someone escort you to the elevator in order to get up) we were given a pager thing while we waited. Unfortunately, there's not much waiting room inside the restaurant so we sort of wandered aimlessly for a bit until Michael discovered we could go out on the observation deck!


We got to check out the observation deck after our meal. It was awesome! You can see EVERYTHING from up there. Here I am striking a pose on the roof
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3430/3865208545_5e1eb49a8c.jpg


Even though he took a while to get to us, he was very sweet. He brought out us this bread to start off with (he made sure it didn't have any dairy in it) with some oil and vinegar to dip it in. It was delicious!


And when they saw we had finished it, they brought us more! Our server also mentioned to us that the bread is usually brought out with butter, but that they made up a vinegar/oil mix just for us. It was REALLY good


4 different kinds of tomatoes marinated in some kind of vinegar. He was SO EXCITED about that vinegar! He kept going on and on about how they aged it and stored it and refrigerated it and a bunch of other methods of preparation. It was very cute, to be honest. he was so proud of his work :). The tomatoes tasted so good! Unfortunately, Michael and I don't like the consistency of tomatoes very much so neither of us finished that dish.


He talked about storing the vinegar at -20 degrees and then letting it sit and then storing it in super cold storage again. Whatever it was, that stuff was delicious. Normally I cannot stomach tomatoes by themselves (I need them mixed in with things) but the vinegar and other spices made this a wonderful dish for me. I ate most of it (which is a milestone for me as I usually pick tomatoes out of almost everything).


Bottom left is sushi, of course! I honestly can't remember what was in the sushi (probably avocado, carrot, etc) but it was definitely delicious. It was my second favorite of the dishes.

Avocado, carrot, sushi rice and seaweed wrap mixed with some spice. We also got pickled ginger to eat! (the pink stuff you see)


Bottom right is mushrooms, eggplant, squash, and zucchini (Michael, I sort of forget the ingredients. Help me out here) in a tomato sauce.

I think that's all there was sweetie


Lemon sorbet! Oh man was this GOOD. It was definitely made from real lemons and very tart, sour, and sweet. Everything about this sorbet was great.


To compare, the portion of sorbet we received at the Hollywood Brown Eye...er...Derby...was less than an eighth the size of what we got here.

[Plasticletters]

Oh, wow. I'm definitely going to try to go to the California Grill on our next trip. That food looks so good! I think I would really like the mushroom dish. I <3 mushrooms!


I also LOVE mushrooms. That tomato sauce dish was really good, but didn't have as many mushrooms in it as you probably think. If you go to the California Grill I would suggest telling the chef that you really like mushrooms though. When Chef Brian came to our table he seemed really willing to work with our particular tastes, likes/dislikes. We just told him to do whatever he wanted, but he seemed very open to taking requests.

[ehartman4]

That tomato sauce dish was really good, but didn't have as many mushrooms in it as you probably think.

Yeah, it wasn't much of a "mushroom dish". I'm pretty sure it had 2 of everything listed... 2 mushrooms, 2 pieces of eggplant, 2 pieces of zuccini, etc.

[Wall-E1]

Do you know what kind of veggie patty they were serving? Disney used to serve Boca Burger patties, but when I was there about a year ago they had switched to some other type of patty. I didn't like them. They seemed more like grains and chucks of vegetables in the shape of a patty (hope that description makes sense). I was hoping they still served the Boca Burger patties at some locations.

[Wall-E1]

p.s. - I'm really enjoying your dining reviews. I'm a vegetarian and am leaving to Disney in just over a week. Your reviews have given me some excellent dining ideas.

[ehartman4]

Do you know what kind of veggie patty they were serving? Disney used to serve Boca Burger patties, but when I was there about a year ago they had switched to some other type of patty. I didn't like them. They seemed more like grains and chucks of vegetables in the shape of a patty (hope that description makes sense). I was hoping they still served the Boca Burger patties at some locations.

They probably serve the same as the kind you had. Michael and I (I'm pretty sure I can speak for him) both don't like veggie burgers that are supposed to taste like meat, like Boca does. We like burgers that have veggies, grains, etc. in them. I'm almost positive they serve the same veggie burgers all across Disney, so you probably won't be able to find any Boca ones.

[Plasticletters]

p.s. - I'm really enjoying your dining reviews. I'm a vegetarian and am leaving to Disney in just over a week. Your reviews have given me some excellent dining ideas.

Awesome! I'm glad we could help

PS: Coming up next - counter service bonanza (and a BIG "oops")!

[SharonLowe]

They probably serve the same as the kind you had. Michael and I (I'm pretty sure I can speak for him) both don't like veggie burgers that are supposed to taste like meat, like Boca does. We like burgers that have veggies, grains, etc. in them. I'm almost positive they serve the same veggie burgers all across Disney, so you probably won't be able to find any Boca ones.

Thank WDW for realizing that most vegans/vegetarians don't want things that taste like meat. I hate Quorn for making things that taste/feel like meat and I sure don't want another veggie burger that tastes/feels like meat.

Love your reviews!!

[Twoboysnmygirl]

but when I was there about a year ago they had switched to some other type of patty. I didn't like them. They seemed more like grains and chucks of vegetables in the shape of a patty

Ooooh! Like a GARDEN BURGER?!?!?! This would make me VERY happy, I don't care for Boca and I thought that was what they were serving at the parks. Last Sept. at Cosmic Rays, I got one and it was rubbery and plain. I like garden or mushroom burgers. :yum

[Wall-E1]

I'm just the opposite. I love Boca Burgers and fake meat products that taste like real meat. I have been a vegetarian for over twenty years, but I still remember how delicious meat was. So, I love Boca Burgers, Quorn, or Morningstar Farm products. Oh well, plenty of other options at Disney.

You have gotten me really excited about Ohana. I'm not eating there this trip, but I am eating there on our December trip. After seeing those pictures, I can't wait.

[itchin2go]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2425/3865976678_a224ebc5be_b.jpg

HOLY %!@#!*@!!!!!!

I am vegetarian, but I'm more of a order-what's-on-the-menu type of girl. I HATE to call attention to myself.

THAT, my friends, is worth calling a bit of attention to yourself.

This is the first time I have ever wanted to curse in a post - not in a bad way. It's just - the whole 'Ohana review was yum-o-rific, and then ... THAT picture. And all I could think was HOLY !@#$!@#!!!!!

I had 'Ohana on our list of ADRs for our upcoming trip, but that was for my meat-eating husband. It's staying on the list, but now I am excited about it too!

Edited to add: After reading through the rest of this thread, it makes me sad that some people read about Chef TJ's GENEROUS efforts, and the EXPECT the same experience when they visit. 'Ohana's menu is basically a meat-fest, and anything off-menu that is delivered to your table is a bonus. Friends have told me that I will like the salad, the veggies and the noodles, and honestly, along with the bread, I'll be stuffed. IF I receive any generous "gifts" from the chef, that will be terrific.

[Plasticletters]

I'm just the opposite. I love Boca Burgers and fake meat products that taste like real meat. I have been a vegetarian for over twenty years, but I still remember how delicious meat was. So, I love Boca Burgers, Quorn, or Morningstar Farm products. Oh well, plenty of other options at Disney.


if you haven't tried it already (I know you listed the brand in the types you like) Morningstar farms bacon is pretty realistic (right down the the white "fat" and the red "meat" having two distinct flavors) as far as fake meat stuff goes, so if you liked bacon before, you'll like that. Yves "meatless pepperoni" tastes rather like real pepperoni as well (note: the Morningstar Farms bacon is NOT vegan, the Yves Pepperoni is).

I very much prefer patties that do not try to taste like meat, and leave the veggie taste intact, but I was not always this way. Those two products were the ones I liked the best years ago.

For those of you who want to try a "bacon substitute" but don't like the fake meat type, try pan frying thinly sliced tempeh. I've been doing this for years now and it is a great snack/breakfast.

[Plasticletters]

HOLY %!@#!*@!!!!!!

Edited to add: After reading through the rest of this thread, it makes me sad that some people read about Chef TJ's GENEROUS efforts, and the EXPECT the same experience when they visit. 'Ohana's menu is basically a meat-fest, and anything off-menu that is delivered to your table is a bonus. Friends have told me that I will like the salad, the veggies and the noodles, and honestly, along with the bread, I'll be stuffed. IF I receive any generous "gifts" from the chef, that will be terrific.

Just make sure you are there on a night that chef TJ works (sunday-thursday), mark that you are vegetarian on your reservation and he will come talk to you.

The house noodles and salad are actually really good and the bread (though not vegan) is supposed to be terrific (made with coconut!), the normal dessert is also supposed to be quite good (again, not vegan so we did not try it), it is some kind of bananas foster concoction. So even if you come on a day chef TJ is not working, being vegetarian probably is not so bad at 'Ohana

[onelilspark]

The MSF Bacon has a good Bacon to Veggie Bacon realistic flavor. But I don't know who designed the product. It tastes good, it doesn't look good.

My favorite of the MSF (which is Morning Star Farm btw) is the Sausage Patties. That's another that tastes like real meat. Honestly, you can put it in front of someone, not mention that it's meat-free and they won't know the difference!

The burger currently being used at most locations at WDW is the Gardenburger Malibu Burger. It's a food service only burger, not available in stores. It's the highest quality burger that GB makes. It's also "made from" Organic indredients. Prior to Kellogg's buying GB it was listed as an Organic burger, but Kellogg's is a little picky when it comes to putting labels on things (reasons why they won't claim things are Gluten free even when the product is naturally gluten free...it might come in contact with a machine that was used on a product that contains Gluten...) So now it's "made from" organic. So anything in the burger than isn't totally organic is pretty much natural.

Just don't ask me how I know ;)

[Plasticletters]

So, because you only get one table service credit per day on the free dining plan (and we used up two credits at both California Grill and the Hollywood Brown Derby) we had run out of table service credits to use during our last 3 days. Originally I had booked us an ADR for the Rose and Crown Dining Room in the UK pavilion at Epcot during Illuminations, but after learning about their menu changed we decided not to spend money on a place that might not really be able to accommodate us (the Rose and Crown used to have a curry noodle meal which they have now phased out in favor of a vegetarian shepherds pie. This is good for vegetarians as it is more authentic British food - as opposed to what's POPULAR to eat in Britain but not native cuisine - but this is bad for vegans as the shepherd's pie is NOT vegan and cannot be made to be vegan, which the noodle dish was. They also used to offer vegetarian samosas as an appetizer, which they got rid of in favor of a scotch egg appetizer. Again, more authentic British food, but bad for vegans).

We had however saved up a significant amount of counter service credits (some days our meals were so big we didn't need to do anymore than share a lunch entree) and snack credits. It worked out that we could get counter service meals on the remaining days (we flew out in the late afternoon on our last day) and only have to buy one meal out of pocket. This worked out excellently.

We spent our first "counter service only" day at Epcot (our first Epcot day we only visited future world, this next day was to be strictly world showcase) and decided to get lunch at the Tangierine Cafe in the Morocco pavilion. There were a few different veggie options but we decided that the vegetarian platter had the most bang for the buck, it comes with tabbouleh, Hummus, green salad, moroccan bread, falafel, olive salad, tangierine couscous, and lentil salad. Since we knew the lentil salad had mayonnaise in it (our friends at allears.net have a handy - but incomplete, so don't rely on it exclusively - guide to that kind of thing http://allears.net/din/vegcsparks.htm) we asked that they leave it out. To our surprise they told us we could double our portion of anything else. We asked for more falafel and they said "oh...except falafel", so we got double tabbouleh. It came with baklava for dessert, which is did not have any dairy or eggs in it, but did have (of course) honey. Here's what the dish looked like.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/3865993784_f83f6cc9e2.jpg

Later in the day we went to the Japan pavilion to get a treat from the KakiGori Stand. KakiGori comes in tangierine, strawberry, cherry, melon, and rainbow (which is tangierine, strawberry and melon...I don't know why you don't get cherry too). We opted to share a rainbow KakiGori and it was delicious! KakiGori is basically shaved ice with sweet syrup on top. It is like a snowcone but the ice is less crunchy (it melts in your mouth) and the syrup has a VERY strong and sweet flavor. Emily and I were both surprised (and happy) at how the syrup tasted more like actual fruit than the artificial fruit flavors most of us are used to in sweet treats.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2609/3865994078_709bb08245.jpg

We headed to the Boardwalk after that and made a halfhearted attempt to find a counter service place there. We didn't have any luck (we were REALLY over there to check out the hotels anyway :) ) so we headed back into world showcase to get dinner in Morocco again (it was so good the first time!) and got another vegetarian platter (this time we shared it). I had been a bit suspicious about the moroccan bread the first time because it had kind of a buttery taste to it, so I asked this time if the bread had milk products in it. They told us that indeed it did and they brought a chef out to talk us through some other options. After a bit of a lengthy wait, the chef came out and said he could give us a "tortilla like" bread instead of the moroccan bread. We said that would be great, and got the platter this time with the "tortilla" (which was more like pita), and again with extra tabbouleh instead of the mayonnaise lentil salad. This time they also threw in a portion of saffron rice for us at no additional cost (maybe for the wait?)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/3865209383_bbc3b64bed.jpg

After the meal, we stuck around to watch Illuminations (the Morocco pavilion is actually a great place to watch illuminations from! it doesn't fill up ridiculously quick like on the other side of the lagoon and there are great views on the water). The next day would be our last FULL day at Disney World (we had to leave mid afternoon on day 7 to catch our flight home).

[v_gan]

So, the pita bread that comes with the vegetarian platter isn't vegan? :sad1: Sucks.

I don't suppose you asked about the falafel? I was thinking about trying the falafel wrap or sandwich or whatever it is on our next trip. I'm worried about the falafel now that I saw a Disney falafel recipe that contained egg. I don't know if it was just a recipe they give out, or one they use in the parks. I guess I'll just check whenever we go. (If they still have it, that is!) :goodvibes

I'm so sad the reviews are almost over! It's so nice to have new veg reviews to look at.

[onelilspark]

I love the Tangierine Cafe, it's so tasty! We're eating around the world this time for F&W, so my boyfriend is disappointed that we might not get to eat a meal there!! :rotfl:

[katrocity]

[QUOTE=Plasticletters;33635157]So, because you only get one table service credit per day on the free dining plan (and we used up two credits at both California Grill and the Hollywood Brown Derby) we had run out of table service credits to use during our last 3 days. Originally I had booked us an ADR for the Rose and Crown Dining Room in the UK pavilion at Epcot during Illuminations, but after learning about their menu changed we decided not to spend money on a place that might not really be able to accommodate us (the Rose and Crown used to have a curry noodle meal which they have now phased out in favor of a vegetarian shepherds pie. This is good for vegetarians as it is more authentic British food - as opposed to what's POPULAR to eat in Britain but not native cuisine - but this is bad for vegans as the shepherd's pie is NOT vegan and cannot be made to be vegan, which the noodle dish was. They also used to offer vegetarian samosas as an appetizer, which they got rid of in favor of a scotch egg appetizer. Again, more authentic QUOTE]

I'm so enjoying your posts! Did you post the rest of your meals elsewhere?

What did you guys do for breakfasts?

Thanks so much!

Kate

[ehartman4]

I'm so enjoying your posts! Did you post the rest of your meals elsewhere?

What did you guys do for breakfasts?

Thanks so much!

Kate

All of our other meals are described within various posts included in this thread.
Go to pages 1-4 to check them out!

We didn't usually eat breakfast since we ate such big meals the night before. Check our other reviews in this thread for more details.

[Lizzybear]

Great reviews of California Grill and Tangierine Cafe :goodvibes I like the idea of sushi made with avocado, my experience of it is only of the fishy variety! We loved the rainbow kakigori last trip, I think we had it twice :)

[ehartman4]

I don't suppose you asked about the falafel? I was thinking about trying the falafel wrap or sandwich or whatever it is on our next trip. I'm worried about the falafel now that I saw a Disney falafel recipe that contained egg. I don't know if it was just a recipe they give out, or one they use in the parks. I guess I'll just check whenever we go. (If they still have it, that is!) :goodvibes

I have never heard of falafel with egg in it. That is just strange to me! The falafel there DID taste differently than the falafel we make at home and eat at middle eastern restaurants, though. I hope it didn't have egg in it...

[Plasticletters]

So, the pita bread that comes with the vegetarian platter isn't vegan? :sad1: Sucks.

I don't suppose you asked about the falafel? I was thinking about trying the falafel wrap or sandwich or whatever it is on our next trip. I'm worried about the falafel now that I saw a Disney falafel recipe that contained egg. I don't know if it was just a recipe they give out, or one they use in the parks. I guess I'll just check whenever we go. (If they still have it, that is!) :goodvibes

I'm so sad the reviews are almost over! It's so nice to have new veg reviews to look at.

The bread that automatically comes with the vegetarian platter isn't pita. It's very soft and fluffy with a hard crust (not unleavened like pita), they called it "Moroccan Bread". The tortilla-like thing they gave me as a replacement was more like pita.

I did not ask specifically about the falafel in Morocco, but the second time we ate there I was very specific about asking if ANYTHING in the platter had milk or egg products (which is how we got the tortilla/pita). We DID eat falafel somewhere else later on in the trip and I DID ask there. They assured me the falafel was vegan and when I received my meal, it looked and tasted the same as the falafel in Morocco (which, like emily said, is unlike pretty much any falafel I have had. It is a lot mushier than I'm used to, but I still liked it). We'll have the review of that "other" falafel restaurant up next!

[ehartman4]

Today was our second day at Magic Kingdom. For lunch we ate at El Pirata Y El Perico again. We didn't take a picture this time since we ate it before (check page 1) and also because my camera was running out of battery/memory. This time, we paid for the meal since it's the best deal with how much food you get. We love the tacos there!

Since extra magic hours were until 1am, we decided to take a break for dinner and go to Animal Kingdom Lodge to look around and eat at The Mara. When we got to Mara, we quickly noticed there was a falafel wrap on the menu. We told the man taking orders our dietary needs and he left to get the chef. It took a while for the chef to come out so we felt a little awkward just standing there where others grab their food. Once the chef came out, he told us that the falafel wrap was vegan, except for the sauce which could be easily left out. He also told us that we could get fruit in place of a dessert (they had refrigerators surrounding the area with beverages, fruit, and desserts). Awesome! He left to make our vegan-friendly falafel wrap while we went in search of fruit. Michael got watermelon and I got grapes. I also grabbed a bottle of cranberry apple raspberry juice to count for my drink (Michael got a fountain drink). We got our falafel and headed to the fixin's bar. We love fixin's bars! We loaded up on veggies and grabbed some crackers for a snack later...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2588/3865209613_3a133ec3b3.jpg

It was really good and really filling. It was nice being able to add our own veggies.

Here is a nice story that happened while I got up to go get more crackers from the fixin's bar (Michael didn't tell me that this happened until way later). Michael heard some woman go up to an employee at Mara and said "THOSE people are ruining my dining experience" and pointed at our table. Ummm? Michael noticed that a few more words were exchanged (he couldn't hear) and the woman just sort of stormed off. Now let me tell you, Michael and I enjoyed our meals minding our own business. I think she was angry because we have facial piercings and tattoos. But come on, it's 2009. It's not like you NEVER see anyone with facial piecings and tattoos nowadays. I found this to be quite funny, but Michael thought I'd angry about it. That's why he waited to tell me. It's sort of strange that the way we LOOK can ruin someone's dining experience. That woman sucks.


Later on in the night we got hungry, and we didn't really want a full meal, so we grabbed a side of french fries from Cosmic Ray's...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3428/3865212567_8b605ace87.jpg
(sorry, the rest of the pictures were taken on my cell phone)

They have a fixin's bar as well! We stocked up on sauteed mushrooms and pickles. The fries are good there! Not exactly healthy, but good, haha.

Up next, our last day :sad:

[v_gan]

I have never heard of falafel with egg in it. That is just strange to me! The falafel there DID taste differently than the falafel we make at home and eat at middle eastern restaurants, though. I hope it didn't have egg in it...

I doubt it did. Seeing that recipe online that was supposedly from Boma just got me worried. I'm thinking that's not the real recipe they use. :confused3

The bread that automatically comes with the vegetarian platter isn't pita. It's very soft and fluffy with a hard crust (not unleavened like pita), they called it "Moroccan Bread". The tortilla-like thing they gave me as a replacement was more like pita.

I did not ask specifically about the falafel in Morocco, but the second time we ate there I was very specific about asking if ANYTHING in the platter had milk or egg products (which is how we got the tortilla/pita). We DID eat falafel somewhere else later on in the trip and I DID ask there. They assured me the falafel was vegan and when I received my meal, it looked and tasted the same as the falafel in Morocco (which, like emily said, is unlike pretty much any falafel I have had. It is a lot mushier than I'm used to, but I still liked it). We'll have the review of that "other" falafel restaurant up next!

Good to know! Thanks so much for asking all the questions you did when eating out. It's so helpful :goodvibes The recipe I saw online was supposedly from Boma. So I'm hoping the chef I talked to knew what he was talking about when he said the falafel balls there were ok for vegans.

[bookmama]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2425/3865976678_a224ebc5be_b.jpg

OMG! This looks yumster. As a meatatarian this looks so lovely. Wish I could find a way to get this when I get there.

[v_gan]

Also - That is both hilarious and sad that that woman felt like you two were "ruining" her meal!

Really? She couldn't just look away? That's just ridiculous. I think you're both adorable!

[Plasticletters]

Since extra magic hours were until 1am, we decided to take a break for dinner and go to Animal Kingdom Lodge to look around and eat at The Mara.

I should mention that "the Mara" is Animal Kingdom Lodge's counter service restaurant. We got a chance to peak at Boma and Jiko as well (their table service places) and they looked amazing (maybe next time)!


I also grabbed a bottle of cranberry apple raspberry juice to count for my drink (Michael got a fountain drink).

This has nothing to do with being vegan, but I thought it was worth mentioning - I was expecting there to be some kind of lemonade or fruit punch drink I could have at the fountains, but when I got there everything was carbonated (my stomach can't handle carbonation) or "light" (IE: made with aspartame - which I also don't consume) so I ended up settling for water and coffee...which worked out well enough :)


Michael heard some woman go up to an employee at Mara and said "THOSE people are ruining my dining experience" and pointed at our table. Ummm? Michael noticed that a few more words were exchanged (he couldn't hear) and the woman just sort of stormed off.

I was so worried when that woman pointed at me! I didn't know what I had done. I checked the table, checked to see if my fly was open, tried to revisit the conversation Emily and I had together to make sure there was nothing possibly offensive/objectionable said (there wasn't). I got really upset that I had ruined this woman's meal and I didn't know what to do to make it better. I was considering talking to her, but she stormed off. I think the employee at the Mara told her more or less "there's nothing I can do, they're not doing anything wrong" and the woman got mad and left.



Later on in the night we got hungry, and we didn't really want a full meal, so we grabbed a side of french fries from Cosmic Ray's...


Boy is that place cool! There is an animatronic Alien called Sonny Eclipse that sings his lounge act to you while you eat! Lots of fun!

Something not food related, but really cool is that we were riding on the Astro Orbiter while "Wishes" was going off. One night watching wishes from 'Ohana, one night watching it from California Grill at our seat by the window, and one night ON the Astro Orbiter watching "Wishes"...not bad :)

[Lizzybear]

That woman does indeed suck! Me and the bf both have tattoos too and used to have a lot of piercings so we've certainly had our fair share of dirty looks and 'whispered so we can hear them' comments... I think some people need to get out more! ;)

[ehartman4]

Wish I could find a way to get this when I get there.

This is a special dish Chef TJ makes for vegans and vegetarians only.

[SharonLowe]

I should mention that "the Mara" is Animal Kingdom Lodge's counter service restaurant. We got a chance to peak at Boma and Jiko as well (their table service places) and they looked amazing (maybe next time)!

I can assure you that you will love both of them. Jiko is our favorite place other than O'Hana with Chef TJ, who we met at Boma. Even though he is no longer at Boma, they still have great vegan options. But, if you have to choose one, pick Jiko. It is just really great for vegans, vegetarians, and meateaters alike. The atmosphere is great.

Thanks for all your great reviews and photos.

And, yes, that woman should be hung up by some piercings, if you get my drift. I would rather see you guys (who are very cute, BTW) next to my table than some fat, sweaty guy in a tank top.

[Plasticletters]

I can assure you that you will love both of them. Jiko is our favorite place other than O'Hana with Chef TJ, who we met at Boma. Even though he is no longer at Boma, they still have great vegan options. But, if you have to choose one, pick Jiko. It is just really great for vegans, vegetarians, and meateaters alike. The atmosphere is great.


I've heard great reviews of both places (which is one of the main reasons I wanted to check out Animal Kingdom Lodge...that and the night vision goggles, which were way cool!), but haven't heard much about Savaa (I think that's how it is spelled?) the new place at Animal Kingdom Lodge on the Kidani Village side. It's supposed to have it's own vegan menu!

[ehartman4]

Here is something interesting to keep the thread hoppin' while waiting for Michael's last review... I haven't eaten anything non-vegan since that cookie on our first day! Go me! I have no intention of eating anything with animal products in it ever again, so I'm pretty sure I can classify myself as vegan now :)

[Twoboysnmygirl]

:thumbsup2

[cheryterese]

Soooooo excited to find this thread! My family of 5 - dh (fish eater but otherwise vegetarian and lover of tofu!), me (mostly vegan vegetarian) and 3 vegetarian kids ages 4, 2, and 1.

So far I've only made it through your review of 'Ohana and it sounds fabulous. Please tell me, is it kid friendly? We'll be going at the end of January and I'd love to make a dinner reservation here. We obviously can't sit for a 2 hour dinner with three little ones, as you did being only 2 adults, but I'm assuming this is not the norm (2 hours for dinner)?

[Plasticletters]

Please tell me, is it kid friendly? We'll be going at the end of January and I'd love to make a dinner reservation here. We obviously can't sit for a 2 hour dinner with three little ones, as you did being only 2 adults, but I'm assuming this is not the norm (2 hours for dinner)?

2 hours is NOT the norm. Most people were out of there in an hour or so, we just had that extra long dinner because chef TJ was preparing special meals for us and was REALLY busy on top of that.

and.....'Ohana is VERY kid friendly! There are games set up specifically for kids to play during the meal (a limbo contest, a "coconut race" and other events) that liven things up. Your 4 year old will love it.

[ehartman4]

2 hours is NOT the norm. Most people were out of there in an hour or so, we just had that extra long dinner because chef TJ was preparing special meals for us and was REALLY busy on top of that.

and.....'Ohana is VERY kid friendly! There are games set up specifically for kids to play during the meal (a limbo contest, a "coconut race" and other events) that liven things up. Your 4 year old will love it.

Well, who knows if Chef TJ isn't busy other nights, you know? He IS the one who makes the food for all dietary requests and allergies. I would think that Chef TJ is usually busy.

Also, those kids we saw were there eating meat, not waiting on one chef to make their food.


So far I've only made it through your review of 'Ohana and it sounds fabulous. Please tell me, is it kid friendly? We'll be going at the end of January and I'd love to make a dinner reservation here. We obviously can't sit for a 2 hour dinner with three little ones, as you did being only 2 adults, but I'm assuming this is not the norm (2 hours for dinner)?

Even if you do wait a long time, there are fun and games for the kids to keep them occupied (as Michael said)!

[Plasticletters]

We spent our final day (half day really because we had to be at our hotel by 330pm in time to catch Magical Express to the airport) at Animal Kingdom.

Late on the previous night as we were leaving the Magic Kingdom we got a candy apple from The Main Street Confectionery. We ate it while waiting for our bus to Animal Kingdom in the morning (candy: the cornerstone to any nutritious breakfast). Emily dug right in..
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2668/3865997930_5d401fe624.jpg
I got kinda messy
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/3865213155_ba17929e8e.jpg

For lunch we stopped into Restaurantosaurus and I am Soooooo glad we did! After waiting in a short line, we both ordered veggie burgers (being sure to request the gluten/dairy free buns), and the manager (whose name is Laurie) was summoned (which seemed to be standard protocol) to "override" the system and mark that we wanted the gluten free buns. While Laurie processed our order we asked her if there was anything we could replace our dessert option with. Laurie said they had gluten free brownies and got us the ingredients list, upon the discovery that the brownies had eggs in them, she said we could have bagged fruit from the children's menu and we could choose grapes or apples. I chose grapes, Emily chose apples and Laurie tossed five bags of fruit onto our tray (we expected two!). After experiencing limited replacement options at other counter service restaurants, it was really a pleasant surprise how we were treated here. After a short wait, we got our food and took it over to the fixin's bar where we (as always) loaded up on pickles, onions and mushrooms. Here was our dish
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/3865213313_96261566c1.jpg

We sat down inside and listened to the prehistoric themed music ("Walk the Dinosaur" and "It's the End of the World as We Know it (and I feel fine)" were a few of the tunes). While we were eating I couldn't help but notice one of the most bizarre things I saw the whole trip. Two high school aged boys who were there with their family took their empty fountain drink cups up to the fixin's bar and filled them with ketchup. As I observed this I thought "wow, they must really like to drunk their fries...that or they are totally wasteful". The parents then sat down with their sons and I expected a full on family style ketchup assault to take place - instead I looked on with mixed disgust and amusement while the two boys produced plastic straws, stuck them in the cups of ketchup and DRANK THEM DOWN. They then went back and did this again as their parents said nothing to their sons with ticking timebomb thyroid glands.

weird.

A bit before we left Emily used a snack credit to get this frozen pineapple treat from a cart near Camp Minnie-Mickey. She said it was delicious!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2541/3865213375_70ac520827.jpg

All too soon our day had come to an end and we had to get back to our hotel to catch Magical Express (which left almost 4 hours before our flight took off). We still had some snack credits, so we went to the store in the hotel lobby to get some snacks. I had been led to believe that anything under $4 was considered a "snack credit" (which proved to be true at food locations IN the park...hotels on the other hand....) but the cashier in the lobby gift shop informed me that this was not the case. He pointed to a very small selection of items we could pick from, most of them single serving candy bars and small treats. We realized very quickly we had made a big mistake - USE YOUR SNACK CREDITS IN THE PARKS (you will end up getting MUCH more for your money) NOT IN THE HOTELS. Some of the items for sale in the lobby gift shop that we could NOT use snack credits on (example: Goofy's Peanut Brittle - completely vegan!!) were able to be purchased with snack credits in the park. A bit miffed, we wandered off into Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (our resort's counter service restaurant) to see what they had to offer. We inquired about soy/rice cream at the icecream counter, but they had none to offer. It was then that we spied some divvies (the same cookies that Chef TJ brought out to us and were also included in our dessert at Tusker House), so we snatched those up and then went back into the lobby giftshop to get some cotton candy and use our last snack credits.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3510/3865998426_84190d1ea0.jpg

and with that, our fantastic free food adventure was over :(

We had a lot of other fun experiences happen to us while we were at the park. If we do a hotel review or any other kind of trip report, I'll make sure we link it here! Again, if anybody has any questions about anything on our trip or any of the restaurants we ate at, don't hesitate to ask! I hope this helped some of you plan future trips! Love and good luck to all of you.

[ehartman4]

For lunch we stopped into Restaurantosaurus and I am Soooooo glad we did!

I think Laurie must've thought we were not getting fries and gave us extra fruit instead. When we got our food, the fries were not included. We had to go back up and tell someone they forgot our fries. I honestly don't think Laurie was being extra nice to us and added extra food since she didn't even put our fries on the tray. Still very nice though!

The parents then sat down with their sons and I expected a full on family style ketchup assault to take place - instead I looked on with mixed disgust and amusement while the two boys produced plastic straws, stuck them in the cups of ketchup and DRANK THEM DOWN. They then went back and did this again as their parents said nothing to their sons with ticking timebomb thyroid glands.

I am just glad my back was facing them the whole time. I was able to sneak a peek at one point and I thought I was going to puke. As Michael knows (and now you will, Disboards community) I absolutely HATE condiments, especially ketchup. I just can't stand the look, smell, and taste of ketchup the most. When I turned around and saw this, I lost my appetite. It was a good thing I was finished with my meal anyway. :eek:

A bit before we left Emily used a snack credit to get this frozen pineapple treat from a cart near Camp Minnie-Mickey. She said it was delicious!

I was planning on getting this the entire trip but wanted to save up snack credits just in case. Sooo glad I got it. It had chunks of pineapple in it. Delicious.

He pointed to a very small selection of items we could pick from, most of them single serving candy bars and small treats. We realized very quickly we had made a big mistake - USE YOUR SNACK CREDITS IN THE PARKS (you will end up getting MUCH more for your money) NOT IN THE HOTELS.

The items that we could use snack credits for were sold for like 99 cents in gift shops and such in the parks. It really was a rip off. I am so thankful we randomly found those Divvies.

[AlohaPolynesian]

I've been a vegetarian for about ten years and finally decided to try vegan starting tomorrow. Went to the store and got a bunch of things to try. Any tips?!

[ehartman4]

I've been a vegetarian for about ten years and finally decided to try vegan starting tomorrow. Went to the store and got a bunch of things to try. Any tips?!

The main thing I did was just experiment! I always love looking up new recipes and just working off them (www.goveg.com, www.chooseveg.com). I love buying beans, veggies, and spices and just working up a meal to my own specific taste. When it comes to baking, I follow the directions almost exact (a good egg replacer in desserts is 1 egg = 1 banana, fyi). Since my boyfriend is vegan, I go to him for advice as well. We have been eating a lot of homemade pizza lately with tofutti cheese on top! Also, nutritional yeast will become your best friend. It's a good topping on pasta, pizza, veggies, etc. You can put it on practically anything for an extra touch of flavor as well as nutrition!

The main thing is to look at the ingredients on everything, even if you think it's ok to eat. You'd be surprised what you find in foods!

[Plasticletters]

I've been a vegetarian for about ten years and finally decided to try vegan starting tomorrow. Went to the store and got a bunch of things to try. Any tips?!

Beans are your best friend.
Also do not discount the power of nuts (and various nut butter). Peanuts offer a nice source of protein and go well in SO many different things. TVP is another good ingredient to have as a staple around the house. I like to use TVP with sloppy joe mix and make my own vegan sloppy joes!

Like Emily mentioned earlier, nutritional yeast is a BIG one. I use it in (almost) everything. Otherwise, just be creative :)

[SharonLowe]

Since going vegan I find I like things a little bit spicier than before. Also, I like to add crunch to things like pasta or other things where I used to use cheese. Pine nuts are great for pasta and of course other nuts in stir fries and the like. I make my own flatbread and freeze the extras. Can use them with some many things - homemade pizza (no cheese for me, not even the veggie cheese), top it with refried beans and salsa, etc. Polenta is another nice option. We tend to eat a lot of stir fries at home with various sauces.

If you have not been a big bean eater, ease into it. They do make you very gassy :blush:

Enjoy - once you get the hang of it you will wonder why you ever ate any way else!

[DVCRon]

Thanks to both of you for all the time and effort you put into your reviews.
We've been to WDW many times but this will be the first since my older daughter and I became vegetarians. Lots of good ideas and info.

Ron

[Vegcentric]

The main thing is to look at the ingredients on everything, even if you think it's ok to eat. You'd be surprised what you find in foods!

This, this, this.

Sorry for just randomly popping up into this thread. I've been a looong time lurker and finally felt the urge to sign up because of the recent veg reviews on the boards. My hubby and I are both vegan and going on our honeymoon (got married a year ago but never went on a 'moon) in November to the World, and found this thread very helpful.

Now, back to the main point.
My mother in-law asked my husband if she could store some cakes in our deep freeze because she had no room for them, he said sure. So I was downstairs last night looking at these cakes, which were obviously not vegan in any way, shape or form but I was curious of the ingredients anyway (I love reading labels for some oddball reason) and the first thing my eyes went to was BEEF GELATIN.

In a chocolate cake by McCain!

The cake isn't even vegetarian! :confused: I don't really understand the necessity of having beef-anything in a chocolate cake.

Anyways, just had to share. For vegan tips, I have a lot of vegan food blogs and vegan cookbooks on hand. Veganyumyum.com is always a good one.
Vegnews magazine is also a staple in my house. Good luck!

[AlohaPolynesian]

Sorry to hijack your thread but thank you for all of the great advice and of course the great reviews!

[ehartman4]

Sorry to hijack your thread but thank you for all of the great advice and of course the great reviews!

No worries! You didn't hijack! I hope our tips help :)

[BigEeyore]

LOVED your reviews! I've been seeing more and more veg reviews on the Dis, and that makes me happy. :flower3:
Some thoughts:
- That chef at the Brown Derby was pathetic! Had that been someplace less supposedly "upscale", you wouldn't expect much. But for the caliber of place they claim to be, the chef should have been more accomadating. Any chef worth their salt should be able to whip up something off menu, especially since they had advance notice that they had a vegan party dining there that night. I have always said that vegetarian dishes offer chefs so much more creative freedom than meat dishes do. Good chefs relish this challenge.

- I can't believe that lady at the Mara took any offense to you guys, and that she would even say anything, and loud enough for you to hear it. :sad2:

- I commented on another thread about how much I love the new veggie burgers they are serving - no more fake meat!

- We have our first visit to Ohana coming up - had I not heard about Chef TJ I would have never booked it. We have a Weds night ADR, so hopefully he will be there!

[Plasticletters]

- That chef at the Brown Derby was pathetic!


YES


- I can't believe that lady at the Mara took any offense to you guys, and that she would even say anything, and loud enough for you to hear it. :sad2:


Again, I'm not totally sure what it was that made her upset. I wish I could have asked her


- I commented on another thread about how much I love the new veggie burgers they are serving - no more fake meat!


viva la veggies


- We have our first visit to Ohana coming up - had I not heard about Chef TJ I would have never booked it. We have a Weds night ADR, so hopefully he will be there!

From what I have been told, he should be there.


My hubby and I are both vegan and going on our honeymoon (got married a year ago but never went on a 'moon) in November to the World, and found this thread very helpful.


Trying to figure out "romantic-type" things to do was priority #2 for us (after the vegan planning) and we had some great moments :love: Let me know if you would like any help planning some fun couple things to do.


I was curious of the ingredients anyway (I love reading labels for some oddball reason) and the first thing my eyes went to was BEEF GELATIN.


Gelatin is a big sticking (no pun intended) point for me. I know a few people who snack on foods containing gelatin quite regularly but view themselves as vegetarians. I know it is just words, labels, etc. and it really depends on WHY you are veg to begin with (moral, health, ethical or economic reasons) but I often wish that people would just take the time to discover what is in the ingredients of their food - especially if they care about not consuming animals. I know there are many people out there who just have no idea in general what gelatin IS and have no clue it even comes from an animal to begin with, but so many people are still under the illusion that gelatin is made from hooves and horns (which still isn't a terrific thing to be eating...and I still wouldn't call vegetarian), when it is really made from "connective tissue" - skin, fat, cartilage, etc. A few assorted people I've run into have had such a hard time "giving up" gelatin that they are in denial about what is really in it - even after learning.


Thanks to both of you for all the time and effort you put into your reviews.
We've been to WDW many times but this will be the first since my older daughter and I became vegetarian


thanks! Let us know if there is anything more we can do to help

[Plasticletters]

another great Disney vegan review i found

http://en.petitchef.com/recipes/once-upon-a-time-in-disneyworld-fid-318310

[Vegcentric]

You guys are awesome. Thanks for posting that...not much too longer to go before my husband and I embark on our honeymoon to the 'World, and we already sent in our dietary request form. Even though I should probably stop being paranoid and just relax, I'm still really nervous about how our meals are going to turn out. I didn't even know there was a dietary request hotline until I read your thread, so thanks for that.

[loperella]

Thank-you SO much for taking the time to write such a beautiful, informative & thourough review. I really appreciated it & it def came in handy during our 1st WDW visit a few weeks ago. DH is vegetarian and DS (10) is a picky-veggie-macaroni-ian and Chef TJ did a wonderful presentation not only for DH but ALSO for my lil guy and they were both tickled with what he prepared. I think all of us were blown away as well as a few tables around us!!!:goodvibes

Thanks again! :thumbsup2

[Plasticletters]

You guys are awesome. Thanks for posting that...not much too longer to go before my husband and I embark on our honeymoon to the 'World, and we already sent in our dietary request form. Even though I should probably stop being paranoid and just relax, I'm still really nervous about how our meals are going to turn out. I didn't even know there was a dietary request hotline until I read your thread, so thanks for that.

Don't be nervous! Like we said in the review, the dietary request hotline wasn't the biggest thing to fill out - it's mostly letting the Cast Member who you made your ADRs with know your restrictions and then confirming them with the restaurant once you get there. Just don't be afraid to MAKE SURE the servers/chefs know your needs. You two will have an awesome time! What restaurants are you hitting up again?

Thank-you SO much for taking the time to write such a beautiful, informative & thorough review. I really appreciated it & it def came in handy during our 1st WDW visit a few weeks ago. DH is vegetarian and DS (10) is a picky-veggie-macaroni-ian and Chef TJ did a wonderful presentation not only for DH but ALSO for my lil guy and they were both tickled with what he prepared. I think all of us were blown away as well as a few tables around us!!!

Thanks again!


thanks so much! I'm glad you had an awesome time and that we could help a bit.

[mullertwin]

Great reviews - thanks!!!:thumbsup2

I ate at HBD with some friends in February 2009 and found it to be the worst place to go if you need any kind of accommodations. I keep kosher but will eat vegetarian at WDW and I also told them I had allergies but they were so unaccommodating and everything took so long, including the chef coming to the table. Really terrible experience there.

I wanted to eat at the Tangeriene Cafe in Morrocco but was worried about the falafel being fried up with the chicken and when I asked they said it was fried in the same oil. Really disappointing so I went elsewhere because I was afraid of eating unallowable foods.

Chef TJ is fantastic! I went with a group of carnivores and actually ordered the kosher veggie meals (prewrapped stuff) for my son and I but Chef TJ came out and tried to help us have even a better meal by adding in some yummy salad and fruit! I adore Chef TJ!!!!:love: He even made us a special dressing for the salad! I'd go there again but this time I'm going solo and don't feel it is the best atmosphere for solo diners.

California Grill is on my list - I was hesitant but after your review I am convinced they'd do right by me.

I highly recommend going to Jiko! The food was so delicious! I hope you get to try it out next time.

[Vegcentric]

(I'd quote you to make things easier, but unfortunately I can't do that until I hit 10 posts.)

Thanks for the reassurance. We're going to be eating at pretty much every restaurant you two ate at. So, California Grill, 'Ohana, Sci Fi Diner, Tusker House, Boma, Sunshine Seasons, Tangerine Cafe are our ADRs ('cept for the last two since they're quick services, obvi). Was really surprised I managed to get a reservation for Cali Grill. I hadn't planned on eating there at all this trip but your pictures changed my mind :)

[lindsey clare]

sup cute vegans! awesome reviews and commentary. i'm not vegan or even vego but i truly love vegetarian food and don't like to eat a lot of meat. the thought of eating meat three times a day makes me want to vom. :headache:

anyway, thanks for your efforts in writing up the reviews (and the photos). it's really great to see that there are at least some options for vegans and vegetarians.

[ehartman4]

Even though I should probably stop being paranoid and just relax, I'm still really nervous about how our meals are going to turn out.

You know, we were a bit nervous, too (especially me). When we got to our restaurants, we found that we really had nothing to worry about. Disney pretty much handles it all. You do have to make sure you speak to your server and/or the chef just to be EXTRA sure.

For everyone else (there are too many to quote!)... you're very welcome! Michael and I were almost as excited about helping other vegans eat at WDW as we were actually going on vacation! So many people helped us with our dining that we wanted to make sure we could help people as well :goodvibes

[Plasticletters]

Great reviews - thanks!!!:thumbsup2

I ate at HBD with some friends in February 2009 and found it to be the worst place to go if you need any kind of accommodations. I keep kosher but will eat vegetarian at WDW and I also told them I had allergies but they were so unaccommodating and everything took so long, including the chef coming to the table. Really terrible experience there.

Amen


I wanted to eat at the Tangeriene Cafe in Morrocco but was worried about the falafel being fried up with the chicken and when I asked they said it was fried in the same oil. Really disappointing so I went elsewhere because I was afraid of eating unallowable foods.


That's really disappointing to hear. When I asked them about it, they said they fry the vegetarian meals separately. It's discouraging to hear different information. They were very accommodating there to us.


We're going to be eating at pretty much every restaurant you two ate at. So, California Grill, 'Ohana, Sci Fi Diner, Tusker House, Boma, Sunshine Seasons, Tangerine Cafe are our ADRs ('cept for the last two since they're quick services, obvi).


From everything I've heard, Tusker House and Boma are VERY similar (I guess Boma has just a few more options). I WISH we had gone to the Sci-Fi Diner as I've heard a couple good vegan reviews from there and the atmosphere looks AWESOME.
Also, judging from what mullertwin said, be careful at Tangierine Cafe if you get the falafel.

[mullertwin]

That's really disappointing to hear. When I asked them about it, they said they fry the vegetarian meals separately. It's discouraging to hear different information. They were very accommodating there to us.

Also, judging from what mullertwin said, be careful at Tangierine Cafe if you get the falafel.

I think it's so frustrating when we get such different answers. Even our Tusker House experiences are different in that the chef didn't tell me that the samosas were fried with meat! Yet you and the other veggie review I've seen here said the chef told them that.:sad2:

I think I will try Morrocco again and ask - maybe even ask for a manager. See, I was concerned because they have chicken nuggets on the menu so I know they fry them and was wondering if it was one fryer or not. Maybe something changed since I was there. We all know that WDW food changes constantly.

I've avoided Sci Fi because of the menu having only the one tofu dish and I am particular about my tofu. I haven't found any tofu at WDW that I've liked the texture of (Tusker House & Boma were the only places I tried it). I'm also not found of overly sweet entrees. Although I bet Chef TJ does a great tofu!:goodvibes

[Plasticletters]

I'm also not found of overly sweet entrees. Although I bet Chef TJ does a great tofu!:goodvibes

the best I've ever had

[Plasticletters]

for anybody still checking this out...

allears.net has updated its vegan/vegetarian dining guide. It is still not 100% accurate, but it is a good jumping off point and a few things have been updated to reflect current changes

http://allears.net/din/vegcsparks.htm

[jmkford4]

Thanks for the reviews!

We are going back in March and I think we will def have to go to O'hana's. We could not get an ADR before.

[v_gan]

Me and Jon are going back next May! I booked us an ADR at 'Ohana for a Sunday night, so I'm hoping to have your luck and get Chef TJ this time around :goodvibes

[ehartman4]

Thanks for the reviews!

We are going back in March and I think we will def have to go to O'hana's. We could not get an ADR before.

'Ohana is such a great restaurant (for both meat eaters and non). Hope you can snag an ADR :)


Me and Jon are going back next May! I booked us an ADR at 'Ohana for a Sunday night, so I'm hoping to have your luck and get Chef TJ this time around :goodvibes

Sooo jealous you're going back so soon. I hope you're able to get Chef TJ! He is such a sweet guy! How were you able to book an ADR so early?

[Linda67]

Sorry to arrive sooooo late
These reviews are great. I am vegetarian, not vegan and it's so great to see such a variety of food on offer that would suit even hard nosed meat eaters
Sounds like you had a great trip :cool1:

[Plasticletters]

Sorry to arrive sooooo late
These reviews are great. I am vegetarian, not vegan and it's so great to see such a variety of food on offer that would suit even hard nosed meat eaters
Sounds like you had a great trip :cool1:

We did indeed :) thanks for reading

[DVCTiff]

Awesome thread!

I still cannot get over the woman at The Mara. I'm glad someone commented about pointing out all the fat, sweaty people. Or what about the people yelling at their kids? That traumatizes me every time!

Anyhoo :rolleyes1 I'm glad you guys had a (mostly) great experience. I've been eating less and less meat and decided I'd do our next trip as a Pescatarian (I don't eat soy), mostly as an experiment. We've been so many times I thought I'd throw something new in there.

I'm super excited to see the gluten-free buns!!!

Thanks you guys!

[Alice in Oz]

Hi there!! this is my first post. I have lurked for awhile but have been inspired by your stories of vegan disney that I have decided to post. My partner and me are also both vegans and going to disney world in October. One year ago we traveled to disney resort paris and had a nightmare of fries, fries and fries to eat for 3 days!!:scared1:But I am so happy to see that things can be much different this time around.:cheer2:

Thankyou!!:love:

[Plasticletters]

Hi there!! this is my first post. I have lurked for awhile but have been inspired by your stories of vegan disney that I have decided to post. My partner and me are also both vegans and going to disney world in October. One year ago we traveled to disney resort paris and had a nightmare of fries, fries and fries to eat for 3 days!!:scared1:But I am so happy to see that things can be much different this time around.:cheer2:

Thankyou!!:love:

Emily and I often talk about going to Paris but I know French food is notorious for being one of the most dairy-centric cuisines in existence....so we are leery.
I'll just have to do my research.

If there's anything we can do to help you on your trip, please let us know.


Awesome thread!

I still cannot get over the woman at The Mara. I'm glad someone commented about pointing out all the fat, sweaty people. Or what about the people yelling at their kids? That traumatizes me every time!

Or those kids with the ketchup! All of that ketchup! UGH!!


I'm super excited to see the gluten-free buns!!!

Thanks you guys!

No problem! Sometimes those buns take a little bit for the cast members to scare up, so you have to be patient, but it is worth it right? :)

[Dis1978]

Great post. Shame I didn't read it earlier. We went to the Brown Derby last week and had the most awful food.

What is it with the " famous Cobb salad". We had it and it was dire. Mushy load of old mushy lettuce, tasteless turkey and a slightly rancid dressing.
Really bad soup. Stunningly bad dessert.
The best bit of the meal was indeed the bread!

[ehartman4]

Great post. Shame I didn't read it earlier. We went to the Brown Derby last week and had the most awful food.

What is it with the " famous Cobb salad". We had it and it was dire. Mushy load of old mushy lettuce, tasteless turkey and a slightly rancid dressing.
Really bad soup. Stunningly bad dessert.
The best bit of the meal was indeed the bread!

Ah, I see we are not the only ones who had a bad experience there. So sorry you didn't find out earlier! Better luck next time I guess :-/

[jcb]

Ah, I see we are not the only ones who had a bad experience there. So sorry you didn't find out earlier! Better luck next time I guess :-/

Not the only ones at all. I have had fantastic meals at the Brown Derby in years past but when DW ate there in January 08, it was lackluster and loud. The Cobb Salad was very disappointing. The service wasn't all that great either.

[Plasticletters]

The best bit of the meal was indeed the bread!

Here's an idea..

walk in. Eat the Bread. Leave :thumbsup2

if only we didn't have to put our names on ADRs!

[soulmates]

You two are AWESOME!!! :woohoo: Thank you SO much for the great review. As a new vegan I SO appreciate your review. My partner & I are going for our DISNEYMOON 10/11/10 and your review REALLY helped with making our choices. I had TOTALLY eliminated Ohanas' since we ate there last trip and FILLED up on meats..I had NO idea they were ready to help! Good to know.

As for the woman who was offended by you..I can relate. My soon to be son inlaw has ALOT of tattoos and a lip piercing. People see him and assume he does drugs! :scared1: Far from the truth. He's a quiet, hard working young man, who wouldn't hurt a fly. He just sees it as art and a way to express himself. People like that miss out on SO many amazing relationships, just by making that initial judgement.

Thank you BOTH for taking the time to share this with us!! ;)

Chris

[ehartman4]

You two are AWESOME!!! :woohoo: Thank you SO much for the great review. As a new vegan I SO appreciate your review. My partner & I are going for our DISNEYMOON 10/11/10 and your review REALLY helped with making our choices. I had TOTALLY eliminated Ohanas' since we ate there last trip and FILLED up on meats..I had NO idea they were ready to help! Good to know.

As for the woman who was offended by you..I can relate. My soon to be son inlaw has ALOT of tattoos and a lip piercing. People see him and assume he does drugs! :scared1: Far from the truth. He's a quiet, hard working young man, who wouldn't hurt a fly. He just sees it as art and a way to express himself. People like that miss out on SO many amazing relationships, just by making that initial judgement.

Thank you BOTH for taking the time to share this with us!! ;)

Chris


You are so very welcome! We posted this just for the sole purpose to help people, so I'm glad our goal was accomplished. I hope you have a great time there in October (but of course, how could you not?!) :goodvibes

[Alice in Oz]

Hi, When we stayed in Paris we went to the grocery store and got heaps of really yummy fresh ingredients to make at the apartment we were renting and also went to a yummy vegan asian restuarant but other than that a bit tricky, but we stayed at Disney resort Paris three nights, the saving grace was the free bfast buffet with fruits and quite alot of variet but then in the parks it was pretty difficult (and for us super expensive, Australian dollars to euros, at the time a counter serveice burger ,not that we wanted that was $25 Australian!! so we ate fries and felt pretty gross after 3 days as you can imagine:rotfl:

But I am excitited about the choices at WDW and to be honest I Probably didn't do enough research for disney resort paris as I wrongly assumed there would be heaps of options for us.:sad2:

[Plasticletters]

A quick update:
Kitty (who helped us plan some of our meals and gave us tips on what to do and not to do) just posted a great review on the Chef TJ experience at 'Ohana. Looks like her meal was a lot like ours (and as you know that's a very good thing)!

http://land.allears.net/blogs/guestblog/2010/01/a_vegan_adventure_at_ohana_1.html

[v_gan]

A quick update:
Kitty (who helped us plan some of our meals and gave us tips on what to do and not to do) just posted a great review on the Chef TJ experience at 'Ohana. Looks like her meal was a lot like ours (and as you know that's a very good thing)!

http://land.allears.net/blogs/guestblog/2010/01/a_vegan_adventure_at_ohana_1.html

Boy, I hope I get as lucky as you guys! I have two 'Ohana ADRs booked for our trip, just in case he's not there the first night, in which case we'll cancel. :goodvibes

[Plasticletters]

Boy, I hope I get as lucky as you guys! I have two 'Ohana ADRs booked for our trip, just in case he's not there the first night, in which case we'll cancel. :goodvibes

If he's there for both GO TO BOTH. I got another email from someone who ate their twice on his trip and got two totally different feasts (yes....awesome).

[mullertwin]

Just wanted to give an official heads up about Tangierine Cafe in Morroco at Epcot. I asked for the head chef and he came out. I asked him if the falafel were fried with the chicken and he said yes. But then he offered to make me some falafel that were NOT fried in the same oil as the chicken. So, if you want falafel that are not fried with chicken, ask for the head chef and ask if he would kindly make you some separate falafel balls. Here are some pics (sorry if I am piggy backing on your TR but this is the only part I have:upsidedow). I ordered the falafel wrap which came with couscous and lentils.
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q144/mullertwin/DisneyFoodPictures014.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q144/mullertwin/DisneyFoodPictures013.jpg

[ehartman4]

Just wanted to give an official heads up about Tangierine Cafe in Morroco at Epcot. I asked for the head chef and he came out. I asked him if the falafel were fried with the chicken and he said yes. But then he offered to make me some falafel that were NOT fried in the same oil as the chicken. So, if you want falafel that are not fried with chicken, ask for the head chef and ask if he would kindly make you some separate falafel balls. Here are some pics (sorry if I am piggy backing on your TR but this is the only part I have:upsidedow). I ordered the falafel wrap which came with couscous and lentils.

Thanks for the heads up! What a bummer about the falafel!
(Also, I hope you're not vegan. I know for sure that the lentil salad has dairy in it and I'm pretty sure that bread does too)

[Vegcentric]

Thanks a bunch for the heads up about the falafel. I know that I'll be eating there again, so next time I'll just ask them to make the falafel in a separate pan or something. It's really great that these dining reviews exist...they're so helpful to others.
I strive to be as vegan as possible when I go out, and sometimes I just end up failing miserably or not eating at all. I think next time I go, and if I DO decide to go to 'Ohana, I am asking ahead of time if Chef TJ is working. If he's not, I don't think I'll be going back. I'm calling head next time!

[KristenHoneymooner]

I just want to say thanks to the OP for the super-informative dining reviews! :flower3: I have learned so much from them, and you clearly put a lot of time and effort into helping the rest of us make the best possible dining choices. I'm not a vegetarian, but I don't eat red meat, and I love learning about healthier dining options for future trips. :)

[Plasticletters]

I just want to say thanks to the OP for the super-informative dining reviews! :flower3: I have learned so much from them, and you clearly put a lot of time and effort into helping the rest of us make the best possible dining choices. I'm not a vegetarian, but I don't eat red meat, and I love learning about healthier dining options for future trips. :)

No problem :) I'm glad we could help

[lilpnutmama]

Thanks for sharing your great food reviews. This will be my first trip to disney as a vegetarian and I am so excited to try some of these meals. :thumbsup2

That ketchup story is horrible. I also hate the smell and look of ketchup and would be sick if I saw that. I remember a girl I knew as a kid put ketchup all over EVERYTHING she ate, she even brought ketchup away to camp with her in case they didn't have enough. :scared:

[ehartman4]

That ketchup story is horrible. I also hate the smell and look of ketchup and would be sick if I saw that. I remember a girl I knew as a kid put ketchup all over EVERYTHING she ate, she even brought ketchup away to camp with her in case they didn't have enough. :scared:

YES. I have never known anyone to despise ketchup as much as I do. I freak out if the bottle even comes near me. I am so glad my back was to that "ketchup family". I probably would've puked all over my food if I was facing them, haha.

[v_gan]

I just wanted to come back and thank you guys for such great reviews! I just re-read all of them to help me try to finalize mine and Jon's dining choices for May. I'm trying to cut back on all but 3-4 TS restaurants. (IT'S SO HARD! :laughing:)

Right now I have 'Ohana (x2), Tusker House, Crystal Palace, Mama Melrose's, and The Wave.

I think I'm going to cancel Crystal Palace and The Wave (since me and my sister will be be eating there next week). If Chef TJ is at 'Ohana the first night we're there, we'll probably cancel the second ADR (even though I won't want to). I might add Tony's Town Square, because I just looked on AllEars and saw that they added a new pasta dish that looks vegan, when ordered without the feta.

I really, really want to go to California Grill for our 5 1/2-year anniversary, but I'm sure it's kind of expensive. Since it's not on the menu, do you think you guys could send me a PM with a price range for the meal you recieved? I went ahead and got an ADR for 9:10 (Wishes is at 10:00!) on our half-anniversary date. But I might have to cancel it if it's too much. I would really, really appreciate it! :lovestruc

Edit: Dangit, I completely spaced out and forgot you were on the dining plan. I don't suppose the reciept you recieved had a cost on how much it would have been out of pocket?

[riceflowers]

I learn something new everyday on Dis!

[VBsHustla]

Awesome reviews! Thanks for sharing! I'm also vegan and headed to WDW next week and I'm now super excited about Ohana. :woohoo:

[ehartman4]

I really, really want to go to California Grill for our 5 1/2-year anniversary, but I'm sure it's kind of expensive. Since it's not on the menu, do you think you guys could send me a PM with a price range for the meal you recieved? I went ahead and got an ADR for 9:10 (Wishes is at 10:00!) on our half-anniversary date. But I might have to cancel it if it's too much. I would really, really appreciate it! :lovestruc

Edit: Dangit, I completely spaced out and forgot you were on the dining plan. I don't suppose the reciept you recieved had a cost on how much it would have been out of pocket?

We looked at the receipts for every meal and I THINK that our California Grill dinner was like $85-$100. I don't remember the exact price, but I know it wasn't cheap.

[disneyholic family]

someone posted this thread on the disunplugged board and i'm so glad they did..

we're also vegetarians and have never had a problem at WDW, despite the fact that i've never given them any advance notice....
they're always really good about it...
sometimes we order what's on the menu, sometimes the chef prepares something special...
in almost all cases, it's fantastic (with only one exception).

but we've never eaten at ohana....it will definitely be on our list for our next trip.

by the way, Michael looks very familiar (from the ohana picture)......detroit's a big city, but who knows...

[shippedtosea]

hi! This is a great review! I am a vegetarian and we are going to WDW for our honeymoon. I was directed here from the dis unplugged board as well. Until my question was answered on the podcast I didn't know about the dietary hotline...but I had made sure to put on all my ADRs that I am a vegetarian. I really found your report helpful and reassuring. I was nervous about California Grill not being accommodating but you def reassured me. We are eating at a lot of places that aren't veggie friendly and I am hoping that they will be understanding. (and maybe our "Just married" Pins will help a bit as well) I am hoping I get a good experience like you did at Ohana's and California...and not much of the Brown Derby rudeness. Thanks!

[purpleveg]

I have been lurking yours and v_gan's reviews for a while now and just got a username...mostly because I had to comment on those kids getting ketchup in a cup.

!!!!!!!!! I literally laughed out loud. People watching is fun and that surpasses all of the 'weird' things I think i've seen! I wonder if they do that a lot...

Also, I really like your reviews and I think it'll make it easier for me on my (birthuation trip) in june (91 days!) :cool1:
Thanks for taking the time to do these reviews!

[Plasticletters]

but we've never eaten at ohana....it will definitely be on our list for our next trip.

by the way, Michael looks very familiar (from the ohana picture)......detroit's a big city, but who knows...

I've read reviews from lots of people since we went...chef TJ just seems to keep getting more creative while sticking to his "theme" for vegans. You will LOVE it!

Also...I get around :) it's very likely we've run into each other


I am hoping that they will be understanding. (and maybe our "Just married" Pins will help a bit as well) I am hoping I get a good experience like you did at Ohana's and California...and not much of the Brown Derby rudeness. Thanks!


From my experience, the number one thing to do is be friendly, but persistent. Don't settle for less than what you expect from them and they will find a way to accommodate you. If you are hesitant about asking for something specific don't overthink - just do it. Most of these cast members are used to dealing with people FAR MORE difficult (and rude) than someone who just wants to stick to their diet.
And yes...I'm sure the "just married" pins will help :)



I have been lurking yours and v_gan's reviews for a while now and just got a username...mostly because I had to comment on those kids getting ketchup in a cup.



I KNOW! Gross right? I wonder how many of these "fine dining" experiences we missed. Keep your eyes pealed on your trip and good luck!

[Emtgirljen]

Thanks for the awesome reviews. I don't have a trip planned anytime in the near future (darn unemployment), but I love reading other people's trip reports, and this one was especially helpful as the next trip I make will be as a vegan.

Oh, and yay Michigan. I'm near Detroit as well. :)

:upsidedow

[Plasticletters]

Thanks for the awesome reviews. I don't have a trip planned anytime in the near future (darn unemployment), but I love reading other people's trip reports, and this one was especially helpful as the next trip I make will be as a vegan.

Oh, and yay Michigan. I'm near Detroit as well. :)

:upsidedow

Always happy to help! Let me know if you have any questions about anything

[v_gan]

Just wanted to thank you guys one more time for your reviews! I've used a lot of the information you've provided for our dining choices on this trip. I can't WAIT to try California Grill. I hope we get a similar experience.

Only two more days!

[mandibc11]

Just wanted to thank you guys one more time for your reviews! I've used a lot of the information you've provided for our dining choices on this trip. I can't WAIT to try California Grill. I hope we get a similar experience.

Only two more days!

I've used BOTH of your reviews for my upcoming trip! I never thought eating would be this time consuming...but I'm so excited to be able to find some people that have already done it and cleared the way, so to speak!

[Plasticletters]

Just wanted to thank you guys one more time for your reviews! I've used a lot of the information you've provided for our dining choices on this trip. I can't WAIT to try California Grill. I hope we get a similar experience.

Only two more days!


thank YOU too. I know it was a while ago now (almost a year ago!) but you were seriously a big help to us as well. I wish you the best for your California Grill adventure. Don't forget...if you don't get a seat by the window, make sure you go to the observation deck during "wishes" (or whatever they have as a fireworks show now). Even if you don't eat during the fireworks, make sure you head out there and check out the view, it is the best!

I've used BOTH of your reviews for my upcoming trip! I never thought eating would be this time consuming...but I'm so excited to be able to find some people that have already done it and cleared the way, so to speak!

Not a problem! We put a lot of work (months and months of it) into our trip to make sure we would be able to eat well and we started this thread with the specified purpose of helping people out so they could have the same great experience we did (with hopefully a lot less work/worry) promising ourselves we would not abandon ship (like a lot of other posters seem to do...Andrea excluded) and try to help anyone with questions about what we did. We're not even sure when our next trip will be, but I hope to keep this thing going until then - hopefully we can use some other people who have posted on here as a future resource for us!

[MelanieC]

Thanks to both of you. I've been making a list of vegan treats because I've just recently started moving from vegetarian to vegan and I've done great. I'm still nervous that I can do it at Disney, so I'm trying to make a list some of the vegan treats.

We are doing the QSDP, during part of our trip this year. The other part of the trip is at Universal and Sea World. We had free dining last year and this year we wanted to just do something simple. We did make one reservation for Boma, which is one of my favorite places to eat. I'm glad I saw you eat some of the treats, because I would have never have thought of some of them - Like candy apples (sure wish caramel ones were vegan........but I'm exctied to try a candy apple). I'm not even sure if I have ever had one. Also looking forward to trying Kaki-Gori, the Organge slush in MK and so much more. I'm hoping they give me fruit for my dessert at the Fast Food locations. Not sure if they will. You can bet I'll be looking for Divies cookies for snacks at some of the hotel snack locations. I really want to try the divies caramel popcorn. Yummy!

Thanks again!!

[Plasticletters]

Thanks to both of you. I've been making a list of vegan treats because I've just recently started moving from vegetarian to vegan and I've done great. I'm still nervous that I can do it at Disney, so I'm trying to make a list some of the vegan treats.

We are doing the QSDP, during part of our trip this year. The other part of the trip is at Universal and Sea World. We had free dining last year and this year we wanted to just do something simple. We did make one reservation for Boma, which is one of my favorite places to eat. I'm glad I saw you eat some of the treats, because I would have never have thought of some of them - Like candy apples (sure wish caramel ones were vegan........but I'm exctied to try a candy apple). I'm not even sure if I have ever had one. Also looking forward to trying Kaki-Gori, the Organge slush in MK and so much more. I'm hoping they give me fruit for my dessert at the Fast Food locations. Not sure if they will. You can bet I'll be looking for Divies cookies for snacks at some of the hotel snack locations. I really want to try the divies caramel popcorn. Yummy!

Thanks again!!

Something I wish we would have thought more about-
use your snack credits IN the parks. You get a lot more for your "money" (well, your virtual money) if you use snack credits in the parks. The resorts severely limit what you are able to spend your snack credits on, while the parks pretty much let you get whatever you want under a certain price limit, so there is MUCH more to choose from.

Send me an email if you would like some help in planning vegan meals at Universal, as Emily and I have been there too and were able to work things out quite well.

[VeganRazzleDazzle]

Send me an email if you would like some help in planning vegan meals at Universal, as Emily and I have been there too and were able to work things out quite well.


Just curious if you have any ideas for Vegan meals in Islands of Adventure?

We are doing a week of Disney on the Dining Plan but one day we are going to IOA because my son is all about everything Spiderman. We are doing the character breakfast at Confisco Grill with spiderman. I'm going to call ahead and see if they can make something vegan for me, but I have no idea where we are going for lunch. We'll probably leave early and go to dinner at a Disney Restaurant.

We actually just came back from a 2 night stay at Disney and we didn't make it to Ohana this time around. I plan on going at least twice on the Aug/Sept trip! :banana:

[Plasticletters]

Just curious if you have any ideas for Vegan meals in Islands of Adventure?

We are doing a week of Disney on the Dining Plan but one day we are going to IOA because my son is all about everything Spiderman. We are doing the character breakfast at Confisco Grill with spiderman. I'm going to call ahead and see if they can make something vegan for me, but I have no idea where we are going for lunch. We'll probably leave early and go to dinner at a Disney Restaurant.

We actually just came back from a 2 night stay at Disney and we didn't make it to Ohana this time around. I plan on going at least twice on the Aug/Sept trip! :banana:

There is a hamburger restaurant inside the "Jurassic Park Visitors Center" called "The Burger Digs". They offer a veggie burger there (you have to request it withOUT cheese) that is vegan (they let us look at the ingredients). They have a fixins bar there as well (like a lot of Disney burger places) where you can add onions, pickles and the like - and the veggie burgers are really good!

There's also the new Harry Potter stuff, and they might offer some vegan stuff there as well, but as I don't have any experience with that area, I can't tell you for sure.