Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant/Dining Help Thread

[hpfan100]

Hi all

Read through the thread and liked the tips. I'm working on my first WDW trip and this helps me see what is out there to munch on. I'm newbie to the veggie world but I'm liking it so far.

I was ay potter land in June and it was fun!!!! Food sucks though so bring snacks. I drank that butterbeer and loved it! Not sure why it's called butterbeer but it doesn't have a butter taste. The base is a pretty decadent cream soda that tastes yummy. The topping is sorta like a whipped air/ cool whip kinda thing. It's super thick and would be very easy to scoop off if worried about drinking it. Also I had no troubles asking for special requests in US so ask for no top and see what they say.
Other munchies I tried:
Hog's Head Ale YUMMMY!!! maybe better than butterbeer
Honeyduke's chocolate nasty and overpriced
Chocolate Frogs nasty and overpriced but I wanted the card
Coconut Ice nasty too
fruit cup ok
pretzels ok
cafe 4 pizza not too bad

Good luck with butterbeer quest!

 

[Vegcentric]

Warning - This got long!

Don't worry, I didn't take this as a criticism at all. I'm super thankful for this thread because not only do I not know anyone in real life who is a vegan, let alone a vegetarian. Having a place like this to talk about issues, ideas (especially when they concern Disney and Orlando-obviously a love for all of us), is a godsend to me.

Here is my take on it. I'm a new vegan (baby vegan, lol) as well as I wasn't a vegetarian for that long. I made the switch to vegetarianism on November 10, 2009. I did it right before Thanksgiving, and once I made up my mind there was no saying I'll wait till after Thankgiving or wait till the new year. Nope, I just made the decision and did it cold turkey and never looked back. I guess I was a vegetarian in training for a long time, but I still ate meat and the times I thought about going vegetarian I would feel like I couldn't do it. In my heart I wanted to do it, and I knew someday I was.......but I wasn't in a place yet to feel comfortable to just do it. On November 9th I went to lunch with DH and we stopped at the bookstore. I had been wanting to buy The Kind Diet, and I bought it that day. I said to DH, I bet you think I woudln't become a vegetarian. He said.......No, I think you would. That night he made Chicken tortilla soup and when I ate it......it was just super disgusting (the chicken). From that meal on I haven't eaten meat.

The summer prior to this, I had done a lot of research on vegan and raw diets. I don't believe in eating a totally raw diet or even a mostly raw, but I love incorporating lots of fresh foods and raw recipes are really intriguing to me. At that time, I struggled with not eating meat.......I really didn't think I could become a vegan, but it intrigued me. Once I became a vegetarian and I also read The Kind Diet. I loved how she introduced the idea to the mainstream of "flirting" as a vegan. So flirting is what I did. I began to experiment with things like earth balance, almond milk, hemp and other milks, dairy free ice creams, etc. Cheese seemed like I could NEVER EVER give it up, but I learned to use hummus in quasadillas and find other alternatives like that. I didn't put any pressure on myself, I was just "flirting". Around the end of April, I started seeing how many days I could go eating vegan. Each day got easier. Then on May 2nd, my family went to Panera. I wanted to try the vegan options.........but my internal voice won and I had dairy. Afterwards I thought.......WHY????? It wasn't even that good. So the next day, I picked back up and went to see how many days I could not eat vegan. That was the last day I ate something that wasn't vegan.

For me, this journey hasn't been easy. It's been a self discovery and I'm always happy when I think about what I'm doing. I mean......how can you not be happy when your saving the lives of innocent animals. But.....I haven't been this way long. For the most part, the things I gave up disgust me and I'm really particular about making sure someone doesn't cross contaminate when they are making my food (because that really disgusts me). But........meat being grilled still smells good (because I've been around it all my life), and for instance when we were camping I did miss it because of the smells. Not that I would have given in, even for a second.......because I wouldn't have - but it still smelt good. For me, this has been a period of learning to love new foods and finding out how animal products are so not necessary to enjoy foods or life. It's been easy, but then again it's been hard. For instance.......going to a Christening on July 4th, we had been camping all weekend so I couldn't bring anything. We were in an area without good choices of places to eat and the only thing at the catered event I could eat was lettuce. The potatoes, carrots and bread all had butter on them. Every dish had meat and/or dairy except the lettuce. So I sat there and ate my big plate of lettuce. I did feel anxiety that DH's family would judge me and make fun of me. Overall it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and I did have a veggie sandwich from Sub-way on the drive from the campsite. Everyone went back to one of the brother's house and they cooked hamburgers and hot dogs. Luckily I did bring some hummus, crackers and peanut butter. That was enough to satisfy me until DH stopped and got me a pinto bean taco from taco bell on the way home.

Sorry - I'm not even sure where I'm going with this anymore but to say.......the words butter and beer don't repulse me right now. I struggle with the wanting to experience what everyone else is experiencing and work hard to find things I can have ahead of time so I'm not standing there feeling deprived. Part of this journey is learning that as a vegan you don't have to be deprived of foods. Just because I can't have this when I'm out doesn't mean I can never have it. I can make it, or there are lots of goodies that are vegan out there. I had the best coconut bar (sort of like a magic cookie bar) when we went on my daughter's college orientation. This vegetarian/vegan restaurant was the bomb!! Am I little sad that I don't get to enjoy all the gooey ooey sweets in WDW while we are there, especially since I will have to watch my family eat desserts since we have the QSDP and we will have 18 snack credits - of course. Will I mourn all the desserts at Boma, especially Zebra Domes which were my all time favorite - yep! But - I bet I gain less weight on vacation (it adds up eating junk like that for 2 weeks straight), and I'll probably try some amazing things I would have never eaten had I not become a vegan. Will I smile with each bite knowing I'm making a difference on an animals life - You bet

As for the butter beer. The jury is still out if I'll have a sip. The name doesn't disgust me...........but the foam on top sounds artificial and disgusting. You should see the way I am at home. I don't buy something unless the ingredient list is small and I know what's in it (and it's natural and most likely organic). I'm actually looking foward to the pumpkin juice though.


AND - OMG egg Soda and Meat Juice. That's enough to conjur up some seriously awful thoughts. I guess and hope eventually that the word butter will do that to me. I would imagine since I eat earth balance and still think of it as putting butter on my toast (heck after 41 years that's hard to change that thinking). I guess since I don't eat meat or eggs and there are no substitutes that is why the words sounds grosser. Ice Cream doesn't bother me and I now eat non dairy versions - but I still call it Ice Cream.

Ok.......whew! Sorry that got so long. I didn't mean to write a novel!
2 more sleeps!!! I'm so excited!!

I'm another vegan who thinks grilled meat smells good. People who know I'm vegan thinks this is really odd, but it's a smell that I grew up with and associated with good memories of cooking and eating outdoors with my family and friends.

 

[Plasticletters]

Warning - This got long!

Don't worry, I didn't take this as a criticism at all. I'm super thankful for this thread because not only do I not know anyone in real life who is a vegan, let alone a vegetarian. (and then an awesome story about her vegan journey)

Thank you for sharing all of that! It's always great to hear about people's journey into becoming vegan. I like to hear differing perspectives and I'm sure most of the people on this thread do as well

I'm also glad this thread has been helpful to you and given you a means of communication with fellow vegans. What a positive post!

 

[Plasticletters]

Hi all

Read through the thread and liked the tips. I'm working on my first WDW trip and this helps me see what is out there to munch on. I'm newbie to the veggie world but I'm liking it so far.

Definitely be sure to ask about specific places you'd like to go eat in WDW. Someone on here should be able to help (or at least offer a veggie friendly/unfriendly experience) with most of the restaurants!

 

[MelanieC]

Well everyone - I leave in a few hours! I'll either start a live report via my I-phone if the pictures turn out well on the i-phone if not I'll wait till I get back when I can upload the pictures from my computer/camera.

 

[Ericadawn]

EPCOT!

It's been mentioned before but Epcot is awesome for vegetarians/vegans especially those trying to eat healthy. I recommend the cafeteria at the Land. It even has vegan potato salad! I'd never seen vegan potato salad before because I gave up eggs but the only non-egg potato salad option I could find was German which usually has bacon.

The Epcot potato salad is German but without bacon. They also have soy milk AND yogurt. My mom's joked that if we lived closer, we'd do our grocery shopping there because it's the only dependable source of silk yogurt we can find. Our Publix used to carry it, but not anymore.

We also appreciate that every park has fruit available. In DHS, it's close to the turkey leg seller on the same street as the Beauty and Beast show and ToT. At Epcot, you have to go to the Land. At Animal Kingdom, it's sold in Africa across from the entrance to the safari. However, at Magic Kingdom, EVERY land has at least one fruit vendor. It's awesome. It's less than two dollars for an apple or banana which makes them some of the cheapest options at the park. We usually load up on fruits or sides at the park and then, have a sandwiches and stuff waiting on ice at the car for when we're done.

 

[Planbee]

For vegans visiting Universal Studios, I recommend eating at Moe's at CityWalk. They have several vegetarian items on the menu that can be easily veganized. They also have separate serving utensils and grill for vegetables.

If you are looking for a sitdown meal, venture to the hotels: La Trattoria del Porto at the Portofino and the Islands Dining Room at the Royal Pacific serve vegan penne bolognese (it's cheaper at the Royal Pacific). There are also two seemingly vegan salads on the Trattoria menu--avacado citrus and a chopped salad--and a vegan chili appetizer option at Islands. The poolside restaurant at Royal Pacific (Bula's) has a nice salad with tofu. Their veggie burger is not vegan. Emeril's Tchoup Chop most recent menu explicitedly states that the tofu dish is vegan.

 

[Vegcentric]

EPCOT!

It's been mentioned before but Epcot is awesome for vegetarians/vegans especially those trying to eat healthy. I recommend the cafeteria at the Land. It even has vegan potato salad! I'd never seen vegan potato salad before because I gave up eggs but the only non-egg potato salad option I could find was German which usually has bacon.

The Epcot potato salad is German but without bacon. They also have soy milk AND yogurt. My mom's joked that if we lived closer, we'd do our grocery shopping there because it's the only dependable source of silk yogurt we can find. Our Publix used to carry it, but not anymore.

We also appreciate that every park has fruit available. In DHS, it's close to the turkey leg seller on the same street as the Beauty and Beast show and ToT. At Epcot, you have to go to the Land. At Animal Kingdom, it's sold in Africa across from the entrance to the safari. However, at Magic Kingdom, EVERY land has at least one fruit vendor. It's awesome. It's less than two dollars for an apple or banana which makes them some of the cheapest options at the park. We usually load up on fruits or sides at the park and then, have a sandwiches and stuff waiting on ice at the car for when we're done.

Wow, I had no idea about the potato salad! Very useful information here, thank you. Also, I just heard that Disney carries the Silk Yogurt. I've never even seen it in the stores here, so I guess I'll have to wait until October to try it. I know what you mean about the fruit...it makes for such a great snack while in the parks.

 

[mstew99]

Hello, just a question I was hoping someone could help me out with. We're going down in Sept. for 10 days of deluxe dining, so we'll be eating 95% of meals at TS. Our ADRs have been set for months, and someone in our party has recently became vegetarian. I know from looking at menus there appears to be one or two vegetarian options at most of our ADRs, but a couple i'm not so sure about (Spirit of Aloha in particular). He insists we do not change any reservations, but he is paying the same amount we are and I would hate for him to only be able to get a side salad or dish at some places. The CM I talked to on the phone said just let them know at the podium when checking in, and not to worry about anything else. Since I know you always get different answers from different CMs, I just wanted to see if this is true? Do we need to call each restaurant to make note of this, and if so what time frame do we need to give them?

I've read through the thread and it seems Disney is very accomodating, but I just wanted to check so I can do everything possible to ensure his trip is just as magical as everyone elses. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[everythingALICE]

I know from looking at menus there appears to be one or two vegetarian options at most of our ADRs, but a couple i'm not so sure about (Spirit of Aloha in particular). He insists we do not change any reservations, but he is paying the same amount we are and I would hate for him to only be able to get a side salad or dish at some places. The CM I talked to on the phone said just let them know at the podium when checking in, and not to worry about anything else. Since I know you always get different answers from different CMs, I just wanted to see if this is true? Do we need to call each restaurant to make note of this, and if so what time frame do we need to give them?

While I've never been to the Spirit of Aloha, I have been to HDDR and they do offer a choice of vegetarian entree (which I was actually quite pleased with). Chances are they will likely be able to accomodate you without notice, but I usually call the restaurant directly anywhere from 2-4 days beforehand so that it's already taken care of. I'm sure that Spirit of Aloha must also have an alternative meal available so that he has more to eat than just side dishes. I do not do this for every meal, just those that have a set menu that does not appear "veggie-friendly."

 

[Plasticletters]

Hello, just a question I was hoping someone could help me out with. We're going down in Sept. for 10 days of deluxe dining, so we'll be eating 95% of meals at TS. Our ADRs have been set for months, and someone in our party has recently became vegetarian. I know from looking at menus there appears to be one or two vegetarian options at most of our ADRs, but a couple i'm not so sure about (Spirit of Aloha in particular). He insists we do not change any reservations, but he is paying the same amount we are and I would hate for him to only be able to get a side salad or dish at some places. The CM I talked to on the phone said just let them know at the podium when checking in, and not to worry about anything else. Since I know you always get different answers from different CMs, I just wanted to see if this is true? Do we need to call each restaurant to make note of this, and if so what time frame do we need to give them?

I've read through the thread and it seems Disney is very accommodate, but I just wanted to check so I can do everything possible to ensure his trip is just as magical as everyone else's. Thanks in advance for any help!

Call the dining line and make sure a cast member indicates "vegetarian" on all of your ADRs. I don't anticipate you'll have much of a problem if your friend is just vegetarian and not vegan (the person you're traveling with still eats eggs and milk products correct?) as EVERY restaurant carries something meat-free or can easily accomodate a meat-free diet, but noting this on your ADR is the best way to make sure your servers/chef know that you have someone with a dietary restriction eating with you. For more help read the very first post in this thread.

 

[punkin712]

Another Disney vegetarian here!

Has anyone ever been to the Trail's End? I checked their menu and it sounds like there is a soup/salad bar only option. I've never been there, but I'm always looking for new places to try. Can anyone tell me about the selection, pricing, etc?

How about HDDR? It's pretty pricey, but might be fun. And if the vegetarian selection is a bust, I can always drown my sorrows in sangria, right?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Vegcentric]

Another Disney vegetarian here!

Has anyone ever been to the Trail's End? I checked their menu and it sounds like there is a soup/salad bar only option. I've never been there, but I'm always looking for new places to try. Can anyone tell me about the selection, pricing, etc?

How about HDDR? It's pretty pricey, but might be fun. And if the vegetarian selection is a bust, I can always drown my sorrows in sangria, right?

Thanks in advance!

Well, I haven't been to HDDR but from what other vegetarians have said, the vegetarian entree didn't appeal to them. Of course you're going to have different opinions on just about everything, especially on a forum such as this, but I did want to point out that it isn't all you can eat when you get the veggie entree. You also need to call ahead, I believe.

I haven't been to Trail's End either, but I would encourage you to call them or get in touch through the dietary request hotline and ask them. I've had quite a few questions myself, and every time I asked someone from the hotline asked a chef at that restaurant what they could offer me. Also, sometimes even when they aren't on the menu, some restaurants will be able to get you a veggie burger. I've noticed this a few times at some places, where the waitress offered to get a veggie burger if we didn't like what was already offered. It's worth looking into.

 

[everythingALICE]

How about HDDR? It's pretty pricey, but might be fun. And if the vegetarian selection is a bust, I can always drown my sorrows in sangria, right?

Thanks in advance!

If you call HDDR, they give you an option of pasta w/ marinara sauce, roasted/grilled veggies (I can't remember which), and I think steamed veggies. At least this is what they have offered the past couple of years.

It certainly doesn't sound very exciting, but I got the roasted veggies and really enjoyed it. The portion is plentiful (I doubt you would need more, especially if you can also eat the salad/cornbread), and the vegetables were seasoned so well. It was surprisingly one of my favorite meals. It came with baked potato, and if anyone in your party is having the regular menu they have mashed potato as well.

I could have gone on a night when it was made particularly well, but I enjoyed it very much and wouldn't hesitate going back.

 

[MelanieC]

For HDDR, I've seen several dining reviews with pictures of the grilled veggie options. I think most say it's tasty, but I think I remember someone not being impressed. I would imagine it's like any other resaurant, where it's depends on the chef cooking it. Did they over cook, undercook, too much salt, not enough, etc. It will depend on personal likes too. Best bet is to call ahead for both trails end and HDDR. it's been years since I ate at Trails end. The definitely have a salad bar and I think they may have Mac and cheese. I'd call ahead and find out what the can do for you. Often the buffets will cook an extra entree made to your dietary specifications.

Once get to WDW today, I'm planning to talk to concierge to help me call and talk to some of the chefs to see what the can do for me. If not, I'm willing to wing it.

I especially want to have help on Biergarten. I'd like to see if the could make something to supplement the vegan items I can eat.

I know that I can eat well at Bima, but I may call just to let them know I'm coming.

Overall I'm not super worried. Tonight I plan on talking to Pop's chef to let him know we are staying there for two weeks. I'm hoping to get to try the vegan Mickey waffles one morning.

 

[casjen]

I personally love the gf/df mickey waffles/pancakes. So yummy, expecially b/c they are shaped like mickey! They do have a buckwheat flavor but it didn't bother me. I was wishing for real maple syrup while I devoured them.

I had great experiences at both the ASmu and POFQ food courts. The chefs were wonderful.

Just steer clear of the yak and yeti quick service. I don't remember the real name. The chef there was incredibly rude and unaccomodating. Very vegan unfriendly.

 

[N.eve]

Wow, I've been reading through everyone's posts and they are so helpful! I just have one question, is there a list somewhere of vegan snacks/foods that count as a 'snack' on the dining plan?

Also (okay I lied, two questions) can anyone recommend an Epcot restaurant that is vegan friendly? I want to book a Candlelight Processional package once they come out, but I'm not sure what restaurant to try at. Thanks!

 

[MelanieC]

Hey everyone,

News alert: chef TJ is no longer at 'Ohana. I was going to eat there tonight. The lady at the podium say's he is at Grand Floridian. She thought maybe Citricos, bit she wasn't sure.

I had quite the adventure and went to Bomas and missed seating time by about 6-10 minutes. I went to Jiko instead and had the
Most incredible meal. I'm so stuffed!!

By the way, I'm doing a live food report on the review board.

 

[Vegcentric]

Hey everyone,

News alert: chef TJ is no longer at 'Ohana. I was going to eat there tonight. The lady at the podium say's he is at Grand Floridian. She thought maybe Citricos, bit she wasn't sure.

I had quite the adventure and went to Bomas and missed seating time by about 6-10 minutes. I went to Jiko instead and had the
Most incredible meal. I'm so stuffed!!

By the way, I'm doing a live food report on the review board.

Thanks for the heads up!
That's surprising about Chef TJ, but I am secretly hoping he really was moved to Citricos...I have an ADR there

 

[Eeyore's Pal]

Thanks for the heads up!
That's surprising about Chef TJ, but I am secretly hoping he really was moved to Citricos...I have an ADR there

I'm wondering if this is a promotion for all the great guest feedback he receives. Wouldn't that be great!