Down the Rabbit Hole – a Vegan Alice and Omnivore Mad Hatter Taste Wonderland

[mandibc11]

Dear Amanda,

Thank you for writing to us regarding your most recent visit.

Our Guests’ safety and well-being is our top priority, and is of the utmost importance to us. It concerns us when our Guests relate any unpleasant experiences from their visits, and we are truly sorry you felt that Restaurant Marrakesh was not accommodating to you.

Please know that our Guests' impressions are of invaluable assistance to us in determining areas that may be in need of improvement, and we thank you for bringing your experiences to our attention. Please be assured that your comments and suggestions for additional measures have been shared with the appropriate members of our Restaurant Marrakesh’s management team.

We hope you will continue to include the Walt Disney World® Resort in your future vacation plans.

Sincerely,

Lee Brady
Guest Communication Services
Walt Disney World

 

[CampbellScot]

Wow!! Good for you!! I think anyone who is treated poorly should absolutely let someone know. On the night of our "rude waiter" incident, My husband was absolutely INCENSED with the "annoying diet" comment. (mostly b/c I was on it b/c I had been extremely ill and was struggling to get my health back! Eating a vegan diet was supposed to help pinpoint any possible allergies.) He spoke with the manager as well as Guest Relations. It's frustrating to my husband when things like this happen b/c he feels like the organization thinks complaints are made so that meals will be paid for or free something or other is offered. What he wants is for these things not to happen in the first place. What he wants is to come to Disney and a have a great time that does not include wasting time dealing rude nonsense. I read him your review and he was disappointed that there doesn't appear to have been ANYTHING done. Which is too bad. Being treated poorly should never be a part of a Disney vacation!

Hopefully this issue will actually be addressed at this restaurant. As another poster said, this place should be very vegan friendly...which is part of the reason we attempted to eat here in the first place!!

Can't wait to read the rest of your reviews!!

 

[VeganRazzleDazzle]

Don't mean to sidetrack the thread, but wanted to clarify that you only are entitled to an appetizer if you're using the Deluxe Dining Plan and not the "regular" one.

Thanx we are doing Deluxe!

 

[mandibc11]

Before heading to the hotel and calling it a night, Jeremy talked me into getting a little something for myself before bed - Ice Cream!

We walked from World Showcase down to the Yacht and Beach Club, just so that I could use one of my snack credits and try some of their Rice Dream dessert. After ordering from the To Go section (the sit down portion of the restaurant does not accept snack credits), we walked down to the beach where they were having a movie night on the sand!

Of all movies, tonight's feature was none other than Alice in Wonderland. How much more fitting can you get!? It turned my frown from dinner upside down as soon as we sat down on a lounge chair and spent some time enjoying the movie.

The ice cream itself wasn't that great - I'm just not a fan of the flavor of Rice Dream. They also put a non-dairy hot fudge on it, but I was questioning that so didn't eat too much of it.

All in all though, this was a great way to end the day!

 

[jockey]

Great reports

 

[VeganRazzleDazzle]

Before heading to the hotel and calling it a night, Jeremy talked me into getting a little something for myself before bed - Ice Cream!

We walked from World Showcase down to the Yacht and Beach Club, just so that I could use one of my snack credits and try some of their Rice Dream dessert. After ordering from the To Go section (the sit down portion of the restaurant does not accept snack credits), we walked down to the beach where they were having a movie night on the sand!

Of all movies, tonight's feature was none other than Alice in Wonderland. How much more fitting can you get!? It turned my frown from dinner upside down as soon as we sat down on a lounge chair and spent some time enjoying the movie.

The ice cream itself wasn't that great - I'm just not a fan of the flavor of Rice Dream. They also put a non-dairy hot fudge on it, but I was questioning that so didn't eat too much of it.

All in all though, this was a great way to end the day!

Perfect movie! I'm glad you liked beaches and cream, it's one of our TS lunches for our trip. I heard they are very good about catering to vegans. I'll keep ya posted on the actual lunch. I'm also curious about their non-dairy fudge. Hmmm...I guess they couldn't give it unless it really was dairy free, because if someone had an allergy they'd definately know if it wasnt dairy free.

 

[mandibc11]

Perfect movie! I'm glad you liked beaches and cream, it's one of our TS lunches for our trip. I heard they are very good about catering to vegans. I'll keep ya posted on the actual lunch. I'm also curious about their non-dairy fudge. Hmmm...I guess they couldn't give it unless it really was dairy free, because if someone had an allergy they'd definately know if it wasnt dairy free.

Yeah - they were very precautious about the whole dairy allergy thing and confirmed it a few times on their walkie-talkies! We also ate there for lunch later in the week - so delicious!! More on that later. Also...the Tofutti is my fav, and they have that along with other great toppings!

But you're right, the fudge tasted just like fudge. If I was just Vegan and not allergic as well, I probably wouldn't have minded much, but I didn't want to be up all night long, so I mostly just picked at it!

 

[MelanieC]

I tried Rice Dream vanilla ice cream recently, I can't even finish the container. It has a funny aftertaste, although their individually wrapped mocha and mint rice dream pies are to do for!!

I have never tried tofutti, but I'm hoping to at WDW. The hot fudge sounds tasty. I sure wish I knew for sure it was non dairy - it sounds amazing! Another option for a snack-yeah!

Do they not have the tofutti at the to-go section at the Yacht and Beach Club?

 

[mandibc11]

I tried Rice Dream vanilla ice cream recently, I can't even finish the container. It has a funny aftertaste, although their individually wrapped mocha and mint rice dream pies are to do for!!

I have never tried tofutti, but I'm hoping to at WDW. The hot fudge sounds tasty. I sure wish I knew for sure it was non dairy - it sounds amazing! Another option for a snack-yeah!

Do they not have the tofutti at the to-go section at the Yacht and Beach Club?

Melanie, this was my first time at Beaches and Cream for the trip, so when the counter service waitress gave me only the option of Rice Dream (which I had never had up to this point), I gladly accepted!

However, when I went back for lunch the second time, I asked if they had Tofutti, and our server said they did! I was very excited. To me, there really isn't much difference in the taste of Tofutti and regular dairy ice cream...I'm sure my husband would beg to differ, though!

 

[iloveeeyore]

I've been enjoying your report from the beginning. We are omnivores who were disappointed in Marrakesh also. We were looking forward to something a little more tasty and exotic, and got pretty tasteless mush. I've ben reading better reviews lately, so wondering if we should put it back on the list...I guess not!

 

[mandibc11]

I've been enjoying your report from the beginning. We are omnivores who were disappointed in Marrakesh also. We were looking forward to something a little more tasty and exotic, and got pretty tasteless mush. I've ben reading better reviews lately, so wondering if we should put it back on the list...I guess not!

I was really thinking it would be spicier, more exotic foods. The only thing they took out of my couscous was butter, and that surely isn't spicy or exotic! The only shining dish of the evening was that salad sampler for an appetizer...I just don't think I would waste a meal on that place, no matter what you eat! I'm thinking for exotic, maybe one of the newer restaurants at Animal Kingdom!

 

[mandibc11]

The next morning we woke up earlier than usual in order to get a bus to Animal Kingdom. Since we were spending the day at this park, Boma was a good choice for breakfast with it being very close!

We had specifically been told by the concierge that it would be no problem at all to get to Animal Kingdom lodge after making our way to the park. They were right! Immediately after being dropped off at AK (2 hours before park opening – there was no one there!), a bus pulled up from the resort and asked if we were the two with breakfast reservations. Yep – that’s us!

I was so excited, because I was SO hungry. I had also never been to Boma and had high hopes about what they could concoct for me, and what all they could offer the Hatter, as well!

We were seated immediately, in a cozy little table fairly close to the steaming food awaiting us. Our server was a vegetarian, and talked to me for awhile about how wonderful Disney is and how she eats there even during her off-time. She also brought out some very delicious mango/something else juice, and went to get a chef for me.

The chef came and was the nicest, most accommodating person I had met yet! I cannot remember her name thought, and I regret not writing it down. She took us around the buffet area and showed me exactly what I could have, and explained any traditional African items to Jeremy and me both.

The first station contained Eggs, Pap, and Salsa, which looked really colorful, fresh and tasty - I encouraged him to try!

Next to that was the porridge section, which I was eager to dig into myself. It contained both regular Oatmeal, as well as a Quinoa Porridge. There were accompaniments that included Raisins, Cinnamon, and a Quinoa garnish.

Each of the stations had something I could sample, with the exception of the meats section (of course) and the pastries. But the chef was so sweet, asking if there was anything specific I might like. I told her I was just hungry and ready to eat! She suggested Pancakes or Waffles (I chose Waffles, because the Belgium style on the buffet looked delectable). She also mentioned making a Tofu Scramble with Roasted Vegetables. Yes, please!!

After she left, we began making our way around the buffet. There weren’t many people at the restaurant this early in the morning, so we were able to help ourselves as much as we wanted!

I started off with the Quinoa Porridge, making a bowl of half Oatmeal and half Quinoa. I topped with the Quinoa garnish and Raisins. It was fantastic! I could have eaten this mixture every morning. Usually I just have regular oatmeal with dried cherries, but if the Quinoa Porridge is easy to make as a morning meal, I may switch! So much calcium and protein!
Also included on my plate were Roasted Potatoes and Fruit. Both delicious.

Jeremy started with those gorgeous Waffles, Fruit, and Yogurt. He loved it all and ate every last, dripping bit of syrup-y goodness.

Also on the plate were the Eggs, Pap, and Salsa. Again, loved it! Highly recommended – coming straight from the mouth of the eater.

The chef came out after this with Mickey Waffles! Oh, how I love these little guys…and being Gluten Free and Vegan, how can you beat them? I couldn’t get enough of them on this trip!

At the same time, she had also brought out the Tofu Veggie Scramble. This was fantastic. So well seasoned with a bit of spice, and the roasted veggies were cooked just right. I was definitely full after all was said and done, and ready for a Safari and a trip to Everest!!

Our Out of Pocket Total would have been $48.05 before tip. This is a place we will consistently return to every time we come to Disney – I can’t wait to try dinner here!

 

[MelanieC]

Boma never fails to deliver!! It's our one sit down this trip (THE HORRORS) for dinner. Can't wait!

 

[Vegcentric]

Wow, that chef really knew what she was doing. I am now convinced that I would like to try Boma for breakfast one morning...I love quinoa but never thought to have it for breakfast before. This was awesome!

 

[VeganRazzleDazzle]

Wow I never would've thought Boma would be so accomadating for Breakfast. Now I want to change my ADR's . I've been thinking of bumping my 1900 Park Fare, but I didn't know what to change it to. Now I think I know.

 

[mandibc11]

Wow I never would've thought Boma would be so accomadating for Breakfast. Now I want to change my ADR's . I've been thinking of bumping my 1900 Park Fare, but I didn't know what to change it to. Now I think I know.

It really was fantastic - I mean, I love 1900 Park Fare, but really just for the atmosphere of the Grand Floridian and the Characters! The next breakfast I'm reviewing is Kouzzina, and I have to say, it's a toss up for me between Boma and Kouzzina for best breakfasts of the trip! Both were amazingly accommodating.

 

[mandibc11]

Boma never fails to deliver!! It's our one sit down this trip (THE HORRORS) for dinner. Can't wait!

Have you had Boma for dinner before? I would love to know what makes it different from other Buffets...would the food be similar to Tusker House's buffet? I'm not generally a buffet person, unless it comes to breakfast...but I'm very intriqued by Boma!

Wow, that chef really knew what she was doing. I am now convinced that I would like to try Boma for breakfast one morning...I love quinoa but never thought to have it for breakfast before. This was awesome!

You definitely should!! We'll be going back every time. The chef mentioned that traditional African food is heavy on the vegetarian side, so they really go out of their way to accommodate people that eat plant-based diets!

 

[VeganRazzleDazzle]

You definitely should!! We'll be going back every time. The chef mentioned that traditional African food is heavy on the vegetarian side, so they really go out of their way to accommodate people that eat plant-based diets!

I just changed our ADR's to include Boma for breakfast! I already have Kouzzina on there for breakfast. I'm super excited now! Over food, LOL!!!

Do you have any resort area Dinner suggestions on the Dining Plan?

I already have these:

D- Ohana
B- Kouzzina
L- Beaches and Cream
D- Sanaa
B- Crystal Palace
L- Main Street Bakery
D- Columbia Harbor House (been there twice so want something new...in or out of park)
B- Chef Mickey's
L- Wolfgang Puck Cafe
D- Ohana
D- Boma
B- Boma
L- 50's Prime Time Cafe
D- Mama Melrose Italiano

 

[mandibc11]

I just changed our ADR's to include Boma for breakfast! I already have Kouzzina on there for breakfast. I'm super excited now! Over food, LOL!!!

Do you have any resort area Dinner suggestions on the Dining Plan?

I already have these:

D- Ohana
B- Kouzzina
L- Beaches and Cream
D- Sanaa
B- Crystal Palace
L- Main Street Bakery
D- Columbia Harbor House (been there twice so want something new...in or out of park)
B- Chef Mickey's
L- Wolfgang Puck Cafe
D- Ohana
D- Boma
B- Boma
L- 50's Prime Time Cafe
D- Mama Melrose Italiano

As far as restaurants in resorts, I've heard great things about the Vegan menu at Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge. And even though it's 2 credits, our dinner at Jiko was phenomenal and they also offered a Vegan menu! We skipped breakfast one morning so we could do this, and just had leftovers out on the Boardwalk!

Have you looked at the menu for The Wave at Contemporary? It looks so delicious, and would be convenient to Magic Kingdom the evening you are there and want to try something besides Columbia Harbor House. I think we'll be trying that restaurant next time we're there!

 

[VeganRazzleDazzle]

The Wave sounds good, and I was also interested to try Kona Cafe. Have you been there?