vegan dining

[herewego]

Hello everyone,

I have enjoyed reading about everyone's experiences and was wondering if you could help me. I will be staying at the WL Sept 19-24 and my family of four (includes 2 toddlers) are vegan. We eat no animal products (eggs, cheese, etc.). I have made ps for California Grill and CRT Lunch and am planning on calling ahead to make the restaurant aware of our dining needs. Does anyone have experience with how well the restaurants can meet specific dining needs? We are on the dining plan.

Any suggestions for other ps to make? I was thinking about Artist's Point as well.

Thank you for your help!

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Definitely call ahead! Make sure they note this information down and remind them again when you arrive at your restaurant.
Other suggestions:
Kona cafe specifically has a note on their menu that they are very "sensitive to vegan diets" and I believe can even make their famous "tonga toast" vegan.
I also am very partial to Marrakesh in Morocco in WS and one dish is couscous with vegetables. I am certain that they could ensure that that dish was vegan.
I know Sci Fi has at least one vegetarian choice. The last time it was potato and vegetable au gratin type casserole made with soy cheese, which I am pretty sure was vegan as well.
If you want desserts, make sure that you tell them that in advance. Like specifically request that a vegan dessert of some type be offered to you. I know I would! Kids *need* a dessert at Disney. I think it's the law!
Good luck!

 

[CarolynNC]

http://allearsnet.com/din/special.htm

This web site has lots of great information about special dietary needs at Disney. Hope it helps.

 

[ImprovGal]

I highly suggest going to Jiko over at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The food is excellent and several menu items are vegan (or can be plated that way) even without advance notice given (1 entree and a few appetizers come to mind). I think just about all of the full service restaurants can handle the special dietary request as long as you note it when you make the priority seating.

If you get a french fry craving, go over to Flame Tree BBQ over at the Animal Kingdom park. The french fries are fried in a separate fryolator from the onion rings and they will make you a fresh batch without the Lawry's seasoned salt (contains "natural flavor"). Stay away from the yummy bbq sauce, though, as it contains anchovies. Most counter service places have a 3 ring binder that lists ingredients used in their menu items.

I will say, though, that my friend did have a problem with some CM's in trying to communicate the definition of "vegan" and ended up saying she was allergic to animal products in order to get them to take her seriously and go scurrying for the ingredient lists. Sunshine Seasons was one place where this happened and the end result was her being told that "there are no vegans in the mushroom soup".

 

[Melissa M]

I will say, though, that my friend did have a problem with some CM's in trying to communicate the definition of "vegan" and ended up saying she was allergic to animal products in order to get them to take her seriously and go scurrying for the ingredient lists. Sunshine Seasons was one place where this happened and the end result was her being told that "there are no vegans in the mushroom soup".

The Brown Derby has a noodle bowl that is vegan. I also noticed that they've added a vegan dessert.

 

[spaceacewannabe]

If you need a counterservice while you're there---everything except the lentil salad (which I'm sure they could omit or replace) is vegan on the veg. platter at Tangierine Cafe (in Morocco)...and delicious! One of our must do's.

We found that the chef at Hollywood & Vine was SUPER helpful when we were there...we hadn't called ahead, but we're lacto-ovo & not vegan...but I'm sure if you called ahead they'd be really super. We didn't find them to be helpful AT ALL at Boma...in fact, it seemed like they were running away from us...but I know others have had great experiences there (and the food is good, but watch out because they do tend to use gelatin in their desserts---we've found that at a number of places-frustrating, especially when there are other products that would have worked!)

 

[Kaycee]

Welcome to the DIS Boards!

I am vegetarian, but not vegan. I have been very pleased with the vegetarian selections at WDW restaurants. While vegan can be a bit more challenging, I think you'll be pleased by the selections available and by how accomodating most restaurants can be. Just make your needs known, either when you make your AR's or when you are placing your order. While you may have to explain vegan on occasion, I don't think that will be the case at most WDW restaurants.

A few restaurants that are especially veggie-friendly are Boma, Jiko, Spoodles, Marrakesh, California Grill, and Kona Cafe.