Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant/Dining Help Thread

[cherylp3]

An exciting note: BabycakesNYC at DTD can now be requested as a dessert item for special orders

 

[Teresa Pitman]

Don't know if you all saw this on the Disney Parks blog:


We’ve received fantastic news from the Rhino Fund Uganda. A white rhino named Nande, born here at Disney’s Animal Kingdom 12 years ago, gave birth June 4 to a healthy female calf at the Ziwa Sanctuary in Uganda. The baby, named Malaika (“angel” in Swahili), is the first female white rhino born in Uganda in more than 30 years. Malaika is Nande’s second calf. Her first, a male, was born in 2009.

Nande is one of two white rhinos born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom that traveled to Africa in 2006 as part of the first-ever reintroduction of white rhinos from the United States to Uganda. She was accompanied by Hasani, a male, and joined four other white rhinos at the Ziwa Sanctuary to help re-establish a white rhino population that has been extinct in Uganda since 1982 as a casualty of civil unrest in the region.

Disney’s commitment to conservation and rhinos goes beyond this first-ever rhino transfer. Guests can see both white and black rhinos on the Kilimanjaro Safaris. Research has shown that when people see wildlife face-to-face, they feel a strong connection and are motivated to take action to protect wildlife and nature. The Walt Disney Company Foundation and the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund have supported more than $940,000 in rhino protection and research projects in partnership with non-profit organizations throughout the world. And Disney’s Animal Kingdom is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and a link to helping animals in their native habitats.

We are proud to contribute to the sustainability of this critical species and are deeply appreciative of the great care that Nande has received from the Rhino Fund Uganda team, who are closely monitoring her and her baby.



On the blog there is also a lovely photo of the mother and baby together.

I know, this is not about food - but it is about something good Disney is doing to help animals.

Teresa

 

[DaymanX]

As a vegan who has visited WDW twice and is going back again this fall, I love this thread!

We've been looking at the dining plans, and my question is whether or not special vegan orders work within the structure of that? Do the desserts on the plan cover the Tofutti/Rice Dream most restaurants seem to stock?

Almost every meal I had at a TS restaurant was custom made on my last trip (outside of Boma). I think the price going OOP vs DDP might be roughly the same (given the relatively low charge I was given each meal), but my wife is mostly vegetarian (eats seafood), so if a promo is offered it'd still be savings.

Any advice is appreciated!

 

[Teresa Pitman]

Yes, if they make you a special vegan meal it will be covered by the dining plan, and any vegan desserts they give you count as well. I have never encountered a problem doing this.

Teresa

 

[Plasticletters]

This was inspiring to read. Thanks for sharing!

I'm also really glad that people are still actively using this thread! I've been away from Disboards for a while, but was pleasantly surprised upon checking the boards again to see so many people helping each other to find great meat free and vegan meals at Disney World.

Since moving to California I've been to Disneyland quite a few times. If anybody is interested in where to get some great vegan food out here let me know!

Don't know if you all saw this on the Disney Parks blog:


We’ve received fantastic news from the Rhino Fund Uganda. A white rhino named Nande, born here at Disney’s Animal Kingdom 12 years ago, gave birth June 4 to a healthy female calf at the Ziwa Sanctuary in Uganda. The baby, named Malaika (“angel” in Swahili), is the first female white rhino born in Uganda in more than 30 years. Malaika is Nande’s second calf. Her first, a male, was born in 2009.

Nande is one of two white rhinos born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom that traveled to Africa in 2006 as part of the first-ever reintroduction of white rhinos from the United States to Uganda. She was accompanied by Hasani, a male, and joined four other white rhinos at the Ziwa Sanctuary to help re-establish a white rhino population that has been extinct in Uganda since 1982 as a casualty of civil unrest in the region.

Disney’s commitment to conservation and rhinos goes beyond this first-ever rhino transfer. Guests can see both white and black rhinos on the Kilimanjaro Safaris. Research has shown that when people see wildlife face-to-face, they feel a strong connection and are motivated to take action to protect wildlife and nature. The Walt Disney Company Foundation and the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund have supported more than $940,000 in rhino protection and research projects in partnership with non-profit organizations throughout the world. And Disney’s Animal Kingdom is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and a link to helping animals in their native habitats.

We are proud to contribute to the sustainability of this critical species and are deeply appreciative of the great care that Nande has received from the Rhino Fund Uganda team, who are closely monitoring her and her baby.



On the blog there is also a lovely photo of the mother and baby together.

I know, this is not about food - but it is about something good Disney is doing to help animals.

Teresa

 

[sixxmum]

We have a group of 7 going in January, including 3 vegans. This is what I have for ADRs right now, but I'm considering 2 things.

1 - switch Rose and Crown to Via Napoli (italian)
2 - bag Rainforest and do an early dinner (4:30) at Boma


1/7 - arrival - Downtown Disney? and dinner O'Hana 7:00
1/8 Epcot (9 a.m. - 9 p.m.) - lunch Rose and Crown 2:10
1/9 MK (9 a.m. - 8 p.m.) - lunch Liberty Tree Tavern 1:45
1/10 Hollywood Studios (9 a.m. - 7 p.m.) - lunch 50s Prime Time 12:35, dinner 1900s Park Fare 7:30
1/11 Off day
1/12 Animal Kingdom (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.), lunch Rainforest Cafe 1:45, Magic Kingdom? (to 8 p.m.), Epcot (to 9 p.m.)
1/13 Magic Kingdom/Epcot - no ADR

Would take any vegan thoughts on the above!

 

[Vegcentric]

We have a group of 7 going in January, including 3 vegans. This is what I have for ADRs right now, but I'm considering 2 things.

1 - switch Rose and Crown to Via Napoli (italian)
2 - bag Rainforest and do an early dinner (4:30) at Boma


1/7 - arrival - Downtown Disney? and dinner O'Hana 7:00
1/8 Epcot (9 a.m. - 9 p.m.) - lunch Rose and Crown 2:10
1/9 MK (9 a.m. - 8 p.m.) - lunch Liberty Tree Tavern 1:45
1/10 Hollywood Studios (9 a.m. - 7 p.m.) - lunch 50s Prime Time 12:35, dinner 1900s Park Fare 7:30
1/11 Off day
1/12 Animal Kingdom (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.), lunch Rainforest Cafe 1:45, Magic Kingdom? (to 8 p.m.), Epcot (to 9 p.m.)
1/13 Magic Kingdom/Epcot - no ADR

Would take any vegan thoughts on the above!

I think you'd have a blast at Boma, so I would definitely recommend ditching Rainforest Cafe in favor of it. Most places can be pretty accommodating to vegans as long as you give them a heads up so I think you'll enjoy pretty much all of the restaurants here. Liberty Tree Tavern had a pretty good bean dish at lunch, but it's not vegan. They might be able to do something about that though? It had a biscuit on top of it, and I am assuming milk, eggs and butter went into making it.
My favorite spot for vegan food in Epcot is actually Sunshine Seasons. There's a good variety there and it's a quick service...probably my favorite quick service in all of the parks! The Kakigori Stand in Epcot has been renamed to Kabuki cafe and now has miso soup (check to make sure it isn't a fish based soup first though), edamame and the shaved ice (which is awesome!).
O'Hana should be no problem. They do a hummus and chip type thing for an appetizer now, and their tofu and rice dish wasn't too bad (I thought it was a little bit sweet, but the tofu was cooked really well). They will tell you what you can and can't eat while you're there as long as you tell them you're vegan. I like the 50s Prime Time Diner, though I think their main entree for vegetarians has cheese (and lots of it) on it. They can probably veganize it, though. Have fun and good luck!

 

[Kairi]

Liberty Tree Tavern had a pretty good bean dish at lunch, but it's not vegan. They might be able to do something about that though? It had a biscuit on top of it, and I am assuming milk, eggs and butter went into making it.

Actually, the Pot Pie at Liberty is surprisingly vegan. I had it a few months ago at Liberty Tree and make it at home as well. The Herbed Biscuit Topping is made with rice milk and canola and olive oil in place of the typical dairy and eggs. The recipe is in the newest Disney cookbook and is specifically marked vegan. It is super yummy, but come hungry...the portion is massive.

 

[sixxmum]

Kairi,
Good to know! Thanks so much

 

[cherylp3]

I'd switch your rainforest cafe to tusker house - Also I'm vegan and gluten free and have never had problems at Rose and crown, they are excellent.

 

[sixxmum]

Cheryl,
I've been trying for Tusker House, but haven't been able to get one there. For now, I've switched the Rainforest to an early dinner at Boma and we'll see. Good to know about Rose and Crown! I think I might prefer to eat there (atmosphere-wise) over Via, though my kids do love pizza. What is the R&C vegan dish in your experience?

 

[sixxmum]

Just added a breakfast at Crystal Palace for that last morning. I have no idea what they will have vegan, but I'm sure it will be fine. Somebody stop me!

 

[cherylp3]

depends I've gotten breaded tofu and I've gotten salad type dishes but not your average salad. I think I may have pictures. I'll try and find them

 

[Vegcentric]

Actually, the Pot Pie at Liberty is surprisingly vegan. I had it a few months ago at Liberty Tree and make it at home as well. The Herbed Biscuit Topping is made with rice milk and canola and olive oil in place of the typical dairy and eggs. The recipe is in the newest Disney cookbook and is specifically marked vegan. It is super yummy, but come hungry...the portion is massive.

OMG you made my night! Thank you for this info! I am shocked that it's vegan, would've thought it wasn't...and yes, it's extremely filling (but super delicious.)

 

[DaymanX]

I'm just curious if anyone has ever had any meat substitutes at WDW restaurants beyond a veggie burger or tofu.

Don't get me wrong, I like both if they're prepared right, but when traveling recently to Los Angeles I was amazed at the wide selection of incredibly delicious entrees and appetizers being served using Gardein meat substitutes.

Now that those are becoming more and more widespread in US supermarkets (along with Tofurky and Boca products), I'm surprised that more restaurants aren't following the trend--especially since they're easily swapped into other meals already on the menu.

Since Tofutti and Rice Dream are already on the desert menu at most all WDW restaurants, I wonder if more meat substitutes (or maybe even soy cheese/Daiya) might follow at some point?

 

[LisaS]

I'm just curious if anyone has ever had any meat substitutes at WDW restaurants beyond a veggie burger or tofu.

I've asked at a couple of restaurants why they don't have veggie breakfast sausage. The answer I got was a shrug and some comments about how the restaurants have no control over what food is served at WDW. Not very encouraging...

 

[DaymanX]

I've asked at a couple of restaurants why they don't have veggie breakfast sausage. The answer I got was a shrug and some comments about how the restaurants have no control over what food is served at WDW. Not very encouraging...

Hmm... maybe it's worth writing some letters or emails?

With the Tofutti and Rice Dream, it makes me think we might see soy cheese first, since lactose intolerance is more on their radar.

 

[cherylp3]

I believe there is follow your heart cheese, if I recall vegansatori has written about getting it.

 

[packofjedis]

Does anyone know if Sci-Fi can make a veggie burger? I know it's not listed on their menu, but was wondering if anyone has had one there.

Also, the rest of my family wants to go to Whispering Canyon. There is no vegetarian option listed on their menu for dinner at all. We will be on the DDP so I can't just order a side salad. For lunch the have a quinoa cake that's offered. Anyone know if I'd be able to get that for dinner? Or is there another option?

I didn't list anything special on my ADRs since I'm not allergic to anything and generally am happy with their vegetarian option on the menu, but now I'm wondering if I should call and have it listed for these 2 restaurants just to give them a heads up.

 

[DaymanX]

Does anyone know if Sci-Fi can make a veggie burger? I know it's not listed on their menu, but was wondering if anyone has had one there.

Also, the rest of my family wants to go to Whispering Canyon. There is no vegetarian option listed on their menu for dinner at all. We will be on the DDP so I can't just order a side salad. For lunch the have a quinoa cake that's offered. Anyone know if I'd be able to get that for dinner? Or is there another option?

I didn't list anything special on my ADRs since I'm not allergic to anything and generally am happy with their vegetarian option on the menu, but now I'm wondering if I should call and have it listed for these 2 restaurants just to give them a heads up.

I've found that the ADR people usually tell me to tell my server at the restaurant.

I've eaten at both places when I was a vegetarian (before going vegan).

I think they gave me a veggie burger that wasn't on the menu when I was at Sci-Fi. I think they also had pasta at the time.

At Whispering Canyon they made me a veggie dish, and it was okay. At most restaurants, my advice is to be semi-specific with what you like and how you like it cooked--and also try to talk to the chef to see what his ideas are.

My worst experiences have been steamed vegetables, bland pasta, or a veggie burger. But more often than not, the chefs do something that surprises me in a good way.