Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant/Dining Help Thread

[meggimouse]

Thanks for the phone number.

It is really interesting that I'm reading here that there aren't any veg options there. I did a google search and there were other discussions on this board (and elsewhere) saying that the chefs at Teppan Edo will cook vegetarian food on the grill before cooking the meat meals. They put the veggies and noodles on the grill first, then add the meat, but what I've read here on disboards (after asking here) is that they will prepare the veg meal, then cook the rest of the food. All I'd want as far as options is to have my food cooked without meat, and it sounds like that is how they do it, unless things have changed in the last few months.

Anyway, I'll call and see what they say, and report back here. The kids really want to go, so if they won't accommodate me as a vegan I'll just have a beer while the kids eat and get a quick meal elsewhere.

I know this post is old but just for current references - I had eaten at Teppan Edo back in September (as a vegetarian) and they asked me if I wanted my meal cooked prior to the meats or if it didn't matter that they were on the same grill (I'm assuming they're asking for allergy reasons) and I had told them that I preferred it cooked first and removed. They didn't mind at all and still made it a very pleasant experience for myself and the other people (non-vegan/vegetarians) at the table.

 

[nancy drew]

I know this post is old but just for current references - I had eaten at Teppan Edo back in September (as a vegetarian) and they asked me if I wanted my meal cooked prior to the meats or if it didn't matter that they were on the same grill (I'm assuming they're asking for allergy reasons) and I had told them that I preferred it cooked first and removed. They didn't mind at all and still made it a very pleasant experience for myself and the other people (non-vegan/vegetarians) at the table.

That is a very old post. I thought I had followed up a few times recommending Teppan Edo as we have now eaten there twice and had a great experience.

 

[CornishPixie]

I love this thread!
My DD is a vegan and I really want her to have wonderful options. We are staying at AKV Kidani and one of the reasons is for the full kitchen so that I can provide a bunch of her favorite foods.
We have breakfast reservations at Boma and after reading the boards I am excited that this will be a good place for her. I am trying to find at least 1 QS restaurant in each park that has vegan options (more than just a veggie burger if possible).
What would y'all say is the best option in each park for vegan offerings that is QS? Looks like Sunshine Seasons is our best bet in Epcot but I am stumped on the other three parks.

 

[lcb]

I love this thread!
My DD is a vegan and I really want her to have wonderful options. We are staying at AKV Kidani and one of the reasons is for the full kitchen so that I can provide a bunch of her favorite foods.
We have breakfast reservations at Boma and after reading the boards I am excited that this will be a good place for her. I am trying to find at least 1 QS restaurant in each park that has vegan options (more than just a veggie burger if possible).
What would y'all say is the best option in each park for vegan offerings that is QS? Looks like Sunshine Seasons is our best bet in Epcot but I am stumped on the other three parks.

I have been lurking here for quite some time - my husband and I are both vegan and are headed to Disney in February. Being the over-organized planner that I am, I have put together a list of potential vegan Quick Service restaurants in the parks. Some of these may not be 100% accurate, it is just what I have compiled spending months reading blogs, looking at menus, and emailing special diets. Asking a CM is the best bet, but it seems like even the QS locations are willing to modify foods to make them vegan. Oh and from what I have read the popcorn and pretzels available at all the parks are vegan.

Magic Kingdom
-Adventureland - Tortuga Tavern Vegetarian Burrito (can be made vegan)
-Frontier land - Peco's Bill Veggie Burger
-Fantasyland – Be Our Guest – Quinoa salad (not 100% positive, emailed special diets but still waiting for a response)
-Liberty Square - Columbia Harbour House - Lighthouse Sandwich (hummus) without the broccoli slaw and the Vegetarian Chili
-Tomorrow Land - Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café - Veggie Burger, Veggie Sandwich (can be made vegan), Greek Salad (can be made vegan)

EPCOT
- Future World - Sunshine Season's - Vegetable Flatbread (can be made vegan), Orange Sesame Glazed Vegan Chik'n
-America - Liberty Inn - Black Bean Vegetable Burger (not sure on this one have heard its vegan from some and not from others
- China - Lotus Blossom Café -Hong Kong Style Vegetable Curry over Rice
- France - Les Halles Boulangerie & Pâtisserie - Baguette - Full Fresh from the oven
- France- L’Artisan des Glaces
- Germany – Sommerfest - Beer and Paprika Chips Fresh Potato Chips with Paprika-Curry Spice
- Japan -Kabuki Café -Kaki Gori
- Mexico- La Cantina de San Angel - Paletas
- Morocco - Tangierine Café -Falafel Wrap, Vegetable Platter (without the lentil salad)
- Norway - Kringla Bakeri og Café -Sweet Pretzel with Almonds

Hollywood Studios
- Commissary Lane - ABC Commissary -Couscous, and Arugula salad (can be made vegan)
- Echo Lake -Backlot Express -Southwest Salad (can be made vegan), Cantaloupe & Cucumber Salad, Grilled Veggie Sandwich (can be made vegan)
- Sunset Boulevard -Fairfax Fair -Fairfax Salad (southwestern- can be made vegan)
- Streets of America - Studio Catering Company -Grilled Vegetable Sandwich (can be made vegan) and Greek Salad (can be made vegan)
- Pizza Planet – I have heard from others vegan pizza may be available

Animal Kingdom
- Africa - Tamu Tamu Refreshments - Vegetarian Curry with tofu and jasmine rice (not positive on this one)
- Africa / Asia - Mr. Kamals - Falafel Sandwich with chips, Asian Noodle Salad, Edammame
- Asia - Bradley Falls -Edamame, Fruit Salad, Summer Rolls
- Dino Land -Restaurantosaurus - Vegetable Subosaurus (can be made vegan)
- Pizzafari – I have heard from others vegan pizza may be available
- Discovery Island - Garden Kiosk - special diets information

 

[CornishPixie]

I have been lurking here for quite some time - my husband and I are both vegan and are headed to Disney in February. Being the over-organized planner that I am, I have put together a list of potential vegan Quick Service restaurants in the parks. Some of these may not be 100% accurate, it is just what I have compiled spending months reading blogs, looking at menus, and emailing special diets. Asking a CM is the best bet, but it seems like even the QS locations are willing to modify foods to make them vegan. Oh and from what I have read the popcorn and pretzels available at all the parks are vegan.

Magic Kingdom
-Adventureland - Tortuga Tavern Vegetarian Burrito (can be made vegan)
-Frontier land - Peco's Bill Veggie Burger
-Fantasyland – Be Our Guest – Quinoa salad (not 100% positive, emailed special diets but still waiting for a response)
-Liberty Square - Columbia Harbour House - Lighthouse Sandwich (hummus) without the broccoli slaw and the Vegetarian Chili
-Tomorrow Land - Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café - Veggie Burger, Veggie Sandwich (can be made vegan), Greek Salad (can be made vegan)

EPCOT
- Future World - Sunshine Season's - Vegetable Flatbread (can be made vegan), Orange Sesame Glazed Vegan Chik'n
-America - Liberty Inn - Black Bean Vegetable Burger (not sure on this one have heard its vegan from some and not from others
- China - Lotus Blossom Café -Hong Kong Style Vegetable Curry over Rice
- France - Les Halles Boulangerie & Pâtisserie - Baguette - Full Fresh from the oven
- France- L’Artisan des Glaces
- Germany – Sommerfest - Beer and Paprika Chips Fresh Potato Chips with Paprika-Curry Spice
- Japan -Kabuki Café -Kaki Gori
- Mexico- La Cantina de San Angel - Paletas
- Morocco - Tangierine Café -Falafel Wrap, Vegetable Platter (without the lentil salad)
- Norway - Kringla Bakeri og Café -Sweet Pretzel with Almonds

Hollywood Studios
- Commissary Lane - ABC Commissary -Couscous, and Arugula salad (can be made vegan)
- Echo Lake -Backlot Express -Southwest Salad (can be made vegan), Cantaloupe & Cucumber Salad, Grilled Veggie Sandwich (can be made vegan)
- Sunset Boulevard -Fairfax Fair -Fairfax Salad (southwestern- can be made vegan)
- Streets of America - Studio Catering Company -Grilled Vegetable Sandwich (can be made vegan) and Greek Salad (can be made vegan)
- Pizza Planet – I have heard from others vegan pizza may be available

Animal Kingdom
- Africa - Tamu Tamu Refreshments - Vegetarian Curry with tofu and jasmine rice (not positive on this one)
- Africa / Asia - Mr. Kamals - Falafel Sandwich with chips, Asian Noodle Salad, Edammame
- Asia - Bradley Falls -Edamame, Fruit Salad, Summer Rolls
- Dino Land -Restaurantosaurus - Vegetable Subosaurus (can be made vegan)
- Pizzafari – I have heard from others vegan pizza may be available
- Discovery Island - Garden Kiosk - special diets information

OMG - what an AMAZING list!!!
I am overwhelmed with your incredible research. This is going to be such a help while in the parks.
I have read on these boards that although Disney does a wonderful job in their attempts to accommodate dietary differences, that the only way to ensure true vegan fare is to tell them that you are a vegetarian who also has egg/dairy allergies.

 

[KGDisney]

I'm pretty sure the vegetable sushi at the quick service restaurant in the Japan pavilion is also vegan. Can anyone confirm this?

 

[Laura]

I'm pretty sure the vegetable sushi at the quick service restaurant in the Japan pavilion is also vegan. Can anyone confirm this?

I should think so, though one should always ask first. They also had edamame in the pods, which should also be vegan.

 

[ptrspmpkin]

Just heading back from our stay. The following is a list of vegan things I ate:

Caribbean Beach food court: Chefs Bruce and Kent were great. Made us plenty of allergy friendly Mickey waffles, often with potatoes. Also made us a tofu scramble with veggies. Had a roasted veggie wrap with vegetable soup. They made us a grilled Portobello and onion sandwich with fries in lieu of the vegetable burger (has egg).

Mama Melrose's: Not the greatest experience. Waiter seemed panicked. Chef seemed annoyed. Finally got a small, but delicious bowl of spaghetti marinara. This was the only meal we left without leftovers!

Akershus: Chef had a short lived look of panic and quietly said "breakfast" a few times. Then excitedly said potatoes, sauteed swiss chard with mushrooms, prepackaged waffles, fruit, bagels, jelly. We had it all. All was delicious!

Rose and Crown: Vegetable curry needed more sauce and veggies were a little tough. My daughter didn't seem interested in that, so he offered to make her some lentils with potatoes and veggies. It was okay. A little dry and it was topped with some VERY sour raw cabbage (blech). FYI, I've had t he veg curry here before and it was outstanding.

Liberty Tree Tavern: Easy. The potato quinoa burger with sweet potatoes is vegan and delicious!

Cinderella's Royal Table: Chef Joseph was kinda at first rude and refused to speak to us when he found out it wasn't a real allergy. When the waitress came back and tried to take our order and I had to explain that I had no idea what to order and that the chef usually tells us what we can have. Ahe sent him back. I explained that per emails and phone calls with special diets, I was doing exactly as I was instructed. He seemed to turn around his frustration and even brought out Earth Balance to go with our bread( the only time this happpened). We had slightly modified salads and veggie farro risotto.


Ohana: Mickey Waffles that seemed to use a different batter than most, which was a good thing! Chef made the best tofu and vegetable stir fry. I will go back again just for that. The non vegans ate our leftovers!

Jiko the cooking place: Very accommodating. The chef took great pride that they had the most vegan options in the park and even provide a seperate menu! We shared a cauliflower and cipollini onion flatbread. I ordered the bushari? And my daughter got the seitan. Both were delicious. I have never had such amazing, moist seitan.


Cosmic Ray's: Vegetable burger with great toppings. Allergy fries.

Be our Guest: I had the layered ratitoulle. My daughter had the french onion soup without the cheese and what may have been different croutons than the usual. I also had the salad trio.

Kouzzina: Chef Miguel was amazing! There is a ratioulle type dish on the menu. When we seemed disappointed from having very similar food the entire trip (and a mild eggplant allergy), He offered to make us a medley of different sampling. O M G! Gigante beans in a spicy tomato sauce, roasted potatoes with a type of chimichurri sauce, escarole with fried garlic, dolmades, roasted brussels sprouts with a balsamic drizzle and griled lemon. Also had bread with olive oil, hummus and eggplant spread! One of the best meals I have ever had, Disney or otherwise!

Tusker House: We had 10:55 am reservations so it was a mix of breakfast and lunch. Chef took us around the buffet and showed us what was safe and what would be coming out soon. He offered us some Mickey waffles (which we never refuse) and said to ask if we needed anything else. 10 minutes later, after loading up at the buffet, two plates arrived with our waffles, fresh syrup, enjoy life cookies and a beautiful cut apple!

We ,of course, ate more Mickey pretzels than I can count and probably consumed our own weight in popcorn. I'll try to share pics when I get home!

 

[sixxmum]

Thank you for the information! We haven't been for 2 years now, so it's good to hear about what has changed.

We have three vegans in our group. I am one of the vegans and have been for decades and I have a severe reaction to any animal proteins in food (violent illness has occurred when I have consumed dairy or egg without knowing it was there - I assume meat would produce the same).

We have found, in the past, that at some places we have to be very clear that it is not just a preference. At other places, we have had people seem excited to help us with the vegan diet without needing any additional reason (particularly Chef TJ, who I will be sad to miss this trip).

 

[lcb]

Any update on when Chef TJ is working? From other threads it seems like he's only doing breakfast. Id love a vegan Chef TJ dinner!

 

[kate2961]

EPCOT
- Future World - Sunshine Season's - Vegetable Flatbread (can be made vegan), Orange Sesame Glazed Vegan Chik'n
-America - Liberty Inn - Black Bean Vegetable Burger (not sure on this one have heard its vegan from some and not from others
- China - Lotus Blossom Café -Hong Kong Style Vegetable Curry over Rice
- France - Les Halles Boulangerie & Pâtisserie - Baguette - Full Fresh from the oven
- France- L’Artisan des Glaces
- Germany – Sommerfest - Beer and Paprika Chips Fresh Potato Chips with Paprika-Curry Spice
- Japan -Kabuki Café -Kaki Gori
- Mexico- La Cantina de San Angel - Paletas
- Morocco - Tangierine Café -Falafel Wrap, Vegetable Platter (without the lentil salad)
- Norway - Kringla Bakeri og Café -Sweet Pretzel with Almonds

We were there for Christmas. When I inquired at - China - Lotus Blossom Café -about the Hong Kong Style Vegetable Curry over Rice, I was told by the CM that the meal is neither vegan or vegetarian because it includes chicken powder. We next went to Norway QS and we were told that they too had nothing for a vegan.

Kate

 

[kate2961]

Any update on when Chef TJ is working? From other threads it seems like he's only doing breakfast. Id love a vegan Chef TJ dinner!

We were lucky enough to get Chef TJ for b'fast at 1900 Park Fare. Fabulous. It was the best vegan meal we had on the trip.

Kate

 

[kate2961]

Hollywood Studios
- Commissary Lane - ABC Commissary -Couscous, and Arugula salad (can be made vegan)
- Echo Lake -Backlot Express -Southwest Salad (can be made vegan), Cantaloupe & Cucumber Salad, Grilled Veggie Sandwich (can be made vegan)
- Sunset Boulevard -Fairfax Fair -Fairfax Salad (southwestern- can be made vegan)
- Streets of America - Studio Catering Company -Grilled Vegetable Sandwich (can be made vegan) and Greek Salad (can be made vegan)
- Pizza Planet – I have heard from others vegan pizza may be available

We ate at Pizza Planet during our Christmas vacation. I asked the CM about vegan options and she said there were none. Since I had read these threads I pressed her about a pizza with vegan cheese. She was not sure and she got the manager. The manager was very helpful and knew about the vegan pizza. The pizza was good. Better than we had expected. We would eat it again. The crust was different than normal - gluten free - but good.

Kate

 

[kate2961]

Downtown disney has a vegan cupcake shop called babycakes although I haven't been there

All in all it seems if you make reservations for sit down meals in advance and let them know about being vegan they accommodate very well! I will say my bad experience with Italy could have been because we didn't make reservations in advance.

We tried the donuts, cookies and cupcakes from BabyCakes. We loved everything. We made a special stop at DD to get stuff for our room. When we ran out we were able to get some items from the BC Marketplace (2 kinds of donuts, CC cookies, and a container with 4 very small chocolate cupcakes).

We ate our Christmas dinner at Via Napoli. At first the chef did not come to the table. I think we got a manager that was not very informed about vegan options. I think they knew we were concerned (or the waiter heard us talking) and they sent the chef. The chef was helpful and we got vegan pizza. Pizza was broccolini with no sauce or cheese. Not sure why no sauce. But it was good. Would eat again but ask for some tomato sauce. I would go there to eat it. The crust is that good and the tomatoes and broccoli on the pizza were great.

Kate

 

[kate2961]

Has anyone been to Kouzzina for dinner lately? We were there 2 years ago and I had a fabulous vegan meal, and the kids loved their meals as well. Now I am also gluten-free, and I'm pretty sure everything I ate there last time was also gluten-free but I haven't read/heard anything recent about recent vegan or GF experiences.

Also, has anyone recently been to 1900 Park Fare for dinner? Is Chef TJ still there?

I would appreciate any other resort dining recommendations for vegan and gluten free meals. We are trying to book Ohana, but need another option as well since AK and DHS do not seem to have anything appealing.

I went to Kouzzina and inquired of the CM at the podium about vegan options. She said that yes they could accommodate a vegan. But she did know what they could make. She said a chef would come to the table.

I thanked her and left since I was only just curious for future planning purposes. But I have to say that this encounter summed up my feelings about our Christmas vacation. Would any "normal, meat eating" diner put up with this nonsense. You must book your dining 6 months in advance and you will have no idea what you will eat and you will probably only get one option. Oh, and in many cases they will just pull something pre-packaged (like the rolls or waffles) and serve that at the same prices as freshly made meals.

We did have some very good meals on our trip but we also had many challenges in spite of putting allergy/vegan on the ressies and also contacting the dining e-mail. As noted by others, we found that the chef makes all the difference.

Chef TJ was the best and we would go back to 1900 PF for b'fast just to get him again.

Chef Laura at dinner at 1900 PF was also good and I would recommend that. As always, Boma is great for dinner.

The chef at Artist Point could not come up with anything better than a plate of steamed veggies for $28. The veggies were good and well prepared. But this was not a meal and was not worth $28. The chef obviously has no idea what vegetarians and vegans eat.

My overall advice is this -- I think most chefs want to be able to offer you something but they don't all understand what you can eat. While you may want them to be creative and make you a meal (like Chef TJ ), they may not be able to. Always be prepared to make suggestions to these chefs and explain the type of meal you want.

We had to do that at Captain's Grille. The chef was initially irritated that the slip said we had allergies/vegan since we do not have allergies. We are vegan. Then I explained that Disney Dining did that and that is what Disney said to do. She said we should have called ahead to the restaurant for special ingredients. I said we also contacted the special diets dining via e-mail and told them about every place we had a ressie and that we were vegan. They e-mailed back that all the restaurants could accommodate vegans and that we were not a special case. She said she had nothing for us but veggies. We pressed on. Veggies is good but how about grains or tofu. She didn't know and would check with Cape May. She did and found both grains and tofu and made a very good meal.

[Side note: We went to Captain's Grille because when we last ate there [May 2013?], Chef Anthony made one of the best vegan meals ever by combining various sides and adding some stuff. We were told that he is no longer at CG. Not sure if he is still at WDW.]

One of my favorites was at Chef Mickey's for b'fast. The chef came to the table and seemed reluctant but agreed to make vegan waffles. He also made something else that I can't remember. I was disappointed in his attitude. Just the opposite of Chef TJ. Then the Chef Mickey chef brought out the food and surprised me by saying that he was getting a vegan cookbook for Christmas. I said that was nice. He pressed on and said that he really was and he was going to learn to make vegan dishes. I then realized that what seemed liked an attitude to me was just him being challenged and not knowing how to help us. That was so special that he planned to work on it. The food he did prepare was very good. After that, I'm trying to keep more of an open mind about how the chef may feel when we announce we are vegan. But the more of us who speak up and ask for vegan dishes, the better things will become over time as we all learn what the chefs can prepare.

But seriously, would it be so hard for Disney to add little vegetarian and vegan symbols to all menus so that we could have a better idea what we can eat?

Kate

 

[kate2961]

Hollywood Studios:

Hollywood and Vine Lunch Buffet - I don't recommend unless you have young kids that need to see the Disney Jr. characters. They do have a create your own pasta station with lots of veggies and tomato, alfredo, and pesto sauces. That was really good! The garlic mashed potatoes were great too. They did not have many vegan offerings and the chef that took me around wasn't that enthusiastic about making something special. Dessert includes a chocolate fountain, but no vegan desserts on the buffet. They brought out a pack of vegan cookies for my daughter.

We chose H&V since I thought the pasta station was vegan. We found out that it is not. There is whey in all the pasta. The chef came to the table and was only willing to offer to prepare us brown rice to go with the limited vegan items on the bar -- some salad and fruit basically. We do not plan to eat here again without some menu/chef changes.

[Side note: In February we discovered a fantastic vegan pizza/flatbread at the Contemporary QS. It was flatbread with hummus, chickpeas, dried cherries, caramelized onions and wild greens. It was so good we now make it at home. I applaud Disney for coming up with such a creative, wonderful QS meal.

We made a special trip back to the Contemporary at Christmas for the pizza and found it is no longer on the menu. There are no vegan options on the menu. I had to go to the counter to ask about what we could have. The manager suggested something that did not appeal to me. I asked if they could make the hummus pizza. She was very nice and said that they could make it for us but they would need to use a french roll. She said they changed the flatbread they use and it now has dairy in it. The french roll version was good but not as good as the old version.]


Kate

 

[lcb]

We were there for Christmas. When I inquired at - China - Lotus Blossom Café -about the Hong Kong Style Vegetable Curry over Rice, I was told by the CM that the meal is neither vegan or vegetarian because it includes chicken powder. We next went to Norway QS and we were told that they too had nothing for a vegan.

Thanks for the info! Crazy they put chicken powder into those dishes.

 

[KGDisney]

We were lucky enough to get Chef TJ for b'fast at 1900 Park Fare. Fabulous. It was the best vegan meal we had on the trip. Kate

Do you happen to remember what day of the week it was? I would LOVE to have a meal from chef TJ!

 

[bumbershoot]

Thanks for the info! Crazy they put chicken powder into those dishes.

It's just so odd.


This wasn't at the Orlando Rainforest Cafe, but just tonight at my local RFC I found out that the beans in the nachos have a beef base to them.

Gack.

 

[vacationer1954]

Would any "normal, meat eating" diner put up with this nonsense. You must book your dining 6 months in advance and you will have no idea what you will eat and you will probably only get one option.

The 6 months in advance part is strange about Disney anyway even for meat eaters, and menus do change and anywhere else we travel the menus aren't known in advance even by meat eaters. The part where we get only one option to choose from is different from what meat eaters experience but we have just come to accept having fewer choices as vegetarians and that's true everywhere we go. For example we are thinking about spending the morning before we get on the Auto Train for the trip home at the Central Florida Zoo. I was looking at their web page and saw the menu for their snack bar. I was unhappy that in a place that animal lovers are likely to visit the only vegetarian option for lunch is nachos but that's the way it is.

Oh, and in many cases they will just pull something pre-packaged (like the rolls or waffles) and serve that at the same prices as freshly made meals.

I agree with you that this is really bad. I don't expect a snack bar to do anything to accommodate people that their set menu doesn't accommodate but Lotus Blossom Cafe should and definitely shouldn't be making otherwise vegetarian dishes non-vegetarian because they're not competent to build flavors any other way.