Vegetarian Dining Approach

[jgplimdesign]

I've been scouring the boards (as well as the Mom's QA panel on Disney's website)-----trying to gather the good, bad & ugly experiences associated with dining vegetarian in WDW. . .

Sometimes I find a report that makes it all seem effortless. . .and other times I read the report where, "our server looked at us like we had a third eye popping out of our head." (Again, I know reviews and personal experiences waffle greatly!)

First of all. . . I admit to only having begun my vegetarian lifestyle a little over a month ago. . .but I am committed to it! Everyone has to have a 'beginning'. . .

Well before this, I made our ADRs at the 180 day out mark. (my husband by the way is completely carnivore! . . .though supportive & well versed in maintaining a meat free 'zone' on the grill for my veggie patties and smart dogs!) We booked many previously-dined-at & enjoyed WDW restaurants, in addition to adding a few new ones. Needless to say, at the time I had no reason to check any 'special dietary/lifestyle' eating box.

I understand (and was provided an email address from a Disboard member) that I can revise my ADRs to reflect this change.

What I'm fretting over??? I'm trying to decide if I should just leave my status as is and settle for whatever options are on the menu. . . or if I should have my ADRs reflect my special dietary decision.

I'm not much on added attention. . .and I certainly don't want the 'third eye' treatment. I'm not expecting cartwheels from chefs dropping everything to make my requests, for certain. I just don't want to be stuck picking at salads the whole time. . .

For example. . .as I ramble on. I have Le Cellier lunch ADRs. Previous menus mentioned a pesto gnocchi dish. . .I figured I could handle that! Now I see it is mushroom ravioli. . .which. . .other than portobellos, not really my thing (ANY vegetable but mushrooms!). . . (of our ADRs I think Le Cellier, Whispering Canyon, & 'Ohana will be the challenges. . .Plaza, Rose & Crown, Boma, Via Napoli, & Crystal Palace (breakfast) should be easy enough from the menu). . . and of course CS options are easily navigable.

What am I looking for here? Shared statements from vegetarians with either 'positive' or 'third eye' experiences. . . offered options from the three meat-central ADRs I've mentioned above. . . whether it is wise to add 'vegetarian' to my ADRs or just 'wing it'. . . any other advice welcome!

I'm not a WDW newbee. . .but I'm a WDW veggie-style newbee!

Looking forward to hearing from you! Thank you!
PS Now I have to check the Vegetarian Food Porn Thread to see if there are any new posts!

 

[everythingALICE]

I have not been to Whispering Canyon Cafe, but I have been to Le Cellier and Ohana.

At Ohana, I called the restaurant directly just a couple days before our ADR to note a vegetarian meal was needed. In addition to being able to eat the salad, noodles, broccoli - and of course bread pudding!- I was served pita chips with hummus and baba ganoush as an appetizer, and a huge, awesome, delicious tofu/veggies & tempura veggies/rice dish as my entree. (Just want to point out that this was after Chef TJ left, so you don't need to be concerned that the other chefs aren't veggie friendly.) Also, the staff here seem very used to vegetarian requests, so I don't think you'll encounter any "third eye" looks.

Not too helpful with Le Cellier, as I ordered the gnocchi dish when it was still on the menu. I have read of other vegetarian guests making meals out of the side dishes, which are apparently pretty good (In retrospect, I actually wish I had done this since I seriously was not feeling the pesto sauce). Many chefs are willing to create a dish with ingredients they already have on hand - so it's possible that if they have plain pasta, they might be able to make you a pasta primavera or something.

As a general rule of thumb, if there is only one veggie option on the menu that really doesn't appeal to you, call the restaurant to ensure that something else can be prepared. While the majority of restaurants/chefs are happy to work with you, you don't want to end up somewhere that isn't accommodating, hungry and disappointed.

 

[coltsfanatic]

I definitely can relate to you. I turned vegetarian about two years ago and vegan 6 months ago. If I have one piece of advice for you:STICK WITH IT!! It is such a great decision you will make.

I am also planning a vacation-next year. I am so excited!! I have heard most restaurants are very accommodating. Due to the increase of this diet, I DON'T THINK you'll have a problem.

Some restaurants I hear people rave about are (and some restaurants I'm going to):

-Boma-buffet full of choices-more than Tusker House!!
-Wolfgang Puck Cafe-pizza and pasta
-Columbia Harbour House-veggie sandwich/chili
-Peco's Bill Tall Tale Inn-veggie burger and toppings bar
-Tusker House-buffet full of choices like samosas, tofu, couscous
-San Angel Inn-veggie tacos, chips, beans, rice and festive drinks
-Sci Fi-tofu and rice dish
-Sunshine Seasons-vegetarian entree with Chinese noodles, rice and veggies
-Kouzzina-blueberry orange granola pancakes, sweet potato hash, flatbreads, refreshing drinks

 

[Kay1]

I no longer care for Disney veggie burgers. They sometimes have strange "nuggets" that can be painful to bite down on. I will still eat them at Cosmic Ray's because they have such an awesome toppings bar. Also, the vegetarian entree at Flying Fish was boring goo.

Otherwise, I don't have a problem with the veg experience at Disney. I would just read the menus and change my ADRs, if I were you. Btw, I agree that the tofu at Sci-Fi is wonderful. Same thing for the tofu dish at Brown Derby.

I hope you enjoy yourself.

 

[bicker]

I've been scouring the boards (as well as the Mom's QA panel on Disney's website)-----trying to gather the good, bad & ugly experiences associated with dining vegetarian in WDW. . .

This might help:

Vegetarian-related threads here on the DIS (some related to trip planning, others not):

Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant/Dining Help Thread

Vegetarian Teen

Vegetarians - Virtual Meal Plan Swap Meet

Vegetarian food?

Are meals/food items marked as vegetarian?

Poll for vegetarians

Vegetarians - Were you accommodated at Company Parties this year?

Vegan options at Universal Orlando, towards an exhaustive list

Vegatarian Counter Service at Universal?

Cosmic Ray's Vegetarian

Vegetarian Tofu Haters...........

Vegetarian dishes??

For Vegan/Vegetarian ..........are you looking for a great recipe site?

Question for vegetarians

Question for Vegetarians

Vegan Meal at Le Cellier

I think I may be heading vegetarian

Best Epcot Restaurant for a Vegan?

​

Sometimes I find a report that makes it all seem effortless. . .and other times I read the report where, "our server looked at us like we had a third eye popping out of our head." (Again, I know reviews and personal experiences waffle greatly!)

I've had both experiences at WDW, myself, so don't think that the difference is necessarily related to the diner - it may very be reflective that there are different restaurants and different servers involved.

For example. . .as I ramble on. I have Le Cellier lunch ADRs. Previous menus mentioned a pesto gnocchi dish. . .I figured I could handle that! Now I see it is mushroom ravioli. . .which. . .other than portobellos, not really my thing (ANY vegetable but mushrooms!). . .

Understandable. However, one thing I've come to accept is that my vegetarianism requires cooperation on "their" part, but also requires flexibility on "my" part. I'm not saying you cannot have any preferences other than vegetarianism, but rather that: (1) Recognize that as a vegetarian, you're already (rightfully) eliminating a wide swath of options, so naturally there will be fewer options left. (2) Given that, it is possible that vegetarianism plus several preferences layered on top of it could result in a situation where there is no intersection between "what's left" and what the restaurant and chef is capable of providing. I go into every meal fully prepared to order nothing, and leave. It has never happened, but it could. And it wouldn't be anyone's fault. It's just a possibility that we need to be prepared for, and something that sits in the back of my mind 365 days a year, prompting me to broaden my repertoire of what I like to eat, within my (ethical) vegetarian choice, in consideration of my personal preferences, and in consideration of my (medical) dietary restrictions.

That perspective also helps me view things from a broader perspective. The appetizer menu now becomes fertile ground for finding a meal that I'd like to eat. While some restaurants may not like diners choosing appetizers as their entree, if their entrees fail to satisfy, then they will be amenable to the substitution, rather than having a diner leave without ordering, or sit with friends at a table, eating nothing.

 

[jgplimdesign]

Thank you, "bicker" (and everyone else!). . .

I've visited some of the threads/links you posted. . .and actually have seen your responses and comments in other threads (noted by your signature 'go vegetarian' footer)-----I've read some great suggestions, reviews, & nods of advice! I appreciate the response!

Still faithfully watching for additional comments & replies. . .
I'm finding it all incredibly helpful and inspiring.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I went pescetarian last year, and didn't have any problems at all in Disney, except at the water park when I wanted a salad without chicken. That was really confusing for them.

As far as your individual restaurant selections go;

Le Cellier - If you don't like mushrooms, I'm sure the chef can accomodate you with something else. Since your ADR is for lunch, I think there are entree salads that could be modified.

Whispering Canyon - The menu currently list quinoa cakes, which sounds good to me, but IDK if you're picky or not. I would use it as an experience to try something new, and quinoa is so good for you if you've never had it before.

Ohana - If you don't mind just eating the sides you'll be fine. I ate here last year and loved the noodles, bread, salad, and broccoli. The bread pudding dessert here is also fabulous and I would be happy just to eat a whole plate of that.

Plaza - Haven't eaten here since before being pescetarian, but I know they do have a salad on their menu.

Rose & Crown - Just be careful with this one, since their vegetarian entree is a mushroom pie, though they might be able to make their appetizer salads entree sized.

Boma - Tons of veggie options, shouldn't be a problem at all. Just stay away from the zebra domes, since they have gelatin in them and are not vegetarian.

Via Napoli - The pizza here is yummy, and obviously vegetarian as long as you don't get one with meat toppings.

Crystal Palace (breakfast) - My two favorite things here are both vegetarian, the puffed French toast, and the breakfast lasagna, plus potatoes, fruits, and eggs.

 

[disneyholic family]

in our experience, you can get a veggie burger at every table service restaurant, even when it's not on the menu.

Also in our experience, every restaurant will specially prepare something for you (if you don't like what's on the menu and don't want a veggie burger)..

even the chef at the crystal palace cooked up a fresh batch of pasta for DD - since the regular pasta there is made with meat based soup stock...

 

[jgplimdesign]

I went pescetarian last year, and didn't have any problems at all in Disney, except at the water park when I wanted a salad without chicken. That was really confusing for them.

As far as your individual restaurant selections go;

Le Cellier - If you don't like mushrooms, I'm sure the chef can accomodate you with something else. Since your ADR is for lunch, I think there are entree salads that could be modified.

Whispering Canyon - The menu currently list quinoa cakes, which sounds good to me, but IDK if you're picky or not. I would use it as an experience to try something new, and quinoa is so good for you if you've never had it before.

Ohana - If you don't mind just eating the sides you'll be fine. I ate here last year and loved the noodles, bread, salad, and broccoli. The bread pudding dessert here is also fabulous and I would be happy just to eat a whole plate of that.

Plaza - Haven't eaten here since before being pescetarian, but I know they do have a salad on their menu.

Rose & Crown - Just be careful with this one, since their vegetarian entree is a mushroom pie, though they might be able to make their appetizer salads entree sized.


Boma - Tons of veggie options, shouldn't be a problem at all. Just stay away from the zebra domes, since they have gelatin in them and are not vegetarian.

Via Napoli - The pizza here is yummy, and obviously vegetarian as long as you don't get one with meat toppings.

Crystal Palace (breakfast) - My two favorite things here are both vegetarian, the puffed French toast, and the breakfast lasagna, plus potatoes, fruits, and eggs.

WCC: I am looking forward to the quinoa cakes, actually! (I 'heart' quinoa) I'm not picky---aside from the mushroom thing.

'OHANA: Yes, love their sides. I do think this is one where I'd want to inquire about an addition though. . .there has to be SOME protein (tofu, beans or what not). . .

PLAZA:
I've had their vegetarian sandwich before. . .so I'm not worried, here.

R&C: I see that the vegetarian pie is made with mushrooms----though oddly enough, it doesn't seem (by the description) to bother me as much as the Cellier's ravioli concept. Maybe the thought of potatoes and cheese overtop helps? Does anyone know what sort of stock is used in their potato & leek soup?

CRYSTAL PALACE: The veggie frittata last year was good-----breakfast is easy.

Thank you for your input! I do appreciate it! (and thanks for the heads up on the Zebra Domes. . .though now I'm a little sad-----since they seem to get so much hype!) I'm studying the menus!

 

[mountdew1]

I have found that the hardest places to eat are at CS locations. Definitely check out the menus posted online to get an idea of what locations have an option so you don't have to hunt. I'd say about half of them (smaller ones included) have something. I think last trip I ended up with 2 or 3 places in each park that had someting that sounded appealing to me. Every TS has at least 1 option on the menu, or will whip something up for you. The head chef at DHS seems to like tofu dishes as most of the TS there have a tofu choice, most of which are pretty good. If the menus online don't seem to have something that jumps out for you, definitely call and have them note vegetarian on your ADR's. Overall, I have found it to be much more accommodating than most local/chain restaurants.

 

[KJay]

I have eaten at many Disney restaurants as a vegetarian, and I have never put in a special request or noted vegetarianism on my reservation. I've looked at menus beforehand, and chosen restaurants that had something appealing to me on the menu. Just about every single place has a at least one veggie entree. There are pics of a lot of those entrees in theveg photo thread- have you found that thread yet? Here it is, just in case you haven't come across it yet...
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2741553

I can honestly say that the only table service vegetarian entree that completely disappointed me was Le Cellier (the gnocchi dish). I had high hopes, and it was not good at all. But of course...everyone has a different experience, and you may find you love it. I'm not sure what menu you were looking at, but Le Cellier changed menus a few months back. If you are going for lunch, gnocchi is the only veg entree. The mushroom dish is gone from the dinner menu, replaced by a quiche dish (not available on the lunch menu).

 

[jgplimdesign]

. There are pics of a lot of those entrees in theveg photo thread- have you found that thread yet? Here it is, just in case you haven't come across it yet...
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2741553


Yes, thank you! I have subscribed to that thread. . . interest in new posts unfortunately seems to have waned. But I'll keep hoping! I do appreciate 'seeing' some of the options out there. . .

Continued thanks to all who have been posting. . .
Your advice has been most helpful!