Vegetarian Meals

[tiger_fan3]

My husband and I are going to WDW in September for our anniversary. We want to have some nice dinners out, however, I seem to be having a hard time finding restaurants with vegetarian items on their dinner menu. We also wanted to see some of the dinner shows, but noticed that those don't cater to vegetarians. Are there any vegetarians out there who have dealt with this problem? Does anyone know where we can have a nice dinner, without me paying $30 for a side salad??

 

[punkin]

Boma (absolutely fabulous); Jiko; Kona Cafe; California Grill. These are the best (IMO), but any restaurant will make something veggie for you if you ask. They are very accomodating.

 

[bavaria]

I really need to answer this one!!! 50+ visits, I prefer full service restaurants to counter service, but here goes....

food has gotten much better in the past few years, but the veggie options are still hit and miss. The theory is that every place has a veggie option, but it is often still just pasta with tomato sauce. And then the second option is speak with the chef, but this varies too. Some places are very accommodating, others don't have the ingredients or resources. So may I share my experiences:

- I recently had the BEST lunch surprisingly at the Yacht Club, it was very quiet since most ppl were in the parks, very creative open ravioli
- absolutely amazing veggie meal at AKL (not the buffet, can't remember the restaurant name) - I called the restaurant in search of a decent veggie meal, and the chef made up a sample menu in advance, and came out to talk options. Absolutely wonderful tofu and grains with a curry flavour from chef Annette
- Brown Derby - again had a pasta, I really didn't want that again, the chef came up with the most amazing option with different sauces, etc
- Rose and Crown finally returned the veggie curry to the menu after years absence
- Wilderness Lodge Whispering Canyon made me a great grilled veggie plate
- Le Cellier made a good effort, but not as exciting as the others listed above
- Mexico full service restaurant has a varied veggie menu, but I've never actually tried it
- Kona Kafe has great veggie items
- Tangerine Cafe used to have a veggie special of the day, which was usually a baked stuffed pita, but haven't found it lately

Believe it or not, some places DO try and charge you full price for a side, even if they can't make you a veggie option. Politely ask for a manager and explain. Often when I ask for a veggie option, salad is the only offer, and I am looking for a hot balanced MEAL. i have tried to ask for sides in the moderate hotel food courts with mixed results, depends on the server and/or manager on duty at the time. Some places do try and charge $8,99 etc for a small scoop of veggies; surprisingly the All star servers were the best/kindest at understanding that this wasn't really fair.

Often I try to get just grilled veggies and a starch, but this seems to stump some ppl. Coral Reef has been a challenge, never seem to get a good result there.

Morocco couscous was tasteless in my opinion; Italy pasta I didn't realize was a HEAVY cream and cheese sauce; Japan does good veggie options; MK few options, i haven't tried Liberty Tree yet, but the veggie burger at Cosmic Ray's was disgusting, cold and rubbery; AK Tusker House has a few items, a little out of the ordinary; Downtown Disney Wolfgang Puck always a great option; MGM Prime Time hit and miss, once a server actually said 'we don't get vegetarians here' like I was an alien, and he wasn't 'in character' at that point!

I find that if you are around for several days, the pasta with tomato sauce and/or items covered in cheese can get tiring. Dining reservations is not always helpful, they do not always have updated information.

Hope this helps, any questions, just ask!!!!

 

[Alice42]

My fiance and I are both vegetarians and we go to WDW any chance we can get. Sometimes it can be challenging to find a vegetarian meal, but it can be done. I wish WDW was more veggie-friendly, like having an all vegetarian restaurant.
We have found these meals to be excellent:
The vegetarian dish at the Coral Reef at Epcot (has tofu and rice, very good!)
The vegetarian platter at the Tangeriene Cafe in Morocco at Epcot (couscous, hummus, lentil salad)
The dinner buffet at Boma at AKL (a lot of yummy vegetarian choices)
Spoodles at BWI has some vegetarian choices.
Plus, if you want something quick, there are many counter service restaurants at the parks that serve veggie burgers, grilled cheese, mac n cheese, etc.
We are going to do the Polynesian Luau in October when we visit and will be making special vegetarian requests ahead of time! I think they need at least 48 hrs. for these requests, but it's better than eating meat!

You will have a great time!

 

[tiger_fan3]

Thank you all so much. That was very helpful. I didn't realize that some places would accomodate even if they didn't have a vegetarian item on the menu. I am also very excited that the Luau will preapre a veggie meal because we really wanted to go to that. Now we can make our dinner reservations.

 

[erikthewise]

Deb Will's site has a lot of information on this topic. Just go to http://wdwig.com/dining.htm and scroll down until you see vegetarian topics on the left side.

If you want a sit-down veggie meal with no hassles, just go to any buffet meal! They always have vegetarian dishes, and you don't have to give advance notice or make any special requests. And you don't have to worry about the size of portions!

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by bavaria
MK few options, i haven't tried Liberty Tree yet, but the veggie burger at Cosmic Ray's was disgusting, cold and rubbery;

What a great and thorough post. Thanks for listing all the options.

As for the veggie burgers at Cosmic Rays, you must have hit a really bad day. I look forward to going there. I love to get their veggie burger then head over to the toppings bar for lettuce, onions, mushrooms, barbecue sauce, etc. Rosie's at MGM has good veggie burgers but its not the same without the toppings bar.

Steve

 

[akrake]

and i've been trying to make my PS also. Last year we did mostly counter service & I got tabouli wraps at the ABC commissary at MGM; coucous dinner at epcot; a pasta dish at MK (tony's) & a boca burger at scifi (mgm). I brought my vegetarian guide to WDW with me, but it was pretty much outdated.

This year I've made ressies at Chef Mickey's for breakfast (will call closer to get veggie options); boma (have heard the buffet is great for vegetarians). my other places that i'm waiting to make PS for (they changed the policy during "MY" week to call 120 days out) are (1) california grill & (2) cape may cafe. I have heard that CG will be easy but that I may have problems with cape may cafe since it's a seafood buffet....but i'm going to try....anyone with any experience about this place?

i'm usually vegan, but will eat vegetarian on vacation if i need to (but i don't want to over do it....it's so fatting....all that dairy!).

akrake

 

[erikthewise]

I'm not actually vegetarian so I can't give a complete report, but I do remember last Dec at Cape May they had a broccoli slaw with Kalamata(?) olives that was wonderful -- I could have eaten a pound of it! I believe one entire side of the square was devoted to salads and related items. (The other three sides are seafood, standard entrees/sides dishes, and childrens/desserts.)

 

[bavaria]

Well I am resurrecting this! I think I probably just hit Cosmic Ray's on a bad day.

I like to think that I am personally responsible (well in part at least!) for Disneyland finally improving their veggie options and adding veggie burgers to a variety of locations.

My BEST veggie meal out there was at the restaurant in the Grand Californian - the chef made me a real veggie burger ie out of bulger, etc and it was amazing.

Just found out that I have to go to Orlando again on business - sigh - next month so am thinking of some good meals.

Anyone want to suggest where I can go for a really great dinner (besides what I listed above?) I'll be alone on my birthday at WDW!!!

 

[hucifer]

Originally posted by bavaria
Anyone want to suggest where I can go for a really great dinner besides what I listed above?) I'll be alone on my birthday at WDW!!!

I've never been there, but plan on it in a few weeks...from what I hear, the California Grill is one of the very best places in the World for vegetarian cuisine.
I also hear that Artist Point will whip up a fantastic meal. And Jiko. Unfortunately, I have not personally experienced any of these restaurants I am recommending.

 

[dkostel]

I was at the Hoop De Doo in '99 and I didn't even think of asking ahead of time that they prepare a special meal (I was so used to making due with whatever I could). The server saw me only eating cole slaw (i think that's what it was) and asked if there was something wrong with the food. When I explained I was vegetarian he disappeared into the kitchen and returned shortly with a HUGE plate full of spaghetti marinara and another HUGE plate of steamed veggies. He told me all I'd have to do is let them know in advance and they could whip something up almost anywhere at WDW.

Donna

 

[bavaria]

Thanks for the ideas - I have to start planning soon, trip is coming up in 3 weeks! (going on business, but have some play days too!)

Since I forgot to add it, HOUSE OF BLUES - had great veggie lunches there. They are very willing to make up a veggie and startch combo, and use some unusual items, so it's a great choice for someone looking for something more flavourful (like me!) and not always pasta with tomato sauce....

The one at DL does the same great meals for veggies too.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Sorry if this is a repeat, but both hubby and I are veggies...some of our favorites:

1 - 50s Prime Time has a 'to-die-for' stuffed tomato with vegan cheese. Not too expensive...we usually go there for lunch.

2 - Kimonos at the Dolphin has great veggie rolls. Watch their miso, they make it with fish broth. Great tofu, too!

Fancier, more $$$ --

1 - We love Wolfgang Puck's upstairs dining room in DTD's West Side. The most amazing portobello and other assorted grilled veggies, cous cous, etc. They didn't have all of this as an option on the menu, but enthusiastically accomodated us.

2 - We haven't tried Boma or Cal Grill yet, but plan on doing so next trip.

All in all, if in doubt when looking at the menu, you can call ahead to the dining establishment or ask to speak with the chef (depending on the restaurant, you may want to definitely make arrangements ahead of time).

Also, there is a book out there coming out in 2nd edition at the end of Sept. called "The Vegetarian Guide to WDW and the Greater Orlando Area." It is a great book with many details, tips and hints, etc. It's a great buy and small enough to carry around with you.

GOOD LUCK!


[edited for spelling]

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by bavaria
I find that if you are around for several days, the pasta with tomato sauce and/or items covered in cheese can get tiring. Dining reservations is not always helpful, they do not always have updated information.

BTW -- Doesn't it get so tiring when all restaurants have to offer is pasta, salad or a veggie burger. I guess we should be happy that there is something out there, but who can survive on a salad for the entire length of a vacation and where is the variety and balance in eating pasta dish after pasta dish or veggie burger after veggie burger? We rarely even eat pasta or veggie burgers at home!

sorry -- just had to get that off my chest with those that may understand how I feel.

 

[hucifer]

Originally posted by CRSNDSNY
BTW -- Doesn't it get so tiring when all restaurants have to offer is pasta, salad or a veggie burger. I guess we should be happy that there is something out there, but who can survive on a salad for the entire length of a vacation and where is the variety and balance in eating pasta dish after pasta dish or veggie burger after veggie burger? We rarely even eat pasta or veggie burgers at home!

What I get tired of more than anything is, "we have salads." No normal individual can fill up on a green salad. I'm a size 4 and need much more substance that THAT to be satiated. So when I read about how some WDW restaurants offer so many other different veggie options, I was excited to try them. In fact, I would like to post my vegetarian triumphs and failures when I return at the end of the month.

One thing to note: the last time I made a PS, "vegetarian" was no longer an option as a special request. I was told by the CM that now ALL restaurants will cater to us so there's no reason to request it ahead of time. I think we're finally getting recognized as patrons.

 

[Little MerGirl]

Every WDW restaurant I've been in lately (February and May 2003) have had at least one vegetarian option.

The best veggie meals I've had were at California Grill and Artist Point. At AP, I asked the server to tell the chef to make something up for me. I told her things I didn't like (blue cheese) and let them go from there. The food was wonderful. We were at CG for Valentine's Day. Since they were VERY busy, they asked if I could pick out a few things that were already side dishes on the menu and/or some vegetarian sushi. Again, the food was great. Both restaurants charged $19 for their veggie plates. I didn't think that was bad at all considering the plates were loaded with food and my meal was about half the price of my carnivore husband's.

I agree that the buffets always have a substantial amount of non-meat items.

The only time I ask for anything special when making a PS is at places like the Garden Grill that are all-you-can-eat, but pre-plated. When dining there in May, they had made me a beautiful plate of steamed veggies in a spicy tomato sauce with a huge grilled portobello mushroom that had been marinated in a "steak" sauce and polenta triangles. The server noticed I was stealing the creamed spinach and mashed potatoes from my husband's plate and brought me some of my own.

My experience has been that the better restaurants have the flexibility and talent to put a great meal together. I've learned to give them more notice if I think it will be busy. I always consult the menus at WDWIG.

Trust me, I've never gone hungry at WDW!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by Little MerGirl
Trust me, I've never gone hungry at WDW!

Luckily, that is one thing that you can be sure of! I think the only time it may get tricky is if you are vegan. That makes it a little more challenging.

Eating is one of our favorite parts of WDW and DCL.