Plant-based Chicago Dog from Casey ' s Corner at Magic Kingdom . PHOTO BY DANNY SHUSTER
BY ROBIN RAVEN
I
recently found myself looking out over “ it ’ s a small world ” as I savored a sizable , plant-based cheese pizza from Pinnochio ’ s Village Haus . What a difference 30 years can make . I remember when the only thing on the menu suitable for me as a vegan teen in the mid-1990s seemed to be french fries . ( I ate a lot of fries on that trip .) Now , Walt Disney World offers a bounty of vegan dishes for breakfast , lunch , and dinner .
Whether I ’ m in the mood for a meal centered on the naturally delicious flavors of vegetables at EPCOT or a vegan hot dog on my way down Main Street in Magic Kingdom , it ’ s easy to find what I crave . You can now skim a menu and quickly see everything a vegan can eat . Simply look for the green leaf by each menu item . This is especially welcome when I walk through all the countries at EPCOT . I may not be familiar with all the global cuisines , but I can easily identify new-to-me dishes that I can try with confidence .
Simply look for the green leaf by each menu item .
Vegan dishes at Disney are far more than traditional theme park fare . Most meals dazzle the senses . Even Quick-Service dishes are thoughtfully plated , the tantalizing smells creating anticipation before the first bite . Each time I return , I ’ m able to try so many new meals , as the chefs seem to experiment with new vegan dishes quite often .
So , vegan foodies , relax . You don ’ t have to plan ahead or bring along your own food to know you can have something
delectable everywhere you go at Walt Disney World . You can dine alongside friends and family without having to ask servers to modify meals , and you often have multiple choices in many restaurants . Here are some of my favorite vegan things to eat at the parks and resorts .
QUICK-SERVICE Casey ’ s Corner is a cheery , baseball-themed spot for a bite to eat right on Main Street , U . S . A . in Magic Kingdom . It serves two different , equally delectable hot dogs for vegans . Its traditional plant-based dog is served in a potato bun , and it comes with either french fries or a mandarin . The Chicago-style vegan hot dog has plentiful toppings : diced tomatoes , onions , Chicago green relish , and yellow mustard .
At Disney ’ s Hollywood Studios , I always stop by the endearing Woody ’ s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land and get the Plant-Based Totchos . The quick , savory meal features chili , vegan cheese , green onions , and corn chips , all billowed around potato barrels . If you want something a bit simpler , there ’ s also a plant-based grilled cheese sandwich served on toasted sourdough bread .
You might think you need to steer clear of the barbecue joint in Animal Kingdom , but they have some scrumptious vegan meats that taste fresh off the grill . Flame Tree Barbecue serves up Impossible Burnt Ends , a dish that ’ s flavorful and surprising . It ’ s served with french fries and vinegar-based crunchy slaw .
On the bottom floor of The Land Pavilion , you ’ ll find what ’ s essentially a food court ( Sunshine Seasons ) with a few fun vegan choices . The tastiest meal I ’ ve had there over the years is the Vegetable Korma . The vegan “ chicken ” and cashews are served with vegetables over rice .
DOLE Whip is a classic Disney treat — and it ’ s vegan-friendly . PHOTO BY DANNY SHUSTER