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A Perfect Vegan Weekend at Walt Disney World
Two important words to remember: DOLE WHIP
Long the domain of turkey legs and chicken fingers, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida wasn’t always the first place I’d recommend for vegan eaters. That’s all changed in the last few years, and now it’s not hard to find delicious food that isn’t just a salad or a bland meat substitute. Here’s our ideal three-day itinerary for vegans visiting Walt Disney World!
Friday: Magic Kingdom
Whether you find yourself spinning in Alice’s teacups or blasting off onto Space Mountain, Magic Kingdom is the perfect place to start your Disney vacation. Divided into six lands — Main Street U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Adventureland — you can expect to find dining experiences that match the land you’re in.
Pick up Disney’s “Plant-Based Guide to Magic Kingdom” when you walk in, which should have up-to-date menu items across the park. Head to Main Street Bakery — aka Starbucks — on Main Street U.S.A. to get your coffee fix. Otherwise, start your morning at Liberty Square Market for fresh fruit and produce.
Catch the midday parade and show at Cinderella’s Castle and then walk to Crystal Palace, off Main Street U.S.A, for lunch. You’ll find an extensive character buffet featuring Winnie the Pooh and Friends. When you arrive, the chef will walk you through the vegan options for the day — there’s always plenty to eat. If buffets aren’t your thing, head to Frontierland for Pecos Bill’s, a quick-service Tex-Mex spot serving roasted veggie rice bowls. Or, grab a table at Columbia Harbor House back in Liberty Square for veggie chili.
Cool off after riding Pirates of the Caribbean with a refreshing Dole Whip, a pineapple soft-serve treat that has a cult following. Find it at Aloha Aisle in Adventureland. Or if you’re near Storybook Treats in Fantasyland, try the new Peter Pan Float, a key lime version of the Dole Whip.
