Maybe the new title for this websites needs to be something like “Di’s yoga and Disney Adventures”. This is our third Disney trip this year. And, we’re not even half way into the year. Though, I am totally NOT complaining! Back in January, I wrote about our Disney World adventures. Plus, I’ve posted before about our Disneyland trips. However, today, I want to specifically focus on eating vegan at Disneyland. Disclaimer: Links in this post may be affiliate links.
Back in March we had family visiting from Australia. Then, in May we had family from the UK. Honestly, so far, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind year. Unfortunately, I didn’t really document the March trip. However, because I want to get more vegan content online, I’m going to document our more recent trip last to Disneyland.
Eating Vegan at Disneyland
We’d had a slow start to the morning. Instead of boarding Pixel at the Disneyland Kennel Club, we opted to board Pixel at Doggy Day Care. If you didn’t know that Disneyland has kennels you need to check out my review post.
In short, with four of us in the car, adding a 64lb bundle of fur to the mix didn’t sound like fun. Certainly not for a 90 minute drive. Consequently, off to canine camp he went.
Downtown Disney Rainforest Cafe
Upon arrival it was almost lunchtime. So, we headed to Rainforest Cafe in downtown Disney. Not technically eating vegan at Disneyland. But, near enough. From previous Disney trips I knew the natural burger/bun wasn’t vegan. Our waiter asked the chef if they could veganize it. Unfortunately, they said no. Unlike Florida, who were very accommodating and made the whole dish vegan for me. So, I had the Portabello Wrap. A tomato basil wrap, spinach, red onions, roasted red peppers, grilled portabello mushrooms, roasted garlic balsamic dressing.
It came with a ramekin of coleslaw, which seemed an odd thing to offer a vegan. But, I promptly took it off the plate, and scoffed the whole wrap. Along with the side of fries, with some ketchup. It was delicious. And honestly, I enjoyed it more than the burger. However, it didn’t feel as filling. But this is Disneyland, there are food and snacks are everywhere. Especially those dang tempting Mickey Pretzels.
Tomorrowland – Star Tours
After that, we left Downtown Disney and headed into Disneyland and our first ride: Star Tours. Our guests had been to Disneyland with us the previous year. And, we were eager to do things they either hadn’t done before, or had enjoyed a lot on their previous trip. Star Tours in Tomorrowland was new for them.
I like the walk through pre-ride experience seeing R2D2 and CP30. The classic Star Wars drones. On the ride, we got to do a slightly different mission than the one we did in March. It was cool to see the subtle differences.
Adventureland – Jungle Cruise
After Star Tours we wanted something a little tamer so we headed to Adventureland. Possibly my favorite as I love the jungle theme. I reminds me of Hawaii and I always take a ton of photo’s to use as inspiration for our back garden tropical paradise. Our first stop in Adventureland is usually Indiana Jones but it was closed, so we hopped onto Jungle Cruise. One of the original rides in the park this is a staple on our visits.
While the animal animatronics on jungle cruise are a little dated they’ve made it more of an experience by making it more of a live comedy ride. We’re big fans of comedy, and Bob loves puns, so this is always a hit. I also love seeing the different plants and the statues. Like this one of a fallen buddha and a Ganesha. Yoga is everywhere, even in Disneyland!
I admit Adventureland is usually where we get Dole Whip. Which is totally vegan btw. But, the line was CRAZY long. Thankfully, I had an ace up my sleeve for a cool refreshing snack. It wasn’t vegan at Disneyland but at the sister park, Disney California.
Disney California – Radiator Racers
Yep, we’re park hoppers. After visiting the jungle in Adventureland we strolled over to Disney California. Immediately, we headed to Cars land for another personal favorite – Radiator Springs racers.
My top tip for this ride is to go in the single rider line. We waited about 25 minutes vs the 2 hours in the regular line. Now obviously, this won’t work if you have young children you need to ride with. But, older kids and adults – take the single rider line. Also happy to report that my car won the race!
Vegan at Disneyland – California Adventure
After speeding along with Lightning McQueen and Mater we reapplied our sunscreen. It was hella hot, so I stopped at Clarabelle’s Ice Cream Shop and got a tasty cool snack. This is the mixed berry sorbet bar, covered with dark chocolate and dark chocolate chips. All vegan, and OMG so good!
The berry sorbet was amazing. Sweet, and the perfect combo with the bitter sweet chocolate. Definitely highly recommend!! Honestly, way better than the Dole Whip in Disneyland.
Disneyland – Pirates of the Caribbean & Haunted Mansion
After park hopping back to Disneyland, and hitting the parade crowd, we headed to New Orleans Square Two of the most popular rides here are Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
The Haunted Mansion is one of my favorite rides. Though, I prefer it at Halloween when it’s redecorated and themed Nightmare Before Christmas. If you haven’t been at the holidays (Halloween or Christmas) you are missing a real treat! It’s like a totally different park. Just be aware to check the opening hours and ride closures. There are a few days they have to close the ride to redecorate. But, it’s worth the wait!
Vegan at Disneyland – New Orleans Square
New Orleans Square is always busy. Because, not only has it got some great rides, it has the best food. One of our favorite places to eat vegan at Disneyland, is the Royal Street Veranda in New Orleans Square. The Veggie Gumbo in a bread bowl is so freaking good! The bread bowl is sourdough which isn’t my favorite but if you want bang for your buck this is it!
Seriously, it’s so good, and a staple on our Disney trips. We also had it in on our Disneyland trips in March, and May. Once I discovered this was vegan, it became a go-to for every trip.
Just be aware that seating is limited. So, go during off-peak dining hours to find a seat. There are a couple of other places to eat vegan at Disneyland but this one is a favorite. Also be aware you might be eating bread for a while. It’s a lot of food!
Tomorrowland – Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters
After stuffing our faces with Gumbo and bread, we headed back to Tomorrowland. Where we went on another of our favorite rides: Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters. Seriously, so much fun. Toy Story is a firm favorite for animated movies. Probably in my top 5 , my #1 being Finding Nemo. What I love about this ride is, it’s also a game. The ride in Florida’s Magic Kingdom is slightly different. There it’s called Space Ranger Spin. and the blasters can’t come out of the mounts, which restricts their movement. Much prefer the Disneyland version!
As with many of the rides there is a hidden camera part way through, and you can email yourself the snapshot for free. I really wish more rides did this! As always, I searched for our photo post-ride only to find that we had a transmission error and no pic. I was devastated as this was the first time I’d beaten Bob!
After Astro Blasters we checked out the lines for other rides but decided we were done. So we headed to the store for some shopping then back to the car for the 90 minute ride home. All in all an amazing day. I hope that this, along with my other Disney posts show that you can eat totally plant based in a theme park.
Questions
- What’s your favorite theme park?
- Do you have a favorite animated movie?
- Have you tried eating from a bread bowl?
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katriza
It is good to know that these options are available now! THat’s great!
Di Hickman
Yes, something for all at disneyland!
Louise
I’ve just forwarded this post to my niece. She’s off to Disneyland next week for her boyfriend’s 21st and she’s vegan. She was worried about eating while she was there 🙂
Louise x
Di Hickman
Glad it was helpful Louise!
Rachel
I’m not sure that we can say this is better than Dole Whip but it does looks good. I’m glad you found some options for you at Disney.
Di Hickman
Oh trust me it was way better than Dole Whip!
Cassie Tucker
I’m really hating my Celiac Disease right now! That veggie gumbo in the bread bowl looks like it would be absolutely amazing!
Di Hickman
it was SO GOOD!
Brittany
Wow I thought it would have been too hard to eat vegan at Disney but wow! I’ve been going that direction more and more so I love that it’s possible there too!
Di Hickman
pretty much everywhere has vegan options now. That’s why I started sharing the options, so people will see how easy it can be
HilLesha
Thanks for the tips! Even though I’m a vegetarian, I do eat a lot of vegan food. I’ll have to keep these restaurants in mind if I ever visit Disneyland.
Di Hickman
definitely! There are rainforest cafes in a few cities too!
Cindy
It amazes me all other the different food choices at Disneyland! And who knew there was a doggy daycare?! Miss Pickles our chi would be so happy!
Di Hickman
It’s def not a daycare, but more boarding kennel. They don’t interact with each other or the staff. But you have to return every 4 hours to let the dogs out to go potty
CourtneyLynne
Omg so happy to hear there are vegan options at Disney!!! ANd yummy ones at that! I will have to check a few of these out next time I’m at Disney
Di Hickman
Yep, lots of options!
Heather
I’m sure this is so helpful to many vegan friends visiting Disneyland! We have favorite foods at Disney but always seem to find something new every time we visit.
Di Hickman
oh then you may be interested to know they do sparkly glitter churros now! (tomorrowland!)
krystal
Disney is awesome for respecting everyone’s special dietary concerns. IT’s why I Really like them as far as traveling! I’ve got my annual pass!
Di Hickman
They can be, it’s a little more challenging at Magic Kingdom, but Epcot on the East coast is amazing for vegans!
Foodie Finds Home
Tomorrowland is my favorite and my favorite animated movie right now I’m loving Ballerina… My favorite bread bowls are from Panera.
Di Hickman
don’t think I’ve seen Ballerina yet!
Heather Garcia
I am having serious Disneyland withdrawals! I love Star Tours and Cars Land is the most fun place! Looks like you had a great time!
Di Hickman
Cars land is fun! I can’t wait for Star Wars land
Heather
I love the Rain Forest Cafe! It is a place we go every time we are at Disney! I have never been to Disneyland, but would love to someday – we are east coast folk, so Disney World is our go-to.
Di Hickman
Went to FL in January. Love Animal Kingdom and the rock n roll coaster at Hollywood studios!
Rhian Westbury
That’s good that there’s a few vegan choices, I think places are becoming a lot better with choices for people who have particular diets. I am so jealous that you’ve been to Disney so much, it’s like my dream to go x
Di Hickman
We’ve been to Disneyland and Disneyworld this year. Love it
Charotte
I love the ideas of a bread bowl! I love Disney but unfortunately haven’t been in years so this is definitely making me nostalgic
Di Hickman
We don’t go nearly as often as we should.
Bri
That sorbet looks amazing!! And so does this entire trip, so fun!
Di Hickman
It really was a fun day!
Dawn McAlexander
It is good to know that Disneyland has alternative options for vegans and vegetarians. They like to visit the park, too, but they won’t if they get anything to eat. So, it’s a good idea to have these options available.
Di Hickman
Yep otherwise I’d be packing a lunch and leaving it in the HOT car, not fun!
Melissa Chapman
I love that you travel with your dog like we do. I can’t believe how great that vegan food looks at Disney. I am vegetarian so on my next trip I will look for those dishes.
Di Hickman
Usually we do. But the car would have been VERY full with all of us in the car.
reesa
I have a few friends who are Vegan and Disney lovers! I need to share this with them! Great helpful list!
Di Hickman
definitely feel free to share!
Ana De-Jesus
It is great that they offer some vegan choices like gumbo in a bread bowl. The Vegan Mixed Berry Sorbet with Dark Chocolate and Dark Chocolate chips looks the best though I bet it was delicious x
Di Hickman
it was amazing! I figured we’d walked alot round the park so I easily worked it off
Cindy Ingalls
I love the Buzz Lightyear ride. I only been to the one at DisneyWorld and found it so much fun. It brought out my competitive side for sure.
Di Hickman
hahaha it really does. The ride is way better at Disneyland though.
Journa Ramirez
Wow! Going to Disneyland is also one of our family’s plan but I guess it will take time. We should wait for more years until my youngest son will be able to travel with us easily!
Di Hickman
For sure! It’s expensive so you want to ensure your youngest will get the most out of it.
Sona Sethi
I am a vegetarian and I always find it so challenging to get vegan/vegetarian food anywhere. This post is very helpful for those like me who struggle.
Di Hickman
Exactly why I started posting about it Sona! We need to share more info regarding the options. Especially when eating out
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place
I’ve never actually though about this before. I think it’s awesome that you can follow your diet while you’re on vacation especially in a place like Disneyland. That gumbo looks so good and I always love having soups in a bread bowl!
Di Hickman
Thhis is the only place I’ve had a bread bowl!
Allison R Lancaster
I’m not Vegan but I love that Disneyland has all of these options! It’s great to see places that are accommodating to needs and preferences!
Di Hickman
it really is! There are so many options now
Theresa
I haven’t thought about vegan options at Disneyland! This is a great resource for people who need to eat vegan.
Di Hickman
Thanks! Yep I’ve started documenting it more as so many of us are becoming more aware of what we eat.
Janel
I didn’t realize they had vegan options at Disneyland. That sorbet bar with the dark chocolate looks delicious I’m going to have to try that out the next time I go .
Di Hickman
Oh girl it was amazing!
Cassie
Looks like it isn’t that tricky to find some vegan eats at Disneyland! That veggie gumbo bowl looks delicious!
Di Hickman
Nope really wasn’t hard at all.
Jessica Joachim
That wrap looks delicious!! I am not Vegan, but i try to not eat a ton of meat so this is really cool to know. I actually live in Florida so we frequent Disney World and I like knowing that they are so accommodating.
Di Hickman
DisneyWorld is way more accomodating. They have a ton of vegan options.
Rachel
I would really love to go, but its so expensive for the 6 of us. Loved reading your post x
Di Hickman
Definitely understand that!
Amanda Love
Disneyland wil always be my favorite theme park and we go every year whether the kids like it or not! Lol. I’m also a fan of that gumbo! Soups and stews in bread are always a win!
Di Hickman
So much food for the $ too! And healthy! A good balance to the all the sugar.
Karen Morse
I don’t follow a vegan diet but it’s awesome to know that you have vegan food options at Disneyland. It’s perfect for family members who are completely vegan. Thanks for all the cool tips! I didn’t know that bit about the hidden cameras.
Di Hickman
oh the hidden cameras can be a nightmare! I’ve had some horrendous shots in the past lol!
robin rue
This is actually really good to know. My sister in law is a vegan and she and I were talking about planning a joint trip to Disney next year.
Di Hickman
There are definitely some fun options now!