Greetings, Lito, and welcome to planDisney! You've come to the right place – I've been plant-based for 15 years and love discovering good meal options at the Disneyland Resort! I'm happy to help you prepare for your upcoming visit.
Storytellers Cafe is my favorite Character Dining spot, especially since you can now meet characters during dinner hours, too. Plant-based options are not listed on the menu for Storytellers Cafe (or other buffet locations), but rest assured, you will be taken care of.
Lito, make sure to indicate dietary requests while making your reservation – there is a section where you can specify that you don't eat eggs, fish, milk, or shellfish. As you are being seated, also let the hosting and serving team know that you would like to speak to a chef about your dietary preferences. In my experience, a chef with knowledge of plant-based foods has come out and offered to point out vegan-friendly items in the buffet and make specialty vegan dishes.
When my family and I went to Storytellers Cafe for dinner, the chef made us an array of dishes that he ensured were plant-based, including a delicious pizza with plant-based sausage and cheese, caramelized onions, and mushrooms. It seems like a modified version of the vegetarian pizza offered at
GCH Craftsman Bar. We also had spaghetti with marinara sauce and veggies, fresh fruit, and even a tray of desserts! I can't guarantee you'll be able to get all the same items, since it likely changes from chef to chef, or even seasonally, but I'm confident they will do their best to give you choices.
Lito, it's fairly easy to identify plant-based items at the Disneyland Resort. Most dining locations have a "plant-based" section of their menu in the
Disneyland app. There is also a leaf icon on printed menus next to items that are prepared without animal meat, dairy, eggs, or honey.
I could go on and on about my favorite options throughout the Resort, but here are a few of my go-to spots (always check the menu in advance since offerings periodically change):
- Breakfast: Sip & Sonder, Carnation Cafe, Red Rose Tavern, Pym Test Kitchen, and Tangaroa Terrace
- Table-service: Blue Bayou, Carnation Cafe, and Lamplight Lounge
- Quick-service: Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta, Pym Test Kitchen, Ronto Roasters, and Seoul Sister
- Snacks: Popcorn and Mickey-shaped pretzels
- Treats: Dole Whip, Salt & Straw ice cream, and Frozen Bananas
The table-service locations I mentioned above each currently have a fantastic vegan dessert option – I'm talking brownie à la mode and crème brûlée tarts! If you have a chance, try to dine at one for lunch or dinner. Also consider a
dining package, since many offer plant-based options. I'm excited to try the World of Color Dessert Party next week – you can ask for a vegan-friendly dessert tray.
Lito, you are welcome to
send me more questions directly as you plan meals and snacks ahead of your trip. I'm happy to help!
As Chef Remy said, "If you are what you eat, then I only want to eat the good stuff." Luckily, there’s no shortage of amazing, plant-based options at the Disneyland Resort!
Your pal,
Kriss