Eating Vegan at Magic Kingdom

As someone who tries to eat a plant-based diet on a frequent (but not exclusive) basis, it’s always helpful to know which Disney restaurants are the most accommodating for the nutritionally and environmentally conscious. Our previous installment of “Eating Vegan” explored the best and worst dining options for each restaurant category within Disney Springs. Today, we’ll go inside the parks for a plant-based tour of the Magic Kingdom!

Carts & Kiosks

Between rides and activities, a cart or kiosk can offer a quick, satisfying snack on the go. Unfortunately, however, not all of these dining options are well-stocked with vegan substitutes.

Most Vegan-Friendly: Aloha Isle

That’s right! One of the most iconic Magic Kingdom treats is vegan! As long as you avoid the vanilla soft serve, a Pineapple Dole Whip or refreshing float is a guilt-free, plant-based delight!

Least Vegan-Friendly: The Lunching Pad

Located in Tomorrowland, The Lunching Pad offers an unexpectedly varied breakfast and lunch menu; including all-beef hot dogs, puff pastries, and breakfast sandwiches. But with all of these delicious options, there is only a solitary vegan item: the Mickey Pretzel (without cheese, of course). Unless you’re counting juice or soda, there are no other available plant-based options. If you or someone in your party is following a vegan diet, I definitely do not recommend this location.

Quick Service

For a heartier meal with efficient service, try one of the many quick-service restaurants throughout the Magic Kingdom.

Most Vegan-Friendly: Pinocchio’s Village Haus

Offering flatbreads and Italian-inspired side dishes, Pinocchio’s Village Haus features a large indoor seating area and a viewing window into the “It’s A Small World” attraction facade. While multiple quick service locations offer indoor seating and vegan options, Pinnochio’s Village Haus lets plant-based eaters enjoy a meal similar in taste and texture to their meat-eating companions – so everyone feels included and engaged. A full size, individual pizza with plant-based cheese is an impressively filling option for theme park standards!

Least Vegan-Friendly: Cosmic Ray’s

Unfortunately, Tomorrowland’s classic quick-serve restaurant did not satisfy my search for a plant-based lunch. This might surprise you as a quick peek at the menu reveals that the location offers a plant-based Sloppy Joe. With such a filling entree, how could I choose Cosmic Ray’s as the worst possible quick service location for vegan eating?

There’s a simple explanation. I’ve tried the plant-based Sloppy Joe, and it was disgusting.

The sauce is bland at best. It doesn’t taste like real Sloppy Joe sauce, and the flavor gets old quickly. The bread was also boring, but the worst part was the meat-replacing “crumble.” I’m not sure if it was tofu or another protein replacement. Either way, the crumbles were tough, flavorless, and horrible. I couldn’t eat more than a few bites.

Table Service

If you have the time and inclination during your day at the park, you can reserve a table for a full dining experience. There are a surprising number of available options within the Magic Kingdom, and many of them feature vegan-friendly menus.

Most Vegan-Friendly: Liberty Tree Tavern

Serving family-style, Thanksgiving-inspired dinners, Liberty Tree Tavern actually offers a FULL vegan menu for its plant-based guests. Featuring Impossible meatloaf, mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy, and warm apple cake for dessert, vegan guests are treated to a delicious meal (or more appropriately – a feast!).

Least Vegan-Friendly: Crystal Palace

While Crystal Palace does offer a vegan entree and starter salad, Southern Fried Cauliflower with maple drizzle and roasted potatoes will only appease a small number of plant-based eaters. First of all, fried cauliflower with maple syrup fits a pretty specific taste palate. Additionally, there is no protein replacement on the plate. It’s not going to satisfy some of the hungrier patrons.

While eating vegan at the Magic Kingdom takes a bit of extra planning, it is possible to maintain an enjoyable plant-based diet on your Disney vacation! We hope this guide helps you navigate the available options at this iconic theme park!

Have you tried any of the above mentioned plant-based entrees? What did you think? Let us know in the comments!