(Updated January 5, 2020) | Disneyland is more than just a theme park. The company makes every effort to ensure each guest enjoys a day of fun, excitement, and pure happiness. Whether the rides, hotels or Downtown Disney, the Happiest Place on Earth has made a conscious choice to expand its vegan options. From Mickey-shaped pretzels to elegantly plated vegetable towers, Disney is brimming with vegan magic.
We’ve compiled a list of our top 17 vegan-friendly Disney food picks, but rest assured there are far more options to choose from. When in doubt, just ask. Sit-down restaurants are particularly accommodating. You don’t have to wish upon a star to make your vegan dreams come true.
Vegan Downtown Disney Options
You don’t need to head all the way into the park to enjoy the vegan eats at Disneyland. Downtown Disney is loaded with vegan offerings. From vegan cupcakes at Sprinkles, dairy-free ice cream at Salt & Straw, to drinks and dips at Uva Bar, feasts at Tortilla Jo’s, La Brea Bakery’s sandwiches, Ballast Point’s beer and bites, or pizza at Napolini – the vegan options at Downtown Disney are magic.
17 Vegan Foods You Need to Eat at Disneyland, California
1. Dole Whip
If it’s above 65 degrees, Dole Whip at Disneyland is obligatory. No proper Disney day is complete without this iconic plant-based pineapple treat. Go all out and ask for a Dole whip float, which features a tall glass of chilled pineapple juice topped with a generous portion of swirly dole whip goodness. It’s like a pineapple version of a rootbeer float, but better. If pineapple isn’t really your thing, don’t worry, the theme park recently introduced new Dole Whip flavors, including orange, mango, lemon, and raspberry.
Find this treat at the Enchanted Tiki Room at the entrance to Adventureland. To skip the line, either go early in the day or watch the show first and grab your whip as you exit (the line tends to be shorter for show patrons).
2. Cotton Candy & Lemonade Duo
Fluffy pink clouds of spun sugar are available throughout the parks and Downtown Disney. You can find cotton candy at carts on Main Street and in most gift shops. However, the Cove Bar at California Adventure Park offers a bit more magic. Order a cotton candy lemonade for an Ariel-inspired treat.
3. Mickey Pretzels
Mickey Mouse shaped-foods are a must at Disney. These giant, slightly salty, warm and fluffy vegan pretzels are perfect for munching on while watching a parade or waiting in line to ride Big Thunder Mountain.
4. Vegan Gumbo
For a stick-to-your-ribs meal that will last you all day, stop by the Royal Street Veranda for a ladleful of savory vegan gumbo, served in a sourdough bread bowl. Enjoy this substantial soup while listening to the jazz players in New Orleans Square, and you may even get a glimpse of Princess Tiana.
5. Mickey Waffles
Rev up for the day with these cute mini Mickey waffles at the Plaza Inn. The waffles listed on the menu are not vegan, but if you ask, the chef will be happy to make you a vegan option.
6. Pancakes & Hash Browns
Enjoy brunch with your favorite Disney characters at the Storytellers Cafe inside the Grand Californian Hotel. Inform your server that you are vegan, and the chef will make you special vegan pancakes or a vegan hash brown omelet (golden hash browns filled with sauteed vegetables). Be sure to share with Goofy when he comes around.
7. Sprinkles Cupcakes
Walt Disney World has offered vegan cupcakes via Erin McKenna’s Bakery since 2015. In 2017, Disneyland finally caught up when it opened Sprinkles Cupcakes in Downtown Disney. Patrons can now enjoy the classic Sprinkles Vegan Red Velvet cupcake as they watch the fireworks or stroll through the downtown district.
8. Vegetable Tower
For a fine dining option in California Adventure Park, make your reservations at Carthay Circle. Although not on the menu, the chef will make a special vegan entree if you ask for the Tower of Vegetables. This dish is delicious and Instagram-worthy. Seasonal vegetables are piled high and served with a light yet flavorful sauce. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in the park.
9. Portobello Mushroom Stack
Like most attractions at Disneyland, the Blue Bayou is more than just a nice restaurant, it is an experience. This white tablecloth dining establishment is located inside the Pirates of the Caribean ride. The menu includes one dedicated vegan option: a marinated portobello mushroom layered with couscous maque choux, topped with delicately sauteed spinach. Dinner reservations fill up quickly. If you don’t have a reservation, consider dining during lunch hours.
10. Pizza and Pasta
The future is vegan. At Red Rocket’s Pizza Port in Tomorrowland, plant-based guests can order vegan pizza (made with Daiya cheese) or vegan pasta with marinara sauce. If you prefer your Italian meal with a glass of wine, head over to California Adventure’s Wine Country Tratorria for a selection of vegan pasta and salad dishes, paired with a wide selection of California wines. From this venue, you can make special reservations to watch the World of Color water and light show after you dine. Tip: ride Space Mountain and California Screamin’ before you eat.
11. Tofu Rice Bowl
Need a break from the heavy theme park food? Stop by the Lucky Fortune Cookery in California Adventure for a Tofu Rice Bowl. The simple yet filling meal includes white rice, sauteed vegetables, and tofu with your choice of sauce (be sure to confirm which are vegan, a few contain animal products). This basic meal will sit well in your stomach, so you can tackle the Tower of Terror right away.
12. Vegan Burger
Stop for lunch at the Carnation Cafe on Main Street to enjoy a veggie-packed vegan burger. Served with a side of fries, salad, or fruit, this meal will keep you going all the way to closing time.
13. Mexican Food
For a vegan twist on Mexican favorites, grab a table at Rancho del Zocalo in Frontier Land. Ask for the Burrito Sonora fajita style, without cheese or guajillo sauce. Other vegan options here include Tacos Monterey, Tostada Salad, and of course, chips and salsa.
14. Overnight Oats
The Bazaar fruit stand in Disneyland California’s Adventureland now offers vegan overnight oats. The oats are soaked in almond milk and topped with golden raisins, toasted coconut, cinnamon, almonds, walnuts, and Dole pineapple topping.
15. Ice Cream
Get your ice cream fix at multiple locations throughout the park. Haagen-Das fans can enjoy a sweet scoop of dairy-free Chocolate Salted Fudge Truffle ice cream in a waffle cone in Downtown Disney. Inside the park, guests can create their own vegan ice cream bar at Clarabelle’s in California Adventure. Ask for the mixed berry sorbet dipped in dark chocolate, and go wild with the sprinkles. It’s Disney after all! You can also get vegan ice cream at Salt & Straw in Downtown Disney.
16. Enchanted Crispy Samosa Sandwich
Grab lunch at the Red Rose Tavern, a fast-casual dining spot in Fantasyland. This hearty handheld is made with a house made cauliflower and potato vegan patty, fried green beans (omit to make vegan), lettuce, tomato compote, and vegan curry mayonnaise on a toasted onion roll. It comes with your choice of pommes frites (aka french fries) or sliced apples.
17. Vegan Crepe
Last year, Crepes Bonapart rolled up to Downtown Disney. The company has a vegan crepe on the secret menu, and then you can choose whichever vegan fillings you desire. Try a simple lemon and sugar, or order it Elvis-style with peanut butter and sliced banana. The truck is typically in Downtown Disney from 3 pm – 12:30 am, but follow them on Twitter to make sure you catch it!
Image Credit: Vegan at Disneyland, Happiest Vegan on Earth, and Rick West.
